Queensland’s Mining Firms Boycott State’s Industry Plan Over ‘Exorbitant’ New Coal Taxes

Workers leave Hazelwood Power Station after their final shift in Hazelwood, Australia on Mar. 31, 2017. Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Queensland’s major mining bodies have rebuffed the state government’s launch of its industry plan in response to the state’s decision to hike coal taxes.

Under the new royalty regime, which comes into effect from July 1, miners would need to pay more royalties (20 percent) on each tonne of coal sold for more than $175 (US$119.00) since the start of the new financial year on Friday.