In New South Wales, a title must be granted by the Minister under the Mining Act 1992 before anyone can prospect, explore for or mine publicly owned minerals, whether on Crown or private land. Before a mining title can be granted, development consent/project approval must be obtained under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

Mining Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Process (MREMP)

NSW DPI Mineral Resources includes conditions with mining title that regulate environmental management and rehabilitation. These conditions include requirements to submit a Mining Operations Plan (MOP) prior to the commencement of any operations, and subsequent Annual Environmental Management Reports (AEMRs). Collectively, the MOP and AEMR make up the Mining, Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Process (MREMP). 

The MREMP provides:

• a management tool for all operations within the mine;
• a means of identifying and managing the significant mining, rehabilitation and
  environmental aspects of the mining operation; 
• a means of assessing environmental and rehabilitation performance;
• a basis for estimating rehabilitation requirements and the amount of security required by the Department;
• an efficient and systematic framework for interaction between government agencies.

The MREMP facilitates a flexible response to changing circumstances. The descriptions and plans should be consistent with the MOP format and guidelines. Any significant changes onsite will need to be addressed in an MOP amendment.

Site inspections and audits

NSW DPI Mineral Resources monitors mine sites through inspections and audits to ensure compliance with title conditions and MOPs. These may be carried out in conjunction and cooperation with other regulatory agencies.