Mining giant Xstrata (and Glencore?) in court over global warming

it will be the first in Australia to argue for an outright refusal of a mine based on its climate change impacts

Graziers, greenies ally against Xstrata, Brisbane Times, Christine FlatleyAugust 22, 2011 – Global giant Xstrata should be refused permission to open a new coal mine in Queensland that will have serious adverse impacts on the climate and nearby graziers, a court has heard.

Green group Friends of the Earth appeared in the Brisbane Land Court today in an attempt to scuttle an 11,000-hectare coal mine planned for the small town of Wandoan, 400km northwest of Brisbane.The group says it will be the first in Australia to argue for an outright refusal of a mine based on its climate change impacts
They are arguing the mine, which will extract 30 million tonnes of coal each year and create 1.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, will lead to catastrophic impacts through the burning of coal.”This mega mine will be one of the largest coal mines in the world, and contribute a sizable 0.15 per cent of annual global emissions every year,” Friends of the Earth spokesman Dr Bradley Smith said……”Friends of the Earth was joined in court by farmers from the Wandoan region, who are objecting to the mine because of fears it would dramatically affect their lifestyles and livelihoods.The landholders have filed more than 20 grounds of objection against the project……….The case continues.Graziers, greenies ally against Xstrata