About the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration

The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) was formed on 1 July 2025.

DMPE oversees the regulatory and policy requirements of the resources sector. The department plays a critical role in building the State’s economy and ensuring mineral and petroleum resources are developed in a sustainable and responsible way. 

The department works collaboratively with industry, government, community organisations, peak industry bodies and other stakeholders to provide fair and transparent regulatory practices that balance economic growth with environmental conservation – for the benefit of current and future generations.

Director General – Chris Shaw

Chris Shaw was announced as the inaugural Director General for Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration on 10 June 2025. 

Prior to this, Chris held the role of Deputy Director General Approvals at the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. Chris has a track record of leading government organisations through complex change and delivering high priority government reforms, including the recent comprehensive Vogel McFerran reforms to streamline environmental approvals in Western Australia.

Previous roles include Deputy Director General – Hydrogen and Future Fuels at Queensland Department of Energy and Public Works where he was responsible for advancing the hydrogen and future fuels industries, Executive Director – Georesources Policy at Queensland Department of Resources where he was responsible for policy direction for the resources sector, and Executive Director – Onshore Gas Reform at the Northern Territory Department of Environment and Natural Resources where he led reforms for the onshore gas industry.

Our structure

Our organisational structure is comprised of the following groups:

Geological Survey of Western Australia

As a trusted, world-leading geological survey, the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) provides objective and authoritative geoscientific data, information and services to support the responsible use of the State’s natural resources.

GSWA builds geological understanding of the State by acquiring and synthesising pre-competitive data, and utilising collaborative research and strategic partnerships, reducing risk for explorers and increasing the attractiveness of Western Australia as a destination of choice for resource companies.

Some of their projects include the Abandoned Mines Program, the Exploration Incentive Scheme, and WA Array.

Resource Tenure

Resource Tenure is responsible for administering the granting and management of mineral and petroleum titles, and facilitating access to land for resource exploration and production in Western Australia.

Resource and Environmental Compliance

Resource and Environmental Compliance is responsible for assessing the environmental requirements for resource industry activities under the Mining Act 1978, Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967, Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 and Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.

The function is also responsible for regulating activities across the lifecycle of a resource operation to ensure environmental compliance and implementation of best practice environmental management under the Mining Act and Petroleum Acts.

Aboriginal Empowerment Unit

The Aboriginal Empowerment Unit was established to administer the Aboriginal Empowerment Initiative. This ensures policies, practices and procedures around mining activities are developed in a culturally respectful way. It also seeks to develop formal pathways for Aboriginal people to contribute to the way that resource development is regulated.