- Independent 10-year review confirms Mining
Rehabilitation Fund remains fit for purpose
- Cook Government's response supports majority of
recommendations
- Response will ensure the mining industry retains
financial responsibility for rehabilitating active and abandoned mine sites.
Mines and Petroleum
Minister David Michael today released the Cook Government's response to the
statutory review of the Mining Rehabilitation Fund(MRF)which Marsden
Jacob Associates completed in 2024.
The Cook Government's
response outlines its position on each of the review's findings and reaffirms
its commitment to further refining the effectiveness of the MRF. This will
ensure the mining industry retains financial responsibility for rehabilitating
active and abandoned mine sites.
The 2024 review, which
included targeted public consultation to gather stakeholder feedback, found the
results were positive, with stakeholders confirming the Mining
Rehabilitation Fund Act 2012 (MRF Act) continues to fulfill its intended
purpose.
The review also presented
16 recommendations aimed at enhancing the fund's operation and effectiveness
and supporting continuous improvement.
The Cook Government will
work closely with stakeholders to progress those recommendations that are
feasible, ensuring long-term environmental protection and financial
sustainability.
Western Australian
tenement holders must pay an annual levy to the fund that is calculated based
on the land disturbed by mining activities on their tenement.
Under the MRF Act, a statutory review is required within 10 years of the fund's
commencement to assess its operation and effectiveness.
A statutory panel
oversees the MRF and provides advice on the administration of the MRF Act,
ensuring the fund's financial reserves can meet current and future
rehabilitation needs.
The MRF also allocates
funds for rehabilitating legacy mine sites, including projects like the Safer
Shafts for Towns initiative, which reduces risks from old mining shafts near
regional communities.
The response paper to the independent MRF review is available online.
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
"The Cook Government is
committed to striking a balance between Western Australia's high environmental
standards and supporting a successful resources sector.
"We will keep
collaborating with industry and the community to ensure mine rehabilitation
across the State is done to the highest standards.
"Thanks to the MRF, we have made significant progress in ensuring the mining
industry takes responsibility for rehabilitation, protecting the environment
and our regional communities.
"The MRF's efforts to assess abandoned sites, such as the Ellendale diamond
mine, are crucial in identifying potential risks and identifying necessary
remediation work."
