The extension of the timeframe for companies to complete exploration works follows on feedback from stakeholders and a December extension that saw POWs increased from one to two years.

The department said the move would cut mining red tape, improve efficiency and reduce duplication while maintaining environmental standards.

“This decision provides greater flexibility for industry to manage exploration programs,” WA Mines Minister Bill Marmion said.

“This includes unforeseen events that can impact on exploration work such as extreme weather, access to operators and equipment and funding.

“This will see a reduction in the number of POWs requiring annual review and will deliver considerable efficiencies for the department and industry.”

The extended period of validity will only apply where the scope of the exploration work remains unchanged.

If a company wants to conduct work outside what was approved, it will need to seek further approval before it is able to carry out the newly planned work.

The department has received 1160 POW applications in the first two quarters of 2013 and logged 2596 applications in 2012.

The move to cut POW paperwork continues an ongoing effort in the state to streamline bureaucratic processes in the resources industry.

Last month, the department flagged progress in a $A5.5 million plan that has helped reduce mining and exploration applications awaiting approval to about 5000.

It represented an almost 75% drop in pending applications compared to February 2007 when the backlog stood at 19,000.

Previous to this milestone, WA government kicked off its rehabilitation fund intended to replace the state’s environmental bonds system.

It launched an online royalty system to provide greater reliability of royalty data, improve payment processes and automate accounting systems.