New figures reveal Western Australia’s resources sector in 2024-25 enjoyed record gold and mineral sands sales, despite challenging conditions in some commodities during the financial year.
The state recorded strong sales of $220 billion in the 12 months to 30 June for resources, supported by robust mining job numbers of more than 134,000 on-site full-time equivalent (FTE) positions.
Data from the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) shows the state’s gold sector had all-time high sales of $29 billion, driven by rocketing prices and slightly higher output of 6.7 million ounces (209 tonnes).
Iron ore also achieved exceptional results – generating $122 billion in sales on the back of higher prices and near-record output of 864 million tonnes.
Alumina achieved its second-highest sales value of $8.2 billion, as higher prices offset lower production.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) production was valued at $36 billion, among the highest sales for any calendar or financial year.
The standout results across gold, iron ore, LNG, and alumina were partly offset by lithium and nickel, which experienced weaker market conditions and lower prices.
Other minerals also performed well, with mineral sands reaching a record $1.4 billion in sales, while manganese achieved its second-highest sales value of $409 million.
Mineral exploration expenditure remained strong at $2.57 billion, reflecting ongoing efforts to discover new mineral deposits, as well as higher costs for labour, equipment and fuel.
Investment in Western Australia’s mining and petroleum industries reached $33 billion in 2024-25, maintaining the high levels seen since 2023 and highlighting the sector’s stability and growth potential.
Projects currently under construction or already committed are valued at an estimated capital cost of $49 billion.
Meanwhile, there were also almost 4,250 on-site FTE positions in the exploration sector and a further 9,430 workers in the petroleum industry.
WA’s mining industry workforce enjoyed solid jobs growth in gold and iron ore.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Adobe Stock
