The research shows that metals mining direct spending in NSW increased to $2.4 billion in the past financial year, a $100 million increase on the previous year and up from $950 million over the past five years.
Over the same five-year period, the number of jobs supported by the metals mining sector in NSW increased from 4400 to almost 8000 in the past financial year.
The number of NSW businesses supplying metals mining operations also increased over the past five years, from about 2000 in 2017-18 to 2620 in 2021-22 year.
NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said the growth in metals mining in NSW highlighted how important the sector was to NSW, however, he cautioned that critical future growth in jobs and economic benefits were at risk if new metals mining projects were not locked in.
"These figures show that metals mining in NSW is making a strong and growing contribution to the economy, reflecting changes in the NSW mining sector over time," he said.
"Our state boasts high-quality deposits including silver, lead, zinc, and also cobalt, nickel, scandium, rare earths and mineral sands that are of increasing interest and demand globally."
Last week Alkane Resources received planning approval for its Tomingley Gold Extension project, securing ongoing operations that will support about 360 jobs.
Iluka Resources recently announced it would move forward with its Balranald Critical Minerals project in the Riverina region.
Three other potential metals mining projects are also at the final stages of assessment within the NSW planning system with the potential to create or secure more than 1000 more jobs and deliver more than $1 billion in investment if approved.
These include Aurelia's Federation Mine near Cobar, the Bowdens Silver Mining project near Mudgee and Regis Resources' McPhillamys Gold project near Blaney.
"With the right policy settings, these and other projects can deliver long-term economic strength and stability, and support mining families and communities across regional NSW," Galilee said.
