The internationalisation of the Australian mineral industry in the 1990s

Overseas mineral exploration and mining investment by Australian companies increased dramatically from the early 1990s until 1997, In the wake of the Asian economic crisis and lower commodity prices it declined somewhat in 19 98 and 1999. Reflecting their international competitiveness, Australian res ource companies were actively involved in projects in about eighty nations in 1999, This study assesses the extent of growth in exploration and mining operations, the distribution between large and small companies and the cha nging regional focus which has been occurring. It also reflects on some of the key influences on this development. These include a strong domestic fin ance sector, supporting mining services provision, technological competitiv eness, a growing attractiveness of offshore locations and increasing struct ural impediments at home. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserve d.