HSEC Conference - Creating the Future

On Thursday 15 October 2009, SACOME hosted the HSEC - 'Creating the Future' conference at the Hilton Adelaide.

The 3rd annual event hosted more than 50 delegates who came to see a number of presentations by range of industry leaders and specialists in their field.

Delegates are welcome to view speaker presentations below (normal copyright laws apply).

New process for employing under 18-year olds underground

This fact sheet explains the changes to the approval process for employees under the age of 18 to work underground.  The changes to SA traineeship and apprenticeship  are effective 1 September 2008.  For the full policy, go to; www.employment.sa.gov.au

Aboriginal Heritage Act Review

In December 2008, the State Government released a Scoping Paper for the Review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988. SACOME has committed to making a written submission to the review. As at June 15th 2009, the SACOME Exploration Committee has had a briefing from the Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Division, has called for and recieved comments from members and held a special meeting on this issue.

Originally the submission deadline was June 30th 2009, but this has now been extended to September 30th 2009.

For more information on the SACOME submission or to add your comments via SACOME, please contact Jonathon Forbes on (08) 8202 9999 or email: jforbes@sacome.org.au

The Aboriginal Heritage Act Review Scoping Paper is attached below.

Obtaining access to infrastructure

Woomera Access

Some members have experienced frustration when trying to access the Woomera Protected Area (WPA) to proceed with exploration activities, especially drilling. The Department of Defence (DoD) requires every company wishing to access the WPA to sign a Deed of Access, regardless of whether you may have had access in the past. No signed Deed of Access, no WPA access! Processing the Deed of Access may take up to one month, so please allow this timeline when planning your activities.

Members are reminded that the signing and acceptance of the Deed of Access: does not provide blanket approval to enter the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) and indeed in recent times some companies have been refused access to their tenements. SACOME is working hard with PIRSA MER staff and the Defence Department to ensure the best possible outcome for our members and some restrictions have already been reviewed with a positive outcome. 

Members are reminded that approval to explore does not imply that mining will be approved within the WPA in the future. 

Members are encouraged to make their best efforts to liaise with WPA representatives to try and get the best possible information on the areas in which they are exploring. The Chamber also advises that members seek independent legal advice before signing the Deed of Access.

The contact for Woomera Protected Area in regards to access is Glenn Kay, Woomera Activities and Customer Liaison Officer, Woomera Test Facility, RAAF Base, Edinburgh SA 5111, Ph: 08 8393 2160 or Email: woomera.testfacility@defence.gov.au 

Please direct any concerns or queries to Jonathon Forbes , Director Industry Development, SACOME on 08 8202 9999.

Exploration Committee

The SACOME Exploration Committee was re-formed in September 2007 and meets quarterly.  Chaired by Kevin Wills (Managing Director, Flinders Mines), the Exploration Committee is made up of representatives from large and small mining companies.  The Committee is one of the main policy setting forums in SACOME and offers members the chance to feedback issues that are important to them.  Some of the issues raised for attention include land access (esp. Cultana and Woomera) inc: Deeds of Access, Mining Acts Amendments, Native Vegetation Legislation, infrastructure and labour shortages.    

 Any industry member of SACOME can raise issues with the Exploration Committee. Please contact Jonathon Forbes, Director – Industry Development, SACOME on Ph: 8202 9999 or email: jforbes@sacome.org.au

Proposed amendments to the Mining Act 1971

The Minerals and Energy Resources Division (MER) of PIRSA has been undertaking a review of the Mining Act 1971 and Mines and Works Inspection Act 1920 over a period of time.   Starting with a Consultation Paper with written submissions due by Friday 23 November 2007, it has been a long, slow road to getting a Draft Bill produced for comment in June 2009.  SACOME has been asked to view the Draft Bill in a private briefing with PIRSA MER staff before release for public comment. This should happen sometime before the end of June 2009. We will keep members informed as we progress. For more information, contact Jonathon Forbes, Director – Industry Development, SACOME, on 8373 9600.

Code of Conduct for explorers

SACOME has taken the lead on the producing a voluntary Code of Conduct for companies accessing rural land for exploration purposes. The Code is designed to foster good relations between farmers and explorers by providing a framework for access to rural land. This is based on understanding and sensitivity by explorers that they are ‘guests’ on private land and appreciation by farmers of the needs and rights of explorers.  Representatives of SACOME have met with the SA Farmers’ Federation and PIRSA MER staff and after consultation have  produced a voluntary 'Code of Conduct for Landholders and Mineral & Energy Explorers'.

Members can access a copy of the Code below. 

Recent submissions

• Submission made to the Review of OHS&W Regulations. December 2007.

• Submission to the Inquiry of the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs into the Migration Amendment (Sponsorship Obligations) Bill 2007.

   

• Comment on Proposed Amendment to the South Australian Long Service Leave Act 1987

   

R&D tax incentives - boardroom briefing

Industry Code of Conduct

South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy

Mines and Energy House

290 Glen Osmond Road

Fullarton SA 5063

T +61 8 8202 9999

www.sacome.org.au