SACOME Annual Report 2013-14

2014 

1 

Strengthening South Australia’s Resources Industry 

South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER 

OF MINES & ENERGY 

ANNUAL REPORT 2013/14 

CONTENTS 

President’s report 4 

Chief Executive’s report 5 

Leading change 6 

Governance 6 

Committees & boards 7 

Shaping policy 9 

Exploration Development Incentive 9 

Environment 10 

Land access 11 

Energy & climate change 12 

Election priorities 13 

Submissions 16 

Infrastructure 17 

Increasing industry awareness 18 

Developing skills 20 

Promoting our members 22 

OUR STAFF 

SACOME staff as at September 2014, from left to right: Victoria Webster, Membership & Sponsorship Officer; Stephen 

Batten, Communications Officer; Paula La Forgia, Executive Assistant; Dayne Eckermann, Policy Analyst & Researcher; 

Lisa Jeffery, Manager Professional Development; John Cocks, Director Strategy & Governance; Nigel Long, Director 

Corporate Social Responsibility; Jason Kuchel, Chief Executive; Jonathon Forbes, Director Industry Development; Megan 

Andrews, Director Membership & Communications; Layla Mignone, Manager Member Relations; Margaret Donaldson, 

Finance Officer; Lewis Stoll, HSE&C Officer; Melissa Becirevic, Events Officer; Ewa Buscumb, Receptionist. 

Sharing information 24 

Connecting people 26 

Improving relationships 28 

Community engagement 28 

Indigenous relations 30 

Our resources community 31 

2 

SACOME thanks the State Library for providing our photo location - the Treasures Wall - which showcases South Australia’s natural industries, 

displaying panels of copper, gold, iron ore and other commodities together with cattle hide, wool, wheat, grapevine prunings and more. 

South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy 

Image: James Knowler 

Annual Report 2014 3

PRESIDENT’S REPORT CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT 

In last year’s Annual Report I attempted to impart some 

appreciation of the multi-faceted activities undertaken in a year 

by SACOME. I suspected that the true extent of our activities was 

not all that well understood. 

The year under review (2013/14) saw the 

furthest spreading of our activities and I will 

summarise some of the key initiatives here. 

The Federal and State elections provided 

the platform for SACOME to establish 20 key 

priority polices to present to each political 

party and to the public. 

SACOME’s priorities for the Federal election 

focussed on establishment of a Flow Through 

Shares model for exploration companies, 

infrastructure development, amendments 

to the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) 

and repeal of the Minerals Resource Rent 

Tax (MRRT), bilateral agreements under the 

Environment Protection and Biodiversty 

Conservation (EPBC) Act, Native Title funding, 

taxation rules, and the Diesel Fuel Credit. 

Each of the parties’ active in South Australia 

had an opportunity to respond to SACOME 

on where they stood on each of these 

policies. The successful lobbying activities, 

consistent media attention and public 

awareness sought the introduction of the 

flow through shares model as the Exploration 

Development Incentive (EDI), the repeal of 

the MRRT legislation, and the retention of the 

rules for the Diesel Fuel Excise. 

In March this year SACOME presented its ten 

State election priorities to the major parties, 

media and the public. It was pleasing to see 

SACOME continuing to push and discuss 

publically the issues that were important to 

the industry during the election, even if it 

drew the ire from some. 

As a result, our industry is recognised as 

the number one economic priority by the 

State Government. Centres of excellence 

are presently being built to assist South 

Australians access the skilled jobs in the 

resources industry, and the establishment of 

a Regional Mining Infrastructure Taskforce to 

facilitate infrastructure for resources projects. 

The twenty policies that formed our election 

priorities relied on the continued input of the 

many committees we develop and facilitate. 

The successful outcomes of many of these 

policies highlight that with a continued and 

united message, the industry can continue 

to develop and provide prosperity to South 

Australia. 

On behalf of the Council and myself I thank 

each and every member of our SACOME 

team for another year of hard work and 

commitment under the excellent leadership 

of our Chief Executive Jason Kuchel. 

The industry in South Australia certainly 

has challenges ahead, but with continued 

collaboration and engagement with the 

government and the public, I think there 

remains a very bright future on the horizon. 

John Roberts 

President 

There is never a dull moment working at SACOME and 

accordingly there is never a dull year. Each and every year seems 

to grow in terms of our activities and influence. 

This particular financial year has seen us with 

both Federal and State elections, and Local 

Government elections nearing, a change of 

Federal Government, all this means changes 

to Ministers and policies, legislation and 

regulation. 

Pre and post elections bring much work, 

however they have also brought significant 

success. At a State level, many of our top ten 

priorities have been supported by the State 

Government including a commitment to 

look at the business case for government 

involvement in infrastructure to advance the 

resources sector, and budgeted funding for a 

new core library. 

At Federal level, we have commitments 

to introduce an Exploration Development 

Incentive (known to many in the industry 

as a minerals exploration Tax Credit or Flow 

Through Shares Scheme); repealing of the 

Mineral Resources Rent Tax and also the 

Carbon Tax. 

Our bi-partisan approach to working with 

both sides of politics at all levels, rather than 

picking winners has also put us in good stead 

with both major parties and has helped 

elevate us to being one of the most influential 

industry lobby bodies in South Australia. 

We have introduced exciting new initiatives 

like Dirt TV. We’ve had record attendances at 

our two key conferences and annual dinner 

and we have attracted grant funding for 

training in excess of $330,000. 

The year has not been without its challenges 

to many of the members we represent and 

hence also to us as their industry body. The 

exploration sector has continued to find 

capital raising amongst the most difficult 

historically and we have seen several mine 

closures, albeit offset with increased activity 

from some in the minerals industry. Our 

oil & gas membership on the other hand 

has seen some incredible growth, but with 

this success a greater target is created for 

anti-fossil fuel campaigners leading to the 

State Opposition promising a parliamentary 

inquiry into fracture stimulation in the South 

East just before the recent State election. 

Increasing land access issues, stricter 

environmental conditions, variable 

commodity prices and a tough share market 

means even greater vigilance for SACOME. 

I would like to thank our Councillors for the 

direction they provide and for the tireless 

work of our committee chairs and members, 

including our newly integrated Women in 

Resources SA Committee. 

I also thank our staff for their tireless efforts 

and constant ability to rise to any new 

challenge thrown at us. We are better today 

than we were a year ago and I have full 

confidence in my team that we will be even 

better again next year. 

Jason Kuchel 

Chief Executive 

4 South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy 


LEADING CHANGE 


GOVERNANCE COMMITTEES & BOARD REPRESENTATION 

The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) is the peak industry 

body representing all companies with interests in the minerals, petroleum, energy 

and extractive sectors in South Australia, including those who provide services to 

these companies. 

SACOME administers a number of committees and thanks all committee participants for their 

valuable role. 

As at 30 June 2014, SACOME’s current committees are: 

Petroleum Committee 

Established in 1979, SACOME has grown hand-in-hand with industry over thirty 

five years, supporting and promoting its growth. A not for profit, non-government 

organisation, SACOME seeks to identify industry challenges and opportunities and 

action change. 

Under the direction of its Council, SACOME has the representation and influence 

to provide a powerful and united industry voice. SACOME acknowledges the 

Councillors who have volunteered their expertise and time over the 2013/14 year, 

including resigned Councillors Jim White (sadly deceased, Centrex Metals) and Steven 

Olsen (Rex Minerals). 

Councillors as at 30 June 2014: 

John Roberts 

Mithril Resources 

SACOME President 

Alice McCleary 

Archer Exploration 

SACOME Vice President 

Terry Burgess 

OZ Minerals 

SACOME Vice President 

Darryl Cuzzubbo 

BHP Billiton 

Editorial - SA Mines & Energy Journal Committee 

Chaired by: Megan Andrews 

Contact: Megan Andrews 

The SA Mines & Energy Journal committee includes 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 

President: John Roberts, Mithril Resources 

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. The Executive Committee also performs the 

functions of the Finance and Audit 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 during the year 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. 

Its key tasks are identifying and addressing priority issues across 

exploration, approvals processes, land access, public awareness, Native 

Title, and energy and climate change; both at state and national levels. 

The committee will also provide a forum for the exchange of relevant 

information and resources, and recognise and promote leading 

practice strategies. 

SACOME’s membership comprises 

Andrew Stocks 

Iron Road 

David Cruickshanks-Boyd 

Parsons Brinckerhoff 

Mike Flynn 

Santos 

John McRae 

Senex Energy 

Joe Ranford 

Terramin 

Terry Kallis 

Petratherm 

Yvonne Green 

Iluka Resources 

Guy Roberts 

Penrice Soda 

George McKenzie 

Finlaysons 

Simon Parsons 

IMX Resources 

Exploration Committee 

Chaired by: Nicole Galloway Warland, Phoenix Copper 

Contact: Jonathon Forbes 

The Exploration 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 policy and 

advocacy work and input to submissions. Issues worked on over the 

year included: 

• land access 

• Native Title – part 9b 

• exploration PEPR • Mining Act review 

• PACE scheme review • workplace safety 

63 minerals & petroleum companies, 

including all minerals & petroleum 

producers in SA. 

Occupational Health & Safety Committee 


The Occupational Health and Safety Committee seeks to improve 

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. 



8 

Project Development Working Group 


The Project Development Working Group was formed in 2013 to 

discuss common issues amongst companies going through the 

approvals process towards gaining a Mineral Lease in South Australia. 

SACOME’s internal committees 

and representation on external 

boards provide formal structures for 

consultation, information gathering, 

advice & recommendations to 

government. 

Women in Resources SA 

Chaired by: Julia Dnistrianski, Finlaysons Lawyers 


The Women in Resources South Australia committee (WinRSA) was 

established in 2010 to provide opportunities for women in the State’s 

resources sector to network, discuss common issues, and promote 

the participation of women in the industry. In November 2013 this 

committee integrated with SACOME to enable greater administrative 

and project support and increased collaboration with industry and 

other industry groups. 

WinRSA held two events following integration with SACOME, themed 

“Resources, Resilience and the Rhetoric” and “Getting a Seat at the 

Table”. The committee also finalised its strategic plan with a focus on: 

• continuing its highly successful networking events 

• increasing mentoring opportunities within the sector 

• encouraging and supporting women into senior leadership roles 

through education and awareness 

• identifying key stakeholders to support and collaborate with the 

committee 


Sustainable Development Committee 

Chaired by: Angie Smyth, Arrium 

Contact: Lewis Stoll 

The Sustainable Development Committee assists in developing policy 

and facilitating improvement in environmental management and 

legislation, community and stakeholder engagement, and industry 

promotion. Over the year the committee remained informed on policy 

and legislative issues affecting the resources sectors. The committee 

was involved in SACOME’s discussions with the South Australian 

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) 

surrounding proposed changes to Native Vegetation policy; assisted 

in facilitating SACOME’s Environmental Open Day; drove SACOME’s 

involvement in Science Alive (held in August 2014); and assisted 

with production of complementary tools to the Code of Practice 

for Community and Stakeholder Engagement and the SACOME Air 

Quality Project. 

Eyre Peninsula Mining Alliance Committee 

Chaired by: Anya Hart, Eyre Iron 


In November 2013, the Eyre Peninsula Mining Alliance (EPMA) joined 

SACOME as a designated Committee. After working for almost three 

years as an independent body, the EPMA approached SACOME 

to discuss the benefits of operating as a SACOME Committee. The 

committee’s key objectives are to secure commitment from the 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. 

External boards and committees 

SACOME participates on a large range of influential external boards, 

committees and working groups to ensure the industry’s voice is 

heard on each and every issue that impacts on the sector. These 

include the State Government’s Mining Industry Participation Office 

and the Resources & Energy Sector Infrastructure Council as well as 

the State’s unconventional gas working groups. 

SA Unconventional Gas Working Groups 

With the release of the State Government’s Roadmap for 

Unconventional Gas Projects in South Australia, SACOME was asked to 

provide representation on five Working Groups. 

SHAPING POLICY 

SACOME’s aim to promote a safe, enduring, 

valued and profitable resources sector is 

underpinned by our most important activity 

– influencing policy. A range of priorities were 

focussed on throughout 2013/14, highlighted 

by several wins. 

Exploration 

Development 

Incentive 

Since 2008, SACOME has been in direct consultation with Government 

to develop a minerals exploration tax credit, otherwise known as a 

Flow Through Shares scheme. As part of their 2013 election policy 

platform, the Coalition announced that should they win office, they 

would introduce an Exploration Development Incentive (EDI) scheme 

to allow investors to deduct the expense of mining exploration 

against their taxable income. 

Targeted at small exploration companies by limiting eligibility to 

companies with no taxable income, the scheme applied to investments 

made from 1 July 2014 and capped at $100 million over forward 

estimates. That promise was kept and in February 2014, after years of 

persistent lobbying by SACOME - including developing an Australian tax 

system compatible model - SACOME contributed to a direct stakeholder 

submission which assisted Treasury in producing its public policy 

document. The policy paper was released in March for consultation 

and SACOME made a further submission in April 2014. 

On 2 July 2014, the Federal Government released a paper outlining 

the operation of the EDI. This paper has been released ahead of 

draft legislation and explanatory materials to finally give effect to 

the Incentive. SACOME will continue to be at the forefront of design 

on this important initiative and acknowledges SACOME Councillor, 

Ms Alice McCleary for developing our model and subsequently 

assisting SACOME with Federal consultation throughout the year. 

SACOME initiated EDI lobbying in 

2008. After years of persistence 

including gathering support from 

other bodies & developing a suggested 

model, the incentive was approved. 

South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy Annual Report 2014 9



ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY LAND ACCESS POLICY 

SACOME’s policy work included pro active and 

reactive environmental activities. 

Native Vegetation Policy Changes 

In June 2013, the Department for Environment, Water & Natural 

Resources (DEWNR) proposed a number of changes to the Significant 

Environmental Benefit (SEB) native vegetation offsets policy linked 

to the Native Vegetation Act 1991. Among the changes were a revised 

methodology for SEB payments and changes to clearance offset ratios. 

SACOME had a number of concerns with the initial proposal and, 

through its Sustainable Development Committee, was closely 

engaged with DEWNR in the form of stakeholder forums and the 

production of policy submissions, one outlining an industry preferred 

approach. The final policy is due to be released by DEWNR late in 2014. 

SACOME also produced a high level policy position in light of the 

proposed policy changes from DEWNR. 

SACOME’s underlying principle is that physical native vegetation 

offsets should be encouraged and facilitated by a policy that will not 

discourage project development, and has the flexibility to accredit a 

variety of means for achieving SEB as a result of vegetation clearance. 

Air Quality Project 

In November 2013 SACOME 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 looked 

at 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 review is expected to be 

completed and published in late 2014. 

Land access is a priority policy area for SACOME’s industry members. 

Woomera Prohibited Area 

SACOME has been intimately involved with the issue of access to the 

Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) for many years. 

From high level meetings with Defence staff to submissions to the 

2011 Hawke Review and Federal consultations on legislation, SACOME 

has been at the forefront to ensure explorers get the best possible 

access to the highly prospective WPA. Most recently, SACOME was 

involved in the shaping of the Defence Legislation Amendment 

(Woomera Prohibited Area) Bill 2013, which came into law in July 

2014. The WPA Rules (which set the rules for operational matters) are 

expected to be released in August 2014 for consultation, to which 

SACOME will make a submission. 

Native Title – Part 9B 

Over the last 12 months, SACOME has continued to lobby 

Government regarding the regulation of Part 9B and the new 

‘unofficial’ policy on ‘trigger points’ when an agreement or 

determination becomes necessary. Part 9B of the Mining Act 1971 

(Mining Act) sets out what procedures must be undertaken prior 

to the conduct of mining operations (which includes exploration 

activities) on ‘native title land’. 

The only circumstances under which exploration is permitted 

on native title land without having to obtain an agreement or 

determination, is if the proposed activities will not affect native title; 

ie. they will not be wholly or partly inconsistent with the continued 

existence, enjoyment or exercise of rights deriving from Native Title 

(section 63F of the Mining Act). In practice, this has meant exploration 

companies could carry out broad scale regional exploration without 

the time and expense of negotiating a Part 9B Agreement until such 

time as requires significant ground disturbing activity. 

which use of ‘declared equipment’ is required to be authorised under 

the Mining Act. SACOME feels this is too restrictive and will adversely 

affect regional exploration. 

Accordingly, SACOME has been lobbying for a definition of what 

would not affect native title. This should be the definition of early 

exploration activities as defined in various Indigenous Land Use 

Agreements (ILUAs). 

SACOME participated in a DMITRE (now DSD, the Department of 

State Development) run workshop in April 2014 to explore the 

issues of industry relating to Part 9B of the Mining Act and how it is 

being regulated. Following this consultation, a similar forum was 

convened with the Native Title parties’ lawyers in June 2014. SACOME 

is anticipating a report on these forums and a “next steps” outline to be 

available by the end of August 2014. 

Opening up the WPA has been a slow 

process, beginning with a review by 

Federal Government announced in 

2010. Since then, SACOME has achieved 

66% of our recommendations to the 

deed of access and has consulted and 

provided submissions to legislation 

and the Defence Legislation 

Amendment (WPA) Bill. 

The State Government has implemented an ‘unofficial’ policy by 

defining exploration activities that affect native title to be the point at 





ENERGY & CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY ELECTION PRIORITIES 

SACOME’s lobbying and submission work in regards to climate change policy was actioned on our 

own and collaboratively. 

Renewable Energy Target Review 

In May 2014, SACOME produced a submission to the Federal 

Government regarding the statutory review of the Renewable Energy 

Target (RET). The submission highlighted SACOME’s support for 

mechanisms that cultivate government and industry partnerships and 

the commercialisation of new technologies, but also raised a number 

of key issues and recommendations; 

• That the RET, if continued, should be reflective of current and 

forecasted electricity demand patterns. 

• That exemption arrangements for self-generation should allow 

for resource developments in remote areas to supply electricity 

beyond the legislated 1km limit. 

• That any policy framework should adequately account for cost 

competitiveness. 

• That solar uptake schemes such as feed-in tariffs have distorted the 

energy market and increased electricity prices. 

• That the RET has facilitated the decommissioning of coal fired 

power stations without replacing this output in equal measure due 

to the intermittency issues associated with renewable technology. 

• That climate change and energy policy should be integrated with 

and driven by the key objectives of the Energy White Paper. 

Energy White Paper 

The Coalition-commissioned Energy White Paper is due for 

completion late in 2014. SACOME joined the MCA in co-badging 

a submission to a draft released in December 2013. While the RET 

review fits into the policy agenda articulated in the draft, among the 

key differences to the previous Government’s White Paper was the 

reference to nuclear energy as an emerging alternative energy source, 

which the industry’s submission supported. 

In February 2014 SACOME joined 

wth other industry bodies in a 

nationally coordinated submission to 

the Emissions Reduction Fund – the 

key pillar of the Coalition’s climate 

change policy. 

‘Carbon Tax’ repeal and the Emissions Reduction Fund 

As part of its election priorities, SACOME lobbied for the removal 

of Labor’s fixed price Carbon Pricing Mechanism (i.e. ‘Carbon Tax’) 

to a floating, market price on emissions units with more adequate 

assistance for trade exposed sectors. 

SACOME also produced an overview of both the Coalition and 

Labor’s policies entering the 2013 election along with the likely policy 

scenario for each respective election result. 

In February 2014, SACOME was involved in a nationally coordinated 

submission on the Emissions Reduction Fund, the key pillar of the 

Coalition’s climate change policy. The submission focussed primarily 

on the design of the fund and the baselines for which emissions 

reductions or exceedances would be measured. With the Carbon Tax 

set to be repealed with the change in Senate composition later in 

2014, SACOME will continue to engage the Federal Government on its 

Direct Action policy and monitor developments in this space. 

Leading up to the Federal Election in 2013, 

SACOME lobbied for key resources industry 

policies. Over the 2013/14 year, the State 

election dominated our lobbying work. 

State Election 2014 

Over the 2013/14 year, the March State election comprised a large 

proportion of SACOME’s lobbying efforts. SACOME determined 10 

priorities with a focus on the following: 

Innovative funding arrangements to stimulate resource 

infrastructure 

In South Australia there is a need for both logistical and utility 

infrastructure. A lack of capital capacity amongst junior mining 

companies means there is a market failure with key infrastructure 

projects. These include a cape-size port for bulk commodity export 

and reinforcement of existing electricity transmission to allow 

higher loads to be placed on the network. SACOME asked the South 

Australian Government, in conjunction with Federal finance bodies, 

to develop innovative funding arrangements to stimulate these 

essential projects. 

SACOME recommended the first projects assisted by government 

should be a cape size vessel port in the Spencer Gulf on the Eyre 

Peninsula, upgrade to a 275kV transmission line along the eastern 

flank of the Eyre Peninsula, and the sealing of the Strzelecki track in the 

Cooper Basin. 

Maximising access to land for the mineral & petroleum sectors 

Government planning decisions that impact land access and land use 

arrangements should be transparent, evidence based, and consider 

the social, economic, environmental and cultural implications of 

developing or sterilising mineral and petroleum resources. 

Mining, conservation, agriculture and other land uses can be 

complementary as sequential or neighbouring activities. 

12 




ELECTION PRIORITIES 


Maximising access to land for the mineral & petroleum sectors 

continued 

SACOME endorses the application of leading practice which can 

enhance the integration and co-existence of these activities. With 32% 

of the State under some sort of restrictions to the mineral and energy 

sector, there is a growing perception that the State Government is 

slowly restricting land access to these vital sectors. 

SACOME asked for assurance that the State Government has policies 

in place to maximise access to land for exploration and mining and 

petroleum projects. 

Streamline environmental approvals for the minerals and 

petroleum sectors 

SACOME recommended that the State Government, through COAG, 

work to establish a framework to enable bilateral agreements for 

assessment and approvals under the EPBC Act. 

The establishment of standards accrediting state-based environmental 

assessment and approvals has been on the COAG agenda since 2012, 

though discussions stalled under the previous Gillard Government. A 

number of industry-commissioned studies and reviews such as those 

by the Productivity Commission and the Hawke Review into the EPBC 

Act have identified streamlining as a necessary reform to eliminate 

process duplication, reduce timeframes, improve regulatory efficiency 

and reduce costs. 

Consistent with SACOME’s policy priorities at the 2013 Federal 

Election, the newly reinstated Weatherill Government signed a 

Memorandum of Understanding with the recently elected Coalition 

government, whom released a draft bilateral agreement in late 

2013. This put the wheels in motion to accredit state environmental 

assessment processes for mining and petroleum developments under 

the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 

(EPBC Act) where a development triggers Commonwealth law. 

SACOME produced a submission to the Federal Department for 

Environment in support of the draft assessment bilateral agreement. 

It is likely that by late 2014, a framework for an approvals bilateral 

agreement will be released. 

SACOME also recommended the State Government conduct a review 

of environmental regulation to streamline environmental assessment, 

as a seamless part of the whole of government approach to minerals 

and petroleum development approvals. 

Despite the well-established framework in SA and clarity of the 

approvals process, an industry-commissioned National Audit by URS 

implies a divergence in governance arrangements between the lead 

agency (Dept. of State Development) and competent authorities 

(other agencies involved in the approval process). 

Competent authorities returned low scores in areas such as clearly 

articulated objectives, clearly established roles and responsibilities, 

competency and capacity, and discipline to follow due process. The 

process for resolving disputes within the assessment process also 

seems to be uncertain. 

Some of these issues are being resolved through better defining 

relationships and decision making parameters between agencies 

within the approvals system (for example inter-agency agreements, 

delegated authority). However, the resources industry feels some 

agencies are not aligned to the State Government’s risk-based 

approach to decision making. 

In addition to identifying efficiency opportunities in environmental 

compliance within the whole of government approach to minerals 

and petroleum development approvals, SACOME sought greater 

assurance that all delegated authorities will work consistently within 

the government’s own risk-based policy approach to assessing and 

approving resource developments in South Australia. 

Continuation of the PACE program 

The current Plan for Accelerating Exploration and its expansion (PACE 

2020) have provided a pool of funds and information to assist explorers 

drill and identify the future mines of South Australia. 

The current program is divided into four key areas; PACE Exploration, 

PACE Mining, PACE Energy, and PACE Global. Each of these areas has 

between three and four initiatives that also contain a list of programs 

designed stimulate exploration and mining investment in South 

Australia. 

The level of pre-competitive data the SAEI, TEiSA, and PACE programs 

have provided explorers wishing to invest in South Australia has 

consistently been ranked world’s best by the Fraser Institutes Survey 

of Mining Companies. This data reduces the risk of exploration and 

allows investors to identify the areas of interest through the recent up 

to date, electronic data on the SARIG database. 

SACOME was involved in a comprehensive review of these programs 

to ensure they were meeting expectations and providing value to 

the industry. SACOME asked that the PACE program continues to 

be funded, crucially in times where there is reduced demand and 

depressed commodity prices, to keep South Australia at the forefront 

of mining and energy investment. 

The funding of a new Drill Core Reference Library 

The 2012/13 State Budget announced $960,000 of funding over the 

following two years for initial design and scoping work to enable the 

development of new drill core library facilities to promote exploration 

for minerals, petroleum, gas and geothermal energy in South Australia. 

The critical issue is that the current facilities will reach capacity in 

2014 with the need for a new storage solution, exacerbated by the 

anticipated increase in oil & gas exploration activity over the next three 

years. There is an urgent requirement to deliver a sustainable storage 

solution that allows for continuation of services to the resources sector 

and the South Australian community generally. Tonsley has been 

identified for the preferred new site. 

Setting up of a National Resources Skills Centre 

South Australia is well placed to become a national (if not world) 

leader in the provision of skills training and development to the 

minerals and energy sector. 

There are a number of initiatives and discussions regarding 

the provision of skills training including the development of 

an onshore petroleum training facility at Tonsley, the potential 

for the former Brukunga Mine site to become a ‘hands-on’ 

mining industry skills centre, the building of the Mining and 

Engineering Centre at Regency Park and the development of 

the Mining and Petroleum Services Centre of Excellence. 

SACOME recommended that a National Resources Skills Centre 

of Excellence be set up in South Australia with an official 

launch no later than February 2015. 

14 South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy 



MAJOR SUBMISSIONS 


ADVOCATING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE 

SACOME made numerous recommendations and 

submissions over the year. 

Amongst SACOME’s many collaborative and individual submissions to 

Federal and State Government, our major submissions included: 

• Policy design for the Exploration Development Incentive 

• Australian Government Draft Assessment Bilateral Agreement 

• Environment Protection Authority Draft Radiation Protection and 

Control Bill 2013 

• Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB) Principles and Offsets 

• Renewable Energy Target Review 

• Co-badged submission with the Minerals Council of Australia on 

the 2014 Draft Energy White Paper 

• Co-badged submission with the Minerals Council of Australia on 

the Emissions Reduction Fund Green Paper 

• Woomera Prohibited Area Rules 2013, 12th July 2013 

• Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee on the 

Defence Legislation Amendment (Woomera Prohibited Area) Bill 

2013, 19th July 2013 



2013, 11th February 2014 



2014, 17th April 2014 

SACOME is represented formally on RESIC by our 

President, Chief Executive and by two industry 

representatives recommended by our Council. 

Resources & Energy Sector Infrastructure Council 

The Resources & Energy Sector Infrastructure Council (RESIC) was 

formally established by State Cabinet in July 2007 following a 

SACOME recommendation to provide an advisory and coordination 

role to the South Australian Government and private sector on 

complex resources and energy infrastructure. RESIC is known for its 

receptiveness to new ideas and projects that support stakeholder 

involvement and align with its strategic plan. In 2009, RESIC’s 

commissioning of its first infrastructure demand study highlighted 

for the first time the aggregated demand on the State’s infrastructure 

from the growing mining sector. Data from this and subsequent 

studies in 2011 provide evidence for a clear picture of future demand. 

These findings played a key element in South Australia’s successful bid 

for $1.5 million in Commonwealth funding to undertake the South 

Australian Regional Mining and Infrastructure Plan project. SACOME 

will continue our role with RESIC, representing member needs with 

strategic advice to provide integrated, cost-competitive infrastructure 

that meets the future requirements of the resources sector and 

ultimately benefits the government, industry and communities. 

SACOME has successfully lobbied for the government to prepare a 

business case for government financial input to a cape size vessel 

capable port solution. 

SA Regional Mining and Infrastructure Plan & Taskforce 

At a SACOME lunch in June 2014, the Hon. Stephen Mullighan MP, 

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure released the South Australian 

Regional Mining and Infrastructure Plan (RMIP) which included the 

establishment of a Resources Infrastructure Taskforce announcement. 

The RMIP predicts a medium growth forecast with mining sector 

production likely to rise from an average of 15 million tonnes from 

2013 – 2017 to average 95 million tonnes between 2023 – 2032. 

The report found that existing infrastructure is not adequate 

to accommodate the growth of production and infrastructure 

challenges are likely to be particularly acute for high volume 

commodities such as iron ore. The Resources Infrastructure 

Taskforce will work with industry and proponents to facilitate 

investment in, and development of, infrastructure to enable 

mining companies to export the product volumes forecast. 

The report committed to the preparation of a business case 

within twelve months for facilitation of a port solution within 

three years. The Taskforce will work through a Steering Committee 

comprising industry representatives including one from RESIC. 

SACOME will monitor and lobby government to ensure there 

is adequate representation and progress as planned against 

the RMIP. 



INCREASING INDUSTRY AWARENESS 

SACOME employs a range of strategies to improve awareness and appreciation of the South 

Australian resources industry. While promoting the industry’s value and needs to key government 

representatives forms a major element of SACOME’s policy activities, many organisational activities 

are underpinned by a goal to expand industry awareness among the general community. Over the 

2013/14 financial year these activities included: 

Dirt TV 

In May 2013, the SACOME Council approved an exciting new video 

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

7-12, applicants needed to create a compelling 2-3 minute video clip 

profiling the benefits that mining & energy bring to society, under the 

topics Dirt TV – What Mining Means to Me or Dirt TV – What Oil & Gas 

Means to Me. 

SACOME created a separate website and a Facebook page for the 

initiative. These provide ideas for content; noting benefits such as 

economic growth, employment opportunities, beneficial end-uses of 

mining products, community support and social responsibility, while 

engaging students through fun pictures, interesting industry facts and 

topical information. 

A judging panel comprising esteemed media, arts and industry 

leaders was assembled to focus on creativity, accuracy and 

effectiveness in delivering a message, with substantial prizes on offer. 

For the 2014 competition, $10,000 will be shared by the winners over 

five categories; it is expected that Dirt TV will be an annual event and 

expand its reach year on year. 

SACOME created an exciting new 

video competition for school children 

to tell us what mining and petroleum 

mean to them. 

An ‘Oscars-like’ Awards Ceremony will be held to announce the 

winners; at the time of writing, 14 entries had been received. 

SACOME thanks all judges, together with sponsors supporting the 

2014 Dirt TV competition: BHP Billiton, IMX Resources, Iron Road, Linc 

Energy, OZ Minerals and Santos. 

External Media 

SACOME has expanded its media engagement year on year. With 

Chief Executive Jason Kuchel always available for media comment, 

excellent relationships have been fostered over the past seven years 

with local and regional media. 

These opportunities are maximised through regular pro-active and 

re-active media releases. Over the past financial year this output was 

increased to 26 releases in total, with every one of these picked up by 

a variety of regional, state and national media. 

Articles and columns on a variety of topics were provided and 

published by several external magazines and newspapers including 

national publications the AusIMM Bulletin and Resource Stocks, together 

with local regional newspapers the Stock Journal and the Advertiser. 

SACOME takes care to correspond regularly with the media and 

ensure a positive industry message can be put forward at every 

opportunity. In many cases information provided can correct 

inaccurate reports before publication. 

Social Media 

SACOME’s twitter and Facebook accounts enable a broad audience to 

be reached and, with many media representatives following us, social 

media engagement assists SACOME in disbursing important industry 

messages. 

SA Mines and Energy Journal 

The SA Mines and Energy Journal is SACOME’s official membership 

publication (see page 24), and also distributed to media, government, 

key business leaders and provided to other outlets including the 

Qantas Club at Adelaide and Perth. It provides a means to circulate 

information on the resources industry including issues and concerns 

together with good news stories and commendable industry activities 

such as community benefits, engagement and environmental 

initiatives. 

Environmental Open Day 

In August 2013, SACOME held an Environmental Open Day at the 

Adelaide Convention Centre sponsored by Beach Energy and Arrium 

Mining. Around 200 students, SACOME members and interested 

public attended the interactive National Science Week event which 

was opened by the Hon. Ian Hunter, Minister for Environment and 

Conservation. 

Attendees were engaged through presentations running concurrently 

with interactive careers-focussed activities and eye-catching exhibits 

- such as a large Murray-Darling Carpet Python. Valuable insights into 

the resources industry, including how local companies’ environmental 

and social practices are integrated into their operations, was provided 

over a broad range of presentations: 

• native vegetation and wildlife management (Arid Recovery, Beach 

Energy and the Nature Foundation) 

• dust management (Arrium) 

• marine monitoring (COOE) 

• radiation education (EPA) 

• hydraulic fracturing (Santos) 

• geothermal energy (Petratherm) 

• surveying techniques (Fyfe) 

• mine rehabilitation (Murray Zircon) 

• groundwater management (OZ Minerals) 

Careers promotion program: 

SACOME continued its extremely popular careers promotion program, 

visiting schools with interactive lessons to broaden industry awareness 

and encourage students towards a career in minerals or petroleum, 

and hosting SACOME’s free community event, the April holidays 

Treasure Hunt (see page 21). 

Field days: 

SACOME coordinated a booth at the Yorke Peninsula Field Days for the 

purpose of meeting with local landholders and residents, answering 

their questions and providing information (see page 29). These events 

have proven to be a valuable opportunity for SACOME and the 

industry, and we will be engaging in additional regional Field Days 

over the following year. 



DEVELOPING SKILLS 

SACOME supports skills development through initiatives such as our professional development 

program and careers program. 

Professional Development 

SACOME’s Professional Development Program has been 

successfully running for two years. Over that time SACOME 

developed and provided training programs, consultancy, and 

support for members through the use of internal and external 

specialists. 

SACOME facilitated courses in areas such as MBA’s, Diplomas in 

Project Management and Management, Mining Fundamentals, 

Oil & Gas Fundamentals, Understanding Chinese Markets, Cultural 

Awareness, Commercial Acumen, Workforce Development, People 

and Culture and many others. 

In January 2014, SACOME was awarded funding through the 

State Governments Skills in the Workplace initiative. Skills in the 

Workplace was designed to target co-investment in skills most 

urgently needed, with a focus on enterprises and industries in highvalue 

sectors that underpin economic growth in South Australia. 

SACOME was successful in acquiring $335,600 grant funding as part 

of a proposed training package of 185 students, at a total training 

cost of $450,750. Participant contributions range from 20-25% of 

course cost. 

Skills in the Workplace approved courses range from Certificates 

in Work Health & Safety, to Skill Sets in Leadership of Indigenous, 

Procurement, Management, and Workforce Planning and 

Development. 

SACOME was successful in 

acquiring $335,600 in training 

grant funding for industry. 

Careers Program 

SACOME provides students across South Australia with information 

relating to careers in the resources industry through a designated 

Careers Promotion Manager. 

Interactive presentations are delivered to schools, encouraging 

students to consider the impact of the resources industry in everyday 

life and careers opportunities in the sector. The importance of 

retaining mathematics and science subjects is stressed through the 

program (also a key priority area for the South Australian Government 

through the Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics 

(STEM) Skills Strategy initiative) which also addresses misconceptions 

of jobs in the industry that reinforce negative stereotypes, particularly 

regarding females. 

The program delivered four different topics for junior primary and twelve 

for middle/upper primary across a broad range of specialised sessions 

including; minerals use, environmental management, oil & gas use 

and activities in South Australia, technology used in mining and more. 

The majority of schools visited are located in the Adelaide 

metropolitan area, with the Far West Coast (supported by Iluka), Upper 

Spencer Gulf (supported by OZ Minerals), and the Yorke and Eyre 

Peninsulas also visited over the year. 

Feedback surveys indicated 100% of teachers felt students’ knowledge 

and understanding of the resources industry increased as a result 

of the presentations and 100% of teachers would book again and 

recommend a SACOME presentation to their colleagues. 

Other initiatives of the program included supporting the Royal 

Institute of Australia (RiAus) with their STEM Careers initiative, 

presenting to first year mining engineering students and organising 

the annual SACOME “Treasure Hunt’ - a free holiday activity for primary 

school students to raise awareness of mining and energy. 

Careers DVD Project 

In 2013, SACOME identified a need to update the careers promotional 

material for the resources sector in South Australia. With support from 

the State government, RESA and industry, filming was completed in 

2013 and a video launched in March 2014. 

Aimed at younger high school students, footage features young 

people explaining how they obtained work in the industry and what 

it’s like to be part of a growing and exciting industry. The video was 

used at a variety of opportunities over the year including careers 

information days, Field Days, and school talks. 

Dirt TV 

100% of teachers would book again & 

recommend a SACOME presentation. 

In May 2013, the SACOME Council approved an exciting new video 

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

7-12, applicants needed to create a compelling 2-3 minute video clip 

profiling the benefits that mining & energy bring to society, under the 

topics Dirt TV – What mining means to me or Dirt TV – What oil & gas 

means to me. See page 18 for more on this ongoing initiative. 

SA Mines Emergency Response Competition 

SACOME continues to host the South Australian Emergency Response 

Competition in collaboration with a team of dedicated volunteers. 

The goal of the competition, now in its fifth year, is to promote and 

continuously improve resource sector workplace safety skills, with 

an added benefit of providing a venue for relationship building -and 

friendly rivalry- between sites. 

The competition returned to the Adelaide Hills with events contested 

at the CFS Training Centre at Brukunga and the historic Brukunga mine. 

Teams from Prominent Hill, Challenger, Olympic Dam, Perilya Resources, 

and first time entrants CBH Resources (Broken Hill), pitted their skills 

against each other through a range of accident scenarios. In addition 

to the practical scenarios, each team completed a problem-solving 

exercise which required innovative thinking, leadership and teamwork. 

In a closely fought contest OZ Minerals’ Prominent Hill team took out 

top honours claiming Overall Winning Team. 



PROMOTING OUR MEMBERS 

SACOME members value opportunities to promote their services and activities to the broad range of 

resources industry stakeholders who engage with us. All SACOME members understand the value 

of affiliating and engaging with the State’s key industry body for mining and energy. 


All members have the opportunity to write editorial for the SA Mines & 

Energy Journal (see page 24) or supply member news items. Members 

receive a 15% discount off journal advertising. Members provided 

approximately a quarter of editorial content over 2013/14. 

New member introductions 

All new members for 2013/14 were welcomed in the SA Mines & Energy 

Journal including a description of their services; at SACOME lunches 

including on-screen logo recognition; and announced via twitter. 

Service Providers Directory 

SACOME’s Service Providers Directory was reprinted in the first half of 

2014 in a new, coil bound format for improved practicality, featuring 

member advertisements opposite their listings for better promotion. 

All service members were invited to contribute to the revised edition, 

with one full page dedicated to each member. The online Service 

Directory, accessible via the SACOME website, was upgraded for better 

functionality. Members are encouraged to advise amendments to 

their listing at any time to keep it current. 

Seminars 

Many SACOME members collaborated with us on presenting well 

attended member only seminars over the year, educating and 

informing members, while showcasing their capabilities and expertise 

(see page 24). 

Sponsorship 

SACOME members have the opportunity to partner with us, 

supporting our activities and the resources community, by becoming 

an Annual Sponsor or sponsoring individual events or a range of 

exclusive opportunities. 

With a solid reputation for promoting and connecting the resources 

industry, SACOME provides companies with targeted industry 

exposure. 

SACOME gratefully acknowledges our 2014 annual sponsors: 

SACOME thanks all other 

members who have 

sponsored events over the 

2013/14 financial year: 

Arabian Adventures 

Arrium 

Auspace 

Ashurst 

Babcock 

BHP Billiton 

Beach Energy 

Definitely Dubai 

D J Coughlan Drilling 

DMITRE 

Emac Systembuilt Group 

Emirates 

FMG Engineering 

Fyfe 

Hitachi Construction 

Machinery Australia 

IMX Resources 

Iron Road 

Liebherr 

Linc Energy 

Maloney Field Services 

Minotaur Exploration 

OZ Minerals 

Santos 

Serafino 

Statewide Super 

Waldorf Astoria 

Wattyl Industrial Coatings 



SHARING INFORMATION 

SACOME employs a range of vehicles to keep members and stakeholders updated with industry 

information and our activities. These include a comprehensive suite of events – see page 26 – and a 

variety of media. 


The SA Mines and Energy Journal, SACOME’s official publication, is now 

in its sixth year. The publication is distributed to all members and read 

by a diverse range of influential people - including SACOME members, 

those within the public sector and government, and interested 

members of the community. 

An Editorial Committee guides content and ensures its accuracy. This 

committee comprises SACOME members from the mining, exploration 

and petroleum sectors together with our longest standing committee 

member, SACOME’s President John Roberts. Stories are researched and 

written by SACOME staff, members and various valued contributors 

including Solstice Media who publish the journal. SACOME retains 

strong control over the publication through the magazine’s Editor, 

SACOME’s Director of Membership & Communications. 

Each issue features a lead story on important industry issues or 

updates together with articles on many current topics. Content 

relating to the State’s petroleum industry and community 

engagement and perceptions increased over the year, reflecting 

current hot topics within the industry. A new double page spread on 

innovation was introduced as a result of feedback from readers. 

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. 

Social Media 

SACOME is well established on twitter and engages almost daily with 

our 2,290 followers (up over 40% on the previous year). Twitter is a 

valuable tool to communicate with members, politicians and the 

media. 

Over the year a new website and a dedicated Facebook page 

were launched to support our Dirt TV competition (see page 18). 

Maintained by SACOME, these provide members and the community 

with competition information and support, while promoting the 

benefits and opportunities of our mining and energy sector to a 

targeted teenage audience. 

SacomeTV 

SACOME expanded our You Tube engagement to cover more events 

and information, with eight videos uploaded over the year to our 

SACOMETV channel. These include industry presentations, interviews 

with the Chief Executive and promotional and testimonial videos on 

the industry and our organisation. 

Seminars 

SACOME co-hosted two conferences 

in 2013 - The SA Exploration & 

Mining Conference (600 delegates) 

and the regional SACOME/GMUSG 

Resource Industry Conference 

& Trade Expo (300 delegates), 

both achieving record numbers of 

delegates. 

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. 

These conferences are highly regarded by industry and 

government in South Australia and continue to be well attended by 

industry and service providers alike. 

Find us: 

@mining_energySA 

facebook.com/dirttv 

dirttv.com.au 

sacome.org.au 

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

are focussed on sharing information and knowledge on specific 

topics. Over the 2013/14 year SACOME presented seminars on a 

variety of topics including mine rehabilitation, understanding farming, 

financing resource contracts and retaining staff through tailored 

employee benefits initiatives. 



CONNECTING PEOPLE 

SACOME hosts an enormous range of events, enabling members to network and connect with 

operators and stakeholders in South Australia’s petroleum and minerals community, and keep up to 

date on valuable industry knowledge and activities. 

Breakfast Briefings 

SACOME’s Breakfast Briefings are popular events, allowing members 

to network with other SACOME members in a relaxed setting with 

unassigned seating. Two or three minerals or petroleum companies 

feature at each event, providing an update on their South Australian 

projects over a sumptuous breakfast at the Adelaide Convention 

Centre. 

2014 Annual Resources Industry Dinner 

SACOME’s annual resources industry dinner celebrated how far 

we’ve come, with a record attendance of 600 guests at the Adelaide 

Convention Centre. The Premier’s Awards for Community Excellence in 

Mining and Energy were presented (see page 29) and guests enjoyed 

celebrating with colleagues and peers while enjoying quality food, 

wine and entertainment. 

SACOME lunches attracted average 

attendances of 300 minerals, 

petroleum, government & service 

industry guests. 

Procurement opportunities and anticipated project development 

timeframes are included with each presentation together with the 

opportunity to ask questions. 

The 2013/14 breakfast program 

featured exciting projects from: 

Hillgrove Resources; Rex Minerals; 

Senex Energy; Beach Energy; 

Iron Road; Valence Industries 

& more. 

Lunch series 

Six SACOME lunches were held over the year, attracting an average 

attendance of 300 guests at each event. Lunches offer guests the 

opportunity to hear from key industry and government leaders on 

important issues affecting the resources industry whilst networking 

over pre-event drinks and at the table with like-minded peers. The 

2013/14 program featured industry heavyweights and State and 

Federal political leaders. 

Seminars and conferences 

SACOME hosts and co-hosts a variety of seminars, workshops and 

conferences for the purpose of sharing information, but also providing 

valuable networking opportunities. Read about our 2013/14 seminars 

and conferences on page 24. 



IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 

SACOME plays an ongoing role in supporting the resources sectors’ community engagement efforts 

through providing tools, professional development, and participating in engagement activities 

together with building relationships with other stakeholders such as Primary Producers SA. 

Community Engagement Strategy 

The focus of SACOME’s community engagement strategy in 2013-14 

was again on the challenges associated with multiple land use and 

the importance of the mineral and petroleum sectors to the South 

Australian economy. 

Throughout the year, SACOME published a number of articles around 

themes such as social media in community relations, community 

engagement and multiple land use case studies, dealing with NGOs 

and community development initiatives. SACOME communicated 

with numerous politicians and government representatives regarding 

community concerns and constantly spoke to the media on a range 

of related topics. 

SACOME continued to promote its Code of Practice for Community 

& Stakeholder Engagement to industry members, with the aim of 

obtaining 100% take-up, and obtained a number of new signatories 

over the year. 

Gas exploration in the South East 

SACOME held meetings with Robe Council, Wattle Range Council, Troy 

Bell MP (new State member for Mt. Gambier) and representatives of 

Coonawarra wine makers and grape growers immediately following 

the 2014 State election. 

The purpose was to better understand the depth and level of 

community concern regarding gas exploration in the region, the 

potential for development of shale gas and fracture stimulation. The 

meetings also followed calls for a House of Assembly Inquiry in to 

‘unconventional gas’ development in the South East. 

Primary concerns for landholders are perceived effects on the water 

table, risks to water quality from fracture stimulation, loss of water 

allocation from gas development, and uncertainty around longterm 

well integrity. Wine makers also believe that simply having 

an exploration drill rig in the region damages the perception of the 

Coonawarra being ‘clean & green’. 

Oil & gas drilling has occurred in the region for a century with 

production since the 1980’s. Any future development of conventional 

or shale reservoirs does not pose additional risks. SACOME will 

maintain regular contact with key stakeholders in the region to 

continue dialogue on the issues and expand media relationships in 

the region to ensure more accuracy of information through the media. 

York Peninsula Field Days 

In September 2013, SACOME attended the Yorke Peninsula Field Days. 

The event provided an opportunity to meet with local residents, 

farmers and attendees curious to learn more about the resources 

industry, Yorke Peninsula projects and have their queries addressed. 

SACOME’s attendance provided a valuable opportunity to canvass 

a variety of perspectives from residents and landowners within the 

region, to help guide organisational activities and communications. It 

also enabled SACOME to witness the interactions of the community 

with Yorke Peninsula member companies, including their hopes and 

concerns, facilitating an improved understanding of some of the 

issues members need to deal with. 

Premiers Community Excellence Awards in Mining and Energy 

SACOME continues to be involved with the Premier’s Community 

Excellence Awards in Mining and Energy through hosting the awards, 

now in its fourth year, at the SACOME Annual Resources Industry 

Dinner as well as participating on the judging panel. 

Presented by the Treasurer & Minister for Mineral Resources and 

Energy, the Hon. Tom Kousantonis MP, 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. 

Excellence in Social Inclusion was won by BHP Billiton Olympic Dam 

for its Prisoner Re-integration Employment Opportunities program. 

Excellence in Supporting Communities was won by IMX Resources for 

its contribution to the economic and community life of Coober Pedy. 

Central to this was the financial incentives provided to fly-in, fly-out 

workers to settle in the town. 

Thiess was awarded Excellence in Leadership – Women in Resources for 

a broad range of initiatives that create and maintain a culture that 

supports the potential of women at all levels in its workforce. 

The award for Environmental Excellence was awarded to Iluka Resources 

Ltd recognising the company’s collaboration with the Adelaide 

Botanic Gardens and local universities on its rehabilitation activities. 

In addition to the category winners, OZ Minerals and Murray Zircon 

received high commendation certificates. Santos was acknowledged 

for celebrating its 60th year of operations, and for its consistent 

leadership and commitment to corporate social responsibility in South 

Australia 

Understanding farming 

SACOME ran a pilot course on Understanding the business of farming 

in partnership with Rural Solutions SA. The purpose of the course is to 

provide the industry with a general understanding of farm practices 

and critical periods in the year of a typical mixed farm enterprise. 

SACOME will refine the course with the intention to roll it out as part 

of the Professional Development Program. 



IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS 

ILUA’s 

INDIGENOUS RELATIONS 

SACOME successfully secured grants from the Federal Attorney 

Generals Department to contribute to the legal costs of negotiating 

whole of claim Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) with the 

Kokatha Uwankara and the Ngadjuri Nation #2 Claimant Groups. 

SACOME presented a plain English version of the current ILUA 

framework agreement to the Kokatha Uwankara and a high level 

proposal of how a negotiation program may proceed including 

possible amendments to the current framework agreement. SACOME 

is still seeking a response from the Ngadjuri Nation`s legal counsel 

regarding recommencing negotiations. 

In relation to Ngadjuri Nation #2, SACOME awaits a response from the 

Claimant Group as to interest in commencing negotiations. 

Native Title Act Review 

The Australian Law Reform Commission is undertaking a review of the 

Native Title Act 1993 and released an Issues Paper in March 2014. 

The review focusses on connection requirements relating to the 

recognition and scope of native title rights and interests, and any 

barriers imposed by the Act’s authorisation and joinder provisions to 

claimants’, potential claimants’ and respondents’ access to justice. 

SACOME participated in a response to this paper and further 

consultation is expected prior to the Commission submitting its final 

report in March 2015. 

The draft bill remains with Cabinet for consideration pending a 

decision on the next steps. This could include a broader public 

consultation process. 

Aboriginal Lands Trust Review 

The Aboriginal Lands Trust Bill 2013 was introduced into Parliament 

in September 2013 unamended by the consultation. SACOME 

continued to make representations to the Legislative Council ALT Bill 

committee and the Opposition regarding the unaddressed concerns 

of the industry detailed in the original submission. The new legislation 

passed both Houses of Parliament as introduced and given assent on 

5 December 2013. 

The Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 2013 commenced operation in mid- 

2014. 

Forrest Review 

In October 2013 the Prime Minister announced that Andrew Forrest 

would Chair a review of Indigenous training and employment as part 

of the new Government’s commitment to boosting job opportunities 

for Indigenous Australians. 

The Review will provide recommendations to the Prime Minister to 

ensure Indigenous training and employment services are properly 

targeted and administered to connect unemployed Indigenous 

people with real and sustainable jobs, especially those that have been 

pledged to Indigenous people by Australian business. 

OUR RESOURCES COMMUNITY 

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

educational institutions and the broader community. SACOME’s key stakeholders are our members, 

who fund our activities and assist the resources industry to grow, prosper and strengthen the 

South Australian economy. 

As at 30 June 2014, SACOME had 335 financial members, comprising 

63 industry members and 255 service providers, with associate 

members totalling 17. 

Service companies are essential in supporting South Australia’s 

resources industry and are equally valued SACOME members, with 

voting rights and representation on the SACOME council. 

Aboriginal Heritage Act Review 

A draft bill was released for limited consultation in September 2013. 

SACOME established a subcommittee to respond to the call for 

industry feedback to the draft bill. A submission was drafted and 

agreed on by the subcommittee and submitted to the Department of 

Premier and Cabinet. 

The review will also consider the ways training and employment 

services can better link to employers’ commitment to provide 

additional sustainable employment opportunities for Indigenous 

people and end the cycle of Indigenous disadvantage. 

SACOME is participating in a response to the review, which will be 

released in the early part of the 2014/15 financial year. 

30 



Industry Members 

Members for over 30 years 

Adelaide Brighton Ltd 

Arrium Mining 

BHP Billiton Ltd 

Santos Ltd 


Adelaide Resources 

Alinta Energy 

Beach Energy Ltd 

Epic Energy Pty Ltd 

Heathgate Resources 

Minotaur Exploration Ltd 

Senex Energy Ltd 


Areva Resources Australia 

Havilah Resources NL 

Hillgrove Resources Ltd 

Iluka Resources Ltd 

Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd 

Mithril Resources Ltd 

Nyrstar Port Pirie 

OZ Minerals 

PepinNini Minerals Ltd 

Petratherm Ltd 

Tasman Resources Ltd 

Terramin Australia Ltd 


Ahava Energy Pty Ltd 

Alliance Resources Ltd 

Archer Exploration Ltd 

Arckaringa Energy Pty Ltd 

Argonaut Resources NL 

Cartwheel Minerals Pty Ltd 

Centrex Metals 

Drillsearch Energy Ltd 

Exco Resources Ltd 

IMX Resources Ltd 

Investigator Resources Ltd 

Iron Road Ltd 

IronClad Mining Ltd 

Linc Energy Ltd 

Lincoln Minerals Ltd 

Marathon Resources Ltd 

Marmota Energy Ltd 

Maximus Resources Ltd 

Phoenix Copper Ltd 

Rex Minerals Ltd 

Royal Resources Ltd 

Sinosteel PepinNini Curnamona 

Management Pty Ltd 

Strike Energy Ltd 

Sundance Energy Australia Ltd 

Teck Australia Pty Ltd 

Trafford Resources Ltd 

UraniumSA Ltd 

WPG Resources 

Members 

BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd 

Carpentaria Exploration Ltd 

Chevron Australia Pty Ltd 

Cooper Energy 

Eyre Iron Pty Ltd 

Gypsum Resources Pty Ltd 

Metals X Ltd 

Monax Mining Ltd 

Mungana Goldmines Ltd 

Murray Zircon Pty Ltd 

Musgrave Minerals Ltd 

Service Members 


Finlaysons 

Piper Alderman 


Alexander & Symonds 

Cavill Power Products 

HWL Ebsworth 

McDonald Steed McGrath Lawyers 

Worley Parsons Services Pty Ltd 


Bureau Veritas Minerals Pty Ltd 

Hunt & Hunt 

KJM Contractors 

McConnell Dowell 

Parsons Brinckerhoff 

PwC Services 


Aggreko 

AMC Consultants Pty Ltd 

Ashurst 

Asiaworld Shipping Services 

Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation 

Australia 

Ausenco Services 

AusIndustry 

Australian Camp Services 

Australian Civil & Mining Training 

Australian Training Alliance 

B.L. Shipway & Co 

Bianco Construction Supplies Pty Ltd 

Coffey Environments Pty Ltd 

Community Engagement Group Australia 

Pty Ltd 

Complete Personnel Group 

D.J. Coughlan Drilling 

DMAW Lawyers 

E & A Ltd 

OUR RESOURCES COMMUNITY 

EBS Group 

Electranet 

Exact Mining Services Pty Ltd 

Flinders Port Holdings Pty Ltd 

Genesee and Wyoming Australia 

Golder Associates Pty Ltd 

Health Safety Environemnt Australia Pty Ltd 

Hughes Public Relations & Communication 

Counsel 

Jacobs SKM 

Jardine Lloyd Thompson 

Lawson Risk Management Services Pty Ltd 

Liebherr Australia Pty Ltd 

Lucas Total Contract Solutions Pty Ltd 

Macmahon Contractors Pty Ltd 

Maloney Field Services 

Marlow Communications Pty Ltd 

Max Crane & Equipment Hire 

Migration Solutions 

Mining One 

Minter Ellison Lawyers 

ODT Australis Pty Ltd 

Paydirt Media Pty Ltd 

Peter Kittle Toyota 

Phoenix Logging Services 

Port Adelaide Football Club 

Port of Melbourne 

Powranna Consulting Pty Ltd 

Red Earth Training Solutions 

SA Power Networks 

SCF Group Pty Ltd 

Sharp Airlines 

Skills DMC 

Telstra 

The University of Adelaide - School of Civil, 

Environmental & Mining Engineering 

The University of South Australia 

Thiess Pty Ltd 

Tonkin Consulting 

UCL School of Energy and Resources, 

Australia 

Watsons Lawyers 

Wave Rider Energy Pty Ltd 

Westpac Banking Corporation 

Whitham Media Australia 

Yaran Business Services 

Members 

Adelaide Airport Ltd 

Adventure 4WD 

AECOM Australia Pty Ltd 

Ahrens Group 

Aldam Geoscience 

Alliance Airlines 

Andrew Minns Consulting 



ANZ 

APC Technology 

Aquamate 

Aquenta Consulting 

ARUP Pty Ltd 

ASC Training & Development Pty Ltd 

ATSys Pty Ltd 

Ausco Modular 

Auspace Pty Ltd 

Australian Cultural Heritage Management 

Pty Ltd 

Australian Groundwater Technologies 

Australian Industrial Rental 

Australian Mines & Metals Association 

Australian Saltworks 

Australian Water Environments 

Australian Welding Solutions Pty Ltd 

Austwide Mining Title Management Pty Ltd 

Aztec Analysis 

Babcock Pty Ltd 

Barker Wentworth 

Basetec Services 

BDO 

BGC Contracting 

Big Sky Building Society 

Bonacci Group Pty Ltd 

Buschutz Engineering Pty Ltd 

Caledonia Scaffolding Services 

CAPS Australia Pty Ltd 

Career Employment Group Training 

Partnerships 

Carey Training Pty Ltd 

Chandler MacLeod 

Chinese Language and Cultural Advice 

Chubb Fire & Security 

CIGWELD P/L - Victor Technologies 

Color On Demand 

Connexion Australia Pty Ltd 

COOE Pty Ltd 

Cor Cooling 

Corporate Conversation 

Corporate Protection Australia Group 

Crane Services Pty Ltd 

CRC Care Pty Ltd 

Datanet Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 

David Moss Corporation 

Dialight ILS Australia 

Downer EDI Mining 

Draeger Safety Pacific Pty Ltd 

DynCorp (Aust.) Pty Ltd 

Easternwell 

Ecology and Heritage Partners 

EMAC Systems 

Emeco International Pty Ltd 

Energy Power Systems Australia-Cat 

Rental Power 

EQAS Business Development 

ESCO Corporation 

Evans & Peck 

ExoDrill Pty Ltd 

EY 

Farley Riggs Pty Ltd 

Fire Safe Services Pty Ltd 

FirecorpSA Pty Ltd 

Flight Safety Foundation - Basic Aviation 

Risk Standards 

Fluid Transfer Management 

FMG Engineering 

Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd 

Fugro Spatial Systems 

Fyfe Pty Ltd 

Geofabrics Australiasia 

Georg Fischer Piping Systems 

Government Relations Solutions Pty Ltd 

(GR Solutions) 

Greencap 

Hallet Concrete Pty Ltd 

Harris Byrne Advisors 

Harsco Metals and Minerals 

Henderson International Australia 

Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia 

Pty Ltd 

Inforrm Pty Ltd 

Integrity Sampling Drug & Alcohol Testing 

Intract Indigenous Contractors 

Ironbark Heritage & Environment Pty Ltd 

ISS International Pty Ltd 

JM Gilligan Consulting 

Kadego Pty Ltd 

Kempe Engineering 

Kerry Logistics 

Kings Transport 

KSB Australia Pty Ltd 

LBW Environmental Projects 

Leadership Management Australia - Bettcher 

Lend Lease 

Leske Transport Pty Ltd 

LHD Group Australia Pty Ltd 

Logic Films Pty Ltd 

LogiCamms 

LR & M Constructions Pty Ltd 

MAV Media Pty Ltd 

McMahon Services 

Mental Illness Fellowship of SA (MIFSA) 

Milwaukee Tool Company 

Mine Bus Services 

Minecorp 

Morton Philips 

Nanny SA 

Navitas Careers & Internships - Adelaide 

Nextgen Networks 

OAQ 4X4 Hire 

OSD 

Osmoflo 

Pason Systems 

Petro-King 

Position Partners 

Power Water Air Pty Ltd 

Precipice Training Pty Ltd 

Qube Pty Ltd (Ports & Bulk Division) 

Qube Logistics Pty Ltd 

R.A English & Co. 

Red Dirt Personnel Group 

Red Mulga Pty Ltd 

Renfrey Plant Hire Services 

Resourceco Pty Ltd 

Resources & Engineering Skills Alliance 

(RESA) 

Resources Camp Hire 

Robin Johnson Engineering Pty Ltd 

Rockwell Automation Pty Ltd 

Rossair Charter 

RPS Aquaterra 

Rural Solutions SA 

SA Capital Pty Ltd 

Sanida Communications 

Sargent Rental and Maintenance 

Sims Metal Management SA 

Sitemed (O.T. Private Pty Ltd) 

SJ Cheesman 

Slade Industries Pty Ltd 

SME Gateway 

SMEC Australia Pty Ltd 

South Australian Museum 

SpeedCast 

SRA Information Technology 

St. John Ambulance Australia SA Inc. 

Statewide Financial Management 

Services Ltd 

Street Fleet Pty Ltd 

Subzero Dry Ice Blasting 

Tenement Administration Services Pty Ltd 

Terra Consulting Pty Ltd 

Thrifty 

Tingira Pty Ltd 

Training Prospects 

Trainway 

TRILITY Pty Ltd 

Turbo Track 

Turner & Townsend Pty Ltd 

Tyco Fire & Security 

UNE Partnerships Pty Ltd 

Value Adviser Associates 

Vative 

Vipac Engineers & Scientists Pty Ltd 

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 Cedric Lake 

Dave Thomas 

Egon Pederson 

Hon Roger Goldsworthy 

Ian Miller 

Ivan Steed 

Kevin Wills 

Lindsay Curtis 

Mike Penfold 

Peter Bradshaw 

Rob Gibb 

Roger Higgins 

Teena Coppin 

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 2013-14

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?