- New figures reveal record mining sector employment in Western Australia
- Gold sales reach all-time highAlumina records highest sales since the pandemic
- Cook Labor Government committed to ensuring WA's economy remains strongest in the nation and that there is no better place in the world to get a quality job
Employment in Western Australia's mining industry reached a new peak in 2024, with 135,693 on-site full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, marking eight consecutive years of employment growth.
Separately there were 4,263 on-site FTE positions in the exploration sector and a further 7,870 on-site FTE positions in the State's petroleum industry.
Iron ore, gold, lithium, nickel and alumina/bauxite remained major contributors to on-site mining employment.
This result was supported by strong mineral and petroleum sales totalling $223 billion.
Iron ore led the way with $128 billion in sales, the third highest result on record, driven by strong prices and near-record volumes.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) generated a stellar $36 billion in sales, albeit down on recent years amid weaker market conditions.
Gold hit a record $24 billion in sales amid global uncertainty, despite a slight dip in production.
Alumina recorded $7.4 billion in sales, its highest value since 2018-19, supported by strong prices.
Weaker global markets impacted battery minerals, with lithium sales totalling $5 billion and nickel $3.2 billion.
Exploration activity remained strong, with near-record mineral exploration expenditure of $2.5 billion, focused on gold, iron ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, and other minerals including lithium and rare earths.
More than $32 billion was invested in WA's resources sector in the calendar year 2024, similar to the previous year, reflecting sustained industry confidence.
There was also $48 billion in mining, petroleum and associated infrastructure projects committed and under construction, reinforcing the State's strong investment pipeline.
For more information on the latest statistics, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/resource-and-environmental-regulation/resources-industry-data
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"The record jobs growth in WA's mining sector shows there is no better place in the world to get a quality job, with iron ore, gold, LNG and alumina all big contributors to the State's jobs boom.
"My Government will continue to work hard to diversify our economy for the future and make more things here, as part of our Made in WA plan.
"Robust exploration spending across key commodities like gold, lithium and rare earths reinforces Western Australia's position as a global minerals leader.
"These figures reflect the industry's continued confidence in WA and its commitment to long-term growth."
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
"Western Australia's resources sector continues to set new benchmarks, with record employment and strong sales driving economic growth across the State.
"As the global economy shifts, WA's resources sector is well placed to support the energy transition, critical minerals development, and ongoing exploration.
"More than 135,000 people are now employed in our resources sector - the highest on record - showing the industry's vital role in creating jobs for Western Australians."
