Consultation open for framework delivering simplified approvals processes

Increasing the efficiency of mining applications and managing compliance.
Date: Friday, 23 June 2023

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is seeking feedback on the Mining Development and Closure Proposals (MDCP) and Approvals Statements Discussion Paper.  

As part of the consultation, two workshops will be held for industry in July. An online workshop will be hosted on Microsoft Teams, while an in-person workshop will be held at 1 Adelaide Terrace. If you would like to participate, please register below.

Register for Workshop 1 (In-person)
When: Friday, 7 July from 10am to 12pm

Register for Workshop 2 (Online) FULL
When: Wednesday, 12 July from 10am to 12pm

Register for Workshop 3 (Online) NEWLY ADDED
When: Monday, 17 July from 1pm to 3pm

A MDCP and Approvals Statement framework was introduced as a key feature of the Mining Amendment Act 2022, (formerly the Mining Amendment Bill 2021) which passed the Legislative Council in September 2022.

Currently, a Mining Proposal inclusive of a Mine Closure Plan must be submitted to DMIRS prior to the commencement of mining operations.

The proposed MDCP will consolidate the information required under this current process into one single application document, reducing administrative burden by removing the duplication of information.

Following acceptance of a MDCP by the department, tenement holders will be issued with an Approvals Statement, which acts as a single source identifying all approved activities and conditions associated with a mining operation.

DMIRS Resource and Environmental Compliance Division Executive Director, Karen Caple said the intended outcome would deliver an efficient and effective regulatory framework to benefit both industry and the department.

“Not only do the changes in legislation streamline mining approvals and provide greater clarity for industry, they enhance our regulatory efficiency in monitoring compliance against those parameters.” 

More information on the draft discussion paper can be found on the open consultation page. Feedback submissions close at 5pm on Tuesday, 1 August 2023.