The annual NSW Minerals Council Environment and Community Conference will involve about 250 mining industry representatives as well as leading professionals from Australia’s industry, environment, community and natural resources fields.

Delegates will hear from NSW Minister for Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald, journalist George Nebus and National Water Commission chairman and chief executive Ken Matthew in today’s line-up.

Also presenting throughout the event will be Greening Australia chief executive David Butcher and Nick Rowley, former senior advisor to the recently retired British prime minister Tony Blair, who will share their thoughts on the perceptions of non-governmental organisations, academia and the research community towards issues affecting mining today.

The conference, which is being held at Terrigal on the NSW Central Coast, will also focus on the interaction behind industry and the local communities in which mines operate in terms of the industry providing social and economic benefits while working to minimise environmental impacts.

Also included in the program is the presentation of the NSW Minerals Council Environment and Community Excellence Awards that recognise innovation in environmental management from within the industry.

The conference concludes on Friday.