The MIAP made 12 recommendations across three broad areas: a transparent process and integrated policy that provides certainty for mining companies investing in NSW; consolidating fees and charges; and developing skills and providing support infrastructure to foster a vibrant mining sector.

Minister for Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts said the NSW government is already implementing many of the recommendations.

“We are committed to securing and sustaining the state’s mineral resources and have been working to achieve greater transparency, accountability, competitiveness and efficiency in the allocation, access and use of those resources,” Roberts said.

“A package of legislation recently passed by the NSW Parliament will allow the government to continue to implement its commitments under the Coal Exploration Steering Group (CESG), the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Walker Report into Land Access and Arbitration.

“This included the new Strategic Release Framework for assessing regions across the state for potential exploration following an assessment of economic, environmental and social factors with community consultation conducted upfront.”

But the NSW Minerals Council said the NSW government response does not go far enough.

“The government’s response fails to address the critical issue of reforming the NSW planning system, is silent on the key recommendations in relation to the Planning Assessment Commission, and offers no response on several other key recommendations,” it said.

“The government’s response also fails to acknowledge that several of the actions highlighted as underway are actually exacerbating some of the challenges currently facing the industry, rather than helping, particularly in relation to exploration.”

The NSW Minerals Council said it will now examine the government’s response in more detail and seek clarification of the government's policy intentions in several key areas.

“Our industry will also seek ongoing constructive engagement with the Government on the key unresolved issues identified in the Action Plan,” the Council said.