December 2019 Updates

AMEC End of Year Networking Drinks

Hetherington sponsored the AMEC (Association of Mining and Exploration Companies) end of year networking drinks at Parliament House, with Company Principal David Salim giving the welcome speech and state of industry address. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing John Barilaro MP’s speech addressing his plans to make NSW the number one mining investment region in Australia.

Company Principal David Salim giving the welcome address at the AMEC End of Year drinks

NSW Minerals Council End of Year Function

The NSW Minerals Council End of Year drinks sponsored by Hetherington was a fantastic way to send off a successful year for the industry. We look forward to continuing to work with the NSW Minerals Council.

Sydney Mining Club

Hetherington sponsored and attended Sydney Mining Club’s final luncheon for the year. Guest speaker John Barilaro’s welcome address reflected the push to uranium in NSW. It has been great to have sponsored last year’s lunches, which have hosted an array of speakers from the exploration and mining sector.

SMEDG Summer Harbour Cruise

Hetherington sponsored the Sydney Mineral Exploration Discussion Group (SMEDG) summer cruise along Sydney Harbour, which was a great day out as always.

Lucy McClean (AMEC) with consultants Tamara Bowen and Tamara Woods at the SMEDG cruise.

Amendments to Work Health and Safety Legislation

The Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Exemption (Notification of Other Matters for Exploration) 2019 (“Exemption“) came into effect 29 November 2019 amending requirements under clause 29 of the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014. The Exemption removes requirements to notify the Resources Regulator of the commencement of certain operations under exploration activities with relation to activity approvals.

Quarry Park v Forrest and Forrest

The WA Warden’s Court passed a judgement for Quarry Park v Forrest and Forrest in September in favour of Forrest & Forrest Pty Ltd, finding that Quarry Park Pty Ltd’s trenches, starting 25-70cm away from the post, where incorrectly marked out and consequently their prospecting licence was refused. The failure to sufficiently uphold their obligation under the Mining Act 1978 (WA) reflects the importance of strictly complying with all aspects of mining legislation.

Draft Mineral Exploration Minimum Standards

The NSW Division of Resources and Geoscience has released its draft Minimum Standards for Exploration Licences and Assessment Leases. Once finalised, the Minimum Standards determine the quality to which applications are determined against and are thus important for all resources companies to be aware of. More information can be found here: https://www.resourcesandgeoscience.nsw.gov.au/miners-and-explorers/applications-and-approvals/mineral-exploration-minimum-standards

New system for tenement applications

The NSW Division of Resources and Geoscience’s has released its Title Management System to streamline the lodgement of applications, reports and renewals. We welcome the opportunity for this system to improve tenement management in NSW.