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Coal is mined in every state of Australia. The largest black coal resources occur in Queensland and New South Wales. [1] . About 70% of coal mined in Australia is exported, mostly to eastern Asia, [2] and of the balance most is used in electricity generation.
In Australia, nearly 80% of coal is produced from open-cut mines, in contrast to the rest of the world where open-cut mining only accounts for 40% of coal production. Open-cut mining is possible because coal seams are close to the surface.
During 2021, Australia had 91 operating black coal mines, 3 operating brown coal mines (Figure 5), and more than 200 known coal deposits. Most of Australia’s black coal mines are in Queensland and New South Wales, which accounted for approximately 50 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively, of Australia’s 2020–21 coal production (Figure 6).
During 2022, Australia had 93 operating black coal mines, 3 operating brown coal mines (Figure 4.3), and more than 200 known coal deposits. Most of Australia’s black coal is produced in Queensland (56%) and New South Wales (43%), the remainder is mined in Western Australia and Tasmania (Figure 4.3).
Coal is used to produce electricity, iron & steel, cement, alumina, paper and chemicals and is also used as a component in thousands of every day products including soap, aspirins, solvents, dyes, plastics and carbon fibres. More than 220 tonnes of coal is required to build a wind turbine.
Australia’s mining industry is a pillar of the Australian economy, with the country being one of the world’s largest exporters of coal, iron ore, bauxite, alumina, and many other resources.
After reaping the fruits of higher coal prices throughout 2022 and the first part of 2023, Australian coal miners could be in for a tougher year in 2024. Newcastle thermal coal, the main Asian benchmark for prices, fell by 13% in January and was down 66% since the same time last year.
In the immediate term, coal mining is anticipated to retain a significant role in Australia’s domestic energy mix and export markets. The current government, after taking office in May 2022, pledged to support the coal industry while also committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Australia Coal Mining Market by Reserves and Production, Assets and Projects, Fiscal Regime with Taxes, Royalties and Forecast to 2030. Australia accounts for 6% of global production, with the largest producers being China, India, Indonesia and Australia.
To meet this goal, Australia must reduce its emissions by 43% (from 2005 emissions levels) by 2030. In 2021-22, Australia produced 422 million tonnes of coal. That results in 1.1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide equivalent CO 2 -e) in just one year.