Australia is the world’s largest exporter of black coal, diamonds, iron ore, lead, rutile, zinc and zirconium. It is the second largest exporter of gold and the third largest exporter of aluminum and bauxite. The state of Western Australia (WA) accounts for an estimated 50 percent of Australia’s mineral production. WA has over 1,200 operating mine sites (open pit, underground, and quarries) and 170 processing plants. The states of Queensland and New South Wales produce about 90 percent of Australia’s coal through open pit and underground coal mines.

Best Prospects/Services

• Products for open cut mining (as many miners shift from underground to open cut production).
• Heavy equipment parts. Companies are finding a shortage of tires and other components.
• Specialized treatment procedures for specific minerals (i.e. laterized nickel, heap leaching).
• Automation of materials handling and other operations.
• Mine planning / optimization software – as more mines move towards contract mining. Opportunities

In December 2007, mining companies were either developing or about to commence construction on 51 projects. The projects had a combined estimated cost of USD17.2 billion. Just under half of these projects are located in the state of Western Australia

Delegation List