The outlook for Australia’s resources and energy sector remains strong, with an increase in local projects in development, despite global uncertainty and weaker global demand for key commodities.

The December 2025 Resources and energy quarterly (REQ), published by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, forecasts Australian resources and energy export earnings of $383 billion in 2025–26, down marginally on last year but up by 3.8 per cent from the September 2025 REQ forecasts.

Export volumes are forecast to grow. Strong gold prices and higher-than-expected iron ore prices are offsetting lower projected prices for LNG and coal.

Export earnings for critical minerals are forecast to increase from around $11 billion in 2024–25 to $14 billion in 2026–27, with a forecast recovery in lithium and manganese exports and rising exports of rare earths and antimony.

The 2025 Resources and Energy Major Projects (REMP) report, released along with the December REQ, reports 432 major resource and energy projects under development in Australia at the end of October 2025, up from 407 projects a year earlier.

The value of committed projects — where a final investment decision (FID) has been taken — edged back from $65 billion to $62 billion as projects were completed.

The REMP report identified 130 critical minerals projects, up by 11 from 2024, with projects at later stages of development worth an estimated $19 billion.

The Resources and energy quarterly: December 2025 and Resources and energy major projects: 2025 reports are available on the Department of Industry, Science and Resources website.

Quotes attributed to Senator Ayres, Minister for Industry & Innovation, Minister for Science, Acting Minister for Resources and Northern Australia:

“The reports highlight the strength and resilience of Australia’s resources sector, even amid softer global growth and ongoing trade uncertainties.

“Australia continues to be a trusted, reliable supplier of resources and energy to the world, despite global challenges.

“Strong investment in major projects reflects industry confidence in Australia’s critical role in meeting global demand for minerals, energy, and resources.”