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 is a vital source of export revenue. Australia is the world's biggest coal exporter, and black coal is Australia's largest export, worth more than $A50 billion in 2008-09 (See Coal Exports Details)
In addition to providing Australian consumers with affordable electricity, coal underpins the international competitiveness of the entire Australian economy, as well as being a major force driving the social and economic development of regional Australia.