Local, international coal miners decry Australian royalty hikes

SYDNEY -- The state government of Queensland, a major Australian coal producing region, in July raised the royalties coal mining companies must pay, provoking a backlash from producers and related industries.

The new royalty schedule increases costs for mining companies, although the impact will depend on coal prices. While the Queensland authorities maintain that costs will rise only if coal prices stay high, miners warn the royalty increases will discourage new investment.