- Mining employment hits a record 141,531 full-time equivalent jobs in 2025-26
- Mineral and petroleum sales reach impressive $227 billion
- Resources investment climbs to a decade-high $34.2 billion
Western Australia's resources sector delivered record mining jobs and decade-high investment in the 2025-26 financial year, reinforcing its crucial role in the State and national economies.
Mining employment reached an unprecedented 141,531 full-time equivalent positions, helping underpin standout mineral and petroleum sales of $227 billion across the same period.
Mineral exploration also reached historic highs, supporting 4,988 full-time equivalent jobs as expenditure climbed to $2.98 billion.
Iron ore remained the State's highest value commodity, generating $122 billion in sales as shipments rose to a massive 905 million tonnes.
Gold added further momentum, with sales hitting $42 billion as volumes rose to 6.8 million troy ounces.
Lithium rebounded strongly, with revenue more than doubling to $8.6 billion as a record
4.1 million tonnes of spodumene concentrate was exported or used in WA.
Silver was another bright spot, with revenue climbing to an all-time high of $321 million as prices reached unprecedented levels, including highs above US$100 per troy ounce
Energy activity remained another major contributor, with LNG sales of $30 billion and condensate sales totalling $6.8 billion despite softer prices and production disruptions during the year.
Capital expenditure reached $34.2 billion, its highest level in a decade, reflecting continued local and global confidence in major projects across the State. At 62 per cent of Australia's mining and petroleum investment, this represented one of WA's highest shares of national spending in three decades
The project pipeline remains strong, with $56 billion under construction or committed and a further $118 billion planned or possible. This pipeline spans LNG, iron ore, lithium, gold, rare earths and domestic gas.
Construction continues on major developments including Woodside Energy's Scarborough project, Chevron's Gorgon Stage 3 and Iluka Resources' Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery.
Several projects also moved into production, including Northern Star Resources' KCGM Mill expansion, Lynas Rare Earths' Mt Weld expansion and Strike Energy's South Erregulla project.
For more detailed information on the latest statistics, visit resources industry data.
Comments attributed to Mines, Petroleum and Exploration Minister Daniel Pastorelli:
"Record jobs, record mineral exploration and significant capital expenditure showcase the scale and ambition of WA's resources sector.
"The Cook Labor Government's focus is firmly on the future, creating the conditions for new mines, new industries and new careers to flourish across the State.
"Strong resource exports contribute significantly to economic growth, generating royalties and tax revenues that help fund essential services, infrastructure and community programs.
"The success of our resources industry supports higher living standards, creates thousands of well-paying jobs and helps ensure Western Australians continue to enjoy one of the strongest economies.
"At a time of shifting global markets and geopolitical uncertainty, the Cook Labor Government remains committed to creating the right conditions for investment, supporting jobs and ensuring Western Australia's resources sector continues to thrive."
