COMPENSATION TO LANDOWNERS - EXEMPT LAND

摘要

This case concerned various objections to mining on freehold land made by pastoralists in the Mallee region together with applications by the miner, Southern Titanium NL, to remove the exempt status of parts of the land which was close to houses and farming infrastructure. Southern Titanium has obtained a mining licence in respect of a series of beach strandlines each up to 30km long with a resource of 69 million tonnes of titanium, zircon and other heavy mineral sands. The mine is expected to be the sixth biggest zircon mine in the world. The Warden noted that if the mine commenced it would contribute a significant economic benefit to the region and the State. There will also be direct financial benefits for landowners by way of rent payable under the new mining leases. Under s 40 of the Mining Act 1971 (SA), 95 percent of the rental payment will be paid to the landowners proportionate to their land subject to the mining leases.