Vitrinite Faces Allegations of Illegal Coal Mining

A private coal mining company, Vitrinite, in Central Queensland has been accused of illegally operating an open-cut mine without necessary approvals, raising concerns for local wildlife, including threatened species like koalas, greater gliders, and glossy black cockatoos.

The company is awaiting federal approval for its coal mine project but has already cleared habitat equivalent to about 25 Melbourne Cricket Grounds for a test pit and related infrastructure. Vitrinite claims this activity is part of a separate coal sampling project that does not require additional permits.

However, conservationists argue that this clearing constitutes illegal mining and poses significant risks to the environment, leading to habitat fragmentation and threats to local wildlife. Environmental lawyers stress that these actions violate existing laws designed to protect threatened species under the EPBC Act, underscoring the urgent need for compliance with environmental regulations.