Which of the following was a major economic industry in Australia?

Mining is a major economic industry in Australia due to the country's rich deposits of natural resources such as coal, iron ore, gold, and various minerals. Australia is one of the world's leading exporters of these resources, which significantly contributes to its economy and job market. The mining sector plays a crucial role in regional development, especially in remote areas where these resources are located.

The industry also attracts substantial foreign investment and drive technological advancements. The economic impact of mining extends beyond just extraction; it influences infrastructure development, supports related industries, and generates significant tax revenues for the government.

While textiles, automobile manufacturing, and shipbuilding have historically been present in Australia, they do not have the same level of economic significance as mining in recent decades. The textile industry has faced challenges from cheaper imports, automobile manufacturing has declined due to competitive pressures, and shipbuilding has been limited mainly to niche markets or specific defense needs. Thus, mining stands out as the most robust and dominant economic industry in Australia.