Question regarding the rationale, funding, and future plans for asbestos tailings removal at the Wittenoom mine site. The government acknowledges the issue and states a committee is investigating options.

AnsweredQoN 1965Legislative Council
Asked
4 May 2004
Portfolio
State Development

QuestionView source ↗

With regard to the Wittenoom mine site clean up -
(1) What was the rationale behind the removal of all buildings at the old mine site and the settlement in Wittenoom gorge?
(2) In relation to (1), can the Minister provide a breakdown of the contributions made by various agencies and private companies?
(3) Is there any proposal to remove or rebury the asbestos tailings remaining in Wittenoom and Western Gorge?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) If yes to (3), when and how?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
1 June 2004
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for State Development
Response time
28 days
(1) The minesite buildings and associated facilities were demolished to reduce the attraction of the area to visitors. (2) The total cost of the clean-up works was about $4.2 million. The Government contributed $2 million and the balance was funded jointly by Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd and Wright Prospecting Pty Ltd. (3)-(5) The Wittenoom Steering Committee is investigating the asbestos tailings issue. The Committee is expected to identify appropriate options for dealing with these tailings. It is expected that the Committee will make recommendations to the Government when the appropriate studies have been completed.
(2) The total cost of the clean-up works was about $4.2 million. The Government contributed $2 million and the balance was funded jointly by Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd and Wright Prospecting Pty Ltd. (3)-(5) The Wittenoom Steering Committee is investigating the asbestos tailings issue. The Committee is expected to identify appropriate options for dealing with these tailings. It is expected that the Committee will make recommendations to the Government when the appropriate studies have been completed.
(3)-(5) The Wittenoom Steering Committee is investigating the asbestos tailings issue. The Committee is expected to identify appropriate options for dealing with these tailings. It is expected that the Committee will make recommendations to the Government when the appropriate studies have been completed.

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