The Minns Labor Government welcomes the news that more than 400 direct, ongoing jobs are being supported in the Upper Hunter, as the Maxwell Underground Mine officially opens today.
The mine, which is operated by Malabar Resources, was approved by the NSW Independent Planning Commission in 2020.
Today’s milestone marks the transition to long-term production, with around 430 permanent jobs confirmed, and a workforce drawn largely from communities across the Hunter.
At least 75 per cent of the coal produced at Maxwell will be suitable for steelmaking. That steel is critical to building homes, schools, hospitals, roads, railways, renewable energy assets and major infrastructure projects.
The Minns Government supports the Maxwell Underground Mine and recognises Malabar’s investment as a strong vote of confidence in the Hunter, its skilled workforce and its future.
Mining in NSW supports more than 30,000 direct jobs across the state, and it remains one of the state’s largest export industries, with the Hunter at the heart of that success.
The Hunter is one of Australia’s most important mining regions, with generations of local workers helping supply the energy, steelmaking and industrial resources that have supported growth across NSW and globally.
The opening comes as the Minns Labor Government continues to implement Coal Industry 2026-2050, which provides a long-term vision for the sector and recognises the enduring contribution coal mining makes to jobs, regional communities and the state’s economy.
The plan acknowledges that coal will continue to play an important role in NSW for decades to come, while giving workers, communities and industry greater certainty about the future and supporting continued investment in mining regions.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“The Hunter has never been a region that waits for opportunity to arrive. We build it, mine it, grow it and power it – and Maxwell is proof of that.
“Four hundred and thirty long-term jobs is not just a number on a page. It is mortgages paid, apprentices trained, kids in local schools and money going through local businesses.
“Coal mining has played a central role in our state’s economic development for more than a century, and that contribution is not behind us, it is still being made today.
“Maxwell is a major vote of confidence in the Hunter, its workforce and its future, and the Minns Labor Government will keep backing the industries and the workers that keep the Hunter strong.”
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:
“NSW has a proud mining history and we are just as optimistic about its future.
“The coal industry continues to support thousands of jobs, strong regional communities and the industrial capability our state relies on.
“Through Coal Industry 2026-2050, the Minns Labor Government is providing a long-term vision for coal mining in NSW and backing the workers and communities that have helped build NSW.
“The Maxwell Underground Mine will support hundreds of local jobs and generate economic opportunities throughout the Upper Hunter for years to come.”
NSW Labor spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said:
“This is an extraordinary vote of confidence in the Upper Hunter and our entire region.
“Maxwell will support more than 400 direct, ongoing jobs, as well as businesses, operators and communities across our region and throughout NSW.
“The Hunter knows the value of hard work and I congratulate everyone who has played a role in taking this project from planning to construction and now long-term production.”
Mayor of Muswellbrook Shire Council Jeff Drayton said:
“Maxwell is a major investment in the Upper Hunter and a real boost for local jobs, businesses and families.
“The opening of the mine is a significant milestone, and I welcome the long-term confidence Malabar Resources is showing in our region.”
Executive Chairman of Malabar Resources Wayne Seabrook said:
“Maxwell is now a working underground mine, supporting hundreds of long-term jobs and creating ongoing opportunities for people and businesses across the Upper Hunter.
“This is a proud milestone for Malabar, but more importantly it is a milestone for the people who have helped deliver it.
“Our team lives locally, works locally and contributes locally. These are people from Muswellbrook, Denman, Aberdeen, Scone, Singleton and the surrounding towns who have helped build a project that will be part of the Upper Hunter for decades to come.
“Projects like Maxwell do not happen without people. To every employee, contractor, supplier, neighbouring landholder and local business that has been part of this journey, thank you.
“Maxwell has moved from planning, to construction, to production. Today is about recognising that achievement and looking ahead to the next chapter for Malabar and the Upper Hunter.”
