Western Australia Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston has officially launched the inaugural Austmine WA METS Digital Mining Export Hub in Port Hedland, putting Western Australia’s Mining Equipment, Technology and Services sector in the spotlight.

The virtual hub will enable the State to build export capacity, knowledge and opportunities between regional, remote and metropolitan small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The launch featured the first of a series of outreach activities designed to engage with the 1,700 METS businesses throughout the State. This includes mapping the SME’s METS capabilities in WA, developing an Austmine export strategy, capability-development programs and promoting WA METS to the world.

The virtual hub aims to initially provide services in Port Hedland, Karratha, Newman, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury. METS businesses are a vital part of the resource sector supply chain, and contributed an estimated A$27 billion to the WA economy in 2018-19. The WA Government has committed A$350,000 and in-kind support worth A$50,000, through Invest and Trade WA, to establish this initiative.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said: “Today’s launch of Austmine’s WA METS Digital Mining Export Hub is groundbreaking for the local METS sector, and a fantastic result for Western Australia. Western Australia’s mining technology is world-leading, and the hub will enable these local companies to provide their services across the globe. The export hub will not only be vital in supporting the State’s recovery, post-COVID-19, but will also be a boost to jobs and our local economies.”

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said: “This is an exciting announcement for mining, equipment, technology and services companies in the Pilbara region. There’s no better time than now to identify new export opportunities for the sector, and use Western Australia’s digital capability to strengthen our economy.”