Push for coal as energy source

 COAL as source of energy is cheaper and a better option than fossil fuels, a company exploring for coal in the country said.
Mayur Resources, which is exploring in the Gulf along Vailala and Purari river systems, said PNG should consider developing the resource with foreign investors.
Coal is an organic matter compressed into many layers over millions of years.
Jonathan Rees, Mayur Resources head of business development, said if developed, coal would greatly help solve the country’s chronic power problems.
Rees was in Hong Kong attending the mines and money conference.
He said coal had a long history of being an effective source of power supply to countries throughout the world, such uas India and China.
Ress said this had led to poverty alleviation in terms of distributing electricity to a bigger number of the population.
He said his company was excited to develop PNG’s coal resource, adding that if a commercial volume of this resource was discovered, it could be an opportunity for the company and PNG government to work together.
Mineral Resource Authority acting managing director Philip Samar said the government through the agency would ensure that Mayur Resources’ work programme was given the necessary attention in terms of providing vital regulatory services.
He said the government was also excited about developing this new sector and that it would continue working closely with the company.