(Copper, Lead, Zinc, Cobalt, Nickel and Antimony)

Lead and Zinc are produced predominantly by BHP, Pasminco and Mount Isa Mines (MIM). WMC and BHP Billiton dominate copper production in Australia. WMC, Outokumpu, Anaconda and Preston Resources produce most of Australia’s nickel, whilst Eramet controls most production from New Caledonia. Freeport and Newmont have operations in PNG. Silver is produced as a by-product of lead – zinc mining operations.

Rio Tinto controls Australia’s only major producing diamond mine, Argyle. The nearby Merlin mine is also producing a limited amount of diamonds. Exploration efforts continue throughout Australia for additional alluvial and kimberlite diamond resources.

Gold production in the region is dominated by Normandy Mining, Sons of Gwalia, BHP Billiton and WMC. Non-Australian companies including Homestake, Freeport, Newmont, Placer Dome and Rio Tinto have operations in Australia as well as joint ventures in Papua New Guinea.

Westralian Sands dominates Australian heavy mineral sand production.

BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto dominate iron ore production from Australia. BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto are also major producers of coal from Australia . Australia’s major uranium producer is Energy Resources Australia (ERA), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto.

Tin production is produced primarily by Murchison United NL and Sons of Gwalia in Australia. Nabalco, Alcoa, Comalco and Worsley are Australia’s major bauxite and alumina producers.