Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, practical framework for identifying, protecting and respecting cultural heritage values on and around drilling sites across Australia. It helps drilling operations integrate cultural heritage awareness into day-to-day site activities, reducing legal, safety and reputational risks while supporting genuine engagement with Traditional Owners and local communities.

Drilling activities often occur in areas with significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage values, as well as historic and archaeological sites. A lack of clear procedures can lead to unintentional disturbance of artefacts, sacred sites or places of historical importance, exposing organisations to serious safety incidents, legal action, community conflict and project delays. This SOP provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach to embedding cultural heritage awareness into planning, pre‑start briefings, on‑site operations and incident response for drilling programs.

Developed for the Australian regulatory and cultural context, the procedure outlines how to recognise potential cultural heritage indicators, follow agreed no‑go zones, respond appropriately to chance finds, and work respectfully with Traditional Owners, heritage advisors and regulators. It clarifies roles and responsibilities from senior leadership through to drill crews and contractors, ensuring everyone understands what to do before entering site, during drilling activities, and if suspected heritage is discovered. By implementing this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, strengthen social licence to operate, and create safer, more respectful worksites that align with both WHS obligations and cultural heritage legislation.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent identification, protection and reporting of cultural heritage values across all drilling sites.
• Reduce the risk of work stoppages, prosecutions and costly project delays arising from heritage breaches.
• Strengthen relationships and trust with Traditional Owners, Indigenous communities and regulators.
• Embed cultural heritage awareness into inductions, toolbox talks and daily pre‑start processes.
• Provide clear, defensible evidence of due diligence for WHS and cultural heritage compliance audits.

Who is this for?

• Drilling Supervisors
• Exploration Managers
• Site Managers
• WHS Managers
• Environmental and Community Relations Managers
• Project Geologists
• Field Crew Leaders
• HSE Advisors
• Contractor Managers
• Operations Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Unintentional disturbance or destruction of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage sites
• Workplace conflict and psychosocial risks arising from disrespectful behaviour or cultural misunderstandings
• Operational disruption and safety risks associated with ad hoc site shutdowns due to heritage disputes
• Legal and regulatory non‑compliance leading to enforcement action and stop‑work orders
• Reputational damage impacting community relations and worker morale

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Concepts (including Cultural Heritage and Traditional Owners)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Legislative and Regulatory Requirements
• 5.0 Planning and Pre‑Drilling Cultural Heritage Assessments
• 6.0 Site Induction and Cultural Heritage Awareness Training
• 7.0 Identification of Cultural Heritage Values and No‑Go Zones
• 8.0 On‑Site Operating Requirements and Behavioural Expectations
• 9.0 Chance Finds Procedure and Immediate Response Actions
• 10.0 Communication and Engagement with Traditional Owners and Heritage Advisors
• 11.0 Incident Reporting, Escalation and Regulatory Notification
• 12.0 Recordkeeping, Mapping and Documentation Control
• 13.0 Monitoring, Auditing and Continuous Improvement
• 14.0 Review, Consultation and Document Revision History

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth)
• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) – heritage provisions
• State and territory Aboriginal cultural heritage legislation (e.g. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 (Qld), Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic), Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) as applicable)
• ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines
• ICMM Good Practice Guidance on Indigenous Peoples and Mining (as an industry benchmark where relevant)