Date Time Iron ore demand driving Australian resources exports to new highs Australia’s resource and energy exports are forecast to hit a record $310 billion in 2020-21 and be even stronger in the 2021-22 financial year at $334 billion on the back of strong demand for iron ore, base metals and new technology-related commodities. Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said as the world recovers from the global COVID-19 pandemic, record iron ore prices have driven a surge in export earnings, while metallurgical coal exports are also benefiting from a surge in world steel production. “The June edition of Resources and Energy Quarterly from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, forecasts total resources and energy exports of $310 billion for 2020-21, up seven per cent on the previous record from 2019-20 and up from the $296 billion forecast in March,” he said.