Risk management and notification obligations for mining and extractive industry operators

Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Amendment Bill 2023

1st House

2nd House

Law

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Duty holders must eliminate or minimise risks to the environment, public, and infrastructure during mining or rehabilitation work.
Corporations face fines up to 10,000 penalty units for failing to manage these risks.
Individuals can face 5 years in prison or 4,000 penalty units for reckless breaches that cause material harm.
Mining and prospecting licence holders cannot work unless the Department Head determines the risk level.
Mining licence holders must have an approved rehabilitation plan if the risk level is moderate or higher.
Exploration and retention licence holders cannot work until the Department Head determines the risk level.
Licence and authority holders must notify the Department Head of any material changes that increase risk.
Lower risk authority holders must follow a Code of Compliance issued by the Minister.

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