The State Government has released its NSW’s Coal Industry 2026-50 supports mining, workers and regional communities statement, setting out a long‑term framework for how coal will operate in NSW through to 2050.
The policy aims to balance energy security, jobs and regional development with NSW emissions reduction and net zero targets.
Under the framework, the State Government says it will not consider proposals for new standalone greenfield coal mines. However, it says applications to extend existing mines adjacent to current operations can still be considered, subject to robust environmental and emissions requirements and strengthened EPA regulatory controls.
Figures released alongside the announcement show the Hunter remains the largest coal region by scale, with nearly three times the number of mines and more than three times the economic output. The Hunter region has 19 mines and $15.2 billion in coal mining economic output. The Hunter is also listed as accounting for 58 per cent of NSW direct coal mining employment (estimated as at December 2025).
For comparison, the North West is listed with five mines and $3.9 billion in output (15 per cent of direct employment), Central West with seven mines and $4.9 billion (19 per cent), and the Illawara with four mines and $2.1 billion (eight per cent). The note attached to the figures says Tahmoor and Dartbrook were suspended during the 2025 calendar year.
The statement also points to the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, with legislation currently before Parliament, and says a priority will be re‑using coal mining land and infrastructure after mining ends. It also says the State Government is working with councils and industry on post‑mining land use trials at two sites in Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie, aimed at unlocking new jobs and regional development opportunities.
