Connecting...

Blog Img

Boom and Bust: The Resilient Mining Sector of Western Australia

Back to Blogs

Throughout its European settlement history, Western Australia (WA) has greatly benefited from its mining boom periods, notably during the gold rushes of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

These benefits have only grown over time, establishing WA as an economic powerhouse. The state has become a major exporter of iron ore, alumina, nickel, mineral sands, diamonds and natural gas to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and other Asian economies alongside its longstanding production and export of gold to global markets.

owever, in 2014, the state saw the value of iron ore drop by 50% resulting in multiple site closures and redundancies. A few short years later, iron ore regained its value and the market stabilised.

Recently, Western Australia has seen a similar trend occur, this time with the nickel ore prices dropping by 15% over a 2-year period. As a familiar feeling creeps back with nickel production suspension or site closures, West Australians need only know that this isn’t the case with all mining areas considering the vast resources in the state.

Projects that are operating business as usual

 Here we outline three projects that are keeping the mining and resources sector strong before the nickel ore price trend corrects in the near future:

Newmont Boddington Mine - Gold

Boddington gold mine is a gold and copper mine located 13 kilometres northwest of Boddington, Western Australia. Officially reopened on 3 February 2010, the mine has now become Australia's largest gold mine eclipsing the Super Pit.

BHP Yandi Mine - Iron Ore

Yandi is located 178 kilometres northwest of Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia on the traditional lands of the Banjima people. In 2017, Yandi became the second WA-based iron ore mine to achieve a billion tonnes of ore produced in its lifetime.

 

The Talison Greenbushes Operation

Located in Greenbushes, the Talison Lithium expansion program began construction of its third lithium processing plant (CGP-3) in 2023. With the plant's commissioning expected in the coming months, Titan is already supporting Talison across various roles, including engineering, project controls, environmental services and engineering support. The expansion of production facilities will enable Talison Lithium to supply the growing downstream processing industry in Western Australia that is being established in Western Australia.

A history rich in mineral resources

In summary, Western Australia's mining sector has been a cornerstone of economic growth since the gold rushes of the late 1800s and early 1900s. The state has become a major exporter of various minerals and natural resources to Asian markets and beyond. Despite challenges like the 2014 iron ore downturn and the recent decline in nickel prices, WA's mining industry remains resilient.

Temporary setbacks do not diminish the strength of WA's mining sector. Numerous sites continue to support the industry, ensuring economic stability. Western Australians can trust in the state's ability to overcome market fluctuations and maintain prosperity through its rich mineral resources.

Join the Future of Mining in Western Australia!

Are you an engineer looking to impact the mining sector?

Titan Recruitment is actively recruiting skilled professionals for leading projects in WA's dynamic mining industry. Whether you're experienced or starting your career in engineering, we have exciting opportunities across various engineering and technical disciplines.

Explore current job openings and take the next step in your career with us. Visit our mining and engineering jobs page to apply now and become part of the resilient future of Western Australia's mining sector!

Latest News &
Industry Insights.