Fears Queenslanders could be forced to pay for mine cleanup as LNP reviews environmental ‘red tape’

Queensland's mining industry is poised for a major overhaul, with the state government announcing plans to reduce environmental regulations for resources companies. Mining Minister Dale Last has hailed the move as an "enormous opportunity" for the state to become a global leader in critical minerals. However, the proposal has sparked concerns among environmentalists and residents, who fear that weakening rehabilitation laws could leave taxpayers with a hefty bill to clean up abandoned mines. The state's treasurer, David Janetzki, has announced a review of the current scheme requiring resources companies to provide financial surety for remediation and rehabilitation costs when mines close, raising questions about the potential consequences for Queensland's environment and communities.

Mining minister Dale Last says the state has an ‘enormous opportunity’ to become a global leader in critical mineralsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastQueenslanders are being warned they could be left to pay for the clean up of abandoned mines if rehabilitation laws are weakened, after the state government announced a bid to cut environmental “red tape” for resources companies.The state’s treasurer, David Janetzki, and the mining minister, Dale Last, this week announced a review of a scheme that requires resources companies to provide surety to cover remediation and rehabilitation costs when mines close. Continue reading...