Published Thursday, 03 May, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
PREMIER INVITES SOUTH KOREA TO JOIN CLEAN COAL R&D
SEOUL: Government and business delegations are expected to visit Queensland after Premier Peter Beattie’s high-level trade talks there today with South Korea’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy Young-Ju Kim.
Among issues high on the agenda in the trade talks were climate change, the sustainable supply of resources and the Smart State’s leadership in pursuing clean coal technology.
“South Korea has been a growth market for Queensland coal for more than a decade,” Mr Beattie said.
“In 2005-06 Seoul bought more than 20 million tonnes of coal worth some $2.13 billion (Australian) – second only to Japan,” Mr Beattie said.
“South Korean companies already have significant investments in Queensland’s coal mines and agricultural enterprises, with coal and beef among leading exports to the country.
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to invite South Korean power companies to consider the advantages of increasing business links in the Smart State, and that included investing in our clean coal technology.
“My government has committed $300 million to this research and the coal mining industry has itself raised another $300 million through a voluntary levy.
“Queensland has taken the lead role in driving the research and development and we would welcome international collaborations.”
Mr Beattie said the Smart State aimed to construct a $1 billion clean coal power station within seven years and export the technology around the world.
Currently South Korea’s largest investment in Australia is Korea Zinc –$650 million zinc refinery in Townsville.
The refinery, which began in 2000, employs more than 1,600 people directly and indirectly.
Media Contact: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
3 May 2007
Among issues high on the agenda in the trade talks were climate change, the sustainable supply of resources and the Smart State’s leadership in pursuing clean coal technology.
“South Korea has been a growth market for Queensland coal for more than a decade,” Mr Beattie said.
“In 2005-06 Seoul bought more than 20 million tonnes of coal worth some $2.13 billion (Australian) – second only to Japan,” Mr Beattie said.
“South Korean companies already have significant investments in Queensland’s coal mines and agricultural enterprises, with coal and beef among leading exports to the country.
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to invite South Korean power companies to consider the advantages of increasing business links in the Smart State, and that included investing in our clean coal technology.
“My government has committed $300 million to this research and the coal mining industry has itself raised another $300 million through a voluntary levy.
“Queensland has taken the lead role in driving the research and development and we would welcome international collaborations.”
Mr Beattie said the Smart State aimed to construct a $1 billion clean coal power station within seven years and export the technology around the world.
Currently South Korea’s largest investment in Australia is Korea Zinc –$650 million zinc refinery in Townsville.
The refinery, which began in 2000, employs more than 1,600 people directly and indirectly.
Media Contact: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
3 May 2007