NT pledges to speed up mining sector approvals times

NEW Mining Minister Nicole Manison has pledged a regulatory environment that provides certainty for new and existing Territory mine projects

German ore-sorting tech­nology from Steinert adapted in a world first for iron ore on the large stockpile at the Frances Creek mine, which is 250km south of Darwin. PICTURE GARY SHIPWAY

NEW Mining Minister Nicole Manison has pledged a regulatory environment that provides certainty for new and existing Territory mine projects when it comes to regulatory timelines, cuts red tape and makes the NT a competitive and attractive place to invest.

In front of 240 Territory miners, explorers and business stakeholders, the Deputy Chief Minister Ms Manison promised to reduce assessment and approval time frames – especially for relatively low risk activities such as exploration, without compromising environmental outcomes.

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Ms Mansion said her department has been active in reviewing mining management plans requirements and processes under the Mining Management Act 2001.

The Mining Minister cited a pipeline of 17 mining projects in various stages of approvals, with the combined potential to deliver $5.8bn in capital expenditure, up to 5700 jobs during construction and up to 3000 jobs in operation, as proof of the importance of the sector to the Territory’s economic recovery.

Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister and Mining and Industry Minister Nicole Manison. Picture: SUPPLIED

“Many of these projects represent the opportunity for the Territory to become a major supplier of the commodities needed for future hi-tech and low emissions industries, such as lithium, rare earths, vanadium and copper,” Ms Manison said. “The department is now finalising a second round review of the exploration Mining Management Plan, again with a view to streamline this process as much as possible. I want Mine Management Plans to be streamlined and I want more certainly around assessment timelines. I don’t want companies submitting kilos of unnecessary paperwork.

“I want this to be a better process so we attract more investment here in the Territory and we are seen as a leader in the global resources industry.”

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Minerals Council Australia’s general manager industry positioning and engagement Simon Troeth said that the MCA and its member companies appreciate the Deputy Chief Minister’s attitude, energy and enthusiasm to work with them.

“With the NT government’s support and more rapid decisions on projects we can provide more jobs, more community partnerships, more skills to benefit the whole economy and more exports,” he said.