The Minerals Council of Australia has called for rapid finalisation of workable national environmental standards and bilateral assessment and approval accreditation agreements between the Australian Government and states and territories under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to reduce mine approval delays and support a more competitive Australian mining sector.
Following the finalisation of national environmental standards, accreditation of all states for both assessments and approvals - especially the resource-rich states of WA and Queensland - would be a major step forward for Australian mining companies which currently face a laborious, lengthy, complex and double-track assessment and approval process.
Commenting on the Federal Government decision to grant a national interest exemption to Alcoa Australia to enable the company to undertake a comprehensive strategic assessment to deliver a holistic review of the company's operations, MCA CEO Tania Constable said the decision was a strong example of government working together with industry to arrive at an outcome that is pragmatic and economically sensible while still being focused on improving environmental performance.
'The MCA is encouraged that sensible and pragmatic collaboration between the government and a significant critical minerals producer has recognised the importance of Alcoa Australia's operations and the company's strategic role in the ongoing development of Australia as a minerals powerhouse.
'This outcome will allow Alcoa to undergo a more rigorous method of assessment while guaranteeing operations, and thousands of jobs in the local WA community.
'The recent changes to Australia's environmental laws will have a significant impact on our sector, and many are still working to understand the impact on their operations.
'The crucial next step is for governments to work together on accreditation arrangements so our members don't have to submit similar information to different processes.
'Faster approvals for mines mean we can deliver the critical minerals and other commodities the world needs quicker, responsibly and more efficiently,' Ms Constable said.
