LAW 7009 - Mining and Energy Law

The course examines the law and practice relating to the ownership and development of on-shore and off-shore mineral and petroleum resources in Australia. It covers the development of legislation with reference to exploration, extraction and the enforcement of mining and petroleum interests. Community and social issues will be discussed, including the relationship between mining and indigenous people, environmental controls over mining production, and the corporate social responsibility of companies operating overseas, including the links between resource exploitation, the environment and human rights. We will look at international boundary disputes, including the dispute over the Timor Sea. The course will also deal with international and national regulation to address climate change, including legislation to encourage renewable energy resources and to establish an emissions trading scheme in Australia. The regulation of uranium mining will also be covered.