Feedback sought on proposed Mining Rehabilitation Fund rates for potash and salt minerals in brine operations

Have your say on the proposed changes by 18 September 2020.
Date: Friday, 24 July 2020

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is seeking public comment on a discussion paper with recommended changes to emerging potash and salt minerals in brine (MIB) operations in Western Australia under the Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) legislative and regulatory framework.

DMIRS Executive Director Resource and Environmental Compliance Karen Caple said the paper outlines the Department’s recent review of the MRF disturbance categories and summarises suggested amendments to the unit rates for MIB operations.

“The harvesting of potash, and other minerals derived from brine such as salt, is an emerging mining industry and one comprising unique characteristics that couldn’t have been anticipated when the department established the MRF framework,” Ms Caple said.

“The aim of the proposed changes is to ensure rehabilitation liability estimates and subsequent MRF levy contributions by MIB operators are calculated equitably in comparison to other more conventional mining operations.”

The consultation period will be open for eight weeks and DMIRS encourages industry and community to email feedback on the proposed adjustments to the MRF unit rates by 5:00pm on Friday 18 September 2020.

Any changes are not anticipated to come into effect until 1 July 2021.

For more information on the Mining Rehabilitation Fund unit rates please consult the Mining Rehabilitation Fund Regulations 2013.