SACOME Annual Report 2014-15

South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy 

annual report 

2015

OUR STAFF 

contents 

1 

President’s report 4 

Chief Executive’s report 6 

2 

Leading change - council & committees 8 

Strategic Plan 2015-2017 12 

Shaping policy 14 

Improving community relationships 18 

8 

Sharing industry information 20 

3 

Developing skills 24 

Women in Resources 26 

Industry events 28 

Promoting our members 30 

7 

6 

5 

4 

1. Jason Kuchel, Chief Executive 

2. Jonathon Forbes, Director Projects (left), 

John Cocks, Director Strategy & Governance 

(right) 

3. Dayne Eckermann, Senior Policy Analyst 

(left); Stephen Batten, Communications 

Officer (centre); Bridget Fardon, Women in 

Resources Committee Project Officer (right) 

4. Megan Andrews, Director Membership and 

Communications 

5. Nigel Long, Director Policy 

6. Victoria Webster, Executive Assistant 

(left); Melissa Becirevic, Events Coordinator 

(centre); Yelena Koerner-Heinjus, Policy 

Officer Environment & Communities (right) 

7. Chloe Jansen, Receptionist 

8. Margaret Donaldson, Finance Officer 

Our resources community 32 

Cover: Into the Gorge Arkaroola by Allyson Parsons 

Back cover: Warraweena Waves by Allyson Parsons 

Image: Julia Kane 

2 


Annual Report 2015 3

president’s report 

In a number of presentations that I have given over the past year, I have stressed the importance of 

focusing on the longer term rather than giving in to short term pressures. 

The resources sector is well known as a cyclical sector and, especially 

during down turns, too often short term thinking can lead to poor 

decision making. In many cases, expedient decisions to satisfy shortterm 

pressures result in accentuating the cycle’s impact, imposing 

delayed responses as the cycle turns - with opportunities sacrificed 

to strategically minded competitors. 

A cut back on apprentices, graduates and training during a 

downturn will almost guarantee a shortage of qualified people when 

the upturn arrives. 

It is a similar story with exploration expenditure. Most of us would 

know geologists who have struggled to find work during a 

downturn and then left the industry. This happened in the early 

2000s and fifteen years later this may happen again. A continued 

focus on exploration is very important for the sector, since no 

exploration today means no discoveries and no new mines/oil & gas 

fields tomorrow. 

So - despite how difficult it appears - now is a very good time 

for investment in infrastructure, exploration, and training and 

development in preparation for the upturn. 

It is the brave people who are seeking out the positives in our 

current environment. 

Some will point to the copper price, to show that the price in 

Australian Dollars is in the same range today as it has been for the 

last three years. The copper price has remained above A$3/pound, 

largely as a result of the weakening Australian Dollar which has 

provided a natural hedge - as would be expected of a “commodity 

currency” of an export-focused country. 

The Copper Strategy and the Royal Commission into the Nuclear Fuel 

Cycle are State Government initiatives that support important South 

Australian industries. 

The copper strategy is well timed for the upturn which will happen 

when copper stocks move into deficit in coming years. The South 

Australian Copperbelt is well endowed and with development 

offers the potential for Australia to become the third largest copper 

producing country in the world. The nuclear fuel cycle investigation 

is a bold yet overdue national discussion and South Australia is the 

rightful leader with our rich uranium resources and experience in 

handling the commodity. 

Other positives include the vast onshore and offshore oil & gas 

resources, the graphite occurrences on the Eyre Peninsula and 

magnetite in the Upper Spencer Gulf. These resources can all deliver 

significant value for South Australians and have a place in a world 

moving to more sustainable energy generation. 

The US economy has greatly benefited from the development of 

its onshore gas deposits and there is no reason why South Australia 

would not see something similar from the Cooper Basin. 

The service companies which support the resources sector rely 

upon a vibrant core industry. Innovation and development is critical 

for these companies and there are many examples in which we are 

seeing new technologies incorporated into the services sector. What 

is most exciting are the new companies being developed which will 

take ideas and develop them into commercial propositions through 

collaboration between innovators, academia and industry. 

In the immediate future, we will see new commodities become more 

important in our daily lives, used in ways that we would not have 

thought feasible. For example graphite, which occurs in commercial 

quantities and grades in the Eyre Peninsula, is an important input 

for lithium ion energy storage systems which a South Australian 

company is developing in combination with solar power generation. 

Reliance on conventional grid power for residential and commercial 

applications may become a thing of the past. 

As Jason Kuchel details in his Chief Executive’s report, SACOME is 

taking advantage of the current situation and seeing opportunities, 

as the industry is, in introducing alternative solutions. Academia is 

looking to more collaboration and the Government is seeking bold 

ideas. 

SACOME looks forward to continuing to work with the stakeholders 

of the resources sector, including the many brave and positive people 

within South Australia’s dynamic industry, as we work together to 

ensure the industry is ready to take advantage of the next upturn. 

Terry Burgess 

President 

4 South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy 


chief executive’s report 

All annual reports look back over the past year at the achievements and challenges faced by their 

organisation. Our publication is no different, however before we do that, I would like to touch on the 

preceding decade for the resources sector. 

Despite the impact of the global financial crisis, over the decade up to 

2012 we generally saw a very large upward cycle for the minerals and 

oil & gas sector, some even commented that we were in the midst of 

a super cycle. 

Times have changed and we now find ourselves at a lower point in 

the cycle. Perhaps it was this notion of a super cycle that has caused 

some to now be caught off guard while others may not have been 

in the resources sector long enough to experience a sustained 

downward cycle; whatever the case, many of SACOME’s members 

have been asking us, where to from here? 

Some, like many within the media, assume that commodity prices 

need to improve before there will be any positive news from the 

industry. However we are already seeing and hearing positive news. 

Yes, companies need to get their houses in order and are doing so, 

but the reality is many companies can be profitable and can justify 

investment in the current market. 

Ten years ago, a very bullish outlook existed in the sector and there 

was much investment occurring, yet the metals and petroleum price 

indexes were both lower than they are today. 

SACOME has a board of Councillors who are well experienced in the 

industry and recognise that investment will come even if commodity 

prices plateau for a while. There are a range of factors that come into 

play, including the value of the Australian dollar, quality of product and 

cost of production. Of course, higher prices are always welcome! 

So, while SACOME has necessarily cut our cloth over the past year 

or so, in doing this we have remained committed to the activities 

that best serve our members and the industry in South Australia. 

In re-focusing our limited resources on the existing and emerging 

priorities that matter the most, we have developed and adopted a 

new Strategic Plan. A summary of this can be found on pages 12 and 

13, including our new vision, our revised mission, and three priority 

pillars underpinned by nine key strategies. 

Many of our key members have commented that sustained lower 

commodity prices bring opportunities. Opportunities to improve 

productivity, to be innovative and to prepare for the next upswing. 

Likewise at SACOME, we have grasped some of our challenges as an 

opportunity to be innovative. There is no better example than our 

flagship publication, the SA Mines & Energy Journal, which after almost 

seven years came to an end. Our staff and Council were not prepared 

to let it go with the slide in advertising brought on by the current 

environment, but instead looked at the opportunity to broaden its 

information sharing role. 

As a result, the old membership journal disappears and the new 

Resourcing SA community magazine is to be born, with a new 

distribution of around 11,000 up from the previous 2,000, in a quality, 

quarterly publication. Getting this hard copy magazine into local 

Councils, schools, libraries and doctor and dental waiting rooms (not 

to mention online readers) means we anticipate actual readership to 

increase to over 50,000! Work on the new magazine commenced over 

the reporting year with the launch issue due out in September 2015. 

The magazine will be distributed to thousands of community 

members including many influential people across regional and 

metropolitan South Australia. The increased readership will increase 

community understanding of the resources industry and its activities, 

while driving up advertising revenue for long term sustainability. 

Whilst the past financial year has been tighter for SACOME, our 

Executive Team has responded as necessary, delivering a surplus of 

$80,704, which is significantly better than budgeted. 

Please read about the efforts and successes of SACOME over the 

following pages. I’d also like to thank the SACOME Council, our 

management team and all of our staff for their hard work and 

dedication as we re-position SACOME to enable us to continue as 

a vital voice for the industry, to the Government and to our South 

Australian community. 

Jason Kuchel 

Chief Executive 



leadING change 

governance 

Established in 1979, the South Australian Chamber of Mines 

and Energy (SACOME) is the peak industry body representing all 

companies with interests in the minerals, energy, extractive, and oil & 

gas sectors in South Australia, including those who provide services to 

these companies. 

SACOME acknowledges the Councillors who have volunteered 

their expertise and time over the 2014/15 year including resigning 

Councillors Alice McCleary, Yvonne Green, Libby Lyons, Guy Roberts, 

Simon Parsons, David Cruickshanks-Boyd, John McRae and Paul 

Flanagan. 

Councillors as at 30 June 2015: 

Terry Burgess 

Representing Iluka 

Resources 

SACOME President 

John Roberts 

Representing Mithril 

Resources 

SACOME Vice President 

Mike Flynn 

Santos 

SACOME Vice President 

Andrew Cole 

OZ Minerals 

Phil Cole 

Senex Energy Limited 

Simon Corrigan 

Alternative BHP Billiton 

delegate 

Darryl Cuzzubbo 

BHP Billiton 

Jonathon Glew 

Gypsum Resources Australia 

Greg Hall 

Representing Hillgrove 

Resources 

Terry Kallis 

Kallis & Co 

George McKenzie 

Finlaysons 

Patrick Mutz 

Murray Zircon Pty Ltd 

Joe Ranford 

Terramin 

Alison Snel 

Flinders Port Holdings 

Andrew Stocks 

Iron Road Limited 



leadING change 

committees & board representation 

SACOME administers many committees and appreciates the input of all committee participants 

in their valuable role. SACOME’s committees as at 30 June 2015 are listed below. 

Communications Committee 

Chaired by: Vacant 

Contact: Megan Andrews 

The Communications Committee seeks to broaden knowledge and 

understanding of the resources sector amongst the general South 

Australian public. Members contribute to SACOME facilitated media 

communications. 

Exploration Committee 

Chaired by: Nicole Galloway Warland 

Contact: Jonathon Forbes 

This committee is a valuable forum to bring out the issues affecting 

explorers in South Australia. Discussion highlights changes 

needed to policy or processes and helps guide SACOME’s input to 

submissions, lobbying and advocacy activities and planning our 

workshops and communications. 

Editorial - SA Mines & Energy Journal Committee 

Rotating Chair 

Contact: Megan Andrews 

The SA Mines & Energy Journal committee members include key 

members of our resources industry who are experienced and 

knowledgeable on various facets of the sector, ensuring the journal 

remains relevant, balanced and accurate. 

Executive Committee 

Chaired by: Terry Burgess, SACOME President 

Contact: Jason Kuchel 

The Executive Committee is a sub-committee of the SACOME council 

and meets to discuss and sign off on high level constitutional and 

administrative issues. 

Finance and Audit Committee 

Chaired by: Jonathon Glew 

Contact: Jason Kuchel 

The Finance and Audit Committee is a sub-committee of the 

SACOME Council. Its role is to assist the SACOME Council in fulfilling 

its responsibilities for corporate governance and financial reporting, 

including overseeing the external audit function. 

Eyre Peninsula Mining Alliance 

Chaired by: Anya Hart 

Contact: Jonathon Forbes 

The Eyre Peninsula Mining Alliance (EPMA) objectives are to secure 

commitment from State Government for a mining industry on the 

Eyre Peninsula and advocate for policies that consider the needs of 

exploration and mining companies, including social and economic 

infrastructure expansion. 

Petroleum Committee 

Chaired by: Michael Forrest, inFORRM 

Contact: Nigel Long 

As the only South Australian association representing the oil & 

gas sector, SACOME plays a vital role in policy development. The 

Petroleum Committee was established to further the interest of this 

key sector by identifying and addressing priority issues, maintaining 

awareness amongst decision makers of industry actions and 

concerns, and identifying projects and regulatory change to assist 

the industry. 

Sustainable Development Committee 

Chaired by: Angie Smyth, Arrium 

Contact: Yelena Koerner-Heinjus 

The Sustainable Development Committee assists in developing 

policy and facilitating improvement in the areas of environmental 

management and legislation, community and stakeholder 

engagement, and industry promotion. 

Women in Resources SA 

Chaired by: Aimee Chadwick, OZ Minerals 

Contact: Bridget Fardon 

The Women in Resources South Australia Committee’s (WinRSA) 

vision is ‘Shaping the future for the South Australian resources 

sector, by realising the benefits of increased participation, retention 

and advancement of women’. The committee meet monthly with 

representatives from supporting sponsor companies: Beach Energy, 

BHP Billiton, Department of State Development, Finlaysons, Fyfe, OZ 

Minerals, PwC, SACOME and Santos. Read about the committee’s 

activities on page 26. 

The Women in Resources SA committee members as of February 2015 

Occupational Health & Safety Committee 

Contact: Nigel Long 

The Occupational Health and Safety Committee exists to facilitate 

the improvement of the safety and health of all employees in South 

Australia’s resources industry with the objective of an industry free of 

fatalities, injuries and occupational disease. 

External boards and committees 

SACOME participates on a large range of influential 

external boards, committees and working groups for 

thorough engagement with decision making - and 

to ensure the industry’s voice is heard on each and 

every issue that impacts on the South Australian 

mining and energy sector. These include: 

• The Minerals and Energy Advisory Council 

• The Mining Industry Participation Office 

• SA’s unconventional gas working groups 



STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2017 

SACOME’s strategic plan was revised over the first half of 2015, resulting in a new, tightly focused 

plan reflective of member needs and the changing global and domestic environment. 

The revised strategic plan is based on a new vision supported by 

three strategic pillars. These pillars are underpinned by nine strategies, 

all in support of our mission to work with members to deliver a safe, 

enduring, valued and profitable resources industry for South Australia. 

Our vision: 

Leading growth and prosperity for South Australians through a strong 

resources industry. 

Our MISSIOn: 

To work with our members to deliver a safe, enduring, valued and profitable resources 

industry for South Australia. 

Safe: Environments to work and live in for everyone 

Enduring: Future; creating certainty and opportunity for all 

Valued: Relationships with South Australian communities 

Profitable: Outcomes for the state, industry, communities and employees 

12 



shaping policy 

A range of policy issues ensured SACOME’s policy team and relevant committees were kept busy 

over the year with mining, oil & gas and nuclear energy all key focuses. 

Treasurer and Minister for Minerals and Energy Resources Tom Koutsantonis MP addressing SACOME lunch guests 

Native Vegetation 

Over the 2014-15 period there were a number of proposed changes 

to Native Vegetation legislation and regulations by the South 

Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources 

(DEWNR). Among these changes was a review of payments to 

provide a Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB) under the Native 

Vegetation Act 1991. 

SACOME provided a submission, ensuring the need for flexibility 

in policy arrangements was highlighted, so as to enable positive 

environmental outcomes whilst facilitating future resources sector 

growth outlined in the South Australian Government’s economic 

and strategic priorities. SACOME also emphasised need for openness 

and transparency in the allocations of funds from the Native 

Vegetation Fund as public reporting on the KPI’s of projects and their 

delivery is essential for industry confidence in the management of 

funds. 

DEWNR has also commenced an extensive review of the Native 

Vegetation Regulations 2003, including review of the interpretation 

of the intent of the current regulations and a subsequent review of 

the proposed permitted clearing regulation exemptions. SACOME 

developed comprehensive submissions to DEWNR in conjunction 

with feedback from the Sustainable Development Committee, 

outlining the industry preferred approach to the regulations. 

This work will extend into the next financial year with final 

consultations on the native vegetation regulations, and draft policies 

and guidelines on SEB’s and third party offsets. 

Inquiry into hydraulic fracturing 

At the end on 2014, the Natural Resources Committee announced 

a parliamentary inquiry into the potential risks and impacts in the 

use of hydraulic fracture stimulation (fracking) to produce gas in the 

South East of South Australia. 

SACOME delivered a comprehensive submission to the NRC 

identifying that any minor risks that are associated with “fracking” 

are effectively managed and mitigated under South Australia’s best 

practice regulatory framework. The NRC has called on SACOME to 

deliver evidence to the committee as a part of the inquiry later in 

2015. 

SACOME’s Petroleum Committee provided assistance in a consultative 

capacity both to our submission and to other topical considerations 

such as communications and assisting to provide factual information 

to the media and community. 

Sealing of the Strzelecki 

Another key focus of SACOME and its Petroleum Committee has been 

sealing the Strzelecki, which is the major South Australian route into 

the Cooper Basin oil & gas province. 

Sealing this route is a key infrastructure priority of SACOME and would 

have multiple benefits to the industry and SA companies servicing 

them. Sealing would open up year round access to the Cooper 

Basin, reduce freight costs and times, reduce wear and tear on heavy 

vehicles and put SA at a cost competitiveness with companies in 

Queensland. 

SACOME and its petroleum members 

will continue to work with the State 

Government to deliver a project 

to Infrastructure Australia that 

incorporates the economic and strategic 

merits for Commonwealth funding of 

the Strzelecki. 


Annual Report 2015 15

shapING policy 

Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission 

The Royal Commission on the Nuclear Fuel Cycle in South Australia 

was announced by Premier Jay Weatherill on the 9th of February 

2015. This commission was tasked at investigating what aspects of 

the Nuclear Fuel Cycle could provide a feasible opportunity for South 

Australia. 

SACOME initially provided input to the formation of the Terms of 

Reference that would guide the Royal Commissions inquiry. Following 

release of the terms of reference, the commission provided a series of 

four issues papers on four aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle; mining and 

milling, enrichment, nuclear power, and waste storage and disposal. 

These issues papers contained questions which formed the first round 

of submissions to the commission. 

Air Quality 

In late 2013, SACOME’s Sustainable Development Committee 

undertook a review into the application of air quality standards 

and monitoring frameworks for particulates currently applied to 

operating mines within South Australia. All relevant operational 

mines participated in the review, which studied the applicability and 

efficiency of the standards and monitoring systems employed at each 

site, with specific focus on particulates less than 10 microns in size 

(PM10). 

The report was completed and published in October 2014, and the 

recommendations were subsequently developed into a SACOME 

policy position in early 2015. The policy was accepted by SACOME 

council as official SACOME policy in June 2015. 

SACOME’s major submissions over the 2014-15 year: 

Inquiry into the potential risks and impacts 

in the use of hydraulic fracture stimulation 

(Fracking) to produce gas in the South-East of 

South Australia 

Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission Terms of 

Reference suggestions 

Review of Division 1B of Maralinga Tjarutja Land 

Rights Act 1984 

Agreement between the Government of Australia 

and the Government of India in the Peaceful Uses 

of Nuclear Energy 

Feedback on Draft Terms of Reference for the 

Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission 

SACOME will be providing a comprehensive submission to the issues 

papers by the due date of early August 2015. 

South Australia - draft Approval Bilateral 

Agreement under the Environment Protection 

and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 

Review of the Native Vegetation Regulations 

2003 – Proposed permitted clearing regulations 

exemptions 

Provisional Determinations and Guidelines 

for Mining Lease Proposals and Program for 

Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation 

State Tax Review discussion paper 

State Budget Pre-Budget Submission 

Review of Payments to provide a Significant 

Environmental Benefit under the Native 

Vegetation Act 1991 

Landholders’ right to refuse (gas and coal) Bill 

2015 

Yellow cake (at Heathgate’s 

Beverley uranium mine) 

Review of the Native Vegetation Regulations 

2003 – Interpretation of the intent of the current 

regulations 

Consultation on the Native Vegetation (Credit for 

Environmental Benefits) Regulations (SA) 2015 

16 



improvING community relationships 

Improving the resource sector’s community relationships has long been a focus for SACOME, with 

information sharing initiatives (page 20) also contributing to this goal. 

Community engagement 

In June 2015, SACOME launched an ongoing support program for 

South Australian resources industry companies who are interested in 

leading practice in community engagement. The aim of the program 

is to establish a dynamic resource bank for industry which includes 

updates of new and emerging issues, updates of regulatory changes 

relating to community engagement, case studies of leading practice, 

useful tools including guidelines and other support materials based 

on industry experience, a discussion and information-sharing forum 

and access to key people and networks. 

The ongoing program is relevant to all sectors of the South 

Australian resources industry, including minerals, oil & gas, extractives 

and renewables. It is based around regular workshops and other 

events. 

The first event in the series was a great success, with 80 people 

attending the seminar. Attendees heard presentations on 

community engagement from Melissa Muller (Department of 

State Development), Skana Gallery (SA LGA), Tony Irvine (Regional 

LGA) and Harry Seager (Kanmantoo Callington Community 

Consultative Committee). The event concluded with a panel 

discussion on community engagement issues with Katie Hulmes 

(OZ Minerals), Tim Scholz (Iron Road) and George McKenzie 

(Finlaysons). The program was received well by SACOME members 

and many expressed interest in future community engagement 

program events. 

Native title 

SACOME continues to receive grants from the Federal Attorney 

General’s Department to contribute to the legal costs of negotiating 

and reviewing whole of claim Indigenous Land Use Agreements 

(ILUAs) in South Australia. 

2015 winners of the Premiers Community 

Excellence Awards in Mining and Energy: 

Excellence in Social Inclusion 

Heathgate Resources 

Excellence in Supporting Communities 

Iluka Resources and Kalari Transport 

Excellence in Leadership-Women in Resources 

OZ Minerals 

High commendations 

Iron Road, Terramin, OZ Minerals and Fyfe. 

Premier Weatherill with Heathgate representatives 

SACOME is continuing to progress negotiations with the Kokatha 

Uwankara and the Ngadjuri Nation #2 Claimant Groups. 

The Arabana Peoples and Gawler Rangers Mineral Exploration ILUA’s 

were up for review in the period. In relation to the Arabana ILUA, 

the Arabana Aboriginal Corporation considered no agreement 

could be reached on matters for review in the document and as 

such terminated the agreement. Accordingly, companies will need 

to pursue agreements with the Corporation through the Part 9B 

process. 

Negotiations with the Gawler Rangers Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC 

continues slowly but has been positive. 

Premiers Community Excellence Awards in Mining and Energy 

The Premiers Community Excellence Awards continues to showcase 

the leading practice of the resources companies in corporate social 

responsibility. The new benchmarks created by category winners will 

inspire and be viewed as the standard for doing business, not just for 

the resources sector but for all industries operating within the State. 

Presented by the Premier, the Hon Jay Weatherill MP at the SACOME 

Annual Resources Industry Dinner, the winning companies were 

recognised across four categories: Excellence in Social Inclusion, 

Excellence in Supporting Communities, Excellence in Leadership- 

Women in Resources, and Environmental Excellence. 

Field days 

SACOME coordinated a booth at the Cleve Field Days for the purpose 

of meeting with local landholders and residents, answering their 

questions and providing information. SACOME also attended the 

Lucindale Field Days in the South East, joining Beach Energy’s booth 

and engaging with the community over the event. 



sharING INduSTry information 

One of SACOME’s strategic objectives is to increase awareness of the mining and energy industry 

within the South Australian community. As mineral and energy resources is one of the State’s key 

economic contributors, every South Australian is a stakeholder. SACOME also needs to engage 

with a diverse range of members, government and media stakeholders, sharing information on the 

sector and our own activities. With such a wide range of communications goals, SACOME’s activities 

in this space are continually expanding. 

SACOME magazine 

The SA Mines & Energy Journal was SACOME’s official membership 

publication for almost seven years. It provided a means to circulate 

information on the industry to 2,000 of SACOME’s stakeholders, with 

articles on issues and concerns together with the good news stories 

and commendable industry activities such as community benefits, 

excellence in stakeholder engagement and environmental initiatives. 

Dirt TV 

In 2013, the SACOME Council approved an exciting new video 

competition for school children – Dirt TV. Targeting students in years 

7-12, applicants create a 2-3 minute video clip profiling the benefits 

that mining and energy bring to society. 

SACOME created a separate website and a Facebook page for the initiative 

which provide ideas for content; noting benefits such as economic 

growth, employment opportunities, end-uses of mining products, 

community support and social responsibility, while engaging students 

through fun pictures, interesting industry facts and topical information. 

In 2014 a total of 14 entries from 9 schools across South Australia were 

received for the inaugural competition. 

A judging panel comprising esteemed media, arts and industry 

leaders was assembled to focus on creativity, accuracy and 

effectiveness in delivering a message and an ‘Oscars-like’ Awards 

Ceremony was held on September 25th 2014 at the National Wine 

Centre, Adelaide. 

A total of $10,000 in prize money was shared by the winners over five 

categories, including the major prize for Best Overall Video which went 

to James Haskard and Lachlan Blake from Concordia College. 

SACOME acknowledges all the judges along with 

sponsors of the 2014 Dirt TV competition: BHP 

Billiton, Linc Energy, IMX Resources, Iron Road, OZ 

Minerals and Santos. 

Planning is well underway for the 2015 Dirt TV 

competition which will culminate at the Awards 

Ceremony to be held at Adelaide Oval in 

September 2015. 

In 2014 this magazine underwent a review and the final issue of the SA 

Mines & Energy Journal was printed in May. Over the last few months of 

the 2014-15 financial year extensive planning occurred to see a new 

magazine take its place – Resourcing SA, with the inaugural issue to be 

distributed in Spring of 2015. 

Resourcing SA will follow the same high quality glossy print of the 

previous SACOME journal and include industry updates, news and 

innovations. Several key differences include: 

• Distribution increase to 11,000 including community leaders, 

schools, libraries and medical waiting rooms across SA 

• More community interest stories focusing on people, the 

environment, workforce and services 

• To be published quarterly 

• Higher quality graphics with a people focus 

• Popular style including a clean fresh design and letters to the 

Editor. 

Social Media 

Bold vision 

SA people, projects, policies, markets & happenings 

Issue 40 

May – June 15 

$9.95 (incl. GST) 

ISSN 1836-0777 

SACOME’s social media underwent a dramatic transformation over 

2014-15, doubling our previous engagement with twitter and Dirt 

TV Facebook to include a new SACOME Facebook page and a Linked 

In company page. The focus of the Linked In page is to establish a 

deeper engagement with our members and industry stakeholders, 

while the SACOME Facebook page is targeted on engaging the 

general community. 

14 entries were received for the 

inaugural Dirt TV competition with a 

total of $10,000 in cash prizes awarded 

at a red carpet Awards Event. 

Connect with us 

https://www.facebook.com/southaustralianchamberminesandenergy 

http://www.linkedin.com/company/south-australian-chamber-of-mines-&-energy 

https://twitter.com/Mining_EnergySA 

https://www.facebook.com/dirttv 

www.sacome.org.au 



sharING INduSTry information 

New website 

The SACOME website was redesigned over the 2014-15 year, resulting 

in a brand new look, a fresh design and a complete restructure to 

ensure all stakeholders including interested community members 

are more easily able to find the information they want. New 

content includes information on environmental aspects such as 

fracture stimulation and case studies of industry environmental and 

rehabilitation practices. 

Changes included ensuring content on popular sections such as the 

Women in Resources Committee (WinRSA) and the oil & gas sector 

was more dominant and easily accessible. More community focused 

content will continue to be added. 

External Media 

SACOME continued to expand its media engagement, with regional 

media relationships strengthened over 2014-15, resulting in an 

increased attendance of print and television media at SACOME events. 

Opportunities to promote the activities and benefits of the resources 

sector were maximised, with 32 media releases distributed over the 

year – an increase from 26 in the previous reporting year. 

SACOME’s media messages assist our lobbying efforts and also ensure 

a positive industry message is put forward at every opportunity. 

SACOME established a Communications 

Committee, comprising key 

representatives from minerals and 

petroleum members, which will help 

focus and shape media messages and 

contribute to the SACOME magazine 

Member communications 

SACOME shares information with members through our magazine, 

our digital media, and our events - including a growing number of free 

seminars and workshops, see page 28 for information on our extensive 

range of events. 

E-news 

Mining and Energy SA, SACOME’s fortnightly newsletter, provides 

members with current information on local issues and events 

within the mining and energy industry. New legislation updates, 

policy changes and industry input to submissions are valued by our 

members. The newsletter also provides a vehicle to communicate 

coming industry events and update members on our media 

engagement. 

Website and video 

SACOME uploads videos of member only presentations and selected 

seminars to our You Tube channel, SACOMETV. Presentations from 

member only events are usually found within the member only 

section of the SACOME website. 

Science Alive! 

SACOME participated in the immensely popular 

Science Alive! event for the first time in August 

2014 with assistance from SACOME’s Sustainable 

Development Committee and several industry 

members. Science Alive is organised under the 

banner of National Science Week and ‘Inspiring 

Australia’, Australian Government Initiatives designed 

to increase engagement and interest in the sciences. 

SACOME’s booth featured displays on 

the use of minerals and petroleum, 

a plethora of mineral samples, an 

interactive sandstone porosity display 

and water testing activities. A popular 

rehabilitation display was provided 

by Iluka Resources and an engaging 

magnetic separation display by Iron Road 

For the first time in its history, the event had a strong 

resources sector presence with SACOME, together 

with Iluka, Iron Road and Santos, occupying an 

area alongside Beach Energy. Held over three days 

at the Wayville Showgrounds, the event engaged 

around 15,000 children and adults. As the focus of 

the Friday was careers, Santos provided a handful 

of enthusiastic graduates to speak with high school 

students about pathways into the oil & gas sector. 

The initiative was a fantastic way to spread 

information and awareness of the resources 

industry in South Australia and the uses of mined 

materials. SACOME will build on the success of this 

involvement and in the latter half of the 2014-15 

financial year, plans were well underway for the 2015 

booth and activities. 



developING skills 

SACOME is committed to skills development and is involved in a variety of initiatives to ensure the 

South Australian resources industry has the capacity to serve the sector’s needs now and in the 

future. Our Women in Resources committee (page 26) is one of these. 

Careers Program 

SACOME has provided students across South Australia with 

information relating to careers in the resources industry through a 

designated Careers Promotion Manager for many years. 

Interactive presentations were delivered to schools, encouraging 

students to consider the impact of the resources industry in everyday 

life and the career opportunities within the sector. These activities 

continued over the first half of the reporting year. With the need to 

be cost conscious SACOME is currently focusing on Careers Expos, 

assisting schools with careers advice and resources, Science Alive and 

Dirt TV. 

Geoscientist Assistance Program (GAP) 

SACOME secured $425,000 in funding from the State Government of 

South Australia to re-instate the highly successful GAP program, which 

it first managed in 2010 through to 2012. 

Professional Development 

SACOME’s Professional Development Program has been running for 

three years. Over that time SACOME developed and provided training 

programs, consultancy, and support for members through the use of 

internal and external specialists. 

In January 2014 SACOME was awarded $335,600 in funding through 

the State Governments Skills in the Workplace initiative and over 

the reporting year several approved courses were coordinated and 

promoted, with the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety and the 

Workforce Planning and Development skill sets attracting the most 

interest. 

This service is demand driven. 

The GAP program is designed to counter the current significant level 

of retrenchments in the resources industry and the marked decrease 

in employment opportunities for current and future South Australian 

geoscience graduates. GAP offers companies a salary subsidy to 

enable them to take on an unemployed geoscience graduate or 

skilled professional on a short – medium contract basis. The program 

commenced in March 2015 and is scheduled to continue in 2016. 

Ten GAP placements were coordinated 

by SACOME over the reporting year. 

The program will continue through to 

December 2016. 

Neil Chalmers, GAP participant 



women IN resources 

SACOME is committed to promoting the participation of women in the 

South Australian resources industry and increasing the number of women 

working in the sector across all levels. This objective is actioned through 

the work of SACOME’s Women in Resources SA (WinRSA) committee. 

Policy and strategy 

WinRSA exists to promote the involvement of women in the 

exploration, minerals, petroleum and energy sectors and associated 

service industries, and to provide opportunities for meaningful 

engagement. 

In late 2014, the committee circulated a Shaping the Future survey, 

with results helping to determine member priorities and underpin 

the committee’s future direction. The survey asked many questions 

on opportunities and participation including career progression, 

balancing workplace and caring responsibilities, and how the 

representation of women in the resources sector could be improved. 

Events 

WinRSA held several networking events over the 2014/15 reporting year: 

• “Why women make great leaders” presented by Avril Henry, 

October 2014 

• “The state of play” in the SA resources industry, with Dr Paul 

Heithersay (Department of State Development), December 2014 

• “Shale gas and Exploration and Development” presented by Colin 

Cruickshank (Santos) and Dominic Pepicelli (Department of State 

Development), February 2015 

• “Getting what you want” with Shelley Rogers and Karen Dezdjek in 

a joint event with the Women in Mining Network SA (WIMnetSA), 

May 2015 

• Preparation was finalised for a July 2015 boardroom lunch themed 

“How to manage an executive leadership role under flexible 

working conditions”, building on the success of the committee’s 

April 2014 lunch event. 

The WinRSA committee’s strategic plan 

was revised in early 2015 with a focus 

on: 

• Mentoring opportunities for women, 

with work commenced on a joint pilot 

program with WIMnetSA 

• Supporting women in achieving 

senior roles on boards and 

committees 

• Attracting and supporting women 

in the sector through education and 

awareness 

• Providing a positive and valuable 

contribution to the Sector 

• Identifying and engaging 

stakeholders to support the vision of 

WinRSA 

• Creating and promoting a consistent 

message 

• Providing opportunities to 

participate in forums relevant to the 

sector and their development. 

Women in Resource Awards 

The inaugural South Australia 

Women in Resources Awards were 

established at the beginning of 2015. 

Extensive planning and preparation 

was completed over the last half of 

the reporting year with the awards 

presentation to take place at a SACOME 

Lunch in July 2015. Category winners 

will be nominated by SACOME for the 

Women in Resources National Awards, 

scheduled to be held in Perth in 

September 2015. 

Thirty nine high calibre nominations 

were received over five categories for 

the inaugural South Australian Women 

in Resources Awards 

Mentoring initiative 

The development of a mentoring 

program was highlighted as a critical 

enabler for improved gender diversity 

within the resources sector, by both 

WinRSA and WIMnetSA. The need for 

such a program was also identified by 

members in the Shaping the Future 

survey. WinRSA are collaborating with 

WIMnetSA to develop a joint pilot 

mentoring program which will be 

launched in September 2015. 

Sabina McKenzie by Chris Warrior 



industry events 

SACOME is the key provider of networking and information sharing events for South Australia’s 

resources industry. With a large range of public and member only events, including collaborations 

to present the State’s biggest resource sector conferences, industry stakeholders are provided 

with many opportunities to connect with the resources community and keep informed on 

industry activities. 

Series 2015 Breakfast Briefings 

2015 Annual Resources Industry Dinner 

The SACOME breakfasts are member-only events which provide our 

members with an exclusive opportunity to hear updates on industry 

projects and procurement opportunities, usually direct from the 

Chief Executive or Managing Director, including the opportunity to 

ask questions. With barista coffee on arrival and unassigned seating, 

these events provide a relaxed, informal atmosphere to maximise 

networking opportunities. Throughout the 2015 financial year our 

breakfast events averaged 130 attendees. 

The key social gathering for the South Australian resources industry 

was themed as a celebration of SACOME’s 35th anniversary - as 

advocate and voice for the SA resources industry since 1979. 

The highlight event included presentation of the 2015 Premier’s 

Community in Excellence Awards in Mining and Energy and an 

acknowledgement of exiting SACOME President of 13 years, John 

Roberts AM. The anniversary gala coincided with the first day of the 

South Australian Resources and Energy Infrastructure Conference and 

drew a crowd of 470 guests. 

The 2015 breakfast program featured 

updates from: OZ Minerals, Santos, 

Monax Mining, Musgrave Minerals, 

Minotaur Exploration, Drillsearch 

Energy, Havilah Resources, Archer 

Exploration and Cooper Energy. 

Series 2015 Lunch events 

SACOME’s breakfast and lunch events form the core of our corporate 

networking suite. Unlike breakfasts, SACOME lunches are open to all 

and over the financial year averaged 250 attendees at each event. 

With ample time for networking over pre-lunch drinks, the popular 

and well-established lunch format includes breaks for at table 

networking, a keynote presentation from industry or political senior 

leaders, a questions from the floor session and often an additional 

short presentation or activity around a topic of interest to industry 

stakeholders. 

Seminars 

SACOME’s seminars and workshops, usually free member-only 

events, are focussed on sharing knowledge on specific topics. Over 

the 2014/15 year, SACOME presented seminars on a variety of topics 

including potential opportunities within the nuclear energy industry 

and innovation in mining, together with community engagement 

workshops - see page 18. 

Conferences 

SACOME collaborated to provide two valuable local conferences over 

the year, each now a highlight of the resources industry calendar 

and ongoing joint initiatives with other bodies. Both of these events 

provide delegates with excellent value, superb catering and a 

fantastic program of speakers –all at a fraction of the cost of externally 

facilitated conferences. 

The GMUSG / SACOME regional conference and trade expo was held 

in Whyalla and achieved a record attendance of over 400 delegates 

with a program that covered mining, oil & gas, local government and 

service sector presentations over a two day event in August. 

The South Australian Exploration and Mining Conference, held 

in December at the Adelaide Convention Centre, attracted over 

600 delegates in a single day conference featuring 20 concise 

presentations and extensive networking opportunities – including the 

popular post conference drinks event. 

These conferences are highly regarded by industry and government 

in South Australia and continue to be well attended by industry and 

service providers alike. 

A highlight of the 2015 lunch series was 

the May lunch, featuring the Hon Tony 

Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia. 

Held in collaboration with the Property 

Council of Australia, the event attracted 

over 1,100 guests. 



promoting our members 

SACOME members value the opportunity to promote their services to the resources industry 

stakeholders who engage with our many events and publications. 

Magazine 

Members continued to write for and advertise in the SA Mines & Energy 

Journal, receiving a 15% discount off advertising. SACOME’s new 

publication, Resourcing SA (see page 21), will go to an extended 11,000 

plus readers but advertising rates (and member discount) will remain 

unchanged. The new publication will also include opportunities for 

members’ news stories. 

New member introductions 

All new members are introduced at a SACOME lunch event including 

an announcement of their services and logo recognition. They are also 

announced via twitter. 

Service Providers Directory 

All service members are invited to contribute to the online service 

providers’ directory, accessed via the SACOME website. This 

publication is also printed every 12-18 months, with the next print run 

planned for early 2016. The directory is a valuable resource for service 

members to promote their capabilities to the minerals and petroleum 

community. 

Seminars 

SACOME’s free seminars provide a valuable opportunity for members 

to showcase their expertise while providing valuable information to 

our industry members and other services. 

SACOME gratefully acknowledges our 2015 sponsors: 

SACOME thanks all other 

members who have sponsored 

our events over the 2014/15 

financial year: 

Defence Reserves Support 

Max Cranes 

Ashurst 

Coughlan Drilling 

Aquamate 

Logicamms 

RJE (Robin Johnson Engineering) 

Fyfe 

Statewide Super 

Intract Indigenous Contractors 

Sponsorship 

SACOME members continued to take up sponsorship opportunities 

with SACOME, with 2015 seeing an additional Diamond sponsor come 

on board. Opportunities were increased through the introduction of 

exclusive sponsorships such as Barista sponsor at events, and other 

additional sponsorship products. 

With a solid reputation for promoting and connecting the resources 

industry, SACOME provides companies with targeted industry 

exposure. 



our resources community 

SACOME’s stakeholders are diverse, including government, media, other industry bodies, 

educational institutions and the broader community. Over the 2014-15 financial year our 

collaborations increased, but our key stakeholders remain our members. 

We exist to serve our members, both industry and service providers, 

and our members fund our activities. Through their engagement 

and support we are able to assist the resources industry grow, 

prosper and strengthen the South Australian economy. 

As at 30 June 2015, SACOME had 270 financial members, 

comprising 51 industry members and 207 service providers, 

with associate members totalling 12. Through careful financial 

management we elected to keep membership fees unchanged, 

even increasing the discount for prompt payment from 15% to 20% 

for the 2015/16 financial year, in recognition of the budget pressures 

members are under. 

SACOME Membership Categories 

Core industry members 

Level 1A: Global Revenue >$50bn 

Level 1B: Global revenue >$10bn - $50bn 

Level 1C: Global revenue >$2bn - $10bn 

Ind Level 1D: Global revenue >$500m - $2bn 

Ind Level 1E: Global Revenue >$100m - $500m 

Ind Level 1F: Global Revenue >$50m - $100m 

Ind Level 1G: Global Revenue >$20m - $50m 

Ind Level 1H: Global Revenue >$0m - $20m 

Level 2: Explorer or Developing with production outside of SA 

Level 3: Developing with no production 

Level 4: Junior explorer or extractive

our resources community 

Buschutz Engineering Pty Ltd 

Skills DMC 

Calibre Global Pty Ltd 

Flinders Operating Services 

OAQ 4X4 Hire 

Thrifty 

CAPS Australia Pty Ltd 

Color On Demand 

Community Engagement Group Australia 

Pty Ltd 

Complete Personnel Group 

D.J. Coughlan Drilling 

DMAW Lawyers 

E & A Ltd 

EBS Group 

Electranet 

Emeco International Pty Ltd 

Exact Mining Services Pty Ltd 

Flinders Port Holdings Pty Ltd 

Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd 

Golder Associates Pty Ltd 

Government Relations Solutions Pty Ltd 

(GR Solutions) 

Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia 

Pty Ltd 

Jacobs Group Australia Pty Ltd 

Jardine Lloyd Thompson 

KSB Australia Pty Ltd 

Liebherr Australia Pty Ltd 

Maloney Field Services 

Max Crane & Equipment Hire 

Migration Solutions 

Minter Ellison Lawyers 

Paydirt Media Pty Ltd 

Red Earth Training Solutions 

SA Power Networks 

SCF Group Pty Ltd 

Schlam Engineering 

Sharp Airlines 

SRA Information Technology 

The University of Adelaide - School of Civil, 

Environmental & Mining Engineering 

The University of South Australia 

Thiess Pty Ltd 

Toll Mining Services 

Tonkin Consulting 

UCL School of Energy and Resources, Australia 

Watsons Lawyers 

Yaran Business Services 

Members for less than 5 years 

Adventure 4WD 

Aldam Geoscience 

Alliance Airlines 

Andrew Minns Consulting 

ANZ 

Aquamate 

ASC Training & Development Pty Ltd 

ATSys Pty Ltd 

Aurecon 

Auspace Pty Ltd 

Australian Cultural Heritage Management 

Pty Ltd 

Australian Mines & Metal Association 

Australian Welding Solutions Pty Ltd 

Austwide Mining Title Management Pty Ltd 

Babcock Pty Ltd 

Barker Wentworth 

BGC Contracting 

Big Sky Building Society 

Bonacci Group Pty Ltd 

Bowmans Intermodal 

Caledonia Scaffolding Services 

Career Employment Group Training 

Partnerships 

Carey Mining SA Pty Ltd 

Carey Training Pty Ltd 

Challenger Geological Services Pty Ltd 

Champion International Trade Pty Ltd 

Chandler MacLeod 

Chubb Fire & Security 

CIGWELD P/L - Victor Technologies 

Cor Cooling 

Corporate Air 

Corporate Conversation 

Corporate Protection Australia Group 

Crane Services Pty Ltd 

CRC Care Pty Ltd 

Datanet Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 

Deep Exploration Technologies CRC 

Dialight ILS Australia 

Downer EDI Mining 

Draeger Safety Pacific Pty Ltd 

Dynapumps 

DynCorp (Aust.) Pty Ltd 

Easternwell Minerals 

Eco Building Supplies Pty Ltd 

Ecology and Heritage Partners 

EMAC Systems 

Energy Power Systems Australia-Cat Rental 

Power 

EQAS Business Development 

ExoDrill Pty Ltd 

EY 

Farley Riggs Pty Ltd 

Fire Safe Services Pty Ltd 

Fluid Dynamics Pty Ltd 

Fluid Transfer Management 

FMG Engineering 

Fugro Spatial Systems 

Fyfe Pty Ltd 

GLH Contracting 

Go Green Consulting 

Greencap 

Harris Byrne Advisors 

Harsco Metals and Minerals 

Honeywell Process Solutions 

Inforrm Pty Ltd 

Intract Indigenous Contractors 

ISS International Pty Ltd 

JBS & G 

Kadego Pty Ltd 

Kerry Logistics 

LBW Environmental Projects 

Leadership Management Australia - Bettcher 

Leske Transport Pty Ltd 

LHD Group Australia Pty Ltd 

Logic Films Pty Ltd 

LogiCamms 

MAV Media Pty Ltd 

McMahon Services 

Mine & Quarry Service Co Pty Ltd 

Mine Bus Services 

Monopoly Property Group 

Morton Philips 

Nature Foundation SA Inc 

Navitas Careers & Internships - Adelaide 

Nile Exploration Pty Ltd 

NovaFast 

Opteon (South Australia) Pty Ltd 

OSD 

Pason Systems 

Pentagon Freight Services Pty Ltd 

Petro-King 

Phoenix Logging Services 

Position Partners 

Power & Generation 

Power Water Air Pty Ltd 

Qube Ports 

R.A English & Co. 

Red Dirt Personnel Group 

Red Mulga 

Renfrey Plant Hire Services 

Resources & Engineering Skills Alliance (RESA) 

Resources Camp Hire 

Robin Johnson Engineering Pty Ltd 

Rockwell Automation Pty Ltd 

Rossair Charter 

RPS Aquaterra 

Rural Solutions SA 

Sargent Rental and Maintenance 

Sigma Cranes Ptd Ltd 

Sims Metal Management SA 

Sitemed 

SME Gateway 

South Australian Museum 

Southcott Pty Ltd 

SpeedCast 

Statewide Financial Management Services Ltd 

Street Fleet Pty Ltd 

Swagelok 

Terra Consulting Pty Ltd 

TRILITY Pty Ltd 

Turbo Track 

Turner & Townsend Pty Ltd 

UNE Partnerships Pty Ltd 

Value Adviser Associates 

Vative 

Vipac Engineers & Scientists Pty Ltd 

Viva Energy Australia 

Wallis Heritage Consulting 

Watpac Civil and Mining Pty Ltd 

Wattyl Industrial Coatings 

Wealth on Track 

Whittens Pty Ltd 

Willis Australia Ltd 

Win Attachments Pty Ltd 

Work Visa Lawyers 

Workpac Industrial 

Yokogawa Australia Pty Ltd 

Zinfra Pty Ltd 

Associate Members 

Andrew Andrjewkskis 

Colin Lake 

Dave Thomas 

Egon Pederson 

Hon Roger Goldsworthy 

Ivan Steed 

Kevin Wills 

Lindsay Curtis 

Peter Bradshaw 

Rob Gibb 

Roger Higgins 

Tim Zwierson 



South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy 

Mines And Energy House 

290 Glen Osmond Road 

Fullarton, SA 5063 

Telephone +61 8 8202 9999 

Fax +61 8 8202 9900 

Email sacome@sacome.org.au 

www.sacome.org.au 

www.dirttv.com.au

SACOME Annual Report 2014-15

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