The Australia Institute declares support for increased Hunter coal mining

In a surprising move, The Australia Institute has released a report supporting an increase of Hunter coal export volumes to 235 million t by 2035 from new Hunter mines and the expansion of existing operations.

“It’s been very confusing over the years to know where The Australia Institute stands on mining in the Hunter.  In the past they’ve called for no new mines in the Hunter, arguing this would have little economic impact,” NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen Galilee said.  

“They’ve repeatedly lodged submissions and given evidence to the Planning Assessment Commission against almost every new Hunter coal mining application.”

“Yet today they’ve released a report calling for opposition to new coal mining in Queensland because they say it will cost NSW billions in mining royalties by preventing Hunter coal exports from increasing to 235 million t.”

“It’s great that The Australia Institute is finally supporting a growing Hunter coal industry, given they’ve publicly argued against almost every proposed new project or expansion, and the associated jobs.”

“We look forward to The Australia Institute lodging submissions and giving evidence to the Planning Assessment Commission in support of Hunter coal projects in the future,” Mr Galilee said.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/mining/17072017/the-australia-institute-declares-support-for-increased-hunter-coal-mining/