- 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 .
As stated by 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."
