May 2025

IN THIS EDITION

Events

Team News

Industry News

Recent Regulatory Updates

David Salim

CEO & Principal Solicitor, Hetherington

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

We would like to introduce you to another edition of our Hetherington Post, detailing the latest in Tenement News, Mining Law and Environmental Approvals.

EVENTS

NSW MINERALS COUNCIL FORUM

On 5 May, Hetherington sponsored the NSW Minerals Council’s Exploration and Tenures Forum in Sydney. Our Sydney team showed strong support for the sector, with several staff members in attendance.

AMEC AND RIU EVENTS

Also on 5 May, our Sydney office attended the AMEC Pitch & Pizza Investor Briefing and networking drinks. On 6 May, David attended the RIU investment conference to catch up with clients and watch client presentations.

TEAM NEWS

DAVID SALIM CELEBRATES 15 YEARS WITH HETHERINGTON

In April, CEO & Principal Solicitor David Salim marked a significant milestone with Hetherington, celebrating 15 years with the firm. David’s extensive experience in M&A, regulatory affairs and corporate governance has been a key driver of Hetherington’s growth and success.

JEMIMA MOFFAT JOINS WOMEN IN MINING (WIMNET) NSW MENTORING PROGRAM

Senior Consultant Jemima Moffat from our Sydney office was selected as a mentee in the prestigious 2025 intake of the Women in Mining (WIMnet) NSW mentoring program. This program offers opportunities for female professionals in the mining sector to receive guidance and mentorship from industry leaders.

PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

In our Perth office, Madelaine Cannell-Lunn was promoted to Senior Consultant/Legal Associate on 1 February 2025.

INDUSTRY NEWS

NSW COMMITS FUNDING TO NEW CRITICAL MINERALS EXPLORATION

In April, the NSW government unveiled a $2.5 million co investment fund for a Critical Minerals Exploration Program to accelerate the discovery of vital materials needed for a net-zero future. By committing this money, the NSW government is incentivising explorers to find the next major critical minerals deposits.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO SET UP AUSTRALIAN CRITICAL MINERALS STRATEGIC RESERVE

The re-elected Albanese Labor government plans to establish a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve to boost national security, support advanced manufacturing and strengthen supply chains.

Initial plans include a $1.2 billion investment to establish the reserve, including a $1 billion increase to the existing Critical Minerals Facility.

RECENT REGULATORY UPDATES

SOUTH AUSTRALIA TO REVIEW MINING ACT

The SA government is inviting feedback on proposed updates to the Mining Act 1971 to better support the exploration and development of critical minerals. With rising demand for critical minerals, the review aims to modernise the regulatory framework to better support industry growth, community engagement and environmental responsibility.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA OVERHAULS DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, MINES, INDUSTRY REGULATION AND SAFETY

Following his re-election in March, WA Premier Roger Cook announced plans to split the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) into two separate departments: the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) which will focus on the mining and exploration sector, and Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety which will manage industry regulation and safety.

PHASE 2 OF WA’S RESOURCES ONLINE SET TO LAUNCH IN JULY

The WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) is set to launch the second phase of its Resources Online platform in July 2025.

Read the full bulletin (PDF)