Coal has overtaken iron ore as Australia’s most valuable export this financial year.

It’s the first time coal has overtaken iron ore in value since the mining boom five years ago, with its value expected to be around $61 billion.

CEO of NSW Minerals Council Stephen Galilee tells Michael McLaren the results are due to strong commodity prices and high demand.

“We are using more coal than ever before… in New South Wales 85 per cent of our energy needs are still being delivered through coal-fired power.”

The report from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science comes after energy and climate change policy was thrust back into the spotlight at COAG this week.

Click PLAY below for the full story