Geologists reveal why Central QLD coal is a long-term industry

Despite all the sound and fury of the coal debate, an expert geologist says Central Queensland’s core commodity is going to be around for decades to come.

An expert geologist says coal will likely maintain Central Queensland’s wealth for decades to come, with Bowen Basin thermal coal pegged to power the Asia-Pacific for the next 30-40 years and metallurgical coal tipped to deliver export dollars for as long as 100 years.

Speaking at the Bowen Basin Symposium at the MECC, geologist David Green said a number of facts ran against claims of coal’s decline.

The construction of coal-fired plants across Asia means coal will be extracted from the Basin for “at least” 30 years.

“Our coal in Queensland is the highest quality coal in the world,” he said.

“And so when they are still building coal-fired power stations across Asia, they will last for another 30-40 years as least.”

Metallurgical coal, as a core ingredient for steelmaking, will enjoy an even longer shelf-life.

Geologist David Green spoke at the Bowen Basin Symposium at the MECC, saying coal has a long and exciting future. Picture: Duncan Evans

Mr Green also noted coal’s use as an input for a range of other products separate to energy generation and steelmaking, from cement and aluminium to carbon fibre and even toothpaste.

“Coal contributes to all of those things,” he said.

“It’s quite a remarkable resource.”

Mr Green also said supply would not pose a problem.

“There are whole reserves that we still haven’t tapped into, so there is easily another 100 years of metallurgical coal available,” he said.

He added the Galilee Basin held “massive” resources of thermal coal and more companies could follow Bravus into the area.

“There’s a high potential for that,” he said.

QCoal exploration geologist Simon Brady offered some indication of the scale of exploration activity coursing through the Basin.

QCoal has multiple exploration leases throughout the state, each in a different stage of development.

At its lease near Bluff, the company has two drill rigs running.

“QCoal does a lot of exploration and we’re very proud of our exploration,” he said.

“There is a transition towards a low carbon society but having to do that in an appropriate way, we’re going to keep producing a lot of coal for a time.

“I’m not sure if it’s 50 years or 30 years, but it’s going to be many years.”