Australia’s second-largest coal-producing state, New South Wales (NSW), will prohibit new applications for fossil fuel mines as part of efforts to reduce emissions and achieve its net zero target, the state government announced on Thursday.
The ban applies specifically to "greenfield" coal projects—those developed from scratch—and will not impact existing mines or their approved expansions. In a statement, the government emphasized it would continue "supporting coal production where it is already occurring" to fulfill commitments to key trading partners.
Coal remains NSW’s largest export, generating approximately A33billion(US23.4 billion) annually, with thermal coal accounting for the majority of shipments to power stations in Japan, China, and Taiwan.
"As the need for thermal coal declines, we are planning for future jobs and energy in coal-dependent regions," said Paul Scully, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, in the statement.
The coal industry employs around 26,000 people in the state. To support workforce transitions, the government will establish a Future Jobs and Investment Authority.
Major coal miners operating in NSW include Glencore Plc, Yancoal Australia Ltd., and Whitehaven Coal Ltd. BHP Group, the world’s largest miner, also maintains limited coal operations in the state, though far less than in neighboring Queensland, Australia’s top coal producer.
