Legislation: Environmental Laws Amendment Bill tabled

A National Environmental Laws Amendment Bill introduced in Parliament this week among other things seeks to clarify a raft of provisions in the legislation concerned with implications for mining rights applications – as well as activities associated with prospecting, exploration and the primary processing of mineral and petroleum resources, reports Legalbrief Policy Watch.  Issues addressed include: environmental management plans; mitigating the impact of residue stockpiles and deposits; setting aside sufficient funds for progressive rehabilitation; and managing post-mine-closure environmental impacts. In the context of government’s commitment to a more streamlined system for securing the various permits entailed, the Bill also provides for the simultaneous submission of environmental authorisation and mining rights applications.