Iron ore generated $122 billion in sales with the near-record output of 864 million tonnes for Western Australia, alongside minerals and petroleum hitting $220 billion, as the state solidified its status as a resources powerhouse.

Gold also reached “new heights”, with a record $29 billion in sales driven by strong prices and slightly higher output of 6.7 million ounces (209 tonnes), bolstered by a robust pipeline of new projects, restarts and expansions, which continue to build momentum for the industry.

The results were announced by the WA Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration through its 2024-25 Mineral and Petroleum Statistics Digest.

“Iron ore continued to be the backbone of the local mining industry with strong sales, employment, and exploration spending driven by resilient prices and sustained production volumes,” WA Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration director general Chris Shaw said.

The Digest found that despite global market uncertainties and price volatility in key commodities, WA achieved impressive production, sales, and market resilience.

The sector remains a major employer, supporting 138,257 full-time equivalent on-site positions in mining and mineral exploration, while the petroleum sector employed 9428 people on-site.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales totalled $36 billion, among the highest on record, while alumina delivered its second-highest result at $8.2 billion as higher prices offset lower production.

The impressive results across gold, iron ore, LNG and alumina were partly offset by lithium and nickel, which experienced weaker market conditions and lower prices.

Other minerals also performed well, with mineral sands reaching a record $1.4 billion in sales, while manganese achieved its second-highest sales value of $409 million.

Mineral exploration spending remained at near record levels of $2.57 billion, reflecting continued efforts to discover new deposits and rising costs.

Investment WA’s mining and petroleum industries reached $33 billion, representing 62 per cent of national investment, while the sector also continued to underpin state finances, contributing $10.6 billion in royalties and related grants.

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