Mining services

^1. These timeframes include actions for applicants that are outside the control of the department.

Promote and facilitate the development of primary industries and resources

• Granted 40 new authorisations and issued 135 variations following assessment of 175 mining management plans (MMP) submitted containing all the requisite information.
• Supported development of the Tennant Creek region as a mining hub through quarterly onsite meetings, complemented by seven compliance visits.
• Increased interaction with mining operators in the Tennant Creek region, resulting in shared expectations and improved understanding of projects enabling more timely assessment of mining activities.
• Engaged with relevant stakeholders regarding strategic closure of Alcan Gove and Ranger Uranium mines.
• Progressed negotiations to facilitate creation of a new fossicking area near Tennant Creek.
• Processed titles, including:
  • 809 exploration licences granted
  • 1,298 mining titles granted (including extractive mineral exploration licences)
  • 568 exploration licence applications outstanding
  • 718 mining title applications outstanding.
• Implemented a minimum 40 per cent weighting for local development for all tenders related to legacy mines.
• Invested a total of $255,896 (excluding GST) through the Mining Remediation Fund, including:
  • completing a fish survey to assess the potential impacts of elevated levels of contaminants released from Redbank Mine on the receiving environment.
  • carrying out Tennant Creek Phase 3 Safety Works in the vicinity of Lone Star and Eldorado, including backfilling mine voids, installing grates over mine adits, constructing fences and installing warning signs, minor slope remediation works and repairing and reinstating a small headframe
  • constructing a fence at Kunjarra Quarry (the Pebbles) to address safety concerns
  • completing the dust investigation at Peko Mine to assess the potential impact on Tennant Creek and surrounding land uses
  • obtaining Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority certificates to facilitate works.
• Continued rehabilitation planning work for the former Rum Jungle mine site, including:
  • completing rehabilitation design, costing and supporting documentation
  • managing and maintaining the site (security, weeds and fire)
  • carrying out environmental monitoring
  • continuing repairs and maintenance work on the waste rock dump cover system at Rum Jungle Creek South
  • supporting the Australian Government to build the capacity of Traditional Owners to maximise long‑term economic and employment opportunities during future rehabilitation works undertaken at the site.

Use regulation of our industries and resources as a foundation for appropriate economic development

• Regulated granted mineral titles effectively to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and current government policy.
• Ensured all mineral title applications lodged under relevant NT and Australian government legislation are administered appropriately to ensure valid grant is achieved.
• Developed the Code of Conduct for Fossicking and launched it online and through a mail-out to all gem and prospecting clubs around Australia.
• Established the annual release schedule for enhancement of the Titles Administration System (TAS).
• Revised and implemented requirements for Exploration Mining Management Plans (MMPs) following consultation with industry and other key regulators with an interest in mining.
• Commenced review of MMP requirements for extractive and mining MMPs in collaboration with industry.
• Managed the regulation of 363 authorised mining projects.
• Received and responded to eight s29 incident reports, each within a 24‑hour timeframe. No formal investigations were initiated as all incidents reported were managed and remediated appropriately by the operator.
• Conducted mine site inspections for 122 mining operations in accordance with a risk‑based schedule.

Build capability, adopt contemporary technology and improve service delivery

• Implemented digitisation of all mineral title and dealings files.
• Ensured continuous improvement of business systems, including TAS, with the release of 22 enhancements and responded to 287 stakeholder requests.
• Developed a demonstrator application to integrate and report information across existing business systems.
• Supported nine mining officers to complete training to receive Civil Aviation Safety Authority‑approved remote pilot licences to enable the use of drones for remote work and legacy mine site observations.
• Produced more than 60 maps for extractive and mining sites as a result of drone flights. Imagery from flights was used to determine actual site disturbance improving efficiency of compliance and assessment activities.