The federal government has cancelled two Queensland coal projects as the companies involved didn't provide updated information on the environmental impacts.
Company Macmines Austasia had proposed to build a coal mine in Belyando, south-west of Mackay, named the China Stone Coal Mine project.
Meanwhile, Stanmore Resources had put plans in place for an open cut coal mine and processing facilities near Wandoan, north-west of Brisbane, known as the Range Coal Project.
Tanya Plibersek said the proponents failed to provide information about the implications the projects would have on the environment which was requested over many years.
"I've been clear I will have zero tolerance for businesses who refuse to provide adequate information about the impact their projects will have on nature," Ms Plibersek said.
"If companies aren't willing to show how they will protect nature, then I'm willing to cancel their projects — and that's exactly what I've done."
If built, the China Stone Coal Mine Project would produce about 55 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of coal, over about 50 years.
Ms Plibersek said further information was requested in 2018 about the potential impacts on threatened species and water resources but more than four years later, nothing had been provided.
In 2013, further information was requested from the proponents of the Range Coal Project about the impact to threatened species and water resources.
Ms Plibersek said nothing had been provided.
Ms Plibersek said in July 2020, the proponents of both mines indicated in writing that they wished to progress with their project and they intended to submit the additional information that had been requested.
But she said three years later, neither had done so.
Ms Plibersek last year refused Clive Palmer's Central Queensland Coal Project, making her the first Environment Minister in Australian history to reject a coal mine.
Stanmore open to resubmission
In a statement, Stanmore Resources CEO Marcelo Matos said the company would continue working with the federal and state governments, and remained open to resubmitting the Range Coal Project for assessment under the EPBC Act.
"The Range is a legacy thermal coal resource from Stanmore's IPO in 2009, and while it remains in our portfolio of reserves and options, our current focus has been on developing our metallurgical coal assets," Mr Matos said.
"Since 2009, investments have been made to define the resource and reserves at The Range and approvals and environmental studies have been progressed. Stanmore's intention is to maintain the asset, including its tenure, and preserve our optionality going forward.
"We will continue to assess our options for The Range and seek to engage with Queensland and Commonwealth authorities to further progress the project.
"We have a long track record of working collaboratively with all regulatory bodies including the Queensland and Commonwealth governments to address assessed impacts of our operations and agree initiatives to ensure positive, acceptable social and environment outcomes."
Opposition: Disappointing but unsurprising
Shadow environment minister Jonathon Duniam said such projects were crucial to Australia's economy and the decision to cancel plans was disappointing, but unsurprising.
"This is a case — again — of Ms Plibersek trying to pretend that she is making big announcements in her portfolio when the reality is that it's just a straightforward administrative action," Mr Duniam said.
"Nevertheless, it is particularly disappointing that her decision represents confirmation that these two projects won't proceed."
'Entirely reasonable'
Treasurer Jim Chalmers backed the environment minister's decision.
"As I understand it, there are two projects here that both failed to provide the information required," Mr Chalmers said.
"One of those projects didn't provide that information for 10 years, so I think it's entirely reasonable and entirely common sense for that project to be canned."
MacMines Austasia has been contacted for comment.
