LAW 2517 - Minerals and Energy Laws

This course examines law and policy relating to the ownership and development of onshore and offshore mineral and petroleum resources in Australia. It covers the constitutional powers of the state and Commonwealth governments in relation to mining and petroleum law and regulation; the development of legislation with reference to the exploration and extraction of minerals and petroleum; and the enforcement of mining and petroleum law. The course will emphasise the various policy concerns underlying the legislative regimes. Topical community and social issues will be discussed, including the issue of access to private land (such as agricultural land) for mining; mining and First Nations; environmental controls over mining; rehabilitation of land; mining in protected areas, such as wilderness areas and national parks; and mining in the Woomera Prohibited Area. The course will also address mining beyond national jurisdictions including deep seabed mining and space mining. As well as petroleum, other energy issues that may be covered are nuclear power, electricity regulation and renewable energy.