The Tasmanian Government has released data which it says shows ‘dramatic jobs growth’ in the State’s mining industry, confirming the long-term prospects of the industry.

Deputy Premier, Bryan Green, said that ABS figures showed that direct employment in the mining sector had grown by over 2,000 jobs in the last two years.

“There is no better demonstration that Tasmania’s mining industry is open for business,” Mr Green said.

Mr Green said employment in the mining industry now stood at more than 5,500 of which 96 per cent are full time jobs.

“This represents 67 per cent increase in jobs growth over the past two years.

Mr Green said employment in the mining industry now outstripped any other sector in Tasmania.

“We have seen mineral exploration over the past six years increase by well over 100 per cent, new mines being approved and growing interest from mining companies in investing in Tasmania,” Mr Green said.