October 2025
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
Hetherington takes on Diggers & Dealers 2025
From 4 to 6 August, CEO & Principal Solicitor David Salim and Managing Consultant Julia Catalano attended the Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum in Kalgoorlie.
Teeing off on important conversations
Back in May, Hetherington hosted the Mining in Society Golf Day in New South Wales as part of Emajin Golf & Networking. With over 130 attendees, the day combined friendly competition with meaningful discussion about the future of mining in Australia.
TEAM NEWS
Milestones worth celebrating
We’re proud to recognise some recent work anniversaries across the Hetherington team:
Celebrating environmental leadership with AMEC
Hetherington is once again proud to sponsor the Environment Award at the 2025 AMEC Awards, taking place on Friday, 5 December.
A well-earned retirement
Managing Consultant, Ngaire Koch (pictured left), retired on 31 July after nearly five years with Hetherington. Ngaire was a highly valued member of the Perth team, and we thank her for her dedication and contribution over the years.
INDUSTRY NEWS
NSW launches new authority to fast-track big business and tech investment
The NSW Government is aiming to cut red tape and accelerate economic growth with the launch of a new Investment Delivery Authority, announced as part of the 2025–26 state budget.
New scanner to transform drill core analysis in WA
The Western Australian government has unveiled a next-generation spectral scanner designed to fast track mineral discovery and reduce exploration risk across the state.
RECENT REGULATORY UPDATES
Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration now in effect
As of 1 July 2025, the new Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) has officially commenced operations in Western Australia. This follows the WA government’s restructure of the former Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
Consultation closes on draft assessment criteria for exploration permits
WA’s DMPE recently closed consultation on its draft Criteria for Assessment: Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Exploration Permits guideline.
South Australia launches MERS portal for online tenement management
South Australia’s Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) has launched the new Regulation System (MERS) portal, which officially went live on 21 July 2025.
