It follows threats from Upper Hunter residents last month that they would take legal action over the Government's failure to do a public health study into the effects of power station emissions and coalmining.

That health study could be a step closer, with Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay saying this data was needed first.

"I would be supportive of a health and social study into the effects of coalmining, that would take in the effects of working weird shifts and on families as well as health," she said.

"In order to do something like that you have to have an air quality reporting network.

"You have to understand where the dust is. It's an important step in being able to answer those questions."

Ms McKay hailed the new agreement for air quality monitoring as a "landmark partnership", involving 13 parties including some of the biggest names in coal.

Those to sign on include Coal and Allied, Xstrata Coal, Integra Coal and Anglo Coal.

Ms McKay said the network would give the community access to reliable data on dust levels.

The information will be placed online, via the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water's website.

State Environment Minister John Robertson said the network would mean up to 14 particulate matter air quality monitoring stations would be sited around Upper Hunter mining areas and populated centres, including Muswellbrook and Singleton.

"This partnership means funding for the network will be provided by industry contributions while ongoing management and administration will be undertaken by the NSW Government," he said.

Mr Robertson said that the next stage would be community consultation.

"Input from the Upper Hunter community is vital if we want this network to be a success," he said.