6 August 2022

South Australia’s mineral and petroleum exports reached a record high of $5.7 billion in the 2021/22 financial year, up from $5.6 billion the year before.

This data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms that our resources sector is one of the key drivers of the South Australian economy.

Copper remains the state’s leading goods export at an estimated $3.1 billion in the 2022 financial year, maintaining South Australia’s place as national leader in copper production.

Iron ore exports totalled $801.7 million in 2021/22, and processed iron and steel exports increased by 195 per cent to $213.9 million in 2021/22.

Petroleum product exports also increased by $44 million up to $265 million in 2021/22, with Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) preliminary figures showing an additional $1.4 billion sold on the domestic market.

DEM figures also show a substantial increase in heavy mineral concentrate containing high value zircon, which has contributed to this growth in exports.

Royalties also reached a record high of $323 million in 2020/21 and are expected to exceed $380 million for 2021/22. These royalties help to pay for critical infrastructure and essential services.

These figures highlight the importance of maintaining the state’s exploration pipeline and continued investment in emerging opportunities that benefit the search for our underground resources, clean energy technology and skills development and innovation within the energy and mining sector workforces.