INTRODUCTION

Mining 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. Included are activities carried out at or near mine sites as an integral part of mining operations, such as dressing or beneficiation of ores or other minerals. Natural gas absorption and purifying plants are also included.

However, the first stage processing of minerals and mineral extracts, while closely related to the mining industry, is included as part of the manufacturing industry (see chapter 20).

Australia continues to rank as one of the world's leading mining nations, with substantial identified resources of major minerals and fuel close to the surface. In 2009, it had the world's largest economic demonstrated resources of brown coal, mineral sands (rutile and zircon), nickel, uranium, lead and zinc.

Australia was the largest producer of iron ore, bauxite and the mineral sands, rutile and zircon in 2009. It was also a top ten producer of a wide range of other minerals including coal, copper, gold and uranium.

In industry gross value added terms (at current prices), the mining industry was the fourth largest contributor to Australia's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009–10, with 8% of total GDP.

Expenditure on mineral exploration in 2010–11 was 72% higher than in 2006–07. During the same period, the value of exports from the mining industry more than doubled to $136 billion. The industry contributed 55% of the total value of goods exported from Australia in 2010–11, an increase of 37% from 2006–07.

Related information can be found in chapters 1 GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE, 19 ENERGY, 20 MANUFACTURING and 31 INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTS AND TRADE.

Information on the Mining industry can be found in chapters 8 LABOUR, 15 INDUSTRY STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE, 25 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY and 26 RESEARCH AND INNOVATION.