The states will sign a memorandum of understanding to facilitate infrastructure access and inter-agency collaboration in order to maximise opportunities for mineral investment.

NSW Resources Minister Chris Hartcher and SA Mineral Resources Minister Tom Koutsantonis announced the plan today at the AusIMM international uranium conference in Darwin.

“We don’t want a state border to become an impediment to developing an asset,” Koutsantonis said in a joint statement with Hartcher.

“This MoU aims to eliminate cross-border obstacles so that we can ensure both states reach the full potential offered by our mineral endowment, especially in the Braemar province.”

Hartcher said the arrangement would add to economic development in the more remote region.

“Far-western NSW contains mineral-rich areas with proven potential for iron, base metals and mineral sands and strong potential for uranium deposits,” he said.

“Both states have much to gain from an MoU which will encourage cooperation between agencies in respect to infrastructure access and development, policies on best-practice regulation and planning processes.

“And as global leaders in geoscientific information acquisition and delivery, the MoU will help attract resources-related investment across both states.”