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Access to Land

Some areas of South Australia require particular permissions before gaining access to the land.

Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA)

The Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) is a large area in central South Australia designated for use by the Commonwealth of Australia for the testing of war materials. In addition to obtaining an Exploration Licence, companies considering undertaking exploration in this area need to:

  • sign a 'Deed of Exploration' between the exploration company and the Commonwealth Defence Support Centre Woomera (DSCW)
  • notify the Area Administrator Woomera by letter or fax prior to entering the WPA to conduct mineral exploration.

Companies seeking access to the Woomera Instrumented Range Area (IRA) to conduct exploration must get special approval in writing from the DSCW prior to entry.

The Earth Resources Information Sheet M32: Mineral Exploration within the Woomera Prohibited Area and Woomera Instrumented Range gives:

  • more information about access for mineral exploration to this area
  • a map of the area
  • a standard fax format for notification to conduct mineral exploration.

Exploration on Native Title Land

'Native title land' is defined in the Native Title (South Australia) Act 1994 to mean 'land in respect of which native title exists or might exist'. Native title claims exist over most of the land in South Australia.

If the holder of an exploration licence or mineral claim wishes to explore on native title land, they must obtain an agreement authorising exploration or mining on the land.

The Earth Resources Information Sheet M31: Guidelines for Proposed Activities on Native Title Land - Part 9B of the Mining Act 1971 gives more details about the legislation and the processes required before undertaking exploration or mining on native title land.

Liaison with landholders

Whilst the Mining Act 1971 enables mining companies and prospectors to access the land for exploration purposes, it also recognises the rights of landowners.

The Earth Resources Information Sheet M36: Liaison Guidelines for Landholders and Mineral Explorers in South Australia outines the obligations of explorers and landowners, with guidelines on appropriate conduct of mining activities.