Published Monday, 13 August, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Minister for Mines and Energy
The Honourable Geoff Wilson
Submissions on review of mining laws close soon
Groups and individuals interested in Queensland’s mining industry have until Friday to have their say on the review of the state’s Mineral Resources Act and the Fossicking Act.
Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said submissions for the review of the Mineral Resources Act 1989 and the Fossicking Act 1994 would close on Friday 17 August.
Mr Wilson said the Mineral Resources Act was the principal legislation that regulated exploration and mining in Queensland.
“It is being reviewed for the first time in 17 years so that it meets the demands and challenges of a 21st century mining industry.
“Public workshops in Brisbane and eight regional centres were organised by the Department of Mines and Energy. The workshops have provided good feedback to the government on ways to improve both Acts to bring them in line with today’s modern mining industry,” Mr Wilson said.
“Issues raised at the workshops included stewardship of the state’s resources, appropriate periods for retention of tenure, access to land, streamlining the grant process and recognition of the small mining industry.
“People who work in the industry are best placed to give the government advice on how to move forward in shaping the new Acts, and that’s why these workshops were valuable,” Mr Wilson said.
The Minister said that as well as reviewing the legislation, ways to improve the administration of the Act would be also investigated.
Groups and individuals 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 Department of Mines and Energy regional offices or the department’s website www.dme.qld.gov.au
The discussion paper covers the current and possible future environment for the exploration and mining industry, overall policy objectives, key concepts and administration of the legislation.
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: 3225 1819