"Mining in NSW: History and Heritage" was written by mining heritage historians Dr Michael Pearson and Dr Barry McGowan.

"One thing that's very clear from reading this book is the change in environmental management standards over the years" said Mr Primrose. "It's also obvious from many of the photos that mining practices in the past were not regulated as rigorously as they are today."

"Mining has provided enormous economic benefits for the people of NSW for over 200 years and through initiatives like this, we recognise the importance of the industry to so many communities over the years," he said.

The book features more than a hundred outstanding photos, providing a compelling insight into what our early miners had to face. It also enables readers to assess a site and determine its heritage significance based on the mining of 25 different mineral groups.

Mr Primrose said effective mine rehabilitation is a key part of ensuring that mineral resources development in NSW is sustainable.

"Today the Government requires all mines to meet strict environmental guidelines and retains substantial security deposits to ensure that all sites are fully rehabilitated when mining is completed," he said.

"There are currently over 570 known closed, abandoned or disused mines in NSW where no individual or company can be held responsible, leaving the Government to undertake necessary rehabilitation works - many of these mine sites date from the 19th and early 20th Century."

"This government's commitment to setting the mistakes of the past right remains strong."

"This financial year, the State Government's Derelict Mines Program will carry out rehabilitation on 30 mine sites with major projects ranging from safety management to environmental remediation," he said.

Mining in NSW: History and Heritage is available now from the Industry & Investment NSW bookshop.