4600+ new workers required for New South Wales resources industry

New South Wales’ resources and energy industry will conservatively require an additional 4,635 workers by the end of 2027, according to new modelling released by the Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association.
Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast: 2022-2027, released by AREEA today (Friday 22 July), breaks down the estimated labour required to operate new, expansion and restarted mining and oil and gas projects expected to enter production by December 2027.
Nationally, the report lists 107 projects as being either committed or advanced in feasibility and considered likely to proceed within the five-year period. This would create demand for an additional 24,000 new workers across the country.
New South Wales has 19 projects advanced in its investment pipeline which are forecast to create demand for 4,635 new workers, according to AREEA’s modelling based on Department on Industry project data.
“New South Wales has a healthy number of new and expansion projects in its investment pipeline, set to add around 4635 workers to its workforce by the end of 2027. This would represent 13.7% growth on today’s employment levels,” said AREEA Chief Executive, Steve Knott AM.
“Like Queensland, the strong majority of this demand will come from the coal sector. Eleven coal project expansions will add another 53.3mtpa onto NSW’s annual coal production and require an estimated 2865 new workers by 2026. Another lone new coal project (Wallarah 2) is scheduled for completion in 2027, requiring 290 workers.
“Should this to come fruition it would lift NSW’s coal workforce, which has been in fairly strong decline in recent years, by nearly 20%.”
Gold is the second most represented commodity, with three expansions and one new project (McPhillamys) set to come online by 2026 and require about 670 new workers.
With the resources sector facing significant skills shortages at present, Mr Knott said New South Wales resources operators may struggle to fill these shortages without “creative solutions from industry and government”.
“While we will always celebrate the strength of the industry and the jobs and other benefits that come with increased project investment, our industry is battling the worst skills crisis in a generation,” he said.
“This is threatening the continuity of existing operations, resulting in temporary or permanent production downgrades, and driving other workforce issues including historic levels of staff turnover.
“With vacancy levels also at record highs and not showing any signs of easing, we do not expect the industry’s existing labour force to offer any real relief to this forecasted future demand, for example through planned project closures or reductions. Demand for skilled labour will far outstrip supply.
“Simply, unless industry and government can find some creative solutions, the skills crisis facing not only the resources and energy industry but all sectors of the Australian economy, will persist for years to come.”