Analysis of the latest figures from the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI), and new mapping of trends in the preceding five years of NPI data, shows an increase in particle pollution (PM10) from the nation’s coal mines, coal fired power-stations and coal terminals.

Highlights:

• Coal is the dominant source of PM10 emissions nationally.  During the last five years, coarse particle pollution (PM10) from coal mines has increased by 107%, primarily as a result of increased production from existing mines.
• Many coal fired power stations have increased their particle pollution. In Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, for example, dangerous fine particle (PM2.5) emissions from the four major power stations increased by 940,000 kg over five years - a 27% increase.