Derelict mines program
Derelict mines are former mining sites requiring rehabilitation where no individual or company can be held responsible for their management or rehabilitation. Neither Industry and Investment NSW (I&I NSW) nor any other government agency has statutory responsibility for the rehabilitation of derelict mines. However, NSW Treasury provides annual funds to I&I NSW (Minerals Division) to undertake rehabilitation works through the Derelict Mines Program.
The Program commenced in 1974 with an annual allocation of $125,000. The current allocation for the 2009/2010 financial year is $1.902 million.
The Program is administered by I&I NSW in consultation with the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, the Land and Property Management Authority and the NSW Minerals Council. Representatives from these organisations form the Derelict Mines Steering Committee. The Committee meets at least twice annually.
The Committee selects derelict sites for rehabilitation on a priority basis considering risks to public safety, pollution impacts, contamination, erosion or land degradation, and public concerns.
The range of rehabilitation works includes detailed site assessments, reduction of safety hazards by fencing and filling shafts, management of water and sediment movement, acid mine drainage management, monitoring and revegetation of the sites. Rehabilitation work has been undertaken in many areas of the state.
Today’s mines are strictly regulated and must lodge a security deposit to cover rehabilitation costs if the mine becomes insolvent. This policy minimises the risk of future derelict mines.
Recent Derelict Mine projects
In 2008-2009, a number of derelict mines were successfully rehabilitated. Some significant projects include:
- Tulloch Silver Valley mine near Armidale ($150,000);
- Sunny Corner mine near Bathurst ($68,000);
- Continuation of the $1.15 million Stage 3 Final Rehabilitation Works Project at Oakdale Colliery near Picton.
Significant projects planned for the 2009/10 financial year include:
- Completion of the Stage 3 Final Rehabilitation Works Project at Oakdale Colliery near Picton;
- Rehabilitation works at Mulloon Copper mine near Braidwood;
- Safety management of open mine shafts in the Torrington State Conservation Area, near Tenterfield;
- Panbula Stage 1 and Stage 2 safety works projects near Pambula.
Expression of Interest, Prequalification Scheme for Consultancy and Mine Rehabilitation Contract Works (2009-2012)
EOI Number: DPI09/11
Industry and Investment NSW (I&I NSW) is seeking Expressions of Interest for a prequalification scheme for future work involved with the investigation and on-site rehabilitation/remediation of derelict mines in various regions throughout NSW.
By entering into a prequalification scheme, successful parties will be given the opportunity to tender for contract or consultancy work through the Derelict Mines Program.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted to Industry and Investment NSW, with a completed application form. Applications are to be sent to the “Derelict Mines Prequalification Scheme, Industry and Investment NSW, PO BOX 344, Hunter Region Mail Centre, NSW 2310”, prior to 2.00pm on Thursday 1 October 2009.
