What Is Mined In Australia?
Australia is one of the world’s most resource-rich countries, and it supplies the raw materials that power construction, energy, manufacturing and technology industries. From iron ore and coal to lithium and rare earths, what is being mined in Australia depends on the region. Each state and territory contributes different resources, shaping a mining sector that is both diverse and globally significant.
In this blog, we look at what is mined in Australia and its different territories, from Western Australia to Queensland. We’ll explore how each region contributes to the nation’s mining output and why these resources remain critical on a global scale.
What is mined in Western Australia?
Western Australia is best known for iron ore, with the Pilbara supplying a significant share of the world’s steel industry. Gold is another major contributor, particularly from Kalgoorlie and the Yilgarn Craton. More recently, lithium and nickel projects have expanded, while rare earths are gaining importance as global demand grows for renewable energy and high-tech manufacturing.
What is mined in Queensland?
Queensland is a major coal producer, with the Bowen Basin delivering metallurgical coal for steelmaking and the Surat Basin producing thermal coal for power generation. The state is also home to large-scale bauxite operations at Weipa, which form the basis of aluminium production.
What is mined in New South Wales?
Coal has long been central to New South Wales, with the Hunter Valley remaining one of the state’s most productive regions. NSW also hosts copper and gold projects in central and western areas, broadening its resource mix and aligning with global demand for electrification minerals.
What is mined in South Australia?
South Australia is recognised for its copper, with Olympic Dam ranking among the world’s largest deposits. The mine also produces uranium, gold, and silver, making it a uniquely diversified operation. Zircon and ilmenite are also mined in the state, contributing to ceramics and industrial applications.
What is mined in the Northern Territory?
The Northern Territory plays a strategic role with uranium, historically exported for nuclear energy markets. Groote Eylandt is one of the world’s leading manganese producers, and exploration into rare earths continues to build the NT’s importance in supplying critical minerals for modern technologies.
What is mined in Tasmania?
Tasmania’s mining industry is smaller in scale but produces zinc, copper, and tin from long-established underground mines. These resources remain important for industrial supply chains and support regional employment across the state.
What is mined in Victoria?
Victoria’s mining identity is strongly tied to the Gold Rush era, but gold production continues today. Modern operations around Bendigo and Ballarat keep the state active, contributing to Australia’s ongoing gold output.
What is mined in Australia today?
Across the country, what is mined in Australia shows why the sector remains critical. Iron ore and coal continue to be essential in global steelmaking and energy production, while gold provides financial stability as a traded resource. At the same time, lithium, nickel and rare earths are central to renewable energy projects, battery storage, and advanced manufacturing.
This combination gives Australia a critical role in both established industries and emerging technologies. By supplying resources that support global infrastructure and the energy transition, Australia’s mining sector continues to matter on a worldwide scale.
Keep mining projects moving with National Group
Mining operations need the right equipment, people and technology to stay productive. At National Group, we provide heavy equipment rental, automated mining solutions and operational support across every major mining region.
No matter what is mined in Australia — from iron ore and coal to copper, gold and critical minerals — we deliver services that scale with project demands. Contact National Group today to discuss how our solutions can keep your operations moving.
