In a landmark decision with potentially far-reaching consequences for Australia's resources sector, the High Court of Australia has dismissed an appeal by the energy company running the Mount Pleasant coal mine in New South Wales and upheld a ruling that effectively blocks its expansion.
The judgment represents one of the most significant climate-related legal decisions in Australia's history and reinforces the growing importance of climate considerations in project approvals.
The case centred on the plan to expand the Mount Pleasant open-cut coal mine near Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley. The expansion would have nearly doubled annual coal production and extended mining operations until 2048. According to court records, the project would generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 98% of the total emissions classified as "Scope 3" emissions, which arise when exported coal is ultimately burned by customers overseas.
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