❓ Hon Neil Thomson questions the Minister for Mines and Petroleum regarding concerns about increasing restrictions and costs for mining exploration, the number of permits issued, and a report on Aboriginal heritage and native title. The Minister acknowledges concerns and provides permit numbers, stating the report is under cabinet consideration.
AnsweredQoN 194Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Mining and exploration sector
194. Hon Neil Thomson to
the Minister representing the Minister for
Mines and Petroleum:
I refer to the
concerns raised by the mining and exploration sector about the increasing
restrictions, red tape and cost to access land for mining exploration.
(1) Is the minister aware of these
concerns?
(2) How many mining exploration permits
have been issued this year to date?
(3) Has the minister read the report on
Aboriginal heritage and native title provided to the state by the National
Native Title Tribunal that has now been with the government for several weeks?
(4) When will the government release the
report for industry review?
194. Hon Neil Thomson to
the Minister representing the Minister for
Mines and Petroleum:
I refer to the
concerns raised by the mining and exploration sector about the increasing
restrictions, red tape and cost to access land for mining exploration.
(1) Is the minister aware of these
concerns?
(2) How many mining exploration permits
have been issued this year to date?
(3) Has the minister read the report on
Aboriginal heritage and native title provided to the state by the National
Native Title Tribunal that has now been with the government for several weeks?
(4) When will the government release the
report for industry review?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member
for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided to me
by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum.
(1) The minister engages regularly with
stakeholders from the resources sector and the Department of Mines, Petroleum
and Exploration (DMPE).
(2) For the period 1 January 2026 to
17 March 2026, the following permits were granted: 177 exploration
licences and 271 prospecting licences.
(3)–(4) The government has received the report
and its findings will be considered by cabinet.
for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided to me
by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum.
(1) The minister engages regularly with
stakeholders from the resources sector and the Department of Mines, Petroleum
and Exploration (DMPE).
(2) For the period 1 January 2026 to
17 March 2026, the following permits were granted: 177 exploration
licences and 271 prospecting licences.
(3)–(4) The government has received the report
and its findings will be considered by cabinet.
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