The Export of Australian Mining Technology

Australian mining practice operates at the forefront of technology. In recent times Australian designers, contractors and operators have shown many examples of technical "entrepreneurship" in solving geological mining and metallurgical problems. Developments have occurred in the fields of equipment, processing, operating techniques and training which have relevance to the mining industry in other countries. Our mineral exports play a key role in main- taining the viability of the Australian economy. Although the export potential of our specialised equipment and technology is at a much lower level it is a growth area. The export of our mining technology can continue to be basically the result of individual efforts but the question of whether it would be war- ranted and desirable, to establish a coordinating structure should be examined. Existing and new initiatives by the Federal Government indi- cate the Government's interest in the export of technology. The mining industry should take a proactive role formulating policy and programs within its technical jurisdiction.