Minister Cannot Consider Environmental Harm for Mining Leases, and People Gain New Rights to Object
Mineral Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026
Introduced by: The Hon Dale Last MP (LNP) — Minister for Manufacturing, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Regional and Rural Development
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Resources Minister can no longer consider environmental harm when deciding whether to grant a mining lease.
People affected by a mining lease application, or those living within 125km of the area, can lodge an objection to the lease.
Anyone can make a submission about the draft environmental authority or the draft progressive rehabilitation and closure plan for a mining activity.
Eligible people can lodge an objection to the draft environmental authority or the draft progressive rehabilitation and closure plan for a mining activity.
The chief executive of the Mineral Resources Act can refer a mining lease application to the Land Court if a valid objection is made.
The administering authority can refer a mining activity application to the Land Court if a valid objection is made to the draft documents.
The Land Court must give a recommendation to the administering authority after it holds a hearing on a referred application.
The chief executive of the Mineral Resources Act must give a mining lease notice to the applicant once they meet all legal and environmental requirements.