The South Australian government has taken a significant step to bolster the state's resources sector, announcing the release of new land for mineral exploration. This move is designed to attract investment and uncover the next generation of mining projects.
Details of the New Land Release
On Monday, 1 December 2025, the state government unveiled 13 new exploration plots now available for tender. These parcels cover a combined area of approximately 1,500 square kilometres across diverse regions of South Australia.
The newly available land is situated in several key areas, including the Gawler Craton, a region already famous for major copper and gold discoveries. Other plots are located in the Curnamona Province and near the Musgrave Province, areas with high potential for critical minerals and other valuable resources.
Government's Strategic Vision for Resources
This land release forms a core part of the government's strategy to cement South Australia's position as a leading resources jurisdiction. Officials believe these new plots could hold the key to discovering vital deposits of copper, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, all of which are in high demand globally for the clean energy transition.
The government has streamlined the application process for these parcels, inviting exploration companies to submit their work plans and proposals. The focus is on encouraging innovative exploration techniques that can efficiently identify new mineral systems beneath the surface.
Potential Economic and Employment Impact
The immediate goal of this initiative is to stimulate exploration activity, which is the essential first step in any major mining development. Successful exploration can lead to the establishment of new mines, which in turn creates long-term employment and generates substantial royalty revenue for the state.
Industry groups have welcomed the announcement, noting that providing access to new land is crucial for maintaining the pipeline of future projects. It supports not just mining companies, but a wide network of service providers, contractors, and regional communities.
This strategic release of land underscores the government's commitment to the resources sector as a fundamental pillar of the state's economy, aiming to secure investment and jobs for years to come.
