Ruqayyah Snyder
Coal is a significant natural resource in Australia, contributing to the country's energy production and exports. Australia has extensive coal reserves found across various states, including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia. The distribution of coal within these states and the types of coal present vary, with black coal dominating in Queensland and New South Wales, and brown coal more common in Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. The location and extraction of coal in Australia have significant implications for the environment, energy market, and economy, both domestically and internationally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coal Types | Black coal (anthracite or bituminous coal), Brown coal (lignite) |
| Black Coal Locations | Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania |
| Brown Coal Locations | Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania |
| Coal Mining Regions | Queensland (Bowen Basin, Surat Basin), New South Wales (Sydney Basin, Gunnedah Basin, Clarence-Moreton Basin, Gloucester Basin), South Australia (Arckaringa Basin, Polda Basin), Western Australia (Collie) |
| Export Destinations | Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, China, European Union |
| Export Revenue | A$55 billion in 2020 |
| Export Share | 54% of global exports |
| Production Rank | Fourth-highest producer |
| Coal Reserves Rank | Third-largest reserves |
| Energy Source | 54% of electricity in Australia |
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What You'll Learn
Queensland's coal deposits
Queensland has substantial coal deposits, which are mined in both underground and open-cut mines. The state is home to the largest black coal resources in Australia, with about 60% of the known economic reserves located there. Queensland also has significant deposits of brown coal, or lignite, which is found across the state.
The Bowen Basin in Queensland is a significant coal-producing region, with both coal and coal seam gas being extracted there. The Surat Basin in southern Queensland is another important coal-producing area, with development taking place throughout the 2000s and 2010s. The Maryborough, Laura, and Surat Basins, stretching across central and southern Queensland, also contain significant coal resources.
The state's first coal mining operations began near Ipswich in 1825. Queensland's coal industry has continued to develop, with new mines such as the Olive Downs mine near Coppabella receiving government funding for its initial development in 2021. Queensland's coal resources are a significant contributor to the state's economy, with the Queensland Resources Council introducing safety protocols for coal mine workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Geological Survey of Queensland provides access to maps, data, and publications related to the state's coal deposits and geology. Queensland's coal industry is closely monitored, with exploration requiring an appropriate permit, and mining operations needing to adhere to pollution control regulations. Additionally, the state offers annual and quarterly coal industry statistics for further insights into Queensland's coal deposits and production.
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New South Wales' coalfields
New South Wales has extensive coal reserves in the Sydney, Gunnedah, Clarence-Moreton, and Gloucester Basins. The state is also part of the huge Eromanga Basin, which spreads across Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. The Surat and Sydney Basins continue through the north, centre, and west of the state.
The Port of Newcastle, New South Wales, is the world's largest and most efficient coal-handling operation through its two terminals: Carrington and Kooragang. In 1949, the Australian coal industry experienced a significant seven-week strike, leading to the formation of the Joint Coal Board to aid in resolving workers' disputes.
The Moolarben Mine in New South Wales is an open-cut and underground mine owned by Yancoal. Most of Australia's black coal is mined in New South Wales and Queensland, with approximately 70% being exported, mainly to Japan. This makes Australia the world's largest exporter of black coal.
Australian coal was first discovered in New South Wales in 1797, at Coalcliff, north of Wollongong. Soon afterward, George Bass discovered coal in the cliffs at Newcastle off Point Solander. In the 20th century, New South Wales' development was heavily influenced by coal.
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Victoria's Loy Yang mine
Coal is found in various locations across Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia. The primary destinations for its coal exports are Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, India, and Taiwan.
Now, let's focus on Victoria's Loy Yang mine:
Victorias Loy Yang mine is located in the Latrobe Valley, to the south of Traralgon in Victoria, Australia. It is an open-cut brown coal mine owned by AGL Energy, covering approximately 6000 hectares. The Loy Yang mine is Victoria's largest brown coal mine and plays a crucial role in the country's national electricity market. It provides fuel for about 50% of the state's electricity needs, supplying coal to the Loy Yang A and Loy Yang B Power Stations. The mine is licensed to continue production until 2048, with the associated Loy Yang A power station initially scheduled to close in 2035.
The history of the Loy Yang mine dates back to the late 1970s when legislation was passed for the construction of a 4,000-Megawatt power-generating project. Site works commenced in February 1977, and commercial operations began in 1982 with the removal of overburden. Over the years, the Loy Yang mine has faced opposition from climate change activists, who have protested its operations.
Victoria's energy transition aims to reduce reliance on coal and increase the use of renewable energy sources. The state has three declared mines, including Hazelwood, Loy Yang, and Yallourn, which are considered to have potential risks to the community, environment, and infrastructure due to various factors outlined in Victorian legislation.
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Tasmania's Fingal and Kimbolton deposits
The history of coal in Tasmania dates back to 1833 when it was first discovered at Plunkett Point. Tasmania has a diverse range of coal resources, including the Fingal and Kimbolton deposits, which have played a role in the state's energy and economic landscape.
The Fingal and Kimbolton coal deposits are located in the Fingal Valley, in the northeast of Tasmania. The Fingal Valley has a rich history of coal mining, with the first coal mine opening in the area in the 1800s. The coal found in these deposits is typically bituminous coal, which is known for its high carbon content and heat output.
The Fingal deposit is situated in the southern part of the Fingal Valley, while the Kimbolton deposit is located further north. These deposits have provided a local source of coal for nearby communities and industries, contributing to Tasmania's energy needs. The coal extracted from these deposits has been used for electricity generation and powering local industries, ensuring a reliable energy supply for the region.
While the Fingal and Kimbolton coal deposits may be smaller in scale compared to other reserves in Australia, they hold significant value for Tasmania. They represent a local source of energy and have contributed to the state's energy security and economic development over the years. The coal industry in Tasmania, including these deposits, has played a role in shaping the state's history and continues to be a part of its energy landscape.
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South Australia's Arckaringa Basin
The Arckaringa Basin is known for its substantial resources of Permian sub-bituminous coal, which are estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of tonnes. Six coal deposits have been discovered in the basin, with four comprising the Arckaringa Coalfield (Wintinna, Westfield, East Wintinna, and Murloocoppie) and the remaining two being the Phillipson (including Penrhyn) Coalfield and Weedina deposit. These multi-seam deposits are typically flat-lying and covered by varying depths of Jurassic and Cretaceous sandstone and mudstone, forming part of the Eromanga or 'Great Artesian' Basin.
The Arckaringa Basin has attracted interest from companies like Altona Energy, which has conducted a Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) for an integrated Coal-to-Liquid (CTL) plant alongside a co-generation power facility. The basin's potential for petroleum exploration has also been a topic of discussion, with the local Pitjantjatjara and Maralinga people expressing willingness to allow further exploration on their lands.
While South Australia previously had a coal mine near Leigh Creek that produced low-grade sub-bituminous black coal for power generation, this mine closed in 2015, leaving no operating coal mines within the state. The coal discovered in the Arckaringa Basin is of a higher grade, similar to the coal found in Queensland and New South Wales. However, despite the significant resources estimated in the basin, mining may not be feasible due to the depth of the coal seams, which range from 1300 to 4000 metres below the surface.
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Frequently asked questions
Coal is found in underground deposits across Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia. However, most of the explored deposits are in Queensland and New South Wales.
Australia has the world's third-largest coal reserves, which include both black coal and brown coal. Black coal is also known as anthracite or bituminous coal and is found in Queensland and New South Wales. Brown coal, or lignite, is found in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, as well as in other regions in Queensland and New South Wales.
Coal is used for electricity generation and steel production in Australia. It is also exported to other countries, with Japan, Korea, India, and Taiwan being the primary destinations.
There are several environmental concerns related to coal mining in Australia. Some of the important water supplies that are at risk include the Great Artesian Basin, the Martuwarra Fitzroy River catchment in the Kimberley, and the ground and surface water in farming regions of the Darling Downs, northwest NSW, and the Hunter Valley.
