Indigenous Australians Battle Coal Mine Threat to Sacred Springs

In Queensland, a small ceremonial fire has burned for over 1,300 days as Indigenous Australians protest against the Carmichael coal mine's encroachment on sacred springs believed to be spiritually significant. The ongoing legal and community battle raises critical concerns about cultural heritage and environmental protection.

An Indigenous Australian community is engaged in a fierce battle to defend their sacred Doongmabulla Springs from the looming threat of the Carmichael coal mine. Located in Queensland, the site has seen a ceremonial fire burning for over 1,300 days, symbolizing a protest that has lasted more than four years. The mine, owned by Adani/Bravus, has become one of the most controversial mining projects in Australia, situated on the traditional lands of the Wangan and Jagalingou (W&J) people.

Adrian Burragubba, a member of the W&J community, along with his son Coedie McAvoy, have taken a stand against the mine, asserting both a spiritual and cultural need to protect their land. "Where my land is, there's a mine trying to destroy my country," Adrian expresses, emphasizing the deep connections between land, culture, and identity.

At the core of their resistance are the Doongmabulla Springs, which the W&J believe are sacred, created by the rainbow serpent Mundagudda. These springs are connected to an underground water system crucial for sustaining their dry land and are positioned above the Galilee Basin, one of the largest untouched coal reserves globally.

Scientific analysis from experts like Prof. Matthew Currell suggests the springs may be vulnerable to contamination, with indications of hydrocarbons detected in the waters—potentially linked to mining activities. This growing evidence has raised alarms about the mine’s impact on local groundwater, leading to the Queensland government banning underground mining due to uncertainty regarding environmental consequences. Adani/Bravus is contesting this ban in court.

The Carmichael mine has polarized public opinion, drawing both support from local mining communities for its economic benefits and strong opposition from environmentalists and Indigenous advocates. The project was greenlit by the state government, which argues it will create jobs despite the significant environmental risks involved.

Adding complexity, the W&J community is divided; while some have signed agreements with Adani in exchange for community funding, others oppose the mine vehemently. Historical injustices, including the forced removal of Indigenous peoples from their lands, have compounded these tensions. Many feel their rights and cultural connections are being overlooked—the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples underscores the necessity for consent before projects that affect their ancestral lands.

Burragubba and others have appealed to Queensland's Supreme Court, arguing that the Carmichael mine threatens their rights under human rights law. This ongoing case could set a legal precedent for Indigenous communities aiming to protect their culture and land. Despite facing bankruptcy due to previous legal battles, Adrian and his family remain resilient in their fight, with their connection to their water source underscoring the life-or-death stakes of this struggle. The outcome of their latest judicial review is still pending.