The mining sector may become a "major target" for both parties seeking votes in the upcoming state election, according to the Minerals Council of NSW.

Addressing a mining conference in Wollongong on Monday, Chief executive Nikki Williams warned that the resource sector is at its most vulnerable in the current political environment.

"After 16 years of scandal, underinvestment in infrastructure and a failure to properly plan for the future, there is huge discontent with a Labor government" which she said has "over-promised" and "underdelivered."

According to her, the major parties will be locked in a battle to do whatever it takes to woo the growing green vote, as was dramatically displayed during the federal election.

Dr Williams said the NSW government was no longer centred on compliance or the impact of individual operations, but instead was focused on developing a strategic plan for mining.

"We must recognise that government - having been brought to the table kicking and screaming - is more likely to kick and scream at the very industry it has demonised for so long than it is to bring perspective and considered policy to the table."

"It is clear that we are living in a state where the electorate is for the most part completely unaware of the role that minerals play in their life and often explicitly hostile towards us because of our real and perceived environmental and health impacts, our greenhouse gas contribution and our perceived power."

Dr Williams also criticised the Greens, saying they "not only want to stop all coal mining under the auspices of a 'just transition', but just about all development in this country."