However, Adani has batted away suggestions that the project was likely to produce more than the 10 million tonnes of thermal coal it has scheduled. It has approvals in place for 60 million tonnes but it has progressively scaled back from that.

Adani was asked if the coal handling plant would be built to meet more than 10mt, but only said it would be designed to “meet the requirements of the Carmichael project”.

Activist and Galilee Blockade spokesman Ben Pennings said sustained disruption of the project by protestors was inevitable.

He said it would take at least another two years of construction for the mine project to be completed and even supporters must have doubts about its financial viability.

Adani said G&S, a DRA Global subsidiary, will carry out the design, engineering and construction of the coal handling plant, which is expected to create about 200 jobs.

G&S does extensive work in the coal sector including at Adani’s Abbot Point coal port.

DRA Global chief executive Andrew Naude said it was an important project that is supported by the Queensland Government, has all of its environmental approvals and was one of the largest employment-creators in regional Queensland.

The State Government has kept its distance from the Adani project, despite its job creation, after it fell out with the company when it backflipped on its support during the last state election campaign.

Adani started the development of the mine a year ago after 10 years of often bitter and protracted court battles and political and social opposition.

Adani Mining chief executive Lucas Down said more than $1 billion had been awarded in contracts.