Albanese Government Approves Middlemount Coal Mine Expansion Amid Environmental Outcry

Federal Approval Granted for Middlemount Mine Extension

The Albanese Government has officially approved the expansion and a seven-year extension of the Middlemount Coal Mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin. The decision, announced on February 13, 2026, by Australia's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW), will allow the mine, jointly owned by US company Peabody and China-owned Yancoal, to continue operations until 2044.

The approval permits the extraction of up to 5.7 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of run-of-mine (ROM) coking coal. Over its extended lifespan, the project is projected to export approximately 85 million tonnes of coal. This expansion is expected to contribute an additional 283,000 tonnes of climate pollution annually, totaling up to 6.1 million tonnes. Furthermore, the burning of this exported coal overseas is estimated to release about 236 million tonnes of CO2 over the project's lifetime, an amount equivalent to nearly half of Australia's current annual carbon footprint.

Environmental Concerns and Habitat Loss

The decision has ignited strong opposition from environmental organizations and scientists, who highlight the significant ecological impacts. The expansion will involve the clearing of approximately 81 hectares (200 acres) of habitat for the endangered greater glider and 183 hectares of habitat for koalas. Additionally, two Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act will be directly impacted: 2.3 hectares of Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant (Brigalow) and 19.4 hectares of Poplar Box Grassy Woodland on Alluvial Plains.

Ecologists have voiced skepticism regarding proposed mitigation measures, such as the relocation of tree hollows for gliders, with some stating that gliders would 'probably die' as a result of the clearing. The project also includes the diversion of a section of Roper Creek.

Criticism from Environmental Groups

Environmental groups, including Lock the Gate and the Climate Council, have vehemently criticized the government's approval. Dr. Claire Gronow, Central Queensland coordinator for Lock the Gate, stated, 'With every new or expanded coalmine they approve, the Albanese government is burning our future and burning their own credibility.' Climate Council analyst Ben McLeod added, 'Every fossil fuel project approval locks in more climate damage and higher costs for Australians.' The Greens have labeled the move a 'continuation of their 'climate vandalism'.'

Critics argue that the approval undermines Australia's climate commitments, especially given that the government's assessment frameworks primarily focus on direct operational emissions and local environmental impacts, rather than the significant 'Scope 3' emissions generated when the coal is burned overseas. This marks the 35th fossil fuel approval by the Albanese Government.

Government's Stance and Conditions

In response to the concerns, a federal government spokesperson indicated that the approval is subject to 'several strict conditions to minimise potential impacts.' These conditions reportedly include:

• Pre-clearance surveys
• Safe fauna crossing areas
• Defined clearing boundaries
• Weed and pest animal management
• Tree hollow translocation

The government maintains that these measures are designed to ensure the protection of water resources and listed threatened species and ecological communities.