SACOME Annual Report 2007-08

Chief Executive’s Report
The past financial year has been
extremely positive for both the industry
and the South Australian Chamber
of Mines and Energy. Our financial
position is the strongest in the history
of the organisation. Every single
financial indicator has improved and
our retained earnings have increased
from $82,217 to $371,526. This is a
reassuring position and in particular, it
means that we have the resources to
run a significant campaign or to fund
a substantial piece of work if required
by industry. All in all, a strong financial
position means better representation
of our industry to Government and the
community at large.
By the end of the financial year,
we have reached a milestone of
almost 300 members, an increase
of just over 100 members since the
end of the previous financial year.
SACOME represents virtually every
exploration, mining, petroleum and
geothermal company with interests
in South Australia, making us a truly
representative body. This means that,
more than any other industry body, we
can go hand on heart to Government
and say that we fully represent the
interests of the resources industry.
The industry has also reached
milestones with exploration expenditure
reaching an annualised figure of over
$300 million compared with historical
averages around the $30 million mark.
The number of mines in production,
under construction or approved has
reached double digits compared with
only four a few short years ago. These
numbers, combined with 30 projects in
the pipeline, ensure that we are still on
our way to reaching 23 mines by 2015
and 40 mines by 2020.
With the resources industry expanding
rapidly, the SACOME Council identified
the need to be strategic about the
issues for industry and the way in
which we assist and represent industry.
Accordingly, the SACOME Council, with
member input, has spent the year
drafting a Resources Industry Strategic
Plan. Key performance indicators were
being finalised in June with a view to
consultation with members during
2008-09. As part of this Strategic
plan and in recognition of the export
performance potential of the industry,
the SACOME Council adopted a vision
for the Resources Industry that;
“The minerals and energy industries
will contribute 50 per cent of South
Australian exports by 2015”.
We began 2008 in new premises at
Fullarton. The move has reinvigorated
the team, provides a convenient meeting
place for our members, affords us
greater opportunities to host seminars
for our members and presents a
more professional face to Government
and our own industry. We welcomed
three new staff members this year;
Jonathon Forbes, Anne Walker and
Aleisha Sullivan. In May, the SACOME
Council approved a new organisational
structure for 2008-09, which will see
new staff employed in the areas of
skills and education, environment and
sustainability and member services.
Our staff have been very focussed on
improving every aspect of member
representation and benefits. We have
an excited, pro-active team working
together to ensure we maximise the
bang for your member dollar. I invite
you to talk more with any of our staff
so that we can understand how to
better serve you.
Lastly I would like to take this
opportunity to thank the SACOME
staff for their tireless efforts this year.
I know I speak for our whole team when
I say that we look forward to many more
achievements and a much higher profile
for next year as we step up to a whole
new level of activity, particularly in the
areas of member services, industry
profile, community engagement,
environment and sustainability,
and skills and education.
I encourage you to take the time to read
this annual report to get a snapshot of
our activities over the 2007-08 year. We
have achieved a lot this year and much
of our efforts will be built upon in the
years to come, so we are excited about
the future and the ever increasing role
we will play in South Australia reaching
it mining potential.
Jason Kuchel
Chief Executive
SACOME 2008 ANNUAL REPORT