‘Genuinely exciting moment’ for miners but need Libs and One Nation support
“South Australia has an extraordinary opportunity in front of it.” Ahead of the state budget on June 4, SA’s resources industry leaders have their say, one calling on the Liberals and One Nation to get on board or risk losing major miners.
Is the state government taking full advantage of the opportunities for the resources sector in SA?
South Australia has an extraordinary opportunity in front of it, and the government has taken meaningful steps to harness that potential. Our state’s world‑class geological endowment positions us uniquely in the national landscape. There is always more that can be done to accelerate investment and development, particularly in areas such as approvals efficiency, infrastructure planning, and the policy settings needed to support exploration. It is equally important to continue building community confidence through transparent engagement and clear communication of the sector’s economic and regional value. The Chamber is committed to working with the government to ensure South Australia captures the full economic and strategic value of its resources sector.
– Catherine Mooney, South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy CEO
What do you think of the amount of support your industry is getting from the state government?
Our members are genuinely pleased to see the government deliver on its pre‑election commitments, including funding the $12 million PACE Minerals Program and re‑introducing the Mining Act amendments. These are practical measures that support explorers in the high‑risk business of discovery and help ensure South Australia continues to benefit from new mineral finds.
What we need now is the backing of all parties. The mining and exploration sector has historically thrived when both sides of politics support it, and we’re calling on the Liberal Opposition and newly elected One Nation members to restore that certainty for investors.
The [Statues Amendment (Energy and Mining Reforms) Bill] before parliament in the coming weeks is critical as the clock runs down for mineral exploration projects. From 2027, more than 100 exploration licences operated by 58 companies, will begin expiring under the fixed 18‑year limit introduced in 2021. This includes 16 projects in final stages, that face a hard stop unless parliament approves a special circumstances extension to protect projects already well underway.
If this bill fails, South Australia will be sending a clear message to take your investment elsewhere.” “And when they leave, they don’t just take their drilling rigs. They take the next generation of mines and royalties with them.
– Warren Pearce, Association of Mining and Energy Companies CEO
What was good and bad about the federal budget for your industry?
The federal budget contained several encouraging signals for the resources sector, particularly continued investment in critical minerals, strategic manufacturing, and enabling infrastructure. These national settings reinforce South Australia’s competitive strengths and help attract global capital into the state.
At the same time, industry continues to emphasise the importance of clear, accountable, and transparent approvals processes. While streamlining is essential, it must be accompanied by greater accountability for meeting approval timeframes and a concerted effort to address duplication and inconsistencies between state and federal legislation, as well as between state agencies themselves.
One area where our member organisations have highlighted a need for clarity is the proposed bilateral agreements under the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act. A well‑designed bilateral agreement has the potential to significantly reduce duplication and improve certainty for project proponents.
Overall, the budget provides a constructive foundation. The next step is ensuring those signals are matched by transparent, efficient, and coordinated approvals and policy settings that strengthen investor confidence and support project development across South Australia.
– Catherine Mooney
Is the state government taking full advantage of the opportunities for the resources sector in SA?
We are really pleased to see the government’s focus has returned to the mining industry in this term of government and it is committed to working with industry to support finding the next generation of discoveries and the downstream value these can deliver.
Tom Koutsantonis MP, the Minister for Mines and Energy, who now also holds the Treasurer portfolio, is listening to industry and putting programs and reforms in place that make a difference. This level of engagement is significant, and we’re already seeing constructive outcomes for industry as a result.
The Premier’s appointment of Lawrence Ben MP to the new role of Assistant Minister for Copper, Steel, Critical Minerals and Minerals sends a strong signal to companies already operating here, and to those looking to invest – that South Australia is serious about developing the opportunities created by its world‑class mineral endowment.
A broader government strategy to bring forward the benefits the mining industry can deliver is absolutely welcome. Reform and focused action are what turn South Australia’s mineral potential into real jobs and investment.
– Warren Pearce
What’s most exciting about the SA resources sector now?
South Australia is at a genuinely exciting moment. We have globally significant deposits of copper and critical minerals, a strong pipeline of exploration activity, and a growing reputation as a safe, stable, and innovative jurisdiction. The convergence of resources opportunities gives South Australia a unique advantage in the global shift toward decarbonisation, while supporting economic growth and energy security. The sector is ready to grow, invest, and create long‑term opportunities for the state.
– Catherine Mooney
What do you want to see most in the upcoming SA state budget?
There’s always more the state can do to support industry.
What matters most is ensuring the departments responsible for delivering these reforms are properly resourced to deliver well-funded industry programs. With the right policy settings and investment, South Australia can attract significantly more private capital and maintain the momentum already building across the sector.
It’s important that the Department for Energy and Mining has the staff and resources it needs to implement anticipated changes to the Mining Act. This includes creating clear guidelines for explorers and consulting on how companies contribute to mine rehabilitation.
South Australia needs an updated multiple land use framework that helps farmers, explorers and other land users work together more effectively. The current model is almost a decade old and no longer reflects today’s challenges.
We’d like to see a clear Critical Minerals Strategy released, along with a prospectus that highlights South Australia’s opportunities. Backing this with expert industry input and a development fund would help attract new investment.
We’re also seeking an updated Green Iron and Steel Strategy so South Australia can stay competitive as global markets shift. Industry input will be essential to shaping the next stage of this work.
– Warren Pearce
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