Mining spending and jobs hit new records in Northern region of NSW

Results from the NSW Minerals Council’s latest annual Member Expenditure Survey have confirmed mining’s continued critical economic role in the Northern region of NSW, which include Narrabri, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Liverpool Plans and surrounding areas

In the last financial year, participating mining companies directly injected $542 million into the local regional economy – the second highest survey result ever reported.

This is the sixth year in a row that direct mining spending in the region has been over $300 million.

The same companies also supported over 3,250 jobs in the region. This is an increase of nearly 2,500 jobs compared to when the survey first took place in 2012. 

The $542 million of direct mining spending in the region last financial year included almost $276 million on wages and salaries, and $266 million for goods and services purchased from over 460 local mining supplier businesses..

The survey also found that mining made a strong direct contribution across local government areas (LGAs) in the region. In the Tamworth LGA mining provided over 380 jobs, directly spent $122 million in the region and supported 121 local supply businesses.

In the Gunnedah LGA mining provided 908 jobs, directly spent $277 million in the region and supported 176 local supply businesses while in the Narrabri LGA mining provided 424 jobs, directly spent $103 million and supported 105 local supply businesses.

The $542 million in direct mining spending last financial year in the Northern region is estimated to have contributed 5.4% of the GRP of the region’s economy during this period.

“Mining operations in the region have maintained local spending records while supporting over 3,250 local mining jobs, highlighting the importance of mining for local communities and the region’s economy,” NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said today.

“The ongoing strength of the mining industry continues to provide a solid foundation for the region’s economy, and with the right policy settings this can continue for many years to come.” 

ATTACHMENT – Graphs: Tamworth/Northern NSW region – total spending, workforce and supplier businesses 2011/12 – 2024/25

Contact: Brad Emery | bemery@nswmining.com.au | 0450620254