Agriculture
5 July, 2023
Miners support approval modernisation
MINING law reform in Victoria would modernise legislation but maintain regulations and standards, said Minerals Council Victoria executive officer James Sorahan. Mr James Sorahan said legislation to introduce a duties model in the Mineral Resources...
MINING law reform in Victoria would modernise legislation but maintain regulations and standards, said Minerals Council Victoria executive officer James Sorahan.
Mr James Sorahan said 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 complex, uncertain and is creating long timeframes for mining developments”.
However, the reforms will not apply to a proposed $20 million exploration near Mitiamo.
Catalyst Metals has submitted work plans for the tunnel and has been in discussions with the Government since late last year negotiating the process for approval.
The new legislation was introduced last week and if passed by State Parliament, would apply from 2026 after new regulations and codes of conduct are approved.
Mr Sorahan said: “A new general duty model for mine approvals will modernise Victoria’s mining permitting legislation and follows the introduction of the general environmental duty in the Environment Protection Act 2017.
“It has the potential to create a more efficient approvals and variations process while maintaining high community and or environmental standards in Victoria.”
He said the minerals council had outlined the current maze of approvals to the Government that saw Victoria rank 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,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Sorahan said the minerals council was hoping for an approval process “that is as efficient as possible”.