âOver the 2016-17 period, we estimated that the (net present value) of coal mining could be between -$538 to -$690 billion, a very different value than if externalities were not considered ($50 to $64 billion).â vvvvvvvvvvv
â ⦠Coal mining may indeed generate colossal profits to some private companies and provide jobs and royalties for a couple of decades.
âHowever, the externalities related to the social and environmental impacts of coal mining could continue to be felt long after these mines are closed, creating the risk for local communities to be left economically deprived in the entire area.
âIf nothing is done to limit coal mining expansion in the Bowen Basin, much land could become unsuitable for other uses, rivers and water sources could become irreversibly contaminated and local communities might suffer from numerous pollution-related diseases in the years to come.â