Western Australia’s resources industry experienced record sales of $127.4 billion in 2018, according to statistics from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
The bulk of the 16 per cent increase on 2017’s $109.6 billion in sales was due to strong performance from WA’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) producers.
An 81 per cent increase in LNG sales value meant that the sector contributed $12 billion of the overall $17.8 billion increase in total mineral and petroleum sales.
LNG volumes increased by 34 per cent to a new record of 43.7 million tonnes, and the volume of spodumene concentrate (lithium) sales rose by 24 per cent to reach a new record of 2.1 million tonnes.
Figures show gold sales volumes increased for the third year in a row to reach 212 tonnes (7.5 million ounces) in 2018, their highest level since 1998.
The average number of workers in the WA minerals sector in 2018 was 120,437, an increase from 111,000 in 2017.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, almost $18 billion was invested in WA’s mining industry in 2018, representing around 52 per cent of national expenditure.
The previous highest calendar year record of $116 billion was set in 2013.
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As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
“Creating and supporting jobs for Western Australians is the McGowan Government’s top priority, so it’s great to see growth in mining employment for a second year running.
“Together, the iron ore and gold sectors accounted for about 70 per cent of mineral sector jobs in 2018; it’s also pleasing to see further growth in LNG and lithium.
“The State has about $113 billion of resource projects in the pipeline.”
