The survey also found participating companies directly injected $6.1 billion into the Hunter economy in the last financial year - down just slightly to the previous year and the equal second highest result reported in a decade.

The $6.1 billion of direct mining spending in the Hunter in the past financial year included more than $1.53 billion on wages and salaries, as well as almost $4.5 billion for goods and services purchased from more than 3160 mining supplier businesses across the Hunter region.

NSWMC CEO Stephen Galilee said the 3160 Hunter businesses reported as part of the region's mining supply chain was down slightly from the 3400 businesses reported in the previous year, reflecting the difficulties faced by many businesses across NSW due to COVID-19.  

"These very strong jobs and expenditure numbers highlight the importance of the mining sector for the Hunter's economy, and especially for mining communities across the region," he said.

"These results also demonstrate how mining was able to provide economic strength and stability to the Hunter at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The ongoing economic contribution to the Hunter provided by our member companies highlights the resilience of our industry during these tough times, keeping our mines operating while maintaining the safety of our miners, their families and our mining communities across NSW."