Coal workers should be trained in climate change says mining boss

A resources manager wants staff to be educated about being eco friendly.

Grant Howard would like every coal employees to undergo training in climate change, an environmental theory that burning fossil fuels creates carbon emissions that can influence long-term weather patterns.

“I see politicians using coal miners for their own political advantage, and I am very angry about that because they are simply putting forth a very simplistic argument,” he said according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“They are not giving coal miners the information they should need. I want to try to help coal miners understand all of those issues better.”

Howard, who supervises a Bowen Basin coal mine near Mackay, also urged fellow workers to consider a career in hydrogen, battery power and automation. He believes fossil fuels will eventually be replaced by renewable energy and driverless heavy vehicles.

“With the coal fields the employment is shifting to offices and rooms in Brisbane where they are operating the equipment,” he said according to the Daily Mail.

“We are better off preparing new industries which includes battery manufacture and hydrogen manufacturing and leaning into and embracing those industries of the future.”

The 60-year-old made the remarks came after supporting hundreds of anti mining activists who used kayaks to block ships from entering a coal export shipping channel at the Port of Newcastle. They demanded that the federal government stops all new coal, oil and gas projects.

Police arrested more than 100 Rising Tide Australia demonstrators because they continued to occupy waters after their protest permit had expired at 4pm on 26 November 2023. The group comprised of 60 women, 49 men and five teenagers.

“Of those arrested, 18 people were taken to Newcastle, Waratah and Toronto police stations and 86 people were taken to a nearby port facility. They were all issued court attendance notices for operate vessel so as to interfere with others use of waters,” New South Wales Police said in a public statement.

“Two men, aged 23 and 65, were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on 27 November 2023, while the remainder will appear on Thursday 11 January 2024. The five juveniles were released and will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.”