Adopting new technologies, finding smarter mining and processing solutions and making these available to the mining industry is the aim of the METS Growth Center, launched recent by Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon. Christopher Pyne. Australia’s Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector is currently valued at A$90 billion.
The METS Growth Center is one of several similar initiatives, which is the centerpiece of the Australia’s new industry policy aimed at lifting innovation, competitiveness and productivity by focusing on areas of competitive strength to help Australia transition into smart, high value and export focused industries.
“The launch of the METS Growth Center is a crucial step in bringing together the skills, innovation and technology embedded within Australia’s globally renowned mining industry, which is the ultimate beneficiary of these advanced research and development projects,” said Elizabeth Lewis-Gray, chair, METS Growth Center.
“There are around 386,000 highly skilled employees in the METS sector in Australia. This workforce represents one of the largest and most highly skilled industry groups in Australia, producing leading edge technology and equipment for the mining industry. But the METS sector is largely invisible to the wider public. This METS Growth Center is aimed at bringing this sector into the mainstream of Australian industry and representing the very best skills and research this country can offer.”
The METS Growth Center’s vision is to lift exports from the sector from the present rate of $A15 billion a year to $A30 billion by 2030. The key objective is to drive excellence, not dependence and create an economy that ensures Australia’s ongoing prosperity.
