Windfall tax on Aussie miners falls flat

The Australian government’s windfall tax on coal and iron ore miners’ so-called “superprofits” has raised a paltry $130 million over the first six months.

The money raised to 31 December 2012 under the minerals resource rent tax (MRRT) compares to a target of $39 billion set by the government through 2020 and $1 billion for the current financial year.

Australia’s tax office reportedly spent $50 million preparing and instituting the tax which affects a few dozen companies including BHP Billiton, Xstrata and Rio Tinto operating in the country.

Australian miners with profits or more than $75 million a year are taxed at 30% which translates into an effective rate of 22.5% after deductions and rebates.

Miners also have to contend with a  tax of $24.50/tonne on carbon emissions that kicked in at the same time as the MRRT.

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