Greens back NT mining changes

Changes to mining approval processes have been met with lukewarm support by the sector. Read what the changes are.

Changes to the Territory’s mining laws have received lukewarm support from a key industry stakeholder.

The NT Minerals Council offered “qualified support” for the changes the government said would improve the Territory’s environmental management of mining activities and provide greater certainty for industry.

The government hopes proposed changes to the Environment Protection Act will further shore up environmental impact assessments and approval processes for NT miners and mining activity.

Gove’s bauxite mine

The proposed bill introduces a new three tier licensing system to manage mining activities, extends existing compliance and enforcement powers under the Environment Protection Act and amends the Mineral Titles Act 2010 to improve the ‘fit and proper’ person test under that Act and to introduce a ‘notice to commence or continue activities’ following payment of the mining security.

The Bill repeals the Mining Management Act and moves regulatory responsibility from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade to the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security.

Minerals Council of Australia executive director Cathryn Tilmouth said the industry was already committed to delivering sustainable developments while providing jobs and revenue.

Glencore’s MRM employed over 1000 people throughout 2021. Photo Shane Eecen

“The modern mining industry is committed to delivering sustainable developments, that care for the environment, while providing the jobs and revenue the Territory needs,” Ms Tilmouth said.

“The Legislation that regulates the industry will only ever be as good as the officers interpreting and administering it.

“If there isn’t a cultural shift towards being proportionate to risk and focused on outcomes, then the NT economy and Territorians suffer.

“To grow the NT mining industry there needs to be certainty for operators and investors.

“The changes to the mining legislation needs to provide this certainty by ensuring there are clear definitions, time frames, and processes in place that are understood by both operator and regulator.”

Environment, Climate Change and Water Security Minister Lauren Moss. Picture: Contributed

Environment Centre NT applauded the changes, describing them as “once-in-a-generation” mining reform.

“This is overdue and much-needed reform for the Northern Territory,” ECNT executive director Kirsty Howey said.

“The regulation of mining in the NT has long been a laughing stock, characterised by a complete lack of transparency and a community perception of industry capture, resulting in a series of environmental disasters and a complete lack of public trust.”

She said it was “heartening” to see the NT government reform mining activities.

“As we look down the barrel of a critical minerals mining boom in the NT, these reforms are an important step towards ensuring mining is properly regulated,” she said.

Environment Minister Lauren Moss said the legislative changes are “contemporary, streamlined and effective”.

Submissions and feedback close 4pm, Monday September 18.