WA Department of Mines environmental executive director Phil Gorey said the Mining Act remained functional but was no longer adequate.

“This proposal is about modernising environmental laws to ensure that the environment is protected, and that business is not exposed to unnecessary costs,” he said.

“Importantly, these changes will mean that there is greater time spent by department inspectors at mine sites monitoring the environmental performance of miners, and less time trawling through unnecessary paperwork.”

The proposed changes are part of the government’s environmental reform program intended to address duplication in the delivery of regulatory services and align WA standards with other state and national agencies.

“These amendments will increase our ability to introduce risk and outcomes-based environmental regulations,” Gorey said.

“This places the onus on operators to identify and address environmental risks associated with their project.”

Gorey added that the proposed changes would clarify environmental obligations, increase transparency for industry and the community as well as remove unnecessary duplication.

“It will assist industry in proactively identifying and managing environemtnal impacts and risks, and clarify DMP’s role in environmental regulation,” he said.

The government said it would continue to consult with stakeholders on details of the amendments before they were implemented.

A consultation paper is available on the department’s website and includes information for making a submission.