The Mine Waste Directive becomes Law

The Mine Waste Directive finally became law on 1 May and Member States must now implement it by 1 May 2008. The Directive will require site operators to draw up a waste management plan and all non- inert facilities will require a permit to operate. A financial guarantee may also be required. The focus has now turned to Whitehall to ensure that its transposition is not ‘gold plated’. Existing Planning and Health and Safety legislation in the UK covers most of the requirements of the Directive and SAMSA believes that ‘bolting on” the new legislation to the existing mineral planning regime is the best option for implementing it.

Discussions are taking place with DCLG/DTI and formal consultation on the transposition of the Directive is likely to take place in Spring 2007.