Companies do make new towns - a series of demountables that's moved offsite when the mine starts to wrap up. If companies cared enough they'd build sustainable towns in those areas - but they don't care about communities, they care about profit.

Australia's mining is 86% overseas owned. The rights over the mining "economy" are by vast majority held by overseas companies.

You have a lot to say today.

> In my experience mines opening tend to be good for local economies and provide good jobs

I have never heard anyone describe mining as a "good job". It's a terrible, physically intensive, extremely unhealthy and highly risky job. What's the life expectancy for coal miners like?

Not sure about coal miners, but I'm sure it's not good. But most mines where I live are open-pit, pay well and have solid OHS systems. Have you ever been to a mining region? I've almost always heard positive things from mining workers.