Trust has not been broken after a backflip on cultural heritage protection laws and mining companies will not be out of pocket, Western Australia's Minister for Mines says.
Bill Johnston fronted the Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum in Kalgoorlie, a day after Premier Roger Cook axed the month-old laws following widespread anger among the farming community at the stricter controls.
"Mining companies that are in production already have very strong relationships with their traditional owners," Mr Johnston said on Wednesday.
"Some of the challenges and issues that were being raised by others were not necessarily raised by mining companies, but certainly exploration companies raised a range of issues."
One of Western Australia's strengths is the connection between the mining industry and traditional owners, he said.
"I don't believe the trust is broken between Western Australians and the government."
Asked whether the government would reimburse costs to companies who had prepared for the new laws, he said "nobody has to start again" on approvals.
"I'm not aware of anybody being out of pocket because of the new Aboriginal cultural heritage legislation," he said.
Mr Johnston rejected any link to faltering public support in his state for the voice to parliament ahead of the looming national referendum.
"The decision by Roger Cook is not related to the voice to parliament. It's about making sure that we have a proper response to protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage here in Western Australia," he said.
The amended cultural heritage legislation is scheduled to be tabled in state parliament on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, gold miners speaking at the forum want the embattled Perth Mint, one of the world's largest handlers of gold, to remain in government hands.
"We haven't made any decision to to change the ownership structure," the minister said.
An inquiry is examining the Mint's adherence to four specific laws of the commonwealth, including adherence to anti-money laundering laws.
"No one has ever made an allegation that Perth Mint has facilitated money laundering," he said.
"Critics need to either prove their case or stop talking ... this constant negativity towards an important institution in Western Australia can't continue."
