4 minute read
From the Editor
from BBMC Yearbook 2022
by bbminingclub
Jodie Currie
In years to come, we’ll look back at the significant 12 months that have just passed as a turning point for policy, pricing and even the future of coal.
At the beginning of 2022, we were still dealing with snap lockdowns (one of which led to the cancellation of BBMC’s February luncheon), but as I write this piece in December, COVID-19 seems firmly in the rear view mirror. We’ve been ‘back to normal’ for a while now, with a full agenda of exhibitions, face-to-face meetings and even the 2022 Queensland Mining Awards in July, which were the biggest event we’ve ever had (read more about this year’s finalists and winners on page 112). But 2022 was not all smooth sailing: as the COVID-19 crisis faded, we instead began to grapple with a rapid escalation in the conversation around alternative energy and coal’s role in a net zero future. As
As a country, we have the benefit of observing how others ahead of us in the energy transition game are faring - and we also have the advantage of learning from their mistakes.
Now is the time to ensure that we leverage our abundant natural resources to avoid crippling power costs, energy scarcity or even extreme cases like Germany’s, where it’s reported that wind turbines were pulled down to re-establish a coal mine before a predicted winter shortage.
Energy transition was a big talking point at the annual Queensland Resources Council State of the Sector forum, where I had the privilege of being a panellist this year. One of the hottest questions was on the sharp focus in Queensland’s role, and how future policy would affect small businesses. I firmly believe that SMEs want to continue playing a role in providing energy for Queensland.
Whether it be in coal or gas or moving into solar or hydro, companies are continually innovating to keep their businesses fresh. There are also plenty of transferable skills between servicing the coal industry and the renewable energy sector. The Bowen Basin’s businesses are willing and able to play their role in a lower carbon future; but they also want jobs for their children and generations to come. To balance this, we need to be vocal on the role that coal can play in the overall energy mix.
The truth is that Queensland’s coal is the best in the world - for energy and for steel-making. We still need both, and we still need both for a long time to come. But I’m not the only one saying this – you’ll notice this theme is front of mind for many of the year’s contributors.
In particular, make sure you examine closely the arguments presented by Michelle Manook of the World Coal Association (page 24), Mauro Neves of BMA (page 39) and Paul Flynn of Whitehaven (page 42). It also wouldn’t be a wrap-up of the ‘year that was’ in the Bowen Basin without talking royalties. QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane does just that in his contribution (see page 8), as well as AMEC CEO Warren Pearce (see page 28).
While the BBMC has always had a policy of remaining apolitical, this is a serious issue that has strong potential to affect the future of investments in our state - affecting not just the big players, but the small regional businesses that supply them.
With this in mind, if the policy doesn’t change, there needs to be a stronger connection between record royalties paid and investments in regional teachers, healthcare, roads (anyone that has driven the Peak Downs highway out near Nebo knows what I’m talking about) emergency services and mental health programs.
As you browse the pages of this Yearbook, keep the big picture of our industry’s contribution in mind. We’ve done our best to bring you an overview of key trends in operations, decarbonisation, technology and safety. The information you read in these pages should help you to have conversations around the boardroom table or the BBQ, advocating for the industry. And, as always, reach out if you want to continue the conversation. The BBMC community is active on Facebook and LinkedIn all year round.
