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 will help governments, industries and communities make decisions about gas and support Australia, and our region’s, transition to net zero.

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

Man wearing protective gear looks at laptop while standing in front of oil and gas infrastructure.

Building an offshore decommissioning industry: have your say

We’re developing a roadmap on how we approach decommissioning Australia’s offshore oil and gas infrastructure over coming decades. Give feedback on our issues paper by 20 October.
A rough ocean with circle graphics overlaying the image.

2023 offshore greenhouse gas storage acreage release now open

The Australian Government has opened the 2023 offshore greenhouse gas storage acreage release. Companies can bid until 28 November 2023.
Wind turbines in the outback at sunset
Critical Minerals Office

Australia’s Critical Minerals List: have your say

We want to hear your thoughts on updating our list of critical minerals. Submissions close 17 August 2023
Illustration of methane molecules

New grant to help reduce emissions in Australia’s resources industry

We are seeking applications for the Resources Methane Abatement Fund grant to advance new priority technologies that reduce and remove methane. Applications close 16 August.
Officials from each country signed the agreement. Left to right: Australian Ambassador to Japan Justin Hayhurst, the Director General for Energy in the European Commission Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry NISHIMURA Yasutoshi, the Republic of Korea Ambassador to Japan Duk-min YUN and US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel.

Australia joins international methane mitigation agreement

We will collaborate with Japan, the Republic of Korea, United States and European Union to lower methane emissions in the Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) supply chain.

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.