The symposium is being held as a part of the River of Black Gold Festival which will run for the entire month of August.

"This year marks the 125th anniversary of the discovery of the Greta Coal Seam by Professor T.W. Edgeworth David," said Cr. Graham Smith who is Chairman of the River of Black Gold Planning Committee.

"To celebrate that event and the consequential mining heritage that contributed so much to the economic and social development of our area, numerous activities and events have been organised throughout August.

"The NSW Mining Symposium, to be held over two days at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, is the primary event of the Festival this year and brings together some outstanding speakers," Cr. Smith said.

"Not only will we be invited to consider the past – the early work practices, the growth of the coalfields communities, and the social impacts – but we will also hear from speakers who are examining future coal mining in a sustainable, climate sensitive environment.

"The symposium will be absorbing not only for those people who used to work in the industry but it will also be very interesting for those still working in the industry today and indeed, it will be fascinating for those who just have an interest in mining – past, present and future."

Registration booklets for the NSW Mining Symposium are available at Cessnock City Council's Administration Centre, Cessnock and Kurri Libraries and the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre. The registration form can also be downloaded from the River of Black Gold website.

The River of Black Gold Festival is being auspiced by Cessnock City Council and supported by community groups and organisations across the local government area. Council thanks Platinum Sponsor NSW Mining and Gold Sponsor Xstrata Coal and the Friends of River of Black Gold for their support.

Details of the festival events can be found online at www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/lga/black gold.