South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy

28/01/2026

Energy affordability remains a top priority for SACOME’s members and for major electricity users operating in both domestic and international markets.

SACOME is proud to build on the success of the initial eight-year electricity supply agreement negotiated in June 2018, on behalf of the participating members.

Commencing in July 2019, this agreement provided sustainable and predictable pricing for participating members of the group, avoiding exposure to the volatile retail market and delivering an average cost of electricity lower than the wholesale market over the term.

On behalf of members, SACOME has secured authorisation with the ACCC for the next phase of the program.

Read SACOME’s Media Release:https://www.sacome.org.au/uploads/1/1/3/2/113283509/sacome_media_jepg2_accc_final_announcement.pdf

Read the full ACCC decision: https://www.accc.gov.au/public-registers/authorisations-and-notifications-registers/authorisations-register/south-australian-chamber-of-mines-energy-inc

19/01/2026

We look forward to welcoming SACOME Members to our first Networking Event of the year on 11 February at The Gallery. Attracting around 100 members across the resources and energy sectors, the SACOME Social is the perfect event to expand your network, share your work, or spark new partnerships.

Members can book here: https://www.trybooking.com/DHYMN

For Membership enquiries, contact [email protected]

15/01/2026

SACOME welcomes new member Windlab.

Windlab is the 100% Australian renewable energy company born out of the CSIRO. With a >20-year track record, they have been directly involved in developing and delivering more than 20% of the total operating wind energy capacity in Australia.

Today, Windlab is a fully integrated developer, construction manager, and long-term asset owner. They have amassed Australia’s largest wind development portfolio, with nearly 5 gigawatts of wind generation in the planning system.

We look forward to supporting Windlab in collaboration with all our members for the accelerated advancement of the South Australian resources sector.

06/11/2025

SACOME was delighted to be a premium sponsor of the 2025 South Australian Mines Emergency Response Competition (SAMERC). Congratulations to all the participating teams - your work is SO important!

29/10/2025

On Friday SACOME was delighted to host 250 of our members and invited guests to our 2025 Annual Lunch at SkyCity. In her opening address, SACOME Interim CEO Nicola McFarlane put forward a Resources Sector Roadmap formulated in close consultation with members, articulating the four key policy priorities for the resources sector as we head towards the state election.

Energy Reliability & Affordability and the role gas will play in the energy supply mix is the first-order priority for SACOME and its members, followed by Resources Sector Infrastructure Corridors, the Critical Minerals & Metals Supply Chain Strategy and continued advocacy for Northern Water. These enablers are key to unlocking the potential growth opportunities for our members, the Resources Sector and the State.

The keynote address was delivered by the Premier of South Australia The Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, in which he spoke on the future of the mining and resources sector in South Australia, acknowledging its contributions to the state and reflecting on recent strategic decisions regarding the Whyalla steelworks and Port Pirie smelter, within the context of a rapidly changing global environment.

Thereafter, Nicola facilitated a pre-election conversation with the Premier and the Treasurer, The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, Minister for Energy and Mining.

Discussion on critical enablers submitted by members included the Government’s plan to deliver energy affordability, reliability and competitiveness as well as ways for SA and Australia to best harness the opportunity around critical minerals, and the release of a Critical Minerals Strategy with the role for government in unlocking the state’s potential.

With workforce and skills still of significant importance, and several Playford TrustResources Sector Scholarship recipients amongst the invited guests, there was also discussion around the future workforce and the Mining Equipment, Technology, and Services (METS) ecosystem for innovation and supply chain development.

Proceedings were brought to a close by SACOME Council President Carl Kavina of Flinders Port Holdings.

Thank you to our members for their keen contribution to the vibrant conversation, appreciation to the advisors and executives from the Department for Energy and Mining, South Australia for their involvement and thanks to BHP South Australia for sponsorship of the event.

15/10/2025

One week to go!!

Only ONE WEEK until SAMERC 2025 kicks off in Brukunga!

Get ready to see mine rescue teams in action, tackling tough scenarios and showcasing their skills.
A huge thanks to our sponsors and volunteers for making this event possible!

We can’t wait to see you there.

30/09/2025

SACOME was proud to support the 2025 Asia-Pacific's International Mining Exhibition - AIMEX Mining Expo (AIMEX), which wrapped up after three days in Adelaide last week.

South Australia’s Minister for Energy and Mining, the Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP opened the event and set the tone, remarking on the dramatic rate at which the world is changing. Importantly, he noted that decarbonisation does not require less mining… it will require more.

Day 2 was opened by Department of Energy & Mining Chief Executive, Paul Martyn, followed by Rashpal Singh Bhatti’s keynote address, which provided an overview of BHP’s part in the copper revolution and the role the mineral plays in a decarbonised future.

That was followed by a panel on The future of green iron, which included Stewart Lammin, Chief Executive Officer of Flinders Port Holdings Pty Limited and Andromeda Metals Chief Operating Officer Joe Ranford.

In her opening address on day 3, SACOME's Chief Executive Officer Nicola McFarlane spoke of the importance of collaboration, both within industry and with government.

Her keynote address was followed by a presentation by Magnetite Mines Chief Executive Officer Tim Dobson.

SACOME is thrilled that Adelaide has secured hosting of the event for the next nine years.

Department for Energy and Mining, South Australia

30/09/2025

SACOME is proud to be a premium sponsor of the 2025 South Australian Mines Emergency Response Competition and wish all the participating teams the very best.

We’re proud to announce the teams competing at SAMERC 2025: BHP Carrapateena, BHP Olympic Dam, BHP Prominent Hill, Kanmantoo Copper Mine, CSA Mine NSW, Newmont Cadia NSW, Oceana Gold NZ, and Simec Whyalla.

These teams will put their training and skills to the test. Show your support for their hard work and dedication.

24/09/2025

Thanks to the team at Nyrstar Australia - Port Pirie for their consistent commitment to nurturing and inspiring the future pipeline of resources sector talent.

Huge thanks to this group of Year 11 and 12 students from Caritas College and St Mark's College, Port Pirie for visiting us today as part of their 'Industry Connections' SACE subject.

This subject provides students completing VET qualifications with an opportunity to develop and apply their skills, knowledge and understanding about a particular industry, with a specific focus in our case on the Mining, Resources and Infrastructure industry.

We took the opportunity to highlight to students the important metals we have been refining day and night for over 135 years in the Upper Spencer Gulf, the broad range of career pathways that we have available, as well as the work that is going into our Antimony pilot plant and our site's critical metals future.

The Nyrstar employees who took the time to be involved in the visit were: Luke Sale (Communications and Community Lead), Paige Aldenhoven (Principal Organisational Development), Nathan Coleman (Graduate Metallurgist), Matt Adams (Senior Training Coordinator), Karen Doggett (Resourcing Specialist) and Mitchell Young (Maintenance Coordinator - Refinery & Services Mechanical).

Catholic Education South Australia
South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy

27/08/2025

The 2025 Austmine Copper to the World Conference, delivered in partnership with the South Australian Government, kicked off in Adelaide yesterday.

With copper the critical enabler of decarbonisation, Minister for Mining and Energy, the Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP emphasised the importance of sustainable growth targets - global copper demand is projected to grow by 70% by 2050 with BHP poised to establish South Australia as a tier 1 copper province.

Paul Martyn, outlined the State Government’s strategy to unlock the copper opportunity with streamlined processes, noting that energy and mining already work together in South Australia to deliver growth and opportunity. He added that the public and private sector need to collaborate more closely.

BHP’s Asset President Copper South Australia, Anna Wiley’s keynote address celebrated BHP’s rich mining history, South Australia’s role as a significant global copper province, and major growth projects. Long term sustainability is a focus with reduced diesel intensive operations Anna sharing that 60% of BHP operations are powered by electricity an 50% of energy needs being met by renewable sources at Olympic Dam.

The morning session wrapped up with the first panel of the conference: From Ore to Opportunity: The Global Copper Imperative, examining current pressures on the copper value chain, and opportunities for emerging copper projects. Moderated by Gavan Collery, SACOME CEO Nicola McFarlane was joined on the panel by Dush Wimal, Elise Bungo and John Fennell. Agreement was clear on the need to work together to develop a culture of risk taking with new technologies, and accelerate collaboration.



Department for Energy and Mining, South Australia | BHP South Australia

12/08/2025

The Council of the South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME) are delighted to formally introduce Nicola McFarlane as our new Chief Executive Officer (Interim).

Nicola McFarlane is a mechanical engineer by training. She has spent more than two decades leading high-impact projects and organisations at the forefront of the global energy transition.

Nicola’s career includes steering large-scale hydrogen and decarbonisation initiatives as Chief Operating Officer of the Office of Hydrogen Power here in South Australia, and prior to that as Director for Hydrogen and New Energies Division for the Western Australian government.

Nicola built the engineering aspects of her career leading support for multi-billion-dollar projects and energy transition roadmaps in Australia and the United Kingdom with globally renowned independent experts in assurance and risk management, DNV.

Known for forging collaborative industry-government partnerships, and progressing the transformation of advanced technology into commercially viable solutions, Nicola now champions a resilient resources sector that underpins South Australia’s long-term prosperity.

“As Interim CEO, I greatly look forward to leading SACOME in supporting a trusted, forward-looking resources sector that attracts increased investment, strengthens community confidence and powers South Australia’s prosperity. My background enables me to effectively champion our members’ interests, build collaborative government and stakeholder relationships and keep our industry competitive. I really look forward to meeting with all our members and working with them and key stakeholders to support South Australia’s economic growth.”

08/08/2025

The Council of the South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME) announces that Rebecca Knol, Chief Executive Officer, has taken the decision to step down from her role to explore new opportunities. SACOME thanks Rebecca for her service and wishes her well in her future endeavours.

We are delighted to also announce the appointment of Nicola McFarlane as our Interim CEO, who commences immediately. Nicola’s appointment ensures a smooth transition and continuity for our valued Members and stakeholders as the SACOME Council commence a formal search process for a permanent CEO.

Nicola McFarlane brings deep sector experience and a strong commitment to collaboration and delivering value for our Members. SACOME remains focussed on the continuing delivery of all our programs, services, and advocacy efforts without disruption.

Please join us in welcoming Nicola to SACOME.