Booming NSW minerals industry report out now

The NSW Minerals Industry Annual (MIA) 2008 has just been released and NSW Minister for Mineral Resources, Ian Macdonald, has heralded it as a ‘must read’ for the minerals industry and investors.

This NSW Government publication provides a comprehensive overview of the minerals industry across the State and is an excellent resource tool for anyone in the industry both in Australia and overseas, he said.

The recent unprecedented minerals boom in NSW has provided this State with a real economic boost, bringing new investment and thousands of jobs to regional areas, as well as increased export opportunities.

Over the last 12 months we have witnessed much uncertainty in the world’s financial markets, however despite this, the prices of commodities - particularly coal and gold - have remained strong. That’s why the minerals industry plays a crucial role in supporting our State’s economy.

This publication confirms the long term strength of this important industry, Mr Macdonald said.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) strategic projects advisor, Will Hughes, said the 2008 MIA provides an invaluable snapshot of the industry.

It includes information on production, major exports, mineral exploration, environmental management, mine safety initiatives, new projects and future industry trends, Mr Hughes said.

It also provides reference information on government and industry organisations.

The NSW Minerals Industry Annual can be purchased through the DPI website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/minerals/resources/mineral/industry-annual or contacting the Department’s Maitland office 4931 6666.

Facts:

• The minerals industry employs 47,000 people directly and supports over 200,000 jobs throughout the State.
• The preliminary figure for the total value of mineral production in 2007-08 is $14 billion, an increase of 14% over the previous year.
• Coal production, valued at about $10.3 billion in 2007-08 is the State’s largest mining sector, accounting for over 70 per cent of the total value of mineral production.
• Metallic and industrial mineral production and construction material production is also very significant valued at an estimated $3.7 billion in 2007-08.