The Western Australia Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has released its Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) yearly report 2021-22, outlining the main activities and accomplishments of the MRF and Abandoned Mines Program in 2021-22.
During the year, mining rehabilitation levies totalling $40.75 million were assessed, representing an 8.5 per cent increase from the previous year.
The MRF compliance team reviewed 2,032 tenements and found 309 tenements required amendments to their MRF submission. The outcomes of the annual compliance plan resulted in additional levy payments of $584,980 and refunds of $12,943.
As at 14 December 2022, the balance of funds is $289.7 million including $2.78 million in net interest.
The report also provides an update on works undertaken through the Abandoned Mines Program. Last financial year the Abandoned Mines Program continued to progress five projects totalling $2.95 million funded through the MRF.
The work carried out has been prioritised on a risk basis, with consideration to significant risks to the community and environment.
The largest project underway is the ongoing remediation of the former Ellendale Diamond Mine, including the deconstruction of redundant infrastructure and plant, a site wide clean up with all waste removed from site for recycling where possible or to licensed disposal premises.
