- Exemptions available to minimum spending requirements for tenement holders, upon application
- Exemptions to be granted on a case-by-case basis subject to fuel security considerations
- Move aims to ease cost burden on mining industry amid rising fuel price environment
The Cook Labor Government has moved to ease the cost burden on Western Australian explorers and miners amid the prevailing period of higher fuel costs.
Under a new policy, companies affected by fuel security issues will be able to apply for exemptions to their minimum expenditure requirements on their mining and exploration tenure.
Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael will use his discretion to grant exemption requests on a case-by-case basis.
Minimum expenditure requirements are a central feature of WA's mining tenure system, intended to promote active exploration and development and deter land banking or tenement warehousing.
However, the Cook Labor Government recognises that given prevailing fuel security issues, strict compliance with expenditure requirements maybe impractical in some instances and contrary to the interests of the State.
This new policy, to be reviewed at the end of 2026, represents the latest in a series of measures by the Cook Labor Government to ease the burden of high fuel costs on businesses across the State and address supply issues where they arise.
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
"I'm acutely aware that the high cost of fuel and in some cases supply issues are creating significant challenges for our exploration and mining sector.
"That's why I'm pleased to announce that the Cook Labor Government will consider applications for exemptions from minimum spending requirements on a case-by-case basis.
"We're committed to easing the cost burden on our mining sector at a time of high fuel prices and uncertainty around supply."
