The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) in Western Australia has unveiled new guidelines for developing Mining Development and Closure Proposals (MDCPs), marking a significant shift in the state’s mining approval process.
These guidelines, released in anticipation of the Mining Amendment Act 2022, are set to revolutionise the way mining projects are approved and managed in the region.
The introduction of MDCPs is a cornerstone of the Mining Amendment Act 2022, expected to take effect in April or May 2025.
This new approach will consolidate the current requirements of submitting separate Mining Proposals and Mine Closure Plans into a single, comprehensive document.
The move is designed to reduce redundancy and expedite decision-making in the mining sector.
Tyler Sujdovic, DEMIRS Resource and Environmental Compliance Executive Director, emphasised the long-term benefits of this change.
“In addition to reducing the duplication of information currently required at the approval stage, we are also ensuring that MDCPs focus on the key information needed to facilitate the approval process,” Sujdovic stated.
The development of these guidelines was not done in isolation.
DEMIRS worked closely with an industry reference group and incorporated feedback from a 12-week public consultation period.
This collaborative approach ensures that the new guidelines are both practical and aligned with industry needs.
While the new system promises increased efficiency, DEMIRS acknowledges that there will be a transition period.
The department is proactively addressing this by:
- Releasing guidelines well in advance of the Act’s commencement
- Developing a streamlined transition strategy for existing operations
- Working on the second release of Resources Online to accommodate MDCP applications
- Developing supporting regulations for the new framework
To support the mining industry through this transition, DEMIRS has also released several complementary documents:
- A Mining Development and Closure Proposal and Approvals Statement Framework
- An updated Environmental Objectives Policy for Mining
- Forthcoming updated Mine Closure Plan Guidelines and a Small Mining Operations Form, expected in January 2025
These resources aim to provide comprehensive guidance to the industry as it adapts to the new regulatory landscape.
The introduction of MDCPs represents a significant step forward in Western Australia’s mining regulation, promising to streamline processes while maintaining robust environmental and closure planning standards.
As the mining sector prepares for these changes, the early release of guidelines and ongoing industry collaboration signals a proactive approach to this regulatory evolution.
