Australia's Iron Ore Industry: A Data-Driven Overview
Australia is rich in natural resources, and iron ore consistently makes headlines. Iron ore, a rock with sufficient iron content for economical extraction, is a key ingredient in steel production. Australia plays a crucial role in the global steel industry by supplying iron ore to countries like China, where it's used in infrastructure development, manufacturing, and other sectors. According to the GDP data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for the 2024 calendar year, iron ore, oil/gas and coal, each contribute roughly 30% of the mining sector's contribution to Australia's GDP.
Mining jobs are also known for offering high salaries, often due to the remote locations, demanding work conditions, and specialised skills required. But where exactly are these iron ore mines located? While many people know they're primarily in Western Australia, the exact locations and ownership details might be less familiar. Using polygon coordinates and ownership data, I've created a map that visualises the distribution of iron ore mines across Australia. As the map reveals, these mines are often situated in extremely remote areas, far from major cities and towns.
Interactive Map: Exploring Australia's Iron Ore Mines
The map below provides a detailed view of Australia's iron ore mines. You can scroll, zoom in/out, and interact with the map to explore the locations of these mines. Hovering or clicking on each mine reveals key information, including:
- Name of the mine
- The Operator of the mine (also determined by colour)
- Start Date - when the mine started
- End Date - when the mine was retired
- Capex - funds used by a mining company to acquire, upgrade, and maintain physical assets that are expected to benefit the company for more than one year.
- Capacity MTPA - annual production capacity of iron ore in 'million tonnes per annum'
References:
- www.openstreetmap.org
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_iron_ore_mines_in_Australia
- https://www.fineprint.global/resources/mining-areas/
- https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.910894