Lacking the gold resources that transformed the fortunes of Melbourne, Sydney and, later, Perth, Adelaide struggled economically from the start and came very close to extinction. Currently, Adelaide's secondary industries, many of which are located well outside the city proper in industrial estates, such as at Port Stanvac and the satellite city of Elizabeth, include steel processing, oil refining, electronic and motor vehicle equipment, machinery, chemicals, textiles, plastic goods, and motor vehicle manufacture which, though much reduced since its peak in the 1950s and 1960s, remains a significant employer (the five-millionth General Motors Holden vehicle rolled off the production line at Elizabeth in 1990). In 1996, however, one of Australia's most ambitious resource ventures, the South Australian Steel and Energy Project, will have beneficial repercussions for the capital when it begins full activity. Partnered by one of Asia's biggest steel producers, PT Maritosa Coalindo of Indonesia, which will have an initial 10 per cent stake in the $500 million undertaking, the project is planned to become the cheapest supplier of pig iron in the world using new technology.
Port Adelaide, once a thriving and busy passenger and mercantile gateway, is now a living maritime and historical museum. Air traffic is vital to Adelaide's growing tourism consciousness and is considerable, especially during festivals: Adelaide's rapidly expanding international airport is near the city centre.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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