New research says that more Australians are getting behind the mining industry and believe coal is the nation’s most important resource.

It comes as Environment Minister Melissa Price this week signed off on the final federal approval required for the contentious Adani coal mine in Queensland, taking the project one step closer to construction.

A survey of 1000 voters reveals that 55 per cent support the mining industry, a significant jump from 46 per cent about a year ago, despite an intense Greens campaign to shut down coal.

Michael is joined by Minerals Council chief executive Tania Constable who says community support for Australia’s mining industry has grown markedly.

The research, commissioned by the Minerals Council and conducted by JWS Research last month, found 12 per cent of respondents labelled coal the most important resource industry for the future of Australia, up from 9 per cent last May and almost one in three put coal in the top three.

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