Natural resources Covering 2.5 million square kilometres, Western Australia occupies more than one-third of Australia's total landmass. That's more than three times bigger than Texas and about the total size of Western Europe. Approximately 50 different mineral commodities are in commercial production in different parts of the State. National significance In terms of national significance, the Western Australian resources sector (in 2002) accounted for: - Almost half of Australia's total resources wealth;
- Nearly 80% of Australia's oil and condensate production;
- 100% of Australia's LNG production;
- More than 60% of Australia's mineral exploration investment; and
- About 70% of Australia's petroleum exploration investment
The total value of WA’s resource mineral and petroleum production (2002) was A$27,345 million. Of this: - Gold - $3,457million
- Iron Ore - $5,064million
- Alumina - $3,400million
- Iron ore, Gold and Alumina are the main minerals produced in WA
- Mining and mineral production generates $17billion of production annually - Of worldwide production (2002), WA produces: - Gold – 8%
- Iron Ore – 17%
- Alumina – 20%
- Diamonds – 29%
- The resource sector is the largest contributor to the State’s GSP. In 2002-2003 it accounted for a quarter of the State’s GSP - Mining production is forecasted to grow. Mining investment in 2002-2003 grew by 26% to $3.9billion - In 2002-2003 the value of WA’s mineral and petroleum sales was $27.9billion - Direct employment in the minerals and petroleum sector in 2002-2003 was 44,500 people
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