MINERALS INDUSTRY ACTION PLAN

The NSW Government today released its response to the Minerals Industry Action Plan (MIAP), prepared by the Minerals Taskforce, to increase competitiveness and provide safe, sustainable growth for a sector that is the backbone of the NSW economy.

The MIAP made 12 recommendations across three broad areas:

• A transparent process and integrated policy that provides certainty for mining companies investing in NSW;
• Consolidating fees and charges; and
• Developing skills and providing support infrastructure to foster a vibrant mining sector.

Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy, Anthony Roberts, said the NSW Government was pleased to receive such a comprehensive report and is already implementing many of the recommendations.

“We are committed to securing and sustaining the state’s mineral resources and have been working to achieve greater transparency, accountability, competitiveness and efficiency in the allocation, access and use of those resources,” Mr Roberts said.

“A package of legislation recently passed by the NSW Parliament will allow the government to continue to implement its commitments under the Coal Exploration Steering Group (CESG), the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Walker Report into Land Access and Arbitration.

“This included the new Strategic Release Framework for assessing regions across the state for potential exploration following an assessment of economic, environmental and social factors with community consultation conducted upfront.

“I would like to thank Rob Adamson, who chaired the Minerals Taskforce, its members and all those who contributed to the development of the MIAP.”

The minerals industry is a significant contributor to the NSW economy. The sector’s annual production is valued at $21 billion, generates export revenues of $19.6 billion and is the state’s largest export.

The sector employs more than 20,000 people directly and around 160,000 people indirectly.

Royalty revenue to the NSW Government is $1.3 billion and the NSW Coal Industry supplies the fuel for 80 per cent of the state's electricity generation.