The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration in Western Australia (DMPE) proposed Mines and Petroleum Regulations Amendment (Geocentric Datum) Regulations 2025 (the Proposed Regulations) aims to update the geocentric datum used in various mining and petroleum legislation from Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94) to GDA2020.
The Proposed Regulations are anticipated to come into effect from 6 October 2025 (commencement date). As a result, after close of business on Friday 3 October 2025, all applications submitted to the DMPE must be made using GDA2020 coordinates.
BENEFITS OF THE CHANGE
- Accuracy – Ensures accurate positioning for mining tenements and petroleum titles
- Alignment – Aligns WA’s spatial data with Global Navigation Satellite Systems
- Simplicity – Simplifies future updates to the datum via regulations rather than legislative amendments.
- Transition – Avoids complex transitional arrangements and land overlaps between GDA94 and GDA2020.
AFFECTED REGULATIONS
The Proposed Regulations will amend:
- Mining Regulations 1981
- Offshore Minerals Regulations 2010
- Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Regulations 1987
- Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Regulations 1990
APPLICATIONS MADE PRIOR TO 3 OCTOBER
DMPE will transition all spatial information on its internal and external systems to GDA2020 including pending applications.
DMPE will schedule system maintenance on 3 October 2025 to transition all spatial information to GDA2020. An application lodged using GDA94 coordinates prior to 4.30pm Friday 3 October 2025 will convert to GDA2020 as part of the system transition over the weekend.
KEY DATES
3 October 2025
From 4.30pm, all applications must be marked out and lodged using the GDA2020 datum.
6 October 2025
New regulations commence.
Further information can be accessed from the Department website.
