3 Reasons the NSW Minerals Council is Vital to the Mining Industry in Australia

The NSW Minerals Council is the leading industry association representing the minerals industry in New South Wales, providing a united voice for its members. Here are three reasons why the association is so important to the mining industry in Australia.
 
1. They have the resources to make a difference

Mining has and will continue to be a key economic driver for the state. That’s why the NSW Minerals Council works closely with government, industry groups and business and community leaders to foster a sustainable mining industry in NSW.

The NSW Minerals Council supports the development of a strong and diverse state economy and an effective regulatory framework in which the industry can operate profitably and make a meaningful contribution to the state and the people of NSW.

2. Their members include some of the largest mining companies in NSW

Every year the NSW Minerals Council surveys its members to determine the economic benefits of mining to NSW. The results for 2013-14 will be released in November.

In 2012-13 the survey found that 26 NSW Minerals Council member companies directly spent around $12.8 billion on wages, goods, services and community contributions in NSW. This direct spending included $3.1 billion spent on the wages and salaries of over 23,000 mining workers, and over $9.7 billion in spending on goods and services with over 10,500 local businesses across the state.

When broken down by ABS region, the survey found that direct and indirect mining industry spending contributed around 36 percent of the Gross Regional Product (GRP) of the Hunter, 19 percent of the GRP in the Central West, 30 percent of the GRP of the Far West of NSW, 17 percent of the GRP in the Illawarra and 4 percent of the GRP in Northern NSW.

3. They understand the economic benefits of NSW mining

Mining is an integral part of the economic and social fabric of NSW, particularly rural NSW.  Mining has been part of our state for more than 200 years, providing jobs, independence and wealth. No state has played a more prominent role in the history of Australian mining than NSW. Coal mining in Australia began near Nobbys Head in Newcastle in the 1790s, with the first coal shipment leaving Newcastle in 1799.

“It’s true, NSW mining has had a tough 18 months, with a fall in commodity prices, a stubbornly high Australian dollar and uncertainty with regard the NSW planning approvals regime. However, mining does have a bright future in our state and will continue to deliver jobs and economic stability to regional communities across the state,” NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said.

“Our state has some of the best quality coal and minerals in the world.  We have an experienced and highly accomplished mining workforce, and the world’s largest coal export port. So while mining in NSW is experiencing short-term challenges, the long term prospects are good, provided we can continue to meet the future demand,” Mr Galilee said.