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Major mining conference for Whyalla

Media Release | 28 November 2007

The South Australian Government is gearing up to convert the State's rapidly expanding minerals exploration program into a sustained mining boom.

In one of the largest and most important regional conferences held in South Australia, key State Government Ministers and industry leaders will discuss how South Australia can realise the massive potential of its mineral wealth.

South Australia's mineral exploration expenditure is the fastest growing in the nation, rising from $42 million in 2002-03 to $261 million in 2006-07.

South Australia has two major mine expansions, six mines under development and 21 other major projects in the pipeline in the resources industry, with a combined worth of $12 billion.

The conference will examine how South Australian companies, in particular regional suppliers, can meet the equipment, service, energy and workforce requirements of the expanding minerals and energy sectors.

Minister for Mineral Resources Development Paul Holloway will tell the conference there are fantastic opportunities for companies to get in at the start of the boom.

"Companies can jump into projects that are at the feasibility and investment stages," Mr Holloway says.

Mr Holloway will also outline strategies for South Australia to avoid the infrastructure constraints experienced by other states.

Minister for Water Security Karlene Maywald will outline the water infrastructure needs of a booming mining sector, while Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education Paul Caica will discuss ways of overcoming the training and skills shortage.

The three-day conference will be held 4-7 December and is supported by the South Australian Department of Trade and Economic Development.