Editor profile

Alistair Vance

Senior Editor, Mining & Natural Resources

Alistair Vance investigates Australia's critical minerals sector, from iron ore to lithium exports. He monitors the intersection of mining innovation and global resource demand.

alistair.vance@ausbizdaily.com

Bylined articles

Energy Infrastructure

AI data centre boom and tariff cost squeeze: Four questions for Australia’s engineering and construction industry in 2026

Deloitte's 2026 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook shows that the U.S. industry is shifting from aggregate growth to structural replacement: commercial construction and manufacturing plants are contracting, AI data centers and energy infrastructure are expanding, while steel and aluminum tariffs of up to 50% have permanently raised the cost baseline. This article analyzes the transmission paths of this change to Australian engineering contractors, the resources and energy industry chains, and Asia-Pacific trade.

Alistair Vance7 min read
Energy Infrastructure

Global civil engineering market heads toward $10 trillion: A new cycle for Australia's infrastructure and resource engineering

According to a Market Research Future report, the global civil engineering market is expected to grow from $5.78 trillion in 2024 to $10.09 trillion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. This article analyzes the opportunities and challenges for Australia's infrastructure, mining, and Asia-Pacific trade within this growth cycle.

Alistair Vance5 min read
Australia Business

Why are Perth and Brisbane reshaping Australia's business landscape?

Based on ABS regional population data for the 2024-25 fiscal year, analyze the impact of the rise of Perth and Brisbane on commercial investment, as well as Sydney and Melbourne's dependence on overseas migration.

Alistair Vance6 min read
Asia Pacific Trade

Global shipping logistics market to reach $13.9 trillion by 2035: New opportunities and challenges for Australian resource exports and supply chains

The global shipping logistics market is expected to reach $13.9 trillion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for 39% of demand. As a major resource exporter and a trade hub in the Asia-Pacific, Australia’s port efficiency, logistics digitalization, and green transformation will profoundly impact the competitiveness of the mining industry and international trade. This article provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, industry impacts, and investment opportunities from the perspective of Australian business and resource economics.

Alistair Vance4 min read
Energy Infrastructure

Lessons from Vietnam's Rooftop Solar Projects: How Australian Renewable Energy Companies Can Seize Opportunities in Southeast Asia

Constant Energy has completed a 928.75 kWp rooftop solar project in Vietnam to supply power to mining company Phenikaa Hue. This move underscores the trend of industrial decarbonization in Southeast Asia, creating new business opportunities for Australian renewable energy companies, equipment exporters, and mining firms. This article analyzes the commercial significance of the project, its industrial impact, and Australia's role in the Asia-Pacific energy transition.

Alistair Vance5 min read
Asia Pacific Trade

Asia-Pacific agricultural gateway market to reach $2.5 billion by 2035: Australian agri-tech companies face new opportunities

According to the latest report from Global Market Insights, the Asia-Pacific agricultural gateway market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5%, reaching a scale of $2.5 billion by 2035. As a leader in agricultural technology in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia's precision agriculture and IoT solution companies will benefit from the growth in regional digitalization demand.

Alistair Vance5 min read
Asia Pacific Trade

Australia's resource export outlook strengthened: despite trade headwinds, revenue forecast for 2025-26 raised to A$405 billion

The latest *Resources and Energy Quarterly Report* from Australia's Department of Industry, Science and Resources has raised its export revenue forecast to A$405 billion in 2025-26, driven by AI investment, the energy transition, and supply chain security needs. Iron ore remains the largest export, while gold has risen to second place.

Alistair Vance6 min read