Sorting the legislative maze between Landowners and developing Resource Companies - a mine field

RECENT CHANGES TO MINING LEGISLATION INCREASE THE BURDEN ON MINING COMPANIES WISHING TO ACCESS LAND.

In South Australia, amendments to the Mining Act 1971 impose additional procedural requirements on miners wishing to enter private land for exploration. The prescribed forms already used for notifying landowners that the miner will enter private land have been changed and updated. The Act also now sets out more detailed provisions which miners must follow before they can access exempt land, such as land used for cultivation, or land within 400 metres of a residence or water source. Landowners who have waived the exemption are entitled to cool off within five business days if they change their mind.