What are ‘zombie mines’? What do they have to do with Malcolm Turnbull?

They’re being called ‘zombie mines’ — proposed new coal mines or expansions that may never see the light of day.

A new report by the Australia Institute says there are 23 new coal projects proposed in NSW — equivalent to 15 Adani-sized mines.

The Australia Institute says governments rarely intervene to revoke an approval, or otherwise kill off a zombie mine.

Now, former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has weighed in. But what is the issue exactly? Let’s take a look.

Who says ‘zombie mines’ are a problem?

Kirsty O’Connell, for one.

She’s a fifth-generation farmer in Aberdeen and member of the Friends of the Upper Hunter group.

She says these proposals are “crushing” for the region.

“You can see the acres and acres of farmland where people…