The region is a former Dutch colony divided into two provinces, Papua and West Papua. It is separate from Papua New Guinea, which was given independence by Australia in 1975.For the first time in history, Australia has blocked the creation of a coal mine under environmental laws.The government on Thursday rejected a proposal for a new mine about 10km (6.2 miles) from the Great Barrier Reef.Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the project posed an unacceptable risk to the World Heritage area, which is already highly vulnerable.

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