Mining
Tasmania has remarkable geological diversity and more than a century's history as a significant minerals producer. The State exports ores and concentrates of iron, copper, lead, zinc, tin, high-grade silica and tungsten.
The total value of mining and metallurgical production in Tasmania was $1.82 billion in 2016/17. The mineral extraction and processing sector is Tasmania's largest export industry and accounts for more than 50 per cent of mercantile exports.
Tasmania has three large operating mines, including long-term producers Rosebery (zinc, lead, gold, copper, silver), Savage River (magnetite, which is converted into iron ore pellets at Port Latta) and the Renison Joint Venture a major Tin producer. A number of proposed projects are also in various stages of development.
Tasmania's major operating mines are:
- Rosebery Mine: silver, lead, zinc mining
- Renison Mine: tin mining
- Savage River Mine: magnetite (iron ore) mine
- Henty Mine: gold mining
- Cornwall Coal: coal mining in northeast Tasmania
Proposed projects include:
- Avebury Mine: nickel at Zeehan
- Mount Lindsay: iron and tin-tungsten
- King Island: scheelite
Mines on Care and Maintenance:
- Mt Lyell Mine: Copper mining at Queenstown
- Avebury Nickel Mine at Zeehan