President of the Bylong Valley Protection Alliance, Phillip Kennedy, says the South Korean Government needs to step in.
“They're also running around on an international world stage saying we’re going to cut greenhouse emissions, we’re going to meet this target by such and such date, yet they want to explore a new coal mine with a license of 25-30 odd years. How about the South Korean government with major stakeholders, back their words up with some actions.”
Kepco has argued that the mine would inject around $290 million into the state economy each year, and would add an extra 6.5 million tonnes of coal each year.
It’s estimated Kepco has spent around $700 million in the past 10 years buying up land in the Bylong Valley, the area is known for its rich soil and is classed at the top 3.5% in the state.
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