Exploration Work on a Mining Licence or Prospecting Licence
The grant of a prospecting licence allows you to undertake exploration work on the licence area. However, a mining licence is granted with the expectation that mining will occur and should exploration be required, the Minister, by notice in writing, authorise the holder of a mining licence to explore only for a specified period of up to 2 years.
Before you undertake exploration on a mining licence or a prospecting licence you must comply with the requirements listed here.
| Note: There are different requirements depending on whether you are conducting Low Impact Exploration or exploration other than Low Impact Exploration (refer page 4 of booklet Why Tenement Compliance Matters for definitions). |
Public liability insurance
You must be insured under a policy of public liability insurance in respect of doing work under the licence, for an amount of at least $10 million. Working without public liability insurance will incur an infringement penalty. The insurance policy must not exclude any work activity that is authorised by the approved work plan or the licence.
Exploration Work Plan
Schedule 12 lists exploration work plan requirements. If the work program submitted as part of the licence application satisfies all the requirements of Schedule 12 and the licence applicant is not proposing work on agricultural land; you may seek to have this program approved as the work plan.
Rehabilitation bond
You must lodge a rehabilitation bond of $10,000 with the Department. Refer to the attachment for bond details. This bond may be increased during the term of the licence.
Written consent or registered compensation agreement with landowners etc
- Private land. If you intend to work on private land (including under the land to a depth of 100 m) you must obtain the written consent of the owners and occupiers; or make compensation agreements with them; or by agreement, purchase the land. Compensation disputes may be resolved by the Land Valuation division of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal or referred to the Supreme Court. Compensation agreements should include such information as Parish, Crown Allotment numbers and Section (if applicable). You must lodge compensation agreements with the Department for registration. Please note that land issued to the Victorian Plantations Corporation is considered as private land and their consent is required. In circumstances where the licensee is unable to determine the name and address of the owners and occupiers, the requirements of this section may be waived under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act section 43(2).
- Restricted Crown land. If you propose to work on restricted Crown land (refer to your licence plan) you must obtain consent from the Crown land Minister. You should consult the local Parks Victoria office before applying for this consent. You do not need this consent on unrestricted Crown land, but you should consult the regional Crown land manager.
Water supply catchment
If you propose to do work in a water supply catchment, that is, on land that is owned by, vested in or managed by Melbourne Water or an Authority under the Water Act 1989, you must obtain consent from that Board or Authority.
Notice of intention to commence work
You must give 7 days notice to the Chief Inspector of your intention to commence work. Please use the attached pro forma which also provides a check list of the requirements for exploration work on a mining licence or a prospecting licence.
You must also give 7 days notice to the owners and occupiers of land on which you intend to work. If you intend to work on Crown land, you must give notice to the Crown land manager at the appropriate regional DSE office.
If you propose to work on a public highway, road or street, you must give 21 days notice to the person or body having care or management of the public highway, road or street.
Tenements Officer
Earth Resources Regulation Branch
Department of Primary Industries
Print and Send Form