WA miners contribute massively to economy – survey

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – New data by the Western Australian Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) has shown that the resource sector contributed A$32-billion to wages, salaries, business purchases, community contributions and government payments in 2015/16.

CME CEO Reg Howard-Smith on Monday said the survey results, compiled from 46 companies across the Western Australian resources sector, highlight that the resources sector is still a very important part of the state’s economy; even as it moves from construction to growing exports through operations.

“The results of this year’s Economic Contribution Survey provide a unique picture of spending by Western Australia’s resources sector, showing the economic benefits flow through to communities across the state and beyond,” Howard-Smith said.

“The benefits are far-reaching. Each and every community in Western Australia has local residents who work in the industry and businesses which supply goods and services to the sector.

“While the combined economic contribution of these Western Australian resources companies to Australia was A$46.6-billion, the contribution of the sector is not just an economic one.”

Howard-Smith noted that there were 886 arts, education, health, sports, indigenous, environment and social organisations across the state that receive support from the sector.