Coal

Coal has been a key driver of opportunity in Queensland for generations.

Today, coal continues to play a major role in our economy especially in our regional communities. It supports thousands of jobs and delivers billions in export revenue.

National and global markets rely on Queensland’s dependable, high-quality coal to support critical industries like infrastructure and power generation.

• $45.8bn

  coal exports (12 months to May 2025)

• 27,000

  Queenslanders employed by coal mining (four-quarter average to June 2025)

• $5.5bn

  coal royalties (financial year 2025)

Metallurgical coal and thermal coal

Queensland is home to some of the largest coal reserves in the world. In fact, we're Australia’s largest coal-producing state with more than 224 million tonnes of coal produced from 59 active mines in the 12 months to May 2025.

Of this, approximately 61% was metallurgical coal and 39% thermal coal.

But what is the difference?

• Metallurgical coal (or coking coal) is essential for steel production. It is a key input in blast furnaces and essential to construction, infrastructure and manufacturing around the world. Queensland is a leading global supplier of metallurgical coal.
• Thermal coal is used to generate electricity and provide heat. It plays a crucial role in powering homes, businesses, and industry both in Australia and internationally.

Both types of coal are vital to global development. Queensland's coal sector is well positioned to meet rising demand, particularly for metallurgical coal, and will continue to support jobs, regional growth, and energy reliability at home and overseas.

Last updated

20 January 2026

Last reviewed

14 July 2025