Indian conglomerate Adani Group is embroiled in a controversy involving its Australian coal mining unit, Bravus Mining and Resources, after an Aboriginal group filed a racial discrimination complaint with Australia’s Human Rights Commission, reported Reuters.
The complaint alleges that Adani employees obstructed members of Aboriginal group the Nagana Yarrbayn Wangan & Jagalingou Cultural Custodians, based in Queensland state, from accessing springs near the Carmichael coal mine for cultural practices.
The Aboriginal group claims that they have faced years of discrimination and vilification from Adani.
Nagana Yarrbayn senior cultural custodian Adrian Burragubba said: “We have endured years of discrimination and vilification from Adani, and we are not putting up with this anymore.”
The group is seeking compensation, an apology, the removal of certain social media content, a retraction of media statements, and anti-racism training for Adani’s staff.
In response, a Bravus spokesperson “wholly rejected” the allegations, framing them as an attempt to prevent the company from sharing its perspective and facts about interactions with the Aboriginal group.
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Bravus maintains that the Carmichael mine has been operated safely and responsibly, in compliance with local and national laws, and in partnership with the majority traditional owner group.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has not confirmed receipt of the complaint, as per its policy to wait until acknowledgment by both parties involved.
The Carmichael coal mine, which faced a seven-year campaign from climate activists and some Aboriginal groups, began shipping its first cargo in December 2021.
The controversy comes following charges against Chairman Gautam Adani by US prosecutors in an alleged bribery and fraud scheme. Adani and his nephew Sagar are accused of participating in a scheme to bribe Indian officials for power supply deals.
The allegations have led to significant market value losses for Adani Group companies and the cancellation of a major Kenyan airport project.
Adani Group has dismissed the US Department of Justice and SEC allegations as “baseless”, vowing to seek legal recourse.
