In the Illawarra, 10% of all economic activity is mining related he said.

“The Illawarra is one of our key coal mining regions,” he said.

“Despite the downturn the mining industry is still investing $11 billion directly in NSW.

“We’re putting money into the pockets of our workforce, and putting money into local businesses.

“Even during these tough times, we are making an economic contribution to the local industry.

“Despite the downturn, coal contributes 23% of all of the export out of the state of NSW.”

Galilee refuted claims that coal mining is a dying industry without a future.

“We’re in tough times, we’re in a cyclical downturn,” he said.

“This is the fifth year of my role as CEO of the NSW Minerals Council and the downturn started about the same time. I hope to see it turn around.

“Our mining services are world leading.

“What you do is bridge old and new industries, the old and new economies. I want you to be proud of your industry.”