The Queensland government has approved 1400 exploration permits in seven days as it attempts to bolster the state’s mining sector.
The Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said speeding up applications will make mining "simpler and more profitable".
Last week the government announced an overhaul of the coal and minerals exploration approvals process, which was billed to halve exploration permit wait times.
Recognising that mining is critical to Queensland’s economy Cripps said streamlining the red tape will allow mining companies to “get on with business”.
"It has only been a week since this government announced reforms to expedite the granting of exploration permits," Cripps said.
"To have 1400 exploration permits granted in that time is great news for the industry."