Overview

• The Albanese government has approved the expansion of four coal mines in Queensland and New South Wales, citing the necessity of coal for steelmaking and lack of renewable alternatives.
• The decision has been condemned by Pacific island nations, with leaders calling it a 'death sentence' and accusing Australia of undermining its climate commitments.
• Environmental activists estimate the expanded coal mines could emit over 850 million tonnes of CO2 during their lifetimes, nearly double Australia's annual emissions.
• Critics, including the Australian Greens, argue that the move jeopardizes Australia's emissions reduction targets and its bid to co-host the 2026 COP31 climate summit.
• Government officials maintain the projects are extensions of existing operations and not new mines, a claim that has faced public scrutiny and dispute.