Did You Hear About ... ?
Mining exploration leases are constantly being 'offered' by Australian state and federal governments. The states each have their own legislation relating to how exploration and mining leases are tendered, approved and managed.
Though there may be a mandatory legislative requirement for public 'notifications' (via newspapers), this stops short of requiring the potential miner or relevant government body of having to contact individual residents, land owners and/or affected communities directly via mail or phone.
Thereby, if a resident or land titleholder misses the notification posted in a major newspaper's 'Notices' section, there may not be a possibility of a formal objection (which must generally take place within 28 days of the notification). Too bad if you are away when the notification is published, or just don't read newspapers.
As a result the landowner/resident may be completely unaware that an exploration or mining lease has even been issued ... until they are notified that said exploration or mining will commence on their property (generally with only 14 days written notice required).
This is a situation that we really need to change! |
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