Mining, oil and gas

Australia’s resources sector, a strong economic performer.

Our resources, mining, equipment, technology and services sectors are some of Australia’s strongest economic performers.

They generate more than half of Australia’s goods exports and provide significant opportunities including:

  • economic wealth
  • jobs and high wages
  • Investment and tax revenues
  • high-quality reserves of several mineral and energy commodities
  • a skilled, experienced workforce
  • innovative technologies
  • best practice regulations and operations that bolster business and encourage investment.

Social, economic and technological transformation presents new challenges for the sector. Future success relies on working smarter, safer, cleaner and more efficiently than our competitors.

Supporting a strong resources sector

We develop policy, programs and regulations to:

  • support sustainable development of the resources sector
  • increase investment
  • encourage innovative, clean energy and low-emissions technologies
  • support the transition to net zero.

Minerals

We are committed to growing Australia's role as a reliable, sustainable and globally competitive supplier of energy and mineral exports.

Oil and gas

We develop policy, regulations and interventions to support Australia’s oil and gas industry and supply.

Offshore greenhouse gas storage

We regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) storage in Australian Commonwealth waters.

Taxes, royalties and export controls on minerals and petroleum

Companies that extract mineral and petroleum resources must pay taxes and royalties. Minerals exporters must meet requirements.

Free trade agreements

We represent and advocate for industry and the resources sector by negotiating and implementing free trade agreements.

METS Industry Growth Centre

The METS growth centre works with Australian mining industry suppliers, global miners, researchers and capital providers to improve competitiveness and productivity of the sector.

Supporting net zero transformation

We’re helping to ensure the resources sector contributes to our international decarbonisation commitments.

Planning for gas to 2050

The Future Gas Strategy outlines the Australian Government’s medium and long-term plan for gas supply, demand and emissions reduction.

Resources Methane Abatement Fund

This program advances new technologies that reduce and remove methane gas from Australia’s coal and gas industry.

Greenhouse gas storage exploration

The GHG acreage release ensures companies explore offshore carbon capture and storage opportunities in a structured, transparent and well-regulated way.

Participating in forums

The Australian Government participates in a number of intergovernmental initiatives and forums to exchange information and expertise. 

We regularly consult with Australia’s major trading partners, industry and stakeholders to help identify commercial opportunities for Australian businesses and encourage trade and investment. We also have resources-focused counsellors overseas. These representatives help strengthen our trade and investment relationships in their host countries.

Latest news

REQ 2024 Q4 image featuring a gold nugget in sand.
Office of the Chief Economist

Soft world growth affecting Australia’s commodity earnings

We have released updated forecasts for Australia’s commodity exports in the September 2024 edition of the Resources and energy quarterly (REQ).
Gas storage facility

Gas supply and demand outlook for 2025 quarter 1

The Australian Government will not activate the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism (ADGSM) for the January to March 2025 quarter.
Three people wearing protective clothing meet on an offshore oil and gas facility

Changes to offshore oil and gas safety regulations: have your say

We are seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Safety) Regulations 2009. Submissions are welcome until 2 October 2024.
Australian and Timorese academics

Australian academics collaborate on energy projects in Timor-Leste

Five Australian academics travelled to Timor-Leste last month as part of our Timor-Leste Australia Energy Partnership.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signing the Landsat Next ministerial communique

Australia joins United States on Landsat Next satellite mission as core partner

The partnership ushers in a new era for global Earth observation, securing access to next-generation land imaging data.

Data and advice from our portfolio agencies

Geoscience Australia

Applying geoscience to Australia's most important challenges.

CSIRO

Supporting Australia’s mining and resources industry through innovative science and technology.