Mining regulator tightens compliance net
The NSW Resources Regulator is sharpening its compliance focus on mining operations in the first half of 2026, emphasising its push to keep the industry “safe, sustainable, and forward-thinking”.
Covering January to June, the priorities are intended to give operators early visibility of where regulatory attention will fall, while reinforcing that routine inspections and enforcement will continue and may shift if new risks emerge.
Among the priorities sitting at the top of the safety agenda is strengthening tailings management practices across the state and reducing “the risk of a catastrophic failure in NSW”.
“Three tailings failures have occurred internationally in the 12 months to November 2024, highlighting the risk of catastrophic tailings failure remains credible and relevant to operations in NSW,” the regulator said.
As part of the planned inspection activities, the regulator will review critical controls associated with dam wall integrity at these suspended facilities with a focus on: principal hazard management plans, dam break studies, failure mode analyses, and the installation, maintenance, and effectiveness of monitoring systems.
Mine safety assessment programs will also intensify across coal, metalliferous and petroleum sectors. Inspectors will focus on high-risk hazards including dust exposure, fires and explosions, gas outbursts, ground or strata failure, inrush events and failures of mechanical and electrical control systems. Underground ventilation, mobile plant fires and uncontrolled energy releases are among the recurring themes for both surface and underground operations.
Alongside immediate safety risks, the regulator will continue its push on rehabilitation and mine closure obligations. A key priority is the rollout of the new Rehabilitation Cost Estimate tool, with exploration licences and assessment leases required to transition to the new system by June 30.
Compliance activity will also target suspended mining operations, with a validation phase underway to confirm site status and rehabilitation responsibilities.