The Australian state of Queensland has approved a plan submitted by Indian miner Adani to manage black-throated finches at its proposed Carmichael coal mine, leaving the company with just one more permit to obtain before work begins.

India’s coal mining and trading group Adani has been working with the Queensland government for more than a decade to obtain approvals to develop the Carmichael mine.

The Carmichael mine project is located in the remote Galilee Basin in central Queensland. The mine, which is 300km from the Queensland coastline, has been mired in multiple controversies concerning its economic viability and environmental impacts.

Prior to this week, the Australian state of Queensland has said that the outstanding approvals for Adani Mining’s Carmichael mine will be finalised by the middle of next month.

Earlier this month, the Queensland Department of Environment and Science rejected the company’s black-throated finch management Plan.

The decision comes after state premier Annastacia Palaszczuk ordered the coordinator-general to meet the parties involved and set a specific timeframe for the delayed and controversy-hit coal project.

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The company’s black-throated finch management plan encompasses initiatives to protect the finch species around the Carmichael coal mine site. It has been under review by the department for more than 18 months.

Adani Mining CEO Lucas Dow said: “The plan was developed by ecological experts and is backed by the best available science to ensure the finch is protected and that the species can co-exist with mining operations.

“As part of this plan, 33,000 hectares of dedicated conservation land surrounding the mine site will be set aside and expertly managed.”

“We are pleased that as part of this plan, 33,000 hectares of dedicated conservation land surrounding the mine site will be set aside and expertly managed to ensure an optimal habitat for the finch and other local native species.”

In April 2019, the company received preliminary approval of its Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan, under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Once mining activity commences at Carmichael coal mine, it is expected to deliver 27.5 million tonnes of coal per annum in the first stage.