Robertson said this performance helped the Queensland coal industry maintain its position as both the largest exporter of seaborne coal in the world and as a major contributor to the State's economy.
Total raw coal production in Queensland during 2002-2003 was approximately 195 million tonnes, from which a record 153.6 million tonnes of saleable coal was produced.
This represents an increase of about 4 % on the record production performance in 2001-02 and is 80% more saleable coal than produced a decade ago in 1993-94.
Exports of coal also increased approximately 5% to a record 129.2Mt in 2002-2003 and accounted for 84% of total saleable production.
"Queensland coal exports were valued at around $8 billion free on board in 2002-2003, representing over 30% by value of the State's total overseas exports of goods," Robertson said.
"Additionally, the value of the domestic sales of coal in 2002-03 amounted to a further $0.5 billion."
Robertson said the coal industry also continued to be a key driver for regional economic development and job creation.
"At 30 June 2003, approximately 10,700 Queenslanders were directly employed in the State's coal industry, maintaining the high employment levels of the previous year (10,476 employees).
"The industry and its supporting service industries continued to provide jobs and bring prosperity to a large portion of regional Queensland, making a vital contribution to the State's economy."
Robertson said international demand for Queensland's quality coal continues to rise.
Queensland currently exports coal to 35 countries including the largest purchasers Japan (40% of total exports), Korea (15%) and India (10%). Other major purchasers include Taiwan, The United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands and Brazil.
"The Queensland coal industry is well positioned, both in terms of coal resources and infrastructure capacity, to meet increased world demand and maintain its share of the market," he said.
Robertson said detailed analysis of the coal industry's performance and outlook are contained in the 14th edition of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines' publication - Queensland Coals: Physical and Chemical Properties, Colliery and Company Information.
"It incorporates diverse information on the State's coal industry; including sections on the geology and distribution of resources, evaluation and utilisation of the various types of coal, and detailed operational and technical data for each operating mine and undeveloped deposits within the State.
"The Queensland Coals publication was first produced by the former Queensland Coal Board in the 1960s to attract potential coal investors to Queensland, and to further the efficient and responsible development of the State's coal resources.
"To meet the rapid growth and continual developments within the Queensland coal industry, the publication is updated regularly," he said.
