Extractive areas rehabilitation fund (EARF)

The extractive areas rehabilitation fund (EARF) is a royalty financed scheme that protects the state against extractive mineral and private mine operators who cannot meet their rehabilitation obligations. It acts as a low-cost financial assurance model for industry where financial security is generally not required.

At the Minister for Energy and Mining's discretion, funds may be used for rehabilitating these mines if the tenement holder has failed to meet their obligations for agreed environmental outcomes, including outcomes for mine closure and completion.

The EARF is made up of a portion of the royalty received on extractive minerals, as prescribed by the Mining Act 1971. The Minister may also consider the need for a bond to be set on a case-by-case basis.

The EARF policy explains how the EARF operates, including the circumstances in which funds from the EARF may be used.

• Mineral Policy 003: Extractive Areas Rehabilitation Fund (PDF 241.4 KB)

More information

For more information about the Extractive Areas Rehabilitation Fund contact:

Mining Regulation Branch
Phone: +61 8 8429 2385 
Email: DEM:MiningRegRehab@sa.gov.au