This process map identifies points within the environmental impact assessment process where transparency and public accountability need to be strengthened.
Australia
Before a mining company is given an approval to mine, it must conduct a thorough environmental impact statement that assesses its impact.
When Rio Tinto destroyed an ancient Aboriginal site in Western Australia, it made headlines around the world. Will the promised changes now be enough?
TIA strongly supports enhanced transparency and accountability in resources sector regulation. Enhanced transparency and accountability measures not only reduce corruption risks, they create more certainty for the industry.
The destruction by Rio Tinto of a 46,000-year-old aboriginal site is shocking and inexcusable. This needs to be a wake-up call for government and industry reform.
Our colleagues from Transparency International offices in Kenya, Australia and Mongolia provide a snapshot of their work preventing corruption in the mining sector.
The current debate about ‘streamlining’ or ‘fast-tracking’ mining approvals must not lose sight of the protections the community and environment deserves.
The standard could be further strengthened by providing additional details and requirements around community participation and engagement, conflicts of interest, and whistleblowing protections.
Transparency International Australia is concerned about the Prime Minister’s stated plans to drastically reduce approval timeframes for complex projects.
It’s important for the mining approvals processes across Australia to have mechanisms in place to prevent corruption from occurring and ensure that the the sector is productive and trusted.