An inquiry has recommended that air-quality data from all New South Wales (NSW) mine sites should be made accessible to the public. The inquiry was focused on concerns about the impacts of heavy-metal mining on health and the environment. It called for a review of clean-air regulations and highlighted concerns from residents living near the Cadia gold mine, whose former operator has admitted breaching environmental laws. The mine, previously owned by Newcrest, was fined for failing to maintain effective dust suppressant coverage and for other offenses relating to solid-particle emissions.
The inquiry also found that in many cases, the maximum penalty for breaches of environmental laws was inadequate, particularly for large companies, and may not serve as a deterrent. It recommended publicly accessible air-quality monitoring at all mining operations in NSW, to be included in planning approvals, and noted that a government response is due by mid-March. However, inquiry chair and Greens MP Amanda Cohn delivered a dissenting statement, expressing disappointment that large sections of evidence were excluded from the final report.
The inquiry committee, consisting of three Labor, two coalition, and two Greens MPs, also highlighted the environmental risks and export opportunities associated with gold, silver, lead, and zinc mining. It also emphasized the potential of these mining activities to support domestic processing and manufacturing, as well as their importance for the transition to net zero emissions and Australia’s sovereign capability. Finally, the report noted that the Environment Protection Authority generally had a strong toolkit to regulate pollution incidents.