Name: Department of State Development
Price range: $

Unlocking the value of South Australia’s rich deposits of mineral resources supports a net zero emissions future and grows the green minerals industries.

Copper, iron ore, uranium and gold are major South Australian export commodities, with opportunities for further growth.

Our state has economically demonstrated reserves of magnetite, graphite, rare earth elements, and minerals sands. The state’s resources can play a key role in the global energy transition.

South Australia has developed and attracted leading industry capabilities in minerals exploration, processing, manufacturing, and research, presenting a compelling proposition to investors across the supply chain.

South Australia’s share of Australia’s mineral resources

South Australia is also home to

Frontier provinces prospective for cobalt, rare earth elements, halloysite and magnesium used in critical technology development

Mining and minerals processing critical technology highlight

Investment and trade opportunities

Exploration, extraction and production of mineral resources to assist production of green iron and steel and support decarbonisation
Expanded minerals processing hubs, supporting greater exports of critical minerals that are higher up the value chain
Research and development collaboration in minerals processing, manufacturing and industrial decarbonisation
Global mining equipment, technology and services (METS) partnerships.

Target markets

UK and Europe
Japan and Korea
China and Hong Kong
US
India
Australia.

South Australian Government supported initiatives

The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) leads on development and implementation of the following strategies and initiatives designed to expedite industry growth.

The Green Iron and Steel Strategy positions South Australia as a partner of choice for decarbonised steel making, with the Whyalla Steelworks the first priority for transformation.
In response to the Australian Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy, the Critical Minerals South Australia project advances knowledge to support critical minerals discovery and exploration in South Australia.
A White Paper on the energy transition is being developed to guide delivery of an affordable, reliable and secure energy system for South Australia.
The South Australian Resources Information Gateway Core Intelligence (SARIG CI) enables modern date drive exploration and enhances pre-competitive mineral exploration data to foster and promote frontier exploration.

South Australian copper exports have increased 74% over the five years to 2023/24

South Australian industry supported ecosystem

The South Australian Government works closely with the following organisations to facilitate trade and investment outcomes for the state:

The Australian Critical Minerals Research Centre at the University of Adelaide is the first facility in Australia to carry out multidisciplinary research in the discovery and extraction of critical minerals.
BHP’s smelter and copper expansion plans position South Australia as a global leader in the supply of copper supporting the energy transition.

Partnering with business and industry across key focus areas for economic growth in South Australia.

Supporting business and industry through strategic programs, projects and initiatives.

Delivering sustainable economic growth and a resilient economy through the development of creative, innovative and productive businesses and industries in South Australia.

Explore the latest news, events and insights from South Australia's industry, academia and business community.

Focus areas

Partnering with business and industry across key focus areas for economic growth in South Australia.

Programs and initiatives