Mining sector turnaround

A 40 per cent rise in project applications with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety last year has provided another signal of a turnaround in the mining sector. 

The department recorded 2,575 ‘Program for Work’ applications in 2017, compared with 1,799 the previous year.

The figures are in line with the Environmental Protection Authority’s announcement in December that the number of significant projects needing assessment had risen 50 per cent in 2017.

Association of Mining and Exploration Companies chief executive Warren Pearce said the numbers supported the consensus of a turnaround.

“Today’s announcement reinforces a mounting body of evidence that the Western Australian mining and mineral exploration industry is growing and confidence is returning,” he said.

“It is important the government works with industry to build this momentum. 

“Today’s statistics show that DMIRS has the capacity to reduce approvals timeframes, and support industry to create new jobs, revenues for local communities and royalties for the state.”