Mining exports are the foundation of Australia’s economic prosperity

Trade data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today has highlighted the important role of the mining industry in the Australian economy as we manage the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In August 2021, Australia exported $33.9 billion of mineral, metal and energy commodities which accounted for 69 per cent of our export revenue and were the foundation of a new record high trade surplus.

Iron ore exports remained Australia’s largest export, with robust demand for the steel-making commodity underpinning iron ore exports of $15.5 billion – up 52 per cent year-on-year.

Australia’s coal exports continued to rise in August.

High prices and strong energy demand in key markets across Asia supported coal export values increasing 74 per cent year-on-year to $5.5 billion.

Resources export revenue is driving new job-creating investment in mining and its supply chains, paying the wages of 256,000 Australians and generating tax and royalty revenue when governments need it most.

When mining is strong, all Australians win.

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