Message from Hon Dan Van Holst Pellekaan, Minister for Energy and Mining
The release of the Mining Regulations is the final step of the South Australian Mining Act review, with the act and regulations to commence on 1 January 2021.
It will increase landowner rights, improve the state’s competitiveness across both the Mining and Agricultural sectors and promote further investment in regional areas.
The new Mining Act and Regulations are the culmination of a significant review to provide a more robust and modern Mining Act for South Australia.
58 submissions were received from a wide variety of stakeholders during the consultation phase.
The consultation process used cutting-edge digital engagement tools and broad advertising to make sure that all could contribute despite the challenges of COVID-19.
The review provides a number of improvements and benefits to a broad range of stakeholders.
These regulations deliver upon commitments made during the passage of the legislation, as well as making additional improvements following broad stakeholder feedback.
Some of the improvements include increased public engagement requirements that reflect the expectations and concerns of local communities, stronger compliance and enforcement powers, and more information and support for land owners working with mining and exploration companies.
They improve landowner rights, increase protections for the environment and ultimately deliver more investment and jobs to regional areas in a way which promotes harmonious co-existence of regional industries.
The changes also mean landowners will have more time, more legal support, increased access to justice and stronger protections when approached by exploration and mining companies.
Additionally, the new mining reform will increase the value of the state’s mineral wealth through revision of lease and license arrangements, streamlining regulatory measures, changing the way exploration license are administered to increase competition and turnover of licenses.
The enactment of this new mining legislation delivers important reform for the South Australian resources industry and forms an important step in improvements for this important sector.
More about the Mining Act and Regulations review process
Friday 20 November 2020