ARTICLE · 02 OCTOBER 2026
When Mining Or Exploration Comes To Your Station
Pastoralists should identify the water and operational assets that matter to the station before activity begins, then ensure any access or commercial agreement clearly deals with monitoring, disruption, rehabilitation, liability and review. The legal position will depend on the mining or exploration licence (as the case may be), the pastoral lease, government policy, approvals and proposed activity, but early preparation gives a family stronger footing in discussions.
AustraliaEnergy and Natural Resources
What should pastoralists consider when nearby mining or exploration may affect water, access or station operations?
Pastoralists should identify the water and operational assets that matter to the station before activity begins, then ensure any access or commercial agreement clearly deals with monitoring, disruption, rehabilitation, liability and review. The legal position will depend on the mining or exploration licence (as the case may be), the pastoral lease, government policy, approvals and proposed activity, but early preparation gives a family stronger footing in discussions.
Our Agribusiness Team discuss this important topic.
Water is part of the operating business
For a pastoral operation, water is not an abstract resource. It supports stock, people, infrastructure and the daily rhythm of the station. A change in the reliability, quality or accessibility of a bore can affect operations quickly, particularly where the alternatives are costly or limited.
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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
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