Mining regulation consultation

Revision of declared risk criteria and approved standard conditions for exploration and extractive operations under the Environment Protection Act 2019

The Environment Protection Act 2019 (EP Act) regulates the environmental impacts of mining activities.

The EP Act establishes an environmental (mining) licensing scheme comprising standard condition, modified condition and tailored condition licences. Standard condition and modified condition licences are underpinned by risk criteria and standard conditions.

For further information, please read the context paper.

On 31 July 2024, the Minister for Environment declared risk criteria and approved standard conditions for exploration and extractive operations, viewable at: Declared risk criteria and standard conditions | NT.GOV.AU

These risk criteria and standard conditions are now under review.

In accordance with regulation 233G of the Environment Protection Regulations 2020, the Minister must publish a notice of the review of risk criteria, and invite interested persons to make written comments within a minimum period of 30 business days. The Minister is also required to consult directly with affected mining operators on proposed changes to the risk criteria and standard conditions in accordance with regulations 233H and 233N.

You can make a submission regarding the proposed changes to the risk criteria by completing the online survey below or by emailing a formal submission to mineralinfo.dlpe@nt.gov.au

Please note that all submissions may be published, unless confidentiality is requested.

The public exhibition period commences on 17 June 2025 and closes on 4 August 2025.