Resources Minister Chris Hartcher announced planned changes to mining proposal regulations, which he said would ensure the significance of the resource was considered in the decision-making process.

The Department of Trade and Investment would provide advice on the significance of the resource by giving consideration to its potential economic and social benefits, while also looking at the size, quality and availability of the resource.

“The resource sector’s importance to the state’s economy is well-known and the government will continue to promote NSW as an attractive investment destination by encouraging investment in the mining and mineral resources industries, and reducing barriers to investment,” Hartcher said.

“While the assessment of major projects has always been about balancing their economic and employment significance against any potentially adverse impacts, there have been no clear guidelines as to how these issues should be balanced.”

Public and industry feedback is being sought on draft amendments to the assessment process of major mining projects, which seek to improve certainty for all relevant parties as to the consideration to be given to both the benefits and potential impacts of a project, Hartcher said.

The proposed changes also make clear what standards mining projects must meet to avoid refusal for local environmental or amenity impacts, including on accepted government standards to limit noise, dust and other impacts.

“The NSW government supports the ongoing development of the NSW mining industry to ensure the continued expansion of the state’s resources sector and associated economic growth,” Hartcher said.

“The sector’s key role in the NSW economy and its broad benefits to regional NSW and the state-at-large must be given important consideration in any decision-making process.

“In NSW alone, more than 35,000 people are directly employed in the mining and minerals industries, along with 90,000 workers whose jobs are indirectly supported through mine and non-mine related services.

“The NSW government is working to ensure the resources sector continues to expand and supports regional employment growth, recognising that mining operations require investment certainty.”

The proposed amendments to the Mining, Petroleum Production and Extractive Industries State environmental planning policy is on public exhibition for a period of two weeks until 5pm, Monday August 12.