GPSA steps up mine fight

The policy, launched as part of GPSA's grower day at the Yorke Peninsula Field Days at Paskeville on Tuesday, was developed in response to the increasing number of mining proposals on some of SA's most productive farmland.

GPSA chief executive officer Darren Arney said the formation of the policy was driven by producers on the organisation's Agricultural Security and Priority Committee.

He said the draft policy outlined a series of interim requirements for mines already approved or operating on grain producing land and called for a broad and independent review of the Mining Act.

"GPSA policy is that agricultural land should be protected and nurtured," he said.

"Open cut mining is invasive and destructive of the soil and environment."

The draft policy supports Section 9 of the Mining Act, which exempts cultivated land from mining, but calls for the removal of Section 9AA which allows for the exemption to be waived.

It also advocates a right of veto for freehold landholders if their land is exempt under the Act.

A right of veto would bring SA into line with WA mining legislation.

"The state with the largest appetite for mining and exporting its resources, also protects its agricultural land with the right of the landowner to prohibit the granting of a mining tenement upon their land," the policy states.

"Of the 98.4 million hectares of land within SA, only 4.3 per cent is used for grains production.

"There are no known mineral resources beneath that agricultural land that are not found in significant quantities in the other 94mha, so why is mining exploration allowed on agricultural land?"

Until the act is amended, the policy calls for greater transparency, earlier community engagement, longer notice periods, compensation for duress and definite and enforceable timetables for commencing mining and exploration.

It also recommends that the process by which disputes are resolved in the Environment, Resources and Development Court should change to avoid pitting landowners against well-funded mining companies. The policy also pushes for a review of the role of the Department of State Development as promoter and regulator of mining should occur.

The release of the draft mining policy came as Family First MLC Robert Brokenshire stepped up his push against mining on agricultural land.

A Resource Operations Ombudsman with broad and significant powers would oversee mining operations in SA under a new bill drafted by Mr Brokenshire.

Mr Brokenshire said his bill provides and independent arbiter who would assist landholders in negotiations with mining companies, deal with complaints and make recommendations for compliance.

"Whether it is exploration, mining or some dispute once a mine is in place, it gives independence and significant powers to the Ombudsman to investigate issues," he said.

"Farmers shouldn't be spending tens of thousands of dollars on legal advice because a mining company wants to explore on their property."

Mr Brokenshire said his Bill and proposals within GPSA's policy would fit nicely.

"What the GPSA policy is proposing will still need policing and mediation and the Ombudsman Bill would provide that without costing the farmer," he said.