November 22, 2018
The State Government is considering making mining companies pay more to start a new mine in order to ensure taxpayers aren’t left to pay the costs of mine rehabilitation.
It has released a discussion paper on options for the residual risk management of mine sites.
The release of the paper follows the recent passage of new laws to ensure mining companies pay for land rehabilitation.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said one of the key issues in developing the laws was residual risk, ie. what happens when mine sites reach the end of their working lives.
“It became clear in developing these laws there are things that we can do better to make sure former mining land is managed and rehabilitated properly, even after the Environmental Authority (EA) is surrendered,” she said.
Ms Trad said that at present once a mine was worked out, mining companies were able to surrender their EA provided all conditions, requirements and rehabilitation had been met.
“What this doesn’t take into account is any ongoing monitoring, maintenance and rectification work which may be required on the site in the future,” she said.
“The discussion paper sets out alternatives for these residual risk payments.
“It will also help companies plan rehabilitation early to minimise any residual risks left at the end of mining.”
Ms Trad said there was potential for reforms that would ensure sufficient money was available to manage this work so it wasn’t a burden on Queensland taxpayers.
“It’s all about preserving our environment in the best way we can, now and into the future,” she said.
Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said the environmental regulator can request a residual risk payment from mining companies to cover potential rehabilitation costs incurred after surrender of an EA has been accepted and financial assurance has been returned.
“This acts as a safety net should there be ongoing requirements to monitor or manage the mine site, or the need to rectify rehabilitation failures,” Ms Enoch said.
“It is important Queenslanders are part of this discussion to ensure Queensland taxpayers are not left to foot the bill when there are unforeseen circumstances.”
Public comment on the “Managing Residual Risks” in Queensland discussion paper closes at midnight on February 1, 2019.
- The discussion paper and further information can be downloaded here (377kb PDF)
