South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME)

SACOME were delighted to join with AMC Consultants to celebrate four decades of mining smarter. AMC have been assisting miners to find smarter ways to unearth hidden business value for 40 years. They support mining leaders to evaluate opportunities, solve hidden productivity challenges, and improve performance across the mining cycle. With more than 10,000 projects for more than 1,800 clients in more than 110 countries across more than 60 commodities under its belt, AMC’s global team of career miners has seen most challenges. And chances are, it has created a smarter way to solve them. Happy anniversary to the AMC team!

Attendance at the Global Uranium Conference 2024 this week reflected the increasing awareness of the role uranium and nuclear energy will play in our Net Zero future. With a wide range of national and international speakers the conference covered exploration, development, operations and regulation of uranium mining as well as demand drivers and markets. The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP outlined South Australia’s ambition to be the 3rd largest mining jurisdiction globally. Currently SA hosts 25% of the world’s uranium resources and has three operating mines – BHP Olympic Dam, Heathgate Resources Beverley Uranium Mine and Boss Energy Ltd’s Honeymoon Mine. Ted O'Brien MP provided the keynote speech at the Conference Dinner where he discussed the Coalition’s nuclear energy plan which is designed to complement renewables and gas and re-energise Australia’s economy. During an engaging session on nuclear energy on day 2 of the conference Chris Keefer MD reiterated the importance of baseload power, and that the decarbonisation pathway is both cheaper and faster with nuclear, as demonstrated in Canada. Many of the conference speakers encouraged us to look beyond 2050 to avoid being left behind as a nation. The world’s most advanced countries are switching to nuclear. It’s time for Australia to rethink nuclear. Alligator Energy | Greg Hall | Gillian Swaby (Deep Yellow Limited) | Nicholas Crowther (Minerals Council of Australia) | Mark Chalmers (Energy Fuels Inc) | Jonathan Fisher (Cauldron Energy Limited) | Stephen Halliday (Heathgate Resources) | Guy Keller (Tribeca) | Daniel Radulovic (Department for Energy and Mining, South Australia) | Peter Waggitt, Tim Duff (Cameco Corporation) | Duncan Craib (Boss Energy Ltd | Brandon Munro | Emma Culver (Bannerman Energy Ltd) | Brian Reilly (Cameco) | Jasmin Diab CSC GAICD | Cris Talako | David Parker (MCA) | Daniel Zavattiero (MCA) | JOHN BORSHOFF (Deep Yellow)

SACOME was delighted to participate in the 14th Annual Roundtable for Energy and Resources SA hosted by the Department for Energy and Mining, South Australia yesterday. Dr Paul Heithersay, set the scene for the roundtable by reiterating the State Government's ongoing support for gas and CCS.   Perry Wilson, Head of Advisory, Rystad Energy discussed this third era of energy transition (renewables) and presented energy consumption data identifying an expected peak in 2030. Natural gas demand is expected to stay strong under all modelling scenarios with the peak well beyond 2030 with oil still required to beyond 2060. Rick Wilkinson (EnergyQuest) discussed the increasing complexity of energy and the importance of seasonality in peaking. He cautioned that Australia Is falling behind in the CCUS opportunity due to a lack of incentives. Dr Chris Cubitt (GSSA, DEM) enthusiastically highlighted natural gas, gas storage & CCUS, and natural hydrogen exploration opportunities in SA supported by energy ready legislation. Following morning tea, Samantha McCulloch, CEO, Australian Energy Producers provided a national perspective. Future supply and demand scenarios were discussed and the role of carbon capture projects across Australia.   SACOME CEO Rebecca Knol, provided a snapshot of the economic importance of the energy sector to South Australia and the financial impact of the energy transition to commercial and industrial companies. The lack of an energy transition plan at State and Federal levels to support the ambition to be 100% renewables continues to be problematic with the industry now driving the reform agenda through action. She also discussed the importance of STEM in schools to support the future pipeline of skilled workers needed into the future. Nick Harley (Santos Ltd) provided a comprehensive update on the Moomba CCS project, one of the largest and lowest cost CCS projects globally and Prof Kathryn Amos, University of Adelaide provided an update on research, education and outreach initiatives.   The morning session concluded with The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP highlighted the turnaround that the State economy has experienced in recent years and noted that the pioneering position that South Australia has taken in the energy transition could not have been achieved without gas.   The afternoon session started with Rebecca Wessels, Founder & CEO, Ochre Dawn speaking on the importance of working together with First Nations Businesses to support procurement relationships, followed by insightful presentations by Kristina Anastasi, Bronwyn Camac, Richard Day, Peter Nattrass and Michael Malavazos.   Congratulations to the Department for Energy and Mining for bringing together such dynamic presentations. #energytransition #netzero

The 2024 South Australian Mines Emergency Response Competition (SAMERC) hosted by BHP at Roxby Downs this weekend was an outstanding success.     Nine teams, including OceanaGold Corporation from New Zealand, competed over two days, testing emergency skills, knowledge and response strategies. Teams also shared learnings and built valuable relationships between mining operations and the local community.   While our sector has a firm commitment to eliminate fatalities, injuries and occupational illnesses in the workplace, incidents do occur. It is the skills of first responders that are critical to our operations and this event provides an outstanding opportunity for emergency response crews.   The award ceremony recognised the winners in each category – Theory (SIMEC Mining), First Aid (BHP Olympic Dam), Fire Fighting (OceanaGold Corporation), Vertical Rescue (BHP Prominent Hill), Team Skills (BHP Carrapateena), BA Search & Rescue (SIMEC Mining), Industrial Rescue (BHP Olympic Dam), Road Crash Rescue (SIMEC Mining), Confined Space Rescue (BHP Olympic Dam), Underground Rescue (Cadia, Newmont), Best Captain (SIMEC Mining), Chairmans Award (Hillgrove Resources) and the overall competition winner (SIMEC Mining).   Congratulations to all the teams – BHP Olympic Dam, BHP Prominent Hill, BHP Carrapateena, SIMEC Mining, Hillgrove Resources Kanmantoo, Iluka Resources Jacinth Ambrosia, Newmont Cadia, Oceana Gold NZ and CSA Mine.   SACOME has proudly supported this event for 15 years. We acknowledge fellow Premium sponsors Byrnecut, Sandvick, MSA - The Safety Company, Fire & Safety Australia, Raisbore Australia, SafeWorkSA, ISH24 and the Roxby City Council. Other SACOME member sponsors include Orica, Golding, Cavpower, Epiroc, Iluka and SIMEC Mining.   The weekend was testament to the agility of the organising committee and principal sponsor BHP who are recovering from the loss of power following a storm event. Congratulations to Anna Wiley and the BHP team!   The event does not proceed without the tireless efforts of the organising committee – Les Allen, Luke Brammy, Len Batley, Joane Klocke, Leigh Witchard, Jol Jardine, Jim Searle, Michael Yialas, Steve Player and Daniel Tinker.

Thank you to SACOME members ElectraNet Pty Ltd and ZEN Energy for the opportunity to participate in today’s energy leaders panel, where the challenges of transitioning to a greener electricity grid were explored. Professor Ross Garnaut’s deep knowledge of South Australia’s energy transformation, and his vision for Australia to be a renewable energy superpower, ensured that panellists were provided with thought-provoking questions. SACOME CEO Rebecca Knol and other panelists discussed the importance of gas and the role of nuclear in our energy future as a low carbon fuel source that can provide industrial heat to hard to abate industries. Dr Julie Beeby, Chair provided insights on the complexity of the transition from her extensive career on the boards of Powerlink Queensland, TasNetworks and more recently Electranet. Phillipa Ou Chen, CFO ZEN Energy gave a refreshing perspective of the energy market based on her background in investment fund management. She articulated ZEN Energy’s unique position as a zero emissions retailer and their vision for the future. Nicola McFarlane, COO at the Office of Hydrogen Power SA discussed the opportunity for hydrogen in South Australia. An advance copy of Ross’ soon to be released book – Let’s Tax Carbon, and other ideas for a better Australia – was gifted to panelists and will undoubtedly stimulate debate!

At today’s APGA Conference, The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP highlighted the importance of gas to our energy transition. Steve Davies CEO of Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) noted the growth in pipeline infrastructure that will be required as production decreases in the Bass Strait and gas is required to be moved to southern states. Congratulations to Mark Dayman, Chairman, Fyfe Pty Ltd who received an APGA Honorary Life Membership Award in recognition of sustained and exceptional contribution to APGA and the Australian Pipeline Industry. SACOME’s CEO, Rebecca Knol, spoke on the panel about public discourse and how it has evolved since the early 1960s and its future direction. Department for Energy and Mining, South Australia | Epic Energy | SEA Gas | Jemena | David Gillespie | Eric Bardy | Spiecapag | John Walsh

SACOME is gearing up for the 2024 SA Mining Rescue Competition! This year, SAMERC is being held at Roxby Downs and Olympic Dam Mine, South Australia, from 18 to 20 October 2024. SACOME is proud to be one of the premium sponsors of the event. For updates and event details go to: https://lnkd.in/g94MN5rs

Today’s InDaily Top 100 South Australian Companies marks its tenth year and celebrates this milestone alongside Santos Ltd who have ranked #1 every year. Santos makes up 38% of the Index’s value and is an integral player in our state’s history and its future. They also celebrate 70 years of energy leadership this year. Beach Energy Ltd ranked third and highlighted the ongoing importance of oil and gas, which account for 41% of the Index value by industry. Rising 14 places since last year, Cooper Energy secured 17th place. Flinders Port Holdings Pty Limited retains its position in the top 10 for a fourth year, ranking #9 on the Business Index. FPH operate seven ports across SA and is key to the sector’s supply chain, strategically partnering with industry to grow our state. Congratulations to the winner of the South Australian Rising Star Award, Exact Contracting, recognising their ascendancy of 49 places this year to #28 on the Business Index. Established by Greg Rhodes in 1992, the business is now led by Alex Rhodes and is a proven performer in the agriculture, civil, mining and water industries. Fyfe Pty Ltd has grown from a small office in Adelaide to a national business and rose 25 places in the rankings this year to #47. SACOME also congratulates Rex Minerals Ltd (ASX:RXM), Hillgrove Resources and Andromeda Metals for their strong performance in 2024 and welcomes new Business Index entrants Epic Energy and Magnetite Mines to the Top 100. SACOME congratulates all our member companies who made the Top 100: 1. Santos 3. Beach Energy 9. Flinders Port Holdings 17. Cooper Energy 28 Exact Contracting 29. Rex Minerals 33. Epic Energy 47. Fyfe 50. Hillgrove Resources 90. Andromeda Metals 95 Magnetite Mines “Over the past 45 years, SACOME has grown alongside South Australia's resources sector. It is a privilege to advocate for and on behalf the sector which makes up a significant percentage of the 2024 SA Business Index’s total value.” Rebecca Knol, CEO SACOME

Congratulations to the finalists and winners in the BHP 2024 Women in Resources National Awards. For 11 years these awards have celebrated the achievements of exceptional women in resources. BHP continues to lead the industry with women now representing 31% of their global workforce. Our CEO Rebecca Knol celebrated the event alongside The Hon Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources & Minister for Northern Australia; Senator Susan McDonald, Shadow Minister for Resources & Northern Australia; Tania Constable PSM, CEO Minerals Council of Australia; Geraldine Slattery, President Australia BHP; Rebecca Tomkinson, CEO The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia and Janette Hewson, CEO Queensland Resources Council.  Thanks to Karolina Szukalska and the team at MCA who work tireless behind the scenes to deliver this nationally significant event. Thanks also to fellow judges Michelle Lawson, Kate Finch, Ted Bradshaw, Lead with Purpose_Karissa Cameron and John Galvin. Gratitude to the companies that support these awards BHP, Maptek, Dyno Nobel, Rio Tinto, Newmont Australia, The Bloomfield Group and Mitsubishi Corporation   Nadine Heal | Evolution Mining | Thiess | Evelyn Ng | Callidus Group ® | Kanae. A. Dyas | Ashara Moore | Josie Fourie #MineralsWeek2024

A fantastic publication from the MCA showcasing the value of mining investment to Australia’s future prosperity.