Adani ‘test’ for water

QUEENSLAND authorities will investigate reports Indian mining giant Adani has drilled a number of bores at its controversial Carmichael coal mine without proper approval.

Environmental group Coast and Country made public high-resolution satellite and drone pictures showing the bores, which the group says threaten the integrity of the Great Artesian Basin at a time when half the country is in drought.

Adani says it welcomes any investigation and that the five bores are for the purpose of conducting groundwater investigations, and taking geological samples.

“We notified the regulator of our Plan of Operations for these Stage 1 project activities in 2017,” the company said.

“Adani Mining is not dewatering for mining operations. Drilling has been undertaken at the Carmichael mine site to take geological samples and monitor underground water.”