Value proposition

The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) is the peak industry body of Australia’s exploration, mining and minerals processing industry. It represents the minerals industry, both nationally and internationally, in advancing its contribution to sustainable development and to society.

MCA member companies account for more than 85 per cent of Australia’s annual mineral production and more than 90 per cent of mineral export earnings. The minerals produced by member companies are:

- base metals — copper, lead, zinc;
- precious metals — gold, silver;
- coal — thermal, metallurgical, lignite;
- iron ore;
- uranium;
- minerals sands — rutile, zircon, ilmenite, titanium; and
- light metals — aluminium, nickel, manganese, magnesium.

The MCA advocates public policy and operational practice for a globally competitive minerals industry that is safe, profitable, innovative and environmentally and socially responsible. It promotes balanced and consistent policy settings for:

- an industry free of fatalities, injuries and diseases;
- a macro-economic framework conducive to sustainable economic growth and global competitiveness;
- a skilled, productive and flexible workforce;
- efficient transport infrastructure;
- the reconciliation of energy security and climate change management as part of a sustainable global solution;
- a seamless and efficient Federation characterised by consistent regulation;
- access to competitive markets for capital, production inputs, human resources and end products;
- access to natural resources and competitive markets for land, water and energy;
- a fair and stable society where effort is encouraged and rewarded and support is extended to those in need;
- mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous and local communities through engagement and capacity building; and,
- improved environmental performance embracing long-term considerations for sustainable eco-systems beyond life of mine.