Visitors and locals from nearby mine pits have been reminded to ‘Stay Out, Stay Safe and Report’ any abandoned mine features they come across while exploring Western Australia.
The Department of Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) says abandoned mine features are the result of historic mining and exploration activities, and include everything from deep shafts to waste landforms, open pits and abandoned equipment.
Abandoned Mines Program Manager at DMIRS, Ian Mitchell said the Department had a register detailing more than 190,000 abandoned mine features, which included details about the type, size and location of the sites.
“It is highly likely there are many more abandoned mine features that are yet to be recorded,” Mr Mitchell said
“We are working on updating our database of abandoned mine features.”
He said people who were out prospecting, hiking or just enjoying exploring the State needed to be aware that they should avoid abandoned mines.
“Abandoned mine features may pose safety risks because these sites can include shafts, pits, and old equipment,” Mr Mitchell said.
“While the Department is keen to receive reports about abandoned mine features, it is important that people do not enter the sites.”
He said it was important that all known abandoned mine features, particularly those considered to be high risk, be brought to the Department’s attention so they could be assessed and prioritised.
