New report on booming coal industry out now

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries has today released its NSW Coal Industry Profile 2006 - the most comprehensive guide to production information, industry trends and new projects within the State’s coal sector.

“The NSW coal industry is one of the pillars of the State’s economy, promoting regional development, job creation and generating export revenue,” said Director General of the Department of Primary Industries, Barry Buffier.

“The NSW Coal Industry Profile 2006 provides a snapshot of the State’s industry, including production and consumption details, new mines and projects, future outlook for the industry, environmental management, and details on coal resources located throughout the State.”

In 2005/06 the NSW mining industry directly employed over 18,000 people, an increase of more than 12% over the previous financial year and the highest employment level since 1996/97 - confirmation of the continuing resources boom.

The coal sector accounts for more than two thirds of the State’s mining jobs directly employing people who live in rural and regional NSW.

“Coal mining has played a long and important role in communities all across NSW providing more than 12,600 direct jobs and nearly twice as many flow-on jobs through related industries and services,” Mr Buffier said.

The NSW minerals industry was valued at $11.7 billion dollars in 2005/06 and coal mining was worth around $8.5 billion dollars - around 73% of the State’s total mineral production revenue.

“This NSW Coal Industry Profile 2006 can also serve as an important tool to help draw new investment into the industry and the regional communities which rely on a dynamic coal sector.”

“The Mine Dossier section gives extensive details about all existing and proposed coal mines in NSW, including resources/reserves, product specifications, and mining and processing details” he added.

“The publication also includes a range of statistical information covering production, consumption, output, exports, employment and productivity along with reference information on government and industry organisations,”  said Mr Buffier.

The NSW Coal Industry Profile 2006 can be purchased via the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au or by contacting the Department’s Maitland office at (02) 4931 6666 or by email mineralpublication.orders@dpi.nsw.gov.au