Just as we’re hearing sky-high energy prices are set to stay, coal prepares to overtake iron ore as our major export.

Higher commodity prices and increased demand from Asia is expected to push our coal exports to $58 billion this financial year, slightly more than what’s forecast for iron ore.

CEO of NSW Minerals Council Stephen Galilee says it’s proof coal is far from dead.

“Coal is alive and kicking and has a very bright future,” Stephen tells Chris Kenny.

“This is a big export industry for our country, it’s generating 51,000 direct jobs across the country.”

Stephen has laughed off claims the coal industry is in “structural decline”. He says global powerhouses aren’t slowing their consumption of the material. In fact, they’re speeding it up.

“Last year, the world percentage use of coal for energy generation increased to around 40%.

“Power stations… are delivering more efficient energy with lower global emissions and they’re doing it increasingly using our high-quality coal from Australia.”

Click PLAY below for the full interview