A new EPBC approval that is valid for a century entitles BHP to open iron ore mines in the Pilbara if it follows procedures in an agreed environmental program.
The new Western Australian government has told a Senate inquiry the Corporations Act should be amended so mining companies disclose and can't avoid their clean-up liabilities.
Labor's victory in Western Australia has ignited a battle over the approval status of four proposed uranium mines and triggered a complaint to ASIC about ASX statements by one of the proponents.
WA Environment Minister Albert Jacob says the EPA was right to recommend rejection of a proposed uranium mine on environmental grounds, but the project might still proceed.