Queensland’s mining laws under review

Queensland’s Mineral Resources Act is headed for a major overhaul, Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said today.

Minister Wilson said the act was being reviewed for the first time in 17 years to make sure it met the demands and challenges of a 21^st century mining industry.

“The Mineral Resources Act 1989 is the principal legislation that regulates mining exploration, extraction and processing in the state,” Mr Wilson said.

“There have been major changes and incredible growth in the mining industry since the Act came into being in 1989. We’re in the grip of a resources boom and we need to move with the times,” he said.

“We want to create a new Mineral Resources Act that is best practice, relevant to a modern mining industry and one that supports and strengthens our $25 billion industry.

Mr Wilson released a Discussion Paper today giving stakeholders three months in which to comment.

The discussion paper covers the current and possible future environment for the exploration and mining industry, the objectives of the legislation and mining tenures.

“Today’s modern mining environment has a broader focus that takes into account the rights and interests of those affected by the mining industry, as well as economic development imperatives.

“We’re taking a responsible approach so that we can deliver greater certainty and a more sustainable mining sector.”

Mr Wilson said that as well as reviewing the legislation, ways to improve the administration of the Act would be also investigated.

“Issues, such as more streamlined procedures for mining and petroleum tenure processing, improved mining title registration and management, better security of tenure and the transfer of mineral rights, will all be addressed.

“We need to ensure effective stewardship of the mineral resources owned by the people of Queensland for present and future generations.”

Mr Wilson said the MRA review did not include the royalties’ regime, the mining-related provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and the respective State and Commonwealth native title acts.

Stakeholders and other interested parties can obtain a copy of the discussion paper ‘Review of Queensland mining legislation’ for the Mineral Resources Act 1989 and the Fossicking Act 1994 from DME regional offices or the department’s website www.dme.qld.gov.au

All stakeholders are encouraged to respond to the issues raised in the discussion paper and to contribute to the review of the Mineral Resources Act and the Fossicking Act.

Closing date for comments is in three month’s time. Comments can be sent to minlegreview@dme.qld.gov.au or Mining Legislation Review, Department of Mines and Energy, PO Box 15216 City East, Qld 4002 or to fax: (07) 3238 3188.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819