Our contribution

Australia's
mineral wealth

The mineral reserves of Australia are vast, diverse, and of high quality. A spirit of dynamic innovation in the development of new extraction and processing technologies is also ensuring the nation gains the most from this natural wealth.1

Australia is the world's leading producer of bauxite and iron ore; the second largest producer of alumina, lead and manganese; the third largest producer of brown coal, gold, nickel, zinc and uranium; the fourth largest producer of aluminium, black coal and silver; and the fifth largest producer of tin.2 The nation not only exports raw materials: it is arguably the world's top supplier of mining technologies and services.3 At least 60 per cent of the world's mines operate with Australian-made and designed software.4

 
 

The Australian economy

The minerals resources industry is a key pillar of the Australian economy. The minerals resources industry accounts for more than 6 percent of Australia's economy and has invested more than $125 billion in Australia in the last 10 years.

The mining industry's contribution to the Australian economy is now $121 billion a year. In terms of export income, it generates $138 billion per annum, which represents over half (54 per cent) of total goods and services. Across the nation mining employs 187,400 people directly, and a further 599,680 in support industries. In wages and salaries that amounts to $18 billion; an additional $21 billion is contributed through company tax and royalty payments. Not least, the industry spends $35.2 billion on new capital investment, $5.7 billion on exploration, and $4.2 billion on research and development.5

54% of Australia's total goods & services - a total contribution to Australia'a economy of $121.1 billion
 

Supporting local communities

Australian mining companies are highly engaged with their communities and other stakeholders, through infrastructure development and support for educational, sporting and cultural events.6

 

In remote regions of Australia, the industry is often one of the few providing employment and business development opportunities. It also generates significant opportunities in related ancillary and service industries.7 Not least, it is the largest private sector employer of Indigenous Australians.8

With more than 60% of minerals operations in Australia having neighbouring Indigenous communities, the industry has developed, through the Minerals Council Of Australia (MCA), a specific framework for engagement with Indigenous stakeholders. Across 200 mining operations there are 432 Indigenous Land Agreements.9

The Australian Government and the MCA have also agreed on an innovative partnership to expand access to employment and business development opportunities for Indigenous people and communities in mining regions.10