The NSW Resources Regulator has welcomed a Court decision on five offences under the Mining Act at Far Western Stone Quarry, around 45kms from Bourke.
The operator of Far Western Stone Quarries Pty Ltd was convicted of three offences under the Mining Act and ordered to pay the Regulator’s legal costs of $10,000.
- For failing to comply with a notice that required environmental remediation works to be undertaken, the operator was fined $8000.
- For failing to submit a mandatory Annual Environmental Management Plan and failing to pay annual levies and charges, the operator was placed on conditional release orders that require it to submit the Annual Environmental Management Plan and pay the outstanding levies and charges.
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The NSW Resource Regulator’s Director Major Investigations, Brian Glendenning said mine operators need to properly manage their environmental impacts.
“NSW mining legislation imposes strong controls to manage the environmental impacts of mining,” he said.
“Mine operators are required by law to provide annual reporting on operations and comply with notices issued by the Resources Regulator.
“Security deposits must cover the full cost of environmental rehabilitation, so the NSW taxpayer is not left with the bill if a mine operator defaults on its obligations.
“The Court’s decision sends a strong message that mining companies, and their directors, must comply with their legal obligations in respect to the management of the environmental impacts of mining – and these will be strictly enforced,” he said.
Mr Antony Martin, a director of the company, was placed on a conditional release order, without conviction, for failing to ensure the company submitted a revised Mine Operation Plan (which was to include a Mine Closure Plan).
The order is conditional on Mr Martin being of good behaviour for 12 months, and a mine closure plan being submitted within six months.
Mr Martin was placed on a further conditional release order, with conviction, for failing to ensure the company paid a mandatory mine rehabilitation security deposit of $63,000.
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