New report finds coal industry contributed $164.9 billion to Australia's economy and supported 782,243 jobs
- First ever Annual Coal Report shows 782,243 jobs dependent or supported by coal sector
- Coal injected $165 billion into national economy in 2024/25
- $9.6 billion paid in royalties and state taxes
- $9 billion wages bill
With worldwide demand for coal at a record high, Australia’s first ever annual coal report has confirmed Australia's coal sector contributed $164.9 billion to the economy, supported 782,243 jobs and underpinned 14,451 Australian businesses during the 2024–25 financial year.
The Chair of Coal Australia, Rob Bishop, said Australia’s Annual Coal Report, the sector’s flagship economic publication, confirmed the national economy and jobs were “counting on coal”.
“Our industry provides good well-paying job opportunities for thousands of men and women working at mines in regional communities and suppliers who keep us running”.
Mr Bishop said Australia’s Annual Coal Report had been independently prepared by Lawrence Consulting, and provided a comprehensive assessment of the coal industry's economic footprint across Australia at the national, state, regional, local government and electorate level.
Coal Australia CEO, Stuart Bocking said the report confirmed coal's role as one of Australia's most important industries.
“The scale of coal's economic impact is extraordinary. Few industries, if any, can match coal's economic footprint. In 2024–25 alone, the industry spent $74.5 billion across the Australian economy, supported almost 14,500 Australian businesses and generated almost $13 billion in taxes and royalties for governments.”
“These figures reflect the scale of Australia's coal sector, which is one of the nation's largest contributors to economic growth, jobs and export income. It also plays an important role in underpinning Australia's AAA credit rating.”
“This report puts hard numbers around the coal industry’s contribution and provides an independent benchmark for measuring it year after year.”
Australia’s Annual Coal Report also confirmed the industry paid $8.9 billion in wages and salaries, contributed $228.7 million to local governments and provided $33 million in voluntary support to more than 1,700 community organisations.
Mr Bocking said coal's economic contribution extends well beyond mining communities.
“Behind every mine are contractors, truck drivers, manufacturers, engineers, retailers and thousands of Australian families whose livelihoods depend on a strong coal industry.”
Mr Bocking said publishing the report each year would provide policymakers, industry and the broader community with a consistent evidence base.
“Whether it's keeping the lights on, producing the steel-making coal, or creating economic opportunity across the country, coal remains central to Australia's prosperity. This report ensures that contribution is measured, understood and recognised.”
Fast Facts:
In 2024-25, Australia’s coal sector:
- Contributed $164.9 billion to the economy
- Supported 782,243 jobs across Australia
- Employed 76,895 full-time equivalent workers
- Underpinned 14,451 businesses across Australia
In 2024-25, the coal sector spent:
- $74.5 billion across the Australian economy
- $8.9 billion in wages and salaries
- $52.5 billion with almost 14,500 local businesses
- $33.0 million contributed to more than 1,700 community organisations
- $9.6 billion paid to state governments (including royalties)
- $3.3 billion paid to the Federal Government
- $228.7 million paid to local government
In Queensland during 2024-25, the coal sector:
- Generated $38.4 billion in direct spending
- Supported 393,250 jobs
- Directly employed 31,789 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers
- Supported 8,236 local suppliers
- Accounted for 51.6% of Australia's total direct coal sector spending
- Outside of the capital cities, the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region in Queensland recorded the largest share of direct expenditure by region in 2024/25, totalling $7.4 billion.
- In this region, the coal sector supports 77,596 jobs and has 10,603 directemployees (FTEs); and 1,941 local suppliers.
In New South Wales during 2024-25, the coal sector:
- Generated $26.0 billion in direct spending
- Supported 300,737 jobs
- Directly employed 21,137 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers
- Supported 8,143 local suppliers