Fears Queenslanders could be forced to pay for mine cleanup as LNP reviews environmental ‘red tape’

<p>Mining minister Dale Last says the state has an ‘enormous opportunity’ to become a global leader in critical minerals</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/jul/02/australia-politics-live-defence-aukus-conroy-national-press-club-anthony-albanese-labor-question-time-angus-taylor-coalition-tax-reform-one-nation-pauline-hanson-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Queenslanders are being warned they could be left to pay for the clean up of abandoned mines if rehabilitation laws are weakened, after the state government announced a bid to cut environmental “red tape” for resources companies.</p><p>The state’s treasurer, David Janetzki, and the mining minister, Dale Last, this week announced a review of a scheme that requires resources companies to provide surety to cover remediation and rehabilitation costs when mines close.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/06/fears-queenslanders-could-be-forced-to-pay-for-mine-cleanup-as-lnp-reviews-environmental-red-tape">Continue reading...</a>