Mining is a temporary use of the land. Following mining, the land must be returned to a stable and self-sustaining condition. Rehabilitation is an integral component of mine site operations from exploration to mine closure, and is vital to mining in an environmentally sustainable manner.
The NSW Government requires companies holding titles under the Mining Act 1992 to lodge security bonds to ensure that the cost of rehabilitation of mining will be met by the miner rather than through public funding gathered from the community through taxes. Member companies of the NSW Minerals Council are extremely committed to providing the community with this assurance. To date, the industry has lodged $473 million in environmental security bonds with the State government.
Rehabilitation performance and mine closure planning is regulated through the Mining Act 1992 and must be considered by the title holders of mining leases before mining operations can begin. Mines in NSW must prepare, and comply with a Mining, Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Plan (MREMP) process which includes a Mining Operations Plan (MOP) and an Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR). These plans are submitted to the Department of Primary Industries – Mineral Resources (DPI-MR) and are regularly reviewed by the mining company to take into account new requirements or changing conditions.
The MOP requires mines to actively consider environmental and rehabilitation outcomes and to provide management systems to integrate these outcomes with mine planning and production. Rehabilitation requirements are also present in mining leases and planning consent conditions, which are developed through consultation with affected stakeholders including the landowner and/or occupier and other government agencies.
An AEMR must also be prepared to review environmental performance, including rehabilitation, for the preceding year and a forecast of performance for the ensuing year. DPI-MR reviews the AEMR against set lease conditions and performance requirements using annual on-site inspections involving, where appropriate, other government agencies and stakeholders.
For further information about MOP and AEMR processes, see the Department of Primary Industries-Mineral Resources Fact Sheet Guidelines to the Mining, Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Process.
Mining companies in NSW have embraced their responsibilities to the environment and the community enthusiastically. Mine rehabilitation programs are now a central part of mining operations and the success of mining companies in implementing them are a critical factor in ongoing relationships with their communities.
NSWMC has released its Rehabilitation Policy documenting the industry’s commitment to rehabilitation. The policy outlines NSWMC members commitment to rehabilitation and sustainable development principles. To foster continual improvement and innovation the policy identifies objectives and activities to guide leading practice in rehabilitation procedures.
Case study: Mt. Owen, Xstrata Coal
Case study: Blayney Copper Mine, Cadia Valley Operations, Newcrest Mining
For further information contact Rachelle Benbow, Manager Environmental Operations information@nswmin.com.au 02 8202 7223
Read on for further information on rehabilitation in practice; the use of local trees and grasses; ensuring future rehabilitation; the rehabilitation of derelict mines; and planning for mine closure.