Mines which contributed most to the increase were Hail Creek, Moorvale, Peak Downs and Saraji in the northern district, Curragh, Ensham and Norwich Park in the central district and Commodore, Meandu and New Acland in the southern district.

During the September 2004 quarter, coal production, employment, productivity, export and domestic sales increased. Saleable coal totalled 44.013Mt, an increase of 12.08% over the 2003 corresponding quarter.

Exports during the quarter increased by 2.859Mt with increased tonnages exported through the ports of Abbot Point, Brisbane, Dalrymple Bay and Gladstone.

During the twelve months to September 2004, exports of coking coal have shown an increase of 5.410Mt or 6.14% and thermal coal showed an increase of 1.566Mt or 3.66%.

Countries that increased imports of coal significantly from Queensland for the twelve months included Belgium (up 37.91%), Brazil (up 33.39%), China (up 18.06%) and Israel (up 40.46%).

As at 30 September, 2004 employment in the Queensland coal industry was 13,903 positions, compared to 11,120 positions in 2003. The northern district saw an increase of 221 underground positions and 189 underground positions in the central district.