The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) says despite a jump in the state’s unemployment rate, the mining industry remains strong.

The jobless figure rose to its highest level since 2003 on Thirsday, but QRC chief executive Michael Roche says the resources sector is not to blame.

“The mining industry is going from strength to strength, despite the global financial crisis,” he said.

“The latest figures showing an industry-by-industry breakdown show that mining employment in Queensland is up 20 per cent over the last 12 months.

“So we’ll need to look somewhere else to understand what’s happening in the Queensland economy.”

Mr Roche said he had hope that the mining industry’s employment levels would remain steady.

“I think the mining sector’s employment will hold its own,” he said.

“We’re cautiously optimistic that this renewed demand out of China will hold, and we’re starting to see some positive signs from our traditional markets such as Japan.”

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) says the business community holds the key to employment.

CCIQ president Beatrice Booth says the State Government has to do more to encourage businesses to employ people in Queensland, saying businesses are currently overtaxed and over-regulated.