Dr David Laurence: "That was probably a realistic view 30, 40 years ago.  Probably 40 years ago.  Since that time many mining companies have joined the Minerals Council of Australia.  And by doing that you agree to certain things, incorporating sustainable development in your activities, environmental impact assessment, regular environmental audits, community integration, that whole series of principles which align them to the International Council Mining and Metals, ICMM.  So most mining companies now they’re… I wouldn’t call them fat cats, they’re owned by their shareholders.  They employ a lot of people and these people are genuinely passionate about doing the right thing because they know it’s in their interest to do so.  No mines are perfect though, they’re continually improving.  The industry is only as good as its lowest common denominator.  And often, as I’ve mentioned before, if there’s a single incident somewhere in the world, the world will know about that very quickly through the internet and television coverage.  So the industry is proud of its record but unfortunately it doesn’t get portrayed as such.  It’s very easy to see holes in the ground because the nature of mining generally, if it’s open pit mining, requires that to happen.  So, yes, there is a temporary damage but in time that damage will be remediated."

Categories: Coal in Australia, Environment, Industry, Jobs, Sustainable Mining
Author: Dr David Laurence