South Australian Premier Mike Rann says he's hopeful of a decision soon from the federal government to unlock the mineral wealth in the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA).
Mr Rann said the area of the state's northwest, which is bigger than England, offered enormous potential for mining development.
He said the area was estimated to contain about 62 per cent of Australia's known copper deposits and about 78 per cent of the nation's uranium.
"In fact, it's estimated that around $A35 billion worth of resources could be unlocked and opened up to mining in the Woomera Prohibited Area," Mr Rann told the South Australian Resources and
Energy Investment Conference in Adelaide on Monday.
"The South Australian government has been strongly advocating for the commonwealth to provide more certainty and clarity in the rules for exploring and developing mines within the prohibited
area.
"I am very hopeful of an imminent major announcement on this issue.
"This will be a huge boost for our state.
"It will give our economy the momentum and jolt to drive further development in the future."
The WPA covers 127,000 square kilometres of sparsely populated land.
It is administered by the federal department of defence and is designated under commonwealth legislation for military test activities.
The area is also used for non-military test programs including rocket trials and astronomical observations.
Mr Rann also told the conference that increased investment exploration across South Australia was now translating into increased exports and production.
In the previous financial year, the value of SA's mineral exports reached $A2.85 billion, more than double the figure in 2002, when the Labor government came to power.
"Indeed, the minerals sector is now the largest single contributor to our state's exports, accounting for 35 per cent, which is almost as much as our agriculture, food and wine sectors
combined," the premier said.
"What is especially pleasing in the latest export figures is confirmation that, as a result of the government's targeted campaigns, our exports to India rose by 74 per cent and exports to
China are up 61 per cent.
"These results are largely due to the growth in our minerals exports and the signs for continued growth in our mining sector remain strong."
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