NSW coal industry overview and outlook

Australia is the fourth-largest coal producer in the world, after China, the USA and India. In 2001, Australia produced some 257 Million tonnes (Mt) of hard coal, with almost 45% of this coming from NSW. Australia is the world's largest exporter of hard coal. In 2001, Australia exported some 193 Mt of hard coal, well ahead of its nearest rival, China, at 91 Mt and South Africa and Indonesia at 69 and 66 Mt respectively. Of the total coal exports from Australia in 2001, nearly 40% came from NSW. Trade in coal is forecast to continue its growth, particularly for thermal coal. Substantial growth in Asian demand for thermal coal is forecast over the next decade. Asian demand is expected to increase from 193 Mt in 2000 to 333 Mt in 2020. By 2020, Asian demand is expected to make up 62% of world seaborne thermal coal trade