Labour Unrest Raises Strike Risks Across Australia’s Mining and LNG Sectors

Labour Unrest Raises Strike Risks Across Australia’s Mining and LNG Sectors

Australia: Labour unrest has intensified across Australia’s resources sector, raising strike risks at major iron ore mines, ports and LNG facilities following the 2022 labour law reforms that expanded union bargaining powers. Working days lost to industrial disputes reached their highest level since 2022 in the December quarter of 2025, as workers sought higher wages and job security amid 4% inflation and three interest rate hikes over the past year. Strike action in June disrupted shipments from the Ichthys LNG project, which accounts for around 10% of Australia’s LNG output, while unions are also escalating tensions at BHP’s Port Hedland operations, through which around USD 150 million worth of iron ore is shipped daily, highlighting the potential impact on the country’s largest export sector.

Source: Reuters