Mining industry calls for rapid mining act changes after Labor win
The peak body for Australian mining says the Labor Party’s state election win gives it a “springboard” towards controversial Mining Act amendments.
The boss of the Australian mining industry peak body hopes reform to South Australian mining legislation will progress after the Labor party’s triumph at the state election over the weekend.
Labor was returned comfortably on Saturday, and has currently secured 32 seats in the lower house.
Australian Association of Mining and Exploration Companies CEO Warren Pearce said he expected the government to translate commitments to the industry into action.
“It now provides a springboard to progress their commitment to the Mining Act Amendments and deliver the $12 million PACE initiative over four years,” Pearce said, referencing the state’s Plan for Accelerating Exploration (PACE) program.
“These are essential for industry and we expect these priorities to roll out quickly in 2026.
“The Premier and Treasurer have made clear, unequivocal commitments to work with industry on all 10 recommendations in our Election Policy Platform. Industry now expects this momentum to translate into action.”
Proposed amendments to the Mining Act, which the government failed to get over the line in late 2025, were “essential to enable exploration projects to progress toward development”, AMEC said.
The government killed off its own bill to amend the Mining Act in late 2025 after the opposition successfully championed amendments in the upper house that watered down concessions for miners – that sparked a backlash from farmers.
The changes would have given miners the chance to continue exploring farming land beyond the current 18-year maximum, sparking debate between the mining and agriculture sectors.
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AMEC said maintaining leadership stability with Energy and Mining portfolio would help ensure progress was delivered efficiently.
“Continuity in the Energy and Mining portfolio is critical, and Treasurer Koutsantonis’ return provides exactly that. AMEC will continue pushing for strong, timely decisions that support exploration and development across the state,” Pearce said.
The peak body noted the passage of reform would depend on the composition of the Legislative Council.
Vote count for the upper house is ongoing, but it was looking likely only one seat was still in doubt. Three Labor MLCs have been re-elected, one new Labor MLC was elected, two One Nation MLCs were elected and two Liberals were re-elected. It is expected One Nation could also pick up one more upper house seat.
“The Legislative Council remains the key barrier to critical Mining Act amendments. AMEC will continue to actively engage with all parties and independents to ensure the 2026 Amendments are not stalled again. The industry cannot afford further delays,” AMEC said.
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