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Post by RKC on May 3, 2010 10:13:55 GMT 12
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Post by GeoffS on May 3, 2010 21:49:36 GMT 12
Now it’s official the Miners Right is secure and will be cheaper for some – compliments of the PMAV! Without us the Miners Right would be history, instead it is secure for the next 10 years at least and it will be cheaper.
Please advise your members, colleagues and customers. We wouldn’t mind the odd pat on the back either!!
Rita Bentley,
PMAV President
Subject: Miners Right announcement as discussed
Media release
From the Minister for Energy and Resources
Monday, 3 May, 2010
LONGER AND MORE COST-EFFECTIVE RIGHTS FOR PROSPECTORS
Prospectors and fossickers hoping to strike it rich will soon enjoy cheaper costs and longer Miner’s Rights under changes announced by the Brumby Labor Government today.
Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor said a Miner’s Right was an authorisation certificate needed by prospectors or fossickers searching for gold and minerals on unreserved Crown Land or private land.
“Prospectors have told us they want to keep the Miner’s Right and we have listened,” Mr Batchelor said.
“We will not only retain the Miner’s Right but we will give prospectors and fossickers the option to apply for a two-year licence or a new 10-year licence.
“The new 10-year Miner’s Rights will be a cost-effective option and will mean less administrative red tape for the 5000 Victorians who hold them.”
Member for Ripon Joe Helper said Victoria was a great place to go prospecting.
“Many of the largest gold nuggets ever discovered were found in the central Victorian goldfields and surrounding areas and there is an abundance of valuable minerals still underground,” Mr Helper said.
“We want to make it easier for prospectors to take up metal detectors, hand tools and pans in the search for Victorian gold, gemstones and other minerals.”
Mr Batchelor said the Brumby Labor Government was reviewing the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990, in consultation with the industry, to ensure regulations were up to date with industry practice and operations.
“Amendments to the Act based around the initial stage of the review are expected to be introduced into Parliament in the second half of the year,” he said.
“Statutory reforms are important for ensuring the sector continues to grow in line with environmental and community priorities and it’s vital that reforms are made in consultation with industry.
“That is why stakeholders will have another opportunity to comment in the second stage of the review, which is planned for later in 2010 and 2011.
“This stage will focus on improving processes for approval of exploration, mining and quarrying work and, in particular, on streamlining and reducing the cost of work approval processes.
“The minerals industry is a significant contributor to Victoria’s economy. The Brumby Labor Government is committed to passing reforms to improve the operation of the Act and outcomes for the sector, from the small-scale prospector to the major miners.”
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