Who Knew Coal Could Be So....Interesting?
The Hunter Valley’s second industry that we explored was the mining industry. Mining in Australia has been a major industry since the 1850’s beginning with the gold rush (Davidson). Coal mining in particular has an effect on the economy in that it represents a great deal of the coal needed in the nation, and it is exported all over the world. Macquarie Generation Station produces 40% of New South Wales’ coal and provides 15% of the coal needed throughout Australia (Brett). Globally Australia has made its mark in coal mining as Port Waratah Coal Services, for instance, ships coal to countries including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Mexico. 
The global climate change occurring throughout the world has had an impact on Australia. Many areas where mining is a prevalent industry have been affected by increasing amounts of rain. Nigel, one of our guides, mentioned the flooding that has occurred this year and how it has impacted the industry. Rain causes the miners to miss opportunities to work, as the plant runs 24/7. As long as major importers such as China and Japan need coal, the Australian mining companies cannot afford to miss work. Greenhouse gases are another implication of mining. Mining companies work to be as sensitive as possible to the environment without completely stopping what they are doing. Some actions they are taking to reduce the impact of coal mining are recycling water, protecting wetlands, and managing water and waste. (PWCS article).
One important aspect that I think the mining group should remember to include in their presentation is the affect coal mining has on a community and environment. Brett and Brian, our guest speakers, each talked a little about this aspect, but I believe it is especially important. The public should know and have a say about the implications an industry can have on their people and environment.
The Hunter Valley’s second industry that we explored was the mining industry. Mining in Australia has been a major industry since the 1850’s beginning with the gold rush (Davidson). Coal mining in particular has an effect on the economy in that it represents a great deal of the coal needed in the nation, and it is exported all over the world. Macquarie Generation Station produces 40% of New South Wales’ coal and provides 15% of the coal needed throughout Australia (Brett). Globally Australia has made its mark in coal mining as Port Waratah Coal Services, for instance, ships coal to countries including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Mexico. 
The global climate change occurring throughout the world has had an impact on Australia. Many areas where mining is a prevalent industry have been affected by increasing amounts of rain. Nigel, one of our guides, mentioned the flooding that has occurred this year and how it has impacted the industry. Rain causes the miners to miss opportunities to work, as the plant runs 24/7. As long as major importers such as China and Japan need coal, the Australian mining companies cannot afford to miss work. Greenhouse gases are another implication of mining. Mining companies work to be as sensitive as possible to the environment without completely stopping what they are doing. Some actions they are taking to reduce the impact of coal mining are recycling water, protecting wetlands, and managing water and waste. (PWCS article). 
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