Key facts
- Queensland's government is reviewing its financial provisioning scheme for mine rehabilitation.
- The review seeks to reduce environmental 'red tape' for resources companies.
- Environmental advocates fear weakening the scheme could leave taxpayers responsible for mine cleanup.
- Concerns exist about smaller companies exiting mines and leaving rehabilitation incomplete.
- The Queensland Resources Council views the current scheme as a barrier to new investment.
Queensland's government has initiated a review of its financial provisioning scheme for mine rehabilitation, a move that has raised concerns among environmental groups about potential taxpayer liability for abandoned mine cleanup. The review, announced by Treasurer David Janetzki and Mining Minister Dale Last, aims to streamline regulations and reduce 'red tape' for resources companies, particularly junior miners and explorers.
Last stated the review would ensure the scheme, established in 2019, remains 'fit for purpose' and supports 'responsible resources development without constraining investment.' He noted that the financial provisioning scheme has been a significant concern for smaller mining companies. Janetzki added that the review seeks to balance high environmental standards with investment settings conducive to junior miners.
However, Claire Gronow of the Lock the Gate Alliance warned that smaller companies are more likely to 'walk away and leave an un-rehabilitated mine site.' She highlighted a trend of larger miners selling coalmines to smaller entities, which are more vulnerable to industry volatility. Gronow questioned whether companies unable to provide adequate financial security for rehabilitation should be in business, suggesting that without proper bonds, profits could be taken and companies could disappear, leaving the cleanup burden to the public and potentially causing long-term environmental damage.
Trish Goodwin, a cattle farmer whose property is adjacent to the mothballed Bluff coalmine, expressed uncertainty about who would cover outstanding obligations for land and infrastructure damage after the mine's owner went into receivership. The Queensland Resources Council's CEO, Janette Hewson, welcomed the review, describing the current scheme as an 'impediment to new investment.' Data shows that un-rehabilitated mined land in Queensland increased by 12% between 2019 and 2024, covering over 223,684 hectares.