The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has published a draft discussion paper on the Eligible Mining Activity Framework.
The Framework was introduced as a key feature of the Mining Amendment Bill 2021, which passed the Legislative Council last September.
The aim of the legislation is to improve the efficiency of applications and assessments for mining activities.
Executive Director of the DMIRS’ Resource and Environmental Compliance Division, Karen Caple said that under the framework, mining tenement holders would be able to receive automatic authorisation to undertake certain minimal ground disturbance activities, known as eligible mining activities (EMAs).
“The intent is that EMAs will be those that pose a low risk to the environment and do not occur in sensitive environments,” Ms Caple (pictured) said.
“The Framework will reduce approval timeframes without compromising Western Australia’s high standard of environmental regulation.”
She said DMIRS was seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed draft criteria and standard conditions that would apply to an EMA — which would ultimately be prescribed in the Mining Regulations.
“We are doing this so these activities can be fast-tracked with the assurance they carry little environmental risk,” Ms Caple said.
Submissions close on 10 March.
More information on the Eligible Mining Activity Framework discussion paper and the feedback process can be found at this PS News link.
