Albanese government approves four coalmine expansions as Greens condemn ‘despicable’ move

Tanya Plibersek has approved the expansion of four coalmines, angering climate and environment groups. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

The Albanese government has approved the expansion of four coalmines that climate campaigners estimate will release more than 850m tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime – equivalent to almost double Australia’s annual emissions.

The four mines will target mostly coal to be used for steelmaking with some thermal coal for burning in power stations.