Queensland Court Blocks Activist As Adani’s Carmichael Mine Wins Confidentiality Battle

The Supreme Court of Queensland has issued permanent orders against anti-fossil-fuel activist Ben Pennings. The court barred him from seeking, using or promoting leaks of confidential information belonging to Adani Group’s Australian arm, Bravus Mining and Resources.

The order reinforces Bravus’ long-standing position that its operations deserve protection from targeted disruption. It also ensures stronger safeguards for the company’s employees, contractors and commercial partners.

The ruling ends a prolonged legal battle between the Carmichael coal mine operator and one of its most persistent opponents.

Under the court’s orders, Pennings must immediately cease all attempts to obtain confidential business information from Bravus employees, contractors or prospective contractors. He is also prohibited from encouraging others to access or leak such information.

Bravus, in a statement, confirmed that the restrictions apply to any form of disclosure, including so-called ‘direct action’ campaigns designed to elicit insider information.

However, the court clarified that the orders do not limit Pennings’ right to engage in lawful protest or political advocacy.

Bravus Mining and Resources, a part of the Adani Group, operates the Carmichael coal mine in the Galilee Basin. The mine produces around 10 million tonnes of coal annually for export markets. The company agreed not to pursue legal costs as part of the resolution.

The dispute originated when Bravus filed a civil claim against Pennings, who serves as the national spokesperson for the group Galilee Blockade.

The company alleged that Pennings had attempted to disrupt the operations of the Carmichael mine, its contractors and suppliers through targeted campaigns. These included blockades, office incursions and pressure on businesses working with Bravus.

Court Order Safeguards Bravus Operations

Court evidence showed that Pennings’ efforts pushed several major companies to withdraw from contracts with Bravus. His campaigns also pressured others to reconsider their associations. Some businesses even invested heavily in additional security measures.

Bravus chief operating officer Mick Crowe welcomed the outcome, saying the company’s primary objective was always to stop harassment and intimidation.

“We started this legal action in the Supreme Court to stop Mr Pennings from harassing and intimidating our employees and contractors,” Crowe said.

Crowe said, “This damages claim was never about money. All we wanted was for Mr Pennings to stop trying to get our confidential information and using it to harass and intimidate our contractors and suppliers to pressure them to stop working with us.”

Activist Campaigns Trigger Major Disruptions

Pennings’ activism has led to previous confrontations with law enforcement. He was earlier arrested during a protest in Pinkenba that aimed to disrupt construction work on the Carmichael mine and rail project.

Bravus stated that the settlement followed Pennings’ failed attempt to avoid submitting evidence before the trial. He argued that providing it could incriminate him. The court did not accept his bid.

A former Greens campaigner and Brisbane mayoral candidate, Pennings has been a prominent figure in the Galilee Blockade, the Stop Adani movement and the anti-gas group Generation Alpha.

He and his supporters have long argued that the company’s legal actions constituted an attack on activism and free expression.

Bravus has consistently maintained that its claims focused only on unlawful conduct.

The company alleged inducing breach of contract, intimidation and conspiracy by unlawful means. It also sought a quia timet injunction to prevent future misconduct.

Bravus emphasised that both the Carmichael mine and the Carmichael Rail Network have been operating for over four years, employing thousands of Queenslanders.

The company noted that Pennings’ campaigns caused substantial disruption during the construction and commissioning phases.

The ruling concludes one of Australia’s most protracted legal confrontations between environmental activists and a major mining project. It also underscores the challenges faced by Indian companies operating overseas, particularly in sectors that attract strong environmental scrutiny.

The Carmichael mine and rail network constitute two of the largest Indian investments in Australia.

Bravus asserts that it follows stringent environmental regulations. Activists have targeted the company for years despite its compliance.

Australia continues to export large volumes of coal to major markets such as China, Japan and Korea.

Bravus has described the court’s decision as a vital step in protecting its workforce, contractors and lawful operations.

The company reiterated that it supports peaceful activism, provided it does not cross into intimidation, unlawful disruption or misuse of confidential information.