The conference will address coal use, carbon capture, storage and utilisation, with an emphasis on developing value-added products from coal.

The conference will bring together officials from the US, China and Australia as well as private partners.

“Those involved in this research are looking at technologies to add value to coal and its use now and in the future,” Mead said.

“We in Wyoming have much to offer to this work and much to gain from it.

“The advancement of coal research will benefit Wyoming, its people and the coal industry. I fully support it.”

The conference is part of ongoing international collaboration.

Industry leaders and policy makers meet every other year to discuss research and advanced coal projects underway across the globe.

The University of Wyoming’s school of energy resources is also participating in the conference, which takes place at the CSIRO Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies.

While in Australia, Mead will tour coal export facilities and conduct meetings with various companies.

“Australia exports millions of tonnes of coal each year to Asian markets. These same countries are interested in Wyoming coal,” he said.

“I look forward to visiting and seeing a vibrant coal port to better understand the benefits and challenges associated with this method of export.”