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Highlights
AMEC advocates for aligning EIS processes for wind and solar projects with existing mining legislation
Public consultation and appeal rights introduced for renewables amid industry feedback
Reforms to coronial processes proposed to address mining-related reportable deaths
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the resources sector, is advocating for consistent land use planning regulations across both mining and renewable energy projects. The call follows changes introduced earlier this year to include public consultation and third-party appeal rights in Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) processes for large-scale wind and solar developments.
While mining projects have long been required to adhere to rigorous EIS frameworks—complete with public notifications and compensation pathways—AMEC argues that the emerging renewable sector lacks a uniform approach. This disparity, the association contends, has created regulatory imbalances within Australia's broader resource development landscape, which includes major indices such as the asx 200.
Department Rejection Reinforces Compliance Needs
Recent developments underscore the concerns raised by AMEC. The Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning rejected a proposal for a new wind farm, citing its failure to meet the stringent assessment protocols typically applied to mining operations. Notably, the decision followed overwhelming public demand for a formal review.
This example, AMEC says, reflects the need to level planning processes across all large-scale land use industries. The association believes existing mining legislation provides a project-specific yet robust structure that could inform similar frameworks for the renewable energy sector.
Federal Energy Targets Drive Infrastructure Expansion
Australia's push toward achieving its renewable energy goals—centred around a national net-zero commitment—is accelerating the development of large-scale solar and wind infrastructure. These initiatives are integral to the federal energy strategy, which outlines a roadmap to significantly boost renewable contributions within the national grid by the middle of the next decade.
In response to this rapid growth, AMEC is emphasizing that consistent EIS practices are essential not only for regulatory fairness but also to maintain transparency, accountability, and community engagement throughout the development process.
Coroners Amendment Bill Seeks to Streamline Inquiries
Beyond planning policy, AMEC has also addressed legislative reforms under the draft Coroners Amendment Bill 2025 in Queensland. The submission focuses on procedural changes concerning mining-related fatalities.
The proposed amendments would see the appointment of Barrister Wayne Pennell as the Mining and Resources Coroner, providing a dedicated judicial focus on incidents occurring within the sector. All reportable deaths tied to mining operations would be directed to this office, ensuring consistent and specialised oversight.
AMEC clarified that these changes do not alter current operator liabilities. Coronial inquests will remain a mandatory requirement, aimed at delivering transparency and legal clarity in the aftermath of workplace incidents within the mining domain.
Industry Engagement Ahead of Committee Hearings
Committee hearings related to these legislative submissions are scheduled for this week, marking a pivotal moment for stakeholders across the mining and renewable energy industries.
AMEC, comprising over five hundred member companies—including explorers, emerging miners, and service providers—continues to represent its members in ongoing policy discussions. Among its associate members is Mining.com.au, which is involved in industry events such as the upcoming Pitch and Pizza Investor Briefing at the Noosa Mining Conference.
This event further highlights the growing interconnection between resource companies, regulatory developments, and stakeholder engagement, as the nation works toward a more harmonised and transparent development framework across all sectors.
