Regarding the proposed…

Regarding the proposed Building more mines act 2023, many of the proposed amendments are of concern. Specifically "Amend the definition of “rehabilitate” and the related definition of “protective measures” to support the Minister’s ability to allow an alternate use or condition or feature to remain on-site post-closure (e.g. infrastructure), and to give greater flexibility and certainty to industry by allowing alternate rehabilitation measures and post-closure land uses" sounds far too open ended and would allow for incomplete or inadequate rehabilitation following closure of a mine. There have been far too many tailing ponds contaminations in the past and abandonment of mines without proper rehabilitation, and this vague amendment seems to allow for more of this environmental degradation to occur. Additionally, giving the minister, in effect, complete veto powers over recommendations made by experts in the field, appointed by the Ministry, sounds dangerously like carte blanche to do the bidding of the Premier who is clearly not an expert in the field, and who has repeatedly demonstrated disregard for environmental protection measures.