The message
from Mike Tomlinson contains these words:

Maybe the benefits of coal being mined in the country will be seen
again,

I think it will, it's a matter of economics. Imported gas and coal will
rise in price to the point that it becomes economic to re-open our
coalfields, even if the power stations have to have emission scrubbers
installed.

Don't forget that one of the reasons for the decline in coal generation
and the 'dash for gas' is the lesser quantity of CO2 produced for the
same energy output. Coal is not going to make a come-back until the
better options are exhausted.

--
Roger Chapman