New coal mine openings slow as East Asian demand plateaus

Share: X (Twitter) Facebook LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Print The world saw the lowest amount of new coal mine capacity brought online for at least 10 years in 2025, according to a new report, as clean energy displaces coal for electricity generation in East Asia. A report (GEM) found that new coal mine capacity declined by nearly 40% from 2024, the second consecutive year new mine capacity has hit a decade low. This represents an acceleration of a steady decline that began in 2019. The slowdown in new coal mine openings was driven , where new additions fell by 44% and 96%, respectively. In China, the report said this was partly due to solar and wind displacing coal for electricity generation - although coal rebounded in the first half of 2026 - and the National Energy Administration implementing new rules to curb new mine openings. In Australia, a 96% reduction in new coal mine capacity was driven , like Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, the report said. This trend is likely to continue, according to GEM, as the Australian state of New South Wales recently banned new coal mines on undeveloped greenfield land. South Korea has promised to stop building coal-fired power plants that cannot capture and store the emissions produced. Meanwhile, Japan is pushing for a post-Fukushima nuclear revival to displace coal. Log in here → Upgrade to keep reading For 15 years we’ve rigorously reported on the decisions shaping our climate. Upgrading to a paid subscription is how readers like you help keep this work going.  £40/quarter → Or £130/year — best value. The world saw the lowest amount of new coal mine capacity brought online for at least 10 years in 2025, according to a new report, as clean energy displaces coal for electricity generation in East Asia. A report (GEM) found that new coal mine capacity declined by nearly 40% from 2024, the second consecutive year new mine capacity has hit a decade low. This represents an acceleration of a steady decline that began in 2019. The slowdown in new coal mine openings was driven , where new additions fell by 44% and 96%, respectively. In China, the report said this was partly due to solar and wind displacing coal for electricity generation - although coal rebounded in the first half of 2026 - and the National Energy Administration implementing new rules to curb new mine openings. In Australia, a 96% reduction in new coal mine capacity was driven , like Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, the report said. This trend is likely to continue, according to GEM, as the Australian state of New South Wales recently banned new coal mines on undeveloped greenfield land.