A comprehensive evaluation of the Western Australian Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) over the past decade has recently concluded. Stakeholders have been participating in the feedback process.
The MRF mandates contributions from WA tenement holders, operating under the Mining Act 1978. This is done via an annual levy.
The MRF also steps in to ensure proper rehabilitation measures are implemented, in instances where a mine operator fails to fulfill their rehabilitation responsibilities and the site is declared abandoned.
Marsden Jacob Associates was appointed by the WA Government to oversee the public consultation and statutory assessment.
The review affirmed the MRF’s effectiveness in its targeted approach towards mitigating environmental, social, and financial risks associated with abandoned mines in WA.
“The MRF is essential to the state’s capacity to manage and rehabilitate abandoned mines, leading to better environmental and community safety outcomes,” Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety resource and environmental compliance executive director Tyler Sujdovic said.
“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.”