Mining in the backyard

Privately owned land can be mined, and there is not much farmers can do or say about it. Should farmers have more rights to what happens on their own turf?

The state government owns the rights to everything in the ground below our feet. This means that the state government can issue licenses allowing those resources to be extracted and does not require permission to do so by farmers.

Farmers are faced with mining companies setting up in their backyard. They may be eligible for royalty under certain circumstances or for compensation for matters such as the loss of the use of land or land damage from mining.

Some farmers are asking for veto powers against miners while others simply want more rights when negotiating with mining companies. What are you thoughts on the matter?

You can find out more about minerals & petroleum titles landholder's rights here.