September 08, 2008

Queensland Resource Council urges for cutting greenhouse gas

The Queensland Resources Council has urged mining companies to help cut greenhouse gas emissions if they want to prosper from long term demand for the state's coal. A senior minerals analyst with the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics has predicted the demand for Queensland coal will continue until at least 2030.

Mr Michael Roche CEO of Queensland Resources Council's said that it does not guarantee mining companies will be able to take advantage of it. He added that "Our concern is, will we continue to have the support of governments and the community to keep digging up and exporting coal unless we are part of the solution for the greenhouse gas problems?"

Meanwhile, Mr Geoff Wilson Mines Minister of Queensland Mines said the State Government has not set a precedent by intervening in a legal dispute over a central Queensland coal mine. He said that "This step is a response to this particular case and the unusual highly unusual circumstances and facts associated with this particular site. It is a sad day in Queensland when legislation has to be passed to prevent Queensland falling to its knees financially because of controversial warnings regarding global warming."