The introduction today of legislation to introduce a duties model in the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 is an opportunity to reform the current works approval process which is considered complex, uncertain and is creating long timeframes for mining developments.
The Bill proposes to amend the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 to reform the legislative framework for the management of risks related to mining and extractive industries in Victoria, providing for a new general duty regulatory model.
The Bill proposes to remove the requirement that person holding a mining licensc, prospecting licence or extractive work authority to provide work plans for Department Head’s approval; but retains the requirement to lodge a rehabilitation plan. The general duty approach requires certain consequential features, including new notification obligations.
As far as reasonably practicable, it requires a person eliminate or minimise any risk posed to the environment, to any member of the public or to land, property or infrastructure by exploration, extractive industry, mining or rehabilitation of land or any related activity.
Minerals Council of Australia Victoria said the Bill has the potential to create a more efficient approvals and variations process while maintaining high community and or environmental standards in Victoria.
MCA Victoria Executive Director James Sorahan said they have outlined the current maze of approvals and Victoria ranks last in Australia in the most recent Fraser Institute survey of mining perceptions, particularly on timeframes for approvals.
“The reforms proposed in the legislation are overdue.
“MCA Victoria has been calling for reforms to the workplan system and is supportive of the legislation passing Parliament with close consultation with industry on the subsequent regulations.
“As global demand for minerals increases, Victoria has the opportunity to produce more of the minerals and metals essential for the transition to low carbon economies such as lithium, copper, mineral sands and rare earth elements.
A modern, efficient approvals process is essential to Victoria adding to this growth industry and creating jobs in regional areas to supply the world with mineral resources.
