Coal is just another of our many resources. It happens to be in demand and that demand is growing. It's not our responsibility to ask each of our customers and potential customers for a detailed list indicating what they are going to do with this coal and how they are going to reduce emissions if they decide they need to burn it for energy. That would be ridiculous. Once it's sold the responsibility shifts to the customer. Are we supposed to be the world's policemen?
How many merchants do you know that ask you what you're going to do with anything that you purchase? In the US, the sale of weapons has increased alarmingly this year. Do you think arms merchants ask why and then ask their customerwhat he is going to do with his purchase? Yet that seems to be quite acceptable.
Don't get me wrong here. I'm concerned about global warming and sulphur emissions but I'm also a pragmatist. We need energy, and the burning of coal, oil and gas satisfy that need. Without them we can't continue to exist in the world that we have come to rely upon for all of the comforts that we enjoy. Maybe in the future we will have viable alternatives such as solar but for now we still need fossil fuels.
I believe our responsibility lies in helping to educate our customers about how to use our products in an environmentally satisfactory manner. The technology exists that can scrub all of the byproducts from the burning of coal. Of course, its expensive but that's not the point, it's available.
Britain burns a huge amount of coal to generate electricity, about 30% of it's electicity and 40% during peak periods. Britain's government has taken a position that forces power producers to be proactive and implement ways to reduce their emissions. The new Carbon Capture and Storage technology is an example. Although its new and unproven it is an example of what can be done if there is a desire. The huge Drax power plant sells the ash left from the burning of coal to concrete block manufacturuers instead of dumping it in a landfill. Gypsum is a byproduct that is sold to manufacture gypsum wall board (drywall). And, they are looking at new ways to reduce sulphur emissions.
Unfortunately, many developing countries are also heavy polluters. Sure, we could stop selling coal to them but they will get it elsewhere. So, I believe our best alternate is education. Show them how and/or provide assistance and aid. Sell them the technology and provide the personnel to maintain it. We need to be proactive in our marketing. But refusing to sell a valauble resource like coal is cutting our own throats.
Just my opinion.
BGT