Minister for Mineral Resources, Eddie Obeid said expertise from the Department of Mineral Resources will be used to carry out research for this 18-month project.

The research will look at ways to measure diesel smoke from exhaust fumes in underground coal mines. There is currently no effective method of measuring diesel particles suitable for use by mine operators.

“Finding an effective way of being able to accurately measure particles of diesel in raw exhaust emissions, which come from diesel engines used in underground coal mines, would be a milestone for the mining industry,” said Obeid.

“This research is good news for NSW’s coal workers. It will help give them better air quality deep underground in future years,” he said.

“The health and safety of our mine workers is a NSW Government priority. That’s why we have provided $15 million for this Government’s safety initiative.”

The Joint Coal Board Health and Safety Trust was established in 1991 to fund research into better health and safety in Australian coal mines. Research includes injury, disease and human factors such as stress and fatigue.

“The NSW Department of Mineral Resources has long-standing expertise in testing and controlling exhaust emissions,” Obeid said.