Resourcing
Tomorrow
Australia’s mining industry drives prosperity, jobs and sustainability for communities nationwide.
Path to a stronger Australia đŸ‡¦đŸ‡º
Mining underpins decades of high living standards as the nation’s largest exporter, taxpayer and major employer. Beyond exports and revenue, mining delivers significant benefits back to regional and remote Australia — from local procurement to essential health, education and utilities.
In 2023-24 alone, the industry procured more than $161 billion of goods and services from over 63,700 suppliers and invested $661 million in community groups and programs.
Our Policy Focus Areas
ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY
Protecting landscapes through rehabilitation, conservation partnerships, and less than 0.1% land use.
ENERGY & CLIMATE
Investing billions in renewables, electrification, carbon capture and storage — with a goal of net zero by 2050.
Critical Minerals
Supplying the world with lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earths essential for clean energy and technology.
Competitive Taxation
Supporting schools, hospitals and infrastructure through $32.5b in tax and $26.9b in royalties in 2023-24, while keeping the system fair and competitive.
Skills & Workforce
Employing over 303,000 people directly, supporting 1.25 million jobs, with wages 50% higher than the national average.
Mining strengthens Australia’s economy at every level
$275.5
billion
direct economic boost in 2023-24
$405
billion
resources export earnings in 2023-24
$35.4
billion
annual wages paid to workers
$394.6
billion
taxes & royalties paid over the past decade
Mining accounts for 10% of GDP and 61% of export revenue, sustaining schools, hospitals, childcare and roads across the nation.
Sustainability &
Responsible Mining
Mining is designed with rehabilitation as the ultimate goal. Less than 0.1% of Australia’s land mass is disturbed by mining, with land progressively restored.
The industry partners with universities, conservation groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, and local communities to continually improve environmental performance.
Through the Enduring Value framework and Towards Sustainable Mining system, companies commit to sustainable practices, ensuring benefits for future generations.
JOBS & CAREERS
Australia’s resources industry employs 303,300 highly-skilled workers, with average annual wages of $158,800 — around 50% higher than all other sectors.
22% of workers are women (five times more than in 2003-04).
10% of apprentices and trainees are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
89% of employees are in permanent roles.
Download the full Australian Mining: Mapped report for more insights into the industry’s economic, social and environmental impact.
