Tasmania will modernise and digitise Mineral Resources Tasmania’s exploration and mining approvals system, aiming to unlock more than $1.5 billion in projects currently queued in the state. Premier Jeremy Rockliff wants end‑to‑end online lodgement, tracking and assessment of mining leases and exploration licences, replacing paper‑based workflows that can delay approvals for months. Faster, more transparent permitting is expected to materially affect project timelines for operations such as MMG’s Rosebery mine and new critical minerals prospects.

Build UK has published its first benchmarks on cash retentions, showing tier one contractor members withhold an average 2% and pass on 74% of retentions imposed by their clients to their own supply chains, absorbing 26% themselves. Since 2018, average payment times for these contractors have fallen from 45 to 29 days, with invoices paid within 60 days rising from 82% to 96% under the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations. The data will act as a baseline as the Commercial Payments Bill, which includes a ban on retention clauses, moves through Parliament.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies is urging a “reset” of Victoria’s resources policy after Jaclyn Symes, who previously held the resources portfolio from November 2018 to August 2021, was reappointed as minister under the state’s new government leadership. AMEC is pressing for faster approvals for exploration licences and mining leases, clearer timelines for work plan assessments, and more predictable rehabilitation and environmental bond settings. For geologists and project developers in Victoria, any shift in these regulatory levers will directly affect drilling schedules, feasibility study timing and capital deployment.