Coal Mine Targets Kids for Expansion Support

MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant coal mine is employing marketing tactics aimed at children to bolster support for its controversial expansion. The mine operator's reports indicate a goal to "promote education and discuss possible opportunities to influence curriculum or extracurricular activities" within primary and high schools. Company documents reveal engagement with at least eight Upper Hunter schools through sponsorships and donations.

The mine's community newsletters feature a "Kid's Corner" with activities and "fun facts" about coal, omitting any mention of climate change or pollution. This strategy has drawn criticism, with advocates suggesting it's a social license campaign to embed community support during expansion efforts. Premier Chris Minns recently intervened with special legislation to permit the mine's expansion, following a High Court decision that highlighted the need to consider global climate change impacts.

An organization called Comms Declare has highlighted over 260 fossil fuel-funded programs reaching young people nationally. They noted the explicit acknowledgment by MACH Energy of its aim to influence school education as particularly concerning. While NSW public schools adhere to syllabuses developed by the NSW Education Standards Authority, which has reportedly not engaged with the mining group on curriculum, the state's sponsorship policy has exclusions for tobacco and alcohol but not fossil fuels.

Teachers and principals are tasked with approving external materials, though this can be challenging in mining-dependent communities. Other Australian states, such as the ACT, have banned fossil fuel sponsorships in schools, while Victoria considers climate change in such agreements. A NSW parliamentary committee recommended the government assess limitations on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship in educational settings, with the government expected to respond in early November. The NSW Minerals Council defended the industry's provision of educational information and career opportunities.