New MRF categories and rates for WA minerals in brine operations

Revised Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) reportable disturbance areas and category unit rates for minerals in brine operations are proposed to come into effect in 2021.
Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2020

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has received supportive feedback from stakeholders on a Discussion Paper that recommended specific Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) categories and rates for the emerging potash and salt minerals in brine operations in Western Australia.

Resource and Environmental Compliance Division Executive Director, Karen Caple, said the department has since revised its initial assumptions following consideration of feedback the department received on the discussion paper.

“We believe introducing specific applicable MRF categories and unit rates for the emerging minerals in brine industry will form equitable MRF levy obligations and may positively impact the economic viability of this emerging industry,” she said.

“It is anticipated that the changes will come into effect next year and we will communicate to all stakeholders when details are finalised.”

Ms Caple thanked all the participants for providing their feedback and comments.

DMIRS will now proceed with finalising amendments to the Mining Rehabilitation Fund Regulations 2013 to implement prescribed categories and unit rates for minerals in brine operations.

DMIRS notes that opportunity for broader resources industry changes under the MRF legislative framework will occur during the designated ten-year statutory review process as mandated by the Mining Rehabilitation Fund Act 2012.

In the meantime, a report outlining the Department’s response to the submissions is now available on the DMIRS website.