Western Australia’s Booming Resources Sector Drives Demand for New Talent

Western Australia (WA) is gearing up for a new era of growth in the resources sector, with nearly 50 mining, oil, and gas projects in the pipeline, promising an abundance of opportunities for workers across the state. As WA continues to serve as a global hub for critical minerals like lithium, alongside future energy projects in oil, gas, and LNG, the state is poised to experience a labour demand surge like no other. With $55.7 billion worth of investments projected over the next five years, the need for skilled talent has never been greater.

According to the Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA), WA’s resource projects are forecasted to require over 11,000 new workers by 2029. AREEA’s report, Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast: 2024-2029, offers a clear picture of the workforce needs driven by these new, expanded, and restarted projects.

Of the 48 resource projects currently in development, 37 are mining-related, with plant operators, engineers, geologists, and management positions in particularly high demand. The sheer size of the proposed developments means that the workforce will need to grow substantially before many of these projects can even get off the ground. AREEA CEO Steve Knott highlights WA’s vital role in the country’s resources and energy industry, stating that the state accounts for 40 per cent of the national forecast workforce growth over the next five years. This underscores WA’s status as the driving force behind Australia’s resources sector, with significant opportunities for those looking to enter or advance their careers in the industry.

Key projects contributing to this growth include the Southdown, Western Range, and Lake Giles iron ore developments. Together, these are expected to generate over 2000 new jobs by 2026. The Southdown magnetite project, located in WA’s Great Southern Region, is set to become a significant player in the iron ore market, with a deposit stretching over 12 kilometres and promising over 1.2 billion tonnes of mineral resources. Western Range, located in the Pilbara, is another game-changer with a production capacity of 25 million tonnes of iron ore per year. Meanwhile, Lake Giles will focus on open pit mining of the Moonshine deposits, further contributing to the state’s iron ore output.

Additionally, seven gold projects across WA are projected to require nearly 1700 workers by 2027. These projects, along with developments in copper, nickel, cobalt, and alumina, will bring a further 2700 employment opportunities to the state, highlighting the diverse range of roles available across multiple sectors.

For anyone considering a career in the resources industry, now is the time to act. Western Australia’s burgeoning pipeline of projects offers a stable future with abundant opportunities for growth, advancement, and meaningful work. The road ahead is bright, with WA at the forefront of Australia’s resource and energy expansion, promising a secure and prosperous future for the state’s workforce.