Mine expo visitors can access review information

Visitors to Rockhampton’s QREX will be able to talk to officers from the Department of Mines and Energy on the review of Queensland’s mining legislation.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson announced a major revamp of the state’s mining legislation last week.

“Staff will be on hand to discuss the review on Thursday,” Mr Wilson said.

"The Mineral Resources Act 1989 is the primary legislation that covers the mining industry in Queensland.

“We want to make sure our laws stay relevant to this dynamic industry.

Mr Wilson said the review would canvass issues such as minerals exploration, extraction and processing.

“The staging of the Expo is timely in that we can promote stakeholder involvement in the review,” Mr Wilson said.

“Everyone in the industry has an opportunity to take part in the review.

Mr Wilson said the discussion paper covered current and possible future environment for the exploration and mining industry, the objectives of the legislation and mining tenures.

Mr Wilson said the Mineral Resources Act 1989 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 Department of Mines and Energy would also be seeking feedback on the Fossicking Act 1994.

Copies of the review discussion paper are available from www.dme.qld.gov.au. Submissions to the review close on 17 August 2007.

Media Inquiries: Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332