Queensland's mine cleanup costs may fall on taxpayers as LNP reviews rehabilitation laws

Queenslanders are warned they could face financial burdens for cleaning up abandoned mines if the Liberal National Party (LNP) weakens rehabilitation laws. This concern arose after the state government announced a review of environmental regulations aimed at reducing 'red tape' for mining companies. The review was announced on Wednesday by Treasurer David Janetzki and Mining Minister Dale Last.

Review of Environmental Regulations

The LNP's review focuses on the financial provisioning scheme established in 2019, which mandates that mining companies provide surety for remediation costs when mines close. Minister Last stated that the review would ensure the scheme remains 'fit for purpose' and facilitates responsible resource development in Queensland.

Janetzki highlighted the need to balance high environmental standards with investment opportunities for smaller miners and explorers. He mentioned that the financial provisioning scheme has been a top concern for smaller mining companies.

Concerns from Environmental Advocates

Environmental advocates, such as Claire Gronow from the Lock the Gate Alliance, express significant concern that smaller mining companies might abandon un-rehabilitated sites. Gronow emphasized that these companies, often foreign-owned and heavily reliant on coal mining, could easily exit without fulfilling their obligations.

“You are not going to be able to get the money out of them after they walk away,” Gronow warned. She stressed that without adequate rehabilitation bonds, mining companies could profit and then disappear, leaving ordinary Queenslanders to deal with the consequences.

Impact on Local Landowners

Local landowners like Trish Goodwin, who lives near the Bluff coalmine, are also voicing their concerns. Goodwin noted that the mine has gone into receivership multiple times, leaving her questioning who would be responsible for the damage to her property.

“In my case, well who is gonna pay for that?” Goodwin asked, highlighting the unmet obligations from the mine’s operations. The Queensland Resources Council welcomed the review, claiming the current scheme hinders new investments in the resources sector.

• 12% increase in un-rehabilitated mined land from 2019 to 2024
• Review aims to cut environmental 'red tape'
• Environmental groups fear abandonment of mine sites