Metals and Minerals Make Up Half of Tasmanian Exports

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources Australia (Perth, Australia)--Not including the Australian Capital Territory, the state of Tasmania has the smallest project investment amount in Australia. But despite its small size, Tasmania's contribution to the industrial export market--particularly its Metals and Minerals Industry--should not be underestimated.

More than half of Tasmania's major export revenue, 51.4%, was derived last year from mineral exports to countries such as the U.S. and China. Tasmania relies heavily on the exportation of both zinc and aluminum, which made up 17.5% and 11.9%, respectively, of the state's mineral exports last year.

The significance and importance of the Hobart Zinc Smelter and Bell Bay Aluminum Smelter is well-known throughout the state.

But the state's largest current projects are not centered on metals and minerals; rather, they are part of the Pulp, Paper & Wood and Power industries. The grassroot Eucalyptus Market Pulp Mill by Gunns Limited (Launceston, Tasmania) is the single most expensive project in the state, with a total investment value of $2.05 billion. Although its owners are looking for investors to purchase the project, this may not occur anytime soon.

The $213.8 million, 120-megawatt, grassroot Cattle Hill Windfarm by OneWind Australia (Sydney, Australia) awaits government approval so it can move ahead with detailed engineering, with an estimated kickoff in the second half of 2015. A related expansion project is also valued at $213.8 million; it is the second-largest cost development planned for the state.

Tin, nickel, tungsten and copper projects are all on the agenda for development as the state continues to exploit the high-value commodities. The combined export value for these products, as well as iron ore, amounted to more than AU$1 billion ($820 million).

China remains the state's largest recipient of Tasmania's exports, taking more than 21.2% of all export products including iron, zinc, aluminum and other minerals totaling AU$477 million ($390 million). Tasmania exported half that amount to the U.S., including AU$14 million ($11 million) in aluminum. Japan is the third-largest receiver of all Tasmanian exports, taking AU$38 ($31 million) in aluminum, AU$36 million ($29 million) in copper, and AU$12 million ($10 million) in other minerals and concentrated ore.

Industrial Info is tracking 24 metals and minerals projects worth $669 million, and eight power projects worth $647 million. As many as 13 projects are scheduled for completion from 2015 to 2016. Twenty-two projects valued at $3.32 billion are in the planning and engineering stages.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, three offices in North America and 10 international offices, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle™, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities.