Australia’s coal export values have hit a new peak of $56.5 billion in 2017, according to the latest trade data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This valuation is 35 per cent higher than 2016 and beats the previous record of $46.7 billion, set in 2011, by nearly $10 billion. The $56.5 billion is split between 200 million tonnes (Mt) of thermal coal valued at $20.8 billion, and 172Mt of coking coal valued at $35.7 billion.
According to MCA executive director, Greg Evans, Southeast Asia is a particularly important emerging market for coal, where market exports accounted for roughly $2 billion in 2017.
“Southeast Asia is emerging as a significant new market for Australian coal owing to its recent investments in high efficiency, low emission coal-fired power plants significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” he explained.
The June 2018 Resources and Energy Quarterly shows coal is expected to earn $60.2 billion in 2017-18 - its highest-ever annual level - including 182 million tonnes or $37.5 billion worth of metallurgical coal and 200.5Mt or $22.7 billion of thermal coal.
In addition to export revenue, coal continues to make a significant contribution to the Australian economy. It provides 75 per cent of generation in the National Electricity Market, more than 51,000 direct jobs and $6 billion in state royalties annually to pay for police, nurses, teachers and other vital services and infrastructure.
Proficiency Testing Australia (PTA) provides two rounds of Coal Proficiency Testing Programs each year. For more information about the above PT programs, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Resources:
https://www.australianmining.com.au/news/australian-coal-exports-set-new-record-in-2017/
https://www.australianmining.com.au/news/coal-pass-iron-ore-top-australian-export/
By Emilia Cincu 17/08/2018