MINERAL EXPLORATION

The Hon. M.J. ATKINSON (Croydon) (14:46): I ask the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy how the government hopes to involve the people living near mines and oil and gas drilling in these enterprises?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:46): I would like to thank the member for Croydon for—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —for this question and his keen interest in all things petroleum, oil and minerals. South Australia is firmly positioned as a major destination for investment in minerals exploration. I think it is fair to say that there is a major exploration and mining boom occurring in our state. In the December quarter of 2011, South Australia experienced the highest level of spending in mineral exploration in more than three years. The latest ABS figures published this week show mineral exploration in South Australia climbed almost 21 per cent in that three-month period to $90.3 million, compared with the previous quarter. Compared with the December quarter in 2010, mining exploration expenditure in this state soared by 51.8 per cent.

The $312.8 million in spending on exploration in 2011 shows the minerals sector has recovered strongly from the downturn in investment triggered by the global financial crisis. This figure highlights the strength of our business confidence in our mining sector. This figure shows the prospect of long-term export growth is high. South Australia continues to lead the nation for export growth thanks to our copper (up $388 million or 45 per cent); metal ores and metal scrap (up $441 million or 26 per cent); and lead (up $180 million or 53 per cent)—for the interests of the member for Frome.

Strong exploration figures like these show mineral exports will continue to grow at a rapid rate. The government is committed to realising the benefits of the mining boom for our community as a whole. Fundamental to a successful mining and energy sector is the industry's social licence to operate. It is a company's social licence that underpins all mineral resource and energy projects across South Australia, and thus far there has been a very good bipartisan approach to this social licence. I know the shadow minister and I are often shown the good work done by mining companies in our community.

The government recognises excellence and rewards it. That is why we recognise those mining and energy companies in South Australia that are going the extra mile to engage with local communities and contribute to the people of South Australia. The Premier's Community Excellence Awards in Mining and Energy recognise the companies that contribute, not just economically but also socially to our community.

The award recognises a mining or energy company that demonstrates leadership, commitment and a best practice approach to improving the social wellbeing of communities through programs and practices. These companies often employ people from remote communities to help break the cycle of disadvantage. They contribute to the sustainability of South Australia and our society by funding community programs, mentoring Indigenous business owners, sponsoring sporting and cultural events, and sourcing goods and services from local suppliers.

The 2012 Premier's Community Excellence Awards in Mining and Energy has two categories: Excellence in Social Inclusion and Excellence in Supporting Community Participation. The winners will be announced at the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy Resources Industry annual dinner on 30 April 2012 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nominations are open and close on Thursday 5 April 2012. I look forward to the awards showcasing examples of mining and energy companies continuing to go the extra mile in contributing to our state.

Mr Marshall interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Madam Speaker, I always get very concerned when the member for Norwood gets excited because he has spent a lot of money looking that way and I don't want it to go to waste.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Bragg.