NSW Government decision to protect 400 mining jobs welcome

The NSW Minerals Council has strongly welcomed today’s announcement from the NSW Government that it will legislate to protect mining jobs in the Hunter.

“The Mount Pleasant mine has endured four years of activist legal challenges, creating uncertainty for hundreds of mine workers, their families and local supplier businesses,” NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said today. 

“The legislation proposed by the NSW Government will provide welcome certainty for those workers and their families, and those working at hundreds of local businesses supplying the mine.” 

The legislation will address the unique legal uncertainty arising from the High Court’s judgment on 7 October 2026 by authorising an increased annual production limit of 16.5 million tonnes (MT) until 2032 consistent with MACH Energy’s current workforce and coal production profile.

“Once introduced, the NSW Parliament should pass this important legislation without delay to provide much-needed job security and financial certainty for hundreds of mining workers, their families and their local communities.” Mr Galilee said.

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