Fracking plans near Adani coalmine raise new environmental fears

Environmentalists are concerned gas extraction near the Carmichael site will compound the impacts of coalmining on the Galilee Basin

A Queensland gas company plans to begin fracking at two exploratory wells close to the Adani Carmichael mine site later this year, and hopes production can begin "early" to service nearby mining projects.

Gas explorers appear to have increased the pace of their planning and activities in the Galilee Basin during the past year as the Carmichael mine has passed key milestones - in contrast to companies behind other thermal coal proposals.