WA Parliamentary Question on Notice regarding mine closures, care and maintenance, and associated environmental obligations since 2008. The response provides figures on mine closures and those placed in care and maintenance, and outlines the regulatory framework governing these activities.

AnsweredQoN 3471Legislative Assembly
Asked
18 February 2015
Portfolio
Mines and Petroleum

QuestionView source ↗

(1) How many mines have permanently closed since 6 September 2008, and which are they? (2) How many mines have been placed in care and maintenance since September 2008, and which are they? (3) What clean-up, remediation, rehabilitation or decontamination obligations are on mines that close? (4) If mines are placed in care and maintenance which, if any, of these obligations apply? (5) Is the care and maintenance of mines subject to any time limit or potential lease cancellation?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
18 March 2015
Responded by
Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
28 days
The Department of Mines and Petroleum advises:
(1)
21 Projects
[See Tabled Paper no.  ]. For context, 133 mines have opened since 6 September 2008.
(2)
38 Projects
[See Tabled Paper no.  ]
(3)
Mining Tenement holders are required to comply with all tenement conditions in addition to the requirements of the
Mining Act 1978
and
Mining Regulations 1981
.
For approved mines, proponents are required to comply with the commitments made in the Mining Proposal and Mine Closure plan.
(4)
All of the requirements outlined in (3) above apply.
(5)
Mines placed on care and maintenance do not have a specific time limit, however they are limited by the term of the tenement and are required to meet specific expenditure obligations.

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