Foreword

Our export earnings from energy and minerals will be $175 billion in 2014-15 as demand recovers, particularly in Asia. This is a welcome recovery after the global financial crisis caused the value of Australia's energy and mineral exports to decline 23 per cent in 2009/10 to $130 billion.

Reflecting the expected increase in demand, around 80 major Australian resources projects are expected to proceed over the next five years. The $43 billion Gorgon gas project, Australia's biggest ever resources project, is already under construction.

These projects represent enormous opportunities for Australia's mining technology services sector.

The Government recognises the value of the mining technology services sector to the Australian economy, which is why I launched in March 2009 the Mining Technology Innovation Centre, which will provide tailored business development information to support growth in this innovative sector.

Martin Ferguson                              
Minister for Resources & Energy

The Government has learnt from the previous resources sector booms and so, in partnership with industry, we are working to eliminate infrastructure bottlenecks and increase the availability of skilled workers.

Through Government investments such as the $580 million Australian Rail Track Corporation project to increase Hunter Valley rail capacity, we are improving critical export infrastructure.

We are also working to ensure that skilled workers are available to build and operate resource sector projects over the next decade. In October 2009, the Government established the National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce to prepare a comprehensive workforce development plan. The resources sector has been an integral part of this process and the Government will be releasing its plan in mid 2010.

The Government is committed to growing the Australian economy and understands the important role the resources sector will play in improving the lives of all Australians.