NSW coal exports surge as demand for our coal booms

NSW coal exports are powering ahead thanks to increased demand from global markets in Asia, delivering an economic boost to the people of NSW.

Data released by Coal Services reveals that coal exports out of NSW increased by 6% in the last financial year, a bump in coal export volumes of almost 9 million tonnes to a total of almost 162 million tonnes for the year.

The strong growth in demand for NSW coal in the last financial year was led by Japan, with increased coal exports of 6 million tonnes to a total of 71 million tonnes.  This was followed by Taiwan with increased coal exports of over 4 million tonnes to a total of 19.6 million tonnes and South Korea with coal exports from NSW increasing by 3 million tonnes to a total 8 million tonnes. 

In terms of long term demand growth, this latest boost represents an increase of 80% in NSW coal exports over the last two decades.  Coal exports are worth over $26 billion in export revenue to NSW each year and remain our most valuable export commodity.

Energy producing thermal coal was responsible for the lion’s share of the increase in demand, up 6.5% in the last financial year as our regional trade partners lock in their energy security.

Welcoming the positive economic news, NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said, “Coal is our State’s most valuable export so it’s great for the NSW economy that demand for our high-quality resources remains strong.”

“With strong coal export volumes, more coal mining jobs, and record coal mining royalties flowing to the NSW Government it is more important than ever to ensure a sensible and balanced approach is taken to policies impacting the sector.”

“Right now, there are a number of coal mining projects in the NSW planning system waiting on approvals, including the critical Hunter Valley Operations Continuation Project.  There are 1,500 direct mine workers, thousands more in 750 local supply businesses and the entire local community hoping and praying that this project will be approved.”

“It’s clear there is strong ongoing demand for NSW coal.  Our state is in a good position to make the most of the opportunities afforded by this demand if we can approve these critical mining projects already in the planning system,” Mr Galilee said.

Contact: Brad Emery | bemery@nswmining.com.au | 0450620254