The NSW Trade & Investment – Division of Resources & Energy ("DRE") has announced it is implementing new service delivery standards for the processing of applications under the Mining Act 1992 (NSW). The new service delivery standards apply to applications lodged from 1 July 2013.
The NSW Government aims to reduce administrative burden for industry, and by implementing service delivery standards hopes to provide greater certainty to allow industry to manage operations and deadlines around the expected waiting times.
DRE’s new processes for handling of applications include the application of "stop the clock" provisions.
In summary:
- The processing clock starts when a complete application, including all required supporting information, is received by DRE.
- If an application is deficient, the applicant will be notified immediately and given 10 business days (as per clause 76 (9) of the Mining Regulation 2010) to submit all required supporting information. If the required information is not received within this timeframe, the application will be refused.
- The processing clock will only be stopped in the event that certain defined exceptions apply.
DRE will document and measure performance against these service delivery standards. This will include reporting against each Key Performance Indicator ("KPI") and publishing this information quarterly on the DRE website for the 2013-2014 financial years and beyond.
DRE has promised to meet regularly with NSW Minerals Council and the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies to review its service delivery performance.
