Claiming compensation in active mining areas
A guide to the claims process for property damage caused by mine subsidence in active mining areas.
If your property is in an area where underground coal mining is currently taking place or expected to occur, your claim will be managed under the Approved Procedure – Claiming in active mining areas (PDF 262.44KB).
From 1 July 2025, mandatory pre-mining inspections (PMIs) may apply in these areas to ensure fair and accurate assessment of any future subsidence damage.
Step-by-step claims process
Pre-mining inspections
If your property is in a mandatory PMI zone, you will be contacted by Subsidence Advisory NSW to arrange a free inspection.
A detailed inspection of your property will be conducted and documented.
You will receive a copy of the completed PMI report.
Lodge a claim
If your property experiences damage due to subsidence, you can lodge a claim online, by email, or by post.
You will need to provide:
- Your contact and property details
- Description and photos of the damage
- Any relevant supporting documents
Claims must be lodged within 12 months of becoming aware that the damage was caused by subsidence. We will acknowledge receipt of all claims within 7 days.
Claim management and support
A Senior Case Advisor will be assigned to support you throughout the claims process. They will explain the process and expected timeframes to investigate your claim.
If you have any immediate concerns related to the safety or serviceability of your property, you should notify your Case Advisor immediately or call Subsidence Advisory NSW’s 24 Hour Emergency Hotline on 1800 248 083. If there is an immediate threat to life or property call Triple Zero (000).
Preliminary assessment
Subsidence Advisory will review your claim for eligibility.
If more information is needed, we will contact you.
The findings of the preliminary assessment will determine how the claim is progressed. If the claim is outside the zone of influence of any active or non-active coal mine, the claim will not be accepted.
Continuing subsidence
Your claim will be placed on hold if subsidence is ongoing. This ensures that all damage is assessed, and compensated repairs are carried out without risk of further impacts. To ensure continued serviceability, emergency support will be provided during ongoing subsidence periods and temporary repairs may be carried out.
Subsidence Advisory may identify circumstances where a property may progress to the claim assessment stage prior to confirmation that subsidence has ceased. Claimants and the mining company will be notified to discuss this process and conditions of claim settlement may apply.
Assessment
Once subsidence has ceased, an in person claim assessment will be booked to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the claim.
If damage is found to be attributable to mine subsidence, a cost estimate for repairs will be prepared.
Outcome
A claim assessment outcome will be issued outlining the assessment and proposed determination.
You may request a no-cost review of your claim outcome within 30 days. Mining companies may also request a review of the claim outcome within 14 days.
Determination
Mine subsidence claims may be accepted, partially accepted, or refused. If your claim is accepted, you will be provided with fair and reasonable compensation in accordance with the cost estimate for repairs.
Accepted claims
You will receive a Deed of Acknowledgement and Release to sign. Once signed by all parties, payment will be made.
Mining companies are required to compensate claims in accordance with the claim assessment.
Refused claims
If the claim investigation confirms that the claimed damage is not the result of mine subsidence, the claim will not be accepted. A letter and report will be provided to you advising that the claim has not been accepted and the reasons why.
