Mining & resources compliance in New South Wales

NSW mining safety obligations (Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013)

NSW mine operators face mine-specific WHS obligations + Resources Regulator oversight.

State mining royalties

Royalty payable on mining production per state Mining Acts.

Comply with the respirable crystalline silica workplace exposure limit (0.05 mg/m³)

From 1 December 2026 the 0.05 mg/m³ silica standard becomes a legally binding workplace exposure limit (WEL).

Report cyber security incidents to ASD (SOCI)

Critical infrastructure asset operators must report critical incidents within 12 hours and other incidents within 72 hours.

EPBC Act — assess + approve controlled actions affecting MNES

Any action likely to significantly impact Matters of National Environmental Significance needs federal approval.

Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act compliance

Offshore petroleum + gas operators regulated by NOPSEMA.

Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT)

40% PRRT on offshore + onshore (Bass Strait only) petroleum project profits.

Comply with Water Act 2007 (Cwlth) + state water entitlements

Federal Water Act + state water Acts govern water entitlement + use.

Maintain mining rehabilitation bonds + closure plans

State mining regimes require financial assurance bonds for site rehabilitation.

Hold a High Risk Work Licence for HRWL classes

Forklift, crane, scaffolding, dogging, rigging, EWP and other high-risk work requires a HRWL.