and is a major economic player in worldwide bauxite mining. It is the largest producer of bauxite in the world, producing 31% of global production in 2016. Australia is also the largest exporter and second highest producer of alumina worldwide, with 17% of global production. In 2018–19, Australia produced approximately 102 million tonnes of bauxite producing $3.26 billion AUD revenue and $1.2 billion AUD from bauxite ore exports. China dominates Australia's bauxite ore exports taking more than 95% of total production. Industry influences Global demand for alumina Bauxite is currently the only economically viable raw material to produce alumina. Therefore, any shifts in demand for alumina will also create shifts in demand for the bauxite industry in Australia. This could be increased demand for bauxite ore so countries can produce their own alumina or increased demand for alumina, which would increase domestic bauxite mining and refining. Aluminium/bauxite pricing The raw bauxite ore does not have its own price. As a result, bauxite prices are often compared to world aluminium prices when bauxite is being sold. This means that when world aluminium prices are high, bauxite will rise in price and can be sold for more. Chinese economy The Chinese economy plays an important role in the demand for aluminium. China is the biggest user of aluminium in the world and to maintain this has begun increasing their domestic aluminium production and importing of bauxite and alumina. During periods of economic growth for China, a high demand for aluminium will lead to demand for bauxite and alumina exports from Australia. China is also the primary country for Australian bauxite exports. Exchange rates Exported bauxite and alumina is generally traded using US dollars instead of AUD. As a result, foreign countries may have shifts in demand depending on the exchange rates. Major companies Rio Tinto Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals South32 Australian Bauxite Limited Metro Mining Limited Mines Weipa Mine Weipa Mine is located on the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland and currently owned by Rio Tinto. In 2018, the mine produced 30.4 million tonnes of bauxite with an alumina percentage of approximately 50.6% Al2O3. The Weipa mine began operations in 1963. Bauxite mining at Weipa wasn't considered until the late 1950s when Harry Evans, a geologist, discovered the large-scale Weipa bauxite deposits. The deposit was originally part of Aboriginal reserves but was leased to Comalco (now known as Rio Tinto) to