(1)         In this Chapter, "mining operations" are—

            (a)         activities ("mining activities") carried out for the purpose of—

                  (i)         extracting minerals from the ground or injecting minerals into the ground; or

                  (ii)         exploring for minerals by mechanical means that disturb the ground; and

            (b)         activities carried out in connection with mining activities at a site, or at a site adjoining or in the vicinity of a site, at which the mining activities are carried out.

        (2)         Without limiting subregulation (1), the activities referred to in that subregulation include the following:

            (a)         handling or storing extracted materials;

            (b)         preparing or processing extracted materials;

            (c)         constructing—

                  (i)         a site where a mining activity is carried out; or

                  (ii)         a site where an activity referred to in subregulation (1)(b) is carried out;

            (d)         activities associated with decommissioning, making safe or closure of an extraction site or exploration site;

            (e)         educational activities and tourist activities carried out at a site, or at a site adjoining or in the vicinity of a site, at which the mining activities are carried out.

        (3)         In this Chapter, "mining operations" do not include the following:

            (a)         an activity carried out in relation to the extraction of minerals on private land for the private and non-commercial use of the owner of the land;

            (b)         fossicking;

            (c)         any activity where the extraction of minerals is incidental to the activity.

Example—

Civil works such as tunnelling to create a road.