Mining

Mining industry in Australia and New Zealand

The mining industry involves the extraction, trade and sale of valuable minerals and other geological materials from the Earth. Australia as a continent is known for its abundance and plentiful supply of ore and minerals. New Zealand, however, has a limited range of minerals of economic value and mining has been principally restricted to just gold and coal. The early development of Australia as a colony was underpinned by mining practices in the early 1850s, particularly during the gold rush. The mining industry has continually been a key contributor to Australia’s economic prosperity, and today, Australia is one of the top five producers of key mineral commodities in the world. The mining industry in both Australia and New Zealand is one of the largest contributors to both countries’ economies, investments, high salary jobs, exports, and government revenues. Throughout the pandemic, Trans-Tasman mining was considered a pillar of stability when compared to the performance of other industries. Record export numbers for mineral commodities and high prices for iron ore and coal have contributed to the so-called “minerals boom” that Australia and New Zealand are currently experiencing.

Australian Mining industry legislation

Some Australian legislation that may be applicable to your business in the mining industry may include, but may not be limited to:
  • Mineral Titles Act 2010 (NT)
  • Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 (WA)
  • Mining Act 1971 (SA)
  • Native Title Act 1993 (Cth)
  • Offshore Minerals Act 2000 (SA)
  • Opal Mining Act 1995 (SA)
  • Emergency Management Act 2013 (VIC)
  • Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA)
  • State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 (NSW)
  • Disaster Management Act 2003 (QLD)
  • Emergency Management Act 2004 (SA)
  • Emergency Management Act 2006 (TAS)
  • Emergency Management Act 2013 (NT)

New Zealand Mining industry legislation

Some New Zealand legislation that may be applicable to your business in the mining industry may include, but may not be limited to:
  • Crown Minerals Act 1991
  • Mining Tenures Registration Act 1962
  • Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
  • Mines Rescue Act 2013
  • Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012
This list is not exhaustive, and there may be additional legislation that is applicable to your circumstances, particularly if your business conducts mining activities.
mining emergency response

Mining Risk Management

The hazardous nature of mining sites makes them high-risk working environments and they are usually isolated due to their geographically remote locations. Fire, explosive materials, and hazardous chemicals can all pose a threat to personnel safety and can also lead to emergencies of such an extreme nature that the situation may require mass evacuations, the use of breathing apparatus or rescues to be performed deep underground. Being more than just adequately prepared for a crisis is crucial to the continuity of the organisation and the safety of personnel. It is critical that mining employees, at all levels, have the skills, knowledge, and capability to effectively respond to an emergency if ever found in such a situation. The mining industry also internally interacts with other high-risk industries such as the water and aviation industries.

Mining Emergency Management Plans

Due to the volatile nature and the risks posed to employees, the community and the environment, mining operations must comply with many regulations to maintain operations. Resilient Services provides detailed policies, procedures, work instructions, emergency management plans, business continuity plans, crisis management and communications plans, RTO training and emergency exercises to maintain safer workplaces and satisfy regulatory compliance.
mining emergency response and rescue

Enquire for services in the Mining Industry

Want to discover how we can help your mining business prepare for a potential emergency and remain compliant with current legislation? Fill out an enquiry form or call us on 0439 005 271 to find out more and to see how we can help your business prepare for the unknown.

Resilient Services – Stronger, Smarter, More Secure