Queensland is the largest single seaborne coal exporting province in the world, shipping 104.79 million tonnes in 1999-00. Mining and related exports represent a significant proportion of Queensland export revenue.
Mining also accounts for a large share of fixed capital expenditure in Queensland.
This follows the completion of construction phases for some major mining projects. The mining industry also is a major customer of Government infrastructure agencies particularly rail transport, ports, water and electricity. Queensland ranks second in Australia in terms of value of production of mineral and energy resources. The mining industry has been a significant factor in making Queensland the most decentralised State economy in Australia. The mining sector is currently responsible for around 16,000 direct and 64,000 indirect Queensland jobs.