Briefcase: Business Snippets from around South Australia
In this week’s Briefcase, new Kent Town towers get approval and AML3D secures a UK defence contract. Plus the latest business events.
- SCAP approves Kent Town twin towers
- Agreement progresses iTech Minerals’ NT plans
- Mayfield Group lands major data centre contracts
- AML3D secures UK defence contract
- Duxton Farms settles Kentucky land sale for $38 million
- QuantX to launch atomic clock into space
- Kelly Johnson awarded 2025 South Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
- SA welcomes Marenav equipment manufacturer
- EnergyConnect electricity interconnector turned on
SCAP approves Kent Town twin towers
The State Commission Assessment Panel has approved the developer of two towers at the Royal Hotel in Kent Town’s amended plans for the site.
The developer sought approval for more dwellings and three more stories.
SCAP granted the variation application approval subject to a number of conditions.
Read more about the proposed towers here.
Agreement progresses iTech Minerals’ NT plans
Adelaide-based iTech Minerals and Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) have signed a binding agreement on the Reynolds Range Lithium Project in the Northern Territory.
The company said the agreement “brings both the technical and financial resources of one of the world’s largest lithium chemicals producers to a new lithium pegmatite discovery in the Northern Territory”.
Under the agreement, SQM holds an immediate 30 per cent interest in the lithium mineral rights while iTech retains 100 per cent of the rights to all other minerals, including copper and gold.
“With SQM initially funding and managing all aspects of lithium exploration and development, iTech can focus its resources on exploration of the copper and gold potential of the Reynolds Range tenement package of which it retains 100 per cent ownership,” iTech managing director Mike Schwarz said.
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“iTech looks forward to a valuable and productive working relationship with SQM as we explore this exciting new region side by side.”
Mayfield Group lands major data centre contracts
Electricity infrastructure company Mayfield Group has secured $27 million in data centre contracts to supply than 90 switchboards.
The two contracts demonstrate the company’s appetite for the growing data centre space.
Managing director Andrew Rowe said the contracts “represent a significant milestone in our growth strategy, reinforcing our position as a key player in Australia’s electrical infrastructure sector”.
“The data centre market offers significant opportunities as Australia continues to expand its digital infrastructure to support AI computing needs.”
AML3D secures UK defence contract
South Australia metal 3D printing company AML3D has penned a contract with BAE Systems under which the company will source 8.5 tonnes of Nickel Aluminium Bronze wire feedstock.
AML3D CEO Sean Ebert said the company had been developing its relationship with BAE “for over a year”.
“It is very exciting to see that work translate into an initial contract from BAE Systems,” he said.
“It is even more exciting that this contract is planned to be just the first and I look forward to giving updates on additional contracts as the program progresses.”
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CEDA: Addressing the Housing Crisis, SA: Taking place on May 6, the session aims to address the severe shortage of affordable and secure housing options. William Buck 2025 CFO Summit: The summit will address pressing issues facing businesses, like AI and ESG, as well as discuss the state and national economy on May 14 at the Adelaide Oval. AI Day: Digital Adelaide is hosting its first AI Day, dedicated to all things artificial intelligence, at The Drive on May 16. 2025 AEDA Business Summit, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas will attend the summit and will be joined by a stellar lineup of business leaders and industry experts on May 20 at the Adelaide Oval. Mastering Marketing: The Australian Marketing Institute is bringing together some of South Australia’s top Chief Marketing Officers for a one-day seminar on May 21 at The Drive. Know Your Business – Essentials and Strategies for Growth: The South Australian Business Chamber is hosting a free session in Loxton designed for regional businesses on 23 May. SA: State Budget Lunch: The Property Council’s State Budget Lunch, a highlight on the organisation’s events calendar, will be held on June 11 at Adelaide Oval. |
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Duxton Farms settles Kentucky land sale for $38 million
Listed firm Duxton Farms has sold 6020 hectares of arable cropping land and 48 megalitres of stock and domestic water for $38 million.
The company said $500,000 of this amount will be withheld as a retention sum pending some final property remediation work and soil testing, expected to be finalised soon.
The proceeds will be used to pay down bank debt, Duxton Farms said.
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QuantX to launch atomic clock into space
Australian quantum sensor company QuantX Labs are set to release a sub-system of their optical atomic clock after receiving a $3.7 million grant from the Australian Space Agency’s Moon to Mars initiative.
The Optical Frequency Comb will be launched as a key milestone in the KAIROS mission and will be used to assist in conducting deep-space communications and provide valuable information needed to progress towards the next clock payload.
The successful deployment of the Frequency Comb will earn Australia a boost in its expanding space sector, and the analysis of timing that the Optical Comb provides is essential in the field of satellite navigation used in everyday tools like GPS systems.
QuantX Labs’ Managing Director, Professor Andre Luiten explained: “This launch represents not only a breakthrough for our TEMPO technology but also the culmination of countless hours of hard work by our engineers and physicists”.
“We have managed to deliver this outcome in much less time and at much less cost than is traditional. We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and excited to see Australia take a leading role in space-based precision timing,” he said.
Kelly Johnson awarded 2025 South Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
Kelly Johnson has dedicated her career to taking excess produce and converting it into edible and eco-friendly meals in the war against food waste. Now, it’s won her the title of the 2025 South Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner.
As a South Australian winner, Johnson will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant that will be put towards the purchase of specialised cooking equipment for her business, SPhiker – but the award means more than just monetary assistance.
“With this platform, I want to empower more women to back themselves, to step into the world of agri-business with confidence, and to know that it is possible to turn your idea into something impactful –something profitable and purpose-driven,” Johnson said.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said: “Kelly’s leadership is opening up new opportunities for South Australian growers while championing responsible consumption. Her innovative approach is contributing to both economic resilience and environmental progress across our rural regions.”
SA welcomes Marenav equipment manufacturer
Australian naval equipment manufacturer Marenav has established a new Space Landing Pad and operational office in South Australia.
“Being based at the Defence and Space Landing Pad provides valuable support and connections, as we seek to gain a deeper understanding of the South Australian business environment and collaborate with Defence partners to deliver capability to the Royal Australian Navy,” said Marenav director of operations Adam Smith.
Specialising in the production of Australian-made naval equipment such as tools for radar, the move means that Marenav now possess the potential to assist in system upgrades for the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers in the Osborne Naval Shipyard.
SA Treasurer Stephen Mulligan said “Marenav brings significant capability to the state’s naval shipbuilding ecosystem and will enhance supply chain opportunities for South Australian companies in upcoming naval projects.”
EnergyConnect electricity interconnector turned on
South Australia has taken a notable stride in its bid for clean energy with the turning on of Project EnergyConnect – a new, high-voltage transmission line that runs between South Australia and New South Wales.
Project EnergyConnect – the largest transmission line ever managed by ElectraNet – covers 206 kilometres and has a 150MW of electrical transmission capacity.
“The interconnector will significantly strengthen the state’s electricity network and will help make power more reliable, affordable and sustainable for South Australian consumers,” ElectraNet CEO Simon Emms said
“South Australia has a target of 100 per cent net renewables by 2027, and Project EnergyConnect is the latest in a series of major projects delivered by ElectraNet over the past five years which are essential to reaching that target.”
