Leukaemia Foundation CEO Peter Cox thanked the NSW mining industry for its support and issued a "State of Origin" challenge to companies to be brave and shave in 2008.

"This is the first year that we officially challenge the mining companies and their employees in NSW to support the World's Greatest Shave and we hope to raise in excess of $100,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation of NSW," Cox said.

"In Queensland, the event attracted a total of 29 companies and 55 minesites this year, which was fantastic. So we want to extend that challenge to NSW in 2008, and see if they will answer the call."

Macdonald said he believed the corporate and organisational power of companies, representative bodies, unions and workers involved in the mining sector could "make a tremendous contribution to this worthiest of causes".

Meanwhile, Williams noted the mining industry had a proud tradition of generosity and supporting people in need.

"As an industry, the safety, health and wellbeing of our people is our number one priority. This event extends that commitment to the wider community and lends a hand to people and their families who are confronting life changing challenges," she said.

The Leukaemia Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the care and cure of patients and families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders. Funds raised will ensure the foundation can improve patients' quality of life through personalised and practical care.