Enforceable undertakings accepted

We have accepted enforceable undertakings from Hi-Quality Waste Management Pty Ltd (operator of Windellama Clay Mine near Goulburn) and Hi-Quality Quarry (NSW) Pty Ltd (operator of Kemps Creek Central Shale Mine near Penrith) following an investigation into alleged mining without an authorisation.

Combined, both undertakings require a minimum spend of $160,316 and include environmental and community project funding, payment of royalties and rent and levy fees, as well as payment of the Regulator’s agreed costs.

Cancellation of Exploration Licence 8967 near Wellington

A mining exploration licence in the Great Western Plains region of NSW has been cancelled following an investigation which identified a range of compliance and conduct issues.

Exploration licence 8967, issued to Kris Hetherington to explore for Group One minerals (gold) near Wellington, was cancelled effective from 17 May 2021 on the basis that the Regulator was satisfied the title holder had been undertaking mining without authorisation and was not a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold a mining authorisation.

Successful rehabilitation at former Catherine Hill Bay mining areas

We have published a Rehabilitation Information Release following the successful completion of rehabilitation on part of Consolidated Coal Lease 706 (CCL706) (1973) held over the former Catherine Hill Bay coal preparation plant, coal bin, and coal stockpile areas. The completed rehabilitation works include the capping of the former coal loading bins. 

Rehabilitation of Western Emplacement Area at Ravensworth Operations

In June 2019, significant soil erosion was observed at a waste rock emplacement (Western Emplacement Area) at the Ravensworth Operations open cut coal mine north of Singleton in the NSW Hunter Valley, during an inspection as part of a state-wide compliance operation.

Subsequent regulatory action has resulted in the effective rehabilitation of the WEA at the mine including refining a geomorphic landform design methodology and implementing a rehabilitation construction quality plan and rehabilitation scorecard process.

Operational Rehabilitation Reforms: submissions published

Public consultation on the draft guidelines to support the new rehabilitation standard conditions and associated requirements has been completed, with submissions closing on 30 April 2021. We received eight written submissions from interested parties and stakeholders which have been published on our website.

Next steps?
All submissions, including online forms and feedback received during public consultation will be considered to finalise the Regulation. Once implemented, there will be a 12-month transition period for large mines and a 24-month transition period for small mines.

Latest compliance audit reports

In case you missed it

• New Mining Act forms now online