DMITRE Minerals

Jump to content

Search

 

Navigation

 

Mining Operations

The Mining Regulation and Rehabilitation Branch of PIRSA regulates all operating mine and quarry sites. Each mining operation has a PIRSA Mining Compliance officer who is responsible for ensuring the site is operated in compliance with Lease conditions and its Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR).

The provision for a PEPR under the amended Mining Act commenced on 1 July 2011. This replaced the regulation under the Mining Act relating to the requirement for a Mining and Rehabilitation Program (MARP).

Mining Proposals and Applications

There is a two-stage authorisation process for mining in South Australia.

Applications for a Mining Lease (Mineral (ML) or Extractive Mineral Lease (EML)), Retention Lease (RL) or Miscellaneous Purposes Licence (MPL) must be supported by a 'Mining Lease Proposal'.

Once a tenement is granted, a Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR) is required to be approved before mining may commence.

Appropriate documentation is required to be prepared and submitted to PIRSA for approval. The purpose of the documentation is to provide a comprehensive and detailed description of environmental, social and economic risks and benefits of the proposed operation so that stakeholders and PIRSA can make an informed, risk-based and balanced judgement about the proposed operation.

Flowchart of mining proposal approval processes

Indicative timeframes for PIRSA mining lease application assessment process

Documents in support of applications for mineral leases and licences to enable mining operations may be posted for public comment under the Public Notices section of this website.

Regulatory guidelines have been developed by PIRSA to assist mining companies in understanding the approvals process, including environmental responsibilities, native title issues and to assist in helping inform the community of the exploration and mining process.

Consultants who specialise in assisting mining companies to prepare appropriate documentation may be listed in the 'Mining Proposals and Programs (preparation of)' category of PIRSA's South Australia Minerals Service Directory.

Uranium incident reports

South Australia's uranium mines and processing facilities are required to report incidents involving the unplanned release of radioactive process materials, radioactive liquids or radioactive wastes associated with the physical and chemical processing of uranium ores, following Standard criteria and procedures.

Mining Projects

Current developing projects

Information about some of the developing projects that PIRSA is case managing through the approvals process.

Approved mines

Information about mines for which a MARP or PEPR has been approved.

Opal Mining

Extractive minerals

Minerals Regulatory Guidelines

MG1
Guidelines for miners: mining approval processes in South Australia (.pdf 663.4kb, opens in new window)

MG2
MG2 Preparation of a Mining Lease Proposal or Mining Rehabilitation Program (MARP) in South Australia (.pdf 626.0kb, opens in new window)

MG3
Guidelines for miners: preparation of a Mining and Rehabilitation Compliance Report (MARCR) in South Australia (.pdf 313.8kb, opens in new window)

MG4 Draft revised guideline
Guidelines for landholders and mineral explorers: Landholder rights and access arrangements in relation to mineral exploration and mining in South Australia (.pdf 729.2kb, opens in new window)

The revised MG4 incorporates the relevant content and guidelines from the former MG7 Guidelines for mineral explorers: Landholder liaison in South Australia

MG5
Tailings and tailings storage facilities (.pdf 162.3kb, opens in new window)

MG6
Preparation of a Mining and Rehabilitation Program (MARP) (Extractive Mineral Operations) (.pdf 428.7kb, opens in new window)

MG7
The relevant content and guidelines from the former MG7 Guidelines for mineral explorers: Landholder liaison in South Australia has now been incorporated in the revised version of MG4