Face to face:Susan Johnston
CEO of the Queensland Resources Council
Each year, Queensland's mining industry sells raw and processed minerals worth more than $10 billion around the globe. The industry leads the world in smart technology, innovative approaches to mineral extraction and processing, and spends more than $215 million a year on research and development.
Innovation and smart state thinking maintain the Queensland mining industry's competitive edge on world markets, Ms Johnston (pictured left) said.
United States engineering and construction giant Bechtel's recent decision to move its global mining and metals headquarters from Colorado to Brisbane has underlined Queensland's importance as an international mining centre.
"It's a clear indication of the growth prospects of the state's mining industry and it enhances our reputation as a smart place in which to do business," she said.
"The fact is that we do a lot more than just dig minerals out of the ground - we're constantly seeking smarter exploration techniques, smarter mining and smarter processing.
"The world market for mining services is worth $2 billion a year and it's growing at an annual rate of 25 per cent.
"Australia supplies mining software to 60 per cent of the world's mines and the world's largest such company, Mincom, is based in Brisbane.
The industry's research and development covers many aspects of mining, from developing smarter ways of maintaining trucks to the invention of a world leading water desalination plant at the Yabulu nickel refinery near Townsville.
"The Yabulu plant was developed on the spot by the people who work there," Ms Johnston said. "It's a world leader in efficiency and in water conservation."
Queensland companies lead the world in innovative approaches to coal mining and we're exporting that technology around the globe.
Queensland's coal exports are worth $8 billion a year, making the state the largest international supplier of seaborne coal.
"We lead the world in mine safety technology. Even United States companies call in Queensland experts for help in putting out fires in underground coal mines."
Ms Johnston said smarter ways of doing things like maintaining trucks and saving water "are not just blips that have suddenly emerged - mining is about a lot more than digging and exporting.
"If you're not consistently coming up with smarter ways to do things you're gone in the international market and the Queensland Government's recognition of that through the Smart State philosophy gives us very impressive support."
Ms Johnston says there is "tremendous potential" for further mineral discoveries in Queensland, particularly in the west and around existing operations.
"I'm confident this industry, which is Queensland's largest exporter, will continue to make a significant contribution to our economy for decades to come," she said.
Information: www.qrc.org.au
Last reviewed 19 January 2006