Improving the legislative framework for mine closure in Western Australia

It is critical for the Department of Mines and Petroleum, as the lead regulator of the mining industry in Western Australia, to have an effective legislative framework that encourages mine closure planning and minimises closure liability for the State. The increase to regulatory requirements in WA, "Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans", aim to improve mine closure management practices and outcomes, through an integrated approach to mine closure planning. The guidelines focus on the application of national and international principles to mine closure planning and implementation, including stakeholder consultation, risk based approach, development of completion criteria and financial provision. The purpose of this paper is to discuss issues and lessons learned in transferring high level mine closure principles and approaches into the State's regulatory framework.