Warren Pearce

The state government committed to a “light touch” approach to the roll out new Aboriginal cultural heritage laws on Saturday, as it revealed plans for an implementation group to assist in the process.

The implementation of Aboriginal cultural heritage laws from July 1 drew strong views from those in favour and those opposed.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies has warned against duplicating Aboriginal cultural heritage laws federally, labelling WA’s protections the most demanding of any in Australia.

Juukan Gorge’s traditional custodians have blasted the state government for treating First Nations people as “second class citizens” in the fallout from Tuesday’s unprecedented decision to scrap the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act one month after coming into effect.

Mineral exploration in Western Australia grew to $633 million for the June quarter, while petroleum exploration dropped by more than 18 per cent.

Mines Minister Bill Johnston has told a nickel forum in Perth he will continue to lobby for the commodity after it missed out on the federal government’s national list of critical minerals.

Environment and Energy Minister Reece Whitby says there is no conflict of interest in holding both portfolios, after the government announced change to the environmental approvals process.

Nickel has been placed on Australia’s critical minerals list in a bid to aid the flailing industry, which federal Resources Minister Madeleine King says faces substantial structural challenges.

A delegation including Tesla, Forrest empire nickel business Wyloo Metals and lithium producer Pilbara Minerals has met with the federal government over a battery metals production tax credit.

Uranium mined in Western Australia should be made available to fuel the green energy transition of nuclear-powered nations, Liberal Party of WA leader Libby Mettam says.

Premier Roger Cook has backed the state’s environmental approvals process to meet national standards, as his federal counterparts unveiled a new statutory body but delayed full legal reform.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled millions of dollars of funding for the resources industry including $566 million for an exploration map, at a Business News event this morning.

Resources royalty reliance and a lack of action on payroll tax were among the key observations from business groups digesting today’s state budget – the first from Treasurer Rita Saffioti.

The Federal Government has unveiled a $22.7 billion price tag for its Future Made in Australia initiative, including a production tax incentive for critical minerals – starting in 2027.

Andrew Forrest has led a chorus of industry support for new policies subsidising critical minerals and hydrogen projects, but the measures have failed to garner bipartisan backing.

Mark Beyer and Mark Pownall discuss the federal budget’s mining support, Santos and Quintis job cuts, live sheep exports, property development approvals, NWQ Capital Management, and Clough's journey under Peter Bennett.

Fresh moves to drive diversification of Australia’s critical minerals pose questions about the role of China – the nation’s largest trading partner.

Draft eligibility guidelines for the government's $13 billion critical minerals downstream production tax credits have opened the door for Chinese-owned producers.

Resources industry groups have fronted a Senate committee to voice concerns over the federal government's proposed Nature Positive reforms.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies has issued a public plea for federal opposition leader Peter Dutton to clarify his stance on critical minerals production tax credits.

Regis Resources says a decision to block the construction of a tailings dam at its McPhillamys project in NSW, revealed late last week, could kill the project entirely.

Analysis: The political fallout has continued from Tanya Plibersek’s shock ruling against a tailings dam at Regis Resources’ McPhillamys gold project in NSW, formally revealed on Monday.

More mining activities in the state’s south west could help the industry hit its net zero target, Association of Mining & Exploration Companies head Warren Pearce says.

Industry groups have sounded the alarm over a possible deal between the Greens and federal Labor, which could lead to the introduction of a national Environmental Protection Agency.

The state government has committed up to $150 million to help the lithium industry but it comes months after several miners already scaled back their operations amid an unstable market.

An emotional Bill Johnston has used his valedictory speech to parliament to thank the state’s business leaders for their support over his career, while calling out the state of modern politics

Escalating costs and regulatory burdens are frustrating stakeholders in the wake of last year’s Aboriginal heritage laws bungle.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies is calling on the federal government to extend and double an exploration incentive scheme due to end mid-year.

Political caution underpins WA’s recent budget surplus run, and the headline figures do not always reflect the risks facing those driving the state’s economy.

Resources industry groups have welcomed the late-night passage of production tax credits, heaping praise on the legislation which will support critical minerals and hydrogen projects.

SOUTH WEST: Mining in the region often plays second or third fiddle.

Conservation groups have accused the state government of rushing the overhaul of environmental laws, after scrutinising the report that prompted the reform.

The Liberal Party of Australia has pledged to fast track approval of the North West Shelf project in Karratha, if elected in the upcoming federal election.

The federal government is backing the emerging green metals industry with $3 billion worth of commitments, while lobbyists point to missed opportunities for explorers.

The Coalition will pour $100 million into a scheme to encourage minerals exploration by junior companies, should it win the May federal election.

A strategic stockpile of critical minerals could strengthen Australia’s position in the global supply chain and sandbag domestic production from economic headwinds, according to AMEC.

Federal shadow treasurer Angus Taylor has doubled down on his opposition to critical minerals tax credits, after prominent Nationals candidate Mia Davies backed the Labor-led plan.

Critical minerals miners have overwhelmingly welcomed Anthony Albanese’s scarcely-detailed pledge to build a stockpile that could be used as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations.

Gold’s recent record price run has put a spotlight on two billion-dollar Pilbara gold projects amid a flurry of activity.

One of the country’s peak industry bodies says the drop in mining exploration across Australia is a concerning trend for the sector.