Mining giant’s donations welcomed by Queensland Premier

17 Apr 2017

SBS News reported that Mining giants Rio Tinto and Adani on Monday donated USD 250,000 and USD 200,000 respectively to relief efforts for communities devastated by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie in Queensland. While Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomed the contributions, her comments came as her government investigated whether environmental damage was caused by Adani’s Abbot Point coal terminal as a result of the cyclone. She said that “I welcome this commitment from Rio Tinto Australia and its recognition of the support for families and communities severely affected by Debbie and associated flooding.”

She added that “I would also like to acknowledge the work of Adani staff from Abbot Point to work with local area disaster teams to help restore public areas.” Satellite images of the Abbot Point terminal before and after Cyclone Debbie indicate spillage from the mine into neighbouring wetlands.

A spokesperson for Queensland’s Department of Environment and Heritage Protection said an inquiry was launched after satellite images appeared to show “sediment-laden water” flowing into the Caley Valley.

She said the Indian mining and energy company had applied for and been granted a temporary emissions licence during Cyclone Debbie, which relaxed or modified its operating conditions. She said that “A TEL does not authorise environmental harm.”

Source : sbs.com