The global coal industry continues to expand with new coal-fired power plants planned or being built throughout the developing world, especially in Asia where coal remains the preferred low-cost fuel option for power generation. Building up coal mining operations, constructing new coal-fired power plants and developing infrastructure requires billions of dollars in initial investments. Where… Keep reading →
A blockbuster of an article is out today describing some highly questionable associations and dealings around Adana’s long-running scheme to turn the Galilee Basin of northern Queensland into a coal mine. The article, published this morning in the Sydney Morning Herald and reprinted in more than 100 papers across Australia, describes a “complex corporate structure”… Keep reading →
Ed. note: This is a new weekly column by Elie Mystal, Managing Editor of Above the Law Redline. This space will focus on the laws that exist, should exist, and should be put out of their misery. OVER-REGULATED Gag Orders: Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship is under criminal indictment for his role in the death… Keep reading →
Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship was criminally indicted for being responsible for the deaths of 29 coal miners in 2010 and in the interest of ensuring a fair trial U.S. District Judge Irene Berger sealed all court records. However, several major media organizations are challenging the gag order. “The news outlets could have good… Keep reading →
On June 23, the new Australian Government lead by Prime Minister Tony Abbott reintroduced a package of bills to repeal the Australian carbon tax. Dismantling the predecessor government’s carbon laws – including the Climate Change Authority and the mining tax – is regarded a top priority by PM Abbott and, therefore, has been placed on… Keep reading →
A Colorado federal judge ruled that regulators failed to consider the “social cost of carbon” associated with a coal development project proposed by Arch Coal. The project’s future economic benefits were estimated as part of the project review process, but failing to estimate potential negative environmental impacts caused from burning coal left the reviewers remiss… Keep reading →
Canada needs to “get its house in order” regarding carbon emissions, according to Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau. If Canada shows it’s serious about dealing with climate change by putting a price on carbon at the national level – Alberta has a carbon tax structure – then it would be easier for the Obama administration… Keep reading →
As the death toll in a coal mine explosion in the western Turkish town of Soma climbs toward 300, devastated workers and residents are lashing out at the country’s leadership. Widespread protests have broken out in several cities as people blame the government for prioritizing profit over safety. Numerous coal mining operations have been privatized,… Keep reading →
The Afşin-Elbistan coalfield and power plant project looks to tap the 40% of Turkey’s lignite coal reserves located in the region to generate up to 8,000 MW of power. After the UAE’s TAQA put investment on hold, Turkey’s state power generator is negotiating with Chinese and South Korean companies. [Reuters] A recent New York Times… Keep reading →
Editorial: Australian-Japanese Coal ‘Partnership’ and Why Global Coal is Here to Stay
By Roman KilisekRecently, the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott warned at the opening of the Caval Ridge coal mine in Queensland against the “demonization of coal.” According to the Sydney Morning Herald, PM Abbott stressed that “coal is good for humanity, coal is good for prosperity, coal is an essential part of our economic future, here in… Keep reading →