Australia Coal Market Size, Share Analysis and Forecast Report (2025-2034)

Based on end use, the Australia coal market is being driven by increasing demand for power generation for residential, commercial, and industrial consumption

Coal reserves provide a reliable and cost-effective energy source for power generation. Coal-fired power plants offer stable baseload power essential for meeting electricity demand across various sectors. The affordability of coal compared to alternative fuels makes it preferable over other types of energy sources thus boosting the Australia coal market growth.

Despite environmental concerns, technological advancements have improved efficiency and reduced emissions. Coal power plants are equipped with advanced technologies to reduce environmental impact. According to the Minerals Council of Australia, in 2019, coal accounted for a significant portion of energy production, at 69%.

Australia's coal is preferred for process heat in various industries including alumina production, chemicals, machinery, asphalt, cement, and steel making. Its quality matches the needs of modern, high-efficiency coal-fired power plants in Asia, while its metallurgical coals are top-grade for steel production globally.

By the end of 2020, Australia’s recoverable Economic Demonstrated Resources were 74.14 billion tons of black coal and 74.03 billion tons of brown coal, according to Australian government (Geoscience Australia).

This report offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Bituminous Coal
• Sub-Bituminous Coal
• Lignite Coal
• Anthracite
• Others

Market Breakup by Mining Technology

• Surface Mining
• Underground Mining
• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Power Generation
• Steel
• Cement
• Residential and Commercial
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Australian Capital Territory
• Western Australia
• Others

Australia Coal Market Share

Surface mining is predominantly used in the coal market. This method involves the extraction of coal deposits that are close to the surface, typically through open-pit mining or strip-mining techniques. Surface mining is favoured due to Australia's geology, which often features large, shallow coal reserves that are economically viable to extract using heavy machinery and equipment. This approach allows for efficient extraction of coal with lower operational costs compared to underground mining, making it the preferred choice for many coal mining operations across the country.

Leading Companies in the Australia Coal Market

The growth of the coal market is fuelled by increasing demand for coal for power generation as well as increasing production.

• Bloomfield Group
• BHP Group Limited
• Yancoal Australia Ltd.
• Banpu Public Company Limited (Centennial Coal)
• Glencore Australia Pty Ltd.
• Jellinbah Group
• Peabody Energy, Inc.
• Whitehaven Coal Limited
• Hunter Valley Operations
• Others