Implementation Strategy for Small Mines rehabilitation reforms

To support the roll out of the new standard conditions for rehabilitation in relation to small mines, the Resources Regulator will be hosting a webinar on 19 July 2023 from 12 pm to 2 pm. The webinar will provide an overview of the new standard conditions and requirements as well as provide details on the proposed roll-out schedule for small mines.

We are improving compliance and reporting requirements for rehabilitation through an amendment to the Regulation under the Mining Act 1992, which prescribes new mining lease conditions relating to rehabilitation and sets clear, achievable and enforceable requirements for rehabilitation. The Regulation commenced on 2 July 2021. The new standard rehabilitation conditions have applied to all new mining leases issued from this date. For mining leases that were in force before this date for small mines (those mines that do not have an Environment Protection Licence administered by the Environment Protection Authority), the conditions apply from the 2 July 2023. These new rehabilitation conditions will replace existing rehabilitation and environmental management conditions on current leases.

Building on some of the learnings from the commencement of the regulation for large mines, from the 2 July 2023 the Resources Regulator will be undertaking an enabling approach to assist small mines transition to the new requirements, which will include revised dates for the submission of initial notifications and applications. The enabling approach will also involve further education in regards to the new requirements as well as industry user acceptance testing and training on the on-line application and notification forms on the Resources Regulator Portal.