An empty coal train derailed on the Hunter Valley line in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, as this edition was going to press. The derailment resulted in a brush fire and the temporary closure of the line. The train, operated by Aurizon, was returning to a Peabody Energy mine. While most coal shipments remain unaffected, Aurizon said disruptions may be anticipated for Yancoal’s Moolarben and Glencore’s Ulan Coal.
The Rising Tide and School Strike for Climate staged the People’s Blockade at the Port of Newcastle. A flotilla of personal watercraft assembled at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 25, and continued until 4 p.m. on November 26. The protestors promoted the blockade as a family-friendly gathering with music, speakers and activities for the kids.
Disrupting coal exports through the Port of Newcastle will have no impact on global coal supply and demand, explained Stephen Galilee, CEO, NSW Minerals Council. “As activists and extremists attempt to shut down the Port of Newcastle, they may wish to consider some facts regarding NSW coal exports and global coal supply,” he said. “While NSW coal exports are a very small component of global coal supply, it represents the state’s most valuable export by far, more than $70 billion nationally. Coal exports provide jobs for over 25,000 people across NSW. Around $13 billion is forecast in royalties for the NSW Government over the next four years, mostly from coal exports, helping to fund police, hospitals, schools and other public services and infrastructure.”
