Mining and Extractive

​​​​​​​​​The State’s major mining industries include both underground and surface operations associated with extraction and processing of base metals, precious metals, iron ore and coal. Mining activities are largely restricted to the West Coast, the North West and North East of Tasmania.

Environmental issues associated with mining operations can include the long term management of tailings dams, waste rock management including acidic and metalliferous mine drainage generation and mitigation, dust and noise emissions, surface and groundwater quality, protection of habitat during the development of mining activities and site rehabilitation.

The EPA is also responsible for regulating a broad range of quarrying activities associated with the extraction of rock, gravel, sand, clay and a number of other industrial minerals (limestone, dolomite, silica flour etc). These materials are processed by crushing, grinding, milling or separation into different size classes for a broad range of applications Statewide.

Environmental issues associated with quarrying operations include dust and noise (including ground vibration and air blast overpressure impacts associated with blasting), sediment retention, weed control and site rehabilitation compliance requirements.

​Mining and Extractive Related Publications and Resources

• Quarry Code of Practice​ 2017
  The Quarry Code provides detailed guidelines for the quarry industry covering planning through to site rehabilitation. The 3rd Edition, dated May 2017.

   Quarry Code of Practice May 2017 (PDF 3Mb)

  Note: this older document has images and diagrams that do not have alt text. Please contact us if you require assistance in understanding this content.
  

• DRP Guideline for the Mining Indu​stry
  A guideline for the preparation of a decomissioning and rehabilitation plan for the Tasmanian mining industry.
  

   DRP Guideline for the Mining Industry (PDF 709Kb)​

• Remediation Programs​
  The EPA co-ordinates major remediation programs at the Mt Lyell and Savage River mine sites. Acidic and metalliferous mine drainage arising from these mines continue to impact the downstream environment. The Remediations Programs page on this website provides more information.
  
  
• Bunding and Spill Management Guideline
  This guideline has been developed to provide guidance on best practice environmental management to operators of activities likely to store and handle environmentally hazardous substances.

   Bunding and Spill Management Guideline (PDF 503Kb)

• Good Practice Guide - Management of Acid and Metalliferous Drainage in Tasmania
  The Good Practice Guide for Management of Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD) has been developed to provide guidance on how AMD is best managed on sites within Tasmania. The guidelines have been produced by Mineral Resources Tasmania (MRT) with input from the EPA, and involved significant stakeholder consultation.
  
  The Guide can be found on the MRT webpage - Management of Acid and Metalliferous Drainage in Tasmania.  Part 2 of the Guide is comprised of eight fact sheets, these are also available on the page.
  
  
• Washdown Guidelines for Weed and Disease Control
  These guidelines available on the DPIPWE website establish a standard for washdown and provide a guide to prescribing its application where codes of practice or other environmental management plans are not in place.
  Weed and Disease Planning and Hygiene Guidelines - Preventing the spread of weeds and diseases in Tasmania (NRE Tas, PDF 6.55Mb)
  
  
• Environmental Law Handbook
  The Environmental Defenders Office has produced an easy to read, practical guide to Tasmania's environmental protection and planning laws for citizens, local councils, conservation groups, landowners, business operators and regulatory authorities. Chapters 7 to 11 deal with nature conservation issues including mining and quarrying.
  Environmental Law Handbook (EDO)
  

Other Relevant Organisations

• Mineral Resources Tasmania (MRT)
  MRT administers the Mineral Resources Development Act (1995) and creates various leases and licences allowing people to prospect for and mine minerals. MRT also administers the Petroleum (Submerged​ Lands) Act (1982). Titles granted by the Minister under this Act include exploration permits, retention leases, production licences and pipeline licences.
  
  
• Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania​ (NRE Tas)​
  Reserved lands and wildlife in Tasmania are managed under two pieces of legislation, the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the National Parks & Reserves Management Act 2002 administered by DPIPWE (Natural and Cultural Heritage​) and the Parks & Wildlife Service respectively.