AREEA has today publicly supported the  new 10 Year Sector Competitiveness Plan for Australia’s mining equipment, technology and services (METS) industry, which provides a clear roadmap for the development of a sector that is poised to drive significant economic and employment opportunities for Australia.

Launched today at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), the 10 year plan is the result of extensive research by industry-led ‘growth centre’ METS Ignited in consultation with federal and state governments, industry peak bodies, and Australia’s national resource industry employer association, AREEA.

“Australia has an opportunity to be at the fore of an increasingly important global industry that is driving technology advancements, productivity and efficiency improvements across all key resource markets,” said AREEA head of policy Scott Barklamb.

“Australia’s resource riches, long established and highly innovative resource industry, and world leading education and research position our country to be global leader in this exciting area.

“AREEA congratulates METS Ignited on providing industry and government with a comprehensive plan for the future of Australia’s METS sector.”

AREEA strongly supports the five work programs identified in the 10 Year Competitiveness Plan:

• Aligning the strategies of METS providers, miners and research institutions to ensure future innovations are driven by customer demand and industry needs.
• Developing a stronger sense of value and brand identity for Australia’s METS sector.
• Increasing the participation of Australian METS companies in domestic and global supply chains.
• Providing platforms, both virtual and physical, for METS companies and researchers to come together to tackle practical problems for resource producers.
• Supporting skills and employability to ensure Australia’s technical capabilities keep pace with evolving technical and industry demands.

“As a contributor to the 10 Year Plan, AREEA looks forward to continuing to work with METS Ignited, particularly in our key areas of expertise across productivity, social licence to operate, skilling, human resources and other people-related matters,” Mr Barklamb continued.

“Governments and regulators also have a significant role to play in reforming regulatory processes that impose unnecessary costs and compliance burdens on Australia’s METS industry.

“This includes an unproductive and often cumbersome workplace relations system, inconsistencies in OHS laws, serious issues in exploration and mining project approvals, and a lack of protection against increasing vexatious environmental and social activism.”

Click here to visit the METS Ignited website and download its 10 Year Sector Competitiveness Plan.