Mining bill passes SA parliament

A controversial mining bill has passed the South Australian parliament refining access to farming land by exploration companies.

The bill passed the upper house on Thursday with the Liberal government declaring it will increase landowner rights, improve SA's competitiveness in mining and agricultural sectors and promote further investment.

"The changes mean landowners will have more time, more legal support, increased access to justice and stronger protections when approached by exploration and mining companies," Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said.

"This will simplify the process for all involved in exploration and mining operations and introduce more stringent and modern environmental enforcement powers."

Key features in the bill include more money for landholders for legal advice, an increase in the exempt distance around assets such as homes, new rights for farmers to object to notices of entry and greater compensation for landholders.

It passed with the support of the Labor opposition after previously being approved in the lower house but not before four Liberal backbenchers voted against it.

Farming groups say the legislation still gives landowners too few protections against mining companies entering their land.

But Mr van Holst Pellekaan said the new measures offered tangible benefits to both miners and farmers.

"Agriculture and mining are both critical pillars of South Australia's economy, bolstering the prosperity of regional communities across the state and they must both be supported to thrive," the minister said.