Chappell brothers voice out against Adani’s coal mine in Australia

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Ian and Greg Chappell ask Adani to abandon coal mine project in Australia. Image Source: pinterest.com

Internet Desk: Legendary Australian cricketers, Ian and Greg Chappell and few other renowned Australians have written a letter to Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani urging him to stop the mine project which costs USD 21 billion, a plea the company rejected by saying that it was done by a very small group of “misled” people.

The open letter cited public opposition, risks to miners’ health, climate change and potential impact on the fragile Great Barrier Reef as reasons not to proceed with the project in the Galilee Basin.

Adani Group spokesperson rejected the letter as “motivated” by “a very small group of 76 misled people. The proposed mine in Australia has been cleared after rigorous assessments and strict conditions”.

“Cricket has a bit to do with the feeling between India and Australia,” said Ian Chappell. “The thought that this [mine] could affect the relationship, hopefully that’ll get through.”

The letter calls on Adani to invest in renewables instead, and concludes that it would be a “great shame” were the mine to “damage the image of India in Australia”.

Adani Group spokesperson said the proposed mine is supported fully by people of regional Queensland and their elected representatives.

“The proposed mine will help in providing energy security to millions of Indians who are without electricity while creating thousands of jobs and economic benefits for the state of Queensland in particular and Australia in general. It is a project which will create enormous social and economic value for both the countries of Australia and India,” the spokesperson added.

The USD 21.7 billion Carmichael coal mine project, one of the world’s largest, is set to start construction this year after being given the green light by the federal and Queensland state governments.

The project involves dredging 1.1 million cubic metres of spoil near the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which will then be disposed of on land.