Second release of Resources Online to accommodate two new frameworks.
The Mining Amendment Act 2022 (Amendment Act) will come into effect in September, aligning with the second release of Resources Online and opening the door to major reform that will significantly enhance the environmental approvals processes.
The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) will introduce two key updates to the Environmental Approvals Framework - the Eligible Mining Activity (EMA) and Mining Development and Closure Proposal (MDCP) frameworks - which now have regulations to support their implementation .
Under the EMA Framework, an EMA notice will provide mining tenement holders with an alternative form of authorisation to undertake certain minimal ground disturbance activities, known as eligible mining activities. DMPE has been trialling the framework , where Programme of Works that meet EMA criteria are assessed within one business day.
MDCPs will replace the requirement to provide a Mining Proposal and Mine Closure Plan at the project approval stage. This will reduce duplication and streamline decision-making. Guidelines for developing a MDCP were released in December 2024 to ensure industry has sufficient time to align with the new requirements.
The implementation of the Amendment Act, MDCPs, and the second release of Resources Online is expected to coincide on 9 September 2025.
From that date, MDCPs will be submitted through Resources Online. To facilitate a smooth transition to the MDCP framework, proponents will be unable to submit Mining Proposals to the department from 2 September 2025.
DMPE will continue to provide further updates as it approaches the go-live date.
