Western Australia’s resources sector is thriving, with a pipeline of major projects underway. Photo: Anton Petrus.
The Western Australian resources sector is positioned for continued growth, with a strong pipeline of major projects and significant long-term opportunities across petroleum, mining and critical minerals.
A new report from the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME), Unearthing Potential, shows the scale of Western Australia’s mineral deposits and energy resources and how they can be exploited.
Unearthing Potential estimated that the state has more than $8 trillion in known mineral and energy resources.
The industry saw a decade-high investment of $34 billion in 2025.
More than $50 billion worth of mining, petroleum and associated infrastructure projects are under construction or have reached a final investment decision, supporting thousands of construction jobs now and long-term jobs in the future.
“This report shows why every Western Australian should back our state’s resources sector,” Premier Roger Cook said.
“It demonstrates that the sector isn’t just creating jobs today — it’s set to continue creating jobs for Western Australians for many years to come.”
This pipeline of projects either underway or planned spans the state’s traditional strengths in iron, gold and LNG, along with jobs in critical minerals and downstream processing.
The major developments include Scarborough, Crux and Jansz-Io Compression in the LNG sector, and Western Ridge and Brockman Syncline 1, an iron ore project.
Other projects include the Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery and the Mt Holland expansion.
The Western Australian Government is supporting the sector by providing clear and timely regulatory processes.
Mines, Petroleum and Exploration Minister Daniel Pastorelli said: “We have an extraordinary resource base, a highly skilled workforce, and an industry with a strong track record of delivering major projects.
“But resources in the ground only become jobs and economic opportunities when there is confidence to explore, invest, and develop them.
“That’s why our government is focused on maintaining Western Australia as a stable and attractive place to invest, while ensuring projects are appropriately assessed and our regulatory system remains clear and efficient.”
Each year, the government invests $18 million in the Exploration Incentive Scheme, which supports the discovery of new mineral resources and unlocks projects that create jobs for future generations.
More than $250 million has been invested in the scheme since its establishment.
