Western Australia's mining sector is a key driver of the state economy. The late 20th century saw the development of the state's significant iron ore mining industry – the world's largest – as well as primarily offshore petroleum and natural gas resources. Gold mining retains a significant presence and many other mineral commodities are mined, with Perth being a major centre for associated services. Outside of mining, primary industry is the other significant contributor to the state's economy, including agriculture in the Wheatbelt and temperate southern coastal regions, pastoralism in marginal grassland areas, forestry in the south-west and fishing (including pearling and, historically, whaling).
western australia's mining sector is a key driver of the state economy the late 20th century saw the development of the state's significant iron ore mining industry – the world's largest – as well as primarily offshore petroleum and natural gas resources gold mining retains a significant presence and many other mineral commodities are mined with perth being a major centre for associated services outside of mining primary industry is the other significant contributor to the state's economy including agriculture in the wheatbelt and temperate southern coastal regions pastoralism in marginal grassland areas forestry in the south-west and fishing (including pearling and historically whaling)