Australia's coal industry is driving increases in air pollution according to a new analysis which names coal mining as the dominant source of air particle pollution.

Environment and health groups are calling for new laws to curb rising pollution from toxic substances and "hefty penalties" for companies that breach pollution controls.

The Hunter Valley has some of the most polluting coal mines in Australia, according to a new study. Credit:Dean Osland

Environmental Justice Australia (EJA) has completed a three-month study that tracked five years of data voluntarily submitted by polluters to Australia's National Pollutant Inventory (NPI), which tracks emissions estimates for 93 toxic substances.