The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) welcomes new funding to streamline both federal and state or territory environmental approval processes.
The 2026/27 Federal Budget’s $500 million commitment aims to help mineral exploration companies secure “faster and more efficient” project assessments.
The additional funding also aims to cover increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and improved coordination to help reduce regulatory duplication across the Commonwealth, states, and territories.
“Streamlining approvals and reducing duplication is critical if Australia wants to remain globally competitive for investment in mining and critical minerals projects,” AMEC CEO Warren Pearce says.
“The commitment towards greater use of technology, including AI-assisted assessment processes, has the potential to significantly improve timelines and reduce unnecessary administrative burden.”
AMEC continues to champion more targeted and longer-term support across the sector, especially for junior explorers.
This includes renewed commitments towards exploration incentives, which could help to encourage private investment in high-risk greenfields exploration projects.
In light of current global disruptions, AMEC also recommends setting up a $10 billion fuel security and resilience package. This, it says, should include $7.5 billion in government-backed loans that companies can use towards establishing fuel and fertiliser security facilities.
The association also suggests that a further $3.2 billion could help establish a permanent, government-owned 1-billion-litre fuel security reserve for future supply crises.
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has likewise responded positively to the 2026–27 Federal Budget, which has retained current mining tax settings.
MCA describes the fiscal policy as standing up for the nation’s “largest taxpayer”. It will also improve vital diesel supply security for mineral extraction and processing through the Australian Fuel Security and Resilience package.
“This approach shows the government understands mining’s immense contribution to Australia’s economy, jobs, and regional communities,” MCA CEO Tania Constable says.
“A stronger mining sector can make an even bigger contribution to help fund Medicare, education, defence, and other vital services and infrastructure.”
AMEC is an industry association representing more than 500 member companies from across Australia.
The MCA represents a minerals sector that is dynamic, diverse, sustainable, and valued by all Australians.
Write to Richard Szabo at Mining.com.au
Images: Minerals Council of Australia
