The opportunity for resource companies and prospectors to revert applications for mining leases to prospecting or exploration licences will close on February 9.
Resources Minister Francis Logan announced today that the reversion process, which was made possible through last year's amendments to the Mining Act, would give industry representatives a chance to obtain a new prospecting or exploration licence.
Mr Logan said the process would allow companies and prospectors to continue existing exploration programs, rather than proceeding with a more costly mining lease.
"If this offer is not taken up, industry will have to begin lengthy negotiations with native title parties to negotiate the granting of a mining lease application," he said.
"Those companies and prospectors that do take up the offer will have their new licence applications submitted to the accelerated process of the Native Title Act, on the basis that applicants are prepared to enter into a Regional Standard Heritage Agreement for that region."
The Minister said the reversion opportunity, which arose out of recommendations adopted from the 2001 Technical Taskforce Report, was part of the State Government's commitment to reducing the backlog of pending applications for mining tenements.
All applications must be lodged at the relevant Mining Registrar's Office by close of business on February 9.
