In this episode, Mining.com.au’s Shae Russell sits down with Nick Jorss, Chair of Bowen Coking Coal and Grant Weschel, Chair of Mining Pro and Jobs for Mining Communities, to unpack the current state of Australia’s coal industry.
With Queensland’s royalty regime hitting record highs, the coal sector – responsible for tens of thousands of regional jobs – is under immense pressure. But industry leaders are not backing down. They’re fighting for their workers, their communities, and the future of one of Australia’s most vital export sectors.
The conversation dives deep into the unintended consequences of policy decisions, the overlooked economic and social role coal plays in regional Australia, and the grassroots movement led by Coal Australia to restore pride in the sector. From energy security to global steelmaking, this is a candid look at what’s really at stake and why this story matters to all Australians.
🔑 Three Key Highlights:
💰Australia’s royalty regime is the world’s highest, with some coal companies paying 40% of revenue, before profit.
🏘️ Tens of thousands of regional jobs are at risk, with ripple effects across Queensland’s towns and cities.
🧢 Coal Australia is uniting industry voices and restoring national pride in coal communities.
🎥 Watch the full interview to gain insights into how Queensland’s royalty regime is impacting Australia’s coal sector—and what industry leaders are doing to fight back.
