Natural resources and mines minister Henry Palaszczuk said that over the year total saleable coal increased by 5.24% to 173.4 million tonnes, exports increased by 5.5% to 145.6Mt and employment grew by 18% to 16,413 positions.

"The coal industry continues to perform strongly. The growth in production, exports and jobs has been very impressive and it is set to continue," he said.

Since July 1998 total saleable coal production has risen 160%, while more than an extra 7000 people have become employed in the state's coal sector.

Palaszczuk said the latest September 2005 quarter report indicated which mines had contributed the most to increased production levels: Goonyella/Riverside, Hail Creek, Peak Downs and Moranbah North mines in the northern district; Ensham, German Creek, Norwich Park and Oaky North mines in the central district; and Callide and Commodore mines in the southern district.

In terms of exports, sales of coking coal increased by 12.3% to 104.9Mt in the 12 months to 30 September this year. Thermal coal sales declined by 8.5% to 40.6Mt over the same period.

"Japan, our biggest customer, bought an extra 3.1 million tonnes of Queensland coal, while India [with an additional 2.9 million tonnes] and Taiwan [with an additional 2 million tonnes] also increased their purchases," Palaszczuk said.

Despite the improved production and export volumes, the report found productivity decreased by 14.4% to 11,287 tonnes per person from 30 September 2004 to 30 September this year.