Pollutant loads from coal mining in Australia: Discerning trends from the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI)

► We compile pollutant intensity data for coal mining in Australia. ► Most pollutants are showing increasing intensity over time. ► Open cut mining is significantly more pollutant intensive than underground. ► Policy can be effective, as shown by the strong reductions in SO2 emissions. ► Issues are discussed with the current National Pollutant Inventory system.