Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:43:44 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx BHP Billiton Iron Ore's Rapid Growth Project Four mining hub opens in Newman http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132734 Content:

Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore today opened the Newman mining hub - a key component of BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s US$1.85billion Rapid Growth Project Four.

 

The hub is the latest in a long line of achievements for BHP Billiton’s Western Australian iron ore operations.

 

“Starting with its operations at Yampi sound in 1951, BHP Billiton has played a key role in developing iron ore mining in WA,” Mr Moore said.

 

“Last financial year, the company exported 126 million tonnes of iron ore from WA, and it is no surprise that its contribution to this resource sector has been instrumental in elevating Australia to its status as the world’s largest iron ore supplier.”

 

The Minister said that in 2008-09, WA produced a record output of 316 million tonnes of iron ore valued at $33billion - making iron ore the State’s most valuable resource.

 

He also said BHP Billiton was leading the charge of significant iron ore expansions planned in WA over the next few years.

 

“Rapid Growth Project Four will lift the company’s WA capacity to 155 million tonnes of iron ore per annum from the first half of calendar 2010 and represents an investment of US$1.85billion,” Mr Moore said.

 

He also noted that BHP Billiton already had its $4.8billion Rapid Growth Project Five in the pipeline - a development expected to lift the company’s iron ore capacity by another 50 million tonnes in the second half of the 2011 calendar year.

 

“The Pilbara will experience considerable growth as a result of these expansions,” the Minister said.

 

“The State Government is modernising and transforming communities in the region through the $300million Pilbara revitalisation plan in order to meet this challenge.

 

“A four-year Royalties for Regions allocation will focus on town centre redevelopment and improving council amenities and will also support improved electricity infrastructure, housing, indigenous community programs and water utilisation.”

 

Minister's office - 9422 3000
Date: 4/11/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Mines and Petroleum
Region: Pilbara
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:32:19 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132734 Media response - Kimberley oil spill http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132698 Content:
Questions asked by:  WIN TV
 
Subject:  Kimberley oil spill
 
Question:

One conservationist has also criticised the State Government for offering leases along the Kimberley coast from Broome to Cape Leveque, from high tide mark to three nautical mile limit. He says a spill in that sort of area would be disastrous. Just wondering if you'd like me to say anything in response to that?

 

Minister's Response:

“This strip of coast was offered as acreage for exploration under the previous Labor Government. The offer has since lapsed as a result of not receiving any expressions of interest.

 

“Suggestions that a future spill could occur in this area are completely hypothetical and pointless to speculate about in the face of facts relating to the current situation.”

 

Minister's office - 9422 3000 

 

Date: 26/10/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Mines and Petroleum
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:20:46 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132698 Minister extends moratorium on environmental bonds for resource sector http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132662 Content:

The State Government will extend an existing moratorium on a rate rise for environmental bonds for the Western Australian mining industry.

 

The moratorium’s extension will see standard environmental bond rates remain unchanged until the end of 2010 to help the resource sector weather the global economic crisis.

 

Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said extending the moratorium on the bond increase was a responsible policy decision given economic recovery was still under way.

 

“The State Government continues to monitor the economic climate and while there are increasing signs of recovery there is a need to foster this recovery rather than introduce additional cost pressures at this time,” Mr Moore said.

 

Environment bonds were first introduced to the State’s mining sector in the late 1980s as added assurance against companies failing to adequately rehabilitate mine sites.

 

The Liberal-National Government put the initial moratorium in place shortly after last year’s election to help mining companies ride out the economic downturn.  The existing moratorium was due to expire in December 2009.

 

The Minister said it was unlikely that environmental bond rates would remain at their current levels and that the State Government planned to look at tougher rules to ensure industry met its obligations to rehabilitate mine sites.

 

“We want to encourage responsible resources development in WA. Increased environmental bonds will be a part of future requirements for the mining sector,” he said.

 

“However, we cannot entirely rely on bonds to deliver good environmental outcomes and that is why I have asked the Department for Mines and Petroleum (DMP) to consider what other powers need enforcing to complement a rise in environmental bonds rates.

 

“DMP will liaise with industry representatives and other stakeholders over the next 14 months to ensure that future arrangements achieve good environmental outcomes without unnecessarily constraining development in the mining industry.”

 

Minister's office - 9422 3000
Date: 21/10/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Mines and Petroleum
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:16:59 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132662 Media response - Uranium mining http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132540 Content:

Questions asked by:  The Australian

 

Subject:  Speculation on the timeline of uranium mining beginning in WA.

 

Minister's response:

“The feedback the State Government has received from companies in the uranium sector in Western Australia is that they are keen to develop identified resources.

 

“Mega Uranium (Lake Maitland) has indicated to the Department of Mines and Petroleum that it wants to be in production by early 2012.

 

“Toro Energy (Lake Way) would like to see production begin by the end of 2012 or early 2013 and BHP’s Yeelirrie development - which is also subject to the BHP Board’s own approval – has flagged a start-of-production deadline of 2014 to DMP.

 

“It would be good if these deadlines are met. But at this point in time, as Minister for Mines and Petroleum, I take a more conservative view and believe it may take longer for these developments to begin.

 

“The State Government has promised to deliver world’s best practice to govern the uranium industry in Western Australia. Each proponent will have to meet the most stringent environmental, safety, workplace and other development approvals.

 

“I believe it may take each company a bit longer than they have indicated to work their way through this rigorous process.

 

“Nevertheless I remain confident that Western Australia will have an operating uranium mine within 3-4 years.”

 

Minister's office: 9422 3000

Date: 25/09/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Mines and Petroleum
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 29 Sep 2009 03:46:33 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132540 Petroleum breaks records as resources exploration rebounds http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132521 Content:

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released this week show spending on mineral and petroleum exploration in Western Australia is recovering after dipping badly in the wake of the global financial crisis.

 

The figures show petroleum exploration in WA and adjacent Commonwealth waters was worth a record $817.4million for the June 2009 quarter (in original dollar terms).

 

Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said this brought WA’s percentage of national petroleum exploration spending to 80.3 per cent for the quarter.

 

“This is first time it has topped 80 per cent since at least 1994 and confirms WA’s position as the centre of the Australian petroleum sector,” Mr Moore said.

 

“WA now attracts $2.95billion, or 77 per cent of total Australian exploration spending for petroleum on an annual basis.”

 

Spending on minerals exploration in WA during the June quarter fell by 3.6 per cent in seasonally adjusted terms.

 

“The State Government expected a fall in mineral exploration spending during the June quarter as commodity markets continued recovering from the past year’s economic turmoil. However, there are encouraging signs for the future,” the Minister said.

 

The drop in spending was lower than the national decrease of 5.6 per cent and much lower than the 22 per cent decline in WA for the first quarter of 2009.

 

In original dollar terms there was a 77 per cent rise in exploration spending for uranium, a 34 per cent increase for iron ore and a 10 per cent increase for gold.

 

“The trends indicate WA has turned a corner in exploration spending,” Mr Moore said.

 

“WA’s percentage of national mineral exploration expenditure has increased from 51 per cent in mid 2007-08 to 56 per cent in the 2008-09, a total of $1.25billion.

 

“Despite these encouraging trends, greater exploration effort is needed to make new discoveries and sustain the industry in the long-term.”

 

Minister's office  - 9422 3000
Date: 23/09/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Mines and Petroleum
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:54:45 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132521 State’s buoyant resources sector rides out financial crisis with 19 per cent rise http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132505 Content:

The value of Western Australia’s mineral and petroleum industry bucked the global trend in the financial year ending June 2009, by rising 19 per cent to $71.3billion.

 

Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s (DMP) latest mineral and petroleum statistics had revealed the remarkable result.

 

“The value of WA’s mineral and petroleum industry has risen by a significant amount despite the worst financial crisis the world has experienced since the Great Depression,” Mr Moore said.

 

“Iron ore sales accounted for almost half of the sector’s value with $33.6billion and the petroleum sector accounted for 30 per cent, or $21.3billion.

 

“Within the petroleum sector, the sales value of LNG rose by a sizeable 67 per cent to a record $8.5billion and the gold sector increased by 25 per cent to $5.2billion as nervous investors flocked to the precious metal.

 

“This growth is also underpinned by strong levels of investment with the total value of new capital expenditure by the State’s mining industry amounting to $22.8billion, a 34 per cent increase to the previous financial year.”

 

The Minister said DMP figures showed WA was still the nation’s economic powerhouse.

 

“This State contributed about 46 per cent of Australia’s total value of mineral and petroleum sales in 2008-09,” he said.

 

“In terms of total merchandise exports, which include mineral and petroleum exports, WA led the nation by contributing 38 per cent, or $86.8billion, towards Australia’s total merchandise exports.

 

“In comparison, Queensland contributed 24 per cent, New South Wales 17 per cent, and Victoria nine per cent.

 

“WA’s mineral and petroleum industry is clearly leading Australia through the current financial gloom.”

 

Mr Moore said despite the strong result, the resources industry had faced challenges with falling commodity prices, production levels and some job losses.

 

“The department’s statistics show there were 67,865 persons employed in the sector in June 2009, which was four per cent lower than June 2008,” he said.

 

“At its peak in October 2008, the State’s mining sector employed 77,528.

 

“Although there have been challenges, WA’s resources industry is still a major employer with estimates that one in five employees are directly or indirectly involved in resource sector activities.”

 

The latest mineral and petroleum statistics are available on the DMP website http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/1518.aspx or phone 9222 3660.

 

Minister's office  - 9422 3000
Date: 20/09/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Mines and Petroleum
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:42:22 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132505 Minister acknowledges industry excellence in environmental arena http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132470 Content:

Improved drilling and research into seismic activities in coral reef environments and innovative recycling programs were tonight recognised at the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s Golden Gecko Awards for environmental excellence.

 

Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore, who presented the awards, said the respective drilling and recycling projects of winners Woodside and Sodexo were highly deserving.

 

“The companies’ individual efforts have added to Western Australia’s collective scientific and industrial knowledge on how best to manage and protect our sensitive environment,” he said.

 

“Woodside’s research into the effects of ocean-based seismic and drilling reservoir appraisal on coral reef environments and Sodexo’s sustainable alternative to waste management at remote mining villages will benefit the whole State.”

 

Woodside’s research demonstrated that a seismic survey would not adversely impact on coral fish behaviour or damage fish hearing.

 

“The company engaged marine science expertise from Australia and the United States for the research,” the Minister said.

 

“It also refined existing drilling techniques to capture well cuttings and drilling fluids in order to dispose of them away from sensitive coral areas.”

 

Sodexo’s remote sites resource recovery program aimed to provide a sustainable alternative to existing waste management practices for mining villages in Australia’s remote areas.

 

“Through educating mine workers and recycling, the company reduced by 1,275 cubic metres the amount of waste going to landfill for the 12 clients adopting the program,” Mr Moore said.

 

“Sodexo is developing initiatives beyond recycling and is using waste canola oil converted to biodiesel to operate an onsite vehicle in the Goldfields.

 

“It is also organising the appropriate collection and disposal of incandescent globes and printer cartridges.

 

“The efforts of these companies stand as a benchmark for the resources industry and I am confident they will inspire others to strive for environmental excellence.”

 

Minister's office: 9422 3000

Date: 10/09/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Mines and Petroleum
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:52:17 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132470 Minister defends State Government approach to approvals system reform http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132454 Content:

Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore has defended the State Government’s approach to reforming the approvals system in Western Australia’s resources sector.

 

Mr Moore’s comments followed the release of industry results gathered by the Resourcestocks Magazine for the World Risk Survey 2009 which identified WA a high risk for resources industry investment.

 

“When this Government came into power it very quickly identified that WA’s approvals processes were less than efficient and that industry was demanding change,” he said.

 

“This Government consulted with industry and established a working group that could identify ways to improve the existing system. This was never going to be a quick fix.

 

“But this Government remains focused on delivering significant improvements - not just some minor adjustments that will have little long term benefits.”

 

The Minister said the State Government was currently reviewing the recommendations of the working group’s report, which was tabled in August.

 

In tandem with the review process, the Department of Mines and Petroleum had also implemented some approval reform initiatives including:

 

·          establishing approval timeline targets for key mining and petroleum approvals

·          publishing quarterly resource sector approval performance measures (since January 1, 2009)

·          completing a review of the Memorandum of Understanding with the EPA which provides more certainty for industry (June 2009)

·          establishing an approvals application tracking systems for mining and petroleum proposals (announced by Mr Moore  on June 23, 2009)

·          provision of an upgraded online petroleum and geothermal register (PGR) system - the first such online system in Australia (June 2009).

 

In April this year, the State Government announced its $80million Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) initiative to boost mineral and petroleum exploration in WA and encourage exploration throughout greenfield and frontier areas during the next five years.

 

The Minister said WA had also consulted with other States and Territories regarding approval and regulatory reform.

 

“Industry has supported the changes that this State Government has already initiated,” he said.

 

“I expect the resources sector will continue to work closely with the State Government to ensure any reform measures for WA will bring real efficiency improvements.

 

“I remain confident that WA will steadily improve on these industry survey tables over the coming years to outrank some of the top performers of today.”

 

Minister's office - 9422 3000
Date: 8/09/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Mines and Petroleum
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:44:07 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132454 Media response - Approvals process http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132570 Content:

Questions asked by:  Geraldton Guardian

 

Subject:  Approvals process

 

Question 1:

The report blames the State’s approvals process and a lack of exploration for WA being the riskiest state, and says the State government had done little to change the landscape following recommendations made last year. What is the Department’s response to this suggestion?

 

Minister’s response:

The State Government has committed to $80million Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) initiative to boost mineral and petroleum exploration in Western Australia to encourage exploration throughout the State’s greenfield and frontier areas during the next five years.

 

In November last year the Government established a working group to consult with industry and identify a clear path forward for improvement by establishing a working group to provide recommendations. The working group report was tabled in August and the recommendations are under review.

 

Since November 2008, the Department of Mines and Petroleum has also implemented a range of approval reform initiatives, which include:

  • establishing approval timeline targets for key mining and petroleum approvals
  • publishing quarterly resource sector approval performance measures (since 1 January 2009)
  • completing a review of the Memorandum of Understanding with the EPA. this provides more certainty for industry (June 2009) 
  • establishing an approvals application tracking systems for mining and petroleum proposals (announced by Minister Moore 23 June 2009)
  • provision of an upgraded online petroleum and geothermal register (PGR) system - the first such online system in Australia (June 2009)

These reforms have been well received by industry. Additional work is being conducted to further streamline approval processes.   

 

Question 2:

Has the government set a timeline to start introducing changes recommended to the government last month by the minister’s working group?

 

Minister’s response:

The Government is currently considering the recommendations of the Industry Working Group Report. Government will make announcements at the appropriate time.

 

Question 3:

Can a reasonable change to the State’s approvals process be made in one year? 

 

Minister’s response:

Yes. A range of administrative initiatives can be implemented rapidly to provide more certainty, reduce overlap and duplication of processes and improve approval timelines. 

 

Question 4.

New South Wales was named the least risky state in Australia for mining investment. Why does the government think this is the case and could WA adopt any practices from NSW to improve the state’s approvals process?

 

Minister’s response:

Western Australia is in contact with other States and Territories regarding approval and regulatory reform. There are a number of regulatory initiatives and practices in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory that have been considered by the WA government. Compared to the other jurisdictions, WA receive very high numbers of applications for mineral and petroleum activities and tenure. For example, typically WA receives over 2000 mineral exploration applications per annum. NSW would receive considerably less than this. It can be difficult to compare approval processes between jurisdictions given the nature and volume of WA applications.

 

Minister's office - 9422 3000

Date: 8/09/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Mines and Petroleum
Region: Mid West
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:59:24 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132570 Media response - approvals process http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132701 Content:

Questions asked by:  Geraldton Guardian

Subject:  Approval process

Question 1.

The report blames the State’s approvals process and a lack of exploration for WA being the riskiest state, and says the State government had done little to change the landscape following recommendations made last year. What is the Department’s response to this suggestion?

Minister's response:

The State Government has committed to $80million Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) initiative to boost mineral and petroleum exploration in Western Australia to encourage exploration throughout the State’s greenfield and frontier areas during the next five years.

 

In November last year the Government established a working group to consult with industry and identify a clear path forward for improvement by establishing a working group to provide recommendations. The working group report was tabled in August and the recommendations are under review.

 

Since November 2008, the Department of Mines and Petroleum has also implemented a range of approval reform initiatives, which include:

  • establishing approval timeline targets for key mining and petroleum approvals
  • publishing quarterly resource sector approval performance measures (since 1 January 2009)
  • completing a review of the Memorandum of Understanding with the EPA. this provides more certainty for industry (June 2009)
  • establishing an approvals application tracking systems for mining and petroleum proposals (announced by Minister Moore 23 June 2009)
  • provision of an upgraded online petroleum and geothermal register (PGR) system - the first such online system in Australia (June 2009)

These reforms have been well received by industry. Additional work is being conducted to further streamline approval processes.   

 

Question 2.

Has the government set a timeline to start introducing changes recommended to the government last month by the minister's working group.

 

Minister's response:

The Government is currently considering the recommendations of the Industry Working Group Report. Government will make announcements at the appropriate time.

 

Question 3.

Can a reasonable change to the state's approvals process be made in one year? 

 

Minister's response:

Yes. A range of administrative initiatives can be implemented rapidly to provide more certainty, reduce overlap and duplication of processes and improve approval timelines. 

 

Question 4.

New South Wales was named the least risky state in Australia for mining investment. Why does the government think this is the case and could WA adopt any practices from NSW to improve the state's approvals process?

 

Minister's response:

Western Australia is in contact with other States and Territories regarding approval and regulatory reform. There are a number of regulatory initiatives and practices in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory that have been considered by the WA government. Compared to the other jurisdictions, WA receive very high numbers of applications for mineral and petroleum activities and tenure. For example, typically WA receives over 2000 mineral exploration applications per annum. NSW would receive considerably less than this. It can be difficult to compare approval processes between jurisdictions given the nature and volume of WA applications.
 
Minister's office - 9422 3000
Date: 8/09/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Mines and Petroleum
Region: Mid West
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:29:41 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132701