Question NW2926 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
21 September 2023 - NW2926
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What steps is he and his department taking to close the legislative loopholes that were identified in the Joint Illegal Mining Report, which make it more difficult for law enforcement to stop illegal mining?
Reply:
The Department is participating in the process of developing the General Laws amendment (GLA) Bill by creating provisions in the Mineral Petroleum Resource Development Act (MPRDA, the Diamond Act and the Precious Metal Act that will strengthen penalties and criminalise illegal mining.