Western Australia is home to one of the world's largest and most productive mining sectors. The state boasts vast mineral resources, including gold, iron ore, nickel and natural gas, making it a key player in both the Australian and global mining markets. Mining accounts for a significant portion of the state's economy, providing thousands of jobs and driving much of the state's export revenues. However, mining is an inherently dangerous industry, with workers often exposed to heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and unpredictable underground conditions. Ensuring worker safety and maintaining regulatory standards are vital to the sustainability and success of this critical industry. The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) play a key role in regulating and overseeing the mining industry in Western Australia. Here we take a closer look at what DEMIRS does and how its functions help keep the industry running smoothly.
The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) is a key government agency in Western Australia. Formed through the merging of the Department of Commerce and the Department of Mines and Petroleum in 2017, it is responsible for regulating the state's mining, energy, and industrial sectors. DEMIRS plays an essential role in ensuring that these industries operate in compliance with laws and regulations, focusing on safety, environmental protection, and the proper management of resources. Its work impacts every aspect of the mining sector, from exploration and mining operations to worker safety and innovation.
DEMIRS carries out a wide range of functions that help to maintain safety, security, and efficiency in the mining and energy sectors. These functions are critical for ensuring that Western Australia's resources are developed in a sustainable and responsible manner, while also keeping the welfare of workers and communities at the forefront.
Some of the department's primary areas of focus include:
A significant part of DEMIRS' role is ensuring that mining operations in Western Australia adhere to strict safety regulations. This includes monitoring and enforcing compliance with work health and safety laws specific to the mining industry. DEMIRS works with operators, contractors and workers to reduce risks and prevent accidents. The department provides guidelines and resources on workplace safety standards and conducts inspections to ensure that companies follow best practices.
The WorkSafe division of DEMIRS is responsible for the enforcement of workplace safety legislation, conducting audits, and investigating incidents that may compromise worker safety. It also supports safety training programs aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities in high-risk sectors like mining. By holding employers accountable and ensuring a strong safety culture, DEMIRS helps make mining a safer profession for those on the ground.
Mining operations can have a significant impact on the environment, so DEMIRS places a strong emphasis on ensuring that companies adhere to environmental regulations. The department provides guidelines and enforces standards that help reduce the ecological footprint of mining activities. This includes managing land rehabilitation, water use and emissions from mining operations.
One of DEMIRS' key roles is to ensure that mining operations are committed to responsible resource extraction. This is done through environmental assessments, monitoring programs, and rehabilitation requirements. DEMIRS also helps to ensure that mining companies take the necessary steps to reduce their environmental impact and rehabilitate mine sites after operations have ceased, protecting land for future generations.
Before any mining operation can commence in Western Australia, it must obtain the necessary licences and approvals from DEMIRS. This is an essential function that ensures the legal and safe extraction of resources. DEMIRS is responsible for issuing mining licences, exploration permits, and other regulatory approvals to ensure that operations comply with both state and national legislation.
The licensing process involves detailed assessments to ensure that proposed mining operations meet safety, environmental, and resource management standards. DEMIRS plays a key role in streamlining this process, helping businesses obtain the approvals they need while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and sustainability.
Western Australia's vast mineral resources are one of the state's most valuable assets. DEMIRRS is responsible for overseeing the management and development of these resources. The department ensures that minerals are extracted in a way that maximises the state's economic potential while maintaining long-term sustainability.
In addition to managing existing resources, DEMIRS also plays a role in the exploration and development of new mining opportunities. This involves facilitating access to land for exploration, managing the allocation of mining tenements, and providing advice to the industry on new areas of opportunity. The department helps maintain a balance between economic development and responsible resource management, ensuring that the state's mineral wealth benefits both current and future generations.
To maintain high standards of safety and environmental protection, DEMIRS is tasked with ensuring that mining companies adhere to the regulations governing the industry. The department has a robust system in place for monitoring compliance with mining laws, which includes regular inspections, audits and investigations.
If a mining operation fails to meet regulatory standards, DEMIRS has the authority to take enforcement action. This can include issuing penalties, requiring corrective actions, or even suspending or revoking licences in severe cases. Through its compliance and enforcement functions, DEMIRS helps ensure that all mining companies operate fairly, ethically, and in line with established regulations.
Apart from regulatory functions, DEMIRS also plays an active role in supporting innovation and development within the mining and energy sectors. The department works closely with industry stakeholders to promote technological advancements and sustainable practices that can improve productivity, safety, and environmental outcomes.
DEMIRS facilitates industry research, provides funding opportunities for innovative projects, and helps businesses stay ahead of industry trends. Whether through collaboration with universities or direct support for research projects, DEMIRS plays a key role in fostering innovation that helps shape the future of mining in Western Australia.
One of the most vital functions of DEMIRS is to support the training and development of a skilled workforce for the mining industry. The department partners with training providers and industry groups to ensure that workers receive the appropriate training, particularly in areas like safety, environmental management, and operational efficiency.
DEMIRS also runs awareness campaigns and provides resources to help workers and businesses stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards and best practices. This commitment to training ensures that workers are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving industry.
The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) plays an indispensable role in ensuring the smooth operation of the mining and energy industries in Western Australia. Through its focus on safety, environmental management, resource regulation, compliance, and support for innovation, DEMIRS helps create a balanced and sustainable mining sector. For workers, employers, and industry stakeholders, the department's efforts are crucial to maintaining a safe, efficient, and prosperous mining industry in one of the world's most resource-rich regions.
About Civil Safety
Civil Safety is a leading Registered Training Organisation (RTO 32381) for the mining, civil and construction industries, with operations across Queensland and Western Australia.
We provide safety and operational training to thousands of people every year from a diverse range of backgrounds. Our highly experienced trainers bring real-world experience to the classroom – ensuring our students graduate ready for work with the skills, confidence and qualifications required for safe and compliant operation in dangerous environments.
With a vast range of courses, plus a variety of learning methods including face-to-face, blended and online – we can help you gain the skills you need to enter a new industry or upskill in your current career.
For more information about these courses please call us at 1300 CIVIL S or email us at info@civilsafety.edu.au.