The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is examining a recent Warden’s Court decision relating to Pantoro South Pty Ltd’s objection to an exploration licence application by True Fella Pty Ltd.
On 18 August, the Warden determined that True Fella’s exploration application was invalid, referring to the Section 58 Statement included with the application.
DMIRS will be examining the decision in detail, including any potential impact on the current guidelines provided regarding Section 58 of the Mining Act.
DMIRS continues to ensure the security of title and integrity of the register is of prime importance in the administration of the resources industry in Western Australia.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said the WA Government is taking this matter very seriously, and will act to ensure certainty and security of tenure for proponents.
“This will include any steps necessary to ensure the validity of granted exploration licences.”
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA Acting Chief Executive Rob Carruthers said the commitment from the Minister will provide the certainty required by industry in light of this case, saying it was important explorers were not subject to application requirements for exploration licences which become so onerous that they serve as a barrier to undertaking effective exploration.
“While it’s understandable that applications for exploration licences under the Mining Act 1978 require sufficient evidence of planned work and expenditure schedules, it also needs to be understood that exploration is a high-risk activity that often delivers little or no reward,” Mr Carruthers said.
“It would be extremely difficult for an explorer to practically map out such a schedule over a period of five years, no matter the size of their operations or the resources at their disposal.
“Exploration is at the heart of everything the WA mining and resources sector does and without it projects small, major and all sizes in between simply wouldn’t get off the ground.
“It’s clear from the Minister’s comments that the Government has a full appreciation for the realities of exploration industry – which is both long run but fundamentally reliant on agility and short term results.
“These projects generate significant jobs and economic benefits, so without exploration communities right across WA are worse off.”
