Mining industry

1 What is the nature and importance of the mining industry in your country?

The mining industry is one of Australia’s most important export sectors and makes a significant economic and social contribution to the Australian economy. Mining and minerals activity currently comprises 8 per cent of the Australian economy and 40 per cent of exports. The mineral and minerals processing sector contributes A$138 billion directly to Australia’s wealth each year, supporting more than 750,000 Australians.

Australia currently has one of the largest mineral sectors by value of production in the world. The Australian mining industry has benefitted from a global boom in demand for minerals in recent years, and is expanding, as a result of a high demand for raw materials from China, India and other parts of Asia. Australia is also a world leader in developing and exporting mining equipment, services and technologies.