Code of practice for mineral exploration

The Code of Practice for Mineral Exploration (the Code) provides practical guidance about how exploration should be undertaken in Victoria to meet the requirements of the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 and associated regulations.

The current version was published in November 2014 and contains superseded information relating to hydraulic fracturing and coal seam gas.

Since 2017, exploration and mining for coal seam gas and hydraulic fracturing have been banned in Victoria. Any references in the Code that imply otherwise are to be disregarded.

This Code is not currently being updated as it will be replaced when the Victorian exploration and mining regulatory framework transitions to a general duty on 1 July 2027.

Page last updated: 06 Aug 2026