South Australia is entering an exciting new developmental phase, with around $13 billion worth of minerals and energy projects under way.
Leading the charge are BHP Billiton’s $7 billion Olympic Dam project targeting copper, uranium, silver and gold and OZ Minerals’ $775 million Prominent Hill (copper, gold).
In addition to copper, uranium, silver and gold, companies have major investments in mining coal, zinc, lead, silver and mineral sands.
Analysts are predicting South Australia has the resources to challenge Western Australia as the country’s leading minerals producer.
“The continued interest in South Australia for exploration reflects the confidence minerals companies have to invest in this State,” says SA Mineral Resources Development Minister Paul Holloway.
Mr Holloway will be a keynote speaker at the Mining South Australia conference in Whyalla on 2-4 December. The conference will be held at the Middleback Theatre, to cope with bigger numbers following last year’s inaugural event that packed in 200 minerals industry representatives from around Australia.
Mr Holloway says investment in exploration reached a record $551.5 million for the 12 months to the end of June, almost level pegging with Queensland, Australia’s other resource-rich boom State.
The need for supporting infrastructure and services is expected to create major opportunities for investment and jobs in mine planning, engineering, procurement and logistics, project and construction management, maintenance, technical support and environmental management.
They’ll also create demand for accommodation, social infrastructure and skills.
These issues will be discussed at Mining South Australia, where speakers from government and industry will provide insights into the outlook for South Australian mining and the economy, and what’s needed to ensure operations proceed smoothly in the interests of South Australia and the nation.
Further information:
To arrange a media pass, request more information or arrange speaker interviews please contact: Nigel Dique Informa-IIR 02 9080 4108; 0423 024 819; nigel.dique@
