McGowan Government examining solutions for miners
15 September 2017
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McGowan Government examining solutions following Forrest & Forrest case
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The mining industry can be reassured this is a high priority
The McGowan Government is examining legislative solutions to provide
assurance to the State's
mining industry following the High Court
decision last month on the Forrest & Forrest case.
On August 17, the High Court found the process of granting mining lease
applications was flawed.
The Mining Act 1978 requires a mining lease application to be
accompanied by either a mining proposal or a mineralisation report.
In this case, both applicants lodged mineralisation reports after the
mining lease applications were lodged, but before the applications were
considered.
No interested party was disadvantaged by allowing the documents in
question to be lodged separately.
This has created uncertainty around existing mining tenements that may
have been granted under a similar process since 2006.
The McGowan Government is exploring legislative solutions to overcome
the uncertainty created by the High Court's ruling, including the
legislation operating retrospectively if it proves necessary.
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
"The High Court decision has created uncertainty among the mining
industry, especially regarding the security of tenure for major iron ore
and gold projects.
"I can assure the industry we're taking this matter very seriously.
"The State Government is acting swiftly to ensure certainty and security
for mining operations."
--ENDS--
Source: Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au
Contact: Minister's office - 6552 6700
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