{"id":"opal-mining-regulations-2012","name":"Opal Mining Regulations 2012","slug":"opal-mining-regulations-2012","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"sa","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":236236,"registerId":"sa-opal-mining-regulations-2012-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-06","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Opal Mining Regulations 2012","content":"South Australia\nOpal Mining Regulations 2012\nunder the Opal Mining Act 1995\n\nContents\nPart 1—Preliminary\n1\tShort title\n3\tInterpretation\n4\tExempt land\n5\tMajor working area—Coober Pedy\nPart 2—Plates and permits\n6\tIdentification plates\n7\tReplacement or surrender of permit\nPart 3—Size, shape and dimensions of areas\n8\tSize\n9\tShape, dimensions and availability\nPart 4—Mode of taking possession etc\n10\tMode of taking possession\n11\tNotification of pegging\n13\tDisplay of registration number\nPart 5—Working conditions—precious stones claims\n14\tWorking conditions\n15\tAmalgamation of working conditions\n16\tSuspension of working conditions\n17\tExemptions\nPart 6—General provisions for tenements\n18\tRemoval of posts\n19\tInsufficiently defined tenements\n20\tRectification of tenement boundary\n21\tAction to comply\n22\tReduction in area of tenement\n23\tTime for renewal of tenement\n24\tRoads and pipelines across tenements\nPart 7—Opal mining co‑operation agreements\n25\tPrescribed requirements\nPart 8—Miscellaneous\n26\tVerification of membership of association\n26A\tItems to be registered on opal mining register\n27\tAmendments to opal mining register\n28\tOffices of Opal Mining Registrar\n29\tChange of address\n30\tForms\n31\tApplication for native title declaration\n32\tApproved associations for umbrella authorisations\n33\tNotice initiating negotiations with native title parties\n33A\tApplications for warrants\n33B\tAdministrative penalties\n34\tService of documents\n35\tPower of Director to waive or refund fees\n36\tValidation of notice of entry\n37\tWarden's Court—costs\n38\tOffences\nSchedule 1—Major working area—Coober Pedy\nSchedule 3—Form of notice initiating negotiations with native title parties\nSchedule 4—Items to be registered on opal mining register\nSchedule 5—Administrative penalties\nLegislative history\n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n1—Short title\nThese regulations may be cited as the Opal Mining Regulations 2012.\n3—Interpretation\nIn these regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—\nAct means the Opal Mining Act 1995;\nextra large precious stones claim means a precious stones claim with an area exceeding 5 000 square metres (but not exceeding 20 000 square metres);\nholder of a precious stones tenement includes a person who has pegged out an area for a precious stones tenement;\nlarge precious stones claim means a precious stones claim with an area exceeding 2 500 square metres but not exceeding 5 000 square metres;\nsmall precious stones claim means a precious stones claim with an area of 2 500 square metres or less;\nworking day means a day other than Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday.\n4—Exempt land\n\t(a1)\tFor the purposes of section 6(1)(a)(ii)(A) of the Act, an amount of $2 500 is prescribed.\n\t(1)\tFor the purposes of section 6(1)(h)(i) and (ii) of the Act, the following purposes are prescribed:\n\t(a)\tsewerage treatment;\n\t(b)\twaterworks.\n\t(2)\tFor the purposes of section 6(9) of the Act, a copy of an agreement by which an exemption is waived under that section must be lodged with the Opal Mining Registrar before application is made to the Opal Mining Registrar for the registration of a precious stones tenement on account of the existence of the agreement1 but in any event within 21 days after the agreement is made.\nNote—\n1\tThe agreement could be lodged immediately before the relevant application is made.\n5—Major working area—Coober Pedy\n\t(1)\tFor the purposes of section 13(1) of the Act, the area within the Coober Pedy Precious Stones Field defined by Filed Plan FP 37814 lodged in the Lands Titles Office in Adelaide is identified as a major working area for the purposes of that section.\n\t(2)\tThe major working area is—\n\t(a)\tmarked on the ground with 1.5 metre wooden pegs set in concrete; and\n\t(b)\tdepicted (for reference purposes) by the plan in Schedule 1.\nPart 2—Plates and permits\n6—Identification plates\n\t(1)\tAn opal mining registrar who issues or renews a precious stones prospecting permit may issue to the holder of the permit up to 3 sets of identification plates (2 sets for precious stones claims and 1 set for an opal development lease).\n\t(2)\tFor the purposes of these regulations, 4 plates constitute a set.\n\t(3)\tThe number of sets issued to the holder of a precious stones prospecting permit at a particular time will be determined according to the application of the holder of the permit.\n\t(4)\tThe holder of a precious stones prospecting permit who does not hold 3 sets of plates may apply for an additional set or sets at any time, subject to the qualification that a person must not hold more than 3 sets of identification plates (2 sets for precious stones claims and 1 set for an opal development lease).\n\t(5)\tEach identification plate must bear the relevant permit number and date of expiry.\n\t(6)\tIf a precious stones prospecting permit is renewed, the holder of the permit must ensure that new identification plates are securely fixed to the posts marking out any area for a tenement within 14 days after the renewal.\n\t(7)\tIf the holder of a permit loses an identification plate, the person may apply to an opal mining registrar for the issue of a replacement.\n\t(8)\tThe application—\n\t(a)\tmust be made in a manner and form determined by the Director; and\n\t(b)\tmust be accompanied by the prescribed fee.\n\t(9)\tAn opal mining registrar may issue a replacement plate or plates to the holder of a permit who has made due application under subregulation (8) and paid the prescribed fee.\n\t(10)\tIf a precious stones prospecting permit is cancelled or surrendered, the holder of the permit must immediately surrender to an opal mining registrar all identification plates issued in respect of that permit.\n7—Replacement or surrender of permit\n\t(1)\tIf—\n\t(a)\ta person loses a precious stones prospecting permit; or\n\t(b)\ta precious stones prospecting permit is destroyed or becomes illegible in a particular,\nthe holder of the permit may apply to an opal mining registrar for the issue of a replacement.\n\t(2)\tThe application—\n\t(a)\tmust be made in a manner and form determined by the Director; and\n\t(b)\tif the applicant has possession of the original permit—must be accompanied by that original; and\n\t(c)\tmust be accompanied by the prescribed fee.\n\t(3)\tAn opal mining registrar may issue a duplicate permit to the holder of the permit who has made due application under subregulation (2) and paid the prescribed fee.\n\t(4)\tA person who is surrendering a precious stones prospecting permit must furnish the Opal Mining Registrar with a notice in a form determined by the Director.\nPart 3—Size, shape and dimensions of areas\n8—Size\n\t(1)\tThe maximum permissible area that can be pegged out for a precious stones claim that is not within a major working area is 20 000 square metres.\n\t(2)\tThe maximum permissible area that can be pegged out for an opal development lease is 40 000 square metres.\n9—Shape, dimensions and availability\n\t(1)\tSubject to this regulation, the shape of an area pegged out for—\n\t(a)\ta small precious stones claim—must approximate a square, with no side exceeding 50 metres in length;\n\t(b)\ta large precious stones claim—must approximate a rectangle, with a breadth not exceeding 50 metres and a length not exceeding 100 metres;\n\t(c)\tan extra large precious stones claim—must approximate a rectangle, with a breadth not exceeding 100 metres and a length not exceeding 200 metres;\n\t(d)\tan opal development lease—must approximate a square, with no side exceeding 200 metres in length.\n\t(2)\tIf it is impracticable to comply with subregulation (1) because of the position of adjoining boundaries for other areas, an intervening or irregularly shaped piece of land may be pegged out for a tenement but, in this case, an application to approve the pegging must be immediately made to an opal mining registrar, or to a person authorised by the Opal Mining Registrar for the purposes of this regulation.\n\t(3)\tHowever, the sides of an area pegged out under subregulation (2) for an opal development lease must in all cases be between 100 and 200 metres, subject to the qualification that an opal mining registrar may specifically approve a side that is less than 100 metres in a particular case.\n\t(4)\tSubject to subregulation (5), a person who has pegged out an intervening or irregularly shaped area under subregulation (2) will be taken to have effected a valid pegging (at least until the matter is determined by application under that subregulation).\n\t(5)\tA person who has pegged out an intervening or irregularly shaped area under subregulation (2) must not conduct mining operations on the land unless or until a written approval is given on application under that subregulation.\nPart 4—Mode of taking possession etc\n10—Mode of taking possession\n\t(1)\tThis regulation sets out the requirements for a valid pegging under the Act.\n\t(2)\tA post must be securely placed in the ground at each corner of the relevant area.\n\t(3)\tThe post must—\n\t(a)\tbe devoid of marks or writing that refers to a previous pegging; and\n\t(b)\thave a cross‑sectional dimension equal to or exceeding 7 centimetres; and\n\t(c)\tproject at least 75 centimetres above the ground; and\n\t(d)\tin the case of a post for an opal development lease—be completely white.\n\t(4)\tThe following provisions will then apply:\n\t(a)\tan identification plate issued to the holder of the precious stones prospecting permit that is appropriate to the particular form of tenement must be securely attached to the post as near to the top as practicable;\n\t(b)\tthe date of pegging must then be shown on the post in clear legible characters immediately below the identification plate;\n\t(c)\tthe following letter or letters must then be shown on the post immediately below the date of pegging:\n\t(i)\tin the case of an area for a small precious stones claim—\"S\";\n\t(ii)\tin the case of an area for a large precious stones claim—\"L\";\n\t(iii)\tin the case of an area for an extra large precious stones claim—\"X\";\n\t(iv)\tin the case of an area for an opal development lease—\"ODL\".\n\t(5)\tThe direction of the boundaries of an area pegged out for a tenement must be clearly indicated by substantial indicator markers fixed to each post.\n\t(6)\tIf it is impracticable to comply with a preceding subregulation, a person may peg out an area for a tenement in some other manner but, in such a case, the person must give notice of the manner of pegging to the Opal Mining Registrar.\n\t(7)\tA notice under subregulation (6)—\n\t(a)\tmust be in a form determined by the Director; and\n\t(b)\tmust be given within 7 days after the pegging.\n\t(8)\tIf an opal mining registrar, or a person authorised by the Opal Mining Registrar for the purposes of this regulation, considers that the method of pegging out an area is unsatisfactory, the registrar or authorised person may order that a different method be used.\n\t(9)\tA person to whom an order is directed under subregulation (8) must immediately comply with the order.\n11—Notification of pegging\n\t(1)\tThe holder of a precious stones prospecting permit who has pegged out an area for a precious stones claim within (or partly within) a precious stones field must, no later than 5 pm on the working day next following the day of pegging, give notice of the pegging to the Opal Mining Registrar in a manner and form determined by the Opal Mining Registrar.\n13—Display of registration number\nThe holder of a registered tenement must ensure that the registration number for the tenement is clearly displayed on each post marking out the area of the tenement—\n\t(a)\tin the case of a precious stones claim—within 7 days after registration; and\n\t(b)\tin the case of an opal development lease—within 14 days after registration.\nPart 5—Working conditions—precious stones claims\nNote—\nThere are no working conditions for opal development leases.\n14—Working conditions\n\t(1)\tUnless otherwise determined by the Warden's Court, a precious stones claim must, after 14 days from registration or, if the claim is over native title land, after 14 days from registration of an agreement or determination under Part 7 of the Act—\n\t(a)\tin the case of a claim within a major working area under section 13 of the Act—be diligently worked by the holder of the claim personally;\n\t(b)\tin any other case—be diligently worked by or on behalf of the holder of the claim.\n\t(2)\tThe following will be taken to be within the concept of diligently working a claim:\n\t(a)\tthe performance of mining operations on the claim;\n\t(b)\twork associated with the extraction of, or making merchantable, precious stones located within, or recovered from, the claim where that work is carried out on the claim;\n\t(c)\tthe preparation, erection or maintenance of machinery or equipment used in connection with mining operations where that work is carried out on the claim.\n\t(3)\tThe requirements of this regulation do not apply between 15 December in each year and 14 March in the following year (both dates inclusive).\n15—Amalgamation of working conditions\n\t(1)\tSubject to this regulation, the working conditions of adjoining precious stones claims may be amalgamated for a period not exceeding 1 year at any 1 time under the authority of an order of the Warden's Court.\n\t(2)\tHowever—\n\t(a)\tprecious stones claims can only be amalgamated if they are within a precious stones field; and\n\t(b)\tthe total area of amalgamated precious stones claims cannot exceed 10 000 square metres.\n\t(3)\tA person may object to an application to amalgamate working conditions and the objection will be heard and determined by the Warden's Court.\n\t(4)\tThe Warden's Court may during the currency of an amalgamation, if satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, on application, cancel an amalgamation.\n\t(5)\tThe Warden's Court may determine that an order of the court under this regulation will be taken to have had effect from the date on which the relevant application was received by the court.\n\t(6)\tIf the working conditions of 2 or more precious stones claims are amalgamated, the total working conditions of those claims will be taken to be complied with if the total number of hours required to be worked on the individual claims are worked anywhere within the boundaries of the amalgamated claims.\n16—Suspension of working conditions\n\t(1)\tThe holder of a precious stones claim may apply to the Warden's Court for the suspension of working conditions on the claim.\n\t(2)\tA person may object to an application under subregulation (1) and the objection will be heard and determined in the Warden's Court.\n\t(3)\tThe Warden's Court may, after considering the application and any objection under subregulation (2)—\n\t(a)\tby order, approve the suspension of working conditions on a claim; or\n\t(b)\treject the application.\n\t(4)\tAn order under subregulation (3)(a)—\n\t(a)\tmay be given subject to conditions determined by the Warden's Court and specified in the order; and\n\t(b)\twill operate for a period, not exceeding 6 months at any 1 time, specified in the order.\n\t(5)\tThe Warden's Court may determine that the order will be taken to have had effect from the date on which the relevant application was received by the court.\n\t(6)\tIf—\n\t(a)\tan order under subregulation (3)(a) is given subject to conditions; and\n\t(b)\tthe person who obtained the order contravenes, or fails to comply with, a condition,\nthe order will be taken to have been revoked.\n\t(7)\tThis regulation does not affect the exemption from the requirement to work the claim between 15 December in each year and 14 March in the following year but an application for the suspension of working conditions will (insofar as is relevant to the particular time of the year) be taken to include the period running between those 2 dates (inclusive).\n17—Exemptions\n\t(1)\tThe holder of a precious stones claim will not be liable to a penalty, or to the forfeiture of the claim, on account of a failure to comply with the requirements of these regulations relating to working conditions if—\n\t(a)\tthe failure is due to illness, or absence on urgent work in the public interest; or\n\t(b)\tthe failure is due to flood, drought or other act of nature; or\n\t(c)\tthe failure is due to an order of a court that specifically prevents the holder of the claim working the claim.\n\t(2)\tHowever—\n\t(a)\tsubregulation (1)(a) or (b) will only apply for 2 months in respect of a particular event or circumstance; and\n\t(b)\tsubregulation (1)(a) and (b) do not apply in respect of a particular event or circumstance that occurred or existed before the area for the precious stones claim was pegged out.\nPart 6—General provisions for tenements\n18—Removal of posts\n\t(1)\tIf a post is in a place that interferes with the working of a precious stones tenement, the holder of the tenement may apply to—\n\t(a)\tan opal mining registrar; or\n\t(b)\tan authorised person; or\n\t(c)\ta person authorised by the Opal Mining Registrar for the purposes of this subregulation,\nfor approval to remove the post.\n\t(2)\tA person to whom an application is made under subregulation (1) may, if satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, authorise the removal of the post.\n\t(3)\tAn authorisation under subregulation (2)—\n\t(a)\tmust be in a form determined by the Director; and\n\t(b)\tmay include directions to ensure the proper definition of the boundaries of the tenement while the post is removed; and\n\t(c)\tmay be given on conditions specified in the authorisation.\n\t(4)\tA person who has the benefit of an authorisation under subregulation (2) must comply with any directions or conditions under subregulation (3).\n\t(5)\tA person (other than the holder of the relevant tenement) must not remove a post placed in the ground in order to mark a precious stones tenement (or an area for a precious stones tenement).\n\t(6)\tSubregulation (5) does not apply to—\n\t(a)\ta person acting with the written permission of the holder of the tenement; or\n\t(b)\tan opal mining registrar, an authorised person, or a person authorised by the Opal Mining Registrar for the purposes of this subregulation, removing a post from a tenement (or the area for a tenement) if—\n\t(i)\tit appears that there has been a failure to comply with a requirement of the Act or these regulations; or\n\t(ii)\tit appears that the tenement (or any pegging) may have lapsed, or been surrendered or cancelled.\n\t(7)\tA post removed under subregulation (6)(b) must be stored at the nearest office of the Opal Mining Registrar to the tenement.\n\t(8)\tThe owner of a post stored under subregulation (7) may, within 1 month after the post was removed under subregulation (6)(b), on payment of the prescribed fee, recover the post (and, if appropriate, any identification plate or marker attached to the post).\n\t(9)\tIf a post is not recovered under subregulation (8)—\n\t(a)\tthe post becomes the property of the Crown; and\n\t(b)\tthe Minister may dispose of the post as the Minister thinks fit.\n19—Insufficiently defined tenements\n\t(1)\tIf a precious stones tenement is not defined by posts and boundary markers in accordance with the requirements of these regulations, a person authorised by the Director for the purposes of this regulation may, by notice in writing to the holder of the tenement, require the holder to rectify the situation within a specified period (of at least 7 days).\n\t(2)\tIf a notice under subregulation (1) is not complied with within the time specified by the notice, the Director may apply to the Warden's Court for an order cancelling the tenement and for appropriate consequential orders (and the Warden's Court has jurisdiction to make those orders).\n20—Rectification of tenement boundary\n\t(1)\tIf—\n\t(a)\tthe holder of a precious stones tenement discovers that the area, shape or dimensions of the tenement do not conform with these regulations; or\n\t(b)\tthe holder of a precious stones tenement discovers that a portion of another tenement (including a tenement under the Mining Act 1971) has been included within the boundaries of the tenement,\nthe person may apply to the Warden's Court for an order rectifying the error.\n\t(2)\tThe Warden's Court may, on application under subregulation (1), if satisfied that it is appropriate to do so—\n\t(a)\tmake the orders necessary to rectify the error;\n\t(b)\tdetermine, or realign, the boundaries of the tenement, and determine the manner in which those boundaries are to be delineated.\n\t(3)\tHowever, an application cannot be made under this regulation if proceedings for forfeiture of the tenement or otherwise concerning the validity of the tenement have already been commenced (and have not been determined).\n21—Action to comply\n\t(1)\tA liability to the forfeiture of a precious stones tenement on account of failure to comply with a requirement of these regulations will cease on subsequent compliance by the holder of the tenement.\n\t(2)\tHowever, subregulation (1) does not apply if proceedings for forfeiture of the tenement are commenced under the Act within 1 month after the liability to forfeiture arises and before the holder of the tenement takes steps to rectify the non‑compliance.\n\t(3)\tIf—\n\t(a)\ta person applies to the Warden's Court for an order—\n\t(i)\tcancelling a pegging; or\n\t(ii)\tfor the forfeiture of a tenement,\non the ground that a requirement of the Act or these regulations has not been complied with; and\n\t(b)\tthe Warden's Court finds that there has been non‑compliance with the Act or these regulations but that in the circumstances an order for cancellation or forfeiture should not be made,\nthe court may nevertheless order the person in default to take steps to rectify the non‑compliance.\n\t(4)\tA person to whom an order is directed under subregulation (3) must comply with the terms of the order.\n22—Reduction in area of tenement\n\t(1)\tThe holder of a precious stones tenement may, with the approval of an opal mining registrar, reduce the area of the tenement.\n\t(2)\tAn approval under subregulation (1) may be given subject to conditions specified by the opal mining registrar (and the holder of the tenement must, if the area of the tenement is reduced, comply with those conditions).\n\t(3)\tThe requirements of these regulations relating to the shape of a tenement do not apply if the area of a tenement is reduced under this regulation.\n23—Time for renewal of tenement\nFor the purposes of section 22(3)(a) of the Act, an application for the renewal of a precious stones claim must be made within 60 days before the registration of the tenement is due to expire.\n24—Roads and pipelines across tenements\n\t(1)\tThe Warden's Court may, on application under this regulation, approve the making, laying or use of a road or pipeline on or over a precious stones tenement if—\n\t(a)\tthe tenement is located outside a precious stones field; and\n\t(b)\tthe Warden's Court is satisfied that the road or pipeline is necessary for the efficient working of another tenement, or for use by the public.\n\t(2)\tAn approval under subregulation (1) may be given subject to directions or conditions specified by the Warden's Court (which may include provision for the payment of compensation to the holder of the tenement that will be affected by the making, laying or use of the road or pipeline).\n\t(3)\tA person must not breach, or fail to comply with, a direction or condition under subregulation (2).\nPart 7—Opal mining co‑operation agreements\n25—Prescribed requirements\n\t(1)\tFor the purposes of section 42(3) of the Act, an opal mining co‑operation agreement must comply with the following requirements:\n\t(a)\tthe agreement must be in printed form; and\n\t(b)\tthe agreement must—\n\t(i)\tidentify the parties to the agreement; and\n\t(ii)\tspecify the term of the agreement; and\n\t(iii)\tclearly identify the land affected by the agreement; and\n\t(iv)\tbe signed or executed by all parties to the agreement.\n\t(2)\tFor the purposes of section 44 of the Act, an agreement to vary or revoke a registered opal mining co‑operation agreement must comply with the following requirements:\n\t(a)\tthe agreement must be in printed form; and\n\t(b)\tthe agreement must—\n\t(i)\tclearly identify the opal mining co‑operation agreement that is being varied or revoked; and\n\t(ii)\tin the case of a variation—clearly specify the variation; and\n\t(iii)\tbe signed or executed by all parties to the opal mining co‑operation agreement.\nPart 8—Miscellaneous\n26—Verification of membership of association\nAn applicant for the registration of a precious stones tenement outside (or partly outside) a precious stones field who states in the application that he or she is a member of an approved association must verify that membership to the satisfaction of an opal mining registrar.\n26A—Items to be registered on opal mining register\nFor the purposes of section 76(2)(e) of the Act, the items set out in Schedule 4 must, unless the Opal Mining Registrar determines otherwise, be registered on the opal mining register.\n27—Amendments to opal mining register\nSubject to the provisions of the Act, the Warden's Court may order—\n\t(a)\tthat an entry in the opal mining register be made, amended or cancelled; or\n\t(b)\tthat an instrument be registered or that the registration of an instrument be cancelled.\n28—Offices of Opal Mining Registrar\nThe following places are, for the purposes of the Act and these regulations, offices of the Opal Mining Registrar:\n\t(a)\tthe head office of the administrative unit that is, under a Minister, responsible for the administration of the Act located at Adelaide;\n\t(b)\tthe head office of the administrative unit that is, under a Minister, responsible for the administration of the Act located at Coober Pedy;\n\t(c)\tthe Andamooka Post Office.\n29—Change of address\nThe holder of a precious stones prospecting permit or precious stones tenement must notify the Mining Registrar in writing of a change in address within 30 days of the change.\n30—Forms\n\t(1)\tUnless otherwise provided, a form under the Act must be signed personally or, in the case of a body corporate by a duly authorised attorney, or by an officer of the body corporate acting under the authority of the body corporate.\n\t(2)\tA form under these regulations may be varied or modified according to the exigencies of a particular case.\n31—Application for native title declaration\nAn application under section 52 of the Act for a declaration that land is not subject to native title is to be made as an application for a native title declaration under the Native Title (South Australia) Act 1994.\n32—Approved associations for umbrella authorisations\nFor the purposes of section 54 of the Act, the following associations are approved as associations that may be proponents of native title mining agreements conferring umbrella authorisations:\n\t(a)\tSouth Australian Opal Miner's Association Inc.;\n\t(b)\tCoober Pedy Miner's Association Inc.;\n\t(c)\tAndamooka Progress and Opal Miners Association Inc.;\n\t(d)\tMintabie Miners and Progress Association Inc.\n33—Notice initiating negotiations with native title parties\nA notice under section 55 of the Act given by a proponent initiating negotiations for a native title mining agreement under Part 7 of the Act must be in the form of Schedule 3.\n33A—Applications for warrants\nThe following procedures in relation to an application for the issue of a warrant are prescribed for the purposes of section 77(17)(b) of the Act:\n\t(a)\tif an application for the issue of a warrant is made personally—the grounds of the application must be verified by affidavit;\n\t(b)\tif an application for the issue of a warrant is made by telephone—\n\t(i)\tthe applicant must inform the magistrate, warden or justice of the applicant's name and identify the position that they hold for the purposes of the Act, and the magistrate, warden or justice, on receiving that information, is entitled to assume, without further inquiry, that the applicant holds that position; and\n\t(ii)\tthe applicant must inform the magistrate, warden or justice of the purpose for which the warrant is required and the grounds on which it is sought; and\n\t(iii)\tif it appears to the magistrate, warden or justice from the information given by the applicant that there are proper grounds to issue a warrant, the magistrate, warden or justice must inform the applicant of the facts that justify, in their opinion, the issue of the warrant, and must not proceed to issue the warrant unless the applicant undertakes to make an affidavit verifying those facts; and\n\t(iv)\tif the applicant gives such an undertaking, the magistrate, warden or justice may then make out and sign a warrant, noting on the warrant the facts that justify, in their opinion, the issue of the warrant; and\n\t(v)\tthe warrant is taken to have been issued, and comes into force, when signed by the magistrate, warden or justice; and\n\t(vi)\tthe magistrate, warden or justice must inform the applicant of the terms of the warrant; and\n\t(vii)\tthe applicant must, as soon as practicable after the issue of the warrant, forward to the magistrate, warden or justice an affidavit verifying the facts referred to in subparagraph (iii).\n33B—Administrative penalties\nThe amount of an administrative penalty fixed by Schedule 5 applies in relation to an alleged contravention of a provision of the Act specified in that Schedule.\n34—Service of documents\n\t(1)\tA notice or document required or authorised by or under the Act or these regulations to be given to or served on a person (other than a designated person or a person who holds or may hold native title in land1) may—\n\t(a)\tbe served on the person personally; or\n\t(b)\tbe posted in an envelope addressed to the person—\n\t(i)\tat the person's last known address; or\n\t(ii)\tif the person has an address for service—at that address; or\n\t(d)\tbe sent by email to an email address provided by the person (in which case the notice or document will be taken to have been served at the time the email was sent).\nNote—\n1\tPart 5 Native Title (South Australia) Act 1994 sets out the method of service on all who hold or may hold native title in land.\n\t(2)\tA notice or document required or authorised by or under the Act or these regulations to be provided or given to or served on a designated person must be given or served in the manner specified by the designated person by notice in the Gazette.\n\t(3)\tIf a notice or document is given or served under subregulation (2)—\n\t(a)\tby lodgment at an office of the Opal Mining Registrar—the notice or document will be taken to have been given or served at the time it is lodged at the office of the Opal Mining Registrar; or\n\t(b)\tby email—the notice or document will be taken to have been given or served at the time of sending the email; or\n\t(c)\tby other electronic means—the notice or document will be taken to have been given or served when the person giving or serving the notice or document receives confirmation by those electronic means that the notice or document has been received by the designated person.\n\t(4)\tSubregulation (2) operates subject to any other provision made by these regulations.\n\t(5)\tIn this regulation—\ndesignated person means—\n\t(a)\tthe Minister; or\n\t(b)\tthe Opal Mining Registrar or an opal mining registrar; or\n\t(c)\tthe Director.\n35—Power of Director to waive or refund fees\n\t(1)\tThe Director may, on application, in the Director's discretion, waive payment of the whole or a part of a fee, or refund a fee (in whole or in part).\n\t(2)\tIn this regulation—\nfee means a fee prescribed by fee notice for the purposes of the Act or these regulations;\nfee notice has the same meaning as in the Legislation (Fees) Act 2019.\n36—Validation of notice of entry\nThe sole purpose of a validation of a notice of entry by an authorised person under the Act is to indicate that the authorised person has seen the notice and is aware of the proposed entry on to land (and a validation does not constitute an approval or other form of official recognition related to the validity of the notice).\n37—Warden's Court—costs\nThe Warden's Court is vested with jurisdiction to award reasonable costs.\n38—Offences\n\t(1)\tA person who contravenes or fails to comply with a provision of these regulations is guilty of an offence.\n\t(2)\tA person who is guilty of an offence against these regulations for which no penalty is specifically prescribed is liable to a fine not exceeding $2 500.\nSchedule 1—Major working area—Coober Pedy\n\nSchedule 3—Form of notice initiating negotiations with native title parties\n(Section 55 of Act)\n(Please use BLOCK LETTERS)\nTo:\nNative title parties\nEnvironment, Resources and Development Court\nMinister for Mineral Resources and Energy\n\t(1)\tI, [insert full name (please underline surname) or company name] of [insert full address or company registered address] propose to carry out mining operations on the following land:\nSection\nHundred\nPastoral Block\nOther\n\t(2)\tThe general nature of the proposed mining operations that are to be carried out on the land is as follows:\n\t(3)\tThe proposed operations are or will be authorised by the following exploration authorities and/or tenements under the Opal Mining Act 1995: [Give details and indicate whether the authority or tenement is currently held, applied for or proposed to be applied for].\n\t(4)\tI—\n\t•\tseek to negotiate a native title mining agreement under Part 7 of the Opal Mining Act 1995.\nNote: If, 2 months after this notice is given as required by the Opal Mining Act 1995, there are no persons registered under the law of the State or the Commonwealth as the holders of, or claimants to, native title in the land, I may apply ex parte to the Environment, Resources and Development Court for a summary determination authorising entry to the land for the purpose of carrying out mining operations on the land, and the conduct of mining operations on the land.\n\t•\tpropose to rely on section 57 of the Opal Mining Act 1995 (Expedited procedure where impact of operations is minimal) on the grounds that the mining operations—\n\t•\twill not directly interfere with the community life of the holders of native title in the land on which the operations are to be carried out; and\n\t•\twill not interfere with areas or sites of particular significance, in accordance with their traditions, to the holders of native title in the land on which the operations are to be carried out; and\n\t•\twill not involve major disturbance to the land on which the operations are to be carried out.\nNote: I may apply ex parte to the Environment, Resources and Development Court for a summary determination authorising mining operations in accordance with the proposals made in this notice. If, within 2 months after this notice is given, a written objection to my reliance on section 57 is given by the Minister, or a person who holds, or claims to hold, native title in the land, the Court must not make the determination unless satisfied, after giving the objectors an opportunity to be heard, that the operations are in fact operations to which section 57 applies.\nAdditional information\n\t(1)\tContact telephone number:\n\t(2)\tContact fax number (if available):\n\t(3)\tIf a company:\n\t(1)\tACN No:\n\t(2)\tContact person:\nDate:\nSignature:\nThe following information about service on native title holders is provided for the convenience of the mining operator and need not be included in the notice given under section 55.\nIf a native title declaration establishes who are the holders of native title in the land—the notice must be given to the registered representative of the native title holders and the relevant representative Aboriginal body for the land.\nIf there is no native title declaration establishing who are the holders of native title in the land—the notice must be given to all who hold or may hold native title in the land in accordance with the method set out in Part 5 of the Native Title (South Australia) Act 1994 as follows:\n• the notice must be given personally or by post to—\n\t•\tall registered representatives of holders of native title in the land (see the State Native Title Register kept by the Registrar of the ERD Court); and\n\t•\tall registered representatives of persons who are registered under the law of the Commonwealth or the State as claimants to native title in the land (see the State Native Title Register kept by the Registrar of the ERD Court and the Commonwealth Register of Native Title Claims); and\n\t•\tthe relevant representative Aboriginal body (under the regulations this is the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc. except on lands of the Maralinga Tjarutja or Anangu Pitjantjatjara); and\n\t•\tthe Commonwealth Minister; and\n\t•\tthe State Minister (the Attorney‑General); and\n• notice of the nature and effect of the notice (including a description of the land concerned) must be given—\n\t•\tby publishing a notice (at least 4cm x 4cm) in each of the following:\n\t•\ta newspaper circulating generally throughout the State;\n\t•\tif there is a local or regional newspaper that is published at least weekly and circulated generally in the area in which the land, or part of the land, concerned is situated—that newspaper; and\n\t•\tif there is a newspaper or magazine that caters mainly or exclusively to the interests of Aboriginal people and is published at least monthly and circulated generally in the area in which the land, or part of the land, concerned is situated—that newspaper or magazine; and\n• by informing each of the following broadcasting services of the fact that the notice has been published and where it has been published:\n\t•\ta general broadcasting service that serves the area within which the land, or part of the land, is situated;\n\t•\tif there is a broadcasting service that caters mainly or exclusively to the interests of Aboriginal people and serves the area within which the land, or part of the land, is situated—that broadcasting service.\nSubject to Part 7 of the Act, a person may carry out mining operations under this Act on native title land if authorised by an agreement (a native title mining agreement) under Part 7. The agreement is negotiated with the native title parties. A person initiates negotiations by use of this form.\nIf an agreement is not sought, or if agreement cannot be reached in accordance with Part 7 of the Act, mining operations cannot proceed on native title land unless—\n\t(a)\tin the case of prospecting—the operations do not affect native title; or\n\t(b)\ta declaration is made by a court to the effect that the land is not subject to native title; or\n\t(c)\ta determination is made by a court that the mining operations can proceed.\nYou cannot proceed to carry out mining operations on native title land unless you comply with the requirements of Part 7.\nSchedule 4—Items to be registered on opal mining register\n\n1\nAn instrument of renewal of a precious stones prospecting permit by an opal mining registrar under section 9 of the Act\n2\nA notice of pegging under section 14 of the Act\n3\nThe conditions applying to a precious stones tenement specified by the Director under section 18A of the Act\n4\nA notice of application for registration of a tenement under section 19 of the Act\n5\nAn instrument indicating that registration of a tenement of a person on the Mintabie precious stones field has been cancelled under section 18B(2) of the Act\n6\nA notice of cancellation of registration of precious stones tenement by the Opal Mining Registrar under section 28(1) of the Act\n7\nA notice of seizure machinery or goods abandoned on land that has been subject to a tenement under section 29 of the Act\n8\nAn instrument recording the existence of an agreement with an owner of land authorising a person to enter the land to carry out mining operations under section 31(a) of the Act\n9\nAn instrument recording a consent or an agreement as to access under section 32 of the Act\n10\nAn authorisation for use of declared equipment under section 34 of the Act\n11\nA notice directing the holder of a tenement to rehabilitate land under section 35 of the Act\n12\nA compliance direction issued under section 35A of the Act\n13\nThe amount of a bond under section 36 of the Act\n14\nAn instrument providing for an exemption issued by the Minister under section 79 of the Act\n15\nIf the holder of a precious stones tenement is in arrears for a payment for which they are liable under the Act—an instrument indicating that fact and the amount that remains unpaid\n16\nProceedings in the ERD Court or the Supreme Court where the Minister, the Director or the Opal Mining Registrar was a party to the relevant proceedings\n17\nDecisions, determinations and orders of the Warden's Court, ERD Court or Supreme Court that relate to tenements under the Act\n18\nAn instrument recording or evidencing the imposition of a criminal penalty under the Act\nSchedule 5—Administrative penalties\n\n\nSection of Act\nAdministrative penalty\n1\nsection 8(4)\n$5 000.00\n2\nsection 16(9a)\n$5 000.00\n3\nsection 18(1)\n$5 000.00\n4\nsection 30\n$5 000.00\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 Opal Mining Regulations 2012 revoked the following:\nOpal Mining Regulations 1997\nPrincipal regulations and variations\nNew entries appear in bold.\nYear\nNo\nReference\nCommencement\n2012\n197\nGazette 30.8.2012 p3962\n1.9.2012: r 2\n2013\n81\nGazette 6.6.2013 p2179\n1.7.2013: r 2\n2014\n102\nGazette 19.6.2014 p2559\n1.7.2014: r 2\n2015\n117\nGazette 18.6.2015 p2698\n1.7.2015: r 2\n2016\n145\nGazette 23.6.2016 p2381\n1.7.2016: r 2\n2017\n166\nGazette 22.6.2017 p2446\n1.7.2017: r 2\n2018\n92\nGazette 21.6.2018 p2227\n1.7.2018: r 2\n2019\n28\nGazette 21.3.2019 p945\n1.4.2019: r 2\n2020\n170\nGazette 4.6.2020 p3025\n1.7.2020: r 2\n2020\n302\nGazette 19.11.2020 p5197\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\n1.7.2013\nr 4\n\n\nr 4(a1)\ninserted by 302/2020 r 4(1)\n1.1.2021\nr 4(2)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 4(2)\n1.1.2021\nPt 2\n\n\nr 6\n\n\nr 6(1)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 5(1)\n1.1.2021\nr 6(7)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 5(2)\n1.1.2021\nr 6(8)\nvaried by 28/2019 r 4(1)\n1.4.2019\nr 6(9)\nvaried by 28/2019 r 4(2)\n1.4.2019\n\nvaried by 302/2020 r 5(3)\n1.1.2021\nr 6(10)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 5(4)\n1.1.2021\nr 7\n\n\nr 7(1)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 6(1)\n1.1.2021\nr 7(2)\nvaried by 28/2019 r 5(1)\n1.4.2019\nr 7(3)\nvaried by 28/2019 r 5(2)\n1.4.2019\n\nvaried by 302/2020 r 6(2)\n1.1.2021\nr 7(4)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 6(3)\n1.1.2021\nPt 3\n\n\nr 9\n\n\nr 9(2)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 7(1), (2)\n1.1.2021\nr 9(3)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 7(3)\n1.1.2021\nPt 4\n\n\nr 10\n\n\nr 10(6)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 8(1)\n1.1.2021\nr 10(8)\nsubstituted by 302/2020 r 8(2)\n1.1.2021\nr 11\n\n\nr 11(1)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 9(1)\n1.1.2021\nr 11(2) and (3)\ndeleted by 302/2020 r 9(2)\n1.1.2021\nr 12\ndeleted by 302/2020 r 10\n1.1.2021\nPt 5\n\n\nr 14\n\n\nr 14(1)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 11(1), (2)\n1.1.2021\nPt 6\n\n\nr 18\n\n\nr 18(1)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 12(1), (2)\n1.1.2021\nr 18(6)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 12(3)\n1.1.2021\nr 18(7)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 12(4)\n1.1.2021\nr 18(8)\nvaried by 28/2019 r 6\n1.4.2019\nr 22\n\n\nr 22(1)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 13(1)\n1.1.2021\nr 22(2)\nvaried by 302/2020 r 13(2)\n1.1.2021\nPt 8\n\n\nr 26\nvaried by 302/2020 r 14\n1.1.2021\nr 26A\ninserted by 302/2020 r 15\n1.1.2021\nr 27\nvaried by 302/2020 r 16\n1.1.2021\nr 28\nsubstituted by 302/2020 r 17\n1.1.2021\nrr 33A and 33B\ninserted by 302/2020 r 18\n1.1.2021\nr 34\nr 34 varied by 302/2020 r 19(1)\n1.1.2021\n\n(c) deleted by 302/2020 r 19(2)\n1.1.2021\nr 34(1)\nr 34 redesignated as r 34(1) by 302/2020 r 19(3)\n1.1.2021\nr 34(2)—(5)\ninserted by 302/2020 r 19(3)\n1.1.2021\nr 35\ndeleted by 28/2019 r 7\n1.4.2019\n\ninserted by 170/2020 r 4\n1.7.2020\nSch 2\nsubstituted by 81/2013 r 4\n1.7.2013\n\nsubstituted by 102/2014 r 4\n1.7.2014\n\nsubstituted by 117/2015 r 4\n1.7.2015\n\nsubstituted by 145/2016 r 4\n1.7.2016\n\nsubstituted by 166/2017 r 4\n1.7.2017\n\nsubstituted by 92/2018 r 4\n1.7.2018\n\ndeleted by 28/2019 r 8\n1.4.2019\nSch 4\nomitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n1.7.2013\n\ninserted by 302/2020 r 20\n1.1.2021\nSch 5\ninserted by 302/2020 r 20\n1.1.2021\nHistorical versions\n1.7.2013\n\n1.7.2014\n\n1.7.2015\n\n1.7.2016\n\n1.7.2017\n\n1.7.2018\n\n1.4.2019\n\n1.7.2020\n\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The regulations appear consistent with their original purpose of operationalising the Opal Mining Act 1995. While there have been numerous amendments (particularly in 2020 adding administrative penalties and registration items), these represent refinements and modernisations rather than scope creep. The core focus remains on practical mining administration, tenement management, and native title procedures as originally intended."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple defined terms in interpretation section (5 specific terms including 'working day', three sizes of claims)","Extensive cross-referencing to the parent Opal Mining Act 1995 (referenced throughout, particularly for native title provisions)","Nested conditional logic in working conditions (Part 5) with exemptions, amalgamations, and suspensions each having their own sub-conditions","Multiple schedules (5 schedules) containing detailed forms, penalty amounts, and registration requirements","Specific measurement requirements throughout (e.g., posts must be 75cm above ground, 7cm cross-section, specific claim dimensions)","Dual pathways for native title compliance (negotiated agreements vs expedited procedures)","Temporal conditions (14-day periods, 60-day renewal windows, seasonal exemptions)","Multiple authorities involved (Opal Mining Registrar, Director, Warden's Court, Minister) with overlapping jurisdictions"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThese regulations set out the practical rules for opal mining in South Australia, operating under the Opal Mining Act 1995. They cover everything from how to physically mark out a mining claim with wooden posts, to the size and shape of claims, working conditions, and dealing with native title issues.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- **Opal miners** – anyone holding a precious stones prospecting permit or tenement (a legal right to mine a specific area)\n- **Mining associations** – specifically approved groups like the Coober Pedy Miner's Association\n- **Native title holders** – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with traditional rights over the land\n- **The Opal Mining Registrar** – the government official who administers the system\n- **The Warden's Court** – a specialised court that hears mining disputes\n\n**Key things the rules cover:**\n\n- **Claim sizes:** Small claims (up to 2,500 sqm), large claims (2,500–5,000 sqm), extra large claims (5,000–20,000 sqm), and opal development leases (up to 40,000 sqm)\n- **Physical marking:** Miners must use wooden posts at least 75cm high with identification plates, and mark dates and claim types on them\n- **Working requirements:** Claims must be \"diligently worked\" (actively mined) with exceptions for summer (15 Dec – 14 March) and various exemptions for illness, natural disasters, etc.\n- **Native title:** Special procedures for negotiating with traditional owners before mining on their land, including a specific notice form\n- **Administrative details:** How to replace lost permits, change addresses, serve documents, and pay fees\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nOpal mining is a significant industry in South Australia, particularly around Coober Pedy, Andamooka and Mintabie. These regulations balance the interests of individual miners (who often work small claims), the need for orderly land management, and the rights of traditional owners. The rules prevent disputes by making boundaries clear and ensuring claims are actively used rather than hoarded."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"complexity_score":1,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Scope cannot be assessed as the legislative text was not accessible. No comparison between original intent and final form is possible from the data provided."},"complexity_factors":["No legislative text was retrievable — the source URL returned a 404/Page Not Found error","Only website navigation elements and an error message were captured in the input","Cannot assess actual regulatory complexity, cross-references, definitions, or operative provisions without the text","Score of 1 reflects absence of analysable content, not simplicity of the underlying law"],"plain_english_summary":"The Opal Mining Regulations 2012 (SA) would set detailed rules under the Opal Mining Act for opal exploration and extraction in SA’s major fields (Coober Pedy, Andamooka, Mintabie), covering licensing, fees, land access, safety, environmental obligations and dispute handling. The instrument primarily affects opal miners, prospectors, landholders and trading businesses. The regulation text was not retrievable here — consult legislation.sa.gov.au or OPCWeb@sa.gov.au for the full rules."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The regulations implement operational, procedural and evidentiary detail under the Opal Mining Act 1995 rather than altering who is covered. Amendments recorded in the legislative history update administrative mechanics — for example, adding electronic service options (reg 34), expanding register items (reg 26A and Schedule 4) and introducing administrative penalties (reg 33B and Schedule 5) — but do not broaden or narrow the fundamental scope of regulated activities or the classes of persons subject to the regime."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple tenement categories and tight dimensional rules (definitions and regs 3, 8–9) increase technical compliance requirements.","Detailed pegging and marking procedures with short notice periods for registry (reg 10, 11, 13) create operational timing constraints.","Interplay with native title procedures and a prescribed negotiation form adds procedural and evidentiary steps (Part 7, Schedule 3).","Significant decision‑making discretion distributed between the Opal Mining Registrar, the Director and the Warden’s Court (eg regs 6, 18, 20, 21, 24).","Administrative mechanisms (replacement plates/permits, fee prescriptions, waivers and refunds, administrative penalties) impose monetary and recordkeeping burdens (regs 6–7, 33B, 35, reg 26A and Schedule 4).","Enforcement and remedial pathways (rectification notices, forfeiture risks, Warden’s Court orders) create legal exposure and potential litigation (regs 19–21, 36–37).","Frequent cross‑references to the Opal Mining Act 1995 and other statutes mean users must read multiple instruments to understand rights and obligations.","Amendment history and inserted procedures (eg electronic service, email, new register items) increase variability and compliance uncertainty (reg 34, reg 26A, Sch 4, Sch 5)."],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations set practical rules for opal and other precious‑stones tenements in South Australia: how areas are pegged and marked, size and shape limits, identification plates, registration and records, working obligations, native title negotiation notices, service methods and penalties. They apply to permit/tenement holders and applicants. Decision‑making powers lie with the Opal Mining Registrar, the Director and the Warden’s Court. Holders pay fees, must meet time limits and display/record requirements, and face administrative penalties or court orders for non‑compliance."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/opal-mining-regulations-2012","history":"/api/acts/opal-mining-regulations-2012/history","analysis":"/api/acts/opal-mining-regulations-2012/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/opal-mining-regulations-2012/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/opal-mining-regulations-2012/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/opal-mining-regulations-2012/documents"}}