Ground/strata instability is one of the principal mining hazards associated with mining operations.

This is an issue for both metalliferous mines as well as coal mines. Mine operators must, therefore, be expressly directed to develop and implement measures to eliminate or minimize, so far as is reasonably practicable, the risks arising from this hazard for the purposes of meeting their primary duty under the Act. Those measures must be documented and retained in the form of a principal mining hazard management plan.

To ensure a comprehensive risk assessment is conducted at the design, operation and abandonment stages, mine operators must be required to consider the local geological structure and geotechnical conditions, seismic activity, subsidence at or outside the Mine, air blast and wind blast potential and the adequacy of installed ground or strata support when developing the principal mining hazard management plan for ground/strata control.