Adani gives final approval for controversial $4 bn Australia coal mine

Said project would create 10,000 direct and indirect jobs; coal from mine will be exported to India

India's Adani Enterprises said on Tuesday that it has given final investment approval for its controversial $4 billion Carmichael mine and rail project in Queensland.

"The project has Final Investment Decision approval, which marks the official start of one of the largest single infrastructure and job-creating developments in Australia's recent history," Adani Chairman Gautam Adani said in a statement.

The company, which has still to line up funding, plans to build what would be Australia's biggest coal mine, but has faced opposition from environment groups who argue it will contribute to global warming and damage the Great Barrier Reef.

On Tuesday, Adani said