Higher iron ore prices, strong growth in LNG volumes and the gold sector’s continued strength underpinned a positive 2017 for Western Australia’s resources and energy industry.

Figures released by the state’s Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety indicate a record-breaking year in many categories for the sector, contributing to reported sales of $108.8 billion, a 16 per cent increase from 2016.

According to statistics, iron ore sales were up 14 per cent to nearly $63 billion and gold sales exceeded $11 billion for the first time, more than twice what it was 10 years ago.

LNG volumes increased by 38 per cent to a record 32.7 million tonnes.

Sales of spodumene, the primary lithium-bearing mineral produced in the state, increased by 166 per cent to reach $780 million in 2017.

The average number of people directly employed in WA’s minerals sector also increased by six per cent to more than 111,000.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston labelled 2017 as a positive year for Western Australia’s resources industry.

“The statistics reflect the industry’s strong economic performance in 2017, despite facing global demand challenges and geopolitical instability.”