Victoria’s minerals sector continues focus on regional jobs with new Resources Minister

MCA Victoria congratulates the Hon Jaala Pulford on her appointment as Minister for Resources.

Minister Pulford’s role as Minister for Employment and Innovation and the Digital Economy is closely aligned with the minerals sector’s focus on regional jobs and modern high tech practices in mining and exploration.

Mining and exploration is a growing regional employer in Victoria, and a growing minerals industry is good for all Victorians with exploration, mining operations and mining services supporting jobs and more diverse regional economies.

Victoria is enjoying record spending on minerals exploration, gold production has increased strongly in recent years, and Victoria sits within the Murray Basin with the world’s largest mineral sands deposits leading to five potential mineral sands and rare earths projects in the pipeline in Victoria.

Melbourne is a global centre for mining services and home to major mining companies, adding to Victoria’s natural advantages in gold, base metals and mineral sands.

Victoria should aim to have multiple new mines by the end of the decade. This will only happen with competitive policy settings and efficient approvals processes.

MCA Victoria acknowledges the strong advocacy by Minister Symes for the resources industry and her commitment to increasing opportunities in mining and exploration for First Nations Victorians, supporting women in resources through the MCA’s Women in Resources Awards and her unwavering commitment to regional jobs, communities and industries.

Her constructive work with the industry on safety and health through the pandemic was exceptional.

Mining is proud to have played a critical role supporting the economy and regional jobs throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns, and MCA Victoria continues to work with the Victorian Government to build a well regulated, responsible and sustainable industry founded on community support for more regional development.

ends