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
Premium Content
Subscriber only A Yeppoon coal miner and his wife have filed a $4.2 million lawsuit against major coal companies for damages after he contracted black lung disease in 2017. Kerry Lucas, 62, was previously a very active member of the community but now struggles for breath and to walk a short distance. The workplace injury lawsuit was filed in the Rockhampton Supreme Court last month against Workcover Queensland, Rolleston Coal Holdings, Joy Global, Ensham Resources, BM Alliance Coal Operations, BHP Coal and BHP Billton Mitsui Coal. Workcover Queensland has been listed as a successor for Eagle Engineering, which is now wound up.
Premium Content
Subscriber only A 71-year-old Moranbah man has filed a $1.3m workplace injury lawsuit against a major coal mine company because he contracted black lung disease. Bernard Bell claims he has a permanent disability, coughs regularly, suffers shortness of breath and wheezing. Mr Bell, through Mackay company, Macrossan and Amiet Solicitors, is suing BHP Coal for $1,323.454.12. Court documents were filed at Rockhampton Supreme Court in February. According to the documents, Mr Bell was employed at BHP s Goonyella Riverside Mine between 2005 and 2007 as a trades assistant, electrician and fitter. Mr Bell claims he was exposed to an unacceptable and unsafe level of respirable dust at the Shecon Operation Area at the open cut mine.