The MRF became compulsory in July 2014 after a voluntary compliance period of one year, and replaces the previous environmental bond system.

It requires tenement holders operating under the Mining Act 1978 tenure to report the type and size of disturbance on their tenements and pay an annual levy should the estimated rehabilitation of the disturbance exceed $A50,000.

Funds raised under the MRF are then used to rehabilitate mine sites in instances where operators fail to do so.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said the high levels of data showed the industry had embraced the new system, and were a big achievement for his department.

“This is a win for the environment, the state government, the mining industry and the community,” he said.

“To date, more than $33 million has been paid into the fund, earning more than $500,000 in interest, which is earmarked to rehabilitate old abandoned mine sites.”

Marmion said the introduction of the fund had allowed for the return to industry of more than $1.1 billion in previously held bonds.

“This has been a big plus, especially in these challenging times,” he said.

Department of Mines and Petroleum staff will visit regional areas in May to help tenement holders with their 2015 MRF submissions.

Tenement holders can also visit the department’s headquarters in Perth from April 1 for assistance.

There are around 17,000 abandoned mine sites in WA.