Next round of mine inspections underway in Victoria’s north west

Resources Victoria is ramping up its inspection program this week, turning its focus to mines across Victoria’s north west as part of a continuing statewide compliance campaign.

Kicking off yesterday until August 21, sites across the Mildura Rural City and Yarriambiack Shire regions will undergo inspections aimed at assessing how well operators are managing key risks on-site.

The latest phase of the campaign will concentrate on extraction limits and site rehabilitation, two areas that remain central to safe and sustainable operations.

“It’s been a big year out in the field for the regulator and we’re well on the way to inspecting every mine and quarry in Victoria at least once by the end of this financial year,” Resources Victoria acting chief inspector Rebecca Carlton said.

Earlier inspections conducted in 2025 revealed several common issues, including inadequate fuel management, poor waste storage, and missing boundary markers. Operators in the current round of inspections will be reminded of their responsibilities around dust and noise control, as well as compliance with their approved work plans.

“Our focus remains on operational risk, including ensuring extraction limits and site rehabilitation obligations are being met,” Ms Carlton said.

The information gathered during these inspections will help shape future audits and regulatory activities.

Resources Victoria has stated that operators will be required to address any areas that are being poorly managed or do not meet the site’s work plan standards..

“What we are seeing is that operators want to do the right thing. Where we have identified room for improvement, they have completed required actions promptly,” Ms Carlton added.