en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Tasmanian government has announced reforms to the way mining projects are assessed, expected to unlock more than $1.5 billion in investment across the state. The government will modernize and digitalize Mineral Resources Tasmania, the agency responsible for exploration and mining approvals, with the goal of allowing applicants to complete the approval process more quickly. Premier Jeremy Rockliff unveiled the plan at the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council Conference in Hobart.

Rockliff said there are still too many parts of the approval process that rely on outdated paper-based systems, creating inefficiencies for both industry and government. By investing in better information management and more streamlined processes, bottlenecks can be reduced, transparency improved, and faster decisions can be made for industry. Simplifying the application process can also free up talented people from behind their desks.

These changes are part of the "2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future." Rockliff said the government will ensure Mineral Resources Tasmania has the capability, expertise, and resources needed to support industry growth and keep approvals moving forward.

Tasmania's resources industry directly employs 6,000 people and accounts for nearly two-thirds of the state's export value. Tasmanian Minister for Business, Industry and Resources Felix Ellis said mining royalties are expected to deliver a record return of approximately $93 million to the state this year, with these revenues used to fund essential services such as schools, hospitals, and roads.

Exploration expenditure reached a record high last year. Ellis estimates the industry's current and potential investment pipeline in Tasmania exceeds $1.5 billion. He said businesses need certainty when making investment decisions, need a responsive regulator, and need confidence that applications will be assessed efficiently within reasonable timeframes.