China coal summit in NSW

The Australia-China Coal Summit will commence today with a government and industry roundtable, aimed at enhancing the relationship between Australia and China to further aid information exchange and joint projects.

The aim of the joint coal summit is to build on existing collaboration between Australia and China on coal related issues, through; facilitating information exchange, promoting industry collaboration where mutual benefit exists, providing an opportunity for industry to showcase expertise and capabilities, and bringing together technical people and specialists from industry, government and the research community.

China is the world’s largest producer of coal. Chinese coal production in 2004 was around 1.9 billion tonnes. This compares with Australia, which produced close to 352 million tonnes in 2004.

Australia is recognised as having expertise in mining technology services, coal gas management, education and training and coal mine safety.

There are synergies between the Australian and Chinese resources sectors with China being the world’s largest coal producer and Australia being the leading exporter of coal.

Safety is a priority in coal and mining industries. Both countries recognise this and also understand the importance of improving environmental management of coal mining operations.

NSW is a world leader in developing and implementing sound mine safety regulations and practices.

The delegation will be lead by Mr Pu Hongjiu, Vice President of the China National Coal Association. It will comprise of senior representatives from the China National Coal Association, State Administration of Workplace Safety, Energy Bureau of National Development and Reform Commission, China Coal Industry Development Research & Consulting Centre and from Chinese coal mining groups.

It is envisaged that Australian and Chinese government and industry will work together to deliver high quality services and equipment to meet the needs and demands of their respective coal industries.