Mineral Resources (Aurukun Bauxite Resource) Amendment Bill 2016

Overview

This bill restores normal community objection and judicial review rights to bauxite mining projects at Aurukun on western Cape York. Since 2006, a special regime under the Mineral Resources Act 1989 had bypassed those rights for projects on Restricted Area 315. The bill brings Aurukun projects back in line with the standard mining approval process.

Who it affects

Traditional Owners and landowners around Aurukun, who can now formally object to mining applications and have them heard by the Land Court. Glencore, which holds the current Aurukun agreement, will need to go through the standard objection and hearing process.

Key changes

• Communities can now object to Aurukun mining lease applications and have those objections heard by the Land Court
• Judicial review of Aurukun mineral development licence decisions is restored (the 'final and conclusive' bar is removed)
• Aurukun mineral development licences must comply with the mandatory Land Access Code protecting landowners
• The At Risk agreement now applies, letting hardship-affected landowners require the tenure holder to buy their property at fair market value
• The new rules apply to existing mineral development licence applications, not just new ones