Adani gives green light to start work on $16 billion Carmichael coal mine

Adani has given the green light to start work on the $16 billion Carmichael coal mine in Queensland's Galilee Basin.

Adani Chairman Gautam Adani announced he had signed off on the controversial project in a statement today.

"I am proud to announce the project has Final Investment Decision (FID) approval which marks the official start of one of the largest single Infrastructure - and job-creating - developments in Australia's recent history," Mr Adani said.

Pre-construction work on the project is expected to begin in the September quarter.

The company says the project will create 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, though opponents have challenged that claim.

Mr Adani hit out at environmental activists, who have challenged the project for years.

"We have been challenged by activists in the courts, in inner city streets, and even outside banks that have not even been approached to finance the project," he said.

"We are still facing activists. But we are committed to this project."

With AAP.