WA Govt Lets Griffin Coal Skip Cleanup Costs

0:00You're listening to Adelaide News today, powered by the Daily News Now. Western Australia's government has passed changes to Griffin Cole's mining agreement that could let the company avoid paying to clean up its callee, Mindsite. The amendments approved by the Upper House on Tuesday extend the mine's life until 2031 and remove the company's rehab duties. This comes as the Indian-owned miner owes more than $1 billion and supplies Cole for about 15% of the state's power through the nearby Bluewater Station. The mine, 200 kilometers south of Perth, has been in receiverships since 2021 after years of losses. Taxpayers have already provided millions to keep it running because of its key role in power generation. The change is also strip state-for-status from nearby land to support operations. Prominent botanist Kingsley Dixon, who advised the company in 2019, warns that restoring the site's wetlands in Jair Forest is beyond, current technology.

1:00He says costs could run into thousands of millions of dollars and locals face risks like toxin leaks if it's not done right, similar to some, Queensland sites. The government argues these are legacy issues from a nearly 100-year-old agreement with minimal original cleanup rules. Premier Roger Cook notes Griffin has mine there for over a century. The bill now heads to the lower house where the government has a strong majority. King's members call it a dangerous precedent that lets big miners dodge environments or responsibilities, but they're pushed to block it, failed. Officials say current obligations remain unchanged for now. Dean in is brought to you by our sponsor link in the description. A pillow that plays your podcast, music, or white noise privately, no earbuds required. And so L.I. SoleyPillow.com