The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has commenced the Abandoned Mines Program School Shaft Project to protect the safety of children in three regional schools located near abandoned mine shafts.
The first stage of the project will record and assess the safety risks of mine shafts located within one kilometre of schools in Cue, Marble Bar and Yalgoo and prioritise managing and rehabilitating the features.
Local Indigenous company Gee Gie has been contracted to assist DMIRS on the project's safe and respectful implementation on country and the protection of future generations. Gee Gie will engage with Traditional Owners and the communities to communicate the nature and importance of the work.
The School Shaft Project is funded through the Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) a pooled fund to which Western Australian mining operators contribute.
The Abandoned Mines Program works to initiate and implement projects to rehabilitate abandoned mine features in WA. New projects are prioritised following a risk assessment process that examines the significant risks to the community and the environment, and the potential value associated with a site is identified and protected.
Stakeholder engagement and input is a key part of the program and each project.
