Australia’s top court blocks major coal mine expansion in landmark climate ruling

Sydney, October 7 - Australia's highest court has ruled against a major expansion of a coal mine, marking a significant climate decision from the nation's top judicial body. The High Court of Australia found that the local planning department had neglected to consider methods to curb emissions from the mine. The coal mining firm, Mach Energy, sought approval to extend the operational life of the open-cut Mount Pleasant coal mine by over two decades until 2048.

The company argued that the coal exported and burned overseas could not be directly linked to local environmental impacts. However, environmental advocates launched a lengthy legal battle, ultimately reaching the High Court. The firm's proposal was initially granted by the New South Wales state planning commission. The High Court of Australia concluded that the planning commission had failed to impose conditions on the mine to limit emissions "to the greatest extent practicable".