Explorers are queuing up to look for mineral riches in South Australia's Woomera prohibited area despite the downturn in global commodity prices.
The state government has granted almost 60 exploration licences for the area in SA's north after legislation allowing access passed last year.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis says it's estimated the 127,000sq kilometres, roughly the size of England, hold an estimated $35 billion in mineral wealth, including deposits of gold, uranium and copper.
"As a result of the downturn in global commodity prices the industry is facing significant challenges. But we also know that the resources industry is a cyclical one," the minister said.
"For that reason it is crucial that we provide explorers with a regulatory framework that gives them the confidence to go out to find the next major discoveries, so when the inevitable upswing occurs they are ready to invest and create jobs for South Australians."
Defence remains the primary user of the Woomera area, mostly for military testing and evaluation, but explorers can now get access through a permit scheme.
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