Australia's coal expansion a 'death sentence' for islands

Australia’s decision to expand four coal mines has been slammed by island nations as a death sentence” and a betrayal of global climate commitments.

- STUTI MISHRA

Anthony Albanese’s government on Thursday approved the Boggabri, Caval Ridge Horse Pit, Lake Vermont Meadowbrook and Vulcan South coal mines to extend or expand their operations.

Analysts said these mines could release over 850 million tonnes of CO2 over their lifetimes, double the annual emissions of Australia.

“To put it plainly – it’s a death sentence for us if larger nations continue to open new fossil fuel projects,” Tuvalu’s prime minister Feleti Teo said.

This is the seventh coal mine expansion approved by the Albanese government in less than 90 days. The continued expansion of coal mines comes even as Australia pushes to host the Cop31 climate summit in 2026 on behalf of the island nations.

“The nation intends to co-host COP31 – the 2026 UN Climate Talks –but ongoing expansion of coal and gas risks jeopardising relationships in the region and Australia’s legitimacy as a climate leader,” Reverend James Bhagwan, general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, said.