Overview of WA’s Workforce Growth
Western Australia continues to cement its position as the powerhouse of Australia’s resources and energy industry. According to the latest Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast (2024-2029) by AREEA, Western Australia is projected to add 11,065 new jobs over the next five years, more than any other state in the country. This growth is driven by 48 major projects, with a total capital investment of $83.2 billion.
The sector remains as vital as ever for WA’s economy, despite recent workforce reductions and market fluctuations. With significant developments in iron ore, gold, critical minerals, and energy, Western Australia is expected to lead the country in workforce demand, even as the broader industry faces challenges.
Iron Ore: The Backbone of WA’s Mining Sector
Iron ore continues to be the cornerstone of Western Australia’s resources industry, with five major projects forecast to require 2,095 new workers by 2026. Major players like Rio Tinto’s Western Range and Grange Resources’ Southdown Magnetite Project are at the forefront of this expansion, ensuring that the state remains the largest iron ore producer in the world.
WA’s iron ore sector has weathered market volatility well, with these projects set to drive the bulk of workforce growth in the coming years. The Lake Giles Magnetite Project and Robe Mesa Iron Ore are also contributing to this demand, further solidifying WA’s dominance in this critical export.
Gold: A Shining Opportunity for WA Workers
Western Australia’s gold sector is another major contributor to workforce growth, with seven gold projects requiring around 1,700 new workers by 2027. Projects like De Grey Mining’s Hemi Gold Project and the KCGM Mill Expansion will drive this demand, highlighting the continued global appetite for gold and WA’s ability to meet it.
Gold mining is deeply ingrained in WA’s economy, and these projects are set to provide strong employment opportunities for both skilled and entry-level workers. With 553koz of gold expected to be produced by the Hemi Gold Project alone, the sector remains a key area of growth.
Critical Minerals and Lithium: Diversifying WA’s Resources Portfolio
While the demand for lithium has cooled, critical minerals such as rare earths are playing an increasingly vital role in WA’s mining future. Seven critical minerals projects will require approximately 1,000 workers by the end of the forecast period. These include the Eneabba Rare Earths Processing Plant and the Yangibana Rare Earths Project, which are set to supply the growing global demand for essential materials used in green technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines.
WA’s critical minerals sector is helping to diversify the state’s resources portfolio, positioning it as a global leader in supplying the materials needed for the transition to renewable energy.
Energy Sector: Gas and LNG Projects Continue to Drive Investment
Western Australia’s energy sector remains a strong driver of workforce growth, with 11 major projects expected to generate 2,580 new jobs by 2027. The gas and LNG industries are at the heart of this expansion, led by Woodside’s Scarborough and Pluto Expansion projects.
The Scarborough Gas Project, scheduled to start production in 2026, will require 600 workers, while the Pluto Expansion (Train 2) will add 400 jobs. These projects highlight the importance of natural gas in WA’s energy mix, even as the world shifts towards greener energy alternatives.
Workforce Challenges: Recovering from Recent Job Losses
Despite the positive outlook, Western Australia’s resources sector is recovering from significant job losses. In the 12 months leading up to May 2024, the state lost 20,000 workers, representing a 17.6% decline in its workforce. This drop was largely driven by the suspension of operations at key lithium and nickel projects due to volatile global prices. For instance, BHP’s Nickel West operation was mothballed, resulting in 3,000 job losses, though many workers were redeployed to other sites.
While the sector has faced these short-term challenges, the strong pipeline of projects offers hope for recovery. The forecast suggests that the 11,065 new jobs projected by 2029 will help restore the state’s workforce, although it may take several years to return to the levels seen in early 2023.
Skills in Demand: A Diverse Workforce Requirement
The Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast identifies the specific skills that will be in demand as WA’s projects move forward. The state will need nearly 3,530 plant operators, 1,171 heavy diesel fitters, and 390 electrical and maintenance tradespeople. In addition, there will be significant demand for 1,697 engineers, geologists, and technical staff, as well as 1,697 supervisors and management roles.
These roles will be critical to ensuring the successful operation of both mining and energy projects, with a growing focus on high-tech solutions and automation.
The Future of WA’s Resources and Energy Sector
Despite facing a volatile global market, Western Australia’s resources and energy sector remains resilient, with a robust pipeline of projects set to drive employment and investment in the coming years. The forecasted 11,065 new jobs signal a return to growth for the state, supported by ongoing demand for iron ore, gold, critical minerals, and LNG.