The competitiveness and future growth of the Australian mineral
resources industry face a number of challenges. The paper addresses key
factors likely to influence the attainment of high performance and
continuous improvement including organisational leadership,
management/employee relations, technology, safety, health and the
environment. Business practices such as benchmarking, Total Quality
Management and re-engineering to achieve process and performance
improvements are commented on. Future success for the industry will
largely hinge on global business skills, a sustained focus on Quality
principles and achieving performance through people.