The NSW Resources Regulator held forums on 19 February, 2026, to set new expectations for how mining companies in Broken Hill, New South Wales, must restore land and fund environmental clean-ups.
More than 280 industry experts and mine operators met in Newcastle and Dubbo to discuss the state’s 2026 compliance priorities. A major focus of the meetings was the launch of a new tool designed to calculate the exact cost of fixing mine sites so the work does not become a financial burden for the public.
These new standards come at a critical time for the Rasp Mine, which is currently operated by Broken Hill Mines Pty Ltd. The mine is only approved to continue its current operations until 31 December, 2026, meaning it must now use these updated rules to plan for its future closure.
The regulator is also closely monitoring local operator Perilya after an investigation into an underground fire in 2025 found a breakdown in safety and management systems. New monitoring programs will now be used to check that all local mines are following the law and performing well over the long term.
Beyond just cleaning up, the forums highlighted how old mines can be turned into new businesses, like the Hydrostor Silver City Energy Storage Centre. This project, which uses old mine caverns to help store renewable energy, is expected to be finished by 2028.
