Archive · 28 Nov 2025
Court Bars Activist From Seeking Adani's Confidential Data
A court in Australia has told an activist named Ben Pennings that he can't try to get secret information from a big coal mine company called Bravus, which is part of the Adani Group.
The company said Pennings was trying to disrupt their work and scare their employees.
The court agreed and said Pennings can't ask for or share the company's secret information, but he can still protest peacefully.
The coal mine produces a lot of coal for other countries, and the company says it follows strict environmental rules.
The activist and his groups have been protesting against the mine for a long time, but the company says activism is okay as long as it's not illegal.
The Supreme Court of Queensland issued permanent orders against activist Ben Pennings, preventing him from seeking or using Bravus Mining and Resources' confidential information.
Pennings, a spokesperson for the Galilee Blockade and other anti-fossil-fuel groups, is barred from encouraging others to disclose the company's confidential business information.
Bravus, part of the Adani Group, operates the Carmichael coal mine in the Galilee Basin, producing about 10 million tonnes of coal annually for export.
The orders do not restrict Pennings' ability to engage in lawful protest or advocacy, but prohibit him from seeking or promoting the disclosure of confidential information through campaigns.
The case highlights the challenges faced by Indian companies operating abroad, especially in sectors where activism is strong, and underscores the importance of protecting lawful operations from unlawful disruption.
- Who
- Ben Pennings, an anti-fossil-fuel activist, and Bravus Mining and Resources (Adani Group)
- What
- The Supreme Court of Queensland issued permanent orders preventing the activist from seeking or using the company's confidential information
- When
- The orders conclude a multi-year legal dispute
- Where
- The case took place in the Supreme Court of Queensland, Australia
- Why
- The company alleged that the activist sought to disrupt its operations and intimidate its employees and contractors
- Activist
- Ben Pennings
- Company
- Bravus Mining and Resources (Adani Group)
- Mine Location
- Galilee Basin, Australia
- Annual Coal Production
- 10 million tonnes
- Legal Outcome
- Permanent orders against activist
- Activist Group
- Galilee Blockade, Stop Adani, Generation Alpha
- Company's Claim
- Harassment, intimidation, and misuse of confidential information
- Company's Position
- Activism is welcome if lawful