The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME) welcomes today's State Government announcement that eligible Programme of Work (PoW) applications will be assessed within a single business day as part of a trial authorisation process for low impact mining activities.
The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety's (DEMIRS) new Eligible Mining Activity (EMA) framework will streamline PoW approvals for mining activities that pose a low threat to the environment and occur outside of sensitive areas.
CME Acting Chief Executive Officer Adrienne LaBombard said reducing barriers to low-risk exploration activities was a sensible approach that would deliver improved outcomes for both the environment and for business.
"A streamlined pathway for low-risk PoWs will help accelerate exploration activity, helping secure a future pipeline of resource projects critical to maintaining WA's economic success," Ms LaBombard said
"This kind of approach should speed up project assessments across the board while also freeing up resources to focus on more complex applications, which will deliver better outcomes for both the environment and for business.
"CME looks forward to working with DEMIRS throughout the trial to ensure the settings are adjusted to maximise efficiency gains."
An approved PoW is required prior to explorers or prospectors conducting any ground disturbing activity with mechanised equipment.
As part of the trial, tenement holders will receive automatic authorisation to undertake eligible mining activities after they lodge a mandatory EMA notice, with the notice subject to a standard set of prescribed requirements.
CME supports the EMA concept and provided submissions to DEMIRS supporting development of the pathway, specifically seeking an expansive approach to its application to maximise its impact.
