Mining

The Bowen Basin coalfields are situated in the hinterland areas to the west of Mackay. 

Mining companies operating in the region include:

• BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance
• Anglo Coal Australia Pty LTd
• Xstrata
• Peabody Energy Australia Pty Ltd
• Rio Tinto Coal Australia Pty Ltd
• Macarthur Coal

The major product is high quality coking coal for steel furnaces with some production of thermal coal for power generation. 

With the current resources boom, existing mines are being expanded and new mines are under construction.  Expansion of rail and port faciilities is underway in the region. 

The Port of Hay point just south of Mackay in Sarina shire is operated by Ports Corporation Queensland and includes the Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay coal terminals. 

Statistics on coal production and export are available from the Department of Environment and Resource Management  and the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.