News

Miners and farmers sign agreement

Posted on 30 Oct 2008

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) and the Minerals Council of Australia, Victorian Division (MCA) have signed off today on two significant documents regarding exploration and mining on Victorian private land.The first document is a guide for landowners regarding exploration and mining on private land, the second is a standard agreement for compensation for mineral exploration on private land. Both documents have been updated to reflect current legislation and industry practice.

 VFF President, Simon Ramsay and Victorian Division, MCA Chairman, Charlie Speirs said that these agreements would help good relations between the two industries.

Ramsay: “This guide should be of considerable use to any farmer whose land may become of interest for mineral exploration. I strongly recommend that it be referred to by farmers prior to any discussion or negotiation with representatives of the mining industry.”

“The Minerals Council of Australia has been pleased to prepare this booklet in the interests of ensuring that landholders are fully aware of the laws relating to minerals exploration and mining on their land,” Speirs said.

“This guide lays out clearly and in plain language the rights and responsibilities of each party when a company wants access to private land for either exploration or actual mining. The booklet is about explaining the situation so that farmers and miners know exactly what they can and can’t do. With the benefit of these guidelines, farmers will be able to approach this process with increased confidence,” Ramsay said.

Speirs: “Over the past decade or more we have all learnt a considerable amount about sustainable land management. Members of the Council are committed to achieving the highest standards in caring for the land and consulting with key stakeholders. Today’s agreement further illustrates the mineral industry’s commitment to multiple and sequential land use – ensuring that lands on which exploration and mining activities are undertaken are available for use by other users both concurrently with the mining activity and following its completion.”

“It is testament to the effectiveness of these agreements that whilst more than 50% of Victoria is covered by exploration and mining licenses; in the past five years, the State Mining Warden has dealt with fewer than 20 cases involving a dispute between a landholder and licensee. None of these cases have been referred to VCAT or the Supreme Court,” Ramsay and Speirs said. They concluded: “Agriculture and mining are the two great primary industries of Australia and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”

The guide was last updated and published in 2000 and the compensation agreement in 2002. Copies of the Guide to Private Landowners can be obtained from either the VFF or MCA or from the web site at www.minerals.org.au/victoria