The three signatories were the Japan Coal Energy Centre; Australian Coal Research (a company established by the Australian coal industry to manage the activities of the Australian Coal Association Research Program); and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.
CSIRO exploration and mining deputy chief Greg Rowan said the agreement would support closer collaboration between the coal mining industry and industry researchers in Australia and Japan.
“Improving our relationship and sharing research priorities will lead directly to a deepening of capabilities in coal production technology, mine safety technology and coal utilisation technology,” Rowan said.
The signatories to the joint statement have agreed to a number of specific activities:
To coordinate research and development and pool the scientific and technical results;
Work together in the operation of special research or pilot facilities; and
Share information through meetings, workshops, seminars and the exchange of researchers.
“We now have coal research bodies and mining industry stakeholders in both Japan and Australia working together towards commonly agreed goals,” Rowan said.
