The Mining Regulations Act is a legislative instrument that governs all mining operations in Australia. The Mining Regulations Act 1987 lays down the framework of mining legislation in Australia and the statutory test of whether a regulation is intended to govern or protect the mining. It involves a significant amount of federal consideration and is likely to result in high administrative costs. Accordingly, the federal issues raised in the mining sector must be resolved according to the Constitution and the Australian Constitution. Consequently, all legislation that affects the mining sector must receive the approval of both Houses of Parliament before it comes into force.
Another objective of the Mining Regulations is to promote soil protection. This objective is achieved through the implementation of various measures, such as the creation of buffer zones, the development of plant and animal life in such buffer zones, the prevention of erosion of slopes, and the use and release of nutrients.