New approvals framework for low risk, low impact mining activities
| Date: | Thursday, 12 January 2023 |
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The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is inviting comment from stakeholders on a draft discussion paper on the Eligible Mining Activity Framework .
The Eligible Mining Activity Framework was introduced as a key feature of the Mining Amendment Bill 2021, which passed the Legislative Council on 20 September 2022 to improve the efficiency of applications and assessments for mining activities.
Under the framework, mining tenement holders will be able to receive automatic authorisation to undertake certain minimal ground disturbance activities, known as eligible mining activities (EMAs).
The intent is that EMAs will be those that pose a low risk to the environment and do not occur in sensitive environments.
DMIRS Resource and Environmental Compliance Division’s Executive Director Karen Caple said that the framework will reduce approval timeframes without compromising Western Australia’s high standard of environmental regulation.
“We are seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed draft criteria and standard conditions that would apply to an EMA – which will ultimately be prescribed in the Mining Regulations – so these activities can be fast-tracked with the assurance they carry little environmental risk.”
More information on the Eligible Mining Activity Framework Discussion Paper and the feedback process can be found on the open consultation page. Feedback submissions close on 10 March 2023.
