South Australian Minerals & Petroleum Expert Group

The South Australian Minerals and Petroleum Expert Group (SAMPEG) was first created by the Government of South Australia in 2004. Appointments were made by Premier Mike Rann under Theme 8 of the PACE (Program for Accelerated Exploration) initiative, with the aim of addressing historical perceptions of South Australia's poor mineral and petroleum prospectivity. Appointed members include high-profile national and international leaders in the resource sector. SAMPEG promotes the message that South Australia’s resources potential is under-explored and that the State Government "is willing to back investors in the resources sector, in a strategic, tangible and substantial way, including subsidised drilling and new, free, pre-competitive data."

SAMPEG members also address public perception of the sector by informing the public of improving performance in environmental management, good governance and engagement with local and indigenous communities. This group replaced the original PACE proposal to appoint a single Ambassador. The group currently includes 16 members.