Amendments to government approval processes for mining and exploration

Both the Queensland and New South Wales governments have recently made announcements about reducing approval time frames and cutting red tape for exploration and mining.

Queensland – Faster approval process for exploration permits

The Queensland Government has announced a new approval process for exploration permit (EP) applications which aims to reduce the time it takes for an EP to be granted.

The key changes that have been announced by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) are:

• Applicants will be formally advised within 90 days of lodgement whether their proposed exploration works program has been approved or rejected. This gives explorers the opportunity to begin consultation about their exploration program with landholders and local governments, without waiting for the EP to be granted.