Chappell brothers ask Adani to abandon its controversial coal mine project in Australia

Indian energy giant Adani has received an open letter from former cricketers and legends Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell and other prominent Australians to abandon its controversial coal mine project in Queensland, as they feel it could harm bilateral ties and hit sporting links.

The $21.7 billion project which is known as the Charmichael coal mine project is definitely one of the world’s largest and is scheduled to start its construction this year after the federal and the Queensland state governments shows the green flag to it.

The project will see dredging 1.1 million cubic metres of soil near the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which will then be disposed off on land.

The open letters particularly describe the reasons which request Adani, the company’s founder and chairman to not go ahead with the Charmichael coal mine project. The reasons include public opposition, risks to miners’ health, climate change and potential impact on the fragile Great Barrier Reef.

Former Australian legend Ian Chappell quoted “Cricket has a bit to do with the feeling between India and Australia”

“The thought that this (mine) could affect the relationship, hopefully that’ll get through”

The letters also asks Adani to invest on renewable energy as it would be a great shame if the project happens to damage the image of India in Australia.

The open letter said “We are writing to respectfully ask you to abandon the Adani Group’s proposal in Queensland’s Galilee Basin…Pollution from burning coal was the single biggest driver of global warming, threatening life in Australia, India and all over the world.”

“Last month The Lancet, one of the world’s leading medical journals, published a report that described your company’s Carmichael mine proposal as a public health disaster…this mine proposal does not have wide public support in Australia and does not have the support of the Traditional Owners of the land where the mine would be dug.”

“There are concerns about the impact the mine will have on groundwater resources and on nearby farmers who rely on this water for their livelihoods”

“We urge you to think about global warming and public health and listen to the wishes of the people. It would be a great shame if this one project were to damage the image of India in Australia.”

“We understand the Adani Group has not made a final investment decision on the Carmichael coal mine. We strongly urge you to decide to abandon this project.”

“We the undersigned – and we believe all Australians – would support and welcome moves by your company to invest further in renewable energy in Australia”