The Queensland government has announced a review of regulations for novice miners with the aim of encouraging more investment into the sector.
State minister for natural resources and mines Andrew Cripps attended a mining conference in Mackay today (July 24) where he spoke about the importance of boosting investment in the junior mining sector.
With an emphasis on lowering application costs and streamlining applications, the six month review will look at strategies in which to lower overheads for resource workers, including those completing mining apprenticeships in Queensland.
Mr Cripps said the commitment to junior miners was important for the continued growth and investment into the state’s thriving resource sector.
He commented: “Exploration today helps discover the mineral and petroleum resources that deliver the mines and jobs of tomorrow.”
According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data, a record $1.434 billion was injected into the Queensland mining sector for exploration from March 2011 to March this year.
“This ongoing strong performance means Queensland accounted for approximately 21 per cent of all exploration activity in Australia over the 12 months to March,” Mr Cripps explained.
The government’s review of regulation for junior miners will consider lower application costs for junior resource workers, a revised coal seam gas water management policy, new legislation to support the gasfields commissioner and the publishing of new guidelines supporting the royalties for regions program.
DT: The Queensland government has announced it will review legislation for junior miners to encourage more investment into the field.
