Damon Mcknight
Coal mining is a controversial industry in Australia, with environmental groups criticising its contribution to climate change. Despite this, coal remains the primary fossil fuel used in energy generation in the country. In 2019, coal was responsible for 30% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions, and 41% of carbon dioxide emissions in 2020. In 2019, there were 52,600 people employed in coal mining in Australia, though this figure includes all types of coal. In 2019, of the 12.9 million Australian workers, only 52,100 worked in coal mining, with a further 28,100 employed in oil and gas extraction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people employed in coal mining in Australia in 2024 | 45.9 thousand |
| Number of people employed in coal mining in Australia in 2019 | 52,600 |
| Number of people employed in coal mining in Australia in 2018 | 38,100 |
| Number of people employed in coal mining as a percentage of the Australian population in 2019 | less than 1% |
| Number of people employed in oil and gas extraction in Australia in 2019 | 28,100 |
| Number of people employed in refining and energy supply in Australia in 2019 | 81,000 (estimate) |
| Number of people employed in fossil fuel industries in Australia in 2019 | 133,100 (estimate) |
| Number of people employed in McDonald's in Australia | More than those employed in coal mining |
| Number of people employed in health and social services in Australia | 10 times more than the number of people employed in fossil fuel industries |
Explore related products
![Injury experience in coal mining, 1965 : analysis of mine safety factors, related employment, and production data / by Forrest T. Moyer and Nina L. Jones. 1968 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61IX47b4r9L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
In 2019, 52,600 people were employed in coal mining
It's worth noting that coal mining employment figures have fluctuated over the years. For instance, the number of people employed in the coal mining industry in Australia was approximately 45,900 as of June 2024. The industry has traditionally been a significant contributor to the Australian economy, and Australia has become one of the largest producers and net exporters of coal globally. However, the coal mining industry has faced increasing criticism from environmental groups due to combustion emissions.
Public support for coal-fired power stations has been declining, and consumption of Australian coal has been on the decrease over the past decade as newer, cleaner forms of energy become more accessible. This shift in energy preferences is reflected in the rise of renewable energy sources in Australia, even though coal remains the primary fossil fuel used in energy generation. The discussion around coal mining, coal burning, and their contributions to climate change has gained widespread attention in Australia.
Despite being a significant industry in Australia, the coal industry has been criticised for not paying its fair share of taxes. According to the Australian Tax Office, coal and oil companies have not paid taxes on their Australian revenues in the last six years. While the fossil fuel industry generates billions of dollars in tax revenue, it pales in comparison to the commonwealth revenue and national income. Additionally, the taxes paid by individuals in the health and social services sector dwarf those paid by the fossil fuel industry.
Changing a Colostomy Bag: A Step-by-Step Guide for Australians
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Coal mining jobs are declining due to environmental concerns
In Australia, coal is the primary fossil fuel used in energy generation. However, the coal mining industry employs a small percentage of the population, with approximately 45.9 thousand people working in the industry as of June 2024. This is a decline from previous years, with around 52,100 people employed in coal mining in 2019.
The decline in coal mining jobs can be attributed to various factors, including environmental concerns and the rise of renewable energy sources. Environmental groups have criticised coal mining due to combustion emissions, and public support for coal-fired power stations has been dwindling. As a result, consumption of Australian coal has been on the decline, with newer, cleaner forms of energy becoming more popular.
The transition to cleaner energy sources is a global trend, and it is expected that the coal industry worldwide will face significant job losses in the coming decades. Research by the Global Energy Monitor (GEM) estimates that nearly 1 million jobs will be lost by 2050, with China and India facing the biggest losses. This is due to the inevitable closure of hundreds of labour-intensive mines as countries move towards cleaner, low-carbon energy sources.
While the decline in coal mining jobs may cause economic hardship for workers, it is important to note that the fossil fuel industry does not employ a significant proportion of the population. In Australia, the health and social services sector employs far more people than the fossil fuel industry, and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are creating new job opportunities.
To mitigate the impact of the transition away from coal, governments need to implement plans to support workers and ensure they do not suffer from the energy transition. This may include retraining programs, financial support, and the development of new industries to create new job opportunities.
Exploring Wildlife: Australia's Top Animal-Spotting Destinations
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fossil fuel jobs are outnumbered by health and social services jobs
In Australia, the coal mining industry employed approximately 45.9 thousand people as of June 2024. This number has fluctuated over time, and it is worth noting that coal mining has faced increasing criticism from environmental groups due to combustion emissions. While coal is the primary fossil fuel used for energy generation in Australia, renewable energy sources are gaining popularity, and public support for coal-fired power stations is declining.
In contrast, the health and social services sector in Australia offers a much larger base of employment. According to Stanford's research, out of 350 regional communities in Australia, only 11 had more than 5% of their population working in the fossil fuel industry. In these 11 fossil fuel-intensive regions, the number of people working in the fossil fuel industry was comparable to those working in health and social services. Outside of Australia's capital cities, health and social services employ 7.5 times as many people as the fossil fuel industry.
The health care and social assistance industry in Australia has been growing. As of February 2025, it employed 616,600 workers, with registered nurses being the largest occupation within this sector. This sector contributes to about 16.1% of workers having their main job in the industry.
The social work profession in Australia offers a range of opportunities, including positions in community mental health, student support services, Aboriginal community support, and youth trauma recovery. These roles are often valued for promoting respect, teamwork, compassion, high performance, and integrity.
In summary, the statement "Fossil fuel jobs are outnumbered by health and social services jobs" holds true in Australia. The health and social services sector provides a significantly larger number of jobs compared to the fossil fuel industry, particularly in the realm of health care and social assistance.
Crafting Federal Laws: The Australian Process
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fossil fuel companies have not paid taxes on their Australian revenues
Australia's coal mining industry employed approximately 45,900 people as of June 2024, a decline from the 52,100 coal mining workers recorded in 2019. The coal mining industry has traditionally been a significant contributor to the Australian economy, with a gross value addition of nearly AU$47 billion in 2020. However, the industry has faced growing criticism from environmental groups due to combustion emissions, leading to a decline in public support for coal-fired power stations.
Despite the economic significance of the coal industry in Australia, concerns have been raised about the tax practices of fossil fuel companies. According to the Australian Tax Office's 2020-21 report, 73 out of 134 fossil fuel companies paid no tax, despite a collective income of AU$164 billion in Australia. This trend is not isolated to a single year, with companies like ExxonMobil avoiding tax for eight consecutive years.
One of the primary methods employed by fossil fuel companies to minimize their tax liability is transferring profits to parent or subsidiary companies in low- or no-tax jurisdictions. This strategy allows them to legally structure their operations to reduce their tax burden. For instance, Chevron paid only AU$30 in taxes on billions of dollars in income, while Shell and its subsidiary QGC avoided paying taxes on substantial revenues.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has initiated efforts to increase tax collection from the fossil fuel industry, eliminating deductions and loopholes worth up to AU$40 billion. However, these efforts have yet to be reflected in the disclosed data, and the latest figures still indicate minimal or no tax contributions from major fossil fuel companies.
The tax practices of fossil fuel companies have significant implications for the Australian economy and society. While these companies benefit from the country's resources and contribute to environmental issues, their tax avoidance strategies result in a disproportionate tax burden on other industries and individuals, including teachers, nurses, and retail workers.
Doja Cat's Australian Tour: When and Where?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Coal exports do not fund imports
Australia is one of the largest producers and net exporters of coal in the world. In 2020, the gross value added by the coal mining industry was almost 47 billion Australian dollars. However, the coal industry does not employ a large number of people. Out of 12.9 million Australian workers in 2019, only 52,100 worked in coal mining, with a further 28,100 employed in oil and gas extraction. The health and social services sector employs more than 10 times as many people as the combined fossil fuel industries.
Despite Australia's significant coal exports, these do not directly fund imports. When a company like Glencore sells Australian coal to a Chinese steel mill, the payment does not necessarily go to an Australian bank account. Additionally, coal and oil companies like Yancoal and ExxonMobil have not paid taxes on their Australian revenues in the last six years. The income tax and GST paid by individuals in sectors like health, education, and retail far exceed the taxes paid by the fossil fuel industry.
The belief that Australia's way of life relies on the coal industry is misleading. While coal is the primary energy source in Australia, renewable energy sources are gaining popularity, and public support for coal-fired power stations is declining. Australia's major markets for metallurgical coal are India, China, and Japan, which account for about two-thirds of exports. However, the global supply of thermal coal is not expected to increase significantly, and Australia's exports account for around 20% of global thermal coal exports.
In summary, while Australia's coal industry contributes significantly to the economy through exports and tax revenues, it is important to recognize that coal exports do not directly fund imports. The coal industry employs a relatively small percentage of the population, and the taxes paid by this industry are dwarfed by those from other sectors. Australia's economy is diversifying, and the belief that coal solely funds the country's imports is inaccurate.
Finding Adoptive Parents in Australia: A Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Estimates vary depending on the source and the time period in question. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were approximately 45,900 people employed in the coal mining industry in Australia as of June 2024. Other sources cite figures ranging from 38,100 to 54,000 for the number of people employed in coal mining in Australia in 2019.
The coal industry employs less than 1% of the Australian population.
The health and social services sector employs more than 10 times as many people as the coal industry. Outside of Australia's capital cities, health and social services employ 7.5 times as many people.
Coal mining has faced criticism from environmental groups due to its contribution to combustion emissions and climate change. Coal was responsible for 30% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 and 41% of carbon dioxide emissions in 2020. Protests against coal and fossil fuels have also taken place in Australia, with a notable 30-hour blockade in Newcastle in 2023.
