Marsden Jacob Associates is set to review Western Australia’s Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) to ensure it continues to accomplish its objectives and that enough financial reserves are available, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston announced.
The MRF utilises MRF when a mine operator fails to complete their rehabilitation requirements and the site is declared abandoned.
Marsden Jacob Associates will consult with various stakeholders after completing an MRF review in 2018.
“The Cook Government remains committed to achieving a successful balance between robust environmental standards and a strong and dynamic resources sector,” Minister Johnston said.
The Mining Rehabilitation Fund Act 2012 (MRF Act) was enacted to guarantee that the mining sector is financially responsible for restoring existing and abandoned mine sites.
Except for those covered by State Agreements, WA tenement holders are expected to pay an annual tax to the fund, with payments dependent on the amount of ground disturbance on the tenement.
A statutory panel oversees the MRF’s financial reserves and levy contribution rate to ensure they sufficiently satisfy existing and emerging rehabilitation liabilities.
The MRF also contributes to the remediation of historical mining sites and is now sponsoring the Safer Shafts for Towns initiative, which addresses concerns near regional communities.
The MRF Act mandates an independent evaluation within ten years of its implementation.
“We will continue to work with industry and the community to ensure we deliver best practice mine rehabilitation outcomes for our State,” Minister Johnston stated.
“The Mining Rehabilitation Fund’s support of abandoned mines, like Ellendale (diamond mines), are invaluable as it helps to assess risks and identify any remediation works to benefit the local community,” the Minister added.
