Measuring gains for resources sector in State Budget, but opportunities to accelerate growth remain
Media Release Date: 4 June 2026
The South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME) says the 2026/27 State Budget delivers some positive outcomes for the resources sector but falls short of fully capitalising on opportunities to drive long-term growth and investment for the state.
SACOME Chief Executive Officer Catherine Mooney said the budget appropriately focused on addressing cost of living pressures for South Australians, while including welcome measures that support key areas of the state’s mining and energy industry.
“This budget provides several positives for the resources sector, and we recognise the Government’s strong focus on cost of living relief for South Australians,” Ms Mooney said.
“We are particularly pleased to see the continued focus on fuel security to help alleviate pressures on industry, funding for the PACE program to accelerate exploration, and continued investment in Whyalla to secure the state’s sovereign steelmaking and industrial capability.”
However, Ms Mooney said the budget represents a missed opportunity to further strengthen South Australia’s global competitiveness in a rapidly evolving resources landscape.
“While there are welcome measures, we would have liked to see more ambition when it comes to growing the sector at a time when global demand for critical minerals and energy security is intensifying,” she said.
“Targeted investment in streamlining application processes, a stronger focus on critical minerals, and further infrastructure investment to enable the sector would have helped position South Australia more competitively.”
Ms Mooney said global demand for critical minerals continues to surge as economies decarbonise, presenting a significant opportunity for the state.
“South Australia has the resources the world needs, but without faster approvals and strong infrastructure, we risk losing investment to other jurisdictions and projects already in the pipeline could stall,” she said.
The resources sector remains a cornerstone of South Australia’s economy, contributing $10.9 billion to Gross State Product in 2024–25. In April 2026 alone, BHP contributed $25.6 million in royalties to the State Government.
“Mining and energy are foundational to South Australia’s prosperity, helping fund our hospitals, schools and essential services,” Ms Mooney said.
“Long-term investment in the resources sector drives exploration, attracts capital and ultimately increases revenue back to the state.”
Ms Mooney emphasised that unlocking future growth requires a coordinated approach between industry and government.
“Exploration is the front end of future growth - if we don’t unlock it now, we risk missing the next wave of investment,” she said.
“Ultimately, it’s industry and government working together that will turn South Australia’s resource advantage into long-term jobs, exports and prosperity. SACOME looks forward to working constructively with the Government over the coming year to achieve this.”
The South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME) says the 2026/27 State Budget delivers some positive outcomes for the resources sector but falls short of fully capitalising on opportunities to drive long-term growth and investment for the state.
SACOME Chief Executive Officer Catherine Mooney said the budget appropriately focused on addressing cost of living pressures for South Australians, while including welcome measures that support key areas of the state’s mining and energy industry.
“This budget provides several positives for the resources sector, and we recognise the Government’s strong focus on cost of living relief for South Australians,” Ms Mooney said.
“We are particularly pleased to see the continued focus on fuel security to help alleviate pressures on industry, funding for the PACE program to accelerate exploration, and continued investment in Whyalla to secure the state’s sovereign steelmaking and industrial capability.”
However, Ms Mooney said the budget represents a missed opportunity to further strengthen South Australia’s global competitiveness in a rapidly evolving resources landscape.
“While there are welcome measures, we would have liked to see more ambition when it comes to growing the sector at a time when global demand for critical minerals and energy security is intensifying,” she said.
“Targeted investment in streamlining application processes, a stronger focus on critical minerals, and further infrastructure investment to enable the sector would have helped position South Australia more competitively.”
Ms Mooney said global demand for critical minerals continues to surge as economies decarbonise, presenting a significant opportunity for the state.
“South Australia has the resources the world needs, but without faster approvals and strong infrastructure, we risk losing investment to other jurisdictions and projects already in the pipeline could stall,” she said.
The resources sector remains a cornerstone of South Australia’s economy, contributing $10.9 billion to Gross State Product in 2024–25. In April 2026 alone, BHP contributed $25.6 million in royalties to the State Government.
“Mining and energy are foundational to South Australia’s prosperity, helping fund our hospitals, schools and essential services,” Ms Mooney said.
“Long-term investment in the resources sector drives exploration, attracts capital and ultimately increases revenue back to the state.”
Ms Mooney emphasised that unlocking future growth requires a coordinated approach between industry and government.
“Exploration is the front end of future growth - if we don’t unlock it now, we risk missing the next wave of investment,” she said.
“Ultimately, it’s industry and government working together that will turn South Australia’s resource advantage into long-term jobs, exports and prosperity. SACOME looks forward to working constructively with the Government over the coming year to achieve this.”