NT Mining law Reform

The time has come to implement long-promised mining law reform and fix some of the worst mining laws in the country.

Currently in the Northern Territory, the regulation of mining lacks accountability and transparency. There is little public scrutiny or accountability over mining regulation, and most decisions are made in secret. Territorian taxpayers are left to clean up the mess after mining companies pack up and walk away..

We need to see regulatory separation to ensure that the same department isn't both promoting and regulating the mining industry. We need stricter enforcement and compliance, stronger community rights, and stronger provisions for closure and rehabilitation.

We are asking you to add your name to the calls for reform - write to the Chief Minister and Mining Minister below to let them know that you want reform of our mining laws.

Dear Chief Minister,
 
I am writing to you as a Territorian concerned with the way mining is regulated in the Northern Territory. From McArthur River Mine’s toxic waste dump and river diversion, to the threat to landowners from lithium tenements in the Litchfield-Finniss region, Territorians are facing the consequences of our poor regulation.
 
I am pleased to see your Government's promise, reiterated consistently over the years, to reform our mining laws.
 
The time has come to implement this long-promised reform and fix some of the worst mining laws in the country.
 
Currently in the Northern Territory, the regulation of mining lacks accountability and transparency. There is little public scrutiny or accountability over mining regulation, and most decisions are made in secret. The community wants to see public reporting by mining companies on compliance with license conditions.
 
We need to see:
<ul>
<li>complete regulatory separation, so the same department doesn't both regulate and promote the industry</li>
<li>more funding for the regulator</li>
<li>More transparency so decisions aren't made in secret</li>
<li>Greater enforcement and compliance conditions</li>
<li>Stronger provisions for closure and rehabilitation, including more accurate calculation of security bonds</li>
<li>Stronger community rights</li>
</ul>
 
The Northern Territory isn't the country's mining pit. There is strong community support for mining law reform. In this term your Government has an opportunity to step in line with community sentiment and deliver these reforms.
 
Kind regards