The Western Australian Science Institute (WABSI) has played the leading role in securing Commonwealth research funds into Western Australia to help address the global issue of mine closure and to develop new economic opportunities for communities, post-mining.
Working with Western Australia’s mining industry and science researchers, WABSI developed and led the successful bid for a Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME) which has been announced as the successful recipient of $29.5 million in Commonwealth funding as part of a total 10 year investment of $135 million. It will undertake social, environmental, economic and technical research, work directly with industry and communities and enable Australia to transition to a prosperous and sustainable post-mining future.
Funded by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, WABSI has played a pivotal role in the successful bid, and ensured that CRC TiME will deliver research that will significantly benefit Western Australia.
“WABSI’s Mine Closure and Rehabilitation Program, which has been recognised in CRC TiME, has the potential to create hundreds of new opportunities and regional jobs through the implementation of restoration activities and increased opportunities for suppliers of products and services. It is a great example of how WABSI builds initiatives that leave a long term legacy for the State.”
Peter Zurzolo, Chief Executive Officer, WABSI
Successful mine closure and relinquishment is a complex, expensive process and is a global challenge; liabilities can amount to billions of dollars, in addition to other economic and social costs that are borne by industry, governments and communities.
CRC TiME will commence in July 2020 and will be hosted jointly by The University of Western Australia and the University of Queensland.
More about the WABSI Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Program.
Media contact: Preeti Castle, Strategic Engagement Director, preeti.castle@wabsi.org.au