The eight-day program to be held in Sydney, Mackay and Brisbane from July 1-8 will bring together Australian and Chinese representatives from both technical and non-technical backgrounds.

Day one kicks off in Sydney and will focus on New South Wales government policy.

The afternoon session will look at the New South Wales coal industry with presentations from Centennial managing director Bob Cameron, Xstrata Coal chief Peter Coates and DBT Australia executive vice president Andrew Richmond. Xstrata Coal safety manager Neville McAlary, NSW University’s Jim Galvin and Queensland Mines Rescue Service chairman Bruce Allan will present operational case studies.

Day two will involve a visit to Appin Colliery and its coal bed methane gas-fired power station.

Delegates will then travel to Mackay on day three to visit the Newlands longwall mine. The technical group will be treated to number of presentations on gas management and fires, explosion and training.

Day six of the summit delegates will meet in Brisbane with presentations from Queensland coal stakeholders. Queensland government policy and regulation will also be discussed.

On day seven a variety of Chinese speakers will hold the floor with presentations from the China National Coal Association, the ambassador for China in Australia and from the Chinese Energy Bureau.

Session two will encompass the outlook for coal trade and clean coal technology; session three will focus on mine safety management and research, with the last session of the day looking at coal policy, legislation and development perspectives. Presentations will be from a mix of Australian and Chinese coal stakeholders.

The last day of the summit will focus on education and training; mine safety case studies; and coal mining technologies and services. Once again presentations will be from a mix of Australian and Chinese industry leaders.

The full program is available from http://www.industry.gov.au/content/itrinternet/cmscontent.cfm?objectid=53FC8304-65BF-4956-B74CF33ED8194A02