Guidelines released in preparation for Mining Amendment Act 2022
| Date: | Tuesday, 17 December 2024 |
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The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) has released guidelines for developing a Mining Development and Closure Proposal (MDCP).
MDCPs are being introduced as a key feature of the Mining Amendment Act 2022, which is expected to commence in April/May 2025. Once this comes into effect, submitting a MDCP will replace the requirement to provide a Mining Proposal and Mine Closure Plan at the project approval stage, reducing duplication and streamlining decision-making.
The department has released the guidelines now, which aims to clearly identify the content requirements of a MDCP application, to ensure those planning to submit proposals after the commencement date have sufficient time to align with the new requirements.
If a proponent is seeking approval prior to the Mining Amendment Act 2022 commencing in April/May 2025, a Mining Proposal and Mining Closure Plan must still be submitted.
The department worked closely with an industry reference group to develop the guidance material, which was also informed by feedback received from a 12-week consultation period. A Response to Submission document is available here.
For further guidance, a Mining Development and Closure Proposal and Approvals Statement Framework has been released and the department has updated its Environmental Objectives Policy for Mining to align with the new framework.
DEMIRS Resource and Environmental Compliance Executive Director Tyler Sujdovic acknowledged that it will be a period of transition, however, the initiative will improve the efficiency of applications for mining activities in the long term.
“In addition to reducing the duplication of information currently required at the approval stage, we are also ensuring that MDCPs focus on the key information needed to facilitate the approval process,” Mr Sujdovic said.
“We will continue to work towards the second release of Resources Online, which will accommodate MDCP applications, and develop the regulations to support the implementation of the framework.
“The department is also working with our industry reference group to develop a streamlined transition strategy to ensure operations with existing sites can efficiently manage the changeover to the new framework.”
Updated Mine Closure Plan Guidelines and a Small Mining Operations Form that aligns with the new framework are expected to be released in January 2025.
