Moves are afoot to halve the time it takes to get mining exploration approval in Queensland, with the State Government moving to slash the process.

The Queensland Government made the announcement on Monday that it would overhaul the exploration permit approvals process, which will allow miners to get drills in the ground as quickly as possible.

The Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said: “We have listened to requests from the resources sector for faster, more efficient approval timeframes and we are delivering.”

Mr Cripps says the changes will remove the 'red tape' surrounding the approval process, but claimed the rigorous environmental, native title and land access assessments would stay in place.

“The more streamlined process means exploration permits subject to native title can be decided in less than 12 months, while permits not subject to native title can be determined in six months or sooner,” Cripps said.

“This is a significant reduction on the average 22 months it currently takes for an exploration permit application to be processed to the stage where it can be granted or rejected.”

Companies will be able to find out in just 90 days whether a given exploration permit has been approved – in cases where there is no native title conflict or environmental issues a permit can be granted as soon as the explorer pays the rent for the new site.

In cases where native title applies, the streamlined laws will start the required processes and engage landholders to talk about compensation much earlier than before.

“Applications to explore will still be subject to the same stringent assessment process to ensure they meet strict environmental, technical and commercial viability, community interest, native title and land access requirements,” Mr Cripps said.

“A granted exploration permit is not a right to mine, and the Queensland Resources Council estimates that approximately only one in every 200 granted exploration permits ever goes on to become a mine.”

The AMMA, a resources industry employer group has welcomed the moves and praised the government

“AMMA commends the Queensland Government for leading the way on more efficient and competitive regulatory and administrative processes,” AMMA executive director Scott Barklamb said.

“We are confident these proactive moves by our states, when implemented alongside the Abbott Government’s Exploration Development Incentive scheme, will breathe new life into Australia’s exploration sector.”