Adani groundwater bores investigated amid claims they were sunk without approval

The Queensland environment department has launched an investigation into a series of groundwater bores drilled by Indian miner Adani, which conservationists say were sunk without approval. Key points: Adani told the ABC it was abiding by the conditions of the Carmichael project's approvals Conservationists have repeatedly warned that the company's dewatering plans would see groundwater levels plummet The Queensland Environmental Department said the bores were not in place in time for a recent site inspection The environmental group Coast and Country has obtained high resolution satellite and drone imagery which it says shows the "illegal" works at the site of Adani's controversial Carmichael coal mine project in north Queensland. "It's very concerning that Adani has apparently started work without confirming through the Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan that the aquifer feeding these springs is not going to be disturbed by the mining," said Jo Bragg from Queensland's Environmental Defenders Office, which is acting for Coast and Country. In a statement to the ABC, the environment department said that "the EA for Carmichael Coal Mine states that Project Stage 2 activities cannot commence until approves the Black-Throated Finch Management Plan and the Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan."