Black lung 'was never stamped out', doctor says

A Brisbane respiratory specialist has added his voice to fears about the growing number of undiagnosed cases of black lung disease affecting coal miners, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Dr Ian Brown says although it was believed black lung - caused by the long exposure to coal dust - had been eradicated more than two decades ago, it was never actually stamped out.

The CFMEU this week reported an eighth former miner was diagnosed with pneumoconiosis and said it knows of another 12 cases.

Mining industry has conceded defeat over exploration drilling in paddocks

The coal mining industry has waved the white flag over a landmark court ruling which prevents them from conducting exploration drilling in paddocks, according to the Australian Financial Review.

Hume Coal, the company against which the ruling was made earlier this month, has broken its silence and confirmed it will not challenge Justice Preston's Ruling in the NSW Land and Environment court.

On May 10, Justice Preston ruled that paddocks, equestrian facilities and other farm assets had been “significantly improved” and therefore should be off limits to miners under section 31 of the NSW Mining Act.

Josh Frydenberg asks CSIRO for secure renewable power roadmap

The Turnbull government will call on CSIRO to help the government navigate the thorny issue of integrating renewable energy into the electricity grid, according to the Australian Financial Review.

Energy minister Josh Frydenberg will say on Friday that CSIRO will lead the development of a Low Emissions Technology Roadmap to help manage the rapid growth of solar rooftop and wind energy so as not to impair the reliability of the electricity grid.