Mining operators across NSW are to be required to show their plans for progressive rehabilitation and to report annually on rehabilitation outcomes under a series of new reforms.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Resources, John Barilaro said several amendments had been made to the Mining Regulation 2016 to modernise the framework and ensure progressive rehabilitation was carried out throughout the life span of every mine in the State.
Mr Barilaro said that after extensive public consultation by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE), new standard mining lease conditions for rehabilitation would be introduced on all mining leases to give the industry a clearer and more consistent framework to comply with.
“Previously, a mining operation may have been subject to several different rehabilitation and environmental management conditions, making compliance, monitoring and regulation complex,” Mr Barilaro said.
“These changes will apply to all mining leases held in NSW and will help drive rehabilitation outcomes that have communities, the environment and the mining sector at their heart,” he said.
The Minister said the changes would require all mining leaseholders to prepare a management plan to identify and achieve rehabilitation outcomes; carry out rehabilitation risk assessments; develop a program to demonstrate an approach to progressive rehabilitation; make information about rehabilitation publicly available; and report annually on rehabilitation performance.
Mr Barilaro said the reforms built on the NSW Resources Regulator’s work to promote accountability and improve understanding of rehabilitation requirements.
