❓ A WA parliamentary question probes the Department of Environment's handling of financial assurances for the Superpit mine's closure costs, particularly regarding dewatering liabilities and the lack of a clear policy framework. The Minister's response refers back to a previous question and highlights ongoing planning and management efforts.
AnsweredQoN 3406Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to both the Fimiston 1 and Fimiston 2 tailings dams owned by Barrick Gold and Newmont Mining, operated by Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines Pty Ltd (KCGM), and question on notice number 3222 of 1 December 2005 -
(1) Can the Minister explain how the Department of Environment (DoE) ascertained ‘the large potential closure costs at the superpit’?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Can the Minister explain why there is still no policy and framework in place relating to the power to impose financial assurances (which was added to the
Environmental Protection Act
in 2003)?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Can the Minister explain why the DoE does not consider that there is any urgency to impose a financial bond given that it has been identified from an internal KCGM document that the final closure cost for the superpit mine has been estimated at between 93 and 115 million dollars with a large amount of this post-closure cost (34.6 million dollars to 47.8 million dollars) being highly sensitive to the continued cost of dewatering around the tailings storage facilities?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Can the Minister state what are the specific monetary figures for total closure costs for the superpit operations, with a specific breakdown of the amount for the continued cost of dewatering around the tailings storage facilities?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
(9) Will the Minister request that the DoE set and apply a financial assurance on KCGM’s operations so that taxpayers are not exposed to a sub-surface liability due to seepage generated by the company’s mining operations?
(10) If no to (9), why not?
(1) Can the Minister explain how the Department of Environment (DoE) ascertained ‘the large potential closure costs at the superpit’?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Can the Minister explain why there is still no policy and framework in place relating to the power to impose financial assurances (which was added to the
Environmental Protection Act
in 2003)?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Can the Minister explain why the DoE does not consider that there is any urgency to impose a financial bond given that it has been identified from an internal KCGM document that the final closure cost for the superpit mine has been estimated at between 93 and 115 million dollars with a large amount of this post-closure cost (34.6 million dollars to 47.8 million dollars) being highly sensitive to the continued cost of dewatering around the tailings storage facilities?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Can the Minister state what are the specific monetary figures for total closure costs for the superpit operations, with a specific breakdown of the amount for the continued cost of dewatering around the tailings storage facilities?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
(9) Will the Minister request that the DoE set and apply a financial assurance on KCGM’s operations so that taxpayers are not exposed to a sub-surface liability due to seepage generated by the company’s mining operations?
(10) If no to (9), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
30 May 2006
Responded by
Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for the Environment
Response time
28 days
(2) Not applicable. (3) As per answer to Question (1) on Notice 3222. (4) Not applicable. (5) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, many of the issues raised in this question may be addressed through the financial assurance system operated by the Department of Industry and Resources. In addition to this KCGM is implementing a Groundwater and Seepage Management Plan to address the matter of water levels around the tailings storage facility. The DoE does not expect KCGM to be closing in the immediate future and its preference is to establish a clear policy on the imposition of financial assurances before it moves to impose one on any one particular operation. (6) Not applicable. (7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(3) As per answer to Question (1) on Notice 3222. (4) Not applicable. (5) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, many of the issues raised in this question may be addressed through the financial assurance system operated by the Department of Industry and Resources. In addition to this KCGM is implementing a Groundwater and Seepage Management Plan to address the matter of water levels around the tailings storage facility. The DoE does not expect KCGM to be closing in the immediate future and its preference is to establish a clear policy on the imposition of financial assurances before it moves to impose one on any one particular operation. (6) Not applicable. (7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable. (5) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, many of the issues raised in this question may be addressed through the financial assurance system operated by the Department of Industry and Resources. In addition to this KCGM is implementing a Groundwater and Seepage Management Plan to address the matter of water levels around the tailings storage facility. The DoE does not expect KCGM to be closing in the immediate future and its preference is to establish a clear policy on the imposition of financial assurances before it moves to impose one on any one particular operation. (6) Not applicable. (7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(5) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, many of the issues raised in this question may be addressed through the financial assurance system operated by the Department of Industry and Resources. In addition to this KCGM is implementing a Groundwater and Seepage Management Plan to address the matter of water levels around the tailings storage facility. The DoE does not expect KCGM to be closing in the immediate future and its preference is to establish a clear policy on the imposition of financial assurances before it moves to impose one on any one particular operation. (6) Not applicable. (7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(5) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, many of the issues raised in this question may be addressed through the financial assurance system operated by the Department of Industry and Resources. In addition to this KCGM is implementing a Groundwater and Seepage Management Plan to address the matter of water levels around the tailings storage facility. The DoE does not expect KCGM to be closing in the immediate future and its preference is to establish a clear policy on the imposition of financial assurances before it moves to impose one on any one particular operation. (6) Not applicable. (7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable. (7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(10) Not applicable.
(3) As per answer to Question (1) on Notice 3222. (4) Not applicable. (5) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, many of the issues raised in this question may be addressed through the financial assurance system operated by the Department of Industry and Resources. In addition to this KCGM is implementing a Groundwater and Seepage Management Plan to address the matter of water levels around the tailings storage facility. The DoE does not expect KCGM to be closing in the immediate future and its preference is to establish a clear policy on the imposition of financial assurances before it moves to impose one on any one particular operation. (6) Not applicable. (7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable. (5) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, many of the issues raised in this question may be addressed through the financial assurance system operated by the Department of Industry and Resources. In addition to this KCGM is implementing a Groundwater and Seepage Management Plan to address the matter of water levels around the tailings storage facility. The DoE does not expect KCGM to be closing in the immediate future and its preference is to establish a clear policy on the imposition of financial assurances before it moves to impose one on any one particular operation. (6) Not applicable. (7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(5) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, many of the issues raised in this question may be addressed through the financial assurance system operated by the Department of Industry and Resources. In addition to this KCGM is implementing a Groundwater and Seepage Management Plan to address the matter of water levels around the tailings storage facility. The DoE does not expect KCGM to be closing in the immediate future and its preference is to establish a clear policy on the imposition of financial assurances before it moves to impose one on any one particular operation. (6) Not applicable. (7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(5) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, many of the issues raised in this question may be addressed through the financial assurance system operated by the Department of Industry and Resources. In addition to this KCGM is implementing a Groundwater and Seepage Management Plan to address the matter of water levels around the tailings storage facility. The DoE does not expect KCGM to be closing in the immediate future and its preference is to establish a clear policy on the imposition of financial assurances before it moves to impose one on any one particular operation. (6) Not applicable. (7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable. (7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(7) No. (8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(8) As per answers to Questions on Notice 3222, it is important that an appropriate policy, legal, financial and administrative framework is put in place before applying any financial assurance, or site specific monetary figures to address environmental outcomes. (9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(9) The Minister for the Environment has requested that the DoE consider the imposition of financial assurances as part of appeal determinations. This consideration is being addressed as explained in the answer to Question on Notice 3222. (10) Not applicable.
(10) Not applicable.
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