The Mining Amendment Act 2022 (the Act), passed Parliament in September 2022. The Act modernises the mining approval process and allows for easier administration of compliance with conditions of approval.
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is progressing a number of projects to support the implementation of key aspects of the Act.
In December 2022, a discussion paper on the Eligible Mining Activity (EMA) Framework, which is a new form of authorisation for certain minimal disturbance activities, was released for stakeholder review and feedback. The discussion paper provided an overview of the EMA Framework and presented draft criteria for what may constitute an EMA.
A number of submissions on the discussion paper were received, and DMIRS published a response to submissions in June 2023. The submissions will inform the drafting of amendments to the Mining Regulations to establish the framework. Once drafted, amendments to the Mining Regulations will be subject to further consultation and there will be an opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback on the EMA framework.
In March 2023, DMIRS released a discussion paper on its Mining Development and Closure Proposal (MDCP) and Approvals Statement Framework. This framework will reduce duplication and create efficiencies in assessment processes and approval document preparation, as well as monitoring compliance with approvals. In conjunction with releasing the discussion paper, DMIRS held a number of stakeholder information sessions to present on the new framework. These sessions were well attended and gave the department the opportunity to address stakeholder feedback and queries. DMIRS is now in the process of developing a response to submissions, which will be published on the department's consultation page once available.
DMIRS thanks all stakeholders who have provided feedback throughout this process, and looks forward to continuing engagement as implementation of key features of the Act progresses.
