The South West of Western Australia is a globally significant mining region with high-quality, in-demand resources. It is home to the world’s largest and highest-grade hard-rock lithium deposit at Greenbushes, alongside mineral sands, coal, tantalum and tin, making mining a major and growing contributor to the regional economy.

The region’s advantage lies in its strong downstream capability, with established processing of lithium, alumina, mineral sands, titanium dioxide and silicon, including Australia’s only silicon manufacturer at Kemerton. Lithium output at Greenbushes is rapidly expanding toward 2.2 million tonnes by 2027, supported by long mine life, expanding processing capacity and direct access to export infrastructure.

Producing nine of Australia’s critical minerals, the South West is central to the global energy transition and national supply chain resilience.

Mining Fast-Facts

• The industry employs 3,090 people
• Mining in the South West generates $6,544m in output, second only to manufacturing
• Mining in the South West generates $5,447m in regional exports
• In 2023-24, the WA resources sector supported:
• 17% of local economic activity
• 12,405 indirect full-time jobs
• 924 Local businesses
• 208 Community organisations
• 12 Local Governments (12 of 12)
• $2.5b total direct spend

Source – Remplan and Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA