Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/22/2015 -- Australia's mining sector is set to suffer the painful spillover effects of a sharp investment slowdown due to the cooling of China's economy over the coming years.

Australia has been among the biggest beneficiaries from the China-led commodities boom over the past decade, attracting huge amounts of investment into the minerals space. Driven by China's voracious appetite for key commodities such as coal and iron ore, the value of Australia's mining industry had increased by more than six-fold from USD24bn in 2003 to USD154bn in 2013. As a result, this has seen the sector's share of GDP rising from 4.5% to 10.2% over the same period. However, the boom years in the mining industry is over. With China's economy on course for a rude slowdown over the coming years, Australia's mining sector is set to suffer the painful spillover effects of a sharp investment slowdown.

View Full Report Details and Table of Contents

We believe Australia will be the biggest loser from the mineral imports shift in China ( see 'Minerals Import Squeeze: Bittersweet Outcomes', July 17 , 2013). The latter commands a prominent role in Australia's exports of key commodities including coal and iron ore. Already, the mining sector is feeling the crunch of plummeting commodity prices as a string of miners scale back their ambitions and slam the brakes on investment. The rising tide of economic nationalism, declining labour productivity and aggressive minimum wage legislation will compound the challenges in the mining industry, amplifying the downshift in Australia's economy going forward ( see 'Tough Times Ahead, What Can Replace The Mining Boom', May 03 , 2013). We expect the value of Australia's mining sector to reach USD187bn by 2018, growing at an annual average rate of 4.0% over our forecast period. This contrasts with an average growth rate of 21.7% per annum over the past decade.

Register for full summary

The Australia Mining Report has been researched at source and features Business Monitor International (BMI)'s mining and commodity forecasts for metals, minerals and gems, covering all major indicators including reserves, production, exports and values. The report also analyses trends and prospects, national and multinational companies and changes in the regulatory environment.

BMI's Australia Mining Report provides industry strategists, service companies, company analysts and consultants, government departments, trade associations and regulatory bodies with BMI's independent forecasts and competitive intelligence on the mining industry in Australia.

Key Benefits

- Use BMI's independent industry forecasts on Australia to test other views - a key input for successful budgeting and planning in this mining market.
- Target business opportunities and risks in Australia's mining sector through our reviews of latest mining industry trends, regulatory changes and major deals, projects and investments in Australia.
- Assess the activities, strategy and market position of your competitors, partners and clients via our Company Profiles (inc. KPIs and latest activity), Key Projects Tables and Competitive Landscape Tables.

Coverage

BMI Industry View

Summary of BMI?s key forecasts and industry analysis, covering mining reserves, supply, demand and prices, plus analysis of landmark company developments and key changes in the regulatory environment.

Industry SWOT analysis

Analysis of the major Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats within the mining sector and within the broader political, economic and business environment.

BMI Industry Forecasts

Historic data series (2009-2013) and forecasts to end-2019 for key industry and economic indicators, supported by explicit assumptions, plus analysis of key risks to the main forecasts. Indicators include:

- Mining industry: Industry size (USDmn), real growth (%), % of GDP, employment (?000), workforce as % of total workforce, average wage (USD).
- Output: Production volumes (?000 tonnes, carats etc.) for all major metals, minerals, ores and gems mined in each state, including bauxite, copper, gold, coal, lead, silver, tin, titanium, uranium, zinc etc.
- Exports: Value of exports (USDmn) for all major metals, minerals, ores and gems mined in each state.
- Commodity markets: Global demand, supply, stocks and benchmark prices (USD) for aluminium, copper, lead, nickel, tin, zinc, gold and steel.

About Fast Market Research
Fast Market Research is a leading distributor of market research and business information. Representing the world's top research publishers and analysts, we provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available. Our unbiased, expert staff is always available to help you find the right research to fit your requirements and your budget. For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

Browse all Materials research reports at Fast Market Research

You may also be interested in these related reports:

- Peru Mining Report Q1 2015
- Angola Mining Report Q1 2015
- MENA Mining Report Q1 2015
- India Mining Report Q1 2015
- Tanzania Mining Report Q1 2015