A new approach to resource sector approval performance reporting

New ‘whole of approval’ reporting will provide further efficiencies
Date: Monday, 07 May 2018

The Department of Mines Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has developed a new approach to resource sector approval performance reporting. DMIRS will continue to report on its performance, but will also report on the time the department, other agencies and the proponent have taken.

Senior Advisor Graham Cobby said the department’s new ‘whole of approval’ reporting will assist proponents with project approval planning and highlight opportunities for further efficiencies.

“As part of our new approach, each quarterly report will focus on selected application types and trends,” he said.

“The March 2018 report focuses on mineral exploration Programme of Work applications.”

In the first quarter 2018, the department received 762 Programme of Work applications and finalised ninety six percent of finalised applications within the target timeline of 30 business days. This is more than the 640 applications submitted in the first quarter 2017, and the second highest quarterly total received by the Department since 2011.

Mr Cobby said the increase in applications was in part due to more favourable economic conditions for investment in exploration.

“Positive investment conditions were also accompanied by an increased interest in gold and lithium, and this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future,” he said.

You may view the full first quarter 2018 Approval Performance Report online.