1. Access to Land

1.1 Prior to commencement of any work, make contact with landholders/leaseholders and discuss the general aims and types of work likely to be conducted.

1.2 Develop a program of discussion with landowners, leaseholders and Native Title Claimants that commences prior to any work being conducted which continues beyond the cessation of exploration work.

1.3 In built up areas, develop a similar program of discussion with neighbours and the general community.

1.4 Establish conditions of access and where possible, sign a written access agreement that sets out these conditions and includes a schedule of compensation payments if required.

1.5 Provide the landholder with ample warning prior to commencing any work.

1.6 Notify the landowner upon commencement and completion of a work program.

1.7 Always adhere to the conditions of entry as set out in the access agreement and in Title documents.

2. Type of Land

Examine the type of land and its inhabitants to identify areas of particular environmental concern eg., areas prone to erosion, water catchment, heritage sites, areas home to endangered species.

3. Land Sensitivity Category

Establish the Land Sensitivity Category of the area and plan exploration programs appropriately.

4. Relics and Aboriginal Sites

Refer to the appropriate section in Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Mineral Exploration in New South Wales and Queensland and adhere to guidelines presented therein.

5. Mineral Exploration Programs

5.1 Access

• Utilize existing tracks for access where possible.
• Consider climatic conditions when accessing areas and avoid access during extreme conditions. eg. bush fire risk during hot, windy conditions; damage to tracks after heavy rain.
• Keep surface disturbances to a minimum.
• Where track construction is required in hilly areas, minimize gradients and include culverts and drainage channels to prevent excessive runoff and erosion. Refer to 'Mineral Exploration Code of Practice. Industry Safety and Mines. Tasmania Development and Resources' for information on track construction.

5.2 Gridding

• Use GPS controlled grids where possible to eliminate the need for excessive pegging.
• Where required, use pegs that are easy to see and easy to remove.
• Use biodegradable flagging tape.
• Remove all pegs and flagging upon relinquishment of the exploration licence.
• Remove pegs and flagging upon completion of a work program where they impact on land use or when required by the landowner. eg. agricultural or grazing areas.

5.3 Geochemical Sampling

• Use GPS or other techniques to accurately locate sample sites to avoid marking individual sites.
• Use biodegradable markings if necessary.
• Fill holes at the time of sample collection.

5.4 Geophysical Surveys

• Use GPS control where possible to avoid the use of pegs.
• When using high voltage / high current transmission, erect warning signs, ensure cables are easy to see and well labelled and ensure stock and native animals are not in danger of electrical shock.
• Remove all wires, pegs etc upon completion of the survey and backfill any pits excavated for the survey.

5.5 Drilling

• Plan drilling programs to include rehabilitation.
• Where possible, position holes in areas requiring little or no clearing.
• Where possible, use small, manoeuvrable drill rigs to minimize the need for track clearing and reduce ground compaction.
• Dig sumps for containing water where possible, including drains and barriers (eg. hay bales, mesh) to trap solids from drill run-off.
• Remove and store topsoil separately so that it can be replaced during rehabilitation of the site.
• Use ground sheets to avoid oil/fuel spills contaminating the soil.
• Consider using above ground sumps in sensitive areas.
• Use duckboards in areas where additional preservation of flora is required.
• Remove or bury drill cuttings.
• Rehabilitate drill sites as soon as practical and refer to guidelines (Section 6) for capping drill holes.
• Conduct follow-up inspection of sites to ensure effective rehabilitation.

6. Codes and Best Practice Guides
Refer to the following guidelines and ensure work conducted conforms to these standards wherever possible

• Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Mineral Exploration in New South Wales.
• Mineral Exploration Code of Practice. Industry Safety and Mines. Tasmania Development and Resources.