Robots key to job creation
A MINI resources boom will inject $74 billion into the economy and create an extra 80,000 jobs in the sector over the next decade if new technology is embraced and developed locally, a report will today reveal.
It will tout that automation, analytics and robots can be used to create a new wave of jobs in the resources sector, instead of being the job-killers they are often seen as.
But the report warns that if the new technology is handled incorrectly and strong local supply chains aren’t developed it will instead put 265,000 jobs and $32 billion at risk.
According to the Staying Ahead of the Game report, a joint report of National Energy Resources Australia and METS Ignited, the jobs will not only come from developing and supplying new automation technology to the mining industry, but in the advancements helping firms to expand.
While it still predicts a loss of 40,000 frontline mining and energy jobs by 2030, it argues this will be more than offset by 69,000 new jobs in the supply chain and another 53,000 new jobs in the wider economy.
If the technology is not developed and produced in Australia the jobs instead will go offshore, the report warns.
Industry Minister Karen Andrews said the automation and robotics technology could open up new opportunities in the resources sector.
“Queensland is a resourcerich state and relies heavily on the revenue generated, that’s why it’s so important we ensure the industry is embracing new technologies to help grow and create new jobs,” she said.
She said mining, oil and gas faced a competitive global market and the technology was needed to keep Australia ahead of the world.
The report finds that selfdriving trucks, wireless sensors monitoring pipelines and equipment repairing robots are likely to disrupt the resources sector just like the internet had retail and banking.
“If Australian equipment, technology and service suppliers are unable to support miners and energy producers in their drive to automate large parts of their operations, these producers will be forced to import advanced equipment and services, seriously shrinking the economic opportunity for Australia,” the report states.