A new set of guidelines has been produced for the unique mental health challenges of mining employees and companies.

The NSW Minerals Council released its latest blueprint for good mental health in the resources industry, produced in collaboration with the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Institute of Mental Health.

A statement from NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee says “while research suggests mental health issues in our industry are no more prevalent than in the community more broadly, we recognise that the nature and composition of our workforce means implementing pro-active measures at industry level can make a real impact.”

The new publication comes on the tail of a similar boost from the academic community, with the University of Newcastle also setting up a research centre for issues in mining.

Mining certainly takes its toll on workers and families in a variety of ways, with a recent survey showing fly-in fly-out workers often experience job-related stress, anxiety, divorce, drug and alcohol use and feelings of helplessness and isolation.

“The blueprint released today will provide companies in the industry with guidance on how to promote being mentally healthy and respond early and effectively to reduce the impacts of mental ill-health,” Mr Galilee said.