Foundation for prosperity”: SACOME

  South Australia’s potential to maximise its mineral and energy wealth has received a significant boost with the establishment of a high-level council to steer the State’s crucial mining infrastructure needs.The SA Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) yesterday applauded the State Government for its foresight in forming the new Resources and Energy Sector Infrastructure Council (RESIC), announced by South Australian Minister for Mineral Resource Development, Paul Holloway. The Council will comprise key representatives in the resources industry and government, whose expertise will ensure diligent infrastructure planning and help ensure that efficient investment is made where clusters of mining operations are emerging. SACOME’s Chief Executive, Jason Kuchel said the establishment of the RESIC is the foundation needed to fully exploit the enormous potential for expanded mineral and energy production in South Australia.“Concerted and strategic infrastructure plans must be implemented if the processing and transport needs of this new era of wealth for our mineral commodities is not to be hampered by inadequate export corridors,” Mr Kuchel said.“For South Australia to realise its potential wealth from mining and energy production, there are many infrastructure problems that need to be resolved.“The most promising of our emerging mining, oil and gas operations are in remote areas of South Australia in areas with no access to power, water, roads, rail and ports,” he said.Mr Kuchel said that to capitalise on new discoveries, substantial and costly infrastructure is required to bring mines into production and to transport the product to market. “Collaboration between the resources industry and the State Government is the best way to get our infrastructure requirements right, and the Council is a major step in the right direction,” he said.