The concept of sustainability' can largely be defined as development that will not compromise the livability' of the planet for future generations. It has multiple dimensions, such as the triple bottom line - environmental, economic and social. And it also includes temporal (now and the future) and spatial (local and global) aspects that have to be taken into consideration to achieve true sustainability._x000D_
Energy sustainability might be defined as - having the light turn on when you push the switch. It has, of course many more dimensions than this simplistic definition. Coal in Australia has an important role in keeping our lights on, but has its problems that need to be tackled head on to maintain a role in sustainable development._x000D_
An overriding issue in terms of sustainability for coal is its major contribution to our greenhouse gas emissions. Whilst we have one of the most effective energy sectors in the developed world, based on well-managed, abundant fossil fuels, our greenhouse gas emissions are one of the highest per GDP in the developed world. We have to reduce our greenhouse gas signature'._x000D_
This paper explores the issues of coal utilisation greenhouse gas emissions as an indicator of the fuel's sustainability and the potential lower emissions pathways we will have to follow in a future carbon-constrained world._x000D_
The technology changes will have significant implications for the minerals industry and it is argued that forward-looking coal/greenhouse emissions strategies need to be developed in alliance with the coal (and energy) sector for the minerals industry to maintain its global competitiveness.