The opportunity

South Australia is leading the clean energy transition. The Upper Spencer Gulf has a unique convergence of renewable resources – sun and wind – close to significant mineral resources. They include Australia’s richest copper resource, superior magnetite iron ore resources and proximity to the world’s second largest proven graphite reserve.

South Australia is home to more than two-thirds of Australia’s copper resource. Demand for copper is forecast to surge to supply the materials required for the global energy transition. Copper is an integral part of the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and renewable energy industries.

With the proximity of the supergiant Olympic Dam deposit, as well as Carrapateena and Prominent Hill and the emerging Oak Dam deposit, and an existing copper smelter, South Australia stands ready to become a Tier 1 global copper province.

This means more valuable exports. More jobs in South Australia. And importantly, more complexity in our economy.

As the world seeks to decarbonise, demand for green iron is forecast to surge.

Iron and steel manufacturing is the single most carbon-intensive industry in the world – two tonnes of carbon dioxide are emitted for every tonne of steel produced.

In simple terms, green iron involves turning iron ore into iron without the use of fossil fuels.

South Australia already has plentiful magnetite iron ore and a large-scale steelworks at Whyalla.

The Whyalla Steelworks is transforming from a coal-based steelmaker to a low-carbon, green steel producer. The first phase is Steelworks’ decision to close its coke ovens, as part of a transition to a new low carbon electric arc furnace and the installation of a Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) Plant.

The key to transitioning to a fully-fledged green steel manufacturer will be hydrogen energy.

Once the steelworks has a hydrogen energy supply, there is potential to produce up to 1.5 million tonnes of green steel per annum - a 50 per cent increase - fuelling a third of Australia’s domestic demand and achieving export at scale, with scope for further growth.

Read the State Prosperity Project document

Benefits

To grow a local green industry workforce, the state government is working closely with education and training providers to ensure South Australia has the training and expertise available for this emerging industry. This includes working with the Department for Industry, Innovation and Skills (DIIS), universities, TAFE SA and other training providers to understand what is required.

The construction of a Technical College in Port Augusta, which is planned to open in 2025, will adopt a part-time model of operation, which will allow students from secondary schools located across the Upper Spencer Gulf, Eyre Peninsula, Far North and APY Lands to attend for periods of time to undertake industry training.

The transformation of the Upper Spencer Gulf a central hub for sustainable industries will enable the growth of industries crucial to achieving net-zero goals, including the emerging renewable energy and hydrogen.

It will create new opportunities for South Australia’s heavy industry sector to decarbonise processes and to become more competitive against imported goods.

It will return manufacturing to Australia’s regions, through a transition to globally competitive capabilities, led by the global push to produce green iron and steel.

And it will support South Australia’s ambition to triple copper output, fuelling Australia’s decarbonisation and boost critical mineral processing for advanced technologies.

Thousands of new local jobs will be created in the hydrogen, green steel and iron, critical minerals exploration, extraction and processing and manufacturing industries, bringing exciting career opportunities and future-proof jobs as the world works towards a net-zero future.

This means new local jobs in construction, operations, project development, manufacturing, technicians, engineering, logistics, transport services, as well as research and development roles. It will also create new jobs and opportunities for First Nations communities.

Analysis by the Resource Engineering Skills Alliance (RESA), the primary skills and workforce development agency for the mining and energy industry sectors in South Australia, shows mining supply chain operations in South Australia are currently recruiting at the highest levels on record.

By becoming a central hub for sustainable industries, the Upper Spencer Gulf will help South Australia’s transition to a net-zero carbon future, including reducing emissions for industry to contribute to a sustainable future for our environment.

It will also provide support for the renewable sector worldwide.

The region will benefit from the influx of activity to local businesses, suppliers, manufacturers, and industries.

Economic growth will support the development of new businesses, recreational opportunities, and social infrastructure that improves the liveability of the growing Upper Spencer Gulf communities. This will include investment in housing, workforce programs, regional roads and airports, water, childcare availability, hospital and school upgrades, and digital connectivity.

Protecting and preserving the natural environment in the Upper Spencer Gulf is a top priority for the Government of South Australia in delivering projects in the region. These projects undergo all required planning approvals, including environmental assessment impacts studies to ensure sustainable development. Stakeholders and the community are engaged to provide feedback through the development process.

Explore our projects map

The opportunity

The Copper Opportunity

The Green Iron Opportunity

Benefits

Preparing our future workforce

Unlocking economic prosperity

Creating jobs for generations to come

Ensuring a sustainable future