Industry sectors

Mining is a major contributor to the NSW economy providing work for around 29,000 people, as well as nearly 81,000 people indirectly, and accounting for 45 per cent of NSW's total merchandise exports.

Download NSW Mining & Resources Sector Profile

This vibrant and growing industry is the product of prospective geology, well developed infrastructure, low average operating costs, leading edge mining technologies, an available and highly skilled workforce, and a supportive State government.

A rich vein of form

Coal, gold, copper, lead, zinc and other metals, industrial minerals and construction materials are also mined in NSW.

In 2008/2009, the value of this production was around $A23billion.

In the same year, NSW coal production was 138 million tonnes valued at $A19.5 billion. This was over 85 per cent of the total value of NSW mineral production.

NSW is also the largest producer of steel and aluminium in Australia, with over 75 per cent and 35 per cent of Australia’s total respective steel and aluminium capacity.

World’s largest coal export port

Our coal exports in 2008-2009 were 103 million tonnes valued at $A17.1billion, mostly shipped through Newcastle Port, the largest coal export port in the world.

NSW has a strong value-added minerals processing sector with an output worth about $A10 billion per annum, much of which is exported.

Goldmine of opportunity

Importantly, we’re investing in the future.

In 2008-2009, private new capital expenditure in mining was $A2.4 billion. Additionally, over 50 mining and minerals projects are proposed for the future involving a cumulative investment of over $A13 billion and more than 9,000 direct jobs.

Private mineral and petroleum exploration investment in NSW in 2008-09 was approximately $A250 million.

Business expenditure on research and development by the mining industry in NSW in 2007-2008 was $A637 million (85 per cent in coal mining).