Regional meetings held in Kalgoorlie.
| Date: | Thursday, 14 May 2015 |
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Itinerary included stakeholder consultation and site visits.
The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) corporate executive visited Kalgoorlie earlier this week for one of two regional meetings held each year.
DMP Director General Richard Sellers said the trip included a presentation to key stakeholders on current governance issues.
“A number of stakeholders were invited to attend a presentation and discussion about access to surrendered tenements, the seven golden rules of prospecting, the Mining Rehabilitation Fund and safety legislation reform,” Mr Sellers said.
“This was an extremely productive meeting with attendees bringing several innovative ideas and providing valuable feedback and input on current and upcoming reform initiatives.”
Attendees included representatives from the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Minerals and Energy and the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission.
Individual corporate executive members also met with key groups and individuals including the Amalgamated Prospectors and Leaseholders Association leadership.
While in Kalgoorlie the group also visited the legacy Pro Force gold mine in Coolgardie and the Kalgoorlie Explosive Reserve.
“The community has several safety, environmental and aesthetic concerns regarding the legacy Pro Force mine site,” Mr Sellers said.
“Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion has approved DMP’s strategy to remediate and rehabilitate the area, which will take place in conjunction with the Shire and local community.
“Unconditional performance bonds were called in on this mining lease in 2002, and will be used to fund remediation work in the first instance.
“Pro Force is one of four legacy mine sites that have been recommended for gazettal under the Mining Rehabilitation Fund Act 2012, meaning interest generated on the fund will be available to rehabilitate Pro Force once the bond money has been exhausted.”
Mr Sellers said the Explosive Reserve visit familiarised corporate executive members and senior operational staff with the role the Kalgoorlie facility plays in supporting the Western Australian and Australian resources sector.
“Since 2009 there has been significant investment in infrastructure by explosives manufacturers and suppliers and the reserve is now close to capacity,” Mr Sellers said.
“The visit provided insight into the operational needs of the facility and will afford a strong basis for engagement about future development of the explosives reserve.”
