Minerals and Energy Laws

This course examines law and policy relating to the ownership and development of onshore and offshore mineral, petroleum and renewable energy resources in Australia. It covers the constitutional powers of the state and Commonwealth governments in relation to mining and energy law and regulation; the development of legislation with reference to the exploration and production of minerals, petroleum and renewable energy; and the enforcement of law. The course will emphasise various policy concerns underlying the legislative regimes. Topical community and social issues will be discussed, typically including the issue of access to private land (such as agricultural land) for mining; mining and First Nations; environmental controls over mining; rehabilitation of land; mining in protected areas, such as wilderness areas and national parks; and mining in the Woomera Prohibited Area. The course will also address mining beyond national jurisdictions including deep seabed mining and space mining.