Mining, as defined in the 1993 edition of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), broadly relates to the extraction of minerals occurring naturally as solids such as coal and ores, liquids such as crude petroleum, or gases such as natural gas. First stage processing of minerals and mineral extracts, while closely related to the mining industry, is included as part of the manufacturing industry.
Australia continues to rank highly as one of the world's leading mineral resource nations, and the minerals industry is the nation's largest export earner.
The mining industry contributed $27.6b (5%) to Australia's Gross Value Added in 1999-2000, an increase from $23.8b or 4% in 1998-99.
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