Australian support for Coal Mining Abatement...

Australian support for Coal Mining Abatement Technologies


Australia's coal mining operators can now access support to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing coal abatement technologies through the AUD 70 million Coal Mining Abatement Technology Support Package.

Minister for Res ourcesand Energy, Martin Ferguson officially launched the package in Newcastle. Minister Ferguson said that "This support package is about accelerating the development of abatement technologies and processes to maintain the future viability and international competitiveness of the Australian coal mining industry.”

He said that "Coal exports make a significant economic contribution to Australia, accounting for about 17% of our merchandise trade and employing over 50,000 people.”

"Coal mining is central to the local economy of many regional areas, we therefore need to take steps to ensure the industry has a sustainable future as we move to a carbon-constrained economy. It is a matter of doing things differently, improving on the past and continuing to innovate.”

Australia is a world leader in researching ways to measure and abate coal mining emissions, with over 10 years of industry experience.

"The Coal Mining AbatementTechnology Support Packagewill support such innovation through research and development of leading edge coal abatement technologies designed to safely reduce emissions from coal mining."

The AUD 70 million package has three key areas of focus:

1. Supporting research, development and demonstration of abatement technologies and processes;
2. Funding measures that address safety and regulatory issues associated with the development and deployment of these technologies; and
3. Support to small and medium-sized mines to prepare carbon emissions abatement strategies.

The first round of funding for theCoal Mining Abatement Technology Support Packageis currently open.

Source - www.ret.gov.au