PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has warned that the Victorian government’s policy on the future use of coal in the state perpetuates the ‘closed for business’ reputation that the current government has earned.

Resources Minister Wade Noonan at the end of last week announced a policy on the future use of brown coal in the region, ensuring that new projects complied with the Victorian government’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, and placing strict requirements on private sector proposals for new uses of coal.

The projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account an evaluation of economic, social and environmental factors, and will be supported by an independent expert panel, while communities and interest groups will be consulted and have access to information about proposed projects.

“This policy supports brown coal projects that create highly-skilled jobs and boost investment. Any new proposals for alternative uses of coal will be carefully examined to ensure they support local communities, the environment and the economy,” Noonan said.

“We want to create new jobs with a forward-thinking approach to climate change and a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.”

The MCA has warned that this new policy will not only hurt the Latrobe Valley, but punish Victorian families and businesses with higher energy costs and fewer jobs.

“By effectively locking up Victoria's world class brown coal resources, it makes future investment in brown coal-related industries even harder,” the MCA’s acting executive director for Victoria, Gavin Lind said.

“And by setting an arbitrary emission standard for new brown coal power plant, Victorian households and businesses will face even higher energy costs for a less reliable energy system.”

Victoria is estimated to host the world’s second largest deposit of brown coal.