|
We are excited to share some significant updates on the enviroMETS LightHouse Project initiative, which is making great strides in reshaping post-mining land use across Queensland.
Support and Endorsement
To date, 23 major resources companies, local governments, and regional development organisations have joined us in advancing this vital work. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for your commitment to this project.
Prominent organisations, including CRC TiME, Mt Isa City Council, Future Foods CRC, and GHD, have collectively pledged over $550,000 in cash and in-kind support. This strong backing highlights the importance of the project and its potential to benefit both the mining sector and regional communities.
In addition, the project has received $765,000 in seed funding through the Queensland Government Regional Economic Futures Fund, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to the initiative.
Economic Value and New Methodology
We are developing a groundbreaking portable business case assessment tool for mining land, which will be built using case studies from pilot sites across regional Queensland. These areas are experiencing significant change due to the evolving nature of mining activities. The tool will provide a forward-thinking approach to assessing and comparing land use options for post-mining landscapes.
Beyond traditional factors like cost and rehabilitation, the new methodology will consider five key components:
- Prospective further mineral extraction
- Innovative non-mining commercial operations
- Social impact assessment
- Environmental and biodiversity changes
- Cultural and heritage value assessment
The resources, time, and expertise provided by our allies will help us demonstrate the viability of these new planning tools, with the potential to unlock an additional $1.14 billionin regional income for Queensland every year.
Project Progress
We continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to shift the focus of post-mining land from a liability to a long-term, productive asset for regional communities.
- A Project Reference Group with government representatives is being formed to guide this work.
- Twenty subject matter experts drawn from the enviroMETS ecosystem are now engaged in qualifying then quantifying the five value components.
- The first regional meetings are scheduled for February–March 2025, and the first versions of the toolkit modules will be ready for testing on pilot case study sites by mid-2025.
- A full program and additional updates will be available later this year.
We are proud of the progress made so far and grateful for the continued support of everyone involved. This is an exciting time for the future of post-mining land use in Queensland, and we look forward to achieving even more in the coming months.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to enviroMETS. Let's acknowledge the support from the organisations shown below. If you have any questions or would like more information, or extend your organisations support, please don’t hesitate to make contact.
Allan Morton
Executive Director
|
