Parliament backs better environmental outcomes at Mt Lyell

The Mt Lyell Acid Drainage Reduction (Repeal) Bill 2025 has passed the Tasmanian Parliament, removing an obstacle to a potential restart of mining operations at the Mt Lyell mine.

Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Guy Barnett, said restarting Mt Lyell represented the best long-term environmental outcome for the site and the West Coast.

“The best environmental outcome for Mt Lyell and the West Coast is a safe, modern operating mine, enabling active management and rehabilitation rather than long-term inactivity,” Minister Barnett said.

"Reopening the mine would provide the opportunity for active treatment and management of legacy acid drainage under strict regulatory oversight by the Environment Protection Authority.

"That means better long-term outcomes for the Queen and King Rivers, Macquarie Harbour and the broader West Coast region.

"By repealing this redundant legislation, we are removing a barrier to investment and supporting the most effective pathway to improved environmental management at Mt Lyell."

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Felix Ellis, said a restart at Mt Lyell would be a major boost for Tasmania.

"Mt Lyell is one of the most important copper mines in Australian history and a cornerstone of Tasmania's industrial heritage," Minister Ellis said.

"A return to operations would create jobs, strengthen the West Coast economy and deliver long-term benefits for Tasmania.

"As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, our Government has steadfastly supported the mine’s reopening, delivering a $9.5 million package to undertake works necessary to support the re-opening of the mine, and committing to a $25 million assistance package to support the recommencement of mining operations, subject to due diligence.

"We will continue working closely with Sibanye-Stillwater as they progress final assessments for the project."