The damning outcomes of a recent compliance blitz by the NSW Resources Regulator should put the whole mining industry on notice that rehabilitation and care for the landscape are not negotiable, according to Lock the Gate Alliance.
Four Hunter Valley coal mines, owned by some of the biggest mining companies in the country, have been issued six notices to fix up their rehabilitation and other environmental management.
Lock the Gate Alliance spokesperson Georgina Woods said, “It is unacceptable for them to be failing on their rehabilitation and environmental management.
“This is especially true at a time when there is mounting concern about what legacy the mining industry is going to leave the people of this valley.
“When rehabilitation falls behind or is done poorly, it leads to an increase in air pollution and leaves future generations with the burden of cleaning up the mining companies’ mess.
“It’s heartening to see the Resources Regulator taking its responsibilities seriously to hold the mining companies to account. This damning report should put the whole industry on notice that rehabilitation and care for the landscape are not negotiable.
“We are coming to a crunch time for this region when the mining industry shifts from making profits to making amends, rehabilitating and cleaning up. It’s vital this work be done progressively and to the highest standard to minimise the risk that the job will be left half finished or worse.”