The re-election of the South Australian Labor government has provided policy certainty and a clear mandate to advance long-awaited mining and exploration reforms, industry body the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (Amec) said on Monday.

Amec noted that the election outcome, which saw Peter Malinauskas winning a second term, created momentum to progress key commitments, including amendments to the Mining Act and the reinstatement of the Plan for Accelerating Exploration (Pace) programme.

CEO Warren Pearce said the result offered an opportunity to fast-track reforms critical to the sector.

“On behalf of the Association we congratulate the South Australian Labor government on this election win.

“It now provides a springboard to progress their commitment to the Mining Act Amendments and deliver the A$12-million Pace initiative over four years. These are essential for industry and we expect these priorities to roll out quickly in 2026.

“The Premier and Treasurer have made clear, unequivocal commitments to work with industry on all ten recommendations in our Election Policy Platform. Industry now expects this momentum to translate into action.”

Amec highlighted that the return of Treasurer and Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis would ensure continuity in the portfolio, supporting efficient delivery of reforms.

The Pace initiative, valued at A$12-million over four years, is aimed at stimulating mineral exploration and driving new discoveries, while proposed Mining Act amendments are expected to streamline approvals and support project development.

“Continuity in the Energy and Mining portfolio is critical, and Treasurer Koutsantonis’ return provides exactly that. Amec will continue pushing for strong, timely decisions that support exploration and development across the state,” Pearce added.

However, Amec cautioned that the passage of key legislative reforms would depend on support in the Legislative Council, which it described as a potential bottleneck.

The organisation said it would continue engaging with all political parties and independents to ensure the proposed 2026 Mining Act amendments were not delayed.