The Regional Minerals Program (RMP) was established by the Australian Government in 1996. After an initial four years, the RMP was extended in July 2000 for a further four years with annual funding of $250 000. No projects have been approved under the RMP since the 2003-04 (final) grants round.
The objective of the Regional Minerals Program (RMP)was to work in partnership with industry, and state/territory/local governments to encourage regional economic development and promote employment opportunities by facilitating the growth of the mining and minerals (including oil and gas) industry. The RMP projects sought to reduce costs to the mining and minerals industry by:
- reducing impediments
- streamlining approval processes
- encouraging further mining, exploration, investment and value added processing activities
- generating income earlier than may otherwise be expected.
Under the RMP, 22 widely geographically dispersed projectsincluding every state and the Northern Territory were completed. Collectively, the project reports represent a substantial information base on regional infrastructure planning and development options.
The RMPprojects have produced key outcomes that include a clearer understanding of the impediments and opportunities for development of the mining and minerals processing industries in the selected regions and the prioritisation of key infrastructure projects to encourage development. Please use the following links to access information concerning: