Maules Creek mine - in pictures

The sign at Maules Creek Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

Boggabri coal mine in the Leard state forest on the NSW northwest slopes and plains Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

Gomeroi elder Dick Talbott Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

Work begins on the rail corridor and access roads for the mine project Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

Roselyn Druce on her family farm 'Wongalea', near the forest Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

5th generation Maules Creek farmer Rick Laird talks with Dave Horton and Julie Talbott from the Gomeroi Aboriginal community on a farm near Leard state forest Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

Ecologist Phil Spark at the site Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

Work starts on the rail corridor and access roads for the mine Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

Gomeroi elder Dick Talbott in Gunnedah Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

5th generation Maules Creek farmer Phil Laird on a farm near Leard State forest Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

Gomeroi elder Neville Sampson during a helicopter flight to the Leard forest Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

5th generation Maules Creek farmer Ric Laird at Maules Creek Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

The rail spur extension for the Maules Creek mine project Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian