Without mineral extraction, the world would be a completely different place indeed. Mining history goes way back in time, back to the days when mines were dug to find flint to make weapons. These days, the excavation of the Earth goes on in search of minerals for extraction. Australia experienced the gold rushes, and incredibly by the 1850’s was producing 40% of the world’s gold!
Up Till the Present
At present, Australia remains a major world mineral producer, so let’s take a look at what you need to know regarding mining tenement managing
1 – Impact
For the Western Australian economy, iron ore, gold, nickel and alumina are the most economically significant mining exports. Concerning area, mining only takes up a relatively small amount of the State’s land. However, due to the nature of the mining activity and the processes used, this can have a powerful influence on the environment. Let’s now have a review of some of the laws from the Mining Act to the tenement.
2 -The Mining Act
The main statute governing mining in Western Australia is The Mining Act of 1978. This relates to both mining operations and mineral exploration as described under the Act, which includes the extraction of ores, removal of overburden, and other measures like crushing, leaching and evaporating need to be followed in order to extract minerals from the land.
3 – Prospecting Licences
The authorisation of a prospecting licence allows a person to enter land for prospecting regarding minerals and to carry out duties deemed necessary for that purpose, like drilling bores, digging pits and trenches, sample taking for testing and the taking of water. A prospecting licence covers up to a maximum area of 200 hectares. Four years is the duration of the prospecting licence, with an extension of four more years in particular cases.
4 – Exploration Licences
Licences for exploration are similar to a prospecting licence. Both allow you to enter land and perform exploration activities. Exploration activities consist for extraction of a minor quantity of material to test for resource quality. The major difference between a prospecting and exploration licence is that an exploration licence may apply to a vast area (up to 21,700 ha) and is composed of predetermined graticular blocks. In W. Australia and on the lookout for experienced and professional advice in this field? Simply check out mining tenement by Austwide, for an expert and no worries consultation.
5 – Retention Licences
Somebody with a prospecting licence or exploration licence can appeal to change that licence to a retention licence, should there be a known mineral deposit found on land, yet mining activity is not yet ready to begin. This ensures the licence holder extra time to assess the resource, establish plans and secure financing, or rest until a better time in economic conditions.
6 – Mining on Private Land
Before applying for a tenement, it must be ‘marked out’ by the prospective miner. A miner needs to gain the consent of the landlord or occupier, or a permit from the Mining Warden, in advance of that person entering private land for marking out a mining tenement.
Prospects?
Get digging, and may they be great!