"The government are selling the miners our resources, and they should sell for the maximum commercially possible."
You are easily confused.
The "Government" is getting the maximum commercial price for selling "our" resources. It is called a royalty.
In recent days in WA the "Government" has given some iron ore miners some royalty relief because of the falling price and the pressure that they have been under. RIO and BHP weren't in this group. Royalties are set by regulation and government can change them to suit the circumstances
