Surveys conducted for the exploration of petroleum or geothermal resources, require approval from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) prior to commencement.
When a geological, geochemical or geophysical survey, including seismic, affects more than one title, it is generally required that separate applications are made for each title affected (i.e. where the survey is in discrete parts).
However, where a survey affects more than one title, and the survey lines are continuous, only one application is required.
Where an application is made for approval of a continuous survey, which affects more than one title, but those titles have different title holders, an Access Authority application would need to be made.
Where a survey extends beyond the jurisdiction of WA's DEMIRS into an adjoining adjacent area, an Access Authority application will need to be made in respect of those blocks affected.
To allow for timely approval and consideration of factors, such as environmental assessment and land access issues, it is recommended that applications be submitted three months prior to commencement of operations.
