Australia's mining iAustralia's mining industry -- the main driver of the booming economy -- is 83 percent foreign-owned, according to a study released by the country's Greens party Wednesday. The report, conducted by a private consultant commissioned by the Greens, said that in the next five years Aus$50 billion (US$53 billion) in profits from Australian mining operations would go offshore.ndustry -- the main driver of the booming economy -- is 83 percent foreign-owned, according to a study released by the country's Greens party Wednesday. The report, conducted by a private consultant commissioned by the Greens, said