Western Australia’s powerhouse resources sector has delivered another strong performance for the 2024–25 financial year, recording total sales of $220 billion despite global market uncertainties and price volatility in key commodities.
The state’s success was underpinned by record output in gold and mineral sands and sustained high employment, highlighting continued resilience in one of WA’s largest economic drivers.
Figures released by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) show on-site full-time equivalent (FTE) mining employment reached 134,009 positions, with an additional 4,248 in exploration and 9,428 in petroleum.
Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael said the results demonstrated the strength and stability of WA’s resources industry.
“Thanks to the Cook government’s sound economic management, WA is driving the state and national economies through ongoing investment in exploration and our resources sector success,” he said.
“It’s encouraging to see mining and petroleum employment remain resilient, supporting economic growth in our regional communities and across the state.
“The billions invested in projects committed and under construction, combined with WA’s long history of excellence, reaffirm our status as a reliable business partner and global investment destination.”
WA’s gold sector led the way with all‑time high sales of $29 billion, buoyed by strong global prices and a modest increase in production to 6.7 million ounces (209 tonnes).
Gold prices averaged above US$2,300 per ounce in the first half of 2025, reflecting investor demand for safe‑haven assets amid uncertain global economic conditions.
Meanwhile, the mineral sands industry achieved a record $1.4 billion in sales, driven largely by ongoing demand for titanium, zircon and rutile used in industrial and high‑tech manufacturing.
This milestone underscores WA’s growing position as a critical supplier of minerals essential to emerging technologies and renewable energy systems.
Iron ore remained WA’s economic anchor, generating $122 billion in sales from near‑record output of 864 million tonnes.
Prices for the steelmaking commodity were supported by steady Chinese demand and tightening supply expectations, according to the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) also delivered robust results, valued at $36 billion, ranking among the highest sales for any financial year.
Woodside’s Scarborough project and Chevron’s Gorgon expansion continued to underpin long-term LNG investment across the state.
Exploration expenditure reached $2.57 billion, reflecting the sector’s ongoing push to uncover new deposits as well as higher costs for labour, equipment and fuel.
Total investment in WA’s mining and petroleum industries stood at $33 billion, with projects under construction or committed valued at around $49 billion.
Alumina sales reached $8.2 billion, while manganese achieved its second-highest value at $409 million.
Weaker lithium and nickel prices partially offset these gains, following a global market correction in battery minerals.
Industry analysts say the broad-based strength across gold, iron ore, and LNG should continue to support state revenues and regional employment through 2026.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the WA resources sector remains a key pillar of Australia’s economy, accounting for nearly half of the nation’s export earnings and employing tens of thousands across regional communities.
