177Exemptions for mines and petroleum sites where only non-mechanical exploration occurs

177 Exemptions for mines and petroleum sites where only non-mechanical exploration occurs

177 Exemptions for mines and petroleum sites where only non-mechanical exploration occurs

(1) A mine at which the only mining operation carried out is non-mechanical exploration is exempt from the following provisions of this Regulation—

(a) sections 5–9,

(b) Parts 3–6,

(c) sections 125 and 126,

(d) Parts 8–10,

(e) section 187,

(f) Schedules 1–7, 9 and 10.

(2) A petroleum site at which the only petroleum operation carried out is non-mechanical exploration is exempt from the following provisions of this Regulation—

(a) sections 10–13,

(b) Parts 3–6,

(c) section 125,

(d) Parts 8 and 9,

(e) section 187,

(f) Schedules 1–4, 7 and 11.

(3) Mining operations or petroleum operations are, for section 125, taken to commence at a mine or petroleum site referred to in subsection (1) or (2) as soon as mining operations or petroleum operations other than non-mechanical exploration commence at the mine or petroleum site.

(4) In this section—

non-mechanical exploration means exploring for minerals or petroleum, other than by mechanical means that disturb the ground, and includes the following—

(a) geological mapping,

(b) sampling and coring using hand-held equipment,

(c) geophysical surveying, but not seismic surveying, and borehole logging,

(d) access by vehicle, but not if access requires the construction of an access way that is a track or road,

(e) shallow reconnaissance drilling involving no more than minimal site preparation,

(f) minor excavations, but not costeaning or bulk sampling.