Australia’s NSW Bans New Coal Mines
New South Wales, Australia’s second largest coal-producing state, revealed plans to stop accepting applications for new coal mines in its NSW Coal Industry 2026-50 strategy and net zero 2050 emissions plan. The ban applies only to greenfield projects, existing mines and extensions are unaffected, allowing them to continue operating for decades. The state will also cease new coal exploration funding. Japan, China and Taiwan are the state’s largest coal buyers. Environmental groups welcomed the announcement but said continued approval of extensions to that mine was inconsistent with the state’s own climate legislation.