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Code of practice for rehabilitation

Exploration activities should be undertaken in a manner that manages and minimises risk and achieves sustainable rehabilitation outcomes.

Download Exploration code of practice: Rehabilitation (PDF, 547.44 KB).

Exploration licences and assessment leases for all resources (prospecting titles) are granted with the objective of encouraging ecologically sustainable development, social responsibility and building economic wealth for the people of NSW.

This code of practice (this code) sets out mandatory requirements and provides title holders with related guidance regarding the expected performance to ensure that exploration is undertaken in a manner that manages and minimises risk and achieves sustainable rehabilitation outcomes.

This code serves three purposes:

  1. it provides upfront information to the industry and the community
  2. it facilitates the assessment of exploration activities consistent with Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
  3. it sets out enforceable mandatory requirements related to rehabilitation.

This code enables industry to:

  • adopt a risk-based approach to ensure compliance with mandatory requirements related to rehabilitation
  • commit to measurable performance outcomes
  • monitor performance and take corrective action if these outcomes are not being achieved
  • keep and maintain relevant records of activities and/or actions.

This approach allows title holders to adopt innovative solutions and best practice techniques to meet performance requirements.