Australia is studying plans to transform a disused underground coal mine into a pumped hydro facility.

Demand for thermal and metallurgical coal should rise to 7,432 million tonnes in 2021, from 7,243 million tonnes this year, according to the International Energy Agency.

The terminal has throughput capacity of 33 million tonnes.

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis says Dominion Energy's Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center is at risk of closure.

Poland generates most of its electricity from burning coal and is the only European Union state that has refused to pledge carbon neutrality by 2050.

Chinese media reported that China's top economic planner had granted approval to power plants to import coal without clearance restrictions, except for Australia.

A series of deadly mining accidents has hit output, while self-imposed import restrictions -- including on key supplier Australia -- limit shipments from overseas.