The State’s mining industry wants a faster solution to the delays and a growing backlog of mineral exploration licences that has developed in the wake of new Clearing of Native Vegetation regulations.
The State’s mining industry wants a faster solution to the delays and a growing backlog of mineral exploration licences that has developed in the wake of new Clearing of Native Vegetation regulations.
According to the Association of Mining & Exploration Companies, since the new regulations came into effect, in July, some 150 exploration applications have been lodged, however, only five have been processed.
Under the Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations which came into effect in July, a mineral exploration company must lodge an application to explore with the WA Department of Industry and Resources.
However, before DoIR can approve the application, an approval from the Department of Environment regarding the clearing of native vegetation must also be obtained.
AMEC chief executive Justin Walawski called on the West Australian State Government to bring some urgency to resolving the extraordinary delays, particularly those related to the clearing of native vegetation.
Miners are reportedly fuming about the delays.
Mr Walawski said applications should be processed by one authority and exclusions should exist for “run-of-the mill applications” that do not involve extensive clearing of native vegetation a
nd that meet an agreed code of practice. He added that it was critical that appropriate resources be allocated to the relevant government department to manage the new process.
He said the mining and exploration industry supported monitored and responsible land clearing but the new regulations had captured more than was intended.
“The urgency in finding a solution is something AMEC considers paramount because the backlog is reaching disastrous levels with no solution in sight.’
State Development Minister Clive Brown said the mining industry had raised the subject with him, however, it was the Department of Environment’s responsibility.
A spokeswoman for Environment Minister Judy Edwards said the relevant mining industry groups had been consulted extensively about the new regulations.
It is understood a code of practice is being developed that would exclude mining companies to apply for a land-clearing permit for exploration.
This is expected to be in place mid-way through next year.
The WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy external relations director David Parker acknowledged the delays, however, he was more positive about change.
“We are cautiously optimistic,” he said
He said while the chamber had been seriously concerned about delays arising from the new regulations, it had been working with the Department of Environment and Department of Industry and Resources to resolve the issue. However he said it was important the delays were corrected as soon as possible.
“At a recent WA Business News Mining Forum the approvals process was highlighted as a major issue by some of the State’s miners.
More recently, the Government has implemented some recommendations from the Keating Review of the Project Approvals System conducted almost three years ago.
