One of Australia's biggest thermal coal customers — South Korea — has vowed to phase out its use of the commodity in a move which spells trouble for Canberra's fossil fuel exports, according to analysts.

South Korea officially joined the Power Past Coal Alliance overnight in Brazil, where the COP30 climate talks are being held amid wavering support from some rich countries for emissions reduction efforts.

In doing so, South Korea joined a group of about 60 nations committed to ending the "unabated" use of thermal coal, which is primarily used to generate electricity.

The move was applauded by climate campaigners, who said Seoul had sent a powerful message about the actions needed to keep global warming in check.

"(South Korea's) commitment to phasing out coal power sends a powerful s

See Full Page