Record approval time for Nova discovery

WA’s improved approvals processes will boost the likelihood of the Sirius Resources Nova nickel, copper and cobalt deposit in the Fraser Range commencing as early as 2015. 

Western Australia’s improved approvals processes will boost the likelihood of the Sirius Resources Nova nickel, copper and cobalt deposit in the Fraser Range commencing as early as 2015.

Since the greenfields discovery the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s (DMP) Mineral Title’s division has worked closely with the company to ensure the minimum time possible to grant a Mining Lease for the project.

Mineral Titles Executive Director Ivor Roberts said his division had pulled all stops to process the application in 25 business days, rather than the target period of 65 days, due to the significance of the discovery.

“We are working constantly to reduce the time taken for approvals, and this has been made possible by the introduction of electronic processing of applications,” Dr Roberts said.

DMP’s Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) provided geophysical and geochemical data that assisted in the discovery, while the first diamond drill hole at Nova received co-funding under the Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) scheme.

Sirius’ Managing Director Mark Bennett applauded the efforts of DMP to expedite the granting of the Mining Lease, which was signed off just nine business days after the signing of a Mining Access Agreement with the traditional owners.

He said this was another important milestone in the company’s path to creating the best nickel mine in Australia.

“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the staff of DMP who have this process so efficient, and also the goodwill shown by the department and the Minister for Mines and Petroleum Bill Marmion throughout the past two years,” Mr Bennett said.

Since its inception in 2009, the EIS Co-funded Drilling Program has offered almost $50 million in grants to more than 460 exploration drilling projects.

The State Government’s commitment to explorers under the EIS is expected to reach approximately $130 million by 2016–17.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion recently announced that up to $5 million will be made available through Round 10 of the Co-funded Drilling Program to suitable projects to provide incentives to drill in underexplored areas during 2015.

Media contact DMP: Peter Lewis Phone 9222 3572