Mining & METS
Output
$44.7 Billion
% of Total Output
46.3%
Workforce representation
19.4%
Proposed Coal Export
600 Million tonnes
The Mining and METS industry makes the greatest contribution to economic output in the region, totaling $44.7B of total output.
As the sector flexes into the renewables, critical minerals and rare earth space and charts a course toward decarbonisation and increased sustainability, in line with legislated Queensland and Australian Net Zero targets. It is collaboration that has helped identify how current skillsets remain vital in shopping up skills needed in the future. This collaboration has also enabled the region to build resilience, capacity and capability within mining and METS into the future.
The Greater Whitsunday Mining and METS sector is globally significant.
The region’s global significance is also evidenced by:
- Our proximity to the burgeoning Galilee Basin.
- Much of the coal mined in the region being of world-leading grade and quality, with high quality metallurgical coal exported globally to produce steel.
- The demand for metallurgical coal is likely to be more robust than demand for thermal coal.
- The region enjoys proximity to the world’s two largest coal consumers – India and China.
- Strategic key collaborations with Resources Centre of Excellence, Queensland Future Skills Partnership and BHP Future Fit Academy are delivering activities to support education, skills and training for the sector within the region.
- Technical capability of world-leading METS sector provides export potential (domestic and international) and diversification opportunities for the sector.
Resources Centre of Excellence.
The Mackay-based Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) has been developed to drive job creation through the region for the resources and other sectors. The RCOE will ensure that the Mackay region remains a world leader in mining expertise and innovation in the METS sector. The RCOE includes a simulated underground coal mine to assist with training, research, product innovation and demonstration, focusing on job creation and growing the skills of the future.
The facilities and capabilities of the RCOE can be leveraged by other sectors, especially as the METS sector diversifies core offerings to service sectors like aviation, aerospace, agriculture, aquaculture and biomanufacturing.
Queensland Future Skills Partnership.
Queensland Future Skills Partnership is a three-way partnership between BMA, TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity Australia. The partnership has facilitated and fast-tracked the development and delivery of new autonomy-related qualifications in open-cut mining operations in Queensland.
GW3 intends to leverage this framework to fast track skill development capabilities for other sectors in the region.
Mining & METS Highlights
Host to the largest mining services industrial precinct in the southern hemisphere, the Paget industrial estate.
The sector accounts from 12%-20% of the region’s total workforce at any given time, due to the cyclical nature of mining.
Mining in the region is centered on metallurgical coal which is a core input to steel production.
A unique contributor to the Greater Whitsunday economy is the METS sector, which has stemmed from significant resources and mining presence. Which has built a highly skilled and specialised array of supporting activities and business over time.
Technical capability of world-leading METS sector provides export potential (domestic and international) and diversification opportunities for the sector.
Strategic key collaborations with Resources Centre of Excellence, Queensland Future Skills Partnership and BHP Future Fit Academy are delivering activities to support education, skills and training for the sector within the region.
Industry Accelerators
Featured Programs
Decarbonisation Accelerated
Accelerating Greater Whitsunday towards a thriving, low carbon future.
Isaac Business Chamber
The Chamber’s mission is to foster a thriving and resilient business community in the Isaac region. By engaging key stakeholders and leveraging our regions collective expertise, the Chamber aims to ignite innovation, promote social well-being, and enhance opportunities for all businesses.
Greater Foundations
Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) are building career-based classroom learning with Greater Foundations, a professional development event for educators across the Greater Whitsunday region.
Resources & Downloads
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2022-2023
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2022-2023
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2022-2023