The Minns Labor Government will this week highlight the state's vital mining and critical minerals sector as Sydney hosts the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC).
The conference attracts more than 12,000 attendees from 120 countries and highlights the strength of the mining sector.
Mining in NSW directly employs around 31,000 people, 7,500 businesses form part of the wider supply chain, and the industry invests more than $14 billion a year, largely in regional communities.
Coal mining remains the state's largest export, while gold, copper, silver and other critical minerals and high-tech metals are important economic contributors and employers.
To further cement NSW's place as a world-leader in critical minerals mining, the Minns Labor Government is today releasing the Critical Minerals Skills Plan. An Australian-first, the Plan sets out actions to develop the critical minerals workforce of the future, inspire the next generation of geoscientists, engineers and trades, while expanding understanding of earth sciences.
NSW is already an attractive destination for mining investment because of our experienced skills base, and the Skills Plan will further enhance our reputation among global investors.
The Plan includes initiatives to grow awareness of career opportunities in the sector, provide university students and emerging professionals with work experience, project and research opportunities, and improve the ability for local companies to pitch to investors.
We are also strengthening one of our important international relationships, renewing our agreement with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC).
Japan is NSW's largest market for coal, with around 71 million tonnes exported in 2025-26, accounting for almost half of all exports. The Hunter Valley provides Japan with high-quality thermal coal for electricity generation, while the Illawarra coal fields have long supplied metallurgical coal for steelmaking.
This week, the NSW Government signed a renewed memorandum of understanding with JOGMEC, recognising NSW's importance to Japan's energy security, and supporting Japanese investment in the state's critical minerals sector.
The Minns Labor Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to the sector, including through:
The NSW Coal Industry 2026-50 policy document, recognising that coal mining will continue to play an important role in the NSW economy for decades to come, while providing certainty for workers, communities and industry.
The NSW Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024-35, delivering targeted programs across the critical minerals supply chain, including the Australia-first $250 million royalty deferral scheme to help eligible projects move into production.
Welcoming the Independent Planning Commission's approval of the Hunter Valley Operations coal mine, supporting 1,500 jobs and around $1 billion of investment in the coming year.
Proposed legislation, due to be introduced to the NSW Parliament next month, to protect 400 coal workers at the MACH Energy Mt Pleasant mine, providing certainty while the project makes its way through the planning system.
Providing $2.5 million in co-investment seed funding under the Critical Minerals Exploration Program, encouraging more exploration in the state and supporting companies to undertake drilling, geophysics and geochemistry.
Developed following engagement with industry, education providers and unions, the Critical Minerals Skills Plan targets the skills required across the mining and exploration industry, including in geoscience, minerals processing, engineering, trades and environmental, social and governance practices.
It positions the state to capitalise on the global shift to clean energy while creating long-term jobs and economic opportunities across regional communities.
Critical minerals are essential for modern manufacturing, clean energy technologies and advanced industries. Finding and developing them in NSW means producing them in a stable jurisdiction with clear rules and strong environmental and regulatory standards.
NSW has the resources the world needs and the Minns Labor Government is making sure we have the skills, investment, and technology to turn that geological potential into jobs and economic opportunities.
To view the Critical Minerals Skills Plan visit <https://www.nsw.gov.au/critical-minerals-skills-plan>.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:
"NSW is a crucial part of the global supply chain for coal, gold, silver and copper, as this week's conference showcases.
"The Minns Labor Government understands how important the mining industry is to the NSW economy - from its capacity to attract global capital to how it creates employment and economic opportunities in regional NSW.
"Mining has a long history in NSW and it will continue to play an important role in our economy into the future, particularly as global demand for critical minerals continues to grow.
"With the signing of a renewed JOGMEC agreement, we are demonstrating our long-term commitment to being a secure and stable jurisdiction, providing certainty to our international trading partners.
"Our new Skills Plan leans into what is already one of our key competitive advantages - that we have a broad and dynamic skills base for the mining industry. Continuing to invest in the critical minerals industry is good for workers, investors and regional communities."
