Energy and mining reforms to strengthen sector confidence and accountability
Media Release Date: 7 May 2026
Statutes Amendment (Energy and Mining Reforms) Bill 2026
The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) welcomes the introduction of the Statutes Amendment (Energy and Mining Reforms) Bill 2026 to Parliament. The Bill represents a measured and balanced update to the state’s resources legislation, designed to ensure South Australia’s resources are developed in a way that is fair, accountable and delivers tangible outcomes for the broader economy.
The proposed reforms respond to challenges in the current system which if not addressed, risk undermining future exploration and development investment.
By clarifying regulatory intent and strengthening performance expectations the Bill provides more certainty for operators who are actively investing in projects and progressing them towards development.
A significant feature of the Bill is the introduction of a “special circumstance extension”, allowing exploration licence holders to apply for up to an additional five years beyond the current 18-year limit.
This reform recognises the genuine complexities of mineral exploration and provides companies with the time needed to complete meaningful exploration programs. For explorers, it reduces the risk of losing tenure due to factors outside of their control and supports continued investment in high-potential regions.
This makes the system work as intended. Access to the state’s resources is linked to genuine activity, capability and performance. Viable projects are able to move forward in a timely manner, supporting regional jobs, communities and local businesses.
At the same time, the reforms strengthen accountability and confidence in the system, reinforcing South Australia’s position as a competitive and attractive destination for resource and energy investment certainty.
SACOME Chief Executive Officer Catherine Mooney said the Bill sent a timely, positive message to the market.
“SACOME welcomes the government’s commitment to modernising the Mining Act and refining the regulatory framework to better reflect contemporary investment, project development and community expectations.
“The amendments provide a welcome boost to industry confidence at a time when global competition for exploration capital is intensifying.
“These are practical, targeted changes that improve both the efficiency and integrity of the system, while supporting companies that are committed to progressing projects and delivering real economic value for South Australia.”
SACOME emphasises that further improvements to the regulatory environment will be essential to unlocking the state’s full economic potential.
SACOME will continue to engage constructively with Government and stakeholders and supports the passage and effective implementation of the Bill to ensure it delivers its intended outcomes for industry, communities and the broader South Australian economy.
Statutes Amendment (Energy and Mining Reforms) Bill 2026
The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) welcomes the introduction of the Statutes Amendment (Energy and Mining Reforms) Bill 2026 to Parliament. The Bill represents a measured and balanced update to the state’s resources legislation, designed to ensure South Australia’s resources are developed in a way that is fair, accountable and delivers tangible outcomes for the broader economy.
The proposed reforms respond to challenges in the current system which if not addressed, risk undermining future exploration and development investment.
By clarifying regulatory intent and strengthening performance expectations the Bill provides more certainty for operators who are actively investing in projects and progressing them towards development.
A significant feature of the Bill is the introduction of a “special circumstance extension”, allowing exploration licence holders to apply for up to an additional five years beyond the current 18-year limit.
This reform recognises the genuine complexities of mineral exploration and provides companies with the time needed to complete meaningful exploration programs. For explorers, it reduces the risk of losing tenure due to factors outside of their control and supports continued investment in high-potential regions.
This makes the system work as intended. Access to the state’s resources is linked to genuine activity, capability and performance. Viable projects are able to move forward in a timely manner, supporting regional jobs, communities and local businesses.
At the same time, the reforms strengthen accountability and confidence in the system, reinforcing South Australia’s position as a competitive and attractive destination for resource and energy investment certainty.
SACOME Chief Executive Officer Catherine Mooney said the Bill sent a timely, positive message to the market.
“SACOME welcomes the government’s commitment to modernising the Mining Act and refining the regulatory framework to better reflect contemporary investment, project development and community expectations.
“The amendments provide a welcome boost to industry confidence at a time when global competition for exploration capital is intensifying.
“These are practical, targeted changes that improve both the efficiency and integrity of the system, while supporting companies that are committed to progressing projects and delivering real economic value for South Australia.”
SACOME emphasises that further improvements to the regulatory environment will be essential to unlocking the state’s full economic potential.
SACOME will continue to engage constructively with Government and stakeholders and supports the passage and effective implementation of the Bill to ensure it delivers its intended outcomes for industry, communities and the broader South Australian economy.