Speaking on behalf of the South Western System User’s Group, Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said the veneering of coal exported through the Port of Brisbane was scheduled to start by the end of March 2013.

“The New Hope Group – which accounts for over half the volume of coal sent through the Port of Brisbane – has committed to the installation of veneering stations at its New Acland mine,” Roche said.

“If proven effective in reducing dust levels on the South West system, the group anticipates that other western mines will follow suit by the end of 2013.”

The South Western System User’s Group comprises coal producers New Hope Group, Peabody Energy and Yancoal and infrastructure providers Aurizon, Queensland Rail and Queensland Bulk Handling.

Veneering involves the spraying of a biodegradable, non-toxic polymer to the surface of loaded coal before it leaves a rail-loading facility.

The veneer forms a crust which, based on treatments in central Queensland, has reduced dust emissions by up to 75%.

The process is also used extensively in other industries such as road construction.

Coal from the West Moreton and Surat Basins is internationally recognised for its hardness and low dust levels.

Most is washed before leaving mines and arrives at the port retaining 8-14% moisture – all of which contributes to reducing fugitive coal dust.

“The group is also supporting regular air quality monitoring along the line and will continue working with the state government to establish an appropriate number of test sites and a testing regime,” Roche said.

Monitoring is expected to begin in January, with subsequent monitoring to occur in October each year.

“These initiatives will form part of a comprehensive and collaborative coal dust management plan for the South West system line,” Roche said.

“The government is in no doubt about the commitment of the South Western System User’s Group to minimise the environmental impact of coal trains moving to the Port of Brisbane and the group’s preparedness to investigate further initiatives to further mitigate coal dust based on the monitoring results.”