South Australia to Tighten Mining Laws

South Australia is increasing the penalties for mining breaches.

Mineral Resources Minister Paul Holloway said penalties have been increased for companies that break the law, following instances of illegal dumping of exploration waste in the region.

"The penalties can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars mark so there are quite serious penalties and clearly these were necessary," Holloway told ABC news.

"Apart from taking the drastic action of suspending a licence the penalties themselves were quite inadequate so clearly I think the issues with Marathon highlighted the fact there was a need for a greater range of penalties and other options for the government in terms of issues that arise."