- Cook Government delivers on its commitment to streamline mining approvals
- Three initiatives launched this week
- Reforms will support timely approvals without compromising environmental standards
The Cook Government is delivering on its commitment to streamline and modernise mining approvals in Western Australia, with three key initiatives rolled out this week.
These initiatives arepart of the Mining Amendment Act 2022 that took effect this weekto significantly improve the environmental approvals process.
This rollout represents a major step forward under our Fast-Tracking Mining Approvals Strategy, which focuses on reducing duplication, enhancing regulatory efficiency and improving the overall user experience for industry stakeholders.
One of the key initiatives under this strategy is the Eligible Mining Activity (EMA) framework. Following a successful trial, the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) will now implement the framework more broadly.
Designed to streamline approvals for low-risk mining activities, the framework enables the department to focus its resources on more complex or higher-risk applications.
In addition to the EMA framework, this week also saw the introduction of the Mining Development and Closure Proposal (MDCP) and the new Approvals Statement framework.
The MDCP combines the Mining Proposal and Mine Closure Plan into a single document at the project approval stage, reducing duplication and focusing on the key information needed to assess a project. Requirements are scaled to the size and risk of the activity, making the process more efficient and fit for purpose.
The Approvals Statements will serve as a single source for all approved mining activities across tenements. They will outline the corresponding approval conditions, closure outcomes for each operation and the review date for the Mine Closure Plan.
These changes will create efficiencies for both industry and DMPE in managing compliance with approval conditions. Importantly, closure planning will remain an ongoing requirement throughout the life of a mine.
Underpinning these reforms is the second release of Resources Online, a digital platform that will support the submission, tracking and management of EMA notices and MDCPs.
More information is available on DMPE's website.
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
"The Cook Government is focused on maintaining strong, modern regulations that support responsible growth and give industry the certainty it needs to invest with confidence.
"The initiatives introduced this week build on our broader strategy to reduce red tape and support timely approvals without compromising environmental standards.
"We are working hard to ensure mining approvals are efficient, but not at the expense of community expectations or the interests of Traditional Owners.
"The Cook Government has worked closely with peak industry organisations to shape these reforms, and their strong support reinforces our shared commitment to best practice regulation and sustainable growth."
