Environmental authorities (mining activities)
[Environmental authorities (mining activities) for level 1 and level 2 mining projects]Under section 20 of the EP Act, a mining project is either a level 1 or a level 2 environmentally relevant activity and requires a corresponding environmental authority (mining activities) under the EP Act. For a new mining project you must jointly apply for an environmental authority (mining activities) for a mining project under the EP Act and a mining tenement under the Mineral Resources Act 1989.
Applications are submitted to the District Mining Registrar of the Department
of Mines and Energy.
Mining projects that have a low level of environmental impact are called level
2 mining projects. Environmental authorities (mining activities) for level 2
mining projects are either code compliant or non-code compliant.
All mining activities conducted on prospecting permits and mining claims are
in level 2 mining projects. Other exploration, mineral development and mining
activities that meet the criteria for low-impact prescribed by the Environmental
Protection Regulation 1998 (EP Reg) may also be in level 2 mining projects.
If you're applying for a code compliant environmental authority (mining activities)
for a level 2 mining project you must certify that all mining activities proposed
to be carried out under the authority can comply with the standard environmental
conditions in the relevant code of environmental compliance.
If you’re applying for a non-code compliant environmental authority (mining activities) for a level 2 mining project, you must supply enough information in support of the application to allow the administering authority to decide the application.
If any mining activities of a mining project cannot comply with the prescribed criteria set out in schedule 1A of the EP Reg, the project is a level 1 mining project and requires a non-code compliant environmental authority (mining activities) for a level 1 mining project.
Mining activities for level 1 projects are undertaken on exploration permits, mineral development licences and mining leases. Applications for non-code compliant environmental authorities (mining activities) for level 1 mining projects should include site-specific environmental management plans.
Last updated: 05 June 2007
