Economy

The economic benefits of mining extend well beyond individuals and businesses employed directly in the industry. For each job directly created by mining, it is estimated that approximately another 3.5 jobs are indirectly created. People in the mining industry mostly live in the community they work in and spend their incomes locally, meaning the benefits are passed on to businesses that may have nothing directly to do with mining, such as cafes and restaurants, dry cleaners, general retailers and home improvement businesses.

Based on comparable projects taken to the operational stage, the Hume Project could potentially have a full time workforce of about 300 people. Hume Coal is committed to employing local people and utilising local businesses wherever possible. The project team employed for the Hume Project already consists of a number of people who live in the Southern Highlands and surrounding area.

NSW Economy

Minerals in NSW are owned by the Crown and are excluded from property deeds. The resource is not owned by individual land owners, nor is it owned by mining companies. Mining companies hold Exploration leases which allow them to explore for coal, or Mining Leases which allow them to mine the coal (subject to approvals and conditions), and in return, pay royalties to the Crown.

The NSW Government encourages mineral explorers to find and develop mineral resources, which deliver significant economic benefits in regional areas and to the State.

Mining is vital to the economy of NSW, providing the Government with a significant source of revenue, as well as benefiting residents of NSW by providing employment opportunities, business activities, development and investment in the State.

• Total employment in NSW coal mines in 2009-10 was 19,115, a steady growth from the 2008-09 figure of 16,958. (Source: CSPL)
• Coal equates to 84% of the total value of mineral production in NSW. (Source: DTIRIS)
• Coal is NSW's number one export in value terms, worth $11.2 billion in 2009-10. (Source: DTIRIS)

(subject to approvals and conditions), and in return, pay royalties to the Crown.

The NSW Government encourages mineral explorers to find and develop mineral resources, which deliver significant economic benefits in regional areas and to the State.

Mining is vital to the economy of NSW, providing the Government with a significant source of revenue, as well as benefiting residents of NSW by providing employment opportunities, business activities, development and investment in the State.

• Total employment in NSW coal mines in 2009-10 was 19,115, a steady growth from the 2008-09 figure of 16,958. (Source: CSPL)
• Coal equates to 84% of the total value of mineral production in NSW. (Source: DTIRIS)
• Coal is NSW's number one export in value terms, worth $11.2 billion in 2009-10. (Source: DTIRIS)

For further information, click here to visit the NSW Mineral Councli Website.