Atomic Energy Amendment (Mine Rehabilitation and Closure) 2022

# Atomic Energy Amendment (Mine Rehabilitation and Closure) Bill 2022 ## What it does This bill updates the rules for managing uranium and mineral mines in Australia, specifically creating a new type of legal authority focused on mine rehabilitation and closure. It introduces clearer definitions and processes for companies operating these mines to handle environmental protection, cleanup, and long-term monitoring of mining sites. ## Why it matters Mining sites can pose environmental and health risks long after operations stop. These changes establish clearer legal responsibilities for companies to properly rehabilitate and monitor these areas, protecting communities and the environment from contamination and ongoing hazards. ## Key details - **New "rehabilitation authority"**: Companies now need a specific legal authority to carry out site cleanup and monitoring work, not just mining operations - **Applies to existing mines**: The bill particularly affects Energy Resources of Australia Limited, which held a uranium mining authority granted in 1999 - **Came into effect immediately**: The law took effect the day after receiving Royal Assent (no delayed implementation period)

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament