10 Things We Know About the Future of Mining in Australia
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As tenement managers, mining lawyers and environmental consultants, the Hetherington team frequently offers advice and information to mining corporations conducting coal projects within Australia. Our role is to support mining companies with legal matters as they proceed with exploration, prospecting and mining projects.
Many Australians know that coal is an important fossil fuel, but very few can actually explain what it is and how exactly it is used. Coal is an abundant natural resource in Australia, and both our country and others rely upon on it for various purposes. To help you understand coal a little better, our team have produced a short list of key facts about coal in Australia.
- Coal is primarily used to generate electric power.
Coal is an important energy source used by countries around the world. The most common uses of coal are in electricity generation, steel production, cement manufacturing and as liquid fuel.
Coal by-products can also serve a range of purposes for different industries. Many soaps, aspirins, solvents, dyes, plastics and fibres use coal or coal by-products as components within the product. It is also an essential ingredient in some specialist products, like activated carbon, carbon fibre and silicon metal.
- Coal production strongly outweighs coal usage in Australia.
The rate at which coal is consumed and used in Australia is significantly lower than the production of coal taking place in Australia. As such, most of the coal mined in Australia is exported to other countries. Currently, Australia exports the most coal of any country, and our coal mining industry has previously been valued at more than 40 billion dollars.
China and Japan are two of Australia’s most prominent export partners. Other large exporters of coal include Indonesia, Russia, United States, Colombia, South Africa and Kazakhstan.
- Coal produces around 40% of the world’s electricity.
Coal is a very valuable resource supporting electricity generation around the world. In Australia, it is estimated that nearly 80% of the nation’s electricity is thanks to coal.
- There are different types of coal.
Different types of coal can be used for different purposes. Steam coal (sometimes referred to as thermal coal) is the main type of coal used in power generation. Coking coal (sometimes referred to as metallurgical coal) is mainly used in steel production operations.
- Coal prices are continually changing.
Much like any other mineral or significant resource, the price of coal is continually changing. The price of coal can be influenced by the price of other fuels, demand at certain times of the year in other countries, and general changes to the economy.
How does Hetherington support the sustainable production of coal in Australia?
Our team of tenement managers and mining lawyers is highly knowledgeable in all legal and other matters associated with exploration, prospecting, and tenement management. At Hetherington, we offer a range of services to help mining corporations navigate the legal complexities surrounding their land tenure, native title, and tenement management. Applying for the relevant approvals and licences can be a complex and technical task, so it is important to work with a skilled team of experts who can ensure your project has the best chance of success.
Just some of the services we offer include:
- Tenement management from specialised tenement managers
- Assistance with Exploration Licences, Assessment Leases and Mining Leases
- Land access arrangements, compensation agreements
- Warden’s Court objections, and representation in the Warden’s Court Western Australia
- Mineral exploration approvals
- Tenement reporting, mining rehabilitation reporting
- Program of work (POW), Mining Operations Plan (MOP) and activity approval preparation lodgement and management.
- Mining compliance, exploration compliance, tenement compliance
For expert advice in tenement management including how to apply for a tenement or renew a tenement from our team of experts, contact us on 02 9967 4844 (Sydney), 08 9228 9977 (Perth), or 07 3236 1768 (Brisbane). Alternatively, you can visit our website to hear more about our industry-leading team and send an enquiry to one of our offices. We endeavour to answer all queries as soon as possible, so you will hear from us shortly.
In the meantime, you may browse other articles on our blog or discover more about our history as tenement managers and mining lawyers by following prompts on our website.