Remediation work underway at Mary Kathleen

Government officers will today visit the historic Mary Kathleen mine near Cloncurry as part of ongoing assessments of the site’s remediation status and to address environmental and safety issues.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said the Mary Kathleen mine site was regularly accessed to undertake environmental monitoring as part of the abandoned mine’s remediation.

“Abandoned Mine Lands Program officers from the Department and the Geological Survey of Queensland will undertake in-depth field assessments later this month, including drilling at the tailings dam,” Mr Cripps said.

“This work will enable the Department to gain a better understanding of the current condition of the abandoned mine.

“It will also improve our geological knowledge of the site in terms of future management and determine the most appropriate remediation techniques to manage the site.”

Mr Cripps said today that neighbouring landholders, Cloncurry Shire Council, Mount Isa City Council and the Kalkadoon Native Title Aboriginal Corporation have been advised of the intention to access the site.

“A locked gate and fencing was also recently installed along the access road to the mine’s open cut pit for public safety,” he said.

“At this point in time, the Newman Government is focused on gaining a better understanding of the requirements to manage the mine’s legacy and ensuring that remediation can be undertaken to better manage the site.

“These activities are not a signal that mining may be permitted to occur at the former Mary Kathleen mine.”   

Mr Cripps said the Mary Kathleen mine site is under a Restricted Area (RA 232) which means that mineral exploration and production tenures are prohibited.

“Remediation and environmental management issues are critical factors for the Queensland Government to address prior to any future consideration about whether or not to release land from Restricted Area 232.”

More information about abandoned mines management is available at: www.dnrm.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 4 June 2013

Media contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Paul Sutherland 0428 868 237