Michael Creed
Question:18 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Energy if he will ensure that existing and future mining companies should be requested to consider end use applications during development or operational stages of the mine.
Written Answers. - Mining Sites.
It has been standard practice for some years by both planning authorities and my Department to require proper plans and commitments for site rehabilitation as part of mining applications. Adequate financial security must also be provided to ensure that any necessary rehabilitation work is completed after a mining operation is closed.
All applications for a State mining lease must be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement which would of course deal with the question of end use. This is comprehensively assessed on my behalf by an independent expert acceptable to me and the results must be such as to ensure that the most rigorous environmental standards can be met by any proposed mining activity.