New framework supports streamlined approvals for mining activities

Alternate authorisation pathway for eligible mining activities will improve timeframes without compromising environmental outcomes.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston today announced the release of a discussion paper on the Eligible Mining Activity Framework.

The Eligible Mining Activity Framework is a key feature of the McGowan Government’s Mining Amendment Bill 2021, which passed the Legislative Council on 20 September 2022.

This framework provides an alternate pathway for authorisation for certain minimal ground disturbance activities, referred to as eligible mining activities (EMAs).

EMAs are activities that pose a low risk to the environment, are located outside of sensitive environments and can be managed through the imposition of standard conditions.

Under the EMA Framework, tenement holders will be able to receive automatic authorisation to undertake activities identified within an EMA without formal assessment by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback on the EMA Framework Discussion Paper, which outlines the draft criteria for what may constitute an EMA.

For more information visit https://www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/content/open-consultations.

Feedback submissions will close at 5pm on Friday, 10 March 2023.

Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:

“The EMA Framework is a key feature of the Mining Amendment Bill 2021 that reflects the McGowan Government’s commitment to streamline approvals for mining activities in Western Australia.

“The Framework will improve approval timeframes for certain low-impact activities, increasing the attractiveness of the State for exploration, without affecting our robust environmental protections.

“To mitigate any environmental risk, it is important that there is a clear understanding of what constitutes an EMA and we look forward to input from all stakeholders.”