Australia is a major mining power. While mining grew 8.9% in 2014, the industry faces challenges from changes in China’s demand and development in other countries. Nevertheless, mining remains a major force in Australia.

 

Australia mine production of bauxite leads the world, with production of 81,000,000 tons in both 2013 and 2014. Australia’s bauxite reserves are 6,500,000,000 tons.  Mining of Cobalt grew slightly from 6,400 tons in 2013 to 6,500 tons in 2014. Cobalt resources are found in nickel-bearing laterite deposits in Australia.

 

Copper mine production in Australia was 990,000 tons in 2013 and 1,000,000 tons in 2014. Australia’s current copper reserves are 93,000,000 tons, outmatched by only Chile.

 

Australian diamond mines produced 10 million carats in 2014, down from 11 million carats in 2013. Gem stone production for both years was 235 million dollars. Production of gold rose from 265 tons in 2013 to 270 tons in 2014. Australia’s current estimated gold reserves are 9,800 tons. Silver production rose from 1,840 tons in 2013 to 1,900 tons in 2014.

 

Australia mine production of iron ore rose from 609,000,000 tons in 2013 to 660,000,000 in 2014. Reserves of crude ore were estimated at 53,000,000,000, with iron content of 23,000,000,000.

 

Mine production of lead rose from 711,000 tons in 2013 to 720,000 tons in 2014. Australia estimated lead reserves are 35,000,000. Tin production fell from 19,300 tons in 2013 to 18,000 tons in 2014. Tungsten production rose from 320 tons to 600 tons.

 

Australia produced 2,100,000 tons of lime in 2013 and in 2014. Lithium production rose from 2,500 tons to 2,900 tons between 2013 and 2014.

 

Production of Manganese rose from 2,980,000 tons to 3,100,000 tons between 2013 and 2014.

 

Production of nickel fell slightly from 234,000 tons in 2013 to 220,000 tons in 2014. Australia has large nickel reserves of 19,000,000 tons.

 

Production of Rare Earth Metals rose from 2,000 tons in 2013 to 2,500 tons in 2014.