The legislation will provide a framework to regulate access to the area, including rules for explorers wanting to develop gold, uranium, copper and iron ore.

The region already hosts Kingsgate Consolidated’s Challenger gold mine, OZ Minerals’ Prominent Hill copper gold mine and Arrium’s Peculiar Knob iron ore mine.

The unlocking of Woomera follows release earlier this year of gravity data collected by Geoscience Australia covering some 42,500sq.km of the region.

The data was tipped by Geoscience Australia minerals and natural hazards chief Andy Barnicoat as having significant potential for a range of mineralisation styles, including Olympic Dam-type iron oxide-copper-gold systems.

SA Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the new access regime would allow for the development of multiple mineral deposits across the breadth of Woomera, potentially transforming it into one of the country’s most significant resource provinces.

“That means millions of dollars in further investment and hundreds of jobs for South Australians,” he said.

Woomera stretches over 127,000sq.km and is estimated by Geoscience Australia to hold 62% of the country’s known copper resources, as well as 78% of known uranium resources.

While the Department of Defence would remain the primary user of the area, the newly passed legislation sets out user access rights, an access permit scheme, compensation and cost recovery arrangements, enforcement provisions and an appeals process.

Opening of Woomera follows an official review realised in May 2011, a moratorium on new exploration (which lasted 18 months) and consultation with industry stakeholders.

Koutsantonis noted that passing of the legislation coincided with a $44 million commitment in SA’s 2014-15 state budget for the resources sector.

“This included the development of a world-class resources precinct at Tonsley, with a new state drillcore reference library at its heart, as well as the expansion of our PACE [plan for accelerated exploration] scheme,” he said.

“We recognise that every new hole drilled brings us closer to our next major discovery, which is why these initiatives will assist in maximising the potential of the WPA.

“This is a win-win for the important principles of multiple land use and coexistence between the vital industry sectors of resources and defence, which will drive economic growth and prosperity in the next decades.”