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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 504 asked in the Legislative Council on 15 May 2019 by Hon Tjorn Sibma

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

LITHIUM REFINERY — KWINANA — MINES SAFETY AND INSPECTION LEVY

504. Hon TJORN SIBMA to the minister representing the Minister for Mines and Petroleum:

This question was not registered as received, so if the answer is not available, I will ask it again tomorrow. I refer to the minister's answer to my question yesterday concerning the potential application of the mine safety and inspection levy to planned and prospective lithium refineries.

(1) If the classification of a facility as a mining operation is as clear cut as section 4(1) of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 outlines, why is the minister's department discussing the issue of classification with project proponents at all?

(2) Has the department advised the minister of the financial benefits that would accrue to the state government if lithium refineries were classified as mining operations subject to the levy?

(3) If yes to (2), what are the details?

Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:

I am pleased to advise the member that the question has been received and I thank him for it. The following information has been provided by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum.

(1) On occasion, despite the view of the regulator, proponents contend that the activities conducted on their proposed project do not fall within the definition of ''mining operations'' as outlined in section 4(1) of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994. When these occasions arise, the proponent is provided with the opportunity to state their position to the State Mining Engineer. The current discussions reflect this process.

(2) No. There are no financial benefits to the state, as all receipts under the mines safety and inspection levy are held in a special purpose account and expended solely for the purpose of administering the Mines Safety and Inspection Act.

(3) Not applicable.