The Minerals Council of Australia today launched Australian Mining: Mapped, a new publication showcasing the industry's vast economic and social contributions across the country, particularly in regional and remote communities.
Australian Mining: Mapped highlights the essential role mining plays in sustaining Australia's prosperity.
Mining is the backbone of national prosperity as the nation's largest exporter, top company taxpayer and a major employer. Our industry sustains hundreds of thousands of working families, supports regional businesses through local procurement, and underpins a thriving mining equipment, technology and services sector.
In 2023-24, mining companies procured more than $161 billion in goods and services from over 63,700 suppliers nationwide. More than $661 million in voluntary grants, sponsorships and donations supported over 5,800 community groups, services and programs, while $32.5 billion in company tax and $26.9 billion in royalties helped fund schools, hospitals, childcare and roads. The industry directly employed 303,300 Australians and supported more than 1.25 million jobs across the broader mining ecosystem.
Mining's contribution goes well beyond the economic metrics. It supports communities, empowers Traditional Custodians, and drives innovation that will help Australia and the world achieve net zero emissions by 2050. With the right policy settings, Australia can unlock its critical minerals potential, attract greater investment, and position itself as a global leader in the clean energy transition.
The industry is also committed to sustainability. Less than 0.1 per cent of Australia's land mass is used for mining at any time, and companies invest heavily in rehabilitation, biodiversity protection, and partnerships with local communities to ensure the benefits of mining are widely shared.
Australian Mining: Mapped starts a new conversation about the extraordinary difference our industry makes in the lives of everyday Australians and the opportunities ahead to resource tomorrow's economy.
