South Australia’s leading mining association believes the state can play a key role in supplying critical minerals to support the energy transition.
Ahead of Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) 2025 next week, South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) chief executive officer Nicola McFarlane discussed the state’s importance within the mining economy.
“There has been a 61 per cent uplift in the resource sector’s economic contribution in the past five years, highlighting the growing importance of the South Australian mining sector,” McFarlane told Australian Mining, quoting statistics from a recent SACOME report.
The report also found that the 18 SACOME members contributed the equivalent of $9.5 billion in spending to the South Australian economy in 2023–24 (FY24).
The sector directly employs over 11,000 full-time employees – something McFarlane said constitutes to “an 86 per cent increase in direct employment over five years”.
“This represents a 1-in-23 jobs in South Australia now being supported by the resources industry,” she said.
“Federal and South Australian governments are aligned with industry in the goal of accelerating a trusted and innovative resources sector to attract investment and deliver sustainable economic prosperity for South Australia.”
With figures suggesting global demand for copper expected to rise by 70 per cent – to over 50 million tonnes per year – McFarlane said this presents a key opportunity for the state.
“South Australia is well positioned to help meet growing demand for critical minerals and metals to support the energy transition and rising standards of living globally,” she said.
“There is no doubt that resilient and focused collaboration not only internally, but between industry and government has the potential to drive progress, unlock new value, and shape the future of sustainable practices for the advancement of the sector.”
These issues, along with greater opportunities and innovation, will be discussed during AIMEX’s three-day agenda – which will shine a light on topics shaping the future of the industry in South Australia and beyond.
As Australia’s longest-running mining show, AIMEX has a history of supporting the latest trends and developments in the industry.
With over 5000 attendees expected at the Adelaide Showground, AIMEX is set to provide insights from an impressive speaker lineup and showcasing the very best in innovation and future ideas.
AIMEX 2025 kicks off this week in Adelaide. Register for the free event here.
