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

Mining minister Dale Last says the state has an ‘enormous opportunity’ to become a global leader in critical minerals

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Queenslanders 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.