The Wangan and Jagalingou people are opposed to the mine because they believe the project will "devastate their ancestral lands and waters, totemic animals and plants, and cultural heritage". They have called on the Queensland Government to refuse a mining lease to Indian company Adani to prevent the mine’s development. (1)
“Greenpeace stands in solidarity with the Wangan and Jagalingou people and support their right to protect their ancestral lands from the destruction of mining,” Greenpeace campaigner Shani Tager said.
Adani’s proposed mine would be the biggest ever seen in Australia, which would require over 20,000 hectares of native bushland to be cleared and will use 12 billion litres of water every year. The Wangan and Jagalingou have said these impacts will cut the Indigenous people’s connection to the land and rivers.
The objection from the Wangan and Jagalingou people and the assertion of their rights increases the uncertainty around Adani’s planned coal mine. Such uncertainty continues to decrease the likelihood that Adani will be able to raise the necessary funds to begin the project.
“In light of clear opposition from Traditional Owners, and the considerable risk associated with this mine, we urge Australian and international banks to reject any proposals to fund Adani’s project,” Tager added.
Contact: Shani Tager (+61 427 914 070)
Video footage and photographs of the Carmichael mine site available here: http://www.greenpeacemedia.org/main.php?g2_itemId=17632
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