EVENT: A Policy Framework for Managing Cumulative Environmental Impacts of Iron Ore Mining in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia

Abstract: New mining development in the central Pilbara region is expected to put considerable pressure on the environment, primarily through mine dewatering. While there are various options for managing the effects of dewatering, the challenge is to select options that are socially efficient and ensure an efficient sharing of responsibilities between multiple mining companies. The current regulatory approach in Western Australia, in which project proposals are assessed on a ‘first-in, first served’ basis, is not well equipped to deliver a socially efficient outcome. This paper examines the weaknesses of the current approach and proposes an alternative framework.

Biography: Martin is a leading resource and environmental economist with 15 years experience in consulting to government and private sector clients. He is a director of Aither, a national economics and policy firm that was founded in 2012. He previously held senior roles at PwC and the Allen Consulting Group. Martin works across a range of industry sectors, including water services, waste, agriculture, fisheries, mining, science and technology. He has specialist expertise in water policy and management, regulatory economics, pricing, cost-benefit analysis and strategic program reviews. Martin works with scientists, engineers and lawyers to deliver succinct policy advice to decision-makers. This has included the development of investment frameworks, prioritisation of options through cost-benefit and risk analysis, economic impact assessment, and the application of economic principles to complex policy and management problems. His work includes the preparation of submissions and strategies for corporate clients, R&D impact evaluation, and policy frameworks for government agencies in the areas of water and environment. Martin’s technical skills are complemented by his strong managerial and leadership expertise. He has managed many high-profile assignments and coordinated inter-disciplinary teams, often comprising staff located in several offices across Australia. His project work frequently involves stakeholder consultations on politically sensitive issues. Martin holds a PhD in environmental economics from the University of Western Australia (UWA) and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree, also from UWA.