What is a mine?

A mine is an excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted (through mining). Mines can incorporate either underground or surface excavations.

Under the OHS Regulations, a mine is a workplace where work is being done with a mining or exploration licence granted under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990.

The law requires mine operators to fulfil a range of duties to ensure safe mining and there are particular requirements that apply to prescribed mines (i.e. underground mines or mines declared by WorkSafe).

Specific OHS regulations covering mining extend to tourist mines (such as those at Sovereign Hill) but do not apply to quarries. Quarries extract or remove stone from land for sale or commercial use in construction, building, road or manufacturing works, and are not included in the definition of a mine.