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Programs for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPRs)

To comply with lease conditions a Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR) is required to be submitted and approved by the Minister before mining may commence.

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).

While the content and regulatory approach underpinning PEPRs is similar to that required for MARPs the provisions under the amended Act legislate specific content requirements. The requirement for the content of MARPs was previously established through guidelines.

All activities in connection with mining (exploration, ore extraction and processing, transport etc) can impact (both positively and negatively) on the surrounding environment. The extent of those impacts depends on the nature, size, location, duration of the operations, and sensitivity of the receiving environment. Good planning and management of a mine are essential to mitigate any potential negative impacts.

The PEPR sets out an integrated approach to managing all the stages in the life cycle of the mine, including its closure and completion.

The main role of PIRSA is to assess the draft PEPR, to ensure that appropriate environmental standards (objectives) for operation of the lease are set and that the appropriate strategies and procedures are in place to operate the lease in a way that will meet those standards. In setting appropriate standards, PIRSA will consult with all persons likely to be directly affected by the proposed operation. PIRSA also have an obligation to provide an assurance to the public generally that the environmental standards are being met.

Guidelines for preparing PEPRs

The following guidelines were prepared to assist with the preparation of MARPs. Revised guidelines for the preparation of PEPRs are in preparation. Submissions that closely follow the guidelines will be expedited through the approval process and avoid requests to you for further information.

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.

Feedback on draft PEPRs

PIRSA are able to provide informal feedback on drafts of your PEPR before formal submission. For further assistance and advice, please contact:

PIRSA - Mining Regulation and Rehabilitation Branch
GPO Box 1671
Adelaide SA 5001
Phone: 08 8463 3112
Email: pirsa.minerals@sa.gov.au

Important Note

The PEPR is a legal document and failure to comply with the contents of the approved PEPR is a breach of the Mining Act and Regulations. It always remains your responsibility to meet all lease conditions, environmental objectives, and any applicable legislation.