New Landholder Information0410 (1)

7/28/2019 New Landholder Information0410 (1)

1/27

earthresources

Minerals exploration

and mining in Victoria:Landholder information booklet


2/272 DPI | earth resources

Acknowledgements

The ollowing individuals rom DPI are grateully acknowledgedor their contribution to this document: John Anastasiou,Bonnie Baird, Anne Bignell, David Boothroyd, Vickey Dods,Kathy Friday, Jo Iskandar, Renee Kjar, Kevin Nink, Elda Poletti,Phil Roberts, Sean Rooney, Doug Sceney and Adele Seymon.

Developed by: Bonnie BairdWritten by: Anna BowenDesigned by: Fluidesign

Published by the Department o Primary Industries,1 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000, March 2010.

The State o Victoria, 2010.

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproducedby any process except in accordance with the provisionso the Copyright Act1968.

Authorised by the Victorian Government,1 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000

ISBN 978-1-74217-939-1 (print)ISBN 978-1-74217-940-7 (online)

Disclaimer

This publication may be o assistance to you but the State oVictoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publicationis without aw o any kind or is wholly appropriate or yourparticular purposes and thereore disclaims all liability or anyerror, loss or other conseuence which may arise rom you relyingon any inormation in this publication.

For more inormation about DPI visit the website atwww.dpi.vic.gov.au or call the Customer Service Centreon 136 186.

I you would like to receive this

inormation/publication in an accessibleormat (such as large print or audio)please call the Customer Service Centreon: 136 186, TTY: 1800 122 969, oremail [email protected].
http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/


3/272

earthresources

Who is this booklet for?I you own or occupy land that is subject to explorationor mining o mineral resources, this booklet is or you.

All minerals in the State o Victoria belong to the people oVictoria and are thereore the property o the Crown (unlesssubject to a minerals exemption). These include mineral resourceslocated beneath private land to which access may be reuiredor the purpose o exploration and/or mining.

The sustainable and responsible development o these mineralresources is regulated by the State Government o Victoriathrough the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development)

Act1990 (MRSD Act).

The MRSD Act, which is administered by the Department

o Primary Industries (DPI), authorises the government to issuelicences or exploration, mining and development o mineralresources. But with these authorities come obligations onindustry with regards to landholders. They include:

adutytoconsultandcommunityengagement plan reuirements

managementofenvironmentalimpacts

considerationofpublicsafetyandlanduseconcerns

negotiationofaccessand/orcompensationagreements with landowners.

A collaborative eort between government, industry andcommunity is critical to the sustainable development o Victorias

natural resources, which in turn contributes to the economicand social prosperity o the state.

This booklet lets you know what to expect i you are approachedby an exploration or mining company. It answers the what,where and why uestions related to the development o Victoriasmineral resources and provides important inormation aboutyour rights as a landholder.

This booklet is intended as a guide only and should not beused as a substitute or the MRSD Act, Mineral ResourcesDevelopment Regulations 2010 or legal advice.



ContentsLetter rom the Minister 6

About the resource 7

Defning minerals 7

Using minerals 7

Valuing our mineral resources 8

Locating Victorias mineral resources 8

Exploring or mineral resources 9

Mining o mineral resources 10

About the Legislation 11

Objectives o the MRSD Act 11

The role o DPI 11

Victorias two-step process or exploration and mining 12

Types o licences and authorities 13

Work approval reuirements 14

Protecting landholders 15

Protecting the resource 15

Protecting cultural heritage 16

Associated legislation and policies 16

Landholder questions and answers 17

Landholder concerns: 17

1. How will I be notifed o minerals exploration

and mining activities being considered in my area? 17

2. What happens i mineral resources

are ound on my property? 17

3. Who owns the mineral resource that has been

ound on my land? 17

4. Does exploration always lead to mining? 17

5. When is a mining licence marked out on the land? 17

6. Will exploration and/or mining activities aect

my land or my ability to run my property? 17

Rights, requirements and processes: 18

7. What are the basic entitlements

o exploration and mining licences? 18

8. What are the basic reuirements o a licence application? 18

9. Can I object to the granting

o an exploration or mining licence? 18

10. What actors help to determine the suitability

o a licensee? 18

11. What is reuired to gain exploration authorisation? 18

12. What is reuired to gain mining authorisation? 19

13. What are the community engagement

reuirements o the licensee? 19

14. What conditions may be imposed with a licence approval? 19


5/274

earthresources

Consent and compensation: 19

15. Is my consent needed beore a mining licenseecan undertake work on my land? 19

16. What happens i I reuse consent? 19

17. Is landholder consent binding

on all subseuent landholders? 20

18. Can I expect compensation? 20

19. In what instances may compensation be payable? 20

20. What i an agreement or compensation

cannot be reached? 20

21. What happens to a compensation agreement

i there is a transer in land ownership? 20

Environmental and land use concerns: 21

22. How are environmental impacts rom exploration

and mining activities managed? 21

23. What environmental issues are expected

to be addressed by licensees? 21

24. How are land rehabilitation reuirements determined? 21

25. How is water used in exploration and mining operations? 22

26. What i the land aected is public land used

by the local community (e.g. parkland and reserves)? 22

27. What can be done i exploration and mining

activities are not being carried out as they should be? 22

Glossary 23

Further inormation 25

ERD district ofces 26



ALMOST EVERYTHING WE NEED IN LIFE STARTS WITH PRIMARY

INDUSTRIES. OUR FOOD, CLOTHES, ENERGY, AND EVEN BUILDINGMATERIALS BEGIN WITH NATURAL RESOURCES. THE DEPARTMENTOF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES (DPI) IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THEDEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR USE BY ALL VICTORIANS.THIS INCLUDES THE STATES MINERAL RESOURCES, WHICH AREESSENTIAL TO OUR DAILY LIVES.

VISIT THE DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIESWEBSITE: WWW.DPI.VIC.GOV.AU



About the resourceDeining mineralsThe MRSD Act defnes minerals as substances which occurnaturally in the earths crust. They include both metallic mineralssuch as gold and base metals, and non-metallic minerals suchas gypsum, kaolin, zircon, rutile, ilmenite, coal and coal seammethane.

Minerals do not include petroleum (oil and gas), which isadministered under the Petroleum Act1998. Nor do they includestone, such as hard rock, sand, gravel and clay, which areextracted by the states extractive industries (uarries).

Using mineralsMany metals, chemicals and industrial products consideredessential to our daily lives come rom minerals. They are usedin a wide range o applications related to manuacturing,agriculture and energy supply.

Coal, or example, accounts or more than 95 per cent oVictorias electric power. Meanwhile gold applications, whichwere traditionally confned to coins and jewellery, now extend tomedical services in the treatment o arthritis and other diseases,as well as electrics such as digital radios, microwaves, telephonesystems and aeronautical machinery.

Progressive geological research, improved exploration techniuesand advances in development technologies continue to maximisethe production and potential utility o our mineral resources.

Figure 1: Material minerals common to Australia

Figure 2: Common uses o material mineralsMetals Industrial

mineralsFuels(energy supply)

Aluminium Barite Black coal

Antimony Bauxite Brown coal

Bismuth Bentonite Coal bed methane

Chromium Cadmium

Cobalt Diamonds

Copper Diatomite

Gold Feldspar

Iron Fluorite

Lead Gemstones

Manganese Gypsum

Mercury Ilmenite

Molybdenum Kaolin

Nickel Lithium

PlatinumGroup Metals

Magnesite

Silver Niobium

Tantalum Phosphate Rock

Tin Talc

Tungsten Tantalum

Zinc Thorium

Rutile

Vanadium

Zircon

Mineral Utility (Examples)

Metals cars,aircraftandconstruction(buildingframes)contain iron, copper, aluminium and lead

computersandTVsmadefromgold,silver,

copper, aluminium, zinc and iron

camerasmadefromaluminium,iron, gold and nickel

electricalwiringmadefromcopper

food/drinkcansmadefromaluminium

cosmeticscontainiron,silica,zincandtalc

goldisatradablecommodity,representingan

international money standard; also used injewellery and electronics.

Non-metallic(industrial)minerals

manufactureofchemicals,glass,fertilisers

manufactureofpaint(talc,rutile,quartz and mica)

manufactureofconcrete,bricksandpipes

(crushed rock)

constructionofhousesandroads

treatmentofsoilconditionstomaximise

agricultural yields

llersinpharmaceuticals,plasticsandpaper

toothpastecontainsuorite,bariteandcalcite.

Fuels electricityproduction

fuelfortransport

fertilisers(browncoal)

coalusedforsteaming,heatingandprocessing

(alumina refneries, paper manuacturers,breweries, pharmaceutical industries) andmanuacturing o cement, iron and steel.


8/278

earthresources

Valuing our mineral resourcesThe value o minerals extends beyond practical utility. Mineralresources also play an important role in the economic and socialdevelopment o the state. Exploration and mining activitiesprovide opportunities or employment, diversifcation o regionaleconomies, and the development o regional services andinrastructure.

In Victoria, industry operations currently generate more than12,900 jobs as well as millions o dollars through capitalinvestment and sponsorship o industry initiatives.

Locating Victoriasmineral resourcesVictoria is richly endowed with a diversity o mineral depositsand is Australias largest producer o brown coal, which generatesmore than 95 per cent o the states energy supply. Gold andmineral sands (zircon, rutile and ilmenite) are also prevalent,along with reasonable deposits o gypsum and kaolin. Geosciencedata also reveals signifcant potential or copper, zinc, silver,antimony and nickel deposits.

This avourable geological ramework suggests signifcantprospectivity or urther mineral resources development

in Victoria.

Since the discovery o gold in Victoria in 1851, the developmento mineral resources has played a pivotal role in the stateseconomic and cultural expansion. More than 5,000 licenceshave been granted under the modern minerals legislative regime.Along with exploration licences, they cover approximately40 per cent o the state.

The DPI website provides up-to-date inormation on currentexploration and mining licences, including the location oexploration and mining operations across Victoria. Onlineresources include minerals tenement reports, exploration licences

map and tenement GIS datasets. Further detail is availablevia DPIs online mapping application, GeoVic. Contact detailsare provided in the Further information section o this booklet.

Figure 3: Victorias mineral deposits



Exploring or mineral resourcesExploration or minerals is generally the frst in a serieso activities towards the development o mineral resources.It usually involves low-impact geological assessments,which determine the location o potential sites. More intrusiveexploration may ollow in order to identiy the size, grade andrelevant characteristics o the resource, and to determine theeconomic viability o its development.

Typically, the frst 12 months o licensed exploration activityis low impact; meaning it has limited environmental impactand is likely to be confned to desktop studies, aerial imagingor sampling using hand tools only. Indicative samples are then

analysed and ground intensive exploration (reuiring work planapproval) may ollow.

The dierent methods used to search or economic mineraldeposits include:

Literature review

An important preparatory step towards new mineral explorationis the practice o desktop studies. Desktop studies comprisehistorical research into a particular geographic area utilisingmining maps, data fles and web mapping applications such asGeoVic (located on the DPI website).

Prospecting

While it is not considered an ofcial method o exploration,prospecting (ossicking) does involve the search or certainmineral deposits. It typically involves the use o non-mechanical hand tools such as metal detectors, pans or sluicesin the non-commercial search or gold, gemstones and otherminerals. It is done without removing or damaging any treeor shrub on the land and without disturbing any Aboriginalcultural heritage, place, object, archaeological site or relic.In Victoria, prospecting activities reuire a Miners Rightor Tourist Fossicking Authority.

Geological studies

Geological studies typically include walking over the groundand taking small samples o surace rock or soil. They may alsoinvolve mapping and general observation o the areas geologyand topography.

Geochemical sampling

Geochemical sampling is the systematic sampling o soil,stream sediments or oliage rom various types o ora.

Geophysical surveyingModern surveying techniues are commonly carried out usinga hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS). Survey lines aremarked out using various kinds o stakes or pegs.

Geophysical measurements

Geophysical measurements are sub-surace measurementsmade by airborne or ground observations. Ground observationsusually involve hand-held instruments and may sometimesincorporate the laying out o cables to measure magnetic andelectrical properties.

Exploratory drilling

Exploratory drilling only takes place i mineralisation hasbeen indicated by prior inspection (approximately one in 10exploratory projects involve drill tests). Small holes, usuallyless than 15 centimetres in diameter, are made in rock and/orsoil to obtain samples o materials at depth. These samples areextracted or the purposes o chemical or other analysis, ratherthan commercial production.

For the minority o avourable exploration prospects (about oneout o 100), more intensive exploration activities such as patterndrilling and bulk sampling may ollow.

Beore any o these activities can commence, the person orcompany must obtain the appropriate authority rom DPI anddiscuss the implications o their operations with aectedlandholders. Read about Types of licencesand authorities and Workapproval requirements in the Legislation sectiono this booklet.


10/2710

earthresources

Figure 4: Activities undertaken during mineral exploration and mining

Exploration activities include:

Literaturereview

Samplingofsurfacerock,soilstream

sediments or oliageAerialorgroundsub-surfacemeasurements

Drillingtoobtainsamples

Mining activities include:

Shallowsurfacemining

Open-cutmining

Undergroundmining

Mining licence requiredExploration licence required

Geological

SurveysExploration

Mine

Development

Mining &

Production

Rehabilitation

& Closure

Discovery

& Evaluation

Mining o mineral resourcesAnecdotal evidence suggests that one out o 1,000 explorationprojects are likely to progress to the mining stage. This is whenmineral resources are extracted rom the earth by various typeso mining, and produced or commercial gain. There are severalmining operations in Victoria.

Mining includes the ollowing approaches:

Shallow surace mining

Shallow surace mining is the shallow surace extraction oalluvial deposits, soil or weathered rock. It varies rom removalo surace material o a ew centimetres in depth to shallowpits up to several metres deep. For example, shallow suracemining o gypsum rom evaporate and dune deposits is commonin northwest Victoria. Gypsum is used to treat soil conditionsor the purpose o maximising agricultural yields.

Open-cut mining

Open-cut mining usually involves removal o suracevegetation, topsoil and any overburden to uncover mineraldeposits that are close to the surace. In Victoria, open-cutgold mines are typically up to 60 metres deep and open-cutbrown coal mines more than 100 metres deep. Mining may

or may not involve blasting, depending on the rigidity o thematerial being mined.

Underground mining

Access to underground ore is gained by shat (vertical orinclined), adit (horizontal tunnel) or decline (inclined tunnel).Mining excavation is generally achieved by drilling andblasting. Waste rock and mineral ore are transported to thesurace by trucks or skips and waste rock is oten usedto backfll underground voids (stopes).

Other mining activities include gold tailings treatment, whichreers to the reprocessing o previous mining waste product(resulting rom the separation o valuable minerals and ore)

to remove any remaining gold. Mining also usually includesassociated ore processing acilities and waste rock and tailingdisposal acilities.

Beore any mining activity can begin, the company must obtaina mining licence and work authority rom DPI and obtain consentrom, or enter into a compensation agreement with, aectedlandholders. Read about Types of licences and authorities and Workapproval requirements in the Legislation section o this booklet.



Objectives o the MRSD ActThe Victorian Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development)

Act1990 (MRSD Act) and the Mineral Resources DevelopmentRegulations 2002 (MRD Regulations) create a ramework to bothacilitate and regulate the exploration and mining o mineralresources in Victoria.

The purpose o the legislation is to encourage an economicallyviable mining industry, which makes the best use o mineralresources in a way that is compatible with the economic, socialand environmental objectives o the state. To do this, theollowing objectives have been established:

1. To encourage and acilitate exploration or minerals and osterthe establishment and continuation o mining operationsby providing or:

anefcientandeffectivesystemforthegranting o licences and other approvals

aprocessforco-ordinatingapplicationsforrelated

approvals

aneffectiveadministrativestructureformakingdecisions

concerning the allocation o mineral resources or thebeneft o the general public

aneconomicallyefcientsystemofroyalties,rentals, ees and charges.

2. To establish a legal ramework aimed at ensuring that:

mineralresourcesaredevelopedinwaysthatminimise

adverse impacts on the environment and the community

consultationmechanismsareeffectiveandappropriate

access to inormation is provided

landwhichhasbeenminedisrehabilitated

justcompensationispaidfortheuseofprivatelandfor

exploration or mining

conditionsinlicencesandapprovalsareenforced

disputeresolutionproceduresareeffective

thehealthandsafetyofpeopleisprotectedinrelation to work being done under a licence.

3. To recognise that the exploration or, and mining o, mineralresources must be carried out in a way that is not inconsistentwith the Native Title Act1993 o the Commonwealth and the

Land Titles Validation Act1994.

The role o DPIThe Earth Resources Division (ERD) o the Department o PrimaryIndustries (DPI) is responsible or both regulating and acilitatingthe minerals, petroleum, geothermal, extractive (uarries) andgeoseuestration (capturing carbon dioxide and storing it in theearths crust) industries in Victoria.

As regulator o the minerals industry, DPI is responsibleor administering the MRSD Act. It does this by:

allocatinglicencesandauthorities,subjecttoconditions, to eligible applicants

regulatingtheoperationalaspectsofexplorationactivities

(enorcing adeuate management o public saety,environmental impact and land rehabilitation)

regulatingtheoperationalaspectsofminingactivitiesthrough

the approval o responsible work plans and authorities

consideringcommunityviewswhenapprovingworkplansand

regulating operations.

As acilitator o Victorias mineral resources development,DPI is responsible or:

providinggeosciencedataandinformationtocompanies

and individuals interested in minerals exploration in Victoria

encouraginginnovationandcomplementingtheefciency o the market

encouragingtransparent,meaningfulandongoing

communication between industry, community and government.

About the Legislation


12/2712

earthresources

Victorias two-step process

or exploration and miningThe MRSD Act contains a two step process in order to obtainapprovals to explore or mine. The frst step is to obtain a licence.The second step involves approval to undertake work. The onlyexception to the second step is low-impact exploration, which islimited to hand held tools (as permitted under a Miners Right).

Figure 5: Victorias two-step process or exploration and mining

Step OneLicence Approval

Low impact explorationStep TwoApproval to Undertake Work

Authorisation o exploration/mining

Registration

Proprietaryinterestinlandforpurposeoflicence

Exploration Licence

Exclusiverightstoexploreforminerals

Righttoapplyformininglicence

Mining Licence

Exclusiverightstomine

Transferofownershipofmineralswhen

extracted rom land

Exploration Authorisation

Approvedworkplan

Rehabilitationbond

Publicliabilityinsurance

Otherconsentsandapprovals

Mining Work Authorisation

Approvedworkplanincluding

rehabilitation plan and communityengagement plan

Rehabilitationbond

Publicliabilityinsurance

Planningapproval

Otherconsentsandapprovals



Types o licences and authoritiesUnder the MRSD Act, the ollowing licences and authoritieshave been established or issue by DPI:

Exploration Licence

An exploration licence grants exclusive rights, subjectto conditions, to explore or minerals in an area o up to500 suare kilometres (or larger with ministerial approval).The licence is valid or up to fve years, with the option toapply or renewal. It also provides the right to apply or amining licence.

Multiple (successive) exploration licences may be granted in anarea, even when there have been no major resource discoveriesrom previous exploration activity. Companies may undertakemore exploration when they have more money, commoditiesbecome more valuable or when new technologies, such as 3Danalysis and predictive modelling, allow or more scientifcand rigorous assessment o the geology o an area.

Mining Licence

While a mining licence does not imply permission or miningto take place, it is a prereuisite or seeking the necessaryapprovals and consents reuired to mine under the MRSD

Act. It also transers ownership o minerals rom the Crownto the licensee when they are eventually mined rom theland. Exploration is also permitted under a mining licence,which may cover an area o up to 260 hectares (or larger withministerial approval). A mining licence is valid or up to20 years, but is generally granted or a shorter period otime (or example, fve years). Renewal is assessed on acase-by-case basis.

Miners Right

A miners right provides permission or a person to prospector minerals using non-mechanical hand tools only and wherethe permission o the landholder has been granted.

Tourist Fossicking Authority

A tourist ossicking authority allows tourist parties to searchor minerals using non-mechanical hand tools only and wherethe permission o the landholder has been granted.

Tourist Mine Authority

A tourist mine authority grants permission to operate atourist mine, which is defned as a mine, part o a mine orany other location in which the principal activities conductedare activities promoting interest in the practice and history oprospecting or mining. It reuires the written consent o theaected landholder.

THE GRANTING OF A LICENCE DOES NOTALLOW MINING TO OCCUR. OTHER WORKAPPROVALS AND CONSENTS ARE REqUIRED.


14/2714

earthresources

Figure 6: Other approvals potentially required or exploration and mining

Other Approvals

Potentially

Required

Consent to access restricted

Crown Land

Compliance with provisions

oNative Title Act1993

Approval or Environment Protection

Authority works and licence or

discharges to the environment

Consent/compensation agreement

with private landholder

Consent to work within

100m o dwelling

Planning Permit

Approval o Cultural HeritageManagement Plan

Licence to take and use water

Compliance with Native Vegetation

Management Framework

Commonwealth Environment

Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act1999 approval

Work approval reuirementsFor mining, and in some cases exploration, the licenseemust obtain numerous consents and approvals rom otheragencies, ministers, bodies and individuals beore they cancommence work.

Under an exploration licence, these may include:

approvedworkplan(notrequiredforlow-impactwork)

rehabilitationbond

publicliabilityinsurance

otherconsentsandapprovals.

Under a mining licence, these may include:

approvedworkplanincludingrehabilitationplanand

community engagement plan

rehabilitationbond

publicliabilityinsurance

planningapprovalorEnvironmentalEffectsStatement

otherconsentsandapprovals.



Protecting landholdersThe MRSD Act reuires licensees to consult with landholdersand other identifed members o the community beore anyexploration or mining activity can commence. This means thata licensee is reuired to share inormation with the communityabout any activities authorised under the licence and also toprovide the community with a reasonable opportunity to expresstheir views about those activities.

Additional obligations apply to mining licensees, who mustprepare a community engagement (CE) plan documenting thecommitments they will make to engage with their communityduring the lie cycle o the project.

Furthermore, under Section 42(2)(c) o the MRSD Act, permissionto start work on a mining licence will only be granted once thelicensee has obtained the written consent o the landholderor made and registered a compensation agreement with thelandholder. Compensation provisions apply only where landholderssuer loss or damage as a result o work on a licence orconseuence o the approved work plan.

On commencement o activity, licensees are also obliged to:

minimiseinterferencewithregularlandholder activities on the land

followpublicsafetyandenvironmentplanningregulations

maintainingoodconditionandrepairallstructures,equipment

and property used in connection with minerals exploration andmining operations

continueconsultationwiththelocalcommunityforthe

duration o the operation (rom exploration through todevelopment, operation, closure and rehabilitation).

Further details on the outcomes or landholders are provided inthe Landholder questions and answers section o this booklet.

Protecting the resourceThe MRSD Act was amended in 2006 to include the concepto sustainable development, which is defned by the ollowingprinciples:

Communitywellbeingandwelfareshouldbeenhancedby

ollowing a path o economic development that saeguardsthe welare o uture generations.

Thereshouldbeequitywithinandbetweengenerations.

Biologicaldiversityshouldbeprotectedandecological

integrity maintained.

Thereshouldberecognitionoftheneedtodevelopastrong,growing, diversifed and internationally competitive economythat can enhance the capacity or environment protection.

Measurestobeadoptedshouldbecosteffectiveandexible,

not disproportionate to the issues being addressed, includingimproved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms.

Bothlongandshorttermeconomic,environmental,socialand

euity considerations should be eectively integrated intodecision-making.

Iftherearethreatsofseriousorirreversibleenvironmental

damage, lack o ull scientifc certainty should not be usedas a reason or postponing measures to prevent environmentaldegradation; decision-making should be guided by careulevaluation to avoid serious or irreversible damage to theenvironment wherever practicable, and by an assessmento the risk-weighted conseuences o various options.

Developmentshouldmakeapositivecontributiontoregional

development and respect the aspirations o the community andIndigenous peoples; decisions and actions should provide orcommunity involvement in issues that aect them.

The purpose o incorporating sustainable development into

the legislation was to emphasise its importance; that is theconsideration o economic, environmental and social objectivesin the regulation o the minerals sector. It reuires an integratedapproach to land use planning that recognises competinginterests and attempts to negotiate the most appropriatecourse o action, taking into account the ecological and sociallimitations on mining.


16/2716

earthresources

Protecting cultural heritageTheAboriginal Heritage Act2006 (AHA) seeks to ensure theprotection o sites o signifcant Aboriginal cultural value ina way that involves the Aboriginal community and to providegreater integration o heritage issues within the land planningprocess.

In accordance with the AHA, exploration and mining licenseesmust prepare a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) orareas o cultural heritage sensitivity (where there has not beensignifcant prior ground disturbance and where the activity isdeemed to be high impact). This reuirement must be satisfedbeore any work can occur.

In addition, the MRSD Act prohibits work within 100 metreso an area o cultural heritage sensitivity unless the reuisiteconsent or authorisation has been provided.

Native title matters in accordance with the Commonwealth

Native Title Act1993(NTA) must also be addressed by thelicensee beore the necessary authority can be obtained.

A Future Act Assessment is undertaken to determine whetheran exploration or mining licence applicant needs to reach anagreement with a native title party beore the licence can begranted. I so, the licence applicant negotiates with the native

title party until an agreement is fnalised, which may take acouple o years. For some parts o Victoria a licence applicant cansign up to a Regional Indigenous Land Use Agreement, which is aregistered agreement that has already been negotiated betweensome native title parties and the Minerals Council o Australia(Victoria Division).

While DPI does not administer the AHA or NTA, the departmentis concerned about compliance with the legislation.

Associated legislation and policiesThe MRSD Act applies only to the exploration or and miningo mineral resources. Other legislation and policies may aectmineral resources development where the ollowing issues arise:

catchmentandlandprotection

culturalheritage

environmentalprotectionandmanagement

landrehabilitation

nativevegetationmanagement

NativeTitle

publicsafety

tenementscompliance

wateruseandmanagement.

The legislation and policies which address these issues maybe relevant to licence conditions and work plan approvals.

To get more inormation about these issues and the legislationand policies associated with them, use the contact details in the

Further Information section at the back o this booklet.



The MRSD Act establishes a ramework or the exploration andmining o mineral resources in Victoria. This process may raiseuestions or landholders, which are addressed in the ollowinguestion-and-answer ormat.

Landholder concerns:

1. How will I be notiied o minerals explorationand mining activities being consideredin my area?

All new licence applications must be advertised in a newspapercirculating in the locality o the proposed licence, and a

Wednesday edition o a newspaper circulating generallythroughout Victoria (mining licences o less than fve hectaresonly need to advertise in the local newspaper). The applicantmust ulfl this reuirement within 14 days o being notifed thattheir application has priority. Where it is a mining licence, theapplicant must give notice to all aected landholders within thearea o the application.

This public notifcation gives landholders the opportunity to raiseconcerns or lodge objections or ministerial consideration beorethe application is determined.

Note: i your property alls within the area o an application, it

does not automatically ollow that entry to your land is reuired.

2. What happens i mineral resources are oundon my property?

I mineral resources are ound on your property, the explorationlicensee may then apply or a mining licence.

The granting o the mining licence coners mineral rights romthe Crown to the licensee, but it does not give the licenseeauthority to carry out mining operations. Mining can onlybegin when a number o other approvals including planningpermission, work plan approval, rehabilitation bond lodgement

and landholder agreements are in place.

3. Who owns the mineral resource that hasbeen ound on my land?

All mineral resources belong to the people o Victoria and arethereore owned by the Crown. When minerals are mined, underthe proper authority, they become the property o the personextracting them.

Beore any activity can commence, the licensee is reuired tocontact the aected landholders to discuss the implications otheir proposed activities. As well, the licensee is reuired to have

obtained consent o the landholder or reached a compensationagreement with the landholder.

4. Does exploration always lead to mining?

Exploration does not always lead to mining. Due to the difcultyo identiying commercial ore bodies, only about one in 1,000exploration projects progress to the mining stage.

A mineral deposit must frst be determined as economically viablebeore any urther activity can proceed. This will depend on avariety o actors including the size and grade o the resource, thepredicted price o the mineral, accessibility, transportability andexpected efciency o production.

Note: while exploration oten takes place over large areas, thearea subseuently mined, i at all, is usually much smaller.

5. When is a mining licence markedout on the land?

Mining licence boundaries are oten irregular in shape andthereore must be readily identifed. Within our weeks o amining licence being granted, the licensee must mark out theland with corner posts, identifcation plates and trenches.This must be done in accordance with the coordinates o thelicence boundaries as per the granted licence document andinstruments. I the licensed area is more than fve hectares,boundaries must also be surveyed.

I landholder consent to enter the land has been sought but not

obtained, access may be granted by authority rom the Ministeror Energy and Resources. Entry in this case is only or thepurpose o marking out and having the area surveyed.

6. Will exploration and/or mining activitiesaect my land or my ability to run my property?

Holders o an exploration or mining licence must ensure thattheir operations minimise, as ar as possible, intererence withother activities on the land.

Where mining is proposed on agricultural land, the licenseemust prepare a statement o economic signifcance to establishwhether the value o the mineral resource is more or less thanits agricultural worth. This statement must be made within sixmonths o the granting o the licence (or lodging o a work plan)and a copy must be provided to the landholder.

Landholder questions and answers


18/2718

earthresources

Rights, reuirements

and processes:7. What are the basic entitlements o exploration

and mining licences?

An exploration licence grants exclusive rights, subject toconditions, to explore or minerals in graticular sectionscomprising an area o up to 500 suare kilometres (or largerwith ministerial approval). Mining is not permitted on anexploration licence. In general, an exploration licence is validor fve years, with the option to apply or renewal, and providesthe right to apply or a mining licence. During the term o an

exploration licence, licensees are reuired to relinuish ground.

There are two relinuishment reuirements: ater two years, 25per cent o the ground must be relinuished; ater our years anadditional 35 per cent must be relinuished.

A mining licence does not imply permission or mining to takeplace, but is reuired to seek work approvals reuired to establisha mining operation. Exploration is also permitted under a mininglicence, which may cover an area o up to 260 hectares (or largerwith ministerial approval). A mining licence may be valid or upto 20 years or longer with ministerial approval, with the optionto apply or renewal.

Under both licences, work (other than work using hand tools)cannot take place within 100 metres o a dwelling (house) unlessthe landholder consents.

8. What are the basic requirementso a licence application?

An application or an exploration or mining licence must includeinormation about the applicant and their proposed operation.This includes technical ualifcations and experience, a map othe proposed licence area, inormation on compliance with NativeTitle (i the application reers to Crown land), estimates o annual

expenditure, evidence o fnancial capability to undertake theproposed work, and details o the proposed work program.

Most licences take three to our months to process. Thisperiod can be signifcantly longer where there are competingapplications or where processes are reuired to address the

Commonwealth Native Title Act1993.

But the granting o a licence does not immediately implyauthority to begin work. For mining, and in some casesexploration, the licensee must obtain numerous consents andapprovals rom other agencies, ministers, bodies and individualsbeore they can commence work.

Read more about Licences and authorities and Work approvalsin the Legislation section o this booklet.

9. Can I object to the granting o an exploration

or mining licence?Any person may object to a licence being granted, provided thelicence application is new and not a renewal. The objection mustbe in writing, include the grounds on which it is made (relevantto legislative provisions), and be sent to the appropriategovernment representative within 21 days ater the latest dateon which the licence application was advertised.

All objections and comments received are considered by theappropriate government representative beore a decision is madeon whether to grant the licence. As a result, additional conditionsmay be imposed on the licence. These may relate to technical

reuirements but can also include issues that are o communityconcern.

10. What actors help to determine the suitabilityo a licensee?

When assessing the suitability o a licensee, DPI reers to Section15(6) o the MRSD Act. This includes whether the applicant is ftand proper to hold the licence, intends to comply with the MRSDAct, genuinely intends to do work, has an appropriate programo work and is likely to be able to fnance the proposed work andrehabilitation.

Objections and comments not directly related to Section 15(6)o the MRSD Act cannot be considered when assessing whether alicensee is ft and proper. However, objections and comments willbe considered beore a decision is made on granting the licenceand in relation to the work approval process.

11. What is required to gain explorationauthorisation?

Exploration authorisation typically reuires a work plan,rehabilitation bond, public liability insurance and various otherconsents and approvals. The work plan must address managementstrategies or public saety, environmental impact and land

rehabilitation.

Low-impact exploration is limited to hand-held tools(as permitted under a Miners Right) and does not reuirea work plan.

For exploration work that is deemed to have a material impacton the environment, the Minister may reuire preparation oan impact statement (dierent rom an Environment EectsStatement). This provision is intended to assess and manageunusually high-impact exploration activities, or example majoraccess road or pilot plant construction.



12. What is required to gain mining authorisation?

Authorisation o mining is granted by a work authority,which reuires a work plan, rehabilitation bond, public liabilityinsurance, planning approval and other consents includingconsent/compensation with landholders. Planning approvalentails a planning permit or preparation o an EnvironmentEects Statement (EES) in accordance with the EnvironmentEffects Act1978.

The work plan reuired to gain work authorisation must addressmanagement strategies or public saety and environmentalimpact, a rehabilitation plan and a community engagement(CE) plan.

Aected landholders (whose land is located within theboundaries o the mining licence) and relevant stakeholders mustbe consulted in the preparation o the work plan, which becomesbinding on the licensee when approved by DPI.

13. What are the community engagementrequirements o the licensee?

The community engagement (CE) plan prepared by the mininglicensee should clearly identiy the community and describehow, when and what engagement will occur with that communityduring all stages o the mining project. Minimum reuirements o

the CE plan are stipulated in the Mineral Resources DevelopmentRegulations 2002 and depend on the geographical size o thelicence and what activities the licensee is undertaking.DPI provides Community Engagement Guidelines for Miningand Mineral Exploration in Victoria to assist licensees in theirulflment o these reuirements. Exploration licensees are notreuired to develop a CE plan.

In addition to the CE plan, both exploration and mining licenseeshave a duty to consult with the community during all stages oa project, rom exploration through to the operational phaseand rehabilitation. This means that the licensee must shareinormation with the community about any activities authorised

by the licence that may aect that community. Consultationtechniues may include ace-to ace meetings, notice boards,inormation yers, telephone, written electronic surveys, hotlineor phone-in opportunities, media advertising, invitations orsubmissions, public exhibitions and websites. The purpose o thisreuirement is to share inormation with the community aboutany activities authorised by the licensee and ensure that thecommunity is provided with reasonable opportunities to expresstheir views.

14. What conditions may be imposed

with a licence approval?The Minister or Energy and Resources may impose and varyconditions on a licence, most notably or the protection o theenvironment. Conditions usually involve:

rehabilitationoftheland

protectionoftheenvironment

protectionofgroundwater

provisionandimplementationofenvironmentaloffsets

expenditure

reportsonthediscoveryofminerals

accesstoanduseofthelandbyotherlicenceholders

protectionofcommunityfacilities.

Exploration licence holders are also bound by DPIs Code ofPractice for Mineral Exploration. The code provides practicalguidance about how exploration work should be conductedin Victoria to meet regulatory reuirements and environmentalstandards.

Consent and compensation:

15. Is my consent needed beore a mining licenseecan undertake work on my land?

Under Section 42(2)(c) o the MRSD Act, permission to startwork on a mining licence will only be granted once the licenseehas obtained the written consent o the landholder or made andregistered a compensation agreement with them.

Most companies will present a contract proposing conditions oaccess to your property or the purpose o exploration or mining.The content o any contract is subject to agreement by eachparty. DPI is not a party to such contracts. We recommend youseek legal advice beore you enter into any binding contract.

16. What happens i I reuse consent?

I a landholder does not provide consent and an appropriateamount o compensation cannot be agreed, then either partymay reer to the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).VCAT does not determine the right to access land, rather theamount o compensation to be paid to the landholder. VCAT isavailable where conciliation between the parties has ailed toachieve a satisactory settlement negotiation and should be usedas a last resort.


20/2720

earthresources

17. Is landholder consent binding on all subsequent

landholders?Yes, landholder consent is binding on all subseuent landholders.As stated in Section 45(3) o the MRSD Act, landholder consentallowing the exploration and/or mining o minerals cannot bewithdrawn by the landholder or any subseuent landholders.

18. Can I expect compensation?

Compensation provisions apply only where landholders suer lossor damage as a result o work on a licence or approval o a workplan. Compensation is not payable or the value o the minerals,nor is it a prereuisite or landholder consent.

Compensation relating to private land usually arises whereland is to be occupied or exploration or mining. Landholderconsent or a compensation agreement must be in placebeore work can be approved. This reuirement does not givelandholders the absolute power to control access, becausei agreement is not reached the amount o compensation isdetermined by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal(VCAT) or the Supreme Court.

19. In what instances may compensationbe payable?

Compensation is payable only or loss or damage to thelandholders interests in the land as a direct, natural andreasonable conseuence o the exploration or mining activities.Such instances include:

deprivationofpossessionofthewholeoranypart o the surace o the land

damagetothesurfaceoftheland

damagetoanyimprovementsontheland

severanceofthelandfromotherlandbelongingtoyou

lossofamenityincludingrecreationandconservationvalues

lossofopportunitytomakeanyplannedimprovement on the land

anydecreaseinmarketvalueofyourinterestintheland

reasonableincidentalexpensesinobtainingandmoving to replacement land, i reuired

intangibleandnon-pecuniarydisadvantagesnototherwise

compensable (additional 10 per cent).

We recommend you seek legal advice beore you enterinto a compensation agreement.

20. What i an agreement or compensation

cannot be reached?Where parties have ailed to negotiate a satisactory settlement,the disputed compensation claim may be reerred to the VictorianCivil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), in accordance with Part10 o the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act1986. I theamount o compensation in dispute exceeds $50,000, either partycan seek to have the matter resolved by the Supreme Court.

21. What happens to a compensation agreementi there is a transer in land ownership?

Any amount o compensation paid, agreed to be paid, or

determined is not aected by any subseuent change in theownership or occupancy o land. New owners or occupiers cannotseek urther compensation.

The compensation agreement remains with the land not thelandholder.



Environmental and land

use concerns:All areas in Victoria, unless specifcally exempt (e.g. NationalParks, State Parks, wilderness areas), are open to explorationand mining licence applications.

22. How are environmental impacts rom exploration

and mining activities managed?

Beore any minerals exploration or mining operation cancommence, a work plan addressing environmental risks must beapproved and a rehabilitation bond lodged. The rehabilitation

bond represents security o payment or any rehabilitation workthat may be necessary as a result o a minerals exploration ormining operation. Other approvals may also be reuired underthe Environment Protection Act1970 and the Water Act1989.

In addition, exploration licence holders are bound by DPIs Codeof Practice for Mineral Exploration. The code provides practicalguidance about how exploration work should be conducted inVictoria to meet regulatory reuirements and environmentalstandards.

Mining licensees must also obtain a planning permit or preparean Environment Eects Statement (EES), which includes public

and stakeholder consultation. As part o this process, potentialenvironmental impacts must be identifed and assessed andmitigation measures proposed. Residual environmental impactswill be considered during the planning approval process or whena determination is made or the project to proceed.

Further, all mineral development projects in Victoria are subjectto the governments Native Vegetation Management Framework,which strives or net gain in native vegetation via protection,enhancement and revegetation o the states native ora.

23. What environmental issues are expected

to be addressed by licensees?Environmental issues expected to be addressed by licensees include:

dustandnoiseemissionscontrol

drainageanddischargecontrol(includingstormwater

management)

erosioncontrol

noxiousweedsandpestscontrol

removalorrestorationofnativevegetation

progressiveandnalrehabilitation

groundwaterprotection.

These and other relevant environmental issues are expected tobe addressed in the licensees work plan, which provides detailedinormation about proposed on-site works and subseuentrehabilitation o the land.

24. How are land rehabilitationrequirements determined?

Licence holders are reuired to rehabilitate any land disturbedby the carrying out o work under the licence. For explorationand mining licenses the rehabilitation the rehabilitation work

must be carried out with respective work plans and licenceconditions. The licensee must consult with the landholder aboutthe proposed work.

Rehabilitation plans must take into account any specialcharacteristics o the land, the surrounding environment,the need to stabilise the land, the desirability or otherwise oreturning agricultural land to its original state, and potentiallong-term impact on the environment. In addition, licensees arereuired to lodge a rehabilitation bond to ensure satisactoryrehabilitation occurs.

Rehabilitation obligations can continue beyond the lie

o a licence.


22/2722

earthresources

25. How is water used in exploration

and mining operations?Ground water and surace water is used in a variety o ways inexploration and mining operations including:

fordustcontrol

indrilling

tomaintainvegetationareas

fororeprocessing

toreduceerosion

tomakeminingsafe.

Mining operations may include the construction o acilitiesincluding water races, tailings dumps, tailings dams, drains,dams, reservoirs, pipelines and bores. These will be specifedin the work plan.

Water is subject to well established controls allowing or avariety o uses. Mining operators must obtain allocations throughlicences under the work authority, the Water Act1989, whilewater discharges (e.g. water injected back into groundwater ordischarged into streams) is subject to the Environment Protection

Act1970.

Issues regarding groundwater management are examined by

DPI in partnership with the Department o Sustainability andEnvironment (DSE). Conditions or protection o groundwatermay be imposed on an exploration or mining licence.

26. What i the land aected is public land

used by the local community (e.g. parklandand reserves)?

Where the land covered by a licence is defned as restricted Crownland (regional parks and most reserves) the consent o the Crownland Minister is reuired. For work on other Crown land, only anapproved work plan is reuired. DSE is usually consulted beoreDPI approves a work plan that includes Crown land.

Where the land is managed by the Melbourne Water Corporationor an Authority under the Water Act1989, consent must besought rom the Board or that Authority. Where the proposedlicence covers public highways, roads and streets, then the

manager o those roadways must be given 21 days notice o theproposed work.

27. What can be done i exploration and miningactivities are not being carried out as theyshould be?

I you suspect that a licensee is not meeting its obligation tominimise risk to people, property, or the environment, you cancontact a DPI inspector and enuire about the situation. I youhave a complaint about an operation, this too can be registeredwith DPI.

All complaints will be investigated by a DPI inspector.This investigation could potentially lead to:

directionsofmeasuresthatmustbetakentoremove or reduce the risk

aprohibitionnoticebarringthelicenseefromcarryingout

or continuing to carry out any activity related to mineralsexploration or mining operations

otheractionundertheMRSDAct.

Continual breaches may result in DPI proposing cancellation othe licence. Other enorcement actions include prosecution andinringement notices.

A DPI inspector will advise you o the outcomes o aninvestigation. District ofce locations and contact details areavailable at the back o this booklet.



GlossaryAgricultural land

Private land used primarily or cultivation, keeping animals,commercial fshing and the propagation o plants (activitiesundertaken or the purpose o selling the produce).

Consultation

A orm o community engagement regarded by the MRSD Act asa two-way communication process between the licensee and thecommunity. It involves the licensee sharing inormation withthe community about any activities authorised by the licencethat may aect the community. It also presents reasonableopportunity or the community to express its views.

Community Engagement (CE)

Involves interactions between identifed groups o people andincorporates processes that are linked to problem-solving ordecision-making where community input is used to make betterdecisions.

Crown land

Unalienated land belonging to the Crown (the State o Victoria).

Environment Eects Statement (EES)

In accordance with the Environment Effects Act1978, the EESusually contains:

adescriptionoftheproposeddevelopment

anoutlineofpublicandstakeholderconsultation

adescriptionoftheexistingenvironmentthatmaybeaffected

predictionsofsignicantenvironmentaleffectsoftheproposal

and relevant alternatives

proposedmeasurestoavoid,minimiseormanageadverse

environmental eects

aproposedprogramformonitoringandmanaging

environmental eects during project implementation.

Exploration

Includes:

conductinggeological,geophysicalandgeochemicalsurveys

drilling

takingsamplesforthepurposeofchemicalorotheranalysis

recoveringmineralsfromland,otherthanforthepurpose o producing them commercially

inrelationtoanexplorationlicence,anythingelse (except mining) that is specifed in the licence.

See also low-impact explorationand fossicking.

Fossicking

Otherwise known as prospecting; typically involves the useo metal detectors, hand tools, pans or sluices in the searchor gold, gemstones and other minerals.

The Prospecting Guide, (prepared by Parks Victoria, theProspectors and Miners Association o Victoria, DPI, theDepartment o Sustainability and Environment and the VictorianGem Clubs Association) provides inormation on how to prospectwhile protecting the natural environment and our culturalheritage.

Future Act Assessment

Assessment undertaken to determine whether a licence applicantneeds to reach an agreement with a Native Title claimant.

Graticular section

The area by which an exploration licence is granted.The minimum section size is one suare kilometre (eual to onegraticule or 100 hectares), while the maximum size is 500 suarekilometres (or larger with the Ministers approval).


24/2724

earthresources

Land aected

In relation to work under a licence, land to which entry isreuired during the work; includes the surace o the land andthe land to a depth o 100 metres.

Landholder

Owner, occupier or person or body responsible or themanagement o the land.

Licence

Reers to an exploration licence or a mining licence; providespermission to carry out minerals exploration or mining according

to the conditions o the licence.

Licensee

Person or entity named on the licence. This person or entitymay be represented by a company delegate, agent or contractor.

Low-impact exploration

Exploring or minerals on the land without using euipment(other than non-mechanical hand tools) or explosives; andwithout removing or damaging any tree or shrub on the land; andwithout disturbing any Aboriginal cultural heritage, place, object,

archaeological site or relic.

Mining

Recovery o minerals rom the land or the purpose o commercialproduction. Includes processing and treating ore.

Native Vegetation Management Framework (NVMF)

Victorian Government initiative which strives or net gain innative vegetation via protection, enhancement and revegetationo the states native ora.

Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA)

A registered agreement between Native Title claimants and theMinerals Council o Australia (Victoria Division) used to validatethe grant and use o an exploration licence.

Rehabilitation bond

An instrument acceptable to the Minister or Energy andResources (under Section 80 o the MRSD Act) securing thepayment o a specifed amount o money or any necessaryrehabilitation work resulting rom minerals exploration ora mining operation.

Statement o economic signiicance

To be prepared by mining licensees, whose licence coversagricultural land not owned by them. A statement o economicsignifcance o the proposed work must include an assessmento benefts to Victoria, including employment and revenueconsiderations (Section 26A o MRSD Act).

Tailings

Any waste mineral, stone or other material produced duringthe course o ore processing.

Work authority

Permission to start work upon provision o an approved workplan, lodgment o an appropriate rehabilitation bond, acuisitiono the consents and approvals reuired under legislation,acuisition o public liability insurance, and acuisition owritten consents or compensation agreements rom aectedlandholders.

Work plan

A reuirement o exploration and mining licensees, coveringthe detail o on-site works associated with the project andsubseuent rehabilitation o the land.



The MRSD Act:

View at www.legislation.vic.gov.auPurchase at www.bookshop.vic.gov.auInormation Victoria Bookshop356 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000Phone: 1300 366 356Fax: (03) 9603 9920

Minerals exploration and mining:

Earth Resources Division,Department o Primary IndustriesLevel 16, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000GPO Box 4440, Melbourne 3001Phone: 136 186Fax: (03) 9658 4460Email: [email protected]:www.dpi.vic.gov.au/earth-resources

Mineral tenements:

View at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/minpet/geovic Purchase at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/minpet/store

Minerals industry:

Minerals Council o Australia, Victorian Division

Level 8, 10-16 queen Street, Melbourne 3000Phone: (03) 8614 1851Fax: (03) 9629 8603Email: [email protected]:www.minerals.org.au/victoria

Prospectors and Miners Association VictoriaGPO Box 1706, Melbourne 3001Phone: 0408 176 496 (general inuiries)Fax: (03) 9553 1032Email: [email protected]:www.pmav.asn.au

National Gypsum Miners AssociationEmail: [email protected]:www.gypsum.asn.au

Compensation dispute guidelines:

Victorian Civil and Administrative TribunalLand Valuation List55 King Street, Melbourne 3000Phone: (03) 9628 9766

Legal representation:

Law Institute o VictoriaLegal Reerral Service470 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000PO Box 263C, Melbourne 3001Phone: (03) 9607 9550Email: [email protected]:www.liv.asn.au

Aboriginal heritage:

Aboriginal Aairs VictoriaLevel 9, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000GPO Box 2392, Melbourne 3001Phone: (03) 9208 3333 / 1300 366 356Fax: (03) 9208 3292Email: [email protected]:www.dvc.vic.gov.au/aav

Native Title:

Native Title Services VictoriaLevel 2, 642 queensberry Street,North Melbourne 3051PO Box 431, North Melbourne 3051Phone: (03) 9321 5300 / 1800 791 779Fax: (03) 9208 3292Email: [email protected]:www.ntsv.com.au

Environment and Environment native vegetation:

Department o Sustainability and Environment8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne 3002Phone: 136 186Email: [email protected]:www.dse.vic.gov.au

Environmental Eects Statement (guidelines):

Department o Planning and Community Development1 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000GPO Box 2392, Melbourne 3001Phone: (03) 9208 3333Web:www.dvc.vic.gov.au

Further information
http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/http://www.bookshop.vic.gov.au/http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/earth-resourceshttp://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/minpet/geovichttp://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/minpet/storehttp://www.minerals.org.au/victoriahttp://www.pmav.asn.au/http://www.gypsum.asn.au/http://www.liv.asn.au/http://www.dvc.vic.gov.au/aavhttp://www.ntsv.com.au/http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/http://www.dvc.vic.gov.au/http://www.dvc.vic.gov.au/http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/http://www.ntsv.com.au/http://www.dvc.vic.gov.au/aavhttp://www.liv.asn.au/http://www.gypsum.asn.au/http://www.pmav.asn.au/http://www.minerals.org.au/victoriahttp://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/minpet/storehttp://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/minpet/geovichttp://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/earth-resourceshttp://www.bookshop.vic.gov.au/http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/


26/27

earthresources

Melbourne

Level 16, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne 3001(GPO Box 4440, Melbourne 3001)Phone: (03) 9658 4424 Fax: (03) 9658 4499

Ballarat

State Government Ofces, 402-406 Mair Street, Ballarat 3350Phone: (03) 5336 6802 Fax: (03) 5336 6800

Bendigo

Corner Midland Highway and Taylor Street, Epsom 3551(PO Box 3100, Bendigo Delivery Centre, Bendigo 3554)

Phone: (03) 5430 4692 Fax: (03) 5430 4304

Benalla

89 Sydney Road, Benalla 3672(PO Box 124, Benalla 3672)Phone: (03) 5761 1501 Fax: (03) 5761 1628

Traralgon

55 Grey Street, Traralgon 3844Phone: (03) 5160 9011 Fax: (03) 5160 9055

For more inormation and a detailed list o contacts,please visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au.

ERD district ofces

Figure 7: ERD oice locations and districts

26


27/27

Documents

New Landholder Information0410 (1)