Mining
Strengthening environmental management practices across industry is a key priority for the Queensland Government. To achieve this goal a decision was made to transfer responsibility for the environmental regulation of mining from the former Department of Mines to the department. The transfer took effect on 1 January 2001.
This transfer recognises the growing importance of good environmental practice and performance to the economic development of the mining industry and Queensland. It also acknowledges the importance of clear and responsive regulatory systems to ensure the State remains attractive for mineral exploration and development.
The new legislative framework enables Queensland's mining industry to remain at the forefront of environmental management and to continue to be pro-active in addressing environmental issues.
The current system
The main features of the system include:
- a process for environmental impact statements under the Environmental Protection Act 1994;
- a regulatory system with shortened assessment time frames and an integrated approval process;
- new codes of environmental compliance to provide a simple system to regulate smaller mining projects;
- greater public input into the public notification and objection process for mining projects; and
- the Land and Resources Tribunal, an independent and impartial body to consider all disputes about whether new mining projects should proceed.
Under the current framework, the department 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 concentrates its activities on the facilitation of the mining and resources sector. In respect to environmental performance aspects, they are responsible for:
- accepting and processing all mining tenure applications and referring the relevant sections to the department 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.
Future directions
Over the past five years, the Queensland Government has worked with industry, conservation and indigenous and other groups to enhance the environmental management of mining. The main goal is to deliver an efficient, practical system that achieves on-going sustainability of mining in Queensland.
Some of the enhancements resulted from a review of the new system after it had been operating for 18 months. A number of relatively minor amendments have been made to ensure it is operating effectively for all parties.
Where to access the legislation
An electronic copy of the EP Act is available at the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
Last updated: 05 June 2007