The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has released its Approach to Risk-based Environmental Compliance for the Resource Industry, following a report into the effective regulation of Western Australia's resources industry.
In December 2022, the Office of the Auditor General released its report into Compliance with Mining Environmental Conditions, containing recommendations for how the department could strengthen its approach to environmental regulation.
This policy release increases the transparency of how the department's Resource and Environmental Compliance (REC) Division applies a risk-based compliance approach across the lifecycle of a resources operation. This includes the risk-rating process and how these risk assessments inform decision making.
DMIRS REC Acting Executive Director Travis Inman said the department was committed to improving its regulatory services by continuing to address all of the report's findings.
"The report recommended that further clarity is required around the department's risk-based approach towards compliance activities and this policy is the first step in being more transparent around the way we work.
"We will continue to strengthen our high standard of environmental regulation and ensure the State's resources industry remains accountable and complies with environmental regulations."
The policy can be found on the DMIRS website.
