A discussion paper on Western Australia’s Eligible Mining Activity Framework has been released, with the framework providing 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.
The Eligible Mining Activity Framework is a key feature of the Western Australian Government’s Mining Amendment Bill 2021, which passed the Legislative Council on 20 September 2022.
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, with feedback submissions closing at on Friday, 10 March 2023.
Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister, Bill Johnston, said, “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.”
