Coal and Critical Minerals: What’s next for NSW?
The Hunter is at the centre of Australia’s energy conversation. As the coal market shift and demand for critical minerals accelerates, the Hunter region stands at a crossroads: how do we balance legacy industries with emerging opportunities. For business, this means understanding where investment, workforce, and supply chain opportunities will emerge—and how to position for growth.
Why this matters for business
- Coal outlook and approvals affect supply chains, workforce planning and regional contracting.
- Critical minerals strategies influence exploration, processing, finance and downstream manufacturing opportunities.
- Policy settings determine timelines, approvals and risk for projects across the Hunter.
- Understanding the signals now helps leaders position for capital, partnerships and growth.
Keynote speaker
Stephen Galilee
Chief Executive Officer, NSW Minerals Council
Stephen has led the NSW Minerals Council since 2012, advocating for the sector and mining communities across the state.
On critical minerals, Stephen has publicly supported NSW’s Critical Minerals and High‑Tech Metals Strategy, highlighting exploration support, planning improvements, investment attraction and royalty settings, and he regularly engages with government advisory processes and industry forums shaping this agenda.
