Mining Rehabilitation Advisory Panel new member appointment

Established under the Mining Rehabilitation Fund Act 2012 (WA), the Mining Rehabilitation Advisory Panel (MRAP) provides independent advice to the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) on matters related to the management of the Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) and the department’s Abandoned Mines Program. This is part of our continued commitment to manage mine site abandonment across Western Australia.

Following a call for expressions of interest to join the MRAP last year, DEMIRS received a response from a diverse range of applicants representing industry and peak industry groups. The department would like to thank all applicants for their submissions.

The panel’s newest member has now been selected and appointed. Andrew Buckley brings extensive experience in mine planning, mine rehabilitation and strategic project management across both iron ore and coal mining operations. Andrew also has substantial expertise in environmental operations and community engagement.

The MRAP members are:

DEMIRS would also like to acknowledge the significant contributions of resigning member Helen Chernoff, who was a panel member from August 2022 to June 2024.

The remaining members’ term will cease in August 2025. DEMIRS will call for expression of interests for new members on the department’s website in the coming weeks.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the MRF Regulations 2013 and the Mining Rehabilitation Fund Act 2012, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of the panel. More information about the MRF and the Abandoned Mines Program can be found on the department’s website.

Members should have skills, expertise or experience relating to at least one of the following:

1. The management of mining operations.
2. Land rehabilitation practices.
3. Environmental matters.
4. Financial and legal matters.
5. Natural resource planning and management.