Mining Act 1977.

The Act consists of 46 sections divided into 7 Parts: Preliminary (I); Administration (II); Acquisition of land (III); Grant of licences (IV); Compensation (V); Regulations (VI); Miscellaneous provisions (VII).There shall be a Chief Mining Inspector, a Mining Office and Mining Inspectors. The Mining Office shall be under the control of the Chief Mining Inspector. Duties and powers of Mining Inspectors are set out in sections 6 to 8. All Crown land shall be open for mining, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of this Act or Regulations made under this Act and the Cabinet shall have the authority to acquire Niuean land (defined in section 2 of the Niue Amendment (No. 2) Act 1968) by way of lease or purchase for mining and related purposes (sects. 12 and 13). Niuean land may be declared open for mining without consent of owner by the National Assembly pursuant to section 15. Section 16 provides for an agreement with the owner instead of such declaration. Section 17 places a limit on the size of an area subject to a mining lease. Prospecting and mining licences shall be granted by the Cabinet in accordance with sections 18 to 27. Section 28 and following concern compensation for land that is acquired for the purposes of this Act. Regulation making powers of the Cabinet are set out in section 35.