11 August 2026
South Australia’s total copper exports reached a new record value of $5.3 billion in the year to June 2026, new figures show.
It comes as a historic indenture agreement between the South Australian government and BHP is proclaimed into law, paving the way for South Australia to become one of the world’s greatest copper provinces.
The proclamation formalises the update of the more than 40-year-old indenture agreement guiding development at Olympic Dam and the copper-rich Gawler Craton.
This significant legal framework comes as the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports energy and mining goods exports reached a record $7 billion, up $1.2 billion (21.1%) in 2025–26, with copper the major contributor to the growth.
Total copper exports, including refined copper as well as copper ores and concentrates, reached $5.3 billion in the year to June 2026.
It follows the passage of the indenture legislation through state parliament, where all but two of the state’s 69 parliamentarians backed the Bill.
It ensures there is cross-party support and a strong legislative framework for South Australia to unlock the unprecedented value of the state’s vast copper, gold, silver and uranium assets.
Improvements to the Indenture now provide clearer regulatory pathways for future activities in BHP’s Copper Province, including approval processes for expansion projects, environmental and heritage management, as well as the operation of the Roxby Downs township.
The changes include commitments to transitioning to the current Aboriginal Heritage Act, ameliorating water extraction and maximising local jobs and business opportunities.
South Australia is home to two thirds of Australia’s proven copper deposits, creating a generational opportunity to maximise the benefit of this critical mineral for our entire state.
Find out more about copper in South Australia
With abundant copper resources, South Australia is uniquely placed to be a catalyst for the world's energy transformation
