The Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) has received positive feedback from a recent review, with stakeholders agreeing that the fund is successful in minimising the environmental, social and financial risk of abandoned mines in Western Australia.
The MRF is a pooled fund that Western Australian tenement holders under the Mining Act 1978 are required to contribute to through an annual levy. Where a mine operator is unable to meet their rehabilitation obligations and the site is declared abandoned, the MRF can be used.
An independent, ten-year review into the operation of the MRF is a requirement of the Mining Rehabilitation Fund Act 2012 (MRF Act).
Marsden Jacob Associates was engaged by the Western Australian Government to undertake the public consultation and statutory review of the MRF Act.
Western Australian Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s (DEMIRS) Resource and Environmental Compliance Executive Director, Tyler Sujdovic, said the important work being carried out by the department’s Abandoned Mines Program shows the positive tangible outcomes the fund can help facilitate.
“The MRF is essential to the state’s capacity to manage and rehabilitate abandoned mines, leading to better environmental and community safety outcomes.
“It is encouraging to see that stakeholders were generally supportive of the MRF Act and that its objectives and purpose remain relevant.
“There is always, however, room for continuous improvement and the department will review the recommendations within the report and investigate potential actions to improve the effectiveness of the MRF.”
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