THE NSW Department of Planning and Environment is releasing five documents that cover independent auditing of mining projects, web-based reporting, annual reviews, water regulation and policy, as well as planning agreement guidelines.

A department spokesperson said the documents will help major mining projects operate safely and comply with their approval conditions. They are part of a suite of mining policy reforms, which includes a draft amendment to the policy that covers mining in the state.

The amendment would remove a provision that makes the significance of the resource the principal consideration under the Mining State Environmental Planning Policy when determining mining project approval. Public feedback was gathered in June and is now being considered by the department.

The five sets of guidelines will be exhibited until 7 September.