New procedures to support mining industry during COVID-19

• Key focus on transitioning to online services

Acting on feedback from industry, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston has asked the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) to streamline administrative procedures to the maximum extent possible to support the mining sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resulting changes and new or revised guidance will ensure continuity of service for important functions involving industry.

A key focus is encouraging stakeholders to use DMIRS’ online services rather than lodging physical documents.

For example, DMIRS will accept electronic signatures on documents, which are not required to be witnessed or sworn, and other tenement-related documents will be emailed where possible.

The Minister continues to speak regularly with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, and the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association to discuss key priorities and issues.

This announcement follows the McGowan Government reducing the Mines Safety Levy, from 21 cents per billable hour to 17 cents, to provide relief to mining companies from July 1.

For more information on the changes, visit https://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/About-Us-Careers/DMIRS-makes-administrative-26978.aspx

Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:

“The streamlining of these administrative procedures is another example of the McGowan Government and industry working together to identify opportunities to better support them during this challenging time.

“The mining sector has been co-operative and compliant in response to the measures the Government has put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Maintaining a strong resources sector will be critical in ensuring our State and the wider Australian economy are well-positioned to bounce back when the global economy recovers from this pandemic.”