The Western Australian government is taking significant steps to bolster the state’s mining industry by expediting approvals and streamlining processes.
The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) has made substantial progress by finalising 313 Program of Work applications last month, effectively reducing the backlog and cutting assessment wait times from 16 to seven business days.
These applications are crucial as they are required before exploration activities can commence.
In an effort to further streamline the approval process, DEMIRS is set to launch its Resources Online digital solution next month.
This initiative is part of the government’s digital transformation program aimed at simplifying the approvals process, enhancing customer experience, and improving data collection and business intelligence.
A notable feature of this rollout is the trial of the Eligible Mining Activity framework, which will fast-track applications that meet specific criteria, thus improving efficiency in the approvals process.
Additionally, the WA government continues to support the state’s explorers through the Exploration Incentive Scheme’s (EIS) Co-funded Drilling Program, with Round 30 opening this week.
The previous round saw a strong focus on battery minerals exploration, with 57 per cent of the projects targeting commodities like rare earth elements, lithium, and nickel-cobalt.
The funding available ranges from $40,000 to $220,000, and the EIS has awarded over $215 million since its inception in 2009.
Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael emphasised the importance of exploration for future mine development in Western Australia, highlighting the government’s commitment to making the approvals process more efficient.
He also praised the success of the Co-funded Drilling Program in supporting explorers and facilitating significant mineral discoveries across the state.
