PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government has released new guidelines for the closure, decommissioning and rehabilitation of mines in the state.
The revised document, titled 'Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans 2015', is expected to benefit the resources industry and the environment.
“Planning is paramount. The state government stands by international best practice, meaning provision for closure starts well before mining begins, and continues throughout the life of the mine,” said Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion.
“Updated guidelines like these are important to ensure Western Australia retains its global mining leadership and provides certainty for investors.”
The guidelines were jointly developed by the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), following publication of the original mine closure guide in 2011.
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said two public comment periods and a workshop convened by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia had yielded valuable comments and suggestions from mining and environment groups.
“Using these new guidelines will help ensure Western Australian mines are decommissioned in an ecologically sustainable manner and are left in a stable, non-polluting condition,” Jacob said.
“They will also simplify processing of mine closure assessments and approvals, through consistent requirements from both the EPA and the DMP.”
Marmion said the guidelines highlighted the state’s responsible development credentials.
“Community engagement is a key point in the guidelines. The state government is determined to meet community expectations, while providing for investment security and mining industry employment.”