South Australia’s mining sector is set to receive a boost under the 2026–27 State Budget, with the South Australian Government committing $12.4 million over four years to the Plan for Accelerating Exploration (PACE) program, with the government also reporting record mining royalties of $509.2 million.
The funding will provide $3.1 million a year to support mineral exploration and help identify new deposits across the state.
The commitment has been welcomed by the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC).
“The PACE minerals program has been funded at the level promised by the Treasurer. It’s a program that helps identify new mineral deposits, which is essential to growing SA’s mining sector,” AMEC chief executive officer (CEO) Warren Pearce said.
“Reinstating this important program is a no-brainer and something AMEC has campaigned on consistently, given its strong track record of accelerating mineral discoveries and stimulating private investment.”
AMEC pointed to PACE’s track record, noting previous rounds have leveraged $19 in private investment for every government dollar spent and contributed to major discoveries, including BHP’s Carrapateena copper-gold mine, now one of SA’s most significant mining operations.
The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) also welcomed the funding, highlighting the importance of exploration in supporting future growth.
“Exploration is the front end of future growth – if we don’t unlock it now, we risk missing the next wave of investment,” SACOME chief executive officer Catherine Mooney said.
The budget also includes an additional $1 million over four years for the Landowner Information Service, a commitment to undertake a red tape reduction review and a new $50 million Research and Development Productivity Fund, which includes a focus on SA’s copper province.
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