This article highlights some of the key legal issues commonly associated with the exploration and extraction of mineral resources in Australia. These issues form part of any due diligence exercise conducted by an investor proposing to acquire mining assets or an interest in a mining project.

This article looks at mining investment, the legal system applicable to mining, various mining laws, mineral ownership in, different types of mining tenements available, rights of miners to access land against landowners' rights, imposition of royalties and other taxes by the various levels of government, and rules and restrictions concerning foreign investment in Australia.