MCA hits out at calls to shut coal industry

The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has hit back at claims that the gradual shutdown of the coal industry would have little economic impact on the Australian economy.

According to a report from The Australia Institute (TAI), “for the Australian economy and community, the impacts of a phase-out of the coal industry would be minimal.”

The report concludes: “Australia can and should impose a moratorium on new coal mines and mine expansions, as part of climate and wider environmental policy, and should expect minimal disruption from doing so.”

According to the MCA, however, such argument is “nonsense”.

“Only the green movement and their mouthpieces, such as the TAI, would be able to contend shutting down Australia’s second largest export industry would have limited economic impact,” said Greg Evans, Executive Director for Coal at the MCA.

Australia’s annual coal export totalled AUS$38 billion in 2014/15, more that twice those of beef, wheat, wool and wine combined, Evans said. The sector also supports 44 000 direct and 150 000 indirect jobs, as well as paying taxes and royalties that “assist in the provision of vital economic and social infrastructure.”

“This latest report is just another example of [the environmentalist’s] approach of trying to swing the wrecking ball through the economy and the lives of hard-working Australian,” Evans concluded.

Edited by Jonathan Rowland.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/22092016/mca-hits-out-at-calls-to-shut-coal-industry-2016-2460/