Community and land use

How mineral exploration and mining are regulated in Victoria

Mineral exploration and mining in Victoria follow strict rules to manage environmental, social and economic impacts.

The main law governing mineral resources in Victoria is the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (MRSDA), which is administered by Resources Victoria. In addition, exploration and mining projects must also comply with another 20 pieces of relevant Commonwealth and Victorian legislation and regulations.

Types of licences

There are 3 main types of mineral licences:

  • Exploration Licence: allows companies to look for minerals, but not mine them.
  • Retention Licence: allows companies to do more studies and plan future work, without mining.
  • Mining Licence: allows companies to extract minerals, but only after they have planning approval. All licence applications must be advertised and open for public feedback. Current applications open for public comment are also shown on the Resources Victoria website.

Licence holder responsibilities

If a licence is granted, explorers and miners must:

  • minimise environmental and health impacts
  • engage with landholders and communities
  • pay for any damage caused and fix any land they disturb.

Licence holders must regularly report to Resources Victoria to show they are meeting all licence conditions. These reports must follow strict Victorian and Australian standards.

Resources Victoria’s technical experts check these reports. They may also use independent audits or peer reviews to confirm the findings.

Most early exploration work has a low environmental impact and must follow the Code of Practice for Mineral Exploration, which supports responsible land use.

Before mining can start

Mining cannot begin until a company has:

  • a work plan (including a site rehabilitation plan) approved by Resources Victoria
  • a rehabilitation bond lodged with Resources Victoria
  • public liability insurance
  • a community engagement plan
  • agreements or compensation arrangements with landholders.

Compliance and enforcement

Resources Victoria’s compliance inspectors have legal powers to regulate exploration, quarrying and mining. They can:

  • add conditions to licences
  • inspect, audit and investigate sites
  • issue directions and notices
  • fine or prosecute companies that break the law.

Compliance teams work across Victoria and can make planned or surprise inspections. When a breach or incident is reported, inspectors investigate.

The response depends on how serious the issue is. For smaller breaches, a written notice may be given. For serious offences, a company may face fines or prosecution.

Resources Victoria regulatory operation teams also work with other agencies, including:

  • Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
  • Department of Health
  • Department of Transport and Planning
  • local councils.

Other environmental and community safeguards

Exploration happens across many parts of Victoria, but it’s uncommon for a site to lead to a full mining operation.

If a project does move towards mining, it may need an Environment Effects Statement (EES). An EES is a detailed study of environmental, social and cultural impacts. The Minister for Planning reviews the EES and makes the final decision, which helps guide Resources Victoria’s approvals.

More information

If you are landholder and have a licence over your property, you may wish to visit our Mineral licences and landholder FAQs.

Page last updated: 31 Dec 2025