Tasmania tackles historic mines with re-opening and reprocessing

The Tasmanian Government has commenced work on the minerals Royalty Rebate Scheme, a key initiative under the State’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.

This scheme reflects the State Government’s commitment to supporting sustainable growth in the mining sector while delivering environmental and economic benefits to Tasmania.

Tasmanian Business, Industry, and Resources Minister Eric Abetz says the State Government is prioritising innovative ways to maximise the value of its mining sector.

“The Minerals Royalty Rebate Scheme will incentivise the reprocessing of historic tailings and encourage the recommencement of operations at legacy mine sites — especially where environmental rehabilitation can be achieved alongside mineral extraction,” he said.

“This is a true win-win opportunity — it promotes both economic value through resource extraction and an environmental dividend by cleaning up sites that might otherwise be left idle.”

The scheme is now in development and will focus on providing a rebate on royalties for eligible operations, ensuring Tasmania remains competitive and encourages the development of mineral projects.

As part of the State Government’s broader strategy under the 2030 Strong Plan, this initiative underscores a long-term vision for the revitalisation of Tasmania’s mining sector and the West Coast region.

The Tasmanian Government has shown interest in historic workings at the Renison and Mt Lyell mines.

The re-opening of the Mt Lyell mine, a mainstay of the West Coast before entering into care and maintenance in 2014, has been identified as a priority under the plan.