The report stated that the Port of Gladstone stood on top with 69.6 million tons of exports for the 2014 calendar year.

The state shipped 168 million tons and 196 million tons of coal in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Queensland Resources Council CEO Michael Roche said: "What we are seeing are Queensland coal producers replacing the high prices of a few years ago with the volumes necessary to keep their operations viable in a currently depressed market.

"Their first goal must be to outperform competitors attracted to the export market by record prices that peaked around 2009-10."

Coal producers in Queensland spent $19bn in 2013 – 14.

Coal industry is said to represent around 13% of the state’s economic output and 10% of total employment.