Resources Victoria’s Earth Resources Regulator will visit mines and quarries across the state’s far east as part of an ongoing initiative focusing on operational risk.
After a successful series of inspections across the state’s west and northwest earlier this year, the Earth Resources Regulator is on its way to sites around Omeo, Orborst, Bairnsdale and Cann River between June 10 and 13.
“Mines and quarries in Victoria’s far east should expect a visit from the regulator very soon,” acting chief inspector Resources Victoria Rebecca Carlton said.
“To prepare for an inspection operators should understand the work that they are permitted to undertake at their site. Appropriately managing operational risk at a mine or quarry is crucial to protecting nearby communities, infrastructure and the environment.”
The inspections are part of a broader program aimed at better understanding how mine and quarry operators are managing risks. Information gathered will inform future audits and inspections.
Mine and quarry operators are required to understand and implement the commitments in their work plan. Inspections have identified some sites with inadequate fuel management, poor waste storage and a lack of boundary markers.
Operators should be aware of their boundaries and extraction limits, as well as their obligations to manage dust and noise. During the inspections operators will be reminded of their responsibilities and commitments.
Understanding and appropriately managing site risk is crucial to protecting nearby communities, infrastructure and the environment.
The regulator will require operators to address unmanaged or poorly managed risk.
Resources Victoria sits within the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Through the delivery of geoscience, policy and regulation, Resources Victoria enables industry to responsibly and sustainably develop Victoria’s resources.
Resources Victoria works with industry to build community knowledge and confidence in the social, environmental and economic performance of the resources sector.
Subscribe to Safe to Work for the safety news that matters most to the Australian mining industry.