ARGYLE DIAMOND MINE
851. Hon ROBIN CHAPPLE to the minister representing the
Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade:
I
refer to the article ''Diamond Mines Aren't Forever'' on
page 25 of the 13 July 2019 edition of The Weekend Australian.
(1) Was or is a rehabilitation bond
held for the Argyle diamond mine?
(2) If yes to (1), what was the
total bond held?
(3) If yes to (1), was the bond
repatriated as part of the mining rehabilitation fund scheme?
(4) Given that
state government regulators are working closely with the proponent on site
rehabilitation, what is the estimated cost of rehabilitation of the pit and
surrounding area?
(5) Is full site
rehabilitation of both the mine pit and surrounds required if the site were to
be made into a tourist resort?
(6) Is full site
rehabilitation of both the mine pit and surrounds required before the site is
used for further mining activities?
(7) Has the
government called for expressions of interest from other mining companies in
relation to the Argyle facilities?
Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN
replied:
I thank the member for the question.
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation has provided the
following advice.
(1) No.
(2)–(3) Not applicable.
(4) Not available.
(5)–(6) The company is
working on a mine closure plan for the area, which will have various land uses.
(7) No. The
facilities continue to be the responsibility of and remain in the ownership of
Argyle Diamonds, a Rio Tinto company.