The Minerals Council has slammed claims from the Australia Institute that Australia’s economy “would be barely affected” by a ban on new coal mines and mine expansions.
A report published recently by the Australia Institute, a “progressive think tank”, claims “modelling shows that Australia’s economy would be barely affected by a moratorium on approval of new coal mines and mine expansions”.
Greg Evans, executive director for coal at the Minerals Council of Australia, has dismissed the notion.
“Only the green movement and their mouthpieces such as the Australia Institute would be able to contend shutting down Australia’s second largest export industry would have limited economic impact,” Evans said on September 16.
“Annual coal exports at $38 billion in 2014/15 are almost twice those of beef, wheat, wool and wine combined so under their logic eliminating those great industries would also have negligible consequences.
“This is a nonsense, as the contribution to national income from coal exports improves the living standards of all Australians and the taxes and royalties contributed by the coal sector assists in the provision of vital economic and social infrastructure.”
Evans accused the Australia Institute of “trying to swing the wrecking ball through the economy and the lives of hard working Australians”.
“It may be disappointing to some academics and green think tanks, but Asia hasn’t signed up to their view of the world and the need for affordable and accessible energy options and also coal for steel is overwhelming and a cornerstone of continued economic and human development,” he added.