Australia is rich in natural resources. It is the world's largest exporter of certain minerals and a major oil producer. Activities relating to the use, the planning and the conservation of natural resources are subject to legal rules of municipal and international law. The significance of legal issues relating to natural resources extends beyond the mere limit of legal technicalities to areas such as politics, indigenous peoples' rights, the environment and even human rights.

This unit introduces students to the principles of natural resources law. It discusses Australian law, from the perspective of both national and state jurisdiction, and the relevant international law relating to different legal aspects of natural resources. The main object of the unit is to provide students with an introduction to a range of topics in the area of natural resources law. Topics include the concept and development of natural resources law, international law of natural resources, water resources, fisheries, minerals, soil resources and forests.