From being the Focus Country in 2008, Australia has graduated to being the Partner Country this year, and as such, is expected to bring in the largest overseas participation. Australia's mining sector is one of the most successful export industries. The fact that it is the world's largest producer of bauxite, alumina, lead and mineral sands justifies its position as our partner Country. It employs over 7000 people directly and more than 250,000 indirectly. It accounts for 40% of the country's total exports, and boasts of the 3rd largest mineral industry in the world. It is also the world's largest producer of black coal, bauxite, aumina, diamonds and mineral sands, while being a substantial exporter of iron-ore, aluminium, lead, zinc, copper, uranium, yellowcake and gold.

Australia's mining and mineral processing industry is a significant contributor to the Australian economy and exports. It directly and indirectly employs some 320,000 Australians, many in regional Australia, and is associated with substantial infrastructure development. It accounted for 8 percent of Australia's GDP and AUD 134 billion in exports in F.Y. 2008-09.

Australia is among the top five producers of most of the world's key minerals. Australia is the largest exporter of Alumina, Black Coal, Iron Ore, Lead and Zinc, and the second largest exporter of Uranium.

Australia has advanced capabilities in mining equipments, technologies and services, a sector which exported AUD 2.5 billion in F.Y. 2008-09.