Mining
Environmental management and regulation of the mining industry in Queensland is administered by the EPA through provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act). This provides for the issuing of environmental authorities for mining activities.
Under the Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2000, provisions in the Mineral Resources Act 1989 relating to environmental management of mines were transferred, with amendments, to the EP Act. Chapter 5 of the EP Act was further amended in 2004 to simplify approval procedures for low impact mining projects.
The EPA is responsible for:
- setting environmental conditions;
- setting levels of environmental assessment for amendment applications;
- monitoring performance;
- conducting inspections and audits;
- ensuring adequate rehabilitation; and
- enforcing compliance with environmental controls.
The Department of Mines and Energy facilitates the mining and resources sector. They are responsible for:
- accepting and processing all mining tenure applications and referring the relevant sections to the EPA for environmental impact assessment;
- issuing tenures under the Mineral Resources Act 1989;
- issuing environmental authorities for prospecting permits and mining claims;
- promoting and facilitating industry commitment to environmental best practice; and
- monitoring and managing the rehabilitation of abandoned mine sites.
The Department of Natural Resources and Water declared several wild rivers under the Wild Rivers Act 2005 to preserve the natural values. For more information and guidance regarding legislative requirements under the Wild Rivers Act 2005 for applications made within declared wild river areas, please look at Activities in Wild River Areas.
Pre-design conference service
Applicants are advised to enter into pre-design discussions with the EPA before lodging a formal application through the mining registrar to clarify information requirements and the process for obtaining the approvals required.
For ERAs administered by the EPA a ‘pre-design conference’ service is offered for projects which may include issues requiring a high level of assessment. This service includes meeting with an EPA project manager to discuss all the information requirements to be provided with your application.
For more details, read the Pre-design conference fact sheet.
This service can be initiated by contacting the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326 or by email at eco.access@epa.qld.gov.au or completing a Pre-design conference application form. If a pre-design conference is required to discuss your application in more detail, an EPA officer will contact you directly.
Links to key information materials on mining are listed on the screen for quick referencing. You can also read the legislation online by visiting the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
By selecting from the menu categories on the screen you will be directed to application forms, information sheets and guidelines relevant to a range of activities that require an environmental authority or permit.
Last updated: 18 February 2008
