New analysis by Lock the Gate shows that coal mining is responsible for the majority of dangerous air pollution in NSW and roughly half of this is created by just five of the biggest mines.
The analysis is included in Lock the Gate’s submission to the NSW Government’s Clean Air Consultation Paper, which closes for submissions today.
The five coal mines creating the most fine particulate air pollution in NSW are, in order: Ravensworth, Liddell, Bulga, Mt Owen Mine and Mt Arthur.
Lock the Gate spokesperson, Georgina Woods said, “Coal mining contributes more than half of the state’s particulate pollution and Hunter Valley towns and cities suffer the worst effects.
“The government’s own research shows every year, particulate pollution is thought to cause 520 deaths in Sydney. It’s clear that clearing the skies will save lives.
“For the sake of the health of Hunter Valley cities and towns, the government must not delay in taking action to stop the coal mining industry polluting the air. Coal is a public resource and we expect the Government to manage it in a way that doesn’t send people to an early death.”
In November, the EPA released stark analysis that the national standard for the smallest and most dangerous particle pollutants “is unlikely to be attained in Singleton and Muswellbrook into the future as coal production in the Hunter Valley is expected to continue to increase.”
“We are urging the Government to move quickly on these high pollution mines to ensure that by the end of the year there is a 50% reduction in human-made sources of particle pollution, which is what the EPA says is required to ensure Singleton and Muswellbrook meet national clean air standards," Ms Woods said.