Disappointingly, neither of the two major UK generators was present at this forum, which is not a good omen for the future. From a coal preparation perspective, much of the work was highly theoretical, particularly that from the universities. The uptake by industry of the technology emanating from R+D projects will be the key to the future of coal. The need for close collaboration between coal producers, coal users and academia to achieve the correct blend of researchers working together is of paramount importance. A long-term view together with the political will to make use of indigenous coal reserves are required. Research and development must also be encouraged. It would appear that Australia has grasped the nettle. Ironically, they have done so with at least some of the skills and expertise exported to them from the UK.
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