[1] In 1872-3 there was a rush of application for mineral leases covering 750,000 acres (300,000 ha), which were required to be dealt with by the Secretary for Lands.

[2] The ministry was created from the responsibilities of the Secretary for Lands and the first minister, James Farnell, was also the Secretary for Lands.

The initial tasks for the minister were establishing the Board of Mines, a school of mines and mineralogical museum.

The minister was responsible for the department of mines, which included mining wardens, registrars, bailiffs and surveyors.

The department also included agricultural regulation, including sheep and cattle inspectors and the registration of brands.