She told state parliament the latest data showed jobs in the coal and exploration sectors had grown by more than 3000 in the six months to last November.

“Coal mining jobs are up 9% to 22,000 and job growth is forecast to improve further with new operations like QCoal and JFE Steel’s Byerwen joint venture and resuming operations like Stanmore’s Isaac Plains,” she said.

“Investment in exploration has been climbing, with coal and metals exploration expenditure up by $33 million to $105 million over the six months to last November, driving an increase of 1500 jobs to 13,770.”

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Queensland regional businesses also stood to benefit from the pick up in jobs in the coal sector.

“Resources recovery is positive news for jobs and businesses in regional Queensland, as we continue to diversify our economy into the future,” he said.

Queensland Resources CEO Ian Macfarlane said reports of the demise of the coal industry were premature.

“The numbers don’t lie, recent employment data shows that there has been a rise in jobs in the coal sector as well as increased exploration expenditure,” Macfarlane said.

“Existing operations are producing at record levels, projects that have been on the drawing board have received the green light, and we would anticipate a significant amount of jobs once the Byerwen, New Acland and Carmichael mines begin construction.”