Consultation is open for a discussion paper that seeks to simplify the approval processes for Western Australia’s mining sector, the Mining Development and Closure Proposals (MDCP) and Approvals Statements framework.
The aim of the discussion paper is to streamline regulation, increase efficiency in application processes, and improve compliance management.
The MDCP will be a single document that increases the efficiency of applications for mining operations and the assessment of these operations by removing the duplicate information required under the current process. The addition of an Approvals Statement will further reduce duplication by combining approved activities and conditions of a mining operation in one document.
The twelve week public consultation follows the introduction of the Mining Amendment Bill 2021, which passed the Legislative Council in September 2022. This legislation is a key part of the Western Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to reduce red tape and make it easier to do business in the state.
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback as these responses will inform the framework’s development and the drafting of potential amendments to the Mining Regulations 1981.
Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister, Bill Johnston, said, the Western Australian Government remains committed to ensuring best-practice regulatory frameworks are in place that facilitate responsible resources development.
“We very clearly recognise that an efficient and effective regulatory framework is essential for providing industry with the certainty required to make investment decisions,” Mr Johnston said.
“While we are working hard to streamline the regulation of Western Australia’s mining sector, at no point will we compromise on environmental and social standards.”
The public consultation closes at 5pm on 1 August 2023.
