Mineral Exploration and Mineral Resources

Dan Holst Pellekaan: Mineral Resources spokesman Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the Government 10-point economic plan included a pledge for big increases in mineral and energy resources exploration, according to Australian Broadcasting Corporation. But he said the latest figures show a 60 per cent fall in mineral exploration compared with a year ago. Map: Adelaide 5000 The South Australian Government predictions relating to mining exploration ignored global trends that pointed to a downturn, the Opposition has said. Mr van Holst Pellekaan said it should have been obvious that the targets would not be met. "I find it incredibly concerning that the State Government predicted jobs increase and an increase in investment in exploration when in the two years leading up to them making that prediction international prices had fallen," he said. "Even the most simple of analyses would have made it very clear the promises that the Government made were not going to be fulfilled." Mineral Resources Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the state was not immune to global and national shifts in confidence. Mine uncertainty hurting farming community Meanwhile, Yorke Peninsula farmers say the State Government decision to grant Rex Minerals another year to submit environmental protection program and social management plan, for the open-cut gold, copper and iron ore mine, has left them in limbo. He said the Government was supporting the industry through a tough time, with the budget including targeted tax relief for mineral explorers and a doubling of a program which helped with mineral surveys, mapping and drilling. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.