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Mineral Resources Tasmania

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Access answers to some of the frequently asked questions about mineral resources, exploration and mining in Tasmania.

Who owns the minerals?

The Crown owns the minerals, other than sand and stone on private property, however ownership of minerals can be complex and varies from title to title: It is the obligation of the land owner to determine mineral ownership if they believe the title grants them greater mineral ownership than just the category 3 minerals.

  • Under common law the Crown owns gold and silver.
  • By past legislation the Crown owns oil (which includes mineral oil, natural gas and solid bitumen), helium, atomic substances and geothermal substances.
  • Ownership of other minerals depends on the date of original land grant and the Act under which the land was granted.
  • Owners of land granted prior to 1 July 1996 always own sand and stone.

What minerals can be mined under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995?

Mineable minerals are divided into six categories under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995. These are:

  • Category 1: metallic minerals and atomic substances;
  • Category 2: coal, peat, lignite, oil shale and coal seam gas;
  • Category 3: rock, stone, gravel, sand and clay used in construction, bricks and ceramics;
  • Category 4: petroleum products except oil shale; (please note that coal seam gas in not included under category 4)
  • Category 5: industrial minerals, precious stones, semi-precious stones;
  • Category 6: any geothermal substance.

I want to make a payment. What are MRT's bank account details?

Fees, rents and royalty payments may be made at the MRT offices in Rosy Park, through any Service Tasmania outlet, via cheque, or by direct debit. All cheques are to be made payable to Mineral Resources Tasmania. Direct Deposit payments may be made as follows:

BSB 037 001
Account Number 259881
Bank Westpac Account name Department of State Growth - Collections

If making a Direct Deposit an email notification is to be made to info@mrt.tas.gov.au of the payment details clearly stating:

  • The tenement/s the payment is for; or
  • The invoice number/s; or
  • A full description of the purpose for which the payment is made; and
  • Name, address and contact details of the party supplying the funds should we need to verify payment details.

Where do I get a copy of the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995?

The Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 can be found here.

Where can I find more information?

For further information email your specific query to info@mrt.tas.gov.au.

Exploration and mining

What's the difference between exploration and mining?

A typical exploration program includes an initial regional data collection phase followed by more specific examination of areas regarded as geologically significant. Small areas considered to be anomalous may then be selected for detailed investigation leading, in a small proportion of cases, to testing by drilling.
Exploration Licences may be issued for up to 5 years. A licence may cover up to 250 km2 (metallic, fuel, construction and industrial minerals), 500 km2 (geothermal), or larger areas for oil.

Mining means extracting minerals from the land for the purpose of producing them commercially, and includes processing and treating ore and the production of petroleum or geothermal products. A mining lease may be issued for any period the Minister determines and may be renewed. A production licence (for petroleum or geothermal) may be issued for up to 10 years, and can be extended upon application. The area of land contained in a lease is to be the minimum area required for mining operations. Individual leases may be consolidated into larger areas.

Does exploration always lead to mining?

A decision to mine is usually dependent on the discovery of a mineral deposit of a size and concentration which is commercially viable. Useful information is gained over the full extent of a licence leading to more intensive exploration activities in smaller areas of high prospectivity within the larger area. While exploration may take place over large areas of land the areas subsequently mined, if any, are small. Only a very small percentage of exploration prospects evolve into mining projects.

Who can apply for an exploration licence or mining lease?

Applications may be made by anyone over the age of 18 years or by a registered body (i.e. registered company or incorporated association).
Prior to the granting of a tenement the applicant must satisfy the Minister for Mines that they:

  • are a fit and proper person to hold the tenement;
  • intend to comply with the Act;
  • have an appropriate program of work;
  • are likely to have the financial and technical capacity to complete the proposed work;
  • have provided a copy of current public liability insurance policy; and
  • have provided the security deposit(s) recommended by the Director of Mines.

Are planning and environmental permits required for exploration licences?

A person or agency intending to conduct exploration on a licence must first gain approval from Mineral Resources Tasmania. Any proposed work must be conducted according to strict environmental standards as set out in the Mineral Exploration Code of Practice.

On receipt of a work program Mineral Resources Tasmania checks the following:

  • Land status;
  • Threatened species;
  • Wilderness Index;
  • Geoconservation site register;
  • Vegetation type;
  • Ramsar Wetlands (protected by the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially wildfowls habitat, as agreed at Ramsar, Iran in 1971);
  • Nationally significant wetlands;
  • Private Reserve under the Regional Forest Agreement;
  • Forest community managed by prescription;
  • Tasmanian Natural Gas Pipeline corridor;
  • Permanent Timber Production Zone (PTPZ) land where the softwoods are privately owned;
  • Phytophthora cinnamomi management area;
  • Archaeologically interesting areas or sites, including mining heritage sites;
  • Any other significant features which have been flagged at the application stage:
    • populations of rare plants or animals;
    • forestry plantations, grazing leases, forest licences;
    • licences for any purpose (e.g. water use permits);
  • The land manager (Sustainable Timber Tasmania/Parks and Wildlife Service) may provide additional advice on:
    • threatened species;
    • Aboriginal archaeological sites and any other archaeological sites;
    • geoconservation matters; and
    • any other relevant management issues.

Some activities on exploration licences, such as bulk sampling, are treated on a case-by-case basis and may require specific planning and environmental approval from the local government authority and Environmental Protection Authority.

How can I find out about areas available for mineral exploration?

Areas relinquished from exploration licences are advertised on the Mineral Resources Tasmania website, and via a subscription mail-out system as Exploration Release Areas (ERAs). The ERA system is designed to encourage exploration programs which stand the best chance of discovering the new mineral deposits needed to sustain the Tasmanian mining industry.

Another way to find out about available ground is to interrogate the Mineral Resources Tasmania Online Web Map Viewer.

Can I object to the grant of an exploration licence?

Any person who has an estate or interest in any land within the area advertised as an application for an exploration licence may object to the granting of the application.

Landowners, and holders of current leases and licences granted under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995, within the application area are recognised as having an estate or interest.

Objections must be:

  • in writing, and stating the grounds for the objection,
  • accompanied by the prescribed fee, or evidence of payment of the fee,
  • be lodged within 28 days of advertisement of the application, and
  • be lodged with the Registrar of Mines:
    • at info@mrt.tas.gov.au,
    • or, by mail to:
    • Registrar of Mines
      Mineral Resources Tasmania
      PO Box 672
      Burnie Tasmania 7320,
  • or, be delivered to MRT offices at:
    Mineral Resources Tasmania
    Level 2, Harris Building
    49-51 Cattley Street
    Burnie

    or:

    Mineral Resources Tasmania
    30 Gordons Hill Road
    Rosny Park.

Although not mandatory, we recommend using the Objection to a Mineral Tenement Form available HERE, as this will ensure that all the information needed to assess an objection is recorded.

The prescribed fee may be paid:

  • By credit card over the phone by calling (03) 6165 4800,
  • In person at the MRT offices in Rosny Park and Burnie,
  • In person at any Service Tasmania outlet,
  • By cheque made payable to Mineral Resources Tasmania sent with accompanying payment information, OR
  • By direct deposit to:
    • BSB: 037 001
    • Account Number: 259881
    • Bank: Westpac
    • Account name: Department of State Growth – Collection

    If paid by direct deposit, an email notification is to be made to info@mrt.tas.gov.au of the payment details clearly stating:

    • The tenement/s the payment is for; and
    • A full description of the purpose for which the payment is made.

Information on what will happen to a valid objection can be found HERE.

What will happen if I object to the grant of an Exploration Licence?

The Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 places an obligation on the Director of Mines to attempt to resolve objections and disputes before they are formally heard by the Mining Tribunal.

In practice this means that as a first step Mineral Resources Tasmania will send a map showing the objection(s) to the licence applicant and request that the applicant consider removing the areas from the application.

If the licence applicant does not elect to remove the area of an objection, then the Director of Mines must commence a mediation process. In effect this usually consists of an informal meeting between the parties to discuss particular concerns and which may result in an agreed set of conditions specific to the application area.

If the mediation process is unable to resolve the objection the matter is referred to the Mining Tribunal. The Mining Tribunal is constituted by a Magistrate appointed by the Chief Magistrate. Matters before the Tribunal are dealt with under the Rules of Court set by the Magistrates Court (Civil Divisions) Act 1992. Matters before the court are dealt with in a formal manner and parties may be represented by legal practitioners.

When can the holder of an exploration licence start work?

The major prerequisites for commencement of work on an exploration licence are that the licensee has:

  • an approved work program;
  • provided environmental impact information;
  • supplied a security deposit;
  • formally requested and received approval for on-ground work from the Department;
  • formally notified land owners of intention to enter their land; and
  • provided proof of a current public liability insurance policy.

When can the holder of a mining lease start work?

The major prerequisites for commencement of work on a mining lease are that the lessee has:

  • provided a security deposit;
  • provided a mining plan;
  • received planning approval and obtained the appropriate permit from the Environmental Protection Authority; and
  • provided proof of a current public liability insurance policy.

Is the land rehabilitated after the work is finished?

The holders of exploration licences and mining leases are required to rehabilitate any land disturbed by the carrying out of work on the tenement.

For a mining lease, the rehabilitation work is monitored by Inspectors of Mines who may advise lessees on techniques and procedures. Applicants are required to provide a Mining Plan which includes planned rehabilitation practices.

Exploration Licence activities are monitored by officers of Mineral Resources Tasmania who must be consulted prior to on-ground activities. A rehabilitation plan may be required where it is warranted.

Rehabilitation plans must take into account any special characteristics of the land, the surrounding environment, the need to stabilise the land and, in the case of mining on agricultural land, the desirability or otherwise of returning the land to a state that is as close as reasonably possible to its former state before the mining lease was granted.

Lessees and licensees are required to lodge a security deposit with the Department as a guarantee that the obligation to rehabilitate the land will be met. If it becomes apparent during the term of the tenement that the amount of the security deposit previously determined is insufficient, a further security deposit may be required.

Security deposits on mining leases are reviewed at change of scale of operations, change of ownership, renewal or five yearly and at any other time the minister determines it necessary to do so.

Security deposits on exploration licences are reviewed annually and on assessing any proposed works programs.

Rehabilitation works should be carried out progressively in conjunction with mining or exploration activities and must, as far as practicable, be completed prior to the expiry of the tenement.

The return of a security deposit is conditional on clearance from Departmental officers, who must be satisfied that rehabilitation has been carried out in accordance with the rehabilitation plan, lease or licence conditions and is likely to be successful.

The Minister may take action to rehabilitate land if the land has not been rehabilitated in accordance with the rehabilitation plan or if the Minister believes that further work is necessary. The Minister may only take action to rehabilitate the land if the tenement holder fails to do so after being given a reasonable period in which to undertake the work. The Minister may use the security deposit to fund the necessary works and may, if the security deposit is not sufficient to fund all the works required, take action to recover the necessary additional funds from the tenement holder.

Security deposits may be retained until such time that Mineral Resources Tasmania is assured that rehabilitation has been successful.

Where can I find information about someone else's exploration licence, mining lease or application?

The Registrar of Mines keeps a register of dealings regarding leases and licences in Tasmania. Documents forming part of the register may be made available to the public by the Registrar during normal business hours. Anyone may obtain a copy of anything registered in the register.

Some types of information, including royalty payments, rental payments, mining and exploration records, are unavailable to the public under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 while tenements are still in force. The Right to Information Act 2009 does not apply to records, returns or information for the periods during which they are to be kept confidential under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995.

How do I complete a Mineral Production Return and Statutory Declaration?

Information on how to complete a Mineral Production Return and Statutory Declaration download here.

Landowners

How do I know if an application for an exploration licence or mining lease has been made over my land, or land in which I have a proprietary interest?

Mineral Resources Tasmania advertises the application prior to the Director of Mines recommending that the Minister grant an exploration licence. The advertisement is placed in the newspaper circulating in the licence application area and generally corresponds with the major Telstra telephone zones (i.e. The Mercury for Southern Tasmania, The Examiner for Northern and North Eastern Tasmania and The Advocate for North Western and Western Tasmania). The public notice includes application details and a locality plan, which is also available to view on the Mineral Resources Tasmania web map viewer and The LIST under the exploration layer.

It does not automatically follow that, because your property falls within the area of application, entry on your land will be required. If the licence is granted and entry is required, this might only be for very brief sampling or surveying rather than the more intensive exploration activities. Before any activity may be undertaken on private land, the licensee is required to give at least fourteen days formal notice to the land owner or occupier. This period may be shortened with the approval of the land owner or occupier.

All on-ground exploration activities must be approved in advance by Mineral Resources Tasmania. Where the activity involves any ground disturbance Mineral Resources Tasmania often arranges on-site discussions between the landowner, the explorer and a representative from Mineral Resources Tasmania.

Exploration Licences are subject to security deposits which are usually held in the form of a Bank Guarantee or cash. In the uncommon occurrence that an explorer may have damaged private property, Mineral Resources Tasmania has immediate access to funds to rectify any damage.

In the case of a mining lease, the area of the lease must be physically marked out on the ground and a durable marking out notice must be placed on a corner post stating:

  • The purpose of the lease;
  • Any category or type of mineral to be covered by the lease;
  • The area of the land;
  • The position of the notice in relation to the land;
  • The date of the marking out;
  • The name and address of the applicant for the lease; and
  • The name and address of the person marking out the land.

In addition, the applicant is to notify the landowner or occupier within 7 days of marking out. The landowner or occupier has 28 days from receiving notification of marking out to object to a mining lease application. Objections are to be addressed to the Registrar of Mines.

Is a landowner entitled to a mineral royalty once mining begins?

Is a landowner entitled to compensation?

Is a landowner entitled to a mineral royalty once mining begins?

The Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 provides for payment of royalty to land owners where the land owner also owns the mineral. Under the Act, the royalty payable to owners of private mineral rights is at the same rate that is payable to the Crown. The Mineral Resources Regulations 2016 prescribes the current royalty rates and the method by which 'ad valorem' and profit-based royalties for a number of products are calculated. The Act provides for collection of royalties by Mineral Resources Tasmania on behalf of the owners of some classes of minerals. The fee for this service is 5% of the royalty collected.

Is a landowner entitled to compensation?

Compensation payable may be determined in respect of the following matters:

  • damage to the surface of the land;
  • damage to crops, trees, grasses, fruit, vegetables or other vegetation on the land;
  • damage to buildings, structures or works on the land;
  • damage to any improvement on the land;
  • loss of opportunity to make any planned improvement on the land;
  • deprivation of possession or use of the whole or part of the surface of the land;
  • severance of the land from other land of the owner or occupier of that land;
  • destruction or loss of, or injury to, disturbance of, or interference with, stock;
  • loss of amenity, including recreation and conservation values;
  • any decrease in the market values of the owner's or occupier's interest in the land; or
  • surface rights of way and easements.

Compensation is not payable for the value of any minerals in or upon the land.

Where the parties are unable to agree on the level of compensation the matter may be referred to the Mining Tribunal where an appropriate level of compensation will be determined.

Prospecting

What is prospecting?

To prospect means to explore for minerals to a depth of less than 2 metres below the surface of the earth or of any pre-existing excavation by means of a hand held instrument including metal detectors.  This is a recreational or educational activity and may be conducted by individuals who hold a current prospecting licence in many locations around Tasmania.

More information about prospecting can be found on the Prospecting in Tasmania page on this site.

Can prospecting occur on private property?

The holder of a Prospecting Licence may prospect on private land and mineral tenements with the correct permissions. Permission to enter private land for the purpose of prospecting must be gained from the land owner or mineral tenement holder, or both in cases where private land and mineral tenements coincide.

For more information on where prospecting may occur, go to the Prospecting in Tasmania page on this website.

How do I get a prospecting licence?

A Prospecting Licence is issued for 5 years at the prescribed fee. You can apply for a Prospecting Licence by visiting your nearest Service Tasmania shop or by completing and submitting an application form.

What equipment can I use to go propecting?

Refer to the current Conditions Relating to Prospecting Licences for detailed information about permitted equipment for prospecting in Tasmania.

Can I conduct group prospecting in Tasmania?

Any community group, school or business may apply for a Group Prospecting Licence. A Group Prospecting Licence enables the holder to conduct group prospecting activities within pre-approved areas with groups of up to 20 participants who are not required to hold individual licences.

For more information on group prospecting, go to the Prospecting in Tasmania page on this website.

How do I get a Group Prospecting Licence?

A Group Prospecting Licence is issued for up to 5 years at the prescribed fee. You may apply for a Group Prospecting Licence by visiting your nearest Service Tasmania shop or completing and submitting an application form.