In our submission, we comment on the Australian Government’s responsibilities within the regulatory framework that supports rehabilitation of mining and resources projects. We address directly the issues identified in the inquiry’s terms of reference:

  • the cost of outstanding rehabilitation obligations of currently operating projects;
  • the adequacy of existing regulatory, policy and institutional arrangements to ensure adequate and timely rehabilitation;
  • the adequacy and transparency of financial mechanisms, including assurances, bonds and funds, to ensure that mining and resources projects are rehabilitated without placing a burden on public finances;
  • the effectiveness of current Australian rehabilitation practices in safeguarding human health and repairing and avoiding environmental damage;
  • the effectiveness of existing abandoned mines programs, with regard to repairing environmental damage and safeguarding human health;
  • whether any mining or resources companies have engaged in conduct designed to avoid fulfilling their rehabilitation obligations;
  • international examples of effective rehabilitation policy and practice; and
  • proposals for reform of rehabilitation of mining and resources projects.
Senate Inquiry into Mine Rehabilitation SubmissionDownload