Changes to the AEA Framework in South Australia

The South Australian Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) has commenced the process of transitioning existing Amalgamated Expenditure Arrangements (AEA) to the new regulatory framework following changes to the Mining Act 1971 (SA) and commencement of the new Mining Regulations 2020 (SA) on 1 January 2021.

For those not familiar with exploration practices in South Australia, an AEA allows a title holder to amalgamate the required expenditure for a group of Exploration Licences such that the expenditure may be spent anywhere across the group of Exploration Licences as agreed with the DEM.

The new regulatory framework for AEAs (partly still in draft) introduces additional minimum eligibility criteria and new obligations that are likely to impact upon existing AEAs. In light of this, it would be prudent for existing AEA holders to review the new regulatory framework to ensure that the tenements within their AEA satisfy the new eligibility criteria and to ensure ongoing compliance and security of tenure.

Hetherington’s tenement management services include applications for and ongoing management of AEA’s in South Australia, along with tenement reporting and management of tenement commitments and compliance to ensure security of Exploration Licences, Retention Leases, Miscellaneous Purposes Licences and Mining Leases in South Australia. Contact Hetherington for more information on how we can help with tenement management in South Australia.