Western Australia’s resources industry reached historic high levels of employment in 2024, marking its eighth consecutive year of growth.
According to new figures released by the WA Government, the state achieved a record 135,693 on-site full-time equivalent (FTE) positions filled in 2024. The result was supported by mineral and petroleum sales totalling $223 billion.
“The record jobs growth in WA’s mining sector shows there is no better place in the world to get a quality job, with iron ore, gold, LNG (liquefied natural gas) and alumina all big contributors to the state’s jobs boom,” WA Premier Roger Cook said.
“These figures reflect the industry’s continued confidence in WA and its commitment to long-term growth.”
A total of 4263 FTEs jobs were filled in the exploration sector and 7870 FTEs positions in the petroleum industry.
Iron ore led the sales tally with $128 billion, the third highest on record, while gold reached an all-time high of $24 billion, despite a slight drop in production, and alumina recorded its strongest performance since the COVID-19 pandemic with $7.4 billion.
Although global market softness impacted battery minerals, lithium still generated $5 billion in sales, and nickel $3.2 billion.
“Western Australia’s resources sector continues to set new benchmarks, with record employment and strong sales driving economic growth across the state,” WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael said.
“More than 135,000 people are now employed in our resources sector – the highest on record – showing the industry’s vital role in creating jobs for Western Australians.”
Exploration also remained robust, with near-record expenditure of $2.5 billion focused on gold, iron ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, lithium, and rare earths.
More than $32 billion was invested in WA’s resources sector in 2024, with $48 billion in committed and under-construction projects, reinforcing the state’s strong investment pipeline.
“Robust exploration spending across key commodities like gold, lithium and rare earths reinforces Western Australia’s position as a global minerals leader,” Cook said.
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