West Australians lack mineral knowledge despite a $99b industry; a new campaign aims to raise awareness

Half of West Australians could not name three minerals mined in the State — and one in 10 could not name a single one — despite the industry pumping $99 billion into the national economy. The shocking survey findings have prompted the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson to say that the huge array of minerals and gas produced within WA was not well understood. “Wind turbines, solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles,” she said. “Every single technology on the path to net zero needs minerals produced right here in WA. “West Australians should be proud of the connection between our resources sector and the quality of life enjoyed not just here in WA but all over the globe.” The survey of 807 people by Painted Dog Research and commissioned by the CME found only 50 per cent could name three minerals, almost 10 per cent could not name any, and the results were worse in the younger age brackets. Only 37.4 per cent of people aged 30-39 could name three minerals, despite the State’s production of 895 million tonnes of iron ore for export in 2022/23, the WA gold-rush history, and recent emphasis on critical minerals — including lithium. All are used in the manufacture of mobile phones, but 19 per cent of people surveyed couldn’t name any metal ingredients of a smartphone. “There would be no selfies without the iron, lithium, cobalt, copper, gold and literally dozens of other minerals,” Ms Tomkinson said. “And without lesser-known vital minerals like lanthanides, scandium and yttrium, medical professionals wouldn’t be able to operate the CT scanners that help diagnose disease and save lives.” The survey results have sparked a new education campaign, “Resources Make it Possible,” which will be launched on Wednesday. The CME campaign features everyday activities that depend on minerals, including cooking with gas, construction work, and ordering and paying for breakfast. Ms Tomkinson said it’s about boosting awareness of the impact of an industry that employs more than 126,000 full-time workers. On Tuesday, many shoppers stopped by The West Australian in Hay Street Mall and admitted they knew nothing about mining and wouldn’t answer questions. But half a dozen people managed to name at least three minerals, with gold, aluminium, and iron ore being the most common answers. “It’s sort of out of sight, out of mind. It’s up north,” software engineer Alex said. Tammy, a 38-year-old finance officer, could not name any minerals. “I should be able to,” she said. “I don’t have any negative opinions, nor positive, but I know it helps WA money-wise.” Friends and lifeguards Isabella and Jemima named iron ore and gold. Though they acknowledged the industry’s economic value, both were worried about its environmental impact. “It would be better for the environment if they could use better fuels, like not using as much diesel,” Jemima said. Environmental activists have frequently protested the industry, demanding an end to fossil fuel production, but Ms Tomkinson argued that mining is necessary to power a path to net zero. “Those resources are only becoming more important as we transition to a low-emission future,” she said. Only five per cent of people who took part in the survey could name three ingredients in solar panels made out of copper, aluminium, silicon, lithium and silver. Fifty-one per cent couldn’t name any. Premier Roger Cook boasted in State Parliament last Thursday that WA is the leading exporter of goods in Australia. “Our success is underpinned by a strong mining and resources industry, which is driving the exports of iron ore and LNG and bringing prosperity to the state and nation,” he said. But he has vowed to diversify the economy. “Our fastest growing export is arguably sensible forward-thinking policy,” he said. Last week, the Government announced a $14 million “resourcing boost” to streamline regulatory approval and appeals processes. “We’re delivering on our clean energy plan, securing major job-creating projects to position WA as a global renewable energy powerhouse,” Mr Cook said last week. The Premier has been under pressure to assist lithium producers during a price collapse but has yet to rule royalty relief or deferrals in or out. “The State Government continues to engage with the lithium industry on its current challenges,” a spokesperson said on Tuesday. “We’re confident WA’s critical minerals industry will continue to thrive in the longer term, supplying responsibly sourced, quality metal products that are critical to the world’s energy transition.”