Kimberley's future remains bright despite mining slump

Written on the 21 March 2016

A universal downturn in commodity prices is taking its toll in Western Australia's Kimberley region, where locals are patiently waiting for the next boom to come along.

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WA Chamber of Minerals of Energy CEO Reg Howard-Smith said while the downturn was consistent with global trends, it was also unique.

"The widespread nature of the downturn is different. What we have on this occasion is a lot of downs, both in iron ore and the oil and gas sector," he said.

However, with the price of gold improving and Shell's floating LNG project, Prelude, on the way, there was some optimism.

Woodside was due to make a decision regarding its floating Browse LNG project this year, and a new abattoir which set to open in April should underpin the cattle industry.

But Mr Howard-Smith said in order to be ready for a return to better commodity prices, the region should also be opening itself up to more exploration.

He said the Kimberley's future remained bright.

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Source: ABC Kimberley