PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government has proposed changes to the state’s Mining Act, in the hope of clarifying environmental responsibilities.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum on Friday released a consultation paper to outline the proposed changes, saying these were an important part of the department’s environmental reform programme.

Environment division executive director Dr Phil Gorey said the amendments to the Mining Act would increase the state’s ability to introduce risk- and outcomes-based environmental regulations, while also improving regulatory effectiveness and removing unnecessary duplication from the approval processes.

“The proposed changes will provide certainty to the mining industry and reassure the broader community that the environment is being appropriately managed by the resource sector of Western Australia.”

He added that the amendments placed the onus on operators to identify and address environmental risks associated with their projects.

“It will also assist industry in proactively identifying and managing environmental impacts and risks, and clarify the department’s role in environmental regulation.”

Gorey said the changes would deliver better environmental outcomes, and would mean that Western Australia was well-placed to regulate the impacts of mining into the future.

“The Mining Act is functional and has been adequate up until now. However, this proposal is about modernising environmental laws to ensure that the environment is protected, and that business is not exposed to unnecessary costs.”

The amendments included the consolidation of environment obligations, consolidating regulatory powers for monitoring and compliance, and clarifying the processes for environmental approvals.

“Importantly, these changes will mean that there is greater time spent by departmental inspectors at mine sites monitoring the environmental performance of miners, and less time trawling through unnecessary paperwork.”

The department would consult with stakeholders on the detail of the amendments before they are implemented. Submissions on the proposed amendments must be received by April 2.