The Federal Court has dismissed an Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) case against Adani's $16 billion Carmichael mine.

The ACF had brought the case arguing that former environment minister Greg Hunt failed to consider whether the impact of burning coal and climate pollution would be inconsistent with international obligations to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The challenge was contested by representatives of Mr Hunt, along with lawyers for Adani.

It follows another dismissed challenge by the Federal Court earlier this month, relating to a Native Title determination.

Adani welcomed today's decision in a written statement.

"Over six years, there have been multiple approval processes, some two years of cumulative community consultation and submissions as part of those processes, and over ten appeals and judicial processes brought on by activists," the statement read.

"There can be no question that there has been more than ample opportunity for consultation, input and appeal and for activists to have their say.

"Clearly, the time has come for the will of communities who are crying out for these projects to proceed to have their voices heard — not just those of activists from out of town."

ACF chief executive Kelly O'Shanassy said she was disappointed by the outcome but the foundation would do everything it could to stop the mine, including a possible appeal.

"It is absolutely incredible that the Federal Government could approve a mega-polluting coal mine in this day and age of climate change without being able to determine what impact that coal mine will have on climate change or on the Great Barrier Reef," Ms O'Shanassy said.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said the decision was inevitable.

"We're another step closer to getting the Carmichael coal mine out of these courts, and into making jobs for Queenslanders," Mr Roche said.

"[The ACF argument] was equivalent to saying that Saudi Arabia needs to take responsibility for the emissions from Australian motorists using their oil. It was always a nonsense case."

Adani said construction should begin in 2017.