The Western Australian government has named Daniel Pastorelli as the new Minister for Mines, Petroleum, and Exploration.
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) welcomes the appointment, which comes after Paul Papalia announced his retirement, triggering a Cabinet upheaval.
AMEC CEO Warren Pearce says the organization congratulates Daniel Pastorelli on his appointment.
“The resources sector is central to our state’s economy, and we look forward to working constructively with Minister Pastorelli to ensure Western Australia remains the world’s leading destination for mineral exploration and mining,” Pearce states. Pearce also extends his gratitude to Minister David Michael, who previously held the position. Michael is now the Minister for State Development.
“David understood the importance of a strong exploration and mining sector, and has done an excellent job working with industry to address our issues,” Pearce says.
“His elevation to the state development portfolio is a natural next step, enabling him to advance the development opportunities across all of the state’s industries.”
The incoming minister’s first goals include moving on with the Mining Amendment Bill 2025, furthering the outcomes of Resources Online, and implementing the Glen Kelly Review recommendations.
“There are significant opportunities ahead to strengthen WA’s resources sector, in particular is the need to act on the review into Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and find new ways to reduce delays in the approvals framework,” Pearce states.
“Minister Pastorelli brings extensive experience working at the highest levels of Government, and we look forward to bringing him up to speed on the key priorities for the remainder of this parliamentary term.”
