Public Perception of Mining at a Six-Year High in Australia
August 4, 2018 - Australian opinion towards the mining sector is at its highest level in six years according to new research.
Independent research firm JWS Research used a nationally representative sample of 1500 Australians, while facilitating online discussion forums for regional mining communities.
Outright support for the mining industry amongst Australians came out at 46 percent versus total opposition at 13 percent. Total support outweighed opposition by more than three to one.
Respondents expressed three main reasons for their support.
Firstly, the Australian mining industry provides high-wage, high-skill, high-technology jobs for Australians (with 55 percent of respondents in agreement).
Secondly, the industry provides resources essential for modern life, technology and business in Australia (55 percent agreement).
Lastly, the industry provides almost 60 percent of the jobs in regional communities where it operates (53 percent agreement).
The study also revealed Australians’ strong belief in the importance of the resource industries for the nation’s future.
Views towards coal mining, iron ore, gold and uranium have significantly improved since early 2016, with net favourability having rebounded to +28 after hitting a low of +1 in February 2016.
Iron ore was seen by 14 percent of people as the most important source. Both coal and battery minerals like lithium and cobalt are also perceived by 9 percent of respondents as important.
However, the industry needs to divulge more information to the public about its positive activities, particularly in mine rehabilitation and investment in regional communities.
Despite Australia’s strong track record in these areas, many respondents believed that mining companies should be repatriating land that had been mined. They should also invest in health and welfare programs, including mental health and social welfare.
The research encouraged mining companies to address public perceptions regarding its management of environmental impact, its care of employees and its distribution of wealth across the community.