The Bowen Basin coal field is an important energy resource. A relatively small proportion is avail- able by open cut operations. Responsible men throughout the world have warned of the need to increase coal research immediately._x000D_
Because energy is still available in abundance these warnings have not been heeded in Australia. The characteristics of the Bowen Basin coal make it a fairly difficult underground mining proposition and a significant research effort is required to solve the problems likely to be encountered. Both industry and government have responsibilities in the economic recovery of the maximum proportion of the resource and jointly funded research administered by existing organisations should be inaugurated forthwith.