Blogs
In regards to the Indian Adani coal extraction from the Australian Carmichael coal mine, both Australia and India have an equal part in how the subject of climate change is addressed. Australia can make decisions in relation to how the coal is extracted and then transported from the country.They can specify to India that in order to mine in this country, only the most eco-friendly and sustainable methods of both extraction and then transportation to India itself.India in turn, can make environmentally conscious decisions in how the coal is used once in the country and how much coal is removed from the Australian mine.
Both countries benefit from the mining of the Carmichael coal mine, in an economic sense.The mining will create several thousand jobs for both countries, aiding in the positive development of the economies, but the impact of mining coal is going to have a severe impact on the environment.The Adani mine has sparked controversy amongst many social groups, especially the indigenous communities of Australia. Wangan and Jagalingou people are the traditional owners of the land the Carmichael mine is located, these indigenous communities are uncertain regarding the impacts of the Adani mine. Environmental activist believes that air pollution, water pollution, respiratory diseases, excessive water run-off and losing mineral properties of soil are some of the few issues caused by burning or mining black coal. Still considered 50% better than regular coal, black coal is has increased the already existing higher emission of CO2 of Australia. Producing 29% of Australia’s electricity, coal mining is a source of occupation in Queensland. Some Wangan and Jagalingouan people believe it provides more jobs, better education and health for Aboriginal people.
The colonial power relationships between Australia and India have been reinforced in the Adani case study, as Australia has allowed the Indian company (Adani) to purchase and use one of our coal mines. With Australia and India collaborating on the conditions of their new mine they rely on each other and, in the process, strengthen their relationship. Australia offers one of the best coal sources to India offering them a “gift” of a quality coal source to supply to their country with full control of the company, instead of Australia exporting coal to them. Thus cutting down costs, giving them full power over the company and every piece of coal they mine from the ground. In the case study, the operations between India and Australia show a strengthening bond increasing the power relations between these countries and highlights the collaboration that it takes between the two countries to obtain a successful business. Overall the case study highlights the reinforced power relationship between India (and their company Adani) and Australia.
In Collaboration with Annalise Chandler, Breanna Jaworski, Bisharah Juraij and Georgia Jaworski.
