WA introduces streamlined exploration approvals through new Eligible Mining Activity notices

By Staff Writer on September 14, 2025
ESG, Regulatory Adherence, Environmental Permits, Legislative Updates, Risk, Risk Assessment, Risk Mitigation, Exploration, Geoscience data visualisation and analytics, Exploration technologies and methodologies
Australia, Western Australia

The Western Australian Government has introduced a new authorisation pathway for low-impact exploration and prospecting, with tenement holders now able to lodge an Eligible Mining Activity (EMA) notice under the Mining Act 1978.

The changes, administered by the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE), allow companies to begin minimal disturbance activities once an EMA notice has been submitted via Resources Online, offering an alternative to the traditional Programme of Work process.

Scope of activities

Exploration activities covered under an EMA include drilling (and associated pads and sumps), shallow excavations up to four metres deep, and access tracks to support these works. Each notice can cover up to two hectares of disturbance and 1,000 tonnes of excavated material.

A maximum of two EMA notices can be active on a tenement at any one time, and no more than five may be lodged per financial year. Beyond this, applicants must revert to the Programme of Work process.

Conditions and exclusions

The DMPE has outlined strict environmental conditions. Activities must avoid damaging riparian vegetation, large trees, and native flora where possible, with proponents required to minimise and mitigate clearing impacts.

Excluded areas include environmentally sensitive sites, reserves, and freehold land. Exploration in these zones will continue to require a Programme of Work.

Rehabilitation obligations

All ground disturbance under an EMA must be rehabilitated within 12 months. Completion notices are required within three months of works being finished, and an EMA is not considered complete until both rehabilitation and lodgement of the notice are finalised.

Regulatory context

The EMA process is governed by the Mining Regulations 1981 and does not override obligations under other legislation. Tenement holders remain responsible for securing approvals where excess tonnage, heritage, or additional impacts are involved.

The reforms, updated on 8 September 2025, are intended to reduce administrative burden for low-impact exploration while maintaining environmental safeguards.

For more, click here.

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