Research and development plays a vital role in all facets of coal mining and use. An active and long-term commitment to research and development by both industry and government has ensured that Australian coal producers are amongst the most competitive, efficient and environmentally advanced in the world.
Australian Coal Association Research Program
Since 1992 Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) has been funding R&D into coal production and use. ACARP currently invests over $14 million per annum on industry-related research via an industry-wide levy on coal production.
Through ACARP the industry also supports key research via its membership of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC). A number of coal producers have also elected to become individual participants in these Centres. In addition to ACARP and the COAL21 Fund individual Australian black coal producers are providing significant direct funding for demonstration projects – in Australian and international projects.
For further information visit the ACARP website at: http://www.acarp.com.au
Other Coal Research
Coal-related research is also conducted in Australia by a wide range of companies, government agencies such as CSIRO, and academic institutions. Links to a number of these can be found in the links section.