Coal producers are highlighting nuances in the face of new emissions plans. 

Coal miners say the Albanese government’s plans to make “industry averages” a major factor in setting emissions limits for coal mines could result in unintended and perverse consequences for coal mines supplying BlueScope’s Port Kembla steelworks and Origin Energy’s Eraring power station. 

Mining companies and their customers have urged the Albanese government to consider tighter definitions of “industry averages” to prevent any unexpected and negative outcomes, which could arise if the nation’s coal mines are viewed as a single industry. 

The push to distinguish underground and coking coal mines from open-pit and thermal coal mines comes as the government races to complete the fine detail of its updated “safeguard mechanism” policy ahead of a July 1 launch. 

More details are accessible here.