Adani signs landholder compensation deal for Australia coal mine

Indian mining and infrastructure major Adani today signed the final landholder compensation agreement, taking another step towards realising its $21.7-billion coal mine project at Carmichael, in Australia's Queensland, a day after it received the backing of the state Parliament.

''This agreement, which allows for the inclusion of land within the surface area of the mining lease, represents another important milestone in ensuring the company's mine, rail and port projects proceed, and another step in Adani's plans to build a long-term future with Queensland,'' an Adani spokesperson said.

The Queensland parliament had, on Monday, approved a proposal to grant Adani Enterprises Ltd ''all state government approvals'' to build one of the world's biggest coal mines.

Adani said the move is an ''important milestone'' adding that ''high quality, low ash, low sulphur coal mined at Carmichael will help meet growing energy demand in the company's home market, while providing much needed jobs and export opportunities for Queensland.''

Welcoming the news, Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said: ''This is yet another milestone as these important projects continue to progress. And as the QRC has regularly stated, these important economic opportunities benefit all Queenslanders, not just those in the regions''.

Last month, Queensland state's Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) issued a final environmental authority (EA) for Adani's Carmichael Mine project, although with about 140 conditions.

The project, which is located near the fragile Great Barrier Reef, has to comply with several environment regulations.

A federal court had, in August last year, revoked the original approval due to environmental concerns.

In October last year, the Australian government finally gave its re-approval for the project to build the coal mines.