saw this on ENP today. Can't post full article as its subscriber...

saw this on ENP today. Can't post full article as its subscriber only but some relevant sentences are below:


DESPITE the fact Western Australia and Queensland continue to enjoy most of the spoils of the latest surge in mining activity, South Australia’s friendly regulatory framework makes it a preferred destination. By Gomati Jagadeesan

For the resources industry, it boils down to one four-letter word and that is time – the time it takes for the approvals process from various regulatory bodies in different states.

And while all states and territories in Australia provide what industry sources call an excellent “pre-approval” regime – where state geological data is readily accessible to potential explorers – there is a consensus that SA carries the honour of being the most resources-friendly state.

“If the deposits were the same geologically and you could choose a state, most would say to move to South Australia,” China Yunnan Copper managing director Jason Beckton said.

“So once you have found the right geology, then it is compelling to move to that state which has always been supportive under both ilks of government.”

While China Yunnan doesn’t have any tenements in SA, the company is on a constant lookout for properties that would fit its criteria.

Beckton said: “They [SA] get everything granted in a fraction of the time of other jurisdictions.

“Everyone can find money eventually and also good prospects eventually but if it takes two years to get something granted, you move to Chile or to other jurisdictions.

“So it’s time [that] sets them apart.”

Beckton pointed to the record time within which Hillgrove Resources was able to secure leases over the Kanmantoo deposit.

“It was approved in a fraction [of time] of other jurisdictions … people take notice,” he said.