Director General's foreword
As we rapidly approach the end of the year, it is time again to welcome readers to another edition of the DG's eNews focusing on our resource industry activities.
In April this year, the State Government announced its Public Sector Renewal plans which aimed to reduce the public sector to 41 departments to 25 by 1 July 2017. As part of this renewal, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety was formed to regulate the mining, building and construction industry, elevate the focus of worker safety and continue consumer protection responsibilities.
Since the creation on July 1 this year of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS), progress has been made on structural changes to enable the new department to meet the State Government's objectives, while maintaining a business as usual approach for all our clients.
This edition looks at this transition process, along with milestones that have been reached by the department's resources divisions over the past six months.
In what is good news latest figures from DMIRS show Western Australia's mineral and petroleum industry reported sales of $105 billion for 2016-17, partly due to record sales volumes for iron ore and LNG, along with gold hitting a new record in sales values.
The $105 billion in resources was a 19 per cent increase compared to the 2015-16 overall sales value and show iron ore sales increased by 31 per cent, LNG was up 18 per cent and gold sales up by seven per cent.
So the resource sector is continuing to play an important role for the WA economy and community as well as nationally.
Stories in this update also well illustrate the breadth and complexity of activities occurring in the resources sector.
To help find the next wave of new projects, the $10 million a year Exploration Incentive Scheme's (EIS) latest round was announced this week with 16 successful applicants, which is great encouragement for explorers to commence activities in 2018 in their search for the next big mineral or petroleum deposit.
Other stories include a wrap-up of the annual Statewide Mine Safety Roadshow and the DMIRS Awards for Excellence where five outstanding projects were recognised for adopting the highest standards to safeguard the environment, community, and the health and safety of workers.
The DG's eNews is intended to help anyone interested in the future of the Western Australian mining and petroleum industry, and provides updates on the latest activities of the department, so please recommend it to your industry and community colleagues.
Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to wish industry, community stakeholders and staff, a safe and happy festive season and all the best for the New Year.
David Smith
Director General
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Safety the focus of annual mining roadshow
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) Resources Safety Division's 2017 Mines Safety Roadshow travelled across Western Australia during the past two months raising awareness about mining-related safety and health issues.
Starting in Kalgoorlie, the roadshows also stopped in Leonora, Newman, Cloudbreak, Tom Price, Karratha, Port Hedland, Bunbury, Mandurah and Geraldton, before finishing in Perth.
DMIRS Mines Safety Director and State Mining Engineer Andrew Chaplyn said the roadshows included the latest series of the Know your hazards safety videos.
"The roadshows are an important opportunity for mine inspectors, safety and health representatives and frontline supervisors to come together and discuss safety and health in the mining industry," Mr Chaplyn said.
"It is particularly important to get out into the regions and meet with a large audience who may not be able to get to a Perth-based event."
This year's roadshow saw more than 750 people attend one of the 13 roadshows across Western Australia.
"The event has continued to grow and it is an important opportunity for Resources Safety to collaborate with workers on significant safety and health issues."
One of the themes for this year's roadshow was traffic management.
"There are a number of examples in Western Australia and around the world of serious incidents, injuries and fatalities involving vehicles on mine sites," Mr Chaplyn said.
"This is why we are concentrating on the importance of traffic management and how safe systems, safe vehicles and safe people can contribute to a safe mining operation."
The event included an update from the regulator on what is happening in mine safety and health in Western Australia.
"The roadshow is an opportunity to network with other safety personnel and meet some of the department's mines inspectors," Mr Chaplyn said.
New department transition progressing well
Since the creation of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) on July 1 this year, progress has been made on structural changes that will enable the new department to meet the State Government's objectives.
In April this year, the State Government announced its Public Sector Renewal plans which aimed to reduce the public sector to 41 departments to 25 by 1 July 2017.
As part of this renewal, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety was formed to regulate the mining, building and construction industry, elevate the focus of worker safety and continue consumer protection responsibilities.
"Since DMIRS was formed on 1 July, we have been giving careful consideration to the best organisational structure for the Department to support our wider regulatory role, the Government's policy priorities and the objectives of the Public Sector Renewal reforms," DMIRS Director General David Smith said.
Following extensive staff consultation a new structure has been developed to provide a particular focus on improving customer-centric service delivery, increasing collaboration within and outside the organisation, streamlining regulation and regulatory processes, maximising opportunities for digital delivery and reducing waste and duplication.
These themes also fit well with the recommendations of the Service Priority Review report now released by the State Government to guide future public sector reforms.
The functions of the previous two departments now form three key groups that focus on the regulatory and compliance delivery:
- Resource and Environmental Regulation Group
- Industry Regulation and Consumer Protection Group
- Safety Regulation Group.
There will be three supporting groups to drive the department's service delivery, strategic business and corporate services.
As a complement to this new structure, a DMIRS Strategic Intent has also been developed to provide a clear statement of our purpose - to support a safe, fair and responsible future for the Western Australian community, industry and resources sector - and our approach as a regulator, service provider and policy maker.
"It has been a fantastic task to bring together the important continuing work of both the former Department of Commerce with the former Department of Mines and Petroleum and to look for opportunities for that work to be done better together," Mr Smith said.
"However, I was always confident that the working relationships and synergies of the former two departments, and the high calibre of the staff, would assist throughout the process to ensure a good outcome.
"I am pleased to say we have a new structure that will position us well to achieve the government's goals for machinery-of-government reforms, and improve our ability to deliver regulatory functions in the most efficient way, including using new technology.
This new structure will come into effect on 22 January 2018 to allow time for orderly transition. As well as this structure, there have been some changes in the roles of the department's senior executive.
Mr Smith said it was anticipated that the new structure would provide opportunities for regeneration and greater diversity in the leadership group to ensure a senior management structure for the organisation that is well suited for the DMIRS of the next two, five and 10 years.
Resources sector innovations shine bright at Awards for Excellence ceremony
The innovations and advances made in Western Australia's resources sector were under the spotlight at the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) Awards for Excellence ceremony held last month.
DMIRS Director General David Smith said five outstanding projects were recognised for adopting the highest standards to safeguard the environment, community, and the health and safety of workers.
"These awards also help to ensure the sector is sustainable for the benefit of generations to come and cover three segments of the sector - environmental excellence, significant and lasting community partnerships and innovations in safety and health," Mr Smith said.
"These awards bring to the forefront the world-class work that is being done in the resources sector and in the communities where resources companies are working.
"Celebrating the advances made in the industry helps promote our State as a destination of choice for technological and service-based solutions in the resources sector."
Mr Smith said Industry in WA was continually improving and was at the forefront of improving social, safety and environmental outcomes, setting new standards - nationally and internationally.
The consistently high standard of entries reflects the strong commitment resource companies and their local communities have when working together to achieve positive outcomes.
This year's entries included a wide range of resource companies from across the State.
A seminar where a selection of finalists and entrants shared their key learnings and innovations with industry were held before the ceremony.
Videos of these presentations are available at www.dmp.wa.gov.au/awardsforexcellence.
THE 2017 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE WINNERS
Safety and Health Resources Sector Awards
Safety Representative Award
The Safety Barometer, Fortescue Metals Group
The Safety Barometer is about understanding the impact attitude and distraction can have on safety and provides a tool to target the way people are feeling in the workplace.
Systems and People Award
The Iluka Resources Winston Partnership
The partnership between Iluka, Dardanup farmers, Peter and Judy Milton, and a steer named Winston has delivered an innovative and unique approach to raising awareness of mental health issues within the workforce, the resources industry and the wider community.
Engineering Award
Rail Mounted Working at Heights Platform, Rio Tinto
A rail-mounted work platform that eliminates the Working at Heights risk associated with performing belt maintenance on yard conveyers.
Community Partnership Resources Sector Award
KCGM and KBULG Environmental and Sustainability Partnership, Kalgoorlie Boulder Urban Landcare Group and Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines
KCGM and KBULG have worked in unison in a number of key cultural and environmental awareness events locally, including the Karlkurla Dreaming Culture Trail and the Reconstructed Art Competition.
Golden Gecko Award
Banksia Woodlands - A Restoration Guide for the Swan Coastal Plain, Hanson Construction Materials and Kings Park and Botanic Gardens
This resource provides the first comprehensive overview for practitioners, researchers and policy makers to assist Banksia woodland restoration activities and decisions.
A full list of winners and Certificates of Merit recipients can be found at www.dmp.wa.gov.au/awardsforexcellence.
Statistics show jobs and activity boom for WA's resources sector
Latest figures from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) show Western Australia's mineral and petroleum industry reported sales of $105 billion for 2016-17.
DMIRS Director General David Smith said this was partly due to record sales volumes for iron ore and LNG, along with gold hitting a new record in sales values.
He said the $105 billion in resources was a 19 per cent increase compared to the 2015-16 overall sales value.
The latest statistics show iron ore sales increased by 31 per cent, LNG was up 18 per cent and gold sales up by seven per cent.
Gold sales broke the 200 tonne mark for the first time since 2000-01 with 205 tonnes (6.6 million ounces).
Iron ore sales volumes increased six per cent to reach a record 790 million tonnes.
The volume of LNG produced reached a record 28.7 million tonnes, following the start-up of Chevron's Gorgon LNG project and record production from the North West Shelf and Pluto LNG projects.
LNG volumes have increased by 45 per cent in the past five years.
"Of note was the average number of Western Australians employed in the minerals sector in 2016-17 was 108,769 - an increase of four per cent compared to last year," Mr Smith said.
"Direct employment remains high, relative to 10 years ago, when the average number of people employed was 62,117, or an increase of more than 75 per cent."
Further information can be found on our website.
Battery metals power visit to North East Asia
Battery metals are a hot topic in North East Asia, and Western Australia can play an important role in meeting future demand.
This is one of the key messages Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) Executive Director Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) Dr Rick Rogerson relayed after visiting China, Korea and Japan in September.
"There was a strong battery metals flavour to the questions we were asked in each country as policies for low carbon emissions and new technologies continue to drive demand," Dr Rogerson said.
"New technology metals are clearly generating a lot of interest as investor enquiries were spread across the entire value chain, from exploration, to scoping and feasibility stage project investments, direct investments into companies, and offtake of product.
"Metals in particular demand were lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite."
During the Chinese leg of the visit, Dr Rogerson and Minerals Promotion Manager Dr Gaomi Trench attended several events and spoke to a range of companies and investors.
"The 2017 China Mining Conference was more upbeat than the last few years with more Chinese groups visiting the Australia booth, and we also fielded a number of investment inquiries from other countries in the region," Dr Rogerson said.
"At the China-Australia Mineral Investment Seminar in Beijing, the Vice Minister of Land and Resources Mr Cao Weixing emphasised the One Belt-One Road Initiative, and said the upcoming review of the China-Australia Free Trade would include the METS (Mining Equipment, Technology and Services)."
The North East Asia trip included Japan where Dr Rogerson attended the annual Japan-Australia Mineral Investment Seminar which attracted a wide variety of organisations, including large industrial conglomerates, trading companies, business analysts, finance providers and consultants.
"The State-owned Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) expressed keen interest in exploration stage lithium and cobalt projects and we will be sending them more information," Dr Rogerson said.
"At a meeting with JOGMEC prior to the seminar, they told us that in Australia they were focussed on identifying and investing in early to middle exploration stage copper, cobalt, gold, zinc, lead and lithium, preferably near established mining centres.
"We also encouraged JOGMEC to open an office in Perth to provide it with better access to the battery metals boom in Western Australia and the broader mining sector."
DMIRS' itinerary in South Korea included a seminar entitled 'Western Australia: World hub of gold and new technology metals'. Dr Rogerson said there were many inquiries and requests, particularly for information on lithium, cobalt, graphite, nickel and gold.
"It is clear China, Japan along with South Korea are seeking to enhance their resource relationships with Western Australia," he said.
"The experience from this trip will help shape Western Australia's future collaboration with North East Asia, and further promote the State's profile in the region."
In a further promotion in Asia DMIRS Deputy Director General Dr Phil Gorey is currently in Korea as a keynote speaker at the Overseas Energy and Mineral Resources Development Symposium 2017.
Dr Gorey will be promoting Western Australia as the world’s leading lithium producer and its potential as a battery metals hub.
This follows earlier trips to China and Korea by Premier Mark McGowan and Minister for Mines and Petroleum and Asian Engagement Bill Johnston.
In October, Minister Bill Johnston also travelled to Singapore to deliver a keynote speech at the Gas Asia Summit to promote the expertise Western Australia can offer petroleum operations in Asia, particularly its petroleum decommissioning capacities, to more than 3,000 international delegates.
New Petroleum Decommissioning Guidelines help clarify broader decommission responsibilities
New petroleum decommissioning guidelines outlining regulatory obligations for registered petroleum title holders have been published by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS).
DMIRS Executive Director Petroleum Jeff Haworth said the Petroleum Decommissioning Guideline will help operators, onshore and offshore of the State, to understand their broader responsibilities in the planning and submission of a decommissioning program.
"Western Australian petroleum legislation has defined procedures and responsibilities for the decommissioning of petroleum fields, and while registered holders should be familiar with this legislation, this guideline expands on a number of the requirements," Mr Haworth said.
"The petroleum industry is increasingly acknowledging the broad issues surrounding decommissioning and progressively assessing its options.
"There's no doubt the decommissioning of petroleum fields in Western Australia is an emerging issue as a large portfolio of production assets near the end of their productive life.
"Best practice suggests early planning and budgeting of a petroleum project should include an assessment of a fields' decommissioning options, as this can significantly reduce future costs and increase reserve recoveries.
Mr Haworth said the new guideline, developed in consultation with industry, should form part of the assessment process.
The guideline includes, among other things, a regulatory overview that covers Well Management Plans, Field Management Plans, Environmental Plans and Safety Case or Safety Management Systems.
There are also comprehensive sections that expand upon the legislative regulations in relation to infrastructure, 'best practice' decommissioning planning and the post-decommissioning phase.
DMIRS is the regulator for safety, environmental and resource management for petroleum activities in Western Australia.
As the primary point of contact, DMIRS will facilitate meetings between the registered holder and all other government stakeholders to formulate a whole-of-government approach for the approval of submitted decommissioning programs.
The guideline can be downloaded from the DMIRS website.
DMIRS receives GOLD Safe Way Award from IFAP
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has been recognised for best practice in safety management with the Gold Safe Way Achiever Award in the 2017 IFAP/CGU Safe Way Awards.
DMIRS Director General David Smith said the award acknowledges organisation which subscribe to continuously improving their safety performance improvement programs in order to pursue best practice.
The former Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) Corporate Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) team applied for the award earlier this year.
“I congratulate the COSH team for all their hard work in achieving this award. This and other health and safety achievements provide a good platform to work towards achieving excellence in safety for DMIRS,” he said.
The application process included a written submission from which the department’s safety management system was assessed against four criteria and an in-house interview process.
Former Department of Commence first government agency to receive platinum certification
The WorkSafe Plan Certification at Platinum level was awarded to the former Department of Commerce in June this year.
The department completed a total of 33 actions to effectively implement the OSH Management System (OSHMS) and facilitate continuous improvement since the last WorkSafe Plan External Audit conducted in 2015.
“These efforts were highly commended by the external auditor, with the current OSHMS being noted as a very mature system that included many mechanisms to ensure the system is implemented effectively,” DMIRS Director General David Smith said.
The audit findings highlighted that the department has successfully implemented the OSHMS requirements over the last two years, to meet a high level of compliance with the WorkSafe Plan.
This included each division demonstrating that the OSHMS requirements and strategies had been well integrated into their business operations and activities.
“It also demonstrated a positive OSH culture, in which managers and employees are committed to ensuring that OSH is considered as part of the work being completed across all levels of the business,” Mr Smith said.
“In addition, an excellent level of engagement was observed, with managers, employees and safety and health representatives interviewed reporting that staff safety, health and wellbeing is taken very seriously within the department.”
It’s gold! DMIRS Wellbeing Program Awarded
Encouraging staff to actively commute and conducting walking meetings are just two of many components which secured gold-standard recognition for the the former Department of Commerce Wellbeing Program, which is now as part of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
DMIRS is one of a growing number of progressive workplaces across WA that has introduced comprehensive workplace health and wellbeing plans encouraging staff to be physically active, quit smoking and improve their nutrition.
Healthier Workplaces WA CEO Maurice Swanson will be attending the department in the new year to present the certificate to the Director General David Smith and Wellbeing Champions.
DMIRS was judged on its comprehensive health and wellbeing plan which includes:
- A dedicated wellness committee that meets regularly and includes workplace “champions” from different sites and teams.
- A formal champions program, with nominees selected by the OSH and wellbeing branch and consulting with employees to ensure the program meets their interests and needs.
- A ‘TravelSmart’ plan that encourages employees to actively commute by walking, cycling or catching public transport to and from work, a similar plan encouraging workers to actively travel to meetings or functions, and education sessions promoting the benefits of this. One site has screens displaying train times to help staff plan their journey home.
- ‘End of trip’ facilities such as showers, lockers, changing rooms and bike racks, as well as flexible arrangements to encourage physical activity before, during and after work.
- Communal sit-stand workstations.
- Walking and standing meetings, and pedometer challenges.
- A ‘wellbeing warrior’ category in the annual safety awards.
- Education sessions on men’s health and nutrition.
- A monthly staff newsletter featuring healthy recipes and promoting events and initiatives.
- Seeking ongoing feedback to evaluate the success of the program.
Further information is available from Healthier Workplace WA.
Mentally Healthy Workplace Award
In June 2017, the former Department of Commerce was announced as a finalist for the Mentally Healthy Workplace Award by the Western Australian Association for Mental Health.
The Western Australian Mental Health Awards aim to recognise and reward the achievements of those who demonstrate initiatives inspiring others and promoting positive mental health in supporting consumers of mental health services, their families and carers.
The Western Australian Mental Health Awards received a staggering 150 nominations, with the finalists being Department of Fire and Emergency Services (winner), Department of Commerce (second runner up) and Department of Fisheries (third runner up).
St John’s Safe Certification for William Street and Cannington sites
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is the first government agency to be recognised with a St John Safe Certification presented in October.
Both sites, 140 William Street and Cannington, scored 93 per cent in the audit which confirmed the sites had the right level of first aid training, equipment and gold standard process in place to effectively respond and deal with an emergency situation.
EIS Co-funded Drilling Round 16 attracts 52 applications
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has offered up to $4.83 million to 44 general and prospecting drilling for Round 16 of the State Government's co-funded drilling program.
DMIRS Director General David Smith said the department received 52 submissions, including six from prospectors,
“The 44 successful applicants , which will be exploring for lithium, gold, copper, base metals, potash, petroleum and nickel, have been notified,” he said.
The 44 successful projects extend the South-West to the Perth Basin, and the Kimberley and Amadeus basin.
The $10 million a year Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS), which funds the drilling program and pre-competitive geoscience surveys, encourages resource exploration and helps to increase the number of new mineral and energy discoveries.
"This will encourage explorers to commence activities in 2018 in their search for the next big mineral or petroleum deposit," Mr Smith said.
“The application process for Round 17 will open in February 2018.
For more information, visit the EIS Government co-founded webpage.
Applications will be reviewed by an external expert team, along with senior staff from the department's Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA).
Royalties Online draws positive feedback in 2017 customer survey
A recent survey has identified that the majority of responders viewed their experiences with the Royalties Branch staff positively.
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) 2017 Customer Survey revealed that more than 92 percent of responders rated the quality of the branch's customer service experience well.
"Also, on a positive note this year, only 31 per cent of stakeholders indicated that they would like increased knowledge regarding royalty legislative requirements, down from 70 per cent in the 2016 survey," Manager Systems and Analysis Vince D'Angelo said.
"This is a strong indication that our clients are across their royalties' legislative responsibilities and up-to-date information from DMIRS is reaching our stakeholders."
Other areas of the survey found that 98 per cent of responders used the Royalties Online software, reflecting similar trends in recent reviews of royalties' returns with the Royalties Management System (RMS).
Of this figure, 91 per cent reported satisfaction using Royalties Online.
Regarding a recent royalties audit, more than 94 per cent of responders agreed the audit team demonstrated courtesy and professionalism with a constructive and positive approach. Importantly, none of the responders disagreed with this statement.
DMIRS will continue to conduct an annual royalties' customer survey as part of its continual improvement strategy.
DMIRS findings presented at the Institute for Geoscience Research (TIGeR)
The findings from a scientific drilling project between the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) and Atlas Iron Ltd were recently presented at an international geology workshop in Perth.
The 'Shock Metamorphism in Terrestrial and Extra-terrestrial Rocks' event was hosted by the Institute for Geoscience Research at Curtin University.
DMIRS' Senior Petroleum Geologist, Dr Peter Haines of the Geological Survey Western Australia (GSWA) said it was a real privilege to be invited to present the department's findings from the 2012 Hickman Crater drilling project.
"Named in honour of GSWA geologist Dr Arthur Hickman following his initial discovery of the site in 2007 using Google Earth, the 260 metre diameter Hickman Crater is situated in the Hamersley Range in the Pilbara and is thought to be between 100,000 and 10,000 years old," Dr Haines said.
GSWA was interested to confirm early suspicions that the newly discovered Hickman Crater was a meteorite impact crater and, in 2012, ran a drilling project in collaboration with Atlas Iron, which was doing some work in the area at the time.
"The 65 metre deep drillhole found that the centre of the crater is filled in by about 48 metres of sediment that was washed in after the crater formed. Below this is a nearly seven metre thick layer of finely smashed up and melted rock that formed the original crater floor, underlain by fractured bedrock," Dr Haines said.
Chemical analysis of the smashed up and melted rock, besides comprising fragments of bedrock, contains traces of material from an iron meteorite.
"The internal structure of the crater is similar to that found at other small meteorite impact craters drilled overseas and confirms that the crater was produced by a meteorite impact," he said.
Dr Haines said he received some really interesting feedback on his presentation in the networking sessions and even some suggestions about what else that could be done with the data in the future.
To understand more about the Hickman Crater and meteorite impacts in Western Australia, please visit the DMIRS website.
GSWA Day promotes high-tech geoscience
Local Goldfields' geologists and industry representatives were out in force last month at the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety's (DMIRS) Geological Survey of Western Australia's (GSWA) regional open day in Kalgoorlie.
DMIRS GSWA Executive Director Dr Rick Rogerson said the event was well attended and the talks were very well received.
"GSWA experts explained core from the Kambalda stratigraphy, the Black Swan nickel deposit and the Lake Raeside impact structure, to name a few," he said.
"We also provided an introduction to the CSIRO-designed and built Hylogger, GSWA's spectral scanner, and ended the day with three talks as part of the Raglan Drilling Geology Lecture Series."
Dr Rogerson said staff presented the latest thinking on some of GSWA's major geological projects in the Eastern Goldfields.
"The delegates appeared particularly interested in the 'Provenance fingerprinting of gold nuggets from the Kurnalpi Goldfield', as it's the first time we've released the information publically," he said.
"The talk on the effort to 'barcode' the Goldfields' stratigraphy using high-quality geochemical analyses of available drill core was also well received."
The next opportunity to hear about Western Australia's geology and the many products GSWA released during the past 12 months is at the GSWA Open Day on 23 February 2018 at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle.
Full event details, including the presentation program for the day, will be available on the department's website in the new year. The event costs $110 and online registration is available at www.dmp.wa.gov.au/gswa2018.
2017 PoW training deemed a real success by industry
A new spatial lodgement system for Programme of Work (PoW) applications has been successfully rolled out to industry this year by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation, and Safety (DMIRS).
Acting DMIRS Deputy Director General Dr Phil Gorey said the new system had been running in parallel with the old PoW system to give tenement holders time to complete the departmental training sessions which have been running since March.
The updated map-based application now allows users to enter their proposed activities by loading existing spatial files or creating spatial files on screen.
"The system conducts automatic checks by intersecting the proposed activities with other data layers of environmental and cultural significance, and alerts the user with the results," Dr Gorey said.
Since its launch in March, POW Spatial application total assessment timeframes have already reduced by 7-10 days, on average, compared to the traditional POW-E and POW-P application methods.
As well as faster processing time and real-time feedback, the new system allows users to upload shape files and gives the department relevant information on the tenement at lodgement stage, rather than the assessment stage.
Feedback from a recent survey indicates industry strongly supports the new functionality with 93 per cent of respondents satisfied to very satisfied with the system, its usability, and the support they received during the training sessions and over the telephone.
Industry members from across Western Australia have also recently completed testing of the PoW Spatial upload functionality.
The scope of the testing included the extension of acceptable upload files to include MapInfo and KML file formats, changes to data upload error messages to ensure they are clear and actionable, the usability of the system and general improvement recommendations for future consideration."
The feedback from this testing has resulted in a number of system changes and these will be integrated in time for the next system release next month.
Dr Gorey said the new system will be mandatory at the end of the 2017-18 financial year for all exploration activities by which time all training will be complete. However, DMIRS will continue to accept Programme of Work prospecting (POW-E) forms in hard copy or online through DMIRS Submissions.
"I would like to thank industry members who have provided feedback on the new POW Spatial system and who attended the POW Spatial Industry Testing in November," Dr Gorey said.
To be involved in similar activities in the future, please register your interest at POWSpatial@dmirs.wa.gov.au.
Government collaboration assisting land use planning
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is working with local government authorities and other State agencies to ensure strategic land use planning decisions are made collaboratively across government, especially in regional towns.
DMIRS Director General David Smith said decisions and recommendations on strategic land use would no longer be made in isolation and the engagement between departments would continue to increase for the benefit of the people of Western Australia.
Mr Smith said the need for more efficiencies in the strategic land use planning process had been a long standing issue.
"DMIRS is working together with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage to cut red tape and work towards better fit-for purpose solutions," Mr Smith said.
The department's Executive Director of Geological Survey WA (GSWA) Dr Rick Rogerson said breaking down the walls and placing the local government authority in the middle of the planning process was important to improve the process.
"It is vital to look at how future mining interacts with town site development plans when we are looking at strategic land planning for the next 50 to 100 years," Dr Rogerson said.
"While the immediate planning focus might be on the next one to five years, the State Government is responsible for the long-term strategic planning.
"By taking a collaborative approach and inviting all the relevant parties to the table, suitable alternatives can be identified, which are sometimes of more strategic benefit than the original proposal."
When approached by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder regarding land for industrial use, the department got straight to work to help find a solution that would support the city and the long-term mining strategy for the region.
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder CEO John Walker said the City was actively pursuing opportunities to increase and enhance industrial development in Kalgoorlie-Boulder as part of the Growing Kalgoorlie-Boulder project.
"The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is working hard to make our city a place where people want to do business. We are looking at ways we can help attract new industry to our region, and particularly to Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and working with the State to help remove constraints, particularly through the application of a Section 19 Mining Act 1978 exemption area on strategic industrial land parcels, which means industry doesn't have to worry about future mining considerations," Mr Walker said.
"Our appeal as a location for future industrial growth lies in the fact that we have so much land available that has access to major services and amenities like roads, rail, gas and electricity, in reasonable proximity to the city centre, and we want to enhance that appeal by working with DMIRS to remove potential constraints and free it up for development other than mining."
GSWA conducted a prospectivity study to identify a suitable area that also considered other features such as existing transport and utility infrastructure.
A significant parcel of land, only 10 kilometres south of the Kalgoorlie city centre was identified and placed under a Mining Act Section 19 exemption, placing it under Ministerial control and possibly making it exempt from future mining.
DMIRS will continue to act as the facilitator between the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the government departments to progress the land for rezoning.