Following an EPA report which found the Margaret River unsuitable for coal mining, the Western Australian government yesterday announced it would be terminating existing mineral title applications, and refusing future licences in the area. The government decision effectively establishes a 230 square kilometer exclusion zone for coal exploration. It encompasses all coal mineralisation so far mapped by exploration in the area.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) advice on which the decision was based indicated coal mining in the area posed an unacceptable environmental risk. The decision follows rejection of the Vasse Coal proposal last February, which was based on the same advice.
Under the Mining Act 1978, the Minister for Mines and Petroleum can terminate or refuse applications if the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that it is in the public interest to do so. This provision will be invoked if explorers are unwilling to withdraw their coal applications.
“I would emphasize that this decision is based on unique and local circumstances existing only in the Capes region. It will provide some future certainty for local residents and landowners without adding unnecessary sovereign risk to the State’s $107 billion resources sector,” Mr Moore said.
While applications for exploration or mining of other commodities have not been expressly excluded, they will be subject to the same assessment process which has led to the exclusion of coal based activities in the region.
Tuesday, 24 July 2012