Approval improvements make steady inroads on backlog and streamlining system

The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) has maintained its quick turnaround in assessing mining exploration approvals in the past 12 months, despite a doubling of the number of applications received.

The DMP's latest figures show 70 per cent of applications were assessed in less than 30 days.

In the first quarter of 2009, DMP received less than 300 applications. Figures for the latest quarter show that almost 600 applications were received.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said the State Government had greatly streamlined and improved the approvals system since taking power.

"The DMP has been publishing quarterly data on its performance against internal timeline targets since 2009," Mr Moore said.

"In an effort to provide more relevant information to industry on the length of time it takes to obtain particular approvals, the department has begun reporting on 'whole of process' timelines.

"These timelines incorporate not only the time taken for those parts of the process under DMP's direct control, but the time taken for input from other government agencies or where additional information is required from applicants to complete the approvals process. 

"The action taken by DMP to not only improve its own processes, but work with other key approval agencies to ensure industry is provided with timely response to their applications, is helping provide greater levels of certainty for development  planning."

The Minister said changes within DMP and the adoption of the Government's Lead Agency concept were key contributors to the department's performance at a time of very high levels of activity in the minerals exploration sector.

"Dr Tim Griffin's appointment as inaugural Deputy Director General Approvals is one reform and indicates the importance the area now receives from the State Government," he said.

"The establishment of the Lead Agency framework has also been an important step, leading to an increased level of interagency co-operation, which positively flows through to approvals performance.

"A recent example of interagency co-operation is the Lead Agency Working Arrangements Agreement (April 2010) reached by the directors general of DMP and the Department of Indigenous Affairs."

The introduction of online applications across a growing number of areas related to mining project approvals was another important factor in the department's improved performance.

"The online approvals process is being used by more and more companies," Mr Moore said.

"This technology has streamlined the application process and frees up staff previously tied up with the paperwork inherent in a manual process.

"The DMP is working to expand online lodgement facilities for other key approval processes, as part of a program of continuous improvement of its services."