Overview

• Judges found the Independent Planning Commission failed to assess scope 3 emissions from coal burned overseas when approving the mine’s expansion in 2022.
• The project would have doubled output to 21 million tonnes per year until 2048, generating an estimated 876 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, of which 98% are scope 3 emissions.
• The case is being sent back to the Land and Environment Court to determine whether new conditions can validate the approval or if the proposal must return to the planning commission.
• Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group led the successful appeal, arguing that local climate impacts must be factored into project assessments.
• Legal experts warn the ruling sets a binding precedent that will require stricter greenhouse gas scrutiny for all future coal and gas developments in New South Wales.