Federal Court dismisses mega mine challenge

The Federal Court has rejected a legal challenge to the approval of MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant mine expansion near Muswellbrook and the Whitehaven's Narrabri Underground coal mine expansion.

The Environment Council of Central Queensland had sought a judicial review of Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek's approvals, claiming she had refused to accept the global warming risk associated with the projects.

The Environmental Defenders Office sought to overturn an approval allowing the expansion of Mt Pleasant mine. The Independent Planning Commision approved and application to extend the mine's life by 22 years to the end of 2048.