Mining Regions and Cities Case of the Pilbara, Australia
Located in the state of Western Australia, the Pilbara is a large region and one of the least densely populated within the OECD. The Pilbara's mining sector is a top supplier of iron ore in the world, which has fuelled the economic growth of both the state and the country. While Pilbara’s industrialisation is relatively recent, dating back to the 1960s, First Nations peoples have inhabited the region for approximately 50 000 years.
Despite the wealth generated by mining and extractive industries, the Pilbara faces important challenges to improve its attractiveness and well-being standards, especially for First Nations and non-mining workers. Well-being challenges also stifle growth opportunities and responsible mining investments in the region.
The green transition presents the Pilbara with an opportunity to diversify its economy and improve well-being conditions of its communities, while becoming a strategic player in the global shift towards more sustainable mining. This study offers guidance on how the Pilbara can shape a more inclusive and sustainable development model that supports economic diversification and prioritises improving the living conditions of its communities, particularly First Nations.
Strengths and challenges for regional development in the Pilbara
The Pilbara region, located in the northwest of Australia, is characterised by remoteness, a high degree of specialisation in mining and other extractive activities and as being home to an important share of First Nations peoples. This chapter compares the performance of the Pilbara across a number of economic, social and environmental indicators with other similar OECD regions. This comparison provides a good basis for identifying strengths and bottlenecks in the region.
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