In 1874, the colonial government provided for the establishment of wardens courts to regulate and adjudicate upon various matters and disputes that commonly occur concerning mining.
The Minister for Mineral Resources may direct an inquiry into any matter arising under the various mining laws.
At the conclusion of the inquiry, the warden was required to prepare a written report for the Minister with any recommendations made.
[4] The warden's courts also had similar duties to coroners in relation to deaths occurring on minesites.
[3] In Western Australia, the Warden's Court is constituted under the Mining Act 1978 and has jurisdiction throughout the state.
Any person holding office as a stipendiary magistrate may be appointed as a mining warden and preside over a court sitting.