A change in government in March brought some uncertainty to WA at a time when the iron ore giant was forced to look to alternative commodities given fluctuating market prices. With a forward-thinking mentality and an appetite for risk, Australian miners are seeking alternative outlets for their extractive prowess, particularly looking to projects that will address the global need for lithium, graphite and cobalt in the era of the lithium battery. As innovation leaders, WA miners are implementing the latest developments in equipment and working hard to diminish human factor risks through wireless technologies and automation. Service providers are racing to provide the best solutions for IoT, Big Data and cyber-security.

With a strong international focus, WA companies continue to explore new frontiers, with renewed interests in West Africa and Latin America. New junior IPOs and capital from retail and super-annuation funds have entered the mining market, indicating a positive outlook for the sector. Though the current political global climate might soften Chinese investments in-country, European and Japanese conglomerates maintain a strong interest in WA. With a strong regulatory framework, that can sometimes feel over-regulated, the state remains a safe and wise place to invest for the longer term.