New data shows South Australia’s resources sector continues to be a major pillar of the state’s economy, with a 61 per cent economic uplift over the past five years.
The biannual economic contribution analysis, conducted by the South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME), shows that in 2023–24, 18 SACOME member companies contributed over $9.5 billion in direct and indirect spending to the state economy.
“The resource sector continues to underpin the South Australian economy, providing vital jobs, supporting local suppliers, enabling critical public infrastructure and directly funding a wide range of community programs and services,” SACOME chief executive officer Rebecca Knol said.
“The sector has demonstrated a 61.4 per cent economic uplift to the state over five years and employment has grown by 86 per cent during this time.”
The report shows the sector directly employs 11,919 full-time workers – this constitutes to one in every 23 full-time jobs across the state.
The average salary of $140,780 per annum is significantly higher than South Australia’s overall average of $101,000.
Direct spending reached $4.8 billion, including $2.6 billion in goods and services purchases from more than 2800 local businesses – a 66.3 per cent increase since the first analysis in 2019–20.
The sector’s contribution to SA Government revenue has also grown by 22.5 per cent over the past five year, with $533.2 million paid in royalties, payroll tax, stamp duty and land tax.
This funding has supported critical infrastructure projects such as hospitals, roads and schools.
Additionally, the sector provided $17.3 million in community funding to support 246 organisations across health, education, sports and Indigenous communities.
“The data demonstrates the resource sector’s contribution to both the regions and metropolitan Adelaide, with eight of the top ten benefiting electorates in metropolitan Adelaide,” Knol said.
“Although many of our operations may be regionally located, it’s clear they have a whole-of-state benefit, supporting jobs and suppliers across the state.”
With the 2026 state election coming up, SACOME is calling for bipartisan support to address longstanding barriers to resource development and implement policies that drive further sector growth.
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