In the global mining landscape, Western Australia remains an undisputed powerhouse. The state continues to break records. Investment in WA’s mining and petroleum industries was around $33 billion in 2024-25, the level it has been since 2023.
For drilling contractors and mining service providers, these figures represent more than just economic data. They represent a pipeline of complex, large-scale projects that require technical precision, safety-first methodologies, and a deep understanding of WA’s unique geology.
As we look to the future, several “mega-projects” and significant resource developments are shaping the future of the industry. We take a closer look at the West Australian mines and projects currently driving the most significant activity in iron ore, gold, critical minerals, and beyond.
The Pilbara Iron Ore Giants: Reinvesting in Production
Iron ore continues to be the backbone of the WA economy, accounting for approximately 28% of the state’s nominal Gross State Product (GSP) in 2022-23 and 51% of its total export value. It consistently drives the state’s economy, with sales of $139.1 billion in 2023 and royalties providing over 80% of WA’s mineral royalty revenue.
Gudai-Darri (Rio Tinto)
Rio Tinto’s Gudai-Darri is widely considered the most technologically advanced mine in the world. It has set a new benchmark for automation and data-driven drilling. The project serves as a blueprint for the future of the Pilbara, integrating autonomous haulage, water-well monitoring, and advanced geotechnical drilling to manage pit stability.
Western Range (Rio Tinto & Baowu)
As part of the Greater Paraburdoo hub, the Western Range project is a significant joint venture designed to sustain the production of the Pilbara Blend. For drilling specialists, projects like Western Range demand high-spec exploration and resource definition drilling to ensure the longevity and grade consistency of the ore body.
Onslow Iron Project (Mineral Resources)
MinRes’s Onslow project is one of the most significant recent developments in the state. By unlocking stranded deposits in the West Pilbara, this project has required extensive infrastructure development, including a dedicated haul road and port facilities. The scale of the civil and geotechnical drilling required to establish these corridors has been a major driver for the local service industry.
The Gold Rush 2.0: Deep Drilling and Sustainability
While iron ore brings the volume, gold brings the value. With record-breaking gold prices, WA’s gold sector is experiencing a massive reinvestment phase.
The Northern Goldfields & Kalgoorlie
The “Golden Mile” remains the heart of the industry, but the most significant resource projects are now moving further north.
- Bellevue Gold: Located in the northern Goldfields, Bellevue has quickly become one of the highest-grade gold mines in Australia. The project is notable for its commitment to “Green Gold,” aiming for net-zero emissions. This shift toward sustainable mining has increased the demand for specialised hydrogeological drilling to manage water sustainably and geotechnical drilling for underground mine design.
- Gruyere (Gold Road Resources & Gold Fields): A world-class Tier 1 asset, Gruyere continues to expand its resource base. Significant deep-drilling campaigns are underway to test extensions of the ore body, requiring high-capacity diamond drilling rigs capable of maintaining precision at depth.
The Critical Minerals Frontier: Lithium and Rare Earths
Western Australia is at the centre of the global energy transition. Despite market volatility, the long-term outlook for critical minerals remains robust, with several globally significant projects reaching critical milestones.
Mt Holland Lithium (Covalent Lithium)
A joint venture between Wesfarmers and SQM, the Mt Holland project (including the Earl Grey deposit) is one of the largest hard-rock lithium deposits in the world. The scale of the open-cut operation and the complexity of the spodumene processing require ongoing resource definition and grade control drilling to optimise recovery rates.
Speewah Fluorite Project (Tivan)
Located in the Kimberley, the Speewah project was recently confirmed as a “globally significant” fluorite resource. Following extensive drilling campaigns throughout 2025, the project is moving toward a Final Investment Decision (FID). Fluorite is a critical mineral for battery technology and steelmaking, making Speewah a key strategic asset for WA’s diversification.
Mt Weld (Lynas Rare Earths)
Mt Weld remains one of the world’s premier sources of rare earth elements (REEs). With the recent commissioning of the Kalgoorlie cracking and leaching plant, Mt Weld is entering a new phase of operational intensity. For the drilling sector, this means a continued focus on environmental and monitoring bores to ensure the long-term integrity of the site’s tailings management.
Emerging Commodities: Potash, Vanadium, and Copper
While the “Big Three” (Iron, Gold, Lithium) dominate the headlines, significant capital is flowing into base metals and agricultural minerals.
- Winu Copper-Gold (Rio Tinto): Located in the Paterson Province, Winu is a massive discovery that has spurred a “staking rush” in the region. The project is still in the study and development phase, meaning exploration drilling and geotechnical assessment are the primary activities on-site.
- The Mid-West Vanadium Cluster: With the State Government providing royalty certainty for the vanadium sector, projects like Australian Vanadium (AVL) and Technology Metals are gaining momentum. These projects are technically demanding, requiring precise metallurgical drilling to understand the complex ore characteristics.
The Role of Precision in Modern Resource Projects
At Precision Drilling Australia, we understand that “significant” doesn’t just mean the size of the mine site; it means the complexity of the challenge. Modern resource projects in WA face three major hurdles:
- Geological Complexity: Many of the initially thought to be “easy” deposits have been discovered. We are now drilling deeper, through harder basement rocks and more complex aquifers.
- Environmental Stewardship: Projects like the WA Array (a 10-year seismic project) and the move toward net-zero mining require drilling to be lower-impact and more data-rich.
- Water Management: In a drying climate, hydrogeological drilling, from dewatering bores to piezometer installation, is the “unsung hero” of mine site stability and social license to operate.
Western Australia: Pipeline of Opportunity
Western Australia’s resource sector is not slowing down. Whether it’s the expansion of iron ore hubs in the Pilbara, the high-grade gold plays of the Yilgarn, or the critical minerals of the Kimberley, the demand for high-quality drilling services has never been higher.
Success in these projects requires more than just a rig; it requires a partnership between the mine owner and a contractor who understands the terrain. At Precision Drilling Australia, we pride ourselves on delivering the technical expertise and safety standards required to bring these significant projects to life.
As we look toward 2026 and beyond, we remain committed to being at the forefront of the WA mining story, providing the precision the industry demands and the results our clients expect.
Are you planning a drilling program for a WA resource project?
From exploration and resource definition to hydrogeological monitoring and tailings dam integrity, Precision Drilling Australia has the fleet and the expertise to deliver. Contact our team today to discuss your project requirements.
