Announced today, a new fee system will see charges of $A6950 introduced for each mining proposal application submitted and $590 for program of work applications. Mining proposals can last the life of the mine, while programs of work last for four years.

However, in a boost for the state's juniors, exploration or prospecting work deemed to be low impact will be exempt from fees.

Under this change, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said activities disturbing less than 0.25 hectares outside on land not classified as a reserve would not draw a fee.

"We continue to work with explorers and prospectors to ensure these charges will not be an unfair burden," he said.

Marmion said the new application fees were introduced to ensure the state's high environmental standards were met.

"These fees are being introduced to help meet those standards and ensure the mining industry retains its strong community support to continue building our state's future," he said.

He said the fees were significantly lower than first proposed during the consultation process, and were very competitive when compared with other states.

"While direct comparisons can be difficult, the other major mining state, Queensland, charges an annual exploration fee of $1800, with annual mining fees of up to $76,000," he said.

Marmion said the new fee structure was part of the Reforming Environmental Regulation program, which is forecast to save the WA resources industry more than $30 million a year.

The new fee system will begin on July 1 and is expected to contribute $2.7 million per annum towards managing applications.