GHD has finally pulled the plug on Adani and Siemens is reconsidering its involvement with the project, suggesting the coal mine’s reputation-tarnishing abilities are only growing stronger.
Global engineering firm GHD will not sign another contract with the Indian mining company after almost a decade-long business relationship.
As the mine’s first Australian project partner, the engineering firm has copped a lot of the heat from environmental groups such as Stop Adani and Market Forces. Employees have also put pressure on their employer to pull out of the project.
German multinational Siemens attracted the ire of environmental groups after announcing its contract to provide rail infrastructure services with the Indian mining company last week.
“In the case of Adani, GHD has made the right decision to walk away,” Australian Conservation Foundation campaigns director Dr Paul Sinclair said.
“Any company that has a good reputation shouldn’t go anywhere near the Adani project or other climate damaging new coal mines.”
Responding to a wave of outraged email correspondence, the German chief executive officer of the global company, Joe Kaeser, has claimed to be unaware of his company’s involvement.
He said the oversight was likely because the deal was relatively significant, and that he will “look into the matter diligently”.
This doesn’t mean the company will definitely pull out of the arrangement.
I want to thank everyone for reaching out on the #Adani project in Australia. I was not aware of and take your concerns seriously. I will diligently look into the matter and get back to you soon. @Siemens view & decision may or may not change. But you deserve an answer.
— Joe Kaeser (@JoeKaeser) December 15, 2019
According to Market Forces, there’s now 60 major companies who have refused to work on Adani’s mine in Queensland.
The basic reason for companies who exist to make a profit, withdrawing from Adani, is that they see no or very little future profit. Who wants vasts amounts of capital both monetary and human tied up in a stranded asset? There is more money to be made and better environmental credentials to be had, in renewable energy projects.
Clearly Siemens are not going to pull out of a deal with Adani. To do so will do them commercial damage as they provide mining services worldwide on a huge scale.