The Australian Coal Industry
An important
national economic resource...
Mining of black coal is one of Australia's most
important industries, creating significant employment
in regional Australia, fuel for low-cost electricity
generation and steel-making, and vital export
income. Australia is the world's biggest coal
exporter, and black coal is Australia's largest
export, worth around $A22.5 billion in 2006-07.
 In
addition to providing Australian consumers with
affordable electricity, coal underpins the international
competitiveness of the entire Australian economy.
Black coal mining in Australia is an increasingly
sophisticated, hi-tech activity. Continuous improvements
in mining technology, occupational health and
safety and environmental performance have ensured
that Australia is the world's most efficient and
reliable producer of high quality thermal and
coking coals for the international market.
The coal industry is supported by a strong equipment
and services sector. Australia has world-class
expertise in design, construction and operation
of mines, transport systems and loading facilities.
It also has expertise in training, technical support
and project management
An important social and regional resource...
Since European settlement in Australia the coal
industry has played a leading role in the development
of some of the country's largest regional centres
and major ports, particularly in NSW and Queensland.
 As
those early mining centres become increasingly
urbanised and the accessible deposits depleted,
and as the transport infrastructure and mining
methods have developed, companies have moved to
develop the more remote deposits and, with them,
the neighbouring rural communities.
Coal mining operations in an area bring major
flow-on benefits to all sectors of the community.
Inevitably, the district's population increases
and the medical, shopping, sporting and entertainment
facilities are enhanced.
Additional jobs are created in ancillary industries
like engineering works and tyre and fuel suppliers.
Mining companies also contribute directly to improving
road, rail and air services.
 The
Australian coal industry is also a major education
sponsor, spending millions of dollars each year
on training, scholarships and educational programmes
and is a generous contributor to community projects.
Next Page: The Australian Coal Industry
> Selected
Industry Statistics
|
