Independent review to determine effectiveness of Mining Rehabilitation Fund
| Date: | Monday, 14 August 2023 |
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- Fund has successfully restored a number of abandoned mines.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston has announced Marsden Jacob Associates will review the Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) to ensure it continues to meet its objectives and sufficient financial reserves are available.
The State Government uses the MRF if a mine operator is unable to meet their rehabilitation obligations and the site is declared abandoned. Marsden Jacob Associates will consult with a wide range of stakeholders having completed an MRF evaluation in 2018.
Interested parties can provide feedback via this email link mrfreview@marsdenjacob.com.au.
The Mining Rehabilitation Fund Act 2012 (MRF Act) was created to ensure the mining industry is financially responsible for restoring existing and abandoned mine sites - not Western Australian taxpayers.
WA tenement holders, except those under State Agreements, are required to pay an annual levy to the fund, with contributions based on the level of ground disturbance on the tenement.
A statutory panel monitors the MRF financial reserves and levy contribution rate to ensure they meet current and emerging rehabilitation liabilities.
The MRF also provides funds to address legacy mine sites and is currently supporting the Safer Shafts for Towns project that remediates risks close to regional communities.
The MRF Act requires an independent review to be conducted within 10 years of its commencement. For more information, visit: https://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Environment/Mining-Rehabilitation-Fund-MRF-4906.aspx
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
“The Cook Government remains committed to achieving a successful balance between robust environmental standards and a strong and dynamic resources sector.
“We will continue to work with industry and the community to ensure we deliver best practice mine rehabilitation outcomes for our State.
“The Mining Rehabilitation Fund’s support of abandoned mines, like Ellendale (diamond mine), are invaluable as it helps to assess risks and identify any remediation works to benefit the local community.”
