According to a report by natural resources intelligence expert GBI Research, the Asia-Pacific region is tipped to lead the world when it comes to the production of coal.

The coal industry in the Asia-Pacific region comprises China, India, Australia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Vietnam and New Zealand.

The report found China contributed 68% towards Asia Pacific’s total coal production in 2011, compared to India which contributed 13% towards total production for the region.

Australia accounted for an 8.5% share, while Indonesia followed closely behind with a 7.2% contribution.

According to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2011, the Asia-Pacific region had around 292.5 billion tons of coal reserves, or 35% of the global coffers as of 2010.

During 2011, production reached an estimated 4866 million tons, accounting for 65% of total global coal production that year, compared to Europe, the second largest coal producer in 2011, which accounted for a share of just 15%.

The report said Asia Pacific’s coal production would grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%, to reach approximately 7 billion tons by 2020.