During the March 2005 quarter, mines produced 41.6Mt, up 8.40% compared with last March, according to just released statistics from the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines.

Mines which contributed most to the growth were Hail Creek, Moorvale, Newlands, Peak Downs and Saraji in the northern district, Ensham, Norwich Park, Crinum, Kestrel and Oaky Creek North in the central district and Callide and Moura in the southern district.

Exports increased 12.8% to 35.7Mt during the March quarter and all Queensland coal ports recorded increased tonnages compared to 2004.

Total exports during the 12 months to March 2005 was up 7.6% to 143.2Mt. Japanese exports increased by 8%, other Asian countries increased by 10.7%, while exports to Europe decreased by 0.9% and exports to other countries increased by 13.5%.

Coking coal exports jumped 13.7% in the 12-month period while thermal coal dropped by 5.11%.

Employment figures have increased by 28% with 14,973 people employed in the Queensland coal industry as at March 31.

Queensland’s northern district grew the most with an increase of 1549 jobs in opencut mines, and 211 positions in underground mines.

Productivity was however down for the March quarter by 2.29% from an average of 48.87t per shift for the March 2004 quarter to 47.75t per shift for 2005. Productivity for the 12-month period was also down by 10.65%

Within Queensland, 26.4Mt of coal was sold in the 12-month period, up 5.6%, with electricity generation the major domestic usage.