Challenge against Qld mine dismissed

Local action groups have criticised a "weak" legal structure in Queensland to protect communities from mining operations following the dismissal of a challenge against a coal mine near Maryborough.

The Aldershot and District Against Mining Group had claimed run-off from the proposed Colton open-cut mine would have a significant detrimental effect on the nearby Mary River.

But the Land Court has ruled there were adequate safety measures to prevent harm to the local environment.

Local resident and spokeswoman for the Wide Bay Burnett Protection Alliance Vicki Perrin strongly disagreed with the ruling.

"We're talking about the water in the mine pit, and that water contains heavy metals, carcinogens, you name it," Ms Perrin told AAP.

"Groundwater seeps into that pit, rainwater collects in the pit and that has to be drained and that all goes into the Mary River."

The mine application will now be reviewed by the Department of Environment, and Ms Perrin said they would lobby the minister, Steven Miles, to put a stop to it.

The mine's owners, New Hope, have welcomed the Land Court's decision, although they're also hoping for a favourable decision from the minister.

"This is just one step of the approvals process and we now look forward to the minister's final decision," the company said in a statement.