Kelly was commenting as the largest-ever contingent of international buyers, including industry representatives from India, China and Chile, congregated in Mackay for the 2006 Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME).
Kelly said international buyers attending QME would have a unique opportunity to experience the range of world-class products and services being offered by Australia’s mining servicing industry, with more than 460 companies exhibiting.
The bi-annual QME has established an international reputation as a major showcase for Australian suppliers of mining equipment and technologies, consulting and engineering services, underground mining contract services, research and development and mining education courses.
Kelly said as the third largest mineral producer in the world, Australia provided local companies with a thriving and prosperous domestic market which gave them a perfect environment to develop and hone their capabilities.
She said high levels of domestic competition in the mining sector, combined with a commitment to research, development and innovation, had translated into a position of global prominence. She said at least 60 per cent of the world’s mines were now operating with Australian software.
Australian mining equipment, technology and services contributed more than $3 billion to Australia’s GDP in 2005, with export earnings well in excess of $2 billion,” Kelly said.
The industry is predicted to continue its strong growth with the potential to earn $6 billion in exports sales annually by the end of the decade.
The Australian Government’s export promotion agency, Austrade, has assisted many of the international buyers attending QME, as well as running networking events and business matching services.
