The state’s mining industry employed a new peak of 135,000 workers last year, although the growth rate has slowed as operations were taken offline amid challenging markets.
It marks the eight consecutive year jobs in the mining industry has grown, with the biggest contributors to full-time mining jobs being iron ore, followed by gold and lithium.
But jobs in nickel and alumina declined after several operations across the state were curtailed largely in response to weak market conditions.
Nickel industry jobs fell by more than 3,200 FTE, notable due to BHP mothballing its expansive Nickel West operations, IGO shuttering Cosmos and Forrestania mines and First Quantum Minerals shelving its Ravensthorpe nickel mine.
Jobs in alumina and bauxite fell by about 600 FTE as a result of Alcoa curtailing its Kwinana refinery, according to the state government.
In 2024, the rate of growth cooled to 3.7 per cent compared to the average of 6.6 per cent over the past five years.
On releasing the statistics, the state government said the numbers suggested mining employment may be nearing its peak.
Last year, there were 4,263 on-site FTE positions recorded in the the exploration sector and a further 7,870 on-site FTE positions in the petroleum industry.
In terms of sales, iron ore came out in front with $128 billion in sales, being the third highest result on record, followed by liquefied natural gas sales of $36 billion.
There was $24 billion worth of sales in gold, buoyed by geopolitical uncertainty and strong prices for the safe haven commodity.
“Western Australia’s resources sector continues to set new benchmarks, with record employment and strong sales driving economic growth across the state,” Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael said.
“As the global economy shifts, WA’s resources sector is well placed to support the energy transition, critical minerals development, and ongoing exploration.
“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.”
