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Native Vegetation & Biodiversity

All native vegetation in South Australia is protected under the provisions of the Native Vegetation Act 1991.

Although an exemption applies under the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003 for mining activities, that exemption is subject to a requirement that all mining activities (other than exploration) that involve the clearance of native vegetation must be undertaken in accordance with a management plan that the Native Vegetation Council (NVC) is confident will result in significant environmental benefit (SEB).

The approval of the significant environmental benefit management plan has been delegated to PIRSA and the plan should be included in the mining lease proposal or Mining and Rehabilitation Program (MARP)

As a majority of mining activities involve some degree of clearance of native vegetation, operators should become familiar with the requirements of the:

Note that the requirement to provide SEB under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 is in addition to rehabilitation requirements under the Mining Act 1971, including Rehabilitation Security Bonds (RSBs).

Guidelines for a Native Vegetation Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB) Policy

In accordance with Section 25 of the Native Vegetation Act 1991, the Native Vegetation Council resolved to endorse the adoption and implementation of the 'Guidelines for a Native Vegetation Significant Environmental Benefit Policy: For the clearance of native vegetation associated with the minerals and petroleum industry' (.pdf 610.1kb)

Exploration activities

The approval process for mineral exploration licence applications and work approvals under the Mining Act 1971 requires explorers to comply with the 'minimum possible clearance' requirement. This requirement is also assessed when applications for work approvals on Exploration Licences are assessed.

All seismic activities and other low impact exploration activities (for example geochemical surveys) will be considered exploration activities. The relevant Statement of Environmental Objectives (SEO) will be considered by the Native Vegetation Council as the accepted industry environmental management practices for facilitating the regrowth of native vegetation.

Further information

More information about biodiversity and native vegetation is available from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

For more information on the status of the guidelines contact the Native Vegetation Council.