What will the future bring for mining in Australia?
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© Australian Bureau of Statistics
© Australian Bureau of Statistics
© AGL
![4 Projection for metallurgical coal exports [4]](https://www.at-minerals.com/imgs/2/1/2/1/7/5/8/04_Harder_Projektion_Huettenkohle_1-552d885403b3996e.jpeg)
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![6 Projection for iron ore exports [4]](https://www.at-minerals.com/imgs/2/1/2/1/7/5/8/06_Harder_Projektion_Eisenerz_1-735892ea664e8aa7.jpeg)
© Rio Tinto
© BHP Billiton
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© Newmont
© AngloGold Ashanti
![13 Map showing Australia’s mineral resources [1]](https://www.at-minerals.com/imgs/2/1/2/1/7/5/8/13_Bild13_Australian_Projects_L-09b513f5fecac289.jpeg)
© BHP / OZ Minerals
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© Rio Tinto
© South32
© Talison Lithium
Australia’s mining industry employs around 300 000 people and accounts for 13.4 % of the country’s economic output. The country possesses key natural resources and a leading, intact industry. To a large extent, however, the mining sector is geared to China’s demand for raw materials, and China’s economy is weakening. This article provides current figures and impressions concerning the most important resources and companies as well as an outlook on what their future might look like.
1 Overview of Australia’s mining sector
Australia plays a key role in the production of raw materials like iron ore, coal, bauxite, gold, base metals and lithium. In 2023, with an estimated production of 468.1 kt lithium carbonate equivalent, Australia was the biggest lithium producer. Numerous major mining companies are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). These are BHP Billiton, Fortescue, Rio Tinto, South32, Northern Star Resources, Mineral Resources, Pilbara Minerals, Newmont, Lynas Rare Earth, Alumina Limited, Nickel Industries and Iluca. Besides these, over 700 other mining...
