Brendan Pearson, Chief Executive, Minerals Council of Australia says “Adani’s decision to use steel from Arrium’s Whyalla steelworks for the development of its mine and associated infrastructure in central Queensland is great news for the South Australian economy and the Australian steel industry.

“The decision highlights the wider economic benefits that will flow from opening up the new Galilee coal basin in Queensland. It demonstrates that in addition to the new exports and jobs directly created by the Carmichael project, there will be substantial indirect benefits for employees, businesses and communities all around Australia.

“It will provide welcome support for Whyalla’s steelworks and for the livelihoods of Arrium’s employees and their families.

“This is just one example of the economic and social benefits that flow from new mining investments.

“Australia’s mining industry has extensive linkages with other sectors of the economy, as shown in a report earlier this year by Deloitte Access Economics. The report, Mining and METS: engines of economic growth and prosperity for Australians, found that Australian mining and mining services contributed 15% of Australia’s GDP and supported 1.13 million jobs across Australia.

“Jobs supported by mining and mining services are not limited to the mine site but are in hundreds of suppliers, businesses and communities around Australia, from transport and manufacturing operators to technology and business services providers.”