Mineral Resources Development Act 1995

All minerals held in private ownership at the commencement of this Act continue to be so held.

Any minerals not held in private ownership vest in the Crown.

Any minerals on any Crown land which is sold or otherwise disposed of remain vested in the Crown.

Any gold, silver, atomic substance, helium, geothermal substance, petroleum, hydrogen and oil existing in a natural state on or below the surface of land vests in the Crown.

Any Category 3 minerals are owned by the owner of the surface of the land regardless of the depth at which they occur.

Subsection (5) does not affect the operation of subsection (3).