Coal seam gas (CSG) is hailed as the energy source with a smaller carbon footprint than coal. However CSG coal mining proposed for the Liverpool Plains, Hunter Valley, St Peters, Warragamba Dam catchment could cause considerable environmental damage and loss of prime agricultural lands. Damage to aquifers, competition for groundwater and disposal of extracted salt water are concerns of farmers and rural towns, as are the chemicals injected for Fracking the coal seams to extract the gas. Fugitive emissions from pipes and well leaks can release damaging methane. Particulates from open cut mining can cause health hazards. How can agriculture and mining co-exist in these regions?
This public forum will be chaired by Phillip Adams and opened by Jack Mundey. The panel of speakers include Assoc Prof Stephen Cattle; Dr John Williams; Assoc Prof Ruth Colagiuri; Tim Duddy, Caroona Coal Action Group; Kirsty Ruddock, Environmental Defenders Office
Supporters include: ACF; NCC; National Farmers Association of NSW; University of Sydney; Friends of the Earth; WWF; Greenpeace; Australian Society of Soil Science Inc; Youth Climate Coalition; Lock the Gate; Caroona Coal Action Group; Hunter Valley Protection Alliance; Southern Highlands Coalition; Sydney Residents Against Coal Seam Gas; Otford Preservation Society
Eastern Avenue Auditorium, Bldg 19, University of Sydney
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Anonymous replied on Permalink
The use of sophisticated software systems for coal mining (thermal coal, steam coal and metallurgical coal) that is mostly burnt for power generation and steel production and adds to the greenhouse effect is valid for western countries who may allocate resources and funds to alternative and more greener sources of power. Some of the alternatives may be "safer" than the traditional mines. Unfortunately, coal reports and coal statistics show developing economies are more likely to increase their use of thermal coal & metallurgical coal in coming years because of its affordability and to meet increasing demands for electricity and steel. Whether they will embrace and utilise sophisticated software systems that no doubt add to the cost of production is yet to be seen. Ian www.coalportal.com