Rapid Risk Inspections – Earth Resources Regulator

CMPA held a webinar 20 February 2025 on the Earth Resources Regulator (ERR) Rapid Risk Inspections (RRI); presented by Rebecca Carlton A/Chief Inspector.The RRIs commenced in February 2025. The following describes three types of inspections conducted by ERR.

Audit

• Detailed audit of a specific scope
• Audit tool (question set)
• Right knowledge/expertise present

Inspection

• Proactive – Priority topics, according to risk, routine check on previous actions required
• Reactive – Follow up complaint, incident or co-regulator referral
• General overview of the site against conditions

Rapid Risk Inspection

• Shorter inspection
• Baseline of industry performance
• Identify higher risk areas for further inspection or audit

Early Observations
Inspections completed

• 80 RRIs completed
• 76% had a site representative present;
• 29% not operating/rehabilitation only;

Common issues found by ERR

• Approved work plan not on site;
• Boundary and/or extraction markers not satisfactory;
• Excess derelict equipment etc.;
• No rehabilitation.

Follow-up

• One in five required further action and/or referral to another regulator.

How to Prepare
Rapid inspection preparation checklist

• Know your work plan;
• Check management of tailings/slimes and tailings/slimes storage;
• Know your approved batter profiles;
• Check boundary/extraction limit pegs;
• Address stability issues;
• Check fencing;
• Check processes for managing dust and noise;
• Next steps on progressive rehabilitation;
• Permits for anything you are importing/other activities on the site;
• General housekeeping incl hydrocarbon storage, derelict equipment, weeds.

Please contact Dr Elizabeth Gibson ([email protected],
03 5781 0655) to provide any comments of your experience on RRIs.

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