Adani's long road to Carmichael megamine

TIMELINE OF ADANI'S CHARMICHAEL COAL MINE DECISION:

After seven years, numerous legal challenges and extensive debate, Adani has announced they will build Australia's largest coal mine in the Galilee Basin.

NOVEMBER 2010

* Adani Mining Pty Ltd begins approval process to establish two new mines and a rail line in the Galilee Basin in north Queensland. Premier Anna Bligh declares it a "significant project" which could generate more than 11,000 jobs.

MAY 2014

* Queensland's coordinator-general approves the $16.5 billion mine and rail project subject to 190 conditions. Final approval rests with federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt.

JULY 2014

* Mr Hunt approves Adani's proposal.

AUGUST 2015

* Federal Court rules in favour of a legal challenge by Mackay Conservation Group which says Mr Hunt failed to take into account advice on the threatened yakka skink and ornamental snake.

OCTOBER 2015

* The federal government re-approves Carmichael coal mine subject to "36 of the strictest conditions in Australian history".

APRIL 2016

* Queensland government approves mining leases for Adani.

DECEMBER 2016

* Queensland and federal governments give final approvals to a rail project associated with the mine and Adani announces construction will begin in June or July of 2017.

MAY 2017

* A factional war breaks out within the Queensland Labor government over a "royalties holiday" deal for Adani. In response, state cabinet agrees the mining giant will pay all royalties it owes, including interest on any deferred payment.

JUNE 6, 2017

* Chairman Gautam Adani announces he has signed off on the project with pre-construction work expected to begin in the September quarter.