NSW coal mining delivers highest number of jobs in over a decade

NSW coal mining delivers highest number of jobs in over a decade\t

Latest data from Coal Services Pty Ltd shows there were 24,575 direct coal mining jobs in NSW in April 2023, the highest result since September 2012.

The data also shows that in the Hunter – NSW’s largest coal mining region – there were 14,589 coal mining jobs in April 2023.  This is the second-highest number of coal mining jobs in the Hunter region since June 2014.

In the Gunnedah region, the data shows that there were 3,253 coal mining jobs in April 2023, the highest level in more than a decade and very likely the highest level on record.

The data shows there are around 200 more coal mining jobs in the Western region of NSW than a year ago at 3,374, and the number of jobs in the Southern region of NSW had remained virtually unmoved over the last year with 3,359 local coal mining employees.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said the recovery in coal mining jobs in NSW was a sign of the ongoing importance and resilience of the NSW coal sector.

“The growth in coal mining jobs across NSW in recent years shows the ongoing strength of the industry, and the need to ensure mining communities are supported,” Mr Galilee said today.

“The strong performance and contribution of the coal sector reflects the overall growth of the entire mining sector in NSW, including in metals mining.  Metals mining jobs are also at near record levels with nearly 8,000 workers directly employed in the NSW metals mining sector based on the annual NSW Mining Industry Expenditure Impact Survey,” Mr Galilee said.

“These jobs help support regional communities and are also making a very important economic contribution to the NSW economy.

“With the right policy settings, we can continue to make the most of the growing demand for our metals, critical minerals and high-quality coal,” he said.

Contact: Brad Emery