Resources

Northern Australia is one of the most resource-rich regions in the world and a significant contributor to national income, exports and government revenues. The sector plays a vital role in regional development, creating jobs, driving investment and supporting local communities. Northern Australia is known for its rich deposits of minerals, including iron ore, bauxite, gold and critical minerals.

Key Deposits

The Pilbara region in Western Australia is one of the world's largest and most important iron ore-producing areas. It is home to massive iron ore deposits that are critical to global steel production. 

Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, contains substantial bauxite reserves. Bauxite is a key ingredient in aluminium production, and several mining operations extract bauxite for both domestic use and export.

Northern Australia also has gold deposits, with operations ranging from large-scale mines to smaller, remote operations. Deposits of other minerals, including diamonds and rare earth elements, also contribute to the region's mining activities.

We have supported projects in rare earths, lithium, high-purity alumina, salt, gold, copper, metallurgical coal, urea, manganese and mineral sands.

Critical Minerals

As part of the Australian Government’s new Critical Minerals Strategy, we have earmarked $500 million of funding to develop critical minerals projects. Projects currently under consideration include developments in rare earths, vanadium, lithium hydroxide, high-purity alumina, and silicon.

Our highly experienced mining finance team has a close relationship with the Critical Minerals Office and works alongside other government lenders including Export Finance Australia and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to provide whole-of-government solutions. The critical minerals sector is key to the government's transition to Net Zero, vital to Australia’s strategic interests, and has the potential to boost economic development, particularly in northern Australia. 

View the Critical Minerals Strategy

Mining Infrastructure

The mining sector has driven substantial investments in infrastructure, including the development of enabling infrastructure like railways, ports and roads to transport minerals from remote areas to export terminals.

The sector is a significant employer in northern Australia, providing jobs for local communities and contributing to economic growth. 

Environment and Sustainability

Balancing economic benefits with environmental protection is a critical consideration for sustainable mining in the region. Many mining operations in northern Australia are located on lands owned or managed by Indigenous communities.

Engaging with Indigenous stakeholders, respecting land rights, and providing economic opportunities for Traditional Owners and local communities are crucial aspects of responsible mining, and our Indigenous Engagement Strategy plays a significant role in this space.

The mining sector also drives research and innovation in areas such as resource extraction technologies, environmental mitigation strategies and sustainable mining practices.

The mining sector in northern Australia is a vital and complex industry that underpins the region’s economy and requires careful management to balance environmental, social and economic considerations.