A trial to assess a new authorisation process for low impact mining activities in Western Australia has started this week, with some approvals to be assessed within a single day.
The eligible mining activity (EMA) framework trial is seen as a responsible way for the WA Government to evaluate a significant change to its environmental assessment regime in the mining sector.
The state Government’s intent is to streamline the approval of eligible mining activities that pose a low risk to the environment and do not occur in sensitive areas. This will aim to ensure the activities remain subject to a robust regulatory framework.
As part of the government’s ‘Fast-Tracking Mining Approval’ reforms introduced in 2022, the trial will run until the framework is implemented later this year.
During this time, the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety will assess programs of work under the Mining Act that meet the eligibility criteria within one business day.
“While we are working hard to streamline mining approval processes, at no point will we compromise on environmental and social standards,” WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael said.
“I firmly believe these regulatory reforms for low-impact mining activities will boost mineral exploration across the state without impacting WA’s robust environmental protections.”
Once the trial is over, tenement holders will be able to get an automatic authorisation to undertake eligible mining activities after they lodge a mandatory EMA notice. These notices will be subject to a standard set of prescribed requirements.
Exploration kicks off
The WA Government also announced yesterday that Round 31 of the Exploration Incentive Scheme’s (EIS) co-funded exploration drilling program and Series 8 of the energy analysis program opened yesterday.
Recent successes from co-funded drilling Rounds 28 and 29 include Rincon Resources’ Kiwirrkurra project in the west Arunta region of WA, which targeted geophysical anomalies for niobium and rare earth element mineralisation.
Reverse circulation drilling has also identified significant total rare earth oxides mineralisation at several prospects, encouraging further exploration efforts.
“The EIS program continues to drive discoveries of critical minerals, supporting the Western Australian Government’s long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050,” Michael said.
“WA is a world leader in mineral exploration, so it is pleasing to see the positive results and critical mineral discoveries achieved by successful applicants from previous rounds.”
