Bowen Basin to export mining equipment, skills internationally

The world is hungry for Bowen Basin coal but a new report has identified key markets in Mackay to export that can deliver the next wave of growth.

Opportunities for international skill and product exports has been opened – with Bowen Basin specialists and businesses now able to tap into an expanding need for high quality mining services.

As part of a new Regional Export Strategy, Chile, Indonesia and Canada have been named as the next big export markets for Australia – countries that will benefit from the high quality products and safety

Greater Whitsunday Alliance CEO and Regional Export Strategy project advisory group member Kylie Porter said the strategy was developed after Resource Industry Network’s METS Export Hub identified complementary markets for the “region’s METS skills and capabilities”.

GW3 CEO Kylie Porter says METS Export Hub’s recent Regional Export Strategy will expand regional business’ export market

“Research identified three markets. These were the countries identified because they had a really strong alignment to our specialty products we produce and they’re also prepared and interested in the value of those products,” Ms Porter said.

“(The strategy) is not necessarily targeting emerging sectors, it’s around working with markets that are looking for our high technological, high skills, to help grow their own mining sectors.

Ms Porter said a drawcard for international export markets was the safety in working with an Australian company.

“Not only is our IP protected … METS businesses and homegrown (businesses) who are taking innovative products or services intentionally, have protected IPs,” she said.

“The IP of the end user or the client on the other end is (also) protected.”

Ms Porter said the strategy identified additional regional export products including mining services, technical services and expertise, mining equipment and engineering firms’ experience in designing systems and processes for mining.

“This is about taking our expertise we’ve developed over the last 40-50 years in our coal mining sector and exporting those skills and services to the world,” she said.

“One of them is around bulk material handling, conveyors for example. We have some exceptional examples of world class innovative products produced here around conveyor technology, how you can actually move big quantities of ore around.

“Australia is regarded as one of the safest mining sectors on the planet and to (share) that knowledge and know-how … is incredibly important.”

MIW METS SME Export Hub manager Dean Kirkwood said the strategy identified key markets, the strengths and weaknesses, and the barriers, to achieving export success – a strong foundation for businesses wanting to tap into that broader realm.

“We are well positioned to support the development of a successful export market for our industry sector,” he said.

“At the same time, it enables the sector to continue to evolve, diversify, remain relevant, and increase the innovation we are famous for.

“The fact that this region is already a respected leader in the supply of quality METS products and services puts us on the front foot.

“But the benefits of a successful export hub to our region will also be enormous, so I’d encourage all businesses in the mining equipment and technology services sector to learn more about the export space, sign up to do one of our heavily subsidised Export Ready Courses, and set their businesses up for success now.”