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We can mine and use our coal safely

Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:48 PM CDT

There are times when the stars seem to be in alignment. Perhaps we are approaching just such a time concerning our great and vastly under-used resource, the bituminous coal that lies beneath the ground throughout Southern Illinois.

It was encouraging to learn Tuesday that Illinois mining safety is now a bragging point. It has been more than five years since a fatality has occurred in an Illinois coal mine, the first time such a feat has been achieved since coal mining began in our state. There are other coal-producing states, but Illinois is alone in achieving such a record.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich proclaimed Tuesday "Mine Safety Day," and issued a statement recognizing the accomplishments of the state's mining industry.

"Today is a great day for the Illinois coal industry and the men and women who take on tremendous risk each day when they go to work," he said. "To go five consecutive years without losing a life in an industry worldwide that has seen its share of recent tragedies is an accomplishment that should not be overlooked."

We don't always agree with the governor, but he was right on target with his recognition of our miners.

Improving mine safety is a necessary step to increasing the marketability of our coal. The current safety achievement comes on the heels of renewed interest in developing so-called clean-coal technologies that will allow us to harness the vast stores of energy below our soil in an environmentally friendly manner.

Coal gasification holds great potential, as does the emerging technology that supported the $1.8 billion FutureGen project. The project may not be destined for Mattoon because of ill-considered political maneuvering by the Bush administration, but the science underlying the project is not likely to be stifled by governmental bungling.

Private industry sees value in a new type of coal-fired power plant, one that generates energy without emitting pollutants. Instead, carbon dioxide emissions would be safely piped and stored underground. The technology could lead to worldwide development of new-generation power plants and a burgeoning market for our region's coal.

Southern Illinois' bituminous coal reserves hold more BTUs than the oil reserves of both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Growing demand for the energy-laden coal might mean that anyone who wanted mining work in our region might have the opportunity for the high-paying jobs.

Our nation needs to develop more homegrown sources of energy. Our coal is part of the solution. We are confident that clean coal technology is both near and feasible. And we've already proved that mining can be done at minimal risk.