The Legislative Council passed the Mining Amendment Bill 2022 last 27 October, ensuring the continued security of Western Australia’s (WA) mineral titles system.
The Mining Amendment Bill 2022 will enhance regulations of WA’s resources sector by reducing administrative procedures and ensuring the security of titles and licences.
One of the most significant modifications in the Bill is the use of the most recent and accurate geodetic datum – GDA2020. This action will guarantee that mining tenements’ coordinates align with the most recent standard, which Global Navigation Satellite Systems also use.
These systems are crucial for applications such as in-vehicle navigation, mechanised mining operations, and surveying that rely on precise satellite positioning.
The new laws enable an applicant to apply for a mining lease without first marking out the area if they can establish that they are unable to access the site due to circumstances beyond their control. Natural catastrophes or calamities, industrial disputes, or declarations of a State of Emergency are examples of such situations.
While the area must still be marked off, the Mining Act modification allows for more flexibility in the application procedure.
Another change will be the authority to charge a fee for lodging objections in the Wardens Court; this matches with other Mining Act provisions that allow for a price to be levied for document lodgement. Any fees imposed in the future will be subject to industry and community input.
A small change to tenement contact provisions will allow information to be delivered electronically, assisting the government’s digital transformation and service simplification.
Following the passage of the Bill, work on establishing the accompanying rules will begin. The changes are planned to take effect in mid to late 2023.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said the Mining Amendment Bill 2022 is a continuation of the McGowan Government‘s commitment to providing greater certainty to WA’s mining sector.
“We will continue to work with industry and the community to further streamline administrative processes and improve regulatory practice in WA,” Minister Johnston stated.
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