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As we have mentioned in some of our recent blog articles, there is strong evidence to suggest that Australia is experiencing mining growth. Despite the unprecedented events that occurred in 2020, our country has accelerated mining operations across the nation and ensured all mining corporations can conduct their exploration and mining projects to boost the economy and further increase international reliance on our mineral exports.
Take Western Australia mining as an example – in late 2019, reports suggested that Western Australia was experiencing a mining boom, with more people being employed in the mining industry than in the few years prior. Naturally, the state does fluctuate with mining employment and activity in the mining sector, and this is sometimes referred to as a boom-bust cycle. Mining has always been one of the largest, if not the largest, contributor to Western Australia’s economy.
As a result of the mining boom, many individuals are now taking up employment positions in mining corporations. There are several major mining companies in Australia that are responsible for most of the mining that occurs on our land, and other smaller companies can also be known to conduct significant operations.
Whether you are a big corporation requiring approval for projects, or an individual wanting to be a part of mining’s growth, there are some important facts about the mining world that you should consider. When trying to participate in the growth of Australian mining, these are some trends and noteworthy facts of the industry that need to be recognised.
- Mining licences and tenements are essential in the mining and exploration industry
Tenements are complex documentations that can influence an entire mining project. In Australia, licences, leases and tenements are essential and compulsory for mining and exploration organisations whenever they plan to carry out any works. A failed tenement application could immediately signal the end of your project, so it’s vital that you take the necessary time and acquire the mining law resources to ensure your tenement applications have the greatest chance of success. Contacting the team at Hetherington is a great place to start.
- Mining and exploration in Australia will always follow a boom-bust cycle.
Fluctuations in Australian mining will always be inevitable. Australia’s mining industry can be described as having a boom-bust cycle (economic expansion and contraction that occurs continually) that happens within an overall trend of growth. These cycles are also seen in other areas of the economy and trading, and generally, boom-bust cycles can have more than one contributing factor.
- Automation and computer technology is becoming more prominent in the industry.
Recent mining booms haven’t necessarily come with an equally large boom in mining employment. Many people believe this is because of the impact of automation and technology to the sector, which is reducing the need for some particular mining jobs. To ensure success in the mining industry, you really need to commit towards an innovative and adaptive future – using automation wherever possible to increase safety and efficiency while also reducing costs.
- Gold prices and coal prices can indicate industry-wide trends.
Gold and coal are two of the most extracted minerals on Australian soil. When the prices of gold and coal change, it can be indicative of the demand for those minerals both nationally and internationally. If demand is low, mining corporations can potentially alter their operations according to the trends. Mineral prices will always be evolving, so watching the trends won’t always accurately demonstrate how the mining industry is going, but significant increases or decreases may have a deeper meaning.
Hetherington’s role in the mining and exploration industry
Tenement consultants and mining law experts play a vital role in the mining and exploration industry. As legal consultants for the mining and exploration industry, it is our responsibility to stay atop global and local mining news and identify any new trends or regulations that could impact our clients.
Our team of environmental consultants offer a comprehensive range of skills relating to tenement management, approvals, and compliance matters. Some of our key services to clients in the mining industry include:
- Tenement managementand acquisition
- Tenement auditing
- Tenement applications
- Exploration licencing
- Mining licences
- Exploration licences
- Prospecting licences
- Extension of term applications
- Exemption applications
- Environmental approvals
- Tenement renewal applications
- Extension of term applications
- Mining/exploration compliance
- Expert strategic advice on key approvals
- Preparation, advice, and coordination of joint venture agreements
- Advice relating to environmental and planning approval requirements (for all types of operations)
- Tenement reporting, exploration reporting and mining rehabilitation reporting
We have three offices based in major cities across the country – Sydney, Perth and Brisbane. To get in touch with our team, learn more about our services, or to proceed confidently with the legal side of your mining operations, contact us on 02 9967 4844 (Sydney), 08 9228 9977 (Perth), or 07 3236 1768 (Brisbane).