Whilst mining is important for the economic development of South Australia, it is also important that the potential benefits and impacts on the environment and on the broader community are identified and considered.

The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) has adopted recognised national regulatory principles and approaches including engagement and accountability. Public consultation underpins these principles and approaches.

For individual mining proposals it is recognised that:

• It is essential to engage with people and communities who are directly affected by or have an interest in the proposal.
• Communities have a wealth of knowledge about their local environment that may not be available to the proponent or the Mineral Resources Division through formal records.
• Benefits for both the local community and the proponent may be identified through two-way flow of information between the community and proponents.

DEM seeks comment on applications, which may include:

• applications for the grant of a:
  • mining lease
  • retention lease
  • miscellaneous purposes licence.
• an application for a change in operations where there is a significant change to the environmental impacts of the operation.

This is an opportunity for the community to understand the proposal and scope of the operation, and to make comment on the proposal.

As well as the notice on this website, public notices for applications are posted in the Government Gazette and in an appropriate newspaper, or newspapers. The lease or licence application will also be provided to the local council and the landowner of the site.

• How to submit a comment