The proposed coal mine in the Fingal Valley was presumed dead and buried, after the company failed to pay a year’s worth of rent and their lease was cancelled in early 2025. At the time, the proponent claimed to have no intentions of appealing the decision, because of the difficulties raising capital for coal projects, which should come as no surprise in a climate crisis.
Later the proponent was disqualified from managing corporations for five years by the Queensland Federal Court, after he misled investors about the worth of one of his companies. Between investors and sensible governments stepping away from coal and fossil fuels driving climate change, and the questions around this company, this absurd coal mine proposal in Tasmania is over right? Wrong!
The Liberal Government’s Minister Ellis, has revived the proposed coal project, renewing the company’s exploration license earlier this year. The company has rebranded as PLH Energy, with the original proponent’s wife taking on a directorship and their exploration license registered to his son’s business in Queensland.
It’s ridiculous enough that the Liberal Government are still allowing companies to explore for coal in a climate crisis – especially when it’s been roundly rejected by the Tasmanian community. What’s perhaps even more unbelievable is that they’d renew this company’s lease with full knowledge of its history.
With the lease up for renewal yet again, the government needs to finally cut ties with this company and the Fingal coal mine proposal for good. Better yet, rule out coal exploration and mines in Tasmania, full stop. In a rapidly warming climate, new coal projects are completely out of step with social expectations and against the State Government’s own climate ambitions.
