Economic consultant agency Marsden Jacob Associates has been appointed to conduct a review of the Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) to ensure the availability of sufficient financial reserves and that all objectives are still being met.

The WA Government relies on the MRF in circumstances involving the abandonment of mine sites due to unmet rehabilitation obligations.

WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum Bill Johnston said the government remains committed to achieving a successful balance between robust environmental standards and a strong and dynamic resources sector.

“We will continue to work with industry and the community to ensure we deliver best practice mine rehabilitation outcomes for our state.

“The Mining Rehabilitation Fund’s support of abandoned mines, like Ellendale (diamond mine), are invaluable as it helps to assess risks and identify any remediation works to benefit the local community.”

The Mining Rehabilitation Fund Act 2012 (MRF Act) ensures that the mining industry is wholly responsible for funding the restoration of existing and abandoned mine sites.

WA tenement holders who are not under State Agreements are required to pay an annual levy to the fund.

Contributions are relative to the level of ground disturbance on the tenement.

The MRF financial reserves and levy contribution rate are monitored by a statutory panel to ensure that they satisfy existing and emerging rehabilitation liabilities.

Legacy mine sites also receive funding from the MRF and the fund is also currently supporting the Safer Shafts for Towns project — which is focusing on remediating risks to regional communities.

Parties interested in providing feedback to Marsden Jacob Associates’ review can do so via email.