This description provides an overview of Australia's status as the world's largest producer of rutile, a mineral composed of titanium dioxide. Rutile is an important industrial mineral, used in the production of titanium metal, titanium dioxide pigment, welding rods, and other products. Australia is the world
From Wikipedia
Mining in Australia has long been a significant primary sector industry and contributor to the Australian economy by providing export income, royalty payments and employment. Historically, mining booms have also encouraged population growth via immigration to Australia, particularly the gold rushes of the 1850s. Many different ores, gems and minerals have been mined in the past and a wide variety are still mined throughout the country.