Mining and Metals

Industry overview

The Australian mining and equipment services industry is a global leader in economic exploration, mining, mineral processing and value-added mineral products. It also hosts some of the world's biggest mineral research and development programs and facilities.

Australia's range of mining terrain — from equatorial tropics to desert plains and rugged, alpine areas — has resulted in Australia's mining support companies producing solutions to problems faced by almost every mining nation on earth.

Australian capability

As a major exporter of minerals, mining equipment, services and technologies, Australian companies have exported particularly to countries in Asia, North and South America, Africa and Europe. Some factors why these operations use Australian skills and hardware are:

• Australian exporters have experience in supplying huge, internationally-competitive resources projects, in some of the world's most difficult operating environments.
• Australian mining software is first class and used in more than 65 per cent of the world's mines. Australian mining services and skills are sophisticated and world-competitive, in particular:
  • engineering skills for the design and construction of major mining projects
  • mineral processing plants
  • smelters
  • bulk materials handling
  • rail transport
  • ship loading facilities
• Australia supplies coal washeries, gold processing plants, and develops 'world's-best' process control systems for mining and processing operations.

Mining equipment supplied by Australia includes:

• conveyor systems
• grinding mills
• slurry pumps
• strata reinforcement systems
• power transformers
• office and living accommodation
• safety equipment.

Australia's mining services are comprehensive and include:

• Airborne geophysical surveys
• Geological exploration and sample analysis services
• Mine planning, design, construction and management
• Equipment repairs and servicing
• Contract mining
• Workforce training
• Mine site catering.

The Australian mining industry is playing an increasingly important role in exploring, evaluating and developing a wide range of metalliferous and non-metalliferous mines in all corners of the globe, as indicated by its offshore involvement in approximately 670 tenements and over 60 active mining, refining and smelting operations.

Australia has an excellent reputation for innovative research and development, and for the integration of advanced technology from other countries. For many years these research and integration skills have helped Australian companies expand beyond the relatively limited Australian market, by aggressively tackling high-growth world markets.

Australian mining companies are at the forefront of environmental assessment and management, and in the technologies associated with occupational health and safety. Much of the research and development activity associated with new mining operations is directed towards ensuring that the mine sites adhere to best environmental practices and that the workforce and surrounding communities are fully involved in the process.

Australian rehabilitation practice in industries which use large areas of land is the best in the world as evidenced by the fact that many former mine sites are now included in national park areas leaving very little evidence of their previous use.

The fact that Australian miners today successfully address these issues, yet continue to produce at costs well below world averages, is evidence of how successful they have been.

Export markets

Australia exports mining equipment, services and technology to more than 50 countries.

Priority markets for Australian suppliers are:

• South America — especially Chile, Peru, Argentina and Brazil
• Indonesia
• Papua New Guinea
• China
• India
• North America
• Europe.

Political developments in some important markets close to Australia and in southern Africa have created some uncertainties for existing and prospective exporters. Mining projects in South America will involve substantial increases in capital investment in the next five years.

Australian suppliers

Search for Australian Mining Equipment, Services and Technology companies through the  Australian Suppliers Database.

Austmine is the Australian mining industry export association comprising companies dedicated to supplying the very best in innovative, cost efficient and practical technologies to mining operations worldwide.

Government bodies

Queensland Department of State Development: Information for export, trade and industry development for Queensland companies.

NSW Department of State and Regional Development: The New South Wales Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) is the first point of contact within government for companies wishing to do business in Sydney and regional New South Wales (NSW).

Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development: The Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development is responsible for encouraging business growth, securing investment, promoting exports and creating employment in Victoria.

Western Australia's Department of Industry and Technology: The Department of Industry and Technology works with the State's processing, manufacturing and service industries to achieve internationally competitive industry, increased investment, more exports, new jobs and a higher standard of living for all Western Australians.

Tasmania Department of State Development: The Department of State Development is the Tasmanian Government agency responsible for the development and implementation of the Government's economic and social strategies for Tasmania.

Networks and associations

Austmine: Austmine is the Australian mining industry export association comprising companies dedicated to supplying the very best in innovative, cost efficient and practical technologies to mining operations worldwide.