Rehabilitation works at Lightning Ridge
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Minister for Mineral Resources, Kerry Hickey MP, today announced rehabilitation works on derelict mines at Lightning Ridge would continue this year.
Speaking from Lightning Ridge, where he is attending the Lightning Ridge Miners' Association's 30th anniversary celebrations, Mr Hickey said the area was a high priority under the Government's Derelict Mines Program.
"Protecting our environment is one of my key priorities," Mr Hickey said.
"That responsibility includes addressing legacy of past mining and environmental practices.
"The Carr Government applies stringent environmental conditions on exploration licence and mining lease applications, including the full rehabilitation of sites when mining is completed.
"However, old and abandoned mines scar our landscape. The Derelict Mines Program is designed to repair and rehabilitate sites where there is no person or company that can be held accountable," Mr Hickey said.
The Derelict Mines Program has allocated $37,000 for rehabilitation works in the Lightning Ridge area during the 2003-04 financial year.
Funding for derelict mine projects has been maintained by the NSW Government to provide continuing improvement in safety and the environment for the local communities of Lightning Ridge.
More than $23,000 has already been spent on the removal of mullock and rubbish and the backfilling of dangerous shafts from various opal fields and around Lightning Ridge itself.
Other projects for this financial year include the rehabilitation of a large subsidence area at the Olgas Opal Field.
Local contractors will be carrying out much of the earthworks and supplying necessary equipment for the works.
Mr Hickey said derelict mine funds would not be used on current mining operations at Lightning Ridge.
"I expect all miners to comply with the high environmental standards that the community expects," Mr Hickey said.
"Security deposits lodged by claim holders must be available to rehabilitate mines where the miner has not met their obligations."