Release of new statutory guidelines for mining proposals and mine closure plans

Statutory guidelines take effect from 3 March 2020.
Date: Tuesday, 11 February 2020

The revised and more ‘streamlined’ Statutory Guidelines for mining proposals and mine closure plans prepared by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) will take effect from Tuesday 3 March 2020.

All mining proposals and mine closure plans submitted on or after Tuesday 3 March 2020 must meet the requirements identified in the Statutory Guidelines.

The guidelines are approved by the Director General under section 70O(1) of the Mining Act, and, as such, form part of the statutory requirements.

The Statutory Guidelines are supported by an Environmental Objectives Policy and two guidance documents that provide further information on how to prepare a mining proposal and mine closure plan.

DMIRS reviewed the mandatory requirements for mining proposals and mine closure plans in response to industry feedback. The review process included public consultation and information sessions in Perth, Bunbury and Kalgoorlie. DMIRS released a response to submissions on the draft documents in December 2019 and finalised the documents based on this feedback.

The Statutory Guidelines, along with Streamline WA’s Mining Environmental Approvals project, form part of the Western Australian Government’s broader range of reform initiatives to improve the approvals processes for mineral and energy resource activities.