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Miners dirty over prospect of fees

Miners dirty over prospect of fees

Goldfields prospectors have vowed to battle the Department of Mines and Petroleum over planned fees that some local miners say will put them out of business.

The DMP sent a letter to the Amalgamated Prospectors and Leaseholders Association of WA this month, informing members of its plans to introduce assessment fees for mining proposals and program of work applications.

The letter, from DMP environment executive director Phil Gorey, outlines DMP plans to charge a $6950 assessment fee for mining proposals and a $590 assessment fee for programs of work.

There was previously no assessment fees for mining proposals or POW applications.

The new fee structure will apply to applications after July 1.

Dr Gorey said it was recognised that industry representatives generally opposed the introduction of fees and charges and, as a result of industry consultation, the proposed fees were reduced.

But the admission has done little to pacify the anger of small industry mainstays.

Prospector Cranston Edwards labelled the move “absolutely ridiculous” on the basis it would put extra costs on the front end of industry before any income is generated.

“Looks like more costs for those silly enough to attempt to go and do something productive,” he said in a letter to APLA associates.

Michael Charlton, who runs leases near Coolgardie including the 200ha tenement formerly known as the Union Jack mine, called the fees a tax on every Australian’s right to have a fair go.

“It would bring my operations to a screaming halt, it’s charging me $7000 every time I want to dig a bloody hole, it’s bull****. I might only find $7000 worth of gold at the bottom after I’ve paid all the money to dig the bloody thing — I just can’t believe it, ” he said.

“I would’ve thought if you give me a right to mine then I’m going to mine, and then they go and charge me to dig the bloody hole and then when I decide there’s not enough gold, they’re going to charge me for that too.

“It has been thought up by people in Perth, which is the capital of greedy people — it’s just a tax on the bush.”

Dr Gorey said the DMP had been implementing a range of reforms in recent years to better deliver services.

“DMP recently extended the time frame for programs of work from one year to four years,” he said.

“This allows explorers to apply for up to four years of proposed exploration in a single application — and pay only a single fee.”

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