'Evil' mines decision 'defies reason': former chief scientist

The decision on Sunday to approve mining leases for Queensland's Carmichael coal mine is akin to "evil", according to one of the world's foremost marine scientists.

"It defies reason," said Dr Charlie Veron, former chief scientist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. "I think there is no single action that could be as harmful to the Great Barrier Reef as the Carmichael coal mine."

The $21.7 billion project, which involves mine, rail and port facilities, would allow Indian multinational Adani to extract 60 million tonnes of thermal coal a year from the Galilee Basin, in central Queensland. Adani claims the mine will generate 5000 jobs during construction and more than 4000 during operation, with construction to begin next year.

The decision to grant the leases came after "extensive government and community scrutiny", according to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

"I know the people of north and central Queensland will welcome this latest progress for the potential jobs and economic development it brings closer for their communities," she said.

But conservationists say the mine is an environmental disaster waiting to happen, citing particular risks to the Great Barrier Reef.

Read the Melbourne Age story - “Decision on coal mine 'defies reason'.”