This industry's major product is salt, most of which is exported to chemical plants in Asia. Australia's salt production typically amounts to 10 million-12 million tonnes per year, while global output is about 250 million tonnes. However, Australia is the world's largest exporter of salt. Other important industry products are silica, gypsum, magnesia minerals, talc and phosphate rock. The industry is expected to generate revenue of about $663.1 million in 2011-12, compared with $649.4 million in 2006-07. This represents an average annual increase of 0.4% for the five years ending 2011-12.
Firms in this industry harvest salt, and also mine or quarry non-metallic minerals such as phosphate rock, silica, gypsum, magnesite and talc.
The report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecast, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.