Adani Group Faces Racism Allegations At Australian Coal Unit After Aboriginal Group Files Complaint

The Adani Group is facing allegations of racism at its Australian coal subsidiary after an Aboriginal group filed a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission, as reported by news agency Reuters.

The Nagana Yarrbayn Wangan & Jagalingou cultural custodians from Queensland have accused Bravus Mining and Resources, Adani's coal unit, of serious racial discrimination.

The complaint outlines incidents where Adani employees allegedly attempted to "verbally and physically obstruct and prevent" members of the Aboriginal group from accessing springs near the Carmichael coal mine, thereby hindering their ability to perform cultural rites and share cultural knowledge.

"We have endured years of discrimination and vilification from Adani, and we're not putting up with this anymore," said Adrian Burragubba, senior cultural custodian of the Nagana Yarrbayn, in a statement.

Burragubba added that lawyers had informed the Adani Group about the issue last year, but the company refused to take any action. "Legal recourse is the only answer," he stated.

In response, a spokesperson for Bravus Mining and Resources "wholly rejected" the allegations, claiming the complaint was an attempt to prevent the company from sharing its side of the story and "informing the public about our interactions with him and members of his 'Family Council'."

The Bravus spokesperson insisted that the mine was operating safely and in compliance with Queensland and Australian laws. The company maintained it had been working in partnership with the majority of the traditional owners in the area, in accordance with the ratified 'Indigenous Land Use Agreements and Cultural Heritage Management Plans' for over two years.

Bravus further stated that they had not received any formal notification from the Australian Human Rights Commission regarding the complaint. However, the Commission confirmed it could not disclose whether a complaint had been received until both parties publicly acknowledged it.

The Aboriginal group is seeking compensation, an apology, the removal of offensive social media posts, a retraction of media statements, and anti-racism and cultural awareness training for Adani's directors, managers, and staff.

The Carmichael coal mine has already faced a seven-year campaign from climate activists and some Aboriginal groups before shipping its first cargo in December 2021.

Adani Group shares fell for the second consecutive day on Friday, following bribery and fraud charges filed against chairman Gautam Adani by US prosecutors.