Coal industry defies IPCC report

The coal industry says it will be a major energy provider for decades to come, rejecting the findings of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that the days of fossil fuel use are numbered, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The IPCC says fossil fuel use must cease by 2100 if dangerous climate change is to be averted and, on current emission trends, the world would warm by 4C by 2100 and keep getting warmer.

New South Wales Mineral Council CEO Stephen Galilee told the ABC on Monday that coal would remain a key energy source, especially for “billions” of the world’s poor who still did not have access to cheap and reliable power.

FIFO workers fear drug tests will pick up antidepressants

Unions fear fly-in fly-out workers who need antidepressants aren’t taking them because they fear the drugs will be detected in workplace urine tests and hurt their career, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

After surveying more than 300 FIFO workers, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union said almost 60% of respondents did not seek help for mental health issues because they were worried it might have adverse repercussions on their employment.

AMWU state secretary Steve McCartney said some were so worried they didn't take medication for mental health conditions.

LNG Ltd doubles size of Canadian export project

Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd has doubled the size of its LNG export venture planned for Canada’s Nova Scotia coast, citing feedback from potential gas suppliers and LNG buyers, and discussions with regulators and political leaders, according to the Australian Financial Review.

The 8 million tonnes a year of export capacity now envisaged for the Bear Head LNG venture is on a fast track to development, with some permitting approvals already in placed, and detailed engineering and initial site construction completed, ASX-listed LNG Ltd said on Monday.