(1) Most of the mines in Australia aren't coal mines. Maybe there is a case that Asia could prosper as they do without coal (I doubt it, but maybe) - but there is no way they could have prospered like they have without vast amounts of iron ore and copper. The environment absolutely takes a back seat to that outrageous level of prosperity. And even then, Australian mines are pretty environmentally sensitive.
Also, Australia seems to be ~40% of world's lithium production [0]. Probably not going to complain about the emissions those mines kick up.
So basically, don't be sad. Maybe try for proud wonder.
(2) You'll often see solar panels in mines too (setting up infrastructure to a grid is hard work) and I suspect mine rehab would often be a good place to erect some windfarms.
[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining_in_Australia#Statistica...