The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) welcomes today’s announcement of record employment and sales from the mining and resources sector.
Statistics released today for the 2020 calendar year by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety showed an all-time high average of 140,940 people were employed by the WA mining and resources sector, which also experienced record sales of $174 billion.
CME Chief Executive Paul Everingham said the figures underscored the sector’s vital contribution to the WA and national economies.
“CME and its member companies are proud our sector has not only been able to continue operating safely and effectively throughout COVID-19 but provide such strong employment outcomes,” Mr Everingham said.
“We have a strong focus on providing positive impacts in the communities in which we operate and across WA as a whole, and record jobs figures are a good indication that we are achieving this.
“Ultimately, record sales are positive news for everyone in WA. In the 2019-20 financial year, royalties paid by our sector totalled $9.2 billion, which made up nearly 29 per cent of all WA Government revenue.
“That revenue helps the WA Government fund education, healthcare and other key government services.”
“On a national level, the corporate taxes paid by mining and resources companies on record sales have helped fund vital COVID-19 support mechanisms such as JobKeeper and JobSeeker.
“As of March 2021, there are $140 billion worth of resources sector projects in the development pipeline. To maintain momentum in growth, it is vital the WA Government continues its work to make it easier to do business in WA.”
