WA cuts mining approval delays
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The Western Australian Government has completed a major overhaul of its digital environmental approvals system for the resources sector, with the final release of the Resources Online platform now live.
The launch marks the completion of the migration of core mining and petroleum environmental lodgements from the legacy Environmental Assessment and Regulatory System to a new digital platform designed to streamline approvals and reduce regulatory burden.
Resources Online forms a key part of the WA Government’s Fast Tracking Mining Approvals program and expands the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration’s spatial and digital capabilities.
According to the Government, the platform is already delivering faster assessment outcomes for industry.
Streamlined digital workflows and automation have reduced the average assessment time for major Mining Development and Closure Proposals by around 50 per cent, cutting wait times from 58 business days to 25 days.
More than 200 Eligible Mining Activities have also been lodged through the platform, removing an estimated 1600 business days from assessment timelines. Around 100 Approval Statements have been issued under the new Mining Development and Closure Proposals framework.
The final stage of the rollout was completed on June 9, when online submissions for Native Vegetation Clearing Permits, Environment Plans and Oil Spill Contingency Plans were permanently transferred to the Resources Online portal.
Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael said the platform was delivering on the Government’s commitment to modernise approvals processes while maintaining environmental standards.
“Resources Online is not just a technology upgrade; we are reducing red tape and giving industry the regulatory certainty it needs to make major investment decisions,” Michael said.
“While we are fast-tracking applications, we will not compromise the rigorous environmental standards, community expectations or the vital interests of Traditional Owners that help protect our State.”
The Government said Resources Online provides a secure, digitally advanced gateway for environmental applications and is expected to improve efficiency and certainty for mining and petroleum proponents across Western Australia.
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