The average time taken to conduct program of work, mining proposal and native vegetation clearing permit assessments has decreased since environmental regulation reforms were introduced in 2012.

According to the department, the number of native vegetation clearing permits assessed within 60 days has doubled from 45% to 95% since 2012.

The rate of mining proposals assessed within 30 days has jumped from 82% to 87% over the same period.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said the time saving was evidence of the reform program in action.

“The July 2012 introduction of online lodgement for program of work-exploration applications has cut assessment times by 40%,” he said.

“From an average of 45 days, we’re now down to 28 days and I am confident there could be further reductions.”

Online lodgement has improved productivity by minimising the need for department assessors to go back to applicants to get further information or reject incomplete applications.

As a reflection of the change, the average time applications were delayed while further information was sought fell from 21 days in 2013 to 9 days in 2015.

Improved customer support and guidance material were also identified as factors in the change.

“These figures show that the exploration industry is now more familiar with the system and is reaping the efficiency dividends,” Marmion said.

“As the department continues to phase out paper-based lodgement, processing timeframes should continue to decrease.”

Marmion said the rollout of updated application processes for mining proposals and mine closure plan applications next year would result in further improvements.

The department processes around 1700 exploration and 300 prospecting program of work applications each year, along with 250 mining proposals and 200 native vegetation clearing permits.