en.Wedoany.com Reported - South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis announced on August 11 that, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the state's total exports of refined copper, copper products, and copper ores and concentrates reached AU$5.3 billion in the 12 months to June 2026, setting a new record for the state's copper export value.

In the 2025–2026 fiscal year, South Australia's energy and mining commodity exports reached AU$7 billion, an increase of AU$1.2 billion from the previous fiscal year, up 21.1% year-on-year, with copper products being the primary driver of growth. In the 12 months to April 2026, South Australia's copper exports had reached AU$5.2 billion, of which refined copper and copper products accounted for AU$3.35 billion, and copper ores and concentrates AU$1.85 billion.

The latest export data was released as the revised Roxby Downs Indenture Agreement between the South Australian government and BHP officially came into effect following public notification. The agreement updates the legal framework governing copper mining at Olympic Dam and the Gawler Craton that had been in place for over 40 years, with the relevant amendment bill previously receiving support from 67 of the 69 members of the South Australian Parliament.

The revised framework adjusts the approval process for BHP's South Australian copper expansion projects and covers matters including environmental management, Indigenous cultural heritage protection, water access arrangements, and the operation of the Roxby Downs township. The framework's entry into force does not constitute final investment approval for the expansion projects, and BHP is still required to complete subsequent approvals and investment decisions for specific projects.

South Australia holds approximately 68% of Australia's economically demonstrated copper resources, with major copper mines and projects including Olympic Dam, Carrapateena, Prominent Hill, Oak Dam, and Hillside. Olympic Dam, Carrapateena, and Prominent Hill are currently all part of BHP's South Australian copper business.