This paper identifies all coal mines in New South Wales (NSW) which are operational or could become operational in future, and their current and proposed timeframes of operation. It also sets out key economic statistics on employment, production, exports and royalties. NSW has 35 operational coal mines located across the five major NSW coalfields (Gunnedah, Hunter, Newcastle, Southern and Western) and the Gloucester Basin.

Key insights

• NSW has 35 operational coal mines, nine mines in care and maintenance and two mines which are uncommenced.
• Planning approval extension is being sought for 15 mines and planning approval expansion is being sought for two mines.
• In 2023-24, the coal mining industry employed 25,800 people, generated exports worth $33.1 billion and paid $2.7 billion in royalties for the NSW Government.