The Rudd government’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme will be covered, with Xstrata corporate affairs and sustainable development group executive Mick Buffier to discuss what emissions trading will mean for the coal industry.

Commonwealth Bank commodities analyst Lachlan Straw will provide his thermal and coking coal outlook, while Gujarat chairman Arun Kumar Jagatramka will delve into the major growth plans of the Indian steel industry.

Project updates will be provided by Coalworks chief executive Andrew Firek and Wallarah 2 Coal Project environment and community manager Peter Smith, while Coal Services project manager Ken Cram will present an overview of black coal mining operations in the country, including longwall mining production and initiatives.

A suppliers’ forum will be held on the second day of the conference, to be helmed by Bucyrus international sales manager Paul Mulley, Becker NCS managing director Tony Napier and Wirtgen Australia mining manager Colin Ford.

Coal chain infrastructure updates will be provided by Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group, Australian Rail Track Corporation and Pacific National.

The keynote opening address is scheduled to be undertaken by Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change Greg Combet, but organisers have noted this is subject to his availability.

Organised by Informa, the conference will be held at the Amora Hotel Jamison in Sydney.