Mining & Minerals
The South West is home to unique natural resources, placing it in the box seat to capitalise on international demand. Its value-added products are exported around the world.
Key commodities extracted in the region include coal, lithium mineral concentrate, minerals sands, tantalum and tin.
The South West is also a key resource processing area. Processed in the region are bauxite and synthetic rutile from ilmenite, as well as the manufacturing of titanium dioxide pigment and silicon.
The mining industry employed 2,248 people (2016 census).
Statistical Data
Mining continues to be a key economic driver for the South West Region. Latest estimates show that mining and mineral processing was valued at $2.69 billion for 2017-18. Alumina production is the region’s highest value commodity.
| Commodity | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | ||||||
| Alumina | 1,477 | 1,340 | 1,434 | 1,685 | 1,711 | 1,483 | 1,763 | ||||||
| Heavy Mineral Sands | 185 | 135 | 30 | 68 | 129 | 95 | 98 | ||||||
| Coal | 290 | 311 | 264 | 301 | 337 | 338 | 332 | ||||||
| Tin, Tantalum, Spodumene & Other | 121 | 151 | 123 | 113 | 214 | 378 | 499 | ||||||
| TOTAL | 2,073 | 1,936 | 1,850 | 2,166 | 2,391 | 2,294 | 2,691 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source Department of Regional Development and Lands. | |||||||||||||
Did you know?
Talison Lithium’s Greenbushes mine is recognised as the world’s largest known and highest grade lithium mineral deposit.
Simcoa in Kemerton is Australia’s only silicon manufacturing company.
