Mining equipment and technology and services
Brief ministerial statement
Mr David Michael (Balcatta—Minister for Mines and Petroleum) (12:16 pm): Last week I was glad to open and address the Application of Computers and Operations Research in the Mineral Industry (APCOM) conference hosted by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM). APCOM is the international conference focusing on the digitisation of the mining supply chain. Congratulations to the organisers at AusIMM for delivering such a fantastic event. I would like to recognise conference chair, Tony Tang, and AusIMM CEO, Stephen Durkin.
Western Australia stands at the threshold of the global resources industry, and we are an ambitious and forward-thinking state that likes to solve problems on a grand scale. The Cook Labor government absolutely supports this approach. We support the development of advanced exploration technology, our growing critical minerals industry, the decarbonisation throughout the sector and innovation in the implementation of mining equipment and technology and services (METS).
The Cook Labor government is investing in the Geological Survey of Western Australia, which is transforming billions of dollars' worth of geoscientific information into data ready for artificial intelligence analysis. We have also supported the ongoing operations of the cathode precursor production pilot plant, to help educate and upskill the next generation of chemical and process engineers who will contribute to our state's growing batteries industry.
The Cook Labor government has made METS, which is responsible for 1,700 businesses in the sector, one of the nine pillars of our Diversify WA strategy. The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia is implementing our $3 million METS innovation program, which supports industry-led research projects that translate new knowledge into practical solutions that our mining industry can readily adopt.
Technology is changing what, how, where and why we mine, and Western Australia remains at the forefront of those changes. This was demonstrated last week at APCOM and again at the amazing resources technology showcase that I visited on Monday. The Cook Labor government is proud to support the development and implementation of new technologies in our resources sector. Congratulations again to the organisers of the APCOM conference and thank you to all the leading industry experts who attended and who contribute to emerging mining technologies.
The Speaker: Before I give the call to the next minister, there was a low rumble going on while the minister made his brief ministerial statements. If members want to have a conversation, they are more than welcome to take it outside.
