Community

Information for Landholders – Owners and Occupiers

What is an Exploration Licence, and what does it involve?

An exploration licence provides the explorer with sole rights to search for minerals within the licence area. An exploration licence does not permit the explorer to mine for minerals, nor does it guarantee that a mining licence will be granted over the licence area. Almost 60% of Victoria is currently covered by exploration licences.

For exploration to be undertaken on a licence, the explorer is required to comply with more than 20 laws which are designed to protect the environment, Indigenous heritage, non-Indigenous heritage, water, land, Native Title, flora and fauna, biodiversity, water catchment and communities.

Exploration is defined as “a range of activities to help determine if there are minerals under the ground. If the exploration process identifies minerals can be commercially extracted, then mining in the future may be possible.” Less than one percent (1%) of exploration projects progress to a mining operation.

As the earth’s population and technology develops, the requirement/dependence for specific minerals change, as such some minerals previously considered ‘uneconomic’ through past mineral exploration and mining, may now be regarded as ‘economic’, and considered prospective for future exploration.

The exploration process typically targets large areas initially, which are systematically reviewed and explored through office-based activities and limited surface investigations. As the exploration process develops, and specific exploration targets are identified, the area of exploration becomes more focussed on specific, smaller target areas. As the specific, smaller target areas are identified, exploration methods will be more detailed and may include more ground intrusive work.

Exploration for mineral resources will typically include the following, but not limited to:

Research of past activities in the licence area
Geological mapping
Collecting samples for chemical analysis of minerals
Surveying methods of the licence area through either surface or air techniques
Drilling

The requirements of an Exploration Licence holder

Exploration companies have a duty to:

Consult with the landholder or resident.
Manage environmental impacts.
Consider public safety and land use concerns.
Negotiate access and/or have compensation agreements in place with landholders.
Share information on any activities authorised under the licence.
Provide the community with a reasonable opportunity to express views about those activities.
The licence holder needs to take all reasonable measures to: Minimise the impacts of drilling operations.
Protect the environment, human health, and services.

Exploration operations are overseen by the Earth Resources Regulation, which ensures that the exploration activities occur legally, regulating the exploration industry and supporting communities in which exploration is undertaken.

For Victoria, minerals exploration is managed under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act, 1990 (MRSDA) and the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) (Mineral Industries) Regulations, 2019(MRSDMIR). Exploration companies are required to comply with a Code of Practice for minerals exploration. Information relating to the regulation of the minerals exploration industry can be obtained from: https://earthresources.vic.gov.au/legislation-and-regulations

Generally exploration licenses are granted by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, and they will be valid for a period of five years, with the option to apply for renewal for a further five years. It is a requirement of an exploration licence that compulsory relinquishment of the original licence area be undertaken at the second anniversary (25%), fourth anniversary (35%), seventh anniversary (20%) and the tenth anniversary (10%).

Information on the location of exploration or other resources licences in your area can be found at Resources Licences Near Me

Can an Exploration Company access my land?

Prior to any exploration company entering or undertaking work on any freehold (private) land it is a requirement that the company has the consent of the landowner and occupier. Consent may consist of “Informed Verbal Consent” or a “Written Compensation Agreement”. ACDC Metals has determined that in managing impacts to the community and landholders/occupiers, that prior to entering, or undertaking work on any private land that the Company will seek a written consent Agreement and or written compensation Agreement with the landholder and occupier.

In approaching the landholder and occupier to obtain the required consent, ACDC Metals will provide:

The nature, extent, duration, conditions of access and potential impacts of the work proposed to be undertaken should ACDC Metals be allowed access to the land
Any compensation that may be payable for the loss or damage that may be, or has been sustained as a result of the proposed exploration
That exploration work can only be undertaken on private land with the landholder’s consent
Information for the landholder on any consent Agreement relating to the private property, outlining the requirements to be met by ACDC Metals, and providing information relating to the rights of the landholder and regarding dispute resolution

Prior to ACDC Metals seeking the consent of the landholder to enter private land, the Company will consider all available factors to determine appropriate access and the undertaking of any proposed work. This may include, but not limited to factors such as: livestock present on the land, the duration of the required land access, impact of the proposed activities on the surface and subsurface, location of proposed exploration activities in relation to features (watercourses, dams, buildings, livestock), time of year in which proposed access is sought (fire, crops, livestock seasons), any rehabilitation that may be required, access paths/routes to locations sought and impact of activities (livestock, residences, communities, environment). Exploration or access to private property is not permitted without consent of the landholder.

Compensation may be payable to the landholder for access and exploration. This is determined through Agreement between the explorer and the landholder. A landholder and/or occupier can provide consent without receiving compensation. In determining a compensation Agreement, compensation is not paid for any minerals found on the property. Minerals are the property of the Crown, which owns the minerals on the behalf of all Victorians. All parties involved in the reaching of a consent or compensation Agreement are entitled to seek independent advice in relation to the Agreement. ACDC Metals will maintain regular communication with the landholder and communities regarding Agreements. Where possible this may avoid the potential for any future disputes, in the case that a future dispute arises, either the landholder or explorer can refer the matter to the Mining Warden or Victorian Small Business Commission for Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Community Engagement and Consultation

Community engagement is the interaction between stakeholders aimed at using community input to assist in making decisions. The stakeholders are usually landholders, residents, government, and the minerals exploration company, however, may include other community groups or organisations with an interest in the area.

Community engagement is discussion between the stakeholders where the communities can have input into the proposed exploration operations. ACDC Metals is committed to open and effective communication with community groups, landowners and occupiers and organisations regarding the proposed mineral exploration of the Company.

A community can be broad and diverse, depending upon the location. It usually consists of landowners and occupiers with a relationship to the tenement area, may include organisations that have an association with the land proposed to be explored (example – Crown Land users) and regulatory authorities. There is no specific definition of what constitutes a community for an exploration project, the organisations and individuals forming a community will vary for every exploration project.

Community engagement is often a ‘live’ process which will change as the exploration project advances and develops. Community engagement also needs to be flexible and transparent to conform to the community needs. When an exploration company prepares a Work Plan to progress with proposed exploration work, it is a requirement that the exploration company has a Community Engagement Plan. The contents of a Community Engagement Plan need to identify the communities in which exploration is planned and outline all the aspects of engagement at each stage of the exploration project. The content of a Community Engagement Plan will vary on the communities in which exploration is proposed, and the activities intended to be undertaken. The minimum requirements for a Community Engagement Plan are detailed in Schedule 13 of the MRSDMIR.

To operate a successful exploration program ACDC Metals considers consultation with the community as an essential prerequisite, this involves seeking, listening, and considering feedback from the community.

It is a requirement that ACDC Metals consults with the community, involving:

Informing the Community about any activities authorised by the licence that may affect the community.
Providing the Community with the ability to express their views.

Consultation may include, but not limited to:

face to face meetings
notice boards
fact sheets
telecommunications
written electronic surveys
media advertising
public meetings, and
submissions from public exhibitions or online.

Hole location identified and marked.

Sump preparation, to ensure all excess water and material are captured and returned backdown the hole on completion.

Aircore drilling and support vehicles.

Rehabilitated hole post drilling.

Environmental Consideration

For ACDC Metals to operate successfully, careful consideration is required regarding the environment in which we intend to operate. The MRSDA and MRSDMIR contain strict provisions relating to the activities which ACDC Metals can undertake, in addition a large number of supporting legislation (environment, water, planning, flora and fauna etc) is in existence which details what may be allowed by the Company in the undertaking of exploration.

Prior to the commencement of any ground intrusive work on an exploration licence, the explorer is required to lodge a rehabilitation bond, considered sufficient to cover the disturbance from the proposed exploration activities. Additional approvals may be required under the Environment Protection Act, 1970 and the Water Act, 1989. In undertaking exploration work,

ACDC Metals is required to comply with the Earth Resources Regulation Code of Practice for Mineral Exploration as a minimum standard. This code provides practical guidance on regulatory requirements and environmental standards for exploration through the State of Victoria. Should ACDC Metals propose to undertake ground intrusive works through the exploration licence area, it may require the preparation and approval of a Work Plan prior to the commencement of work.

In certain Crown Land areas (i.e. Restricted Crown Land) it is required to obtain further consent of the relevant Minister. The rehabilitation of all exploration sites is a requirement for all exploration companies to consider. ACDC Metals is obligated to manage the rehabilitation of exploration sites at the completion of exploration, and beyond the completion of the exploration program. The rehabilitation of proposed exploration sites and consideration to the long-term future rehabilitation requirements must be commenced at the earliest stage of exploration, this will benefit the long-term planning and exploration of a project area.

In preparing a Work Plan ACDC Metals will be required to consider, and manage risks in relation to the following:

Dust, noise, and light emissions control.
Drainage and discharge control.
Erosion control.
Noxious weed and pest control.
Removal or restoration of native vegetation.
Impact to flora and fauna.
Progressive and final rehabilitation.
Groundwater protection.
Surface water protection.
Community impact.
Safety to the public and public infrastructure.
Indigenous and non-Indigenous heritage impact.
Seasonal concerns (fire, floods, high wind seasons).

Community Engagement Enquiries

Need further information or have a concern?
The company is committed to earning the trust of landowners and other community stakeholders. We strive to conduct all exploration activities by meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements and community expectations.

Community Relations
Phone: +61 3 8548 7880
Email: community@acdcmetals.com.au

We are committed to earning the trust of landowners and other community stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Community

Can exploration occur on private property?

ACDC is only permitted to conduct exploration activities on private land with the consent of the landowner. We will not enter private property without consent of the landowner.

Will ACDC’s exploration impact on my farming activities?

Victorian licence conditions require ACDC to minimise disturbance to a landholder, by ensuring that:

exploration is timed to minimise disturbance to stock and/or crops, where practical;
all reasonable steps are taken to inform the landowner of any possible disturbance to crops/stock and their protection of potential hazards;
all gates will be left as found;
all reasonable measures will be taken to minimise the spread of weeds, pest animals and plant diseases while under taking exploration activities;
and, we will adhere to any biosecurity protocols that have been adopted on private or Crown land.

How can I get in touch with ACDC Metals?

We always welcome hearing from residents. If you would like to ask a question, have a chat or find out further information, please get in touch on community@acdcmetals.com.au or phone number +61 3 8548 7880.

Environment

What is the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990?

Is an act of law that governs the exploration, mining, and extractive industries in Victoria. The purpose of the MRSDA is to encourage economically viable mining and extractive industries which make the best use of resources in a way that is compatible with the economic, social, and environmental objectives of the State. The act is regularly amended and updated to reflect changing attitudes within the Victorian community.

How is exploration for minerals regulated in Victoria?

Minerals exploration and mining in Victoria are governed under a legal regulatory framework, which is designed to ensure community interests and the environment are safeguarded. The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) serves as the exploration and mining regulator on behalf of the Minister for Resources and oversees administration of the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990. The Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 establishes the legal framework to ensure that any risks posed by minerals exploration to the environment, or to land, property or infrastructure are identified and eliminated or appropriately managed.

Does exploration always mean a mine?

The likelihood of exploration activity leading to an operating mine is very low. It is estimated that for every 300-1000 exploration projects, only one mine is developed.

(source: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/49c523/contentassets/800a435199dc492782abdee7f1248bc4/inquiry_into_greenfields_mineral_exploration_and_project_development_in_victoria_-_final_report.pdf, Parliament of Victoria, Melbourne, 2012, p. 10).

An exploration licence does not permit the explorer to mine for minerals, nor does it guarantee that a mining licence will be granted over the licence area. For exploration to be undertaken on a licence, the explorer is required to comply with more than 20 laws which are designed to protect the environment, Indigenous heritage, non-Indigenous heritage, water, land, Native Title, flora and fauna, biodiversity, water catchment and communities.

If a viable resource is identified, the average time between exploration and mining commencement is between 10 and 15 years. This is due to the need for detailed geological studies to identify an economic mineral resource followed by thorough environmental and engineering studies and stringent approval processes.

What about biosecurity and waste?

ACDC’s licence conditions stipulate that we must:

Take all reasonable measures to minimise the spread of weeds, pest animals and plant diseases while undertaking exploration activities.
Adhere to any biosecurity protocols that have been adopted on private or Crown land.
Take all reasonable measures to prevent adverse impacts to livestock and crops.
Dispose of all waste generated at a site in an appropriate waste management facility.

What is Aircore Drilling?

Air Core drilling is a rapid and cost effective technique that utilises rotating dual walled steel rods with a blade bit to penetrate the ground, with high-pressure air then returning the sand and soil sample to the surface. The sample passes through a sampling system and is collected and analysed on a metre by metre basis. The drill hole is typically 90mm in diameter, and is completely rehabilitated at the end of a drilling program.

Licensing

What is an exploration licence?

As all minerals are owned by the State of Victoria, exploration licences are issued by the state to allow licensees to explore for minerals on specific areas of land. If an area is available for exploration, an explorer can apply for a licence over an area up to 500 square kilometres. An exploration licence is granted for a period of up to five years and capable of being renewed for another period of 5 years if the explorer successfully applies for an extension.

Exploration licences do not prevent hobby prospectors from using metal detectors to look for gold nor does it impact any activities which landowners wish to do on their property.

What is meant by Low Impact Exploration?

Low impact exploration activities within a granted Exploration Licence have low social and environmental impacts. Before, low impact exploration can be carried out on an exploration licence, ACDC Metals ensures all the required public liability insurance policies are in place, that environmental bonds have been paid and landowner and/or occupiers’ consents are in place.

Mineral exploration programs typically begin with an initial low impact exploration phase in which large areas are explored to identify unique small target areas. These low impact activities can include geophysical surveys, geological mapping, and selective drilling. All of ACDC Metal’s exploration activities adhere to, and are governed by, the Victorian Government’s Code of Practice for Mineral Exploration. A copy of the code is available here.

All staff and contractors working on our exploration tenements are mindful of minimising their impact on the environment and we ensure that no littering occurs and that all waste is removed from the site. It is our intention that there is a high-level of communication with any and all nearby landowners, and that they need to be happy and satisfied that the property is left with the least amount of impact as possible.

What is permitted on an exploration licence?

An exploration licence effectively allows for an explorer to negotiate access to land with the landowner, be that private land or Crown Land. Mining is not permitted to occur under an exploration licence. Exploration can only be conducted on private land if consent from the landowner is obtained.

How is exploration for mineral regulated in Victoria?

Mineral Sands and Rare Earths

What are they?

Visit the ACDC metals pages below for more information:

https://acdcmetals.com.au/commodities/mineral-sands/

https://acdcmetals.com.au/commodities/rare-earths/

If you can’t find the answer to your question above, please feel free to email us here.