Coal Mining

The prosperous Hunter Valley, is renowned  for many heavy industries. Singleton has benefited from its valuable coal resources, some of the best black anthracite deposits in the world.

Singleton was not always a mining town but was originally settled for the rich agricultural land on the banks of the Hunter River.

Perhaps the most significant growth occurred in Singleton during the 1970s and 1980s when coal mining and related industry became the driving factor in the economic development of SIngleton.

The Upper Hunter Coal Mines currently produce 88 million tonne of coal per annum, from 21 coal mining operations. There are a further 8 mines proposed for the Singleton and Upper Hunter region. Singleton is also the base for many of the coal mining support industy operations.

The Hunter Valley coal mines are a significant source of employment. As at June 2005 direct employment totaled 4617. Indirectly it is estimated that a further 1500 jobs are created by the coal mining industry. The magnitude of the operations will amaze you.