Submitting a MDCP
Prior to undertaking any activity for the purpose of, or in preparation for, mining operations or carrying out mining operations on a tenement granted under the Mining Act, the activities must be included in a MDCP, approved under section 103O(1) of the Act and recorded on an Approvals Statement. Activities must be undertaken in accordance with the Approvals Statement or prior approvals documentation.
As of 9 September 2025, all applications must be submitted in line with the Guideline for preparing Mining Development and Closure Proposals.
The Mining Development and Closure Proposal Framework supersedes the 2020 Statutory Guidelines, Guidelines for Mining Proposals in Western Australia (2006), Guidelines for Mining Proposals in Western Australia (2016) and Guidelines for Mine Closure Plans (2015). For further information please see the MDCP and Approvals Statement framework document.
MDCPs must be submitted electronically through Resources Online.
The Approvals Statement are made publicly available through Resources Online public search.
Before mining activities are to commence, please be aware of your obligation to carry out the mining operation in accordance with the provisions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 and Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022.
Duties under this legislation require the mine operator to provide notice of commencement to the regulator for a mining operation. Mine operators are required to establish and implement a mines safety management system prior to the commencement of mining operations including construction.
Further information can be found at Mining and exploration notices - WorkSafe – LGIRS.
Mine Closure Plans
As of 9 September 2025, a Mine Closure Plan (MCP) is required to be prepared in accordance with DMPE’s updated Guideline for Preparing Mine Closure Plans.
A standalone MCP is no longer required at the project approval stage under the new MDCP framework, however, they will still be required during the life of a mining operation and will function as an important planning tool to demonstrate an operation is tracking towards successful closure in-line with DMPE Environmental Objectives.
Small mining operations
Applications for small mining operations can be undertaken using the Mining Development and Closure Proposal for Small Mining Operations form (MDCP Small Operation form).
The MDCP Small Operations form cannot be used as a mechanism to seek approval for amendments or extensions to sites or projects that are not considered small mining operations.
Key elements of the environmental regulatory framework under the Mining Act 1978 relevant to small mining operations are outlined in DMPE’s Policy Small Mining Operations.
Useful resources and technical guidance
Show moreUseful resources
Risk assessment template
Mining Development and closure proposal tables
MDCP scoping document
Technical guidance
Guide to departmental requirements for the management and closure of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) - August 2015
Fauna Egress Matting and Ramps - March 2012
Acid Mine Drainage - September 2009
Care and Maintenance - September 2009
Waste Rock Dumps - August 2021
More information
Show moreSterilisation report / Backfilling Pits
This report must be completed where any resources are likely to be sterilised by backfilling and submitted to Geological Survey.
Mining Lease Applications
Hard copy Mining Proposals will not be accepted unless submitted in support of a Mining Lease Application (MLA) to the Resources Tenure.
For answers to frequently asked questions on the MDCP framework please visit Mining Development and Closure Proposal and Approvals Statement Framework FAQs
Frequently asked questions
For answers to frequently asked questions on the MDCP framework please visit Mining Development and Closure Proposal and Approvals Statement Framework FAQs
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