Damon Mcknight
Australia has a thriving mining industry, ranking as the fourth-largest mining country worldwide. The sector is a cornerstone of the Australian economy, contributing around 13.6% of the country's total GDP in 2023. Western Australia (WA) is the epicentre of Australian mining, with one-third of the country's mine sites and some of its largest mines. WA is the world's largest iron ore and lithium producer, with multiple projects in the Pilbara region. Queensland (QLD) is another major mining state, hosting around a quarter of Australia's mine sites and many of its coal mines. The state is the world's largest supplier of silver and a critical player in the strategic and critical minerals sector.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the biggest mining industry | Western Australia |
| Number of mine sites | Over 350 |
| Number of sites in Western Australia | Approximately one-third of the total |
| Number of sites in Queensland | One-quarter |
| Number of sites in New South Wales | One-fifth |
| Mining's contribution to Australia's GDP | 13.6% in 2023 |
| Number of people employed in the mining industry | 270,000 in 2021; 220,000 |
| Percentage of Australia's land surface directly impacted by mining | 0.02% |
| Percentage of Queensland's land surface used for mining | 0.1% |
| Mining's contribution to Queensland's economy | $75 billion in 2018-19 |
| Mining's contribution to Victoria's economy | $13 billion |
| Number of jobs created by mining in Victoria | 121,000 |
| Percentage of Australia's mining industry that is foreign-owned | 86% |
| Percentage of BHP that is foreign-owned | 76% |
| Percentage of Rio Tinto that is foreign-owned | 83% |
| Commodities mined | Iron ore, coal, gold, bauxite, alumina, lithium, black coal, manganese, lead, diamonds, rutile, zinc, zirconium, uranium, silver, nickel, copper, antimony, brown coal, cobalt, graphite, rhenium, rare earth minerals, opal, ruby, sapphire, jade |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia's mining industry
Western Australia (WA) is the epicentre of Australian mining and a major player in the international mining industry. The state hosts a large number of high-grade resources and some of the largest mines in the country. WA is the world's largest iron ore supplier, with multiple iron ore projects, especially in the Pilbara region in the north of the state. Iron ore mining in Western Australia accounted for 54% of the total value of the state's resources exports in the 2018-19 financial year, with a value of A$78.2 billion. In 2019-20, iron ore was the most important commodity in Western Australia, accounting for 60% of sales in the state's mineral and petroleum industry.
The mining and petroleum industry in Western Australia is worth billions of dollars. In 2019-20, the industry was valued at $174 billion, up from $145 billion in 2018-19. The industry directly employed an average of 135,001 people during 2019-20, with the largest employers being the iron ore and gold sectors.
Western Australia has discovered first-class mineral deposits, and new mineral exploration is constantly underway, with a new spotlight on lithium and vanadium to meet the growing demand for green energy alternatives and new battery technologies. The Greenbushes mine in Western Australia is the world's largest hard-rock lithium mine, and lithium mined at Greenbushes accounted for more than 20% of global production in 2021.
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Queensland's coal mines
Queensland is a state renowned for its substantial natural resources, and its mining industry is a significant contributor to the state's economy. While the state boasts various mineral resources, coal is undoubtedly the standout commodity. The extensive coal reserves in Queensland have placed it as a global leader in coal production and exports. The state is home to some of the world's most prolific coal basins, including the Bowen Basin, the Surat Basin, and the Galilee Basin, which together form the backbone of Queensland's coal mining prowess.
The Bowen Basin, located in the central part of the state, is arguably the most well-known and economically significant coal-producing region in Queensland. This basin is a powerhouse of thermal coal production, boasting extensive deposits that are sought-after for electricity generation. The Bowen Basin is responsible for a substantial portion of Queensland's coal exports, with its high-quality thermal coal in high demand, particularly in the Asian market. The basin hosts numerous large-scale, long-life coal mines, including the iconic Moranbah North, Goonyella Riverside, and Peak Downs mines, which have contributed significantly to the state's economic prosperity over many decades.
The Surat Basin, situated adjacent to the Bowen Basin, is another crucial coal-producing region in Queensland. This basin is primarily known for its substantial reserves of thermal coal, which are extensively used for domestic power generation. The Surat Basin's coal resources play a vital role in ensuring energy security for Queensland and contribute significantly to the state's electricity needs.
Additionally, the emerging Galilee Basin in central Queensland has gained attention in recent years as a potential coal mining frontier. This vast basin holds an estimated 27 billion tonnes of thermal coal resources, positioning it as one of the most promising areas for future coal development in the state.
Together, these basins showcase the immense scale and potential of Queensland's coal industry. The state's coal mines have not only fueled the domestic energy sector but also propelled Australia to become one of the world's leading coal exporters. Queensland's coal industry provides substantial economic benefits, including employment opportunities, regional development, and significant export earnings.
However, it is essential to acknowledge the environmental and social impacts of coal mining. Queensland's coal mines have faced scrutiny and opposition due to concerns over greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, water usage, and the potential impacts on the Great Barrier Reef. Balancing the economic benefits with environmental sustainability and social responsibility remains a critical challenge for the state's coal industry.
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$47.48 $82
Victoria's mineral exploration
Australia is a country endowed with rich mineral resources, and the mining industry is a significant contributor to its economy. When it comes to the biggest mining industry within Australia, the state of Western Australia stands out as the leader. However, let's take a closer look at Victoria and its mineral exploration efforts, which have played a crucial role in the country's mining sector:
Victoria has a long history of mineral exploration and mining, dating back to the mid-19th century. The state is particularly known for its gold rush during the 1850s, which transformed Victoria and contributed significantly to the country's wealth. While the gold rush may be a prominent part of Victoria's mineral exploration history, the state offers a diverse range of mineral resources, including base metals, precious metals, and industrial minerals.
Today, Victoria continues to be a significant player in Australia's mining industry, attracting considerable attention from mineral explorers and investors worldwide. The state government has implemented strategic initiatives to promote sustainable mineral exploration and development, recognizing the importance of the mining sector to the state's economy. These initiatives include providing access to innovative technologies, streamlining regulatory processes, and offering competitive incentives to encourage exploration and investment.
Base metals, such as copper, zinc, and nickel, are among the key targets for exploration in Victoria. The state has a proven potential for hosting significant deposits of these metals, and ongoing exploration efforts aim to uncover new resources. Victoria also has a rich endowment of precious metals, particularly gold and silver, with many historical mining sites and ongoing exploration projects scattered across the state. Additionally, Victoria is a prominent producer of industrial minerals, including kaolin, silica sand, and dimension stone, which are used in various industrial and construction applications.
The state government and industry bodies collaborate closely to promote sustainable mining practices and ensure the responsible development of Victoria's mineral resources. Rehabilitation and environmental management are key focuses, with strict regulations in place to minimize the industry's environmental footprint and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. Victoria's mineral exploration sector also contributes significantly to local communities, creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth in regional areas.
To facilitate mineral exploration, the Victorian government provides access to comprehensive geoscience data and innovative technologies. This includes the release of geological maps, geophysical surveys, and geochemical data, which help explorers target their efforts effectively. The state also encourages collaboration between industry, government, and academic institutions to foster innovation and develop new exploration techniques.
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New South Wales mineral wealth
Australia is the fourth-largest mining country in the world, and the industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, providing export income, royalty payments, and employment. Western Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales are the three major mining states, with around one-fifth of all mines in Australia located in New South Wales.
New South Wales (NSW) is rich in minerals, including coal, gold, copper, silver, lead, zinc, cobalt, and lithium. Major coal deposits are found in the Sydney-Gunnedah Basin, and the state's largest mine is the Cowal open-pit gold mine in the Central Western Plains region. NSW also has world-class deposits of key metals and minerals, and mining has played an important role in the state's development over the past 200 years, providing jobs and economic opportunities.
The NSW Minerals Council holds leading industry events throughout the year and advocates for the importance of mining to the state's economy and communities. The Council has commended the NSW Treasurer for delivering a budget that reduces debt and increases surplus, in part due to forecast increases in mining royalty revenues.
The NSW Government has also implemented initiatives to support the mining industry, such as the Discovery 2000 program, which aims to improve the industry's chances of finding new deposits of minerals and petroleum by providing high-quality regional geological and geophysical information. This information is crucial for successful exploration and can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of area selection and project generation processes.
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South Australia's mineral deposits
Australia has first-class mineral deposits in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland. Silver and copper were discovered in South Australia in the 1840s, and the state has been a significant contributor to the country's mining industry since.
The state has a strong mining history, with the discovery of silver and copper in the 1840s leading to the export of ore and the immigration of skilled miners and smelters. South Australia also played a crucial role in the country's gold rushes in the 1850s, which contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Australian economy.
Today, South Australia continues to be an important mining region, with a focus on lithium, iron, and coal. The state's mineral resources contribute significantly to export income, royalty payments, and employment, not just for South Australia but for the entire nation.
Overall, South Australia's mineral deposits have played a pivotal role in the state's history and continue to shape its present, with a constant evolution of new mineral exploration projects and technologies.
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Frequently asked questions
Queensland's mining sector contributed nearly $75 billion to the state economy in 2018-19.
Queensland's mining sector provides more than 50,000 jobs.
One-third of Australia's mines are located in Western Australia.
Western Australia is the world's largest iron ore supplier.
