Australia Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in australia, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
Select Country Guide
Mining and Critical Minerals
Last published date:

Overview

Mining has long been a cornerstone of the Australian economy, with the gold rushes of the 1850s playing a pivotal role in the nation’s early development. As of 2025, the sector remains a major economic driver, contributing approximately 13.8% of Australia’s total GDP. The industry is predominantly export-oriented, with limited domestic processing of raw materials.
On October 20, 2025, Australia and the United States signed the United States-Australia Framework for Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths. This agreement supports the development of secure, end-to-end supply chains for critical minerals needed for defense and high-tech applications. Building on previous agreements, this framework goes beyond technical collaboration and supports joint investments needed to diversify critical supply chains.
To increase domestic value capture, the Australian government has launched the $1 billion Value-Adding in Resources Fund, aiming to expand mining science and technology capabilities, promote onshore processing, and create jobs.

Australia is the world’s largest producer of lithium and ranks among the top five global producers of gold, iron ore, lead, zinc, and nickel. It also holds the world’s largest uranium reserves and the fourth-largest black coal resources. As the fourth largest mining country globally—after China, the U.S., and Russia—Australia continues to generate strong demand for advanced mining equipment, presenting opportunities for U.S. suppliers.

Iron ore remains Australia’s top export earner. Export volumes increased from 953 million metric tons (Mt) in 2024 to 954 million Mt in 2025, further reinforcing Australia’s position as the world’s leading iron ore producer. However, export earnings are estimated to have declined from US$93.4 billion (AU $136 billion) in 2023–24 to US$67 billion (AU $107 billion) in 2024–25 and are forecasted to further decline to US$62 billion (AU$99 billion) for 2025-2026.  While production volumes rose, unit price per ton softened from the highs of 2023.

As of December 2025, Australia had 448 operating mines producing a wide range of minerals, including iron ore, coal, gold, and bauxite. Roughly one-third of these mines are in Western Australia (WA), one-quarter in Queensland (QLD), and one-fifth in New South Wales (NSW)—the three major mining states. By volume, iron ore (55 mines, 90%+ in WA) and coal (90+ mines, mostly in QLD and NSW) are the most significant commodities. Unlike global norms, around 75% of Australia’s black coal is mined via open-cut methods, a ratio that also applies to the broader mining sector.

The United States plays a critical role in supplying equipment to Australia’s technologically advanced mining industry. In 2025, U.S. exports to Australia totaled approximately US$ 33.7 billion, with machinery—including mining equipment—accounting for approximately US$ 8.4 billion. The U.S. ranks among Australia’s top mining equipment suppliers, alongside Japan, China, and Germany. Major manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, Wirtgen, Joy Global, and Liebherr have a strong presence, while local firms excel in niche areas like mining software, fine coal cleaning, process control, and strata reinforcement technology.
Australia’s reputation as a stable and reliable resource supplier underpins the growth of its mining industry. The U.S. and Australia have deepened bilateral cooperation to strengthen the diversity and reliability of global critical minerals supply chains. A key development has been financial collaboration through the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and Export Finance Australia (EFA), which have established a single point of entry for critical minerals projects involving U.S.-Australian interests.

Notable joint ventures include:

  • Graphite Production: Syrah Resources and Novonix are expanding U.S. operations with U.S. government support. Syrah is advancing its Vidalia graphite processing facility in Louisiana.
  •  Lithium Supply: EFA is providing $220 million to Liontown’s Kathleen Valley Lithium Project, which will supply lithium to U.S. manufacturers.
     

Australian mining projects may qualify for U.S. government funding to support secure and resilient supply chains. Australian companies can potentially benefit from Defense Production Act Title III provisions under certain conditions, especially if they operate in strategic sectors or maintain U.S.-based operations. Australian companies leading on rare earth and critical minerals projects could partner with U.S. entitles to participate in DPA Title 3 projects. 

Australian projects may also qualify for additional funding under EXIM Supply Chain Resiliency Initiative. EXIM Supply Chain Resiliency Initiative will provide financing for international projects with signed long-term “off-take” contracts with U.S. companies, providing these U.S. companies with access to critical minerals from partner countries.

Leading Sub-sectors and Opportunities for U.S. Companies 

Mining Equipment, Technology, and Services (METS)

Australia’s mining sector is known for its high level of mechanization and technological advancement. U.S. companies that specialize in mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) are well-positioned to benefit from this demand. As mining operations expand into more remote and challenging environments, there is a significant need for autonomous equipment, such as trucks, loaders, and drilling rigs. U.S. companies that produce autonomous machinery and remote-controlled equipment, like Caterpillar and Komatsu, are seeing increased demand for their products in Australia. Furthermore, advanced drilling and blasting technologies that improve efficiency in mineral extraction are also highly sought after.

U.S. firms offering real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies can address the growing need to optimize productivity and reduce downtime. Additionally, specialized components and wear parts that offer enhanced durability and performance are in high demand as mining operations strive to extend the life cycles of their equipment.

Clean Energy Integration and Sustainability Tech

With growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, there is a strong shift in Australia’s mining industry toward integrating renewable energy solutions and enhancing sustainability practices. U.S. companies specializing in hybrid power solutions are well-positioned to take advantage of the increasing demand for solar, wind, and battery storage systems to power remote mine sites. U.S. firms such as Tesla, which specializes in battery storage, and First Solar, which produces solar panels, can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of mining operations in Australia.

Additionally, Australia is heavily investing in hydrogen as a clean energy source, providing U.S. companies involved in hydrogen technologies an opportunity to supply electrolyzers, hydrogen fuel cells, and infrastructure solutions. As the mining industry embraces carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, U.S. firms with expertise in this area can collaborate on projects aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of mining activities. Water management and tailings treatment technologies are also areas where U.S. companies can provide valuable solutions to address environmental concerns in mining regions.

Digital Services, Consulting, and Software Solutions

The ongoing digital transformation of the mining sector presents substantial opportunities for U.S. companies specializing in digital services and software solutions. There is a growing demand for mining-specific software, such as geological modeling tools, mine planning systems, and resource estimation platforms. U.S. companies like Hexagon Mining and others are already playing a significant role in meeting these needs.

AI and machine learning are also becoming increasingly important in the mining industry, especially for predictive analytics that help optimize exploration, maintenance, and production. U.S. firms can leverage their expertise in these technologies to develop solutions that enhance productivity and reduce operational risks. As mining operations become more connected, the need for cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and remote infrastructure will rise, offering another growth area for U.S. companies. Furthermore, there is demand for workforce training solutions, especially in mine safety and operational simulation. U.S. companies can leverage virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to deliver effective and cost-efficient training programs.

Blue Hydrogen processing technologies 

There’s a strong drive to decarbonize mining operations. Hydrogen can be used to store renewable energy to generate electricity, it can power equipment, trucks, and cars, and it can even be used in certain mining processes as a reductant.  

Opportunities

With the high cost of labor in Australia, there is strong interest in automation technology such as driverless vehicles (trucks and trains), drills, and excavation equipment. This interest is strongest in the iron ore sector, where the large scale of mine operations justifies the investment in automation. The Australian mining industry is, in many areas, an early adopter of technologies, such as mobile and wearable technologies. There are also moves to convert particular types of heavy moving equipment, e.g., underground loaders, to non-diesel power, for both environmental and occupational health and safety. Water management, dust suppression, and emissions reduction technologies are sought after as ESG standards rise.

Events 

Future of Mining Australia 2026
Date: June 16–17, 2026
Location: Crown Perth, Perth, Australia
Overview: This conference addresses challenges in the mining industry, emphasizing efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. Topics include technology revolution, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), workforce of the future, health and safety, electrification, and the regulatory landscape
 

Critical Minerals Conference 2026
Date: September 21–23, 2026
Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Overview: Organized by AusIMM, this conference focuses on the growing demand for critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. It features discussions on mineral resource estimation, processing technologies, and sustainable practices in the critical minerals secto.

International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2026
Date: October 27–29, 2026
Location: ICC Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Overview: IMARC is Australia’s largest mining event, connecting global mining leaders with technology, finance, and the future. The conference features a comprehensive program covering themes such as strengthening supply chains, optimizing costs, and driving productivity. Attendees can engage in networking opportunities, panel discussions, and workshops led by industry experts.

Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX27)
Date: TBC (likely May, 2027)
Location: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia
Overview: Hosted by Austmine in partnership with AusIMM, GRX25 focuses on innovation, technology, and sustainability in the mining and resources industry. The event features a comprehensive program with presentations, panel discussions, and workshops led by industry thought leaders

Resources

  • Department of Industry
  • The Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX)
  • International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC)
  • Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM)
  • Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG)
  • Geoscience Australia
  • Minerals Council of Australia (MCA)
  • Mining & Energy Services Council of Australia (MESCA)
  • Office of the Chief Economist (produces the Resources and Energy Quarterly publication)

×

Global Business Navigator Chatbot Beta

Welcome to the Global Business Navigator, an artificial intelligence (AI) Chatbot from the International Trade Administration (ITA). This tool, currently in beta version testing, is designed to provide general information on the exporting process and the resources available to assist new and experienced U.S. exporters. The Chatbot, developed using Microsoft’s Azure AI services, is trained on ITA’s export-related content and aims to quickly get users the information they need. The Chatbot is intended to make the benefits of exporting more accessible by understanding non-expert language, idiomatic expressions, and foreign languages.

Limitations

As a beta product, the Chatbot is currently being tested and its responses may occasionally produce inaccurate or incomplete information. The Chatbot is trained to decline out of scope or inappropriate requests. The Chatbot’s knowledge is limited to the public information on the Export Solutions web pages of Trade.gov, which covers a wide range of topics on exporting. While it cannot provide responses specific to a company’s product or a specific foreign market, its reference pages will guide you to other relevant government resources and market research. Always double-check the Chatbot’s responses using the provided references or by visiting the Export Solutions web pages on Trade.gov. Do not use its responses as legal or professional advice. Inaccurate advice from the Chatbot would not be a defense to violating any export rules or regulations.

Privacy

The Chatbot does not collect information about users and does not use the contents of users’ chat history to learn new information. All feedback is anonymous. Please do not enter personally identifiable information (PII), sensitive, or proprietary information into the Chatbot. Your conversations will not be connected to other interactions or accounts with ITA. Conversations with the Chatbot may be reviewed to help ITA improve the tool and address harmful, illegal, or otherwise inappropriate questions.

Translation

The Chatbot supports a wide range of languages. Because the Chatbot is trained in English and responses are translated, you should verify the translation. For example, the Chatbot may have difficulty with acronyms, abbreviations, and nuances in a language other than English.

Privacy Program | Information Quality Guidelines | Accessibility