Face of Nation : “The prosecution relates to information contained in Adani’s 2017/2018 annual return for its Carmichael mine,” the department said in a statement.
“The department alleges that Adani’s annual return contained false and misleading information about the disturbance already undertaken at the mine during the annual return period.”
Last September, Adani notified the Department of “an administrative paperwork error” in its annual return for the Carmichael mine.
The company admitted that areas “that were disturbed during the final three-and-a-half weeks of the annual return period should have been included”. The prosecution against Adani is listed for mention at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 16.
But the mining giant will not be prosecuted over allegations relating to the clearing of land and the sinking of dewatering bores at the mine site last year, and for the construction of drill pads this year.
“[The department] has formed the view that Adani has not contravened the applicable conditions of its approval and that view is confirmed by barrister Stephen Keim SC,” it said in a statement. In a statement to the ABC, Adani said it was notified of the prosecution today.
“We have been notified that the prosecution will proceed despite the fact all relevant works were legal and fully complied with our project conditions, and despite there being no environmental harm,” a company spokeswoman said.
“We will assess the documentation relating to the prosecution in consultation with the Department of Environment and Science, and participate in the relevant legal processes required to resolve this matter.”
