South Australia's Copper Strategy

About

This consultation has now closed, thanks for your interest. Read about the outcomes and updates here.

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We're seeking your input on the proposed focus areas for South Australia's Copper Strategy.

What is being decided?

The South Australian Government has released a Directions Paper to shape the development of the state's Copper Strategy.

Copper has a key role in the 21st Century. The efficiency of copper aids sustainable construction in a rapidly urbanising world and is important in mitigating the effects of climate change. Growth in copper demand across the world is estimated to outstrip supply from 2020.

The objective is to grow South Australian copper production to one million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) by 2030.

You can provide your feedback on the proposed focus areas and on the specific questions posed in the orange boxes throughout the Directions Paper.

Why is this strategy is so important?

South Australia is home to 68% of the nation's copper resource but current levels of production are well below our potential. A long-term Copper Strategy for the state will enable us to fully realise the potential of our geology and our geography in a sustainable way.

Realising the full potential of our copper resource will help generate jobs, investment and economic growth while linking local companies into global supply chains.

How your input will be used

After the engagement process finishes on 23 October, the Department of State Development will prepare a 'What We Heard' report which will include information about the process undertaken, a summary of key themes that emerged, as well as all of the raw data collected through each activity.

This report will then be used to determine the final shape and direction of the Copper Strategy.

The final strategy is expected to be released in December 2015.

• Download the Directions Paper (PDF, 1.1MB)

To find out more about South Australia's Copper Strategy, visit minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/copperstrategy.

Background

Copper resources in South Australia

South Australia aims to do more to leverage the potential of its copper resources into increased investment and job creation to support sustained economic growth. The state's target of tripling our annual copper production to one million tonnes by 2030 would assist Australia to climb up the global rankings to become the world's largest copper producer.

A South Australian Copper Summit convened in May 2015 found widespread industry support for a comprehensive strategy to unlock the state's potential as a world-class producer and exporter. The Department of State Development has collated the feedback from the Copper Summit and articulated those shared views into a directions paper. Input from various stakeholders to the Directions Paper will guide the development of a Copper Strategy for South Australia to be launched this year.

South Australia is a major copper producer and exporter, currently attracting over 130 companies - including global majors - exploring, developing and mining copper in the state. Over the past ten years, mineral exploration companies have spent $850 million exploring for copper in South Australia.

South Australia has a number of long-life deposits, including Olympic Dam which is the fourth largest copper resource in the world. The state currently hosts four major approved poly-metallic copper mines - Olympic Dam, Prominent Hill, Kanmantoo and Hillside.

Levels of copper production are expected to be maintained or increased as major mines continue to produce at near capacity and look at increasing run-rates and making productivity improvements.

Situational analysis

World copper prices have fallen in line with a general decline in resource commodities. The industry has responded by looking at ways to reduce operational costs and by delaying major investment decisions.

Against this backdrop, South Australia's existing copper producers are still working toward optimising plans to expand production using new technologies and a collaborative approach to sharing key infrastructure, especially in the Copper Belt.

Explorers have also eased back on expenditure due to difficulty raising capital from financial markets while the outlook for commodity prices remains uncertain. The Copper Strategy will bring together existing Government initiatives capable of supporting the copper sector as well as identify new areas for cooperation and collaboration.

Directions Paper

• Download the Directions Paper (PDF, 1.1MB)

To find out more about South Australia's Copper Strategy, visit minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/copperstrategy.