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Australia’s High Court Blocks Mount Pleasant Coal Expansion

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 10:20 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

High Courts Block Projects

Australia's High Court blocked the Mount Pleasant coal mine expansion in New South Wales.
The court said the Independent Planning Commission ignored 98% of scope-3 emissions from exported coal.
Namibia’s High Court ruled the minister’s approval of the Whale Rock Cement merger unlawful.
Minister Modestus Amutse admitted objections filed on 25 March 2026 were never considered, preserving the Competition Commission’s prohibition.

Summary

Minerals Council Warns

The mine’s 500 full-time workers have jobs secured until 2032 under a stop-gap measure.
Minerals Council CEO Tania Constable said the ruling sends a negative signal to Indonesia and Japan investors.
She noted the project involved about $2 billion in inbound investment.
The Minerals Council warned the judgment could raise sovereign risk and hinder meeting global coal demand.

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High Courts Block Projects

Australia's High Court blocked the Mount Pleasant coal mine expansion in New South Wales.
The court said the Independent Planning Commission ignored 98% of scope-3 emissions from exported coal.
Namibia’s High Court ruled the minister’s approval of the Whale Rock Cement merger unlawful.
Minister Modestus Amutse admitted objections filed on 25 March 2026 were never considered, preserving the Competition Commission’s prohibition.

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