MINES and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore has announced the formation of a 12-member industry working group, chaired by former resources minister Peter Jones, to advise on ways to improve the state’s exploration and development approvals process.The group’s member list reads like a who’s who of mining and resources in Western Australia.Deputy chairman John Bowler, the current member for Kalgoorlie and former mines minister, will be joined by members of the mining and resources fraternity, including representatives from major players such as Apache Energy, BHP Billiton and The Griffin Group. Joining Messrs Jones and Bowler is Apache Energy’s government and public affairs manager, David Parker, formerly a director with The Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) for six years, until he left the position in June this year.BHP Billiton’s vice-president government affairs, Ian Fletcher, is also part of the government committee.Noel Ashcroft, chief executive government relations and market development for The Griffin Group is also part of the newly formed group