The Resources Regulator has released its Compliance Priorities for January to June 2025, outlining key compliance priorities and proactive assessment programs for the next 6 months. These priorities help to ensure the ongoing safety and sustainability of the mining industry in NSW.
Some of the compliance priorities for January to June 2025 include:
- mine safety assessment programs for coal and metalliferous mines (focus areas will include fire and explosion, air quality, roads, and electrical engineering)
- risk management and supervision across coal and metalliferous mines
- targeted assessment programs for mine rehabilitation which will include revegetation, landform establishment, and decommissioning
- the continuation of compliance audits of exploration activities
- topsoil and mullock management for opal mines.
Strategic projects outlined in the priorities include a review of the NSW mining competency system and development of the Adverse vehicle interaction technical reference guide (TRG). The TRG will guide industry on establishing an effective framework to develop, implement and monitor controls for safe vehicle interaction management.
Resources Regulator Executive Director Peter Day said these priorities were shaped by incident data, risk reviews, and community feedback.
“By targeting key areas of risk and supervision management across NSW mines and quarries we’re ensuring the safety of workers, regardless of tasks they are carrying out,” Mr Day said.
“Our inspectors are dedicated to preventing incidents and increasing safety management education, engaging directly with operators, and ensuring risks are effectively controlled.”
Mr Day said the compliance priorities would also assess tailings dam safety management.
“A safe tailings dam is dependent on effective critical controls, maintained to an adequate standard," Mr Day said.
The importance of mine rehabilitation will also be a continued priority for the Regulator.
“Rehabilitation is key to returning land to a safe, stable, and sustainable condition. We’re working closely with mine operators to ensure their obligations are met and that land is rehabilitated as soon as possible after mining activity,” Mr Day said.
The Resources Regulator’s compliance priorities and proactive assessment programs are published every 6 months.
The full Compliance Priorities January to June 2025 report is available on the NSW Resources website at: www.resources.nsw.gov.au/news-articles/key-compliance-priorities-for-january-to-june-2025-published
Media contact
For more information, please contact: resources.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au
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