The Australian government has launched a $70m Coal Mining Abatement Technology Support Package, aimed at developing technologies and processes to aid the coal industry.
Resources Minister Martin Ferguson
The package provides funding for three areas of development – research, development and demonstration of abatement technologies and processes, measures that address safety and regulatory issues that stem from developing and deploying those technologies, and for support for small and medium-sized mines to prepare for carbon emissions abatement strategies.
“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,” said Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson. “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.”
The first round of funding is currently open.