Engaging communities
The NSW Government is dedicated to upholding a well-established mining regulatory framework that integrates strong environmental, social, and governance protections, ensuring the integrity of the industry and the wellbeing of communities and the environment.
- ensuring responsible and sustainable mineral resource development
- driving strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) outcomes
- encouraging awareness of the benefits of the sector by local communities
Why a focus
NSW has strong protections in place for our regional communities, our environment, and our workers, demonstrated throughout our robust planning and approval process and supported by ESG-aligned policy, legislation, and regulation at the state and federal levels.
Adopting a continuous improvement approach to the state’s robust regulatory framework is essential to meet the expectations of local communities. This involves continuously developing and building expertise to improve how we regulate and manage environmental and community impacts. Regular performance measures, reporting, and monitoring are key to ensuring transparency and accountability.
NSW is a leader in responsible and sustainable mineral resource development. Key elements of our ESG framework, such as requirements for biodiversity conservation, Aboriginal heritage protection, health and safety measures, and modern slavery assessments, demonstrate our commitment to leading practices.
Impacts to the local environment and waterways are important considerations in development of the NSW critical minerals and high-tech metals sector. The NSW Groundwater Strategy and Regional Water Strategies outline comprehensive frameworks to managing the state’s water resources.
Through the Regional Plans to 2041, the NSW Government is setting out a long-term framework to support strategic land use planning, including measures to support the sustainable co-existence of mining with other land uses, as well as protect and conserve biodiversity and high-value environmental land.
What we heard
Feedback emphasised the importance of informing local communities about the opportunities for mining and processing critical minerals in NSW. Stakeholders also highlighted the need for comprehensive environmental management and impact mitigation strategies, including addressing impacts on agricultural land, water use and competition for water resources. Stakeholders also raised the importance of following international regulations for ESG compliance.
What we will do
- Increase awareness and transparency around exploration activity and progressive rehabilitation to foster stronger community engagement.
- Implement rigorous Targeted Assessment Programs to strengthen rehabilitation performance in the mining industry, focusing on compliance with mining legislation and lease conditions.
- Ensure regional plans capture strategic planning matters relevant for the future growth of the critical minerals sector.
- Investigate opportunities to support ongoing community engagement and increase awareness of the need for critical minerals and high-tech metals projects.