Learn How
Mining…
Keeps the light on
Keeps food
on the table
Builds
renewables
MINING KEEPS THE LIGHTS ON
Over half of our electricty generation relies on Australian coal.
Without mining, we can’t keep the lights or power the transition to renewable energy.
Our solar panels rely on metals which we mine directly and also often come as by-products from our base metals production such as copper, nickel, and zinc. Our wind turbines are produced from metals we mine such as iron ore, copper and aluminium.
The transmission and distribution systems that stitch our system together are based on copper and aluminium and batteries are based on Australian mined minerals such as nickel, lithium, cobalt, lead and zinc.
So in Australia, while coal keeps over half the lights on, mining keeps all the lights on and always will.
MINING KEEPS Food on the TABLE
Australian Mining benefits all Aussies and using our natural resources is an economic powerhouse.
$19,160
Families better off in 2024 due to the expansion of the mining industry since 2005
Source: Centre for International Economics
The mining industry boosts activity across the economy.
1 new job
In mining
=
6.14 new jobs
Across all industries
$1 extra
Per mine worker
=
$3.52 extra
Per worker across all industries
$1 million
Extra demand
=
$2.36 million
Extra output required
Note: MCA analysis of input-output multipliers.
Source: ABS, Australian System of National Accounts: Input-Output Tables, March 2023
MINING BUILDS RENEWABLES
Achieving net zero by 2050 requires a much more minerals intensive energy system.
2 times
solar energy generation
Solar power plants require more than twice the amount of copper used in coal-fired power plants.
An EV produces 60% less CO2 emissions per km than a conventional car, but…
6x minerals are required
Than a conventional vehicle (not including steel and aluminium).