Peabody Energy pollution is under intense scrutiny after a major court decision in April 2025. The U.S.-based coal company was fined more than $500,000 AUD for allowing coal-contaminated water to enter Camp Gully Creek in Royal National Park, a protected area south of Sydney, Australia. This case marked one of the most significant environmental rulings involving a U.S. company abroad in recent years.
The pollution occurred in 2022 and 2023 due to failures at the Metropolitan Colliery, operated by Peabody Energy. The waste discharges left dark sediment and damaged aquatic habitats, posing a direct threat to the reintroduced platypus population. It also contaminated parts of the Hacking River system.
In response, a New South Wales court issued a $196,560 AUD fine and ordered Peabody to pay an additional $150,000 AUD to fund long-term water monitoring projects. The company also faces $304,000 AUD in EPA legal fees. According to the NSW EPA, Peabody has committed $1.5 million AUD to upgrade dam infrastructure and reduce future risks.
Still, critics say the penalty is too light. “Fines must reflect the scale of damage,” said Greens MP Sue Higginson. Conservation groups argue that weak enforcement encourages repeat violations. Environmental watchdogs like the National Parks Association of NSW continue to call for stronger deterrents. This incident is a stark reminder of why Peabody Energy pollution is a global concern. When large-scale companies operate in sensitive ecosystems, accountability must follow. Protecting natural heritage requires action, not just penalties.
Sources:ABC News.
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