Western Australia’s regulatory and safety frameworks designed to assist mining developments have been highlighted at a presentation at Australia’s largest mining event – the International Mining and Resources Conference in Melbourne.

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Director General David Smith told delegates attending the Global Opportunities session at IMARC that WA was a mining and energy powerhouse.

WA accounts for 53 per cent of Australia’s mineral and energy exports and is the world’s largest producer of iron ore, second-largest producer of LNG and third-largest producer of gold.

“A clear and consistent regulatory framework provides industry with the certainty required to make investment decisions,” Mr Smith said.

“A transparent approvals process accounts for the environment, health and safety and other land users, is critical for ensuring sustainable development.

“WA’s regulatory framework has transitioned from prescriptive regulation towards objective-based and risk-based regulation.”

Mr Smith while there was talk the mining boom in WA has passed “the picture we have is that the mining sector is alive and well”.

He said the facts and figures inspired confidence.

The WA Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation said in its September iron ore industry update that there was $16.6 billion of major iron ore projects under construction or committed and $41.6 billion under consideration in June this year.

Rio Tinto is developing the Koodaideri deposit by late 2021 to reach production of 360 million tonnes a year and has approved a $44 million pre-feasibility study into Koodaideri Phase 2;  BHP is developing the South Flank deposit to replace Yandi mine production by mid-2021 and FMG is developing the Eliwana deposit to replace Firetail mine production by late 2020 and has approved the Iron Bridge Stage 2 and Queens Valley (Solomon Hub) developments.

Mr Smith said WA has the world’s first code of practice for safe autonomous mining.

“We have launched Australia's first code of practice to help promote mentally healthy workplaces for FIFO workers and completed world-class research projects on diesel emissions safety in underground mining,” he said.