Controversial Mining Project Endangers Australia's Great Barrier Reef

The government officials of the Australian state of Queensland have recently approved a very controversial coal mining project that threatens the world's biggest collection of coral formations: the Great Barrier Reef.

According to a news report on Discovery News, after the Queensland's mining project was approved by Anthony Lynham, scientists and environmentalists alike expressed their concern for Great Barrier Reef, believing that the said project can cause more harm than good. The Great Barrier Reef, according to scientists, had already struggled with climate change pressures. Anthony Lynham, Queensland's Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, granted the 3 separate leases for the $21.7 billion Carmichael coal mining project, the largest so far.

The Carmichael coal mining project is projected to haul out from the inland Galilee Basin approximately 60 million tons of coal per year as reported on Headlines & Global News. The Indian energy company that builds and operates the mine, Adani, described the said project as "a core component of Adani's plans for delivering energy security in India, as well as pursing export opportunities in other Asian markets."

Because extra traffic from coal exports must be accommodated, the Carmichael mining project necessitates the expansion of the port at Abbot Point, which is actually adjoining the Great Barrier Reef. This can consequently release plumes of debris and soil over the reef, demining its delicate ecosystem.

The mining as well as the gradual burning of this coal will definitely send enormous amounts of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere, which in turn accelerates global warming. Succeeding rises in ocean temperature are naturally connected to the deterioration of coral reef.

"If it goes ahead, burning coal from the Carmichael mine would create billions of tons of pollution, making climate change worse and irreversibly damaging the Great Barrier Reef," said Josh Meadows of the Australian Conservation Foundation as cited on Headlines & Global News.

At present, Meadows and his colleagues are questioning the legitimacy of the Australian government's previous approvals. The team claims that the mining project certainly breaks Australia's international responsibilities of safeguarding the World Heritage Site.