The Resources Regulator has released its compliance priorities for January to June 2025, outlining key compliance priorities and proactive assessment programs for the next six months.
These priorities help to ensure the ongoing safety and sustainability of the mining industry in NSW.
Some of the compliance priorities for January to June 2025 include mine safety assessment programs for coal and metalliferous mines (focus areas will include fire and explosion, air quality, roads, and electrical engineering); risk management and supervision across coal and metalliferous mines; targeted assessment programs for mine rehabilitation which will include revegetation, landform establishment, and decommissioning; and the continuation of compliance audits of exploration activities.
The importance of mine rehabilitation will also be a continued priority for the regulator.
Resources Regulator Executive Director Peter Day says these priorities were shaped by incident data, risk reviews, and community feedback.
Strategic projects outlined in the priorities include a review of the NSW mining competency system and development of the Adverse Vehicle Interaction Technical Reference Guide (TRG). The TRG will guide industry on establishing an effective framework to develop, implement and monitor controls for safe vehicle interaction management.
Resources Regulator Executive Director Peter Day says rehabilitation is key to returning land to a safe, stable, and sustainable condition.
“We’re working closely with mine operators to ensure their obligations are met and that land is rehabilitated as soon as possible after mining activity,” Day says.
“These priorities were shaped by incident data, risk reviews, and community feedback. By targeting key areas of risk and supervision management across NSW mines and quarries we’re ensuring the safety of workers, regardless of tasks they are carrying out.
“Our inspectors are dedicated to preventing incidents and increasing safety management education, engaging directly with operators, and ensuring risks are effectively controlled.”
Day adds that the compliance priorities will also assess tailings dam safety management.
“A safe tailings dam is dependent on effective critical controls, maintained to an adequate standard,” Day says.
The Resources Regulator’s compliance priorities and proactive assessment programs are published every six months.
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