Almost 40 workers at the Berrima coal mine in the NSW southern highlands will lose their jobs when production at the mine is halted this week.

Building products maker Boral owns the mine, which has operated since 1924 and provides coal for the company’s cement works at Berrima.

Boral said the continuing downturn in the building market, rising costs and the availability of cheap imported materials to make cement contributed to the decision to end production.

Delta Mining, which operates the mine on Boral’s behalf, said it has 38 full-time employees at the mine.

Boral said its decision would result in those employees being made redundant.

The mine will still be maintained to meet legal and planning obligations.