Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990.

The purpose of this Act, consisting of 14 Parts and completed by nine Schedules, is to encourage an economically viable mining and extractive industries which makes the best use of mineral resources in a way that is compatible with the economic, social and environmental objectives of the State. For this purpose, the Act aims at encouraging and facilitating the exploration for minerals and the continuation of mining operations, and at establishing a legal framework for the sustainable development of the use of mineral resources, for the rehabilitation of land, for licences and related matters as well as for health and safety measures. The Act defines which land are not available for exploration and mining (sect. 6), allows aerial surveys without licences (sect. 8) and contains provisions on ownership of minerals (sect. 9) and on royalties (sect. 12). Part 2 regulates exploration licences and mining licences; Part 4 provides for the establishment of the Mining and Environment Advisory Committee and regulates its operation; Part 5 concerns miner's rights, fossicking and the related procedures and authorities. Part 6 is dedicated to the operation of the mining register, Part 7 to rehabilitation of land; Part 8 provides for compensation and codes fo pratice while Part 9 regulates inspections. The Act also contains provisions on enforcement, offences and penalties.