Open Cut Coal Mine in Australia

Pumps operating to remove water from a flooded Collinsville open cut coal mine.
The greatest La Nina event in recorded history delivered record amounts of rain to North Eastern Queensland, Australia, causing near unprecedented flooding across much of the state and flooded many of the Bowen and Fitzroy Basin's open cut coal mines.Millions of litres of flood water from tailing dames was discharged into nearby river systems that sent thousands of tonnes of sediments and toxic sludge onto the Great Barrier Reef creating toxic blooms that stretched hundred of kilometers across pristine heritage listed waters that were visible in NASA satellite imagery.The discharges leave much of the effected area vulnerable to coral bleaching and threaten not only the reef's health but place in jeopardy a multi million tourism industry vital the the states and Nations economy.Greenpeace supporters joined hundreds of people at a Valentines-themed rally outside Commonwealth Bank's Sydney headquarters, escalating pressure on Australia's Big Four banks to rule out funding Adani's Queensland coal project which threatens to destroy the Great Barrier Reef. The colourful event, taking place the day before Valentines Day, is one of hundreds being held across the world as part of Global Divestment Day. The event was organized by 350.org and partnered with AYCC, Greenpeace, GetUp and other Environmental groups.2:09:37 AMChangedHeadline