GVK Hancock has welcomed Land Court recommendations that the environmental authority and mining lease for its Kevin’s Corner coal project in the Galilee Basin be granted subject to conditions.

“We fully understand the significant benefits our projects will bring to the region and will continue to work with the environmental regulators in relation to these recommendations,” company spokesman Josh Euler said.

“During the case, objections were heard around economics, biodiversity, cumulative impacts and groundwater.

“In its decision, the Land Court confirmed GVK had undertaken a comprehensive environmental assessment, which involved over 300 collaborative environmental studies.

“This recommendation to grant the mining lease and environmental authority endorses the comprehensive environmental studies of our Galilee Basin projects, which was approved by State and Federal governments.”

Mr Euler said the company would continue working cooperatively with landholders, the local community and governments as it progressed its projects to a point where construction could begin.

“We understand the development of the Galilee Basin represents one of the most significant pieces of regional and economic development our state has seen for decades,” he said.

“Our Kevin’s Corner project will create 1800 direct construction jobs and 1600 operational jobs and provide indirect employment for many thousands more.

“The combined Alpha and Kevin’s Corner coal mines will contribute $40 billion in taxes and royalties over their operating lives.

“Our projects will enable us to bring online a new world-class high-quality, low-ash, low-sulphur, low-gas thermal coal basin with an ability to lower global emissions from coal fire power generation.”