Mineral exploration in South Australia has stalled in South Australia over the past five years, a leading industry figure says.
Association of Mining and Exploration Companies chief executive Warren Pearce says while greenfields exploration has rebounded nationally since 2016, that's not been the case in SA.
"The numbers have essentially been flat since March 2013, Mr Pearce told the Paydirt resources and energy conference on Tuesday.
"There are challenges in South Australia, substantial overburden covers most of the State, hiding the easy to find deposits.
"However, the reality is in other states, most of the easy stuff has been found and everyone is now drilling deeper than ever before."
Mr Pearce said it was important for the state government to reinvest program to accelerate exploration work and to take a lead role in setting an appropriate regulatory environment.
"Each new drill hole could lead to a future mine and each new mine brings more jobs, royalties and revenues for local communities in regional South Australia," he said.
