NSW Coal Industry 2026-50 balances energy security, jobs and regional development with the need to reduce emissions and meet NSW’s net zero targets.

It ensures certainty for workers and trading partners by providing an ongoing path to extend existing operations to meet demand, and clarity by ending applications for greenfield mines.

Coal has supported NSW’s economy, powered local industries and sustained thousands of jobs in local communities in regional NSW for generations. While global demand for coal is expected to decline over time, coal will remain an important part of the NSW economy as renewable energy and industrial processes are deployed.

The Minns Labor Government will continue to support coal production where it is already occurring, while placing strong guardrails around future development. This ensures NSW can meet its commitments to key trading partners, meet our own needs and provide stability for workers, families and local communities in coal-producing regions.

NSW Coal Industry 2026–50 outlines that:

• Coal used for NSW energy security and steelmaking will continue to be supported where demand exists, underpinning Australia’s sovereign steelmaking capability.
• Applications to extend existing mines adjacent to existing operations will be considered, subject to robust environmental and emissions requirements.
• Coal producers will be required to continue to play their part in meeting NSW’s emissions reduction targets, including by cutting onsite emissions using proven abatement technologies and meeting strengthened EPA regulatory controls.
• Emissions will continue to be assessed through NSW’s planning system.
• The Government will not consider proposals for new standalone greenfield coal mines.

The Government will support coal-producing regions through its Future Jobs and Investment Authority as demand for coal shifts over time. Legislation to establish the Authority is currently before the Parliament. One of its key priorities is to provide targeted action for the reuse of coal mining land and infrastructure after mining ends, to unlock new and diversified opportunities for investment, job creation, and regional development.

The Minns Labor Government is also working in partnership with councils and industry to unlock new jobs as part of a post-mining land use trial at two sites in Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie.

NSW is committed to emissions reductions across the economy. The coal industry must continue to play its part in reducing onsite emissions consistent with NSW’s legislated interim emissions reduction and net zero targets. The EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Guide for NSW Coal Mines provides guidance for NSW coal mines on opportunities to reduce onsite emissions.

NSW Coal Industry 2026-50 provides a balanced and forward-looking framework that maintains energy security, supports regional jobs and communities, honours export commitments and outlines the role the coal sector will play in support of NSW’s legislated emissions reduction targets.

NSW Coal Industry 2026-50 can be downloaded at https://www.nsw.gov.au/coal-industry-2026-50.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park:

“The Illawarra has always been a manufacturing powerhouse, forming a key part of not just the NSW economy, but the entire Australian economy.

“This plan provides a clear direction for ensuring our region is future ready.

“This will provide certainty for the thousands of skilled workers currently in coal mining in the Illawarra, who will continue to be the cornerstone of our region for years to come.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“The workers of the Hunter have kept the lights on in NSW for generations, and they deserve certainty about what comes next.

"This plan recognises the vital role coal communities have played in building our state and provides a clear path forward for workers, businesses and local communities.

“That means protecting jobs today, maintaining stability for our regional economies and making sure the Hunter continues to play a key role in powering the state and supporting our export partners.”

Quotes attributable Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully:

“This is an important milestone in NSW’s energy transformation, which sets clear expectations for industry and provides certainty for the regions.

“Thermal coal remains important for jobs, energy security and manufacturing, and metallurgical coal plays a vital role in Australia's sovereign steel-making capability largely based in the Illawarra.

"As the need for thermal coal declines we are planning for future jobs and energy in coal-dependent regions. Work is already underway to convert former mining and energy sites so they can continue to benefit the community supporting local jobs and regional economies.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos:

“Coal has powered NSW for more than a century, and it will continue to support our economy for decades to come.

“We’ve engaged with communities, industry, consent authorities, environment groups and trading partners. Their feedback has shaped a direction that gives certainty, sets firm expectations and keeps NSW a reliable supplier where market demand exists.

“We are providing workers and communities confidence about the road ahead, supported by new opportunities as global markets evolve.”