The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) has released guidelines for developing a Mining Development and Closure Proposal (MDCP).
MDCPs are being introduced as a key feature of the Mining Amendment Act 2022, which is expected to commence in April/May 2025. Once this comes into effect, submitting a MDCP will replace the requirement to provide a Mining Proposal and Mine Closure Plan at the project approval stage, reducing duplication and streamlining decision-making.
The department has released the guidelines now, which aims to clearly identify the content requirements of a MDCP application, to ensure those planning to submit proposals after the commencement date have sufficient time to align with the new requirements.
If a proponent is seeking approval prior to the Mining Amendment Act 2022 commencing in April/May 2025, a Mining Proposal and Mining Closure Plan must still be submitted.
The department worked closely with an industry reference group to develop the guidance material, which was also informed by feedback received from a 12-week consultation period. A Response to Submission document is available here.
