(Reuters) - Anglo American said on Thursday it had cut a "small number" of jobs at its office in Brisbane in Australia and nearby coal mines as part of the miner's efforts to simplify its operations and adapt to lower coal prices and rising costs.

The unspecified number of layoffs in Queensland comes a day after larger peer BHP slashed 750 jobs at a coking coal mine in the same region, citing low coal prices and high state government royalties that have dented its returns.  

The Isaac Regional Council, a local government body, told Reuters that over 200 roles at Anglo American Australia were affected since Tuesday. Australia's ABC News first reported the news.

"These changes are essential to secure the future of our steelmaking coal operations in Central Queensland," said Ben Mansour, vice president for people and corporate relations at Anglo American Australia, adding that most of the cuts were through voluntary redundancies.

In July 2022, the Queensland government raised royalties to 20% for coal priced above A$175 ($115.6) a ton, with a top tier of 40% for prices over A$300, putting pressure on coal miners in the state.

Previously, the top tier was a 15% royalty on prices over A$150 a ton.

Anglo American operates five coal mines in Queensland's Bowen Basin, which produce steelmaking coal, according to the company's website. Last year, it sold 33% in one of its Australian steelmaking coal mines for $1.1 billion, to focus on core copper assets. 

The company announced last week a proposed merger with Canada's Teck Resources, in what will be the second-largest mining deal ever.

($1 = 1.5142 Australian dollars)