Australia has denied environmental approval to just 18 projects since 2000

Guardian Australia analysis shows figures for mining projects are skewed even more starkly, as critics of environmental laws renew calls for reform

If the Indian mining company Adani is concerned that its beleaguered Carmichael mine will be halted by the government, it should take comfort in the numbers - just 2.2% of projects that require federal environmental approval have ever been knocked back.

A Guardian Australia analysis of assessments made under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act since its inception in 2000 shows that 96.2% of projects - which include mining, ports and other infrastructure - have been given the green light, with conditions.