{"id":"mines-and-works-inspection-regulations-2013","name":"Mines and Works Inspection Regulations 2013","slug":"mines-and-works-inspection-regulations-2013","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"sa","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":236153,"registerId":"sa-mines-and-works-inspection-regulations-2013-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-06","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Mines and Works Inspection Regulations 2013","content":"South Australia\nMines and Works Inspection Regulations 2013\nunder the Mines and Works Inspection Act 1920\n\nContents\nPart 1—Preliminary\n1\tShort title\n3\tInterpretation\nPart 2—Administration\nDivision 2—Commencement and cessation of work\n7\tApproval to undertake certain activities\n8\tNotices\nDivision 3—Plans and programs\n9\tPlans and programs\nDivision 4—Inspections\n10\tDuty to facilitate inspections\nDivision 5—Duty to provide equipment\n11\tDuty to provide equipment\nPart 3—Amenity of mine area and of the surrounding environment\n12\tGeneral duties\n13\tConservation of top soil\n14\tProtection from damage\n15\tDecommissioning notices\n16\tDecommissioning requirements\n17\tRehabilitation\nPart 4—Miscellaneous\n18\tExemption\n19\tOffences\n20\tGeneral defence\nSchedule 2—Prescribed requirements for plans and programs\nLegislative history\n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n1—Short title\nThese regulations may be cited as the Mines and Works Inspection Regulations 2013.\n3—Interpretation\n\t(1)\tIn these regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—\nAct means the Mines and Works Inspection Act 1920;\namenity of an area or place includes any quality or condition of the area or place that conduces to its biological, physical or cultural value;\napproved means approved by the Chief Inspector;\nauthorised person means a person authorised under section 7 of the Act to inspect a mine;\nbusiness day means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday;\nChief Inspector means the Chief Inspector of Mines;\ncompetent person means a person who is suitably qualified (whether by experience, training, or both) to carry out the work or function described in the relevant regulation;\nDepartment means the administrative unit of the Public Service that is, under the Minister, responsible for the administration of this Act;\nDirector means the Chief Executive of the Department;\npetroleum has the same meaning as in the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000;\nprecious stones has the same meaning as in the Opal Mining Act 1995;\nprecious stones field means a precious stones field under the Opal Mining Act 1995;\nquarry means a quarry, open cut, gravel pit, sand pit, clay pit, borrow pit or other excavation, other than an underground mine, made in the natural surface of the ground for the purpose of recovering any mineral, and includes works;\nsite means the place where or under which mining operations have been or are being carried out, and includes the area in the vicinity of that place;\ntop soil means the surface soil of land in its natural state, distinguishable from overburden;\nunderground mine means an excavation made in order to conduct operations underground for the purpose of recovering any mineral, and includes works.\n\t(2)\tIf a regulation refers to the number of persons working in a mine then, for the purposes of computing the number of those persons, the owner of the mine will not be included but a contractor will be included if the contractor is working in the mine.\nPart 2—Administration\nDivision 2—Commencement and cessation of work\n7—Approval to undertake certain activities\n\t(1)\tThe owner of a mine must not—\n\t(a)\tprepare or develop a new deposit for the extraction of a mineral; or\n\t(b)\topen up or commence to rework an old mine or a previously worked deposit; or\n\t(c)\tcommence work for the construction of a building or plant for the treatment of a mineral at the site of the mine,\nor allow such an activity to occur, without the written approval of the Chief Inspector or a designated person.\n\t(2)\tThe owner of a mine must, at least 21 days before an activity referred to in subregulation (1) is proposed to be undertaken, furnish the Chief Inspector or a designated person with a notice, in writing, setting out details of the activity that is to be undertaken (and those details must be sufficient to enable the Chief Inspector or a designated person to make a decision for the purposes of subregulation (1)).\n\t(3)\tThis regulation does not apply to—\n\t(a)\tmining operations being carried out under a lease or licence under the Mining Act 1971; or\n\t(b)\tthe recovery of precious stones on a precious stones field; or\n\t(c)\tthe recovery of petroleum.\n\t(4)\tIn this regulation—\ndesignated person means a person authorised in writing by the Chief Inspector to give an approval under this regulation.\n8—Notices\n\t(1)\tThe owner of a mine must, within 3 business days after—\n\t(a)\tthe acquisition of the mine (being a working mine) by the owner; or\n\t(b)\tthe commencement of work at a mine; or\n\t(c)\tthe recommencement of work at a mine after a cessation of work,\nfurnish the Chief Inspector with a notice in writing setting out—\n\t(d)\tthe full name and address of the owner; and\n\t(e)\tthe situation of the mine; and\n\t(f)\tthe mineral or substance being mined or worked (or to be mined or worked); and\n\t(g)\tthe estimated number of persons employed (or to be employed) at the mine.\n\t(2)\tIn this regulation—\ncessation of work does not include a cessation for holidays or repairs, or on account of industrial action.\nDivision 3—Plans and programs\n9—Plans and programs\n\t(1)\tThe Chief Inspector may, by notice in writing served on the owner of a mine, require that 1 or more of the following be prepared within the time specified in the notice:\n\t(a)\taccurate maps, plans or sections of the mine, and its immediate environs;\n\t(b)\tdevelopment programs for the mine.\n\t(2)\tThe owner of a mine to whom a notice is directed under subregulation (1) must ensure—\n\t(a)\tthat a map, plan, section or program required by the notice is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the notice and the requirements of Schedule 2 specified in the notice; and\n\t(b)\tthat 3 copies of each map, plan, section or program are delivered to the Chief Inspector at the principal office of the Department within the time required by the notice; and\n\t(c)\tthat the original (or an accurate copy) of each map, plan, section or program is kept at the mine office; and\n\t(d)\t—\n\t(i)\tthat each map, plan and section is, at intervals not exceeding 7 years, and immediately before the abandonment of the mine, updated to show the current workings and operations of the mine, or the state of the mine, that 3 copies of each updated document are then immediately delivered to the Chief Inspector, and that the original (or an accurate copy) of each updated document is kept at the mine office; and\n\t(ii)\tthat a development program is, at intervals not exceeding 7 years or such other period as the Chief Inspector may determine, updated, that 3 copies of the updated document is then immediately delivered to the Chief Inspector, and that the original (or an accurate copy) of the updated document is kept at the mine office.\n\t(3)\tThe owner of a mine to whom a notice is directed under subregulation (1) must ensure that all maps, plans, sections and programs are drawn to scales approved by the Chief Inspector and are sufficient to show clearly all relevant detail.\n\t(4)\tThe owner of a mine who is required to prepare or update a development program under this regulation must not carry out, or allow to be carried out, work that adversely affects, or is likely to adversely affect, the amenity of the site of the mine unless or until—\n\t(a)\tthe Chief Inspector has approved the development program, in its original form or as updated, as the case may require; or\n\t(b)\tthe Chief Inspector has given a specific approval for the work.\n\t(5)\tThe owner of a mine must not carry out, or allow to be carried out, work that is contrary to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of a relevant development program.\n\t(6)\tAn inspector or authorised person may, at any reasonable time, with or without an assistant, inspect and examine any map, plan, section or program kept at a mine.\n\t(7)\tA person who has the possession, custody or control of a map, plan, section or program kept at a mine must, at the request of an inspector or authorised person, produce the document for inspection or examination.\nDivision 4—Inspections\n10—Duty to facilitate inspections\nThe owner of a mine must, at the request of an inspector or authorised person (in connection with the operation of the mine)—\n\t(a)\tcause the inspector or authorised person to be lowered into, or raised from, a shaft or otherwise mechanically transported within any workings;\n\t(b)\tensure that the inspector or authorised person has access to all parts of the mine, and all plant and machinery at the mine;\n\t(c)\tdo all things necessary to enable an inspection of the mine to occur.\nDivision 5—Duty to provide equipment\n11—Duty to provide equipment\n\t(1)\tThe owner of a mine must—\n\t(a)\tprovide and install at the mine the materials and equipment that are necessary to enable compliance with these regulations; and\n\t(b)\tensure that these materials and equipment are maintained in good condition and are used appropriately.\n\t(2)\tIf a contractor is operating in a mine, the contractor is under the same duty as the owner of the mine under subregulation (1) in relation to material and equipment in that part, or those parts, of the mine in which the contractor is operating, and to or for those persons to whom the contractor's powers and authority extend.\n\t(3)\tIn this regulation—\nequipment includes all types of machinery, plant, appliances, tools and articles.\nPart 3—Amenity of mine area and of the surrounding environment\n12—General duties\n\t(1)\tA person who carries out a mining operation or an associated, incidental or ancillary activity must ensure that the operation or activity is carried out so as to minimise interference with the amenity of the area.\n\t(2)\tA person who carries out a mining operation or an associated, incidental or ancillary activity must ensure that vegetation within and around the site of the operation or activity is not unnecessarily interfered with, damaged or cut down.\n\t(3)\tA person who carries out a mining operation or an associated, incidental or ancillary activity must not create a nuisance through the production of undue or excessive noise or dust.\n\t(4)\tA person who carries out a mining operation or an associated, incidental or ancillary activity must not allow the operation or activity to cause the sea, groundwater, or a river, tributary, stream, dam, watercourse, billabong or other body of water, to become degraded.\n13—Conservation of top soil\nA person who carries out a mining operation must ensure—\n\t(a)\tthat any top soil that must be removed for the purposes of the mining operation, that can be collected separately from the overburden, and that is suitable for subsequent use in connection with revegetation measures as part of the rehabilitation of the site, is stored (on its removal) in a manner that maximises its usefulness for rehabilitation purposes; and\n\t(b)\tso far as is reasonably practicable, that any top soil that is being stored is protected from undue wind and water erosion.\n14—Protection from damage\n\t(1)\tA person who carries out a mining operation must not place products, overburden, waste material, dams or materials so as to—\n\t(a)\tinterfere with (or potentially interfere with) natural drainage; or\n\t(b)\tcause (or potentially cause) damage to property; or\n\t(c)\tunduly interfere with the amenity of the area; or\n\t(d)\tpermit the degradation of the sea, groundwater, or a river, tributary, stream, dam, watercourse, billabong or other body of water.\n\t(2)\tA person who carries out a mining operation must not permit the release of material so as to cause the pollution of air at the site.\n\t(3)\tThe owner of a mine where an excavation occurs (or has occurred), or from which top soil is removed, must so far as is reasonably practicable take action to avoid undue wind and water erosion at the site or in relation to surrounding areas.\n\t(4)\tHowever, an act undertaken for the purposes of subregulation (3) must not cause degradation of the sea or groundwater, or a river, tributary, stream, dam, watercourse, billabong or other body of water.\n\t(5)\tIf a mining operation or an associated, incidental or ancillary activity intersects 2 or more aquifers that have different groundwater qualities, the owner of the mine must ensure that groundwater degradation is minimised (both for while the mine is in operation and for when the mine is decommissioned).\n15—Decommissioning notices\nThe owner of a mine (or, as the case requires, the former owner of a mine) must furnish the Chief Inspector with—\n\t(a)\ta notice when mining operations at the mine are complete; and\n\t(b)\ta further notice when plant, machinery and materials are removed from the mine and the site; and\n\t(c)\ta further notice when the land has (in the opinion of the owner) been rehabilitated.\n16—Decommissioning requirements\nThe owner of a mine must leave the site of the mine in a clean, tidy, stable and safe condition.\n17—Rehabilitation\nThe owner of a mine (or, as the case requires, the former owner of a mine) must, within 2 years after the cessation of work at the mine, carry out or ensure the proper rehabilitation of the site of the mine, and any other affected area, in accordance with any directions of the Chief Inspector.\nPart 4—Miscellaneous\n18—Exemption\n\t(1)\tIf the Chief Inspector is satisfied—\n\t(a)\tthat compliance with a regulation is unnecessary, impractical or undesirable in a particular case; or\n\t(b)\tthat a satisfactory alternative procedure, action or installation will be adopted, taken or installed,\nthe Chief Inspector may (in his or her discretion) exempt a person, or a class of persons, from the operation of a regulation.\n\t(2)\tAn exemption under subregulation (1) may be granted subject to conditions or limitations specified by the Chief Inspector.\n\t(3)\tIf the Chief Inspector determines—\n\t(a)\tthat a condition under subregulation (2) has been contravened or not observed; or\n\t(b)\tthat circumstances have altered,\nthe Chief Inspector may revoke an exemption.\n19—Offences\n\t(1)\tA person who contravenes or fails to comply with a provision of these regulations is guilty of an offence.\nMaximum penalty: $1 000.\n\t(2)\tThe owner of a mine must ensure compliance with the requirements of these regulations.\nMaximum penalty: $1 000.\n\t(3)\tIf an act or default that results in a contravention or failure to comply with a regulation is committed by a person other than the owner of a mine, both the person and the owner of the relevant mine are guilty of an offence.\n\t(4)\tThe owner of a mine must not knowingly allow or permit a person to contravene or fail to comply with a provision of these regulations.\nMaximum penalty: $1 000.\n20—General defence\nIt is a defence to a charge of an offence against these regulations for the accused to prove that the offence relates to a matter over which the accused did not have control and could not reasonably have been expected to have control.\nSchedule 2—Prescribed requirements for plans and programs\nThe following requirements are prescribed for the purposes of regulation 9:\n1—Locality plan of mine area\n\t(1)\tA locality plan of the mine area and of an area not less than ............ metres, outside the boundaries of the mine area (ie area over which mining rights are held), on standard sheet (x) with date and north point and showing the following:\n\t(a)\tthe name of the county and hundred;\n\t(b)\tthe boundaries of sections and allotments and their section and allotment numbers;\n\t(c)\tthe names and addresses of the occupiers and owners of the mine area;\n\t(d)\tthe surface contours of the mine area at intervals not exceeding 3 metres related to sea level or to an established permanent local bench mark;\n\t(e)\tthe locations of public and private utilities, protected sites, housing and buildings existing within the limits of the plan, including transmission lines, watercourses, drains and water storages, and explosives storages and preparation buildings, and oil storages.\n\t(2)\tIn this clause—\nprotected sites means historic buildings, monuments etc.\n2—Working plan of mine area\nA working plan of the mine area or the proposed mine area, as the case may be, and sections (at least 2, 1 longitudinal and 1 a cross‑section) giving contours at intervals not exceeding 3 metre intervals and showing the following:\n\t(a)\tthe boundaries of the land over which mining rights are held;\n\t(b)\tthe positions of bore holes and test excavations showing the depths, thicknesses and types of strata;\n\t(c)\tthe boundaries of all existing quarry excavations showing all bench floors and slopes of faces;\n\t(d)\tall underground excavations, including excavations that have been backfilled;\n\t(e)\tthe locations of existing plant, machinery, buildings, roads, safety fences, services, and utilities, tree belts and other screens such as hedgerows or shelter belts, waste rock screens, and other barriers, explosives storages and preparation buildings, and oil storages;\n\t(f)\tthe locations of existing slime dams, tailing dams, settling ponds, water storages, watercourses and drains;\n\t(g)\tthe location of existing dumps of overburden and waste, and stockpiles of products;\n\t(h)\tthe proposed situation for ............ years at intervals ............ years or when mining is complete, with regard to—\n\t(i)\tthe boundaries of all quarry excavations showing also bench floors, slopes of faces;\n\t(ii)\tthe location of plant, machinery, buildings, roads, safety fences, services and utilities, tree belts and other screening such as hedgerows and waste rock screens, explosives storages and preparation buildings, and oil storages;\n\t(iii)\tthe location and the elevation of soil and overburden dumps;\n\t(iv)\tthe locations and the elevation of water storages, settling ponds, slime dams and tailings storages;\n\t(v)\tthe drainage system for disposal of water and liquid waste products.\n3—Development program\nA development program showing the following:\n\t(a)\tthe method of operation and the order of procedure or stages to be adopted in the progressive extraction of mineral substances;\n\t(b)\tthe provisions made or to be made for prevention of nuisances, and for the prevention of pollution of drainage waters;\n\t(c)\tthe method of operation and the order of procedure for screening and the progressive rehabilitation of worked‑out areas, dumps, dams etc so as to conform to the general amenity of the area, as well as the methods by which revegetation will be carried out.\nLegislative history\nNotes\n\t•\tPlease note—References in the legislation to other legislation or instruments or to titles of bodies or offices are not automatically updated as part of the program for the revision and publication of legislation and therefore may be obsolete.\n\t•\tEarlier versions of these regulations (historical versions) are listed at the end of the legislative history.\n\t•\tFor further information relating to the Act and subordinate legislation made under the Act see the Index of South Australian Statutes or www.legislation.sa.gov.au.\nLegislation revoked by principal regulations\nThe Mines and Works Inspection Regulations 2013 revoked the following:\nMines and Works Inspection Regulations 1998\nPrincipal regulations and variations\nNew entries appear in bold.\nYear\nNo\nReference\nCommencement\n2013\n222\nGazette 29.8.2013 p3715\n1.9.2013: r 2\n2014\n101\nGazette 19.6.2014 p2557\n1.7.2014: r 2\n2014\n256\nGazette 30.10.2014 p6224\n30.10.2014: r 2\n2015\n116\nGazette 18.6.2015 p2696\n1.7.2015: r 2\n2016\n143\nGazette 23.6.2016 p2375\n1.7.2016: r 2\n2017\n164\nGazette 22.6.2017 p2440\n1.7.2017: r 2\n2018\n90\nGazette 21.6.2018 p2221\n1.7.2018: r 2\n2018\n182\nGazette 28.6.2018 p2654\n4.10.2018: r 2\n2019\n65\nGazette 13.6.2019 p1845\n1.7.2019: r 2\n2020\n84\nGazette 4.6.2020 p2845\n1.7.2020: r 2\n2020\n301\nGazette 19.11.2020 p5195\n1.1.2021: r 2\nProvisions varied\nNew entries appear in bold.\nEntries that relate to provisions that have been deleted appear in italics.\nProvision\nHow varied\nCommencement\nPt 1\n\n\nr 2\nomitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n1.7.2014\nr 3\n\n\nr 3(1)\n\n\nBoard of Examiners\ndeleted by 256/2014 r 4\n30.10.2014\nmanager\ndeleted by 301/2020 r 4(1)\n1.1.2021\nr 3(2)\nvaried by 301/2020 r 4(2)\n1.1.2021\nr 3(3)\ndeleted by 301/2020 r 4(3)\n1.1.2021\nPt 2\n\n\nPt 2 Div 1\ndeleted by 301/2020 r 5\n1.1.2021\nPt 2 Div 2\n\n\nr 8\n\n\nr 8(1)\nvaried by 301/2020 r 6\n1.1.2021\nPt 2 Div 4\n\n\nr 10\nvaried by 301/2020 r 7\n1.1.2021\nPt 4\n\n\nr 19\n\n\nr 19(4)\nvaried by 301/2020 r 8\n1.1.2021\nr 21\ndeleted by 301/2020 r 9\n1.1.2021\nSch 1 before deletion by 301/2020\nsubstituted by 256/2014 r 5\n30.10.2014\nSch 1 Pt 2\n\n\ncl 13\n\n\ncl 13(1)\nvaried by 182/2018 r 4(1)\n4.10.2018\ncl 13(2) and (3)\ndeleted by 182/2018 r 4(2)\n4.10.2018\ncl 13(4)\nsubstituted by 182/2018 r 4(3)\n4.10.2018\ncl 13(5)\nsubstituted by 182/2018 r 4(4)\n4.10.2018\ncl 13(6) and (7)\ndeleted by 182/2018 r 4(4)\n4.10.2018\nSch 1\ndeleted by 301/2020 r 10\n1.1.2021\nSch 3\nsubstituted by  101/2014 r 4\n1.7.2014\n\nsubstituted by 116/2015 r 4\n1.7.2015\n\nsubstituted by 143/2016 r 4\n1.7.2016\n\nsubstituted by 164/2017 r 4\n1.7.2017\n\nsubstituted by 90/2018 r 4\n1.7.2018\n\nsubstituted by 65/2019 r 4\n1.7.2019\n\nsubstituted by 84/2020 r 4\n1.7.2020\n\ndeleted by 301/2020 r 10\n1.1.2021\nSch 4\nomitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n1.7.2014\nTransitional etc provisions associated with regulations or variations\nMines and Works Inspection Variation Regulations 2014 (No 256 of 2014), Pt 3\n6—Transitional provision\nA member of the Board of Examiners for Mine Managers ceases to hold office on the commencement of these regulations.\nMines and Works Inspection (SACAT) Variation Regulations 2018 (No 182 of 2018), Sch 1\n1—Transitional and other provisions\n\t(1)\tA right to apply to the Minister for review of a decision of the Chief Inspector under clause 13 of Schedule 1 of the principal regulations in existence before the relevant day (but not exercised before that day) will be exercised as if clause 13, as varied by regulation 4 of these regulations, had been in operation before that right arose, so that the relevant proceedings may be commenced before the Tribunal rather than the Minister (and the person appointed to conduct the review).\n\t(2)\tNothing in this clause affects any proceedings commenced under clause 13 of Schedule 1 of the principal regulations before the relevant day.\n\t(3)\tIn this clause—\nprincipal regulations means the Mines and Works Inspection Regulations 2013;\nrelevant day means the day on which these regulations come into operation;\nTribunal means the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal established under the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013.\nHistorical versions\n1.7.2014\n\n30.10.2014\n\n1.7.2015\n\n1.7.2016\n\n1.7.2017\n\n1.7.2018\n\n4.10.2018\n\n1.7.2019\n\n1.7.2020\n\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislative history reveals substantial scope reduction since 2013. The original regulations included: a Board of Examiners for Mine Managers (abolished 2014), detailed manager qualification requirements (deleted 2021), Schedule 1 containing extensive mine manager certification rules, and Schedule 3 containing annual fee structures. These were progressively stripped out, leaving a leaner instrument focused on operational safety, environmental protection, and rehabilitation. The current version appears closer to core environmental and administrative oversight rather than the broader occupational licensing regime originally contemplated."},"complexity_factors":["Moderate length (20 regulations plus Schedule 2) but relatively straightforward structure","14 defined terms in the interpretation section, including cross-references to other Acts (*Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000*, *Opal Mining Act 1995*)","Several exemption clauses — Regulation 7(3) exempts three categories of mining operations from approval requirements; Regulation 18 provides broad discretionary exemption powers to the Chief Inspector","Nested obligations in Regulation 9(2)(d) with multiple sub-paragraphs requiring updates every 7 years, delivery of copies, and retention of originals","Conditional logic in Regulation 17 (rehabilitation within 2 years 'in accordance with any directions of the Chief Inspector')","Shared liability structure — Regulation 11(2) imposes parallel duties on contractors; Regulation 19(3) makes both workers and owners liable for offences","Schedule 2 contains detailed technical requirements for plans with blank spaces for variable measurements ('............ metres') indicating template-style drafting","Legislative history shows significant pruning through amendments (deletion of Schedule 1, Schedule 3, Part 2 Division 1, and various definitions), suggesting the original 2013 version was more complex"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThese regulations set the operational rules for mining and quarrying activities in South Australia. They sit underneath the *Mines and Works Inspection Act 1920* and tell mine owners exactly what they must do to keep their operations safe, properly documented, and environmentally responsible.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- **Mine owners** — they bear the primary legal responsibility for compliance\n- **Contractors working in mines** — they have duties too, particularly regarding equipment in their work areas\n- **The Chief Inspector of Mines** — the government officer who approves activities, demands plans, and can grant exemptions\n- **Local communities and environment** — protected through rules about noise, dust, water quality, and rehabilitation\n\n**Key requirements:**\n\n- **Before starting work:** Owners must get written approval from the Chief Inspector to develop new deposits, reopen old mines, or build processing plants (with 21 days' notice). This doesn't apply to operations under the *Mining Act 1971*, precious stones fields, or petroleum recovery.\n\n- **Keeping records:** Owners must notify the Chief Inspector when they acquire, start, or restart a mine. They must also prepare detailed maps, plans, and development programs when asked — updating them every 7 years — and keep copies at the mine office.\n\n- **Environmental protection:** Mining must minimise interference with the \"amenity\" (biological, physical or cultural value) of the area. Specific rules cover:\n  - Protecting topsoil for later rehabilitation\n  - Preventing unnecessary damage to vegetation\n  - Controlling noise, dust, and air pollution\n  - Protecting water — no degrading of seas, rivers, groundwater, or dams\n  - Avoiding damage to natural drainage or neighbouring property\n\n- **Decommissioning and rehabilitation:** When mining finishes, owners must notify the Chief Inspector at three stages (operations complete, plant removed, rehabilitation done). They must leave the site \"clean, tidy, stable and safe\" and complete rehabilitation within 2 years, following any directions given.\n\n- **Inspections:** Owners must facilitate access for inspectors — including providing mechanical transport into shafts and ensuring access to all parts of the mine.\n\n- **Equipment:** Owners (and contractors in their areas) must provide and maintain necessary safety equipment.\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThese regulations aim to prevent mining from leaving a toxic legacy. By requiring detailed planning, environmental safeguards, and mandatory cleanup, they balance economic activity against protection of land, water, and community wellbeing. The rules recognise that mining is temporary — but environmental damage can be permanent if not properly managed."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislative history shows multiple technical variations (deletions, substitutions, transfers of review functions to administrative tribunals, removal of references such as 'Board of Examiners' and the term 'manager'), but these are primarily administrative and procedural updates rather than a material expansion of the regulations’ substantive reach. The core scheme — approvals for certain works, plan and mapping requirements, inspection facilitation, environmental/amenity duties, decommissioning and rehabilitation obligations, and an exemption power vested in the Chief Inspector — remains consistent with the regulations’ original purpose of inspection, site amenity protection and orderly mine decommissioning (see regs 7–9, 12–17, 18). Changes recorded in the history therefore adjust governance and detail rather than enlarge the scope of regulatory coverage."},"complexity_factors":["~22 defined terms listed in the Interpretation (reg 3) including cross‑definitions that reference other Acts (Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000; Opal Mining Act 1995).","Multiple time limits and trigger periods: 21 days (reg 7(2)), 3 business days (reg 8(1)), 2 years rehabilitation (reg 17), 7‑year update cycles for plans (reg 9(2)(d)).","Substantive cross‑references to primary Acts (Mines and Works Inspection Act 1920; Mining Act 1971) and to other legislation, increasing external dependency for scope/exemptions (reg 7(3)).","Chief Inspector discretion and delegation: approvals, exemptions, designation of persons and revocation powers (regs 7, 9, 18) create branching outcomes.","Schedule 2 contains technical mapping and planning requirements, including blank placeholders (\"........ metres\" and \"........ years\") that require specification in practice.","Overlapping duties between owners and contractors (reg 11(2)) and multiple delivery/record requirements for plans (three copies to Department, original at mine office) (reg 9(2)(b)–(c)).","Low, uniform penalty structure (single maximum penalty amount of $1,000 across offences) reduces granularity in enforcement options (reg 19)."],"plain_english_summary":"**What these regulations do (mechanically)**\n\n- Require mine owners to get written approval before preparing new deposits, reworking old mines, or starting construction of mineral treatment buildings at a mine site (reg 7). Certain activities under other Acts (eg Mining Act 1971 leases, opal fields, petroleum) are excluded (reg 7(3)).\n- Require quick notification to the Chief Inspector when a working mine is acquired, work commences or recommences (within 3 business days) with basic owner, location and workforce details (reg 8).\n- Give the Chief Inspector power to require detailed maps, plans and development programs and set minimum formatting, updating and delivery rules (reg 9; Schedule 2). Documents must be kept at the mine and copies delivered to the Department.\n- Require owners (and contractors, in areas they operate) to provide and maintain materials and equipment needed to meet the regulations (reg 11), and to facilitate inspections (eg provide access, mechanical transport into workings) on request (reg 10).\n- Set environmental and amenity duties for people carrying out mining or related activities: minimise interference with the area’s amenity, avoid unnecessary vegetation loss, prevent excessive noise or dust, and avoid water degradation (regs 12–14). Specific duties cover topsoil conservation, avoiding interference with drainage, erosion control, and managing impacts on aquifers (regs 13–14, 15–17).\n- Require owners to give decommissioning notices at three stages (when operations finish; when plant/machinery removed; when owner considers land rehabilitated) and to ensure sites are left clean, stable and safe, and rehabilitated within two years of cessation (regs 15–17).\n- Allow the Chief Inspector to grant written exemptions (with conditions) where compliance is unnecessary, impractical or an acceptable alternative exists; the Chief Inspector can revoke exemptions if conditions are breached or circumstances change (reg 18).\n- Make breaches offences (penalty up to $1,000) and place duties on owners to ensure compliance and not to permit contraventions; also provide a defence where the accused proves lack of control over the matter (regs 19–20).\n\n**Who this affects**\n\n- Primary duty-bearer: the owner of a mine (defined in the regulations) — responsible for approvals, notices, plans, equipment, facilitating inspections, environmental and rehabilitation duties, and for ensuring contractors comply (regs 7–11, 12–17, 19).\n- Contractors: have specific duties for the parts of the mine they operate in relation to equipment and may be criminally liable for breaches they commit (reg 11(2); reg 19(3)).\n- The Chief Inspector (and authorised/designed persons): decides on approvals, serves notices requiring plans/programs, accepts or exempts compliance, inspects documents, and enforces the regulations (regs 7, 9, 18, 10).\n\n**Why it matters (claimed purpose and practical effects)**\n\n- The regulations are presented as implementing inspection, safety and environmental-amenity safeguards linked to the Mines and Works Inspection Act 1920. They create administrative gates (approvals, notices, plans) and on-site obligations intended to manage risk and set rehabilitation requirements (reg 7; regs 9, 12–17).\n\n- Costs and incentives: the regulatory obligations place direct compliance costs on mine owners and, in practice, on contractors who operate parts of mines. These include the administrative cost of preparing maps, plans and development programs (Schedule 2), record-keeping and delivering multiple copies to the Department (reg 9(2)(b)), physical costs to provide and maintain required equipment (reg 11), and costs of rehabilitation and erosion control after operations cease (regs 13, 16–17). The owner bears the primary financial burden; contractors share equipment duties in their operating areas (reg 11(2)).\n\n- Discretion and implementation risk: the Chief Inspector has broad discretionary powers — to approve or refuse activities, require or accept particular plans/programs, issue exemptions with conditions and revoke them (regs 7, 9, 18). That discretion concentrates decision-making with the regulator and creates potential variability in how rules are applied across sites. Several terms used to trigger duties are imprecise (eg “amenity”, “reasonably practicable”, “competent person”), which increases reliance on administrative guidance or case‑by‑case decisions (reg 3; regs 12–14).\n\n- Compliance burden and timing effects: lead times are specified in some places (21 days’ notice before certain activities, reg 7(2); 3 business days’ notice after acquisition or recommencement, reg 8(1); 2 years to rehabilitate after cessation, reg 17). Plans must be updated at least every 7 years (reg 9(2)(d)). These timing rules can delay activity starts or require advance planning and record systems, especially for smaller operations.\n\n- Enforcement and deterrence: breaches are offences with maximum fines set at $1,000 (reg 19). That low, fixed monetary penalty should be viewed against typical mining project costs — it may be primarily a compliance signal rather than a large financial deterrent. Criminal liability can attach both to the person who committed the act and to the owner, and owners must not knowingly permit contraventions (reg 19(3)–(4)). However, reg 20 allows a defence if the accused proves lack of control.\n\n- Effects on markets and enterprise: the regulations do not directly regulate prices, competition or ownership. Their main economic effect is to raise operating costs and administrative requirements for mine owners and operators, which can affect project cashflows and possibly entry decisions for marginal operations. Larger operators will likely internalise these costs more easily than small operators; contractors may face additional compliance obligations in parts of sites where they operate (reg 11(2)).\n\n**Concrete trade‑offs and implementation considerations**\n\n- Concentrated costs: mine owners (and contracting operators) bear concentrated compliance and rehabilitation costs (regs 9, 11, 16–17).\n- Diffuse benefits/risks: the stated benefits—reduced nuisance, preserved amenity and reduced environmental degradation (regs 12–14)—accrue to neighbouring landholders, the public and ecosystems; measuring and enforcing those benefits will depend on inspector activity and the Chief Inspector’s exercise of discretion.\n- Administrative inefficiency risk: the requirement to deliver three copies of plans to the Chief Inspector and to maintain originals on site (reg 9(2)(b)–(c)) is prescriptive and may be anachronistic in an era of electronic records, unless Departmental procedures accept digital equivalents.\n- Drafting gaps / ambiguous fields: Schedule 2 contains template blanks for distances and planning horizons (eg “........ metres” and “........ years”), which appear to require specification when the Chief Inspector issues a notice. Unless filled or guided, these blanks may create uncertainty for owners preparing the plans.\n\n**Key provisions to note**\n- Approval before certain activities: reg 7.\n- Notice requirements on acquisition/commencement: reg 8.\n- Plans, mapping and development programs, plus Schedule 2 requirements: reg 9 and Schedule 2.\n- Duty to facilitate inspections and provide equipment: regs 10–11.\n- Environmental/amenity duties, topsoil and erosion control, aquifer protection, decommissioning and rehabilitation timing: regs 12–17.\n- Exemptions and revocation powers of the Chief Inspector: reg 18.\n- Offences, penalties and general defence: regs 19–20.\n\n(References are to regulation numbers in the Mines and Works Inspection Regulations 2013.)"},"summary":{"complexity_score":1,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"No legislative content was retrievable. The submission contains only a website 'Page Not Found' error from the South Australian legislation website, likely caused by a broken hyperlink following a site update on 24 March 2026. No scope assessment of the actual regulations is possible."},"complexity_factors":["No actual legislative text was provided — only a website error page was returned","Analysis is impossible without the substantive content of the regulations","Complexity cannot be meaningfully assessed from a page title alone"],"plain_english_summary":"The Mines and Works Inspection Regulations 2013 would set safety inspection requirements for South Australian mines, define inspectors’ duties, establish operator standards and procedures, and impose penalties for non-compliance.  \n\nThey matter to mining companies, workers and unions, government inspectors, and contractors because they govern how mines are inspected and kept safe."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/mines-and-works-inspection-regulations-2013","history":"/api/acts/mines-and-works-inspection-regulations-2013/history","analysis":"/api/acts/mines-and-works-inspection-regulations-2013/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/mines-and-works-inspection-regulations-2013/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/mines-and-works-inspection-regulations-2013/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/mines-and-works-inspection-regulations-2013/documents"}}