The first Mining Wardens were appointed under the Goldfields Act 1886. The Wardens were empowered to register claims and carry out any other duties in connection with mining and the administration of the Goldfields Act. The Warden was also empowered to preside over the Warden's Courts established under the Goldfields Act.

In 1904 the passing of the Mining Act saw the amalgamation of the functions of Mining Warden and Mining Registrar under the title of the Mining Registrar.

The positions of Mining Registrars in designated mining districts were established under the Mineral Lands Act 1892. The Mining Registrar was responsible for the administration of mining and business leases.

In 1904 the Mining Act was passed which amalgamated the functions of the Mining Warden and the Mining Registrar under the title of the Mining Registrar.