Mineral law and policy issues in Western Australia

Abstract

Australia is one of the world's largest producers of a range of major metals and minerals; all of its diamond, nickel, tantalum and vanadium output plus most of its alumina, gold, zirconium, salt, ilmenite and iron ore production comes from Western Australia. An outline of current investment in exploration and mining projects in Western Australia highlights the fact that the State continues to attract about 10% of world mineral exploration funds, but recent depressed levels of expenditure are a potential concern for a state whose economy is dependent on minerals. The State Government's current procedures for licensing exploration and mining are explained.