'Irreversible consequences': Adani coalmine granted unlimited water access for 60 years

Environmental and legal groups fear impact on groundwater and accuse Queensland government of giving Indian mining company special treatment

Adani's controversial $21bn Carmichael coalmine has been granted an unlimited 60-year water licence in what environmental and legal groups say is another example of governments giving the company special treatment.

The associated water licence, signed by a Queensland government representative the day after Cyclone Debbie tore through the state's north, allows Adani Mining to take water from or near the Betts Creek formation when removing or draining water from the mine.