In the most recent sweep, in September, just 16 per cent of claims were identified as non-compliant, the best results to date.

The inspections are carried out by officers from the DPI, who visit claims, undertake inspections and issue miners with directions where improvements need to be carried out.

So far they have conducted almost 3000 inspections, 410 of those this year.

According to deputy director general of DPI Mineral Resources, Alan Coutts, there had been a recent shift in the focus of the inspections.

"In 2002 the majority of infringements were on safety issues," he said. "However, as that situation has now greatly improved, the more recent focus has been on environmental issues such as excessive vegetation clearance and general rehabilitation of claims."

Mr Coutts said there had been a positive response to the department's campaign, but there were still several claimholders not complying with repeated directions.

"While these are certainly in the minority the department will certainly consider penalties against these claimholders."

Some of the problems that are being targeted by the inspectors include: excess mullock on site; subsidence; noxious weeds; car and truck bodies; rubbish; oil spillage; soil erosion; unsecured shafts; absence of safety signage; and dogs on claims.

Penalties for repeated refusal to comply include fines of up to $5500 and the cancellation of the claim.