The region derives most of its wealth from healthy mining and manufacturing sectors. 
Mining
Mining continues to be a key economic driver for the South West Region. Latest estimates show that mining and mineral processing was valued at $2.69 billion for 2017-18. Alumina production is the region's highest value commodity.
Value of mining ($ million)
Commodities by percentage
Data is based on financial years unless otherwise stated.
Mining values by commodity ($ million)
| Commodity | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | ||||||
| Alumina | 1,477 | 1,340 | 1,434 | 1,685 |
1,711 | 1,483 | 1,763 | ||||||
| Heavy Mineral Sands | 185 | 135 | 30 | 68 |
129 | 95 | 98 | ||||||
| Coal | 290 |
311 |
264 | 301 |
337 | 338 | 332 | ||||||
| Tin, Tantalum, Spodumene & Other |
121 |
151 | 123 | 113 |
214 | 378 | 499 | ||||||
| TOTAL | 2,073 | 1,936 | 1,850 | 2,166 | 2,391 | 2,294 | 2,691 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Source Department of Regional Development and Lands. |
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