Swapping coal for renewable energy always generates a heated discussion, but what’s less talked about is the impact of such a transition on the mining industry’s sizeable workforce.
This week we talk about coal jobs and discuss why the conversation around the industry is so important politically, environmentally and personally.
We hear from Geoff Dyke, Secretary for the CFMEU Mining and Energy Division’s Victorian branch, to get an insider’s perspective on the industry, including how workers from the decommissioned Hazelwood Power Station are adjusting to new careers.
The CFMEU is one of Australia’s largest unions and represents the miners and energy workers in coal.
This episode was recorded on July 11, 2020.
Grind’n the Grid is produced by the Monash Energy Club for MOJO News.
HOSTS: Alexander Taylor-Bartels and Jane Knight
RESEARCHERS: Rachel McIsaac, L-J Oldfield and Marilyn Rechtmann
MUSIC: Finding Me, by Eveningland © Creative Commons License
SOUNDBYTES:
China places ‘unofficial ban on Australian coal’ Sky News Australia
Why Australia’s booming renewable energy industry has started hitting hurdles | Four Corners ABC News In-depth
What happens when a town’s major industry shuts down? Insight SBS
ARTICLES:
China to avoid coal from Australia in new trade threat Sydney Morning Herald
Are there really 54,000 people employed in thermal coal mining? RMIT ABC Fact Check
ABC Q&A Climate Solutions Marijn Wilder (Chair of ARENA) and Alan Finkel’s support for Australian manufacturing and hydrogen production
The changing global market for coal Stats around Australia’s export of coal (mostly by Japan), Reserve Bank of Australia
In Queensland’s coal heartland, some locals are leaving mining jobs to work in renewables Isaac Regional Council Mayor – employment discrepancies between renewables and coal, ABC News
How Germany closed its coal industry without sacking a single miner Sunday Morning Herald
Coal mines can be closed without destroying livelihoods – here’s how The Conversation
Collie at the Crossroads Beyond Zero Emissions
What happens to an Australian coal town as the country turns to renewable energy? SBS News
Japan to build up to 22 new coal power plants despite climate emergency The Independent
Latrobe Valley positive two years after Hazelwood power station closure Stats about Hazelwood and the Latrobe Valley coal industry, ABC News