Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00876013 · Mine Domain
Minerals environmental authority EPML00876013 (Mine Domain), Granted. 192 conditions indexed. No PRC plan.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- TNC MINING PTY LTD
- Tenures
- ML90065; ML90108
- PRC plan
- None
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
192 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
This environmental authority authorises environmental harm referred to in the conditions herein. Where a condition in this environmental authority refers to environmental harm the condition is taken to authorise the environmental harm occurring in compliance with the condition. Where there is no condition or this environmental authority is silent on a matter, the lack of a condition or silence shall not be construed as authorising environmental harm.
- A2
In carrying out the mining activity the holder must comply with Schedule A -Table A1 (Authorised Mining Activities). Detailed coordinates (i.e., location) for these mining activities are shown in Table 1 - Appendix A. Schedule A -- Table A1 (Authorised Mining Activities) Mine Domain Mine Feature Name Tenure Type and Number Location Maximum Constraints Disturbance Maximum Waste Great Australia Waste ML 90065 (Great Australia) Coordinates height / Run of Mine Rock Dump provided in Area (ha) Processing Taipan Waste Rock Dump ML 90065 (Great Australia) Table 1 - 12 slope angles Orphan Shear Waste Rock ML 90108 (Orphan Shear) Appendix A Area Dump 16.1 Area and Flood Protection Landform ML 90065 (Great Australia) 4 Maximum Mining Area Agglomeration Site ML 90065 (Great Australia) annual ROM Exploration (Located within ROM Pad 3.0 Scale and Area) ML 90065 (Great Australia) Within ROM intensity Dam ROM Pad ML 90065 (Great Australia) Heap Leach Pads ML 90065 (Great Australia) Pad Scale and Borrow Pits SX Process Plant ML 90065 (Great Australia) intensity and Stockpiles Concentrator, CIP Plant, 6.61 Scale and Gold Room & Concentrate ML 90065 (Great Australia) 32.5 intensity Storage ML 90065 (Great Australia) 0.8 Depth and Crushing Plant 3.4 volume Sulphuric Acid and ML 90065 (Great Australia) Reagents Storage Area ML 90065 (Great Australia) 1.9 Scale and Fuel & Oil Storage 0.2 intensity Process Plant Area and ML 90065 (Great Australia) associated buildings ML 90065 (Great Australia) 0.3 Great Australia Pit ML 90065 (Great Australia) 0.8 Paddock Lode Pit ML 90108 (Orphan Shear) Taipan Pit ML 90065 (Great Australia) 11 Orphan Shear Pit ML 90108 (Orphan Shear) 2 ML 90065 (Great Australia) 5.16 Exploration ML 90065 (Great Australia) 3 3.65 PLS Ponds ML 90065 (Great Australia) Storm Water Ponds 1,2,3 ML 90065 (Great Australia) 0.9 and 4 ML 90065 (Great Australia) 7 Storm Pond 5 ML 90065 (Great Australia) Storm Pond 6 2.8 Initial Tailings Pond ML 90065 (Great Australia) 2.8 Heap Leach Raw Water ML 90065 (Great Australia) 0.2 Ponds ML 90065 (Great Australia) 0.35 Tailings Storage Facility Decant Ponds 1 and 2 ML 90108 (Orphan Shear) 15.5 Concentrator Process ML90065 (Great Australia) 2.4 Water Dam ML 90065 (Great Australia) 0.8 Tailings Storage Facility ML 90065 (Great Australia) Taipan WRD Runoff Dam ML 90065 (Great Australia) 14.5 Great Australia Topsoil ML 90065 (Great Australia) 0.25 Paddock Lode Topsoil ML 90065 (Great Australia) Taipan Topsoil ML 90108 (Orphan Shear) 5 Sand & Gravel Borrow Pits 0.1 Clay Borrow Pits 0.5 Orphan Shear Topsoil 3.25 10 2 OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 Mine Domain Mine Feature Name Tenure Type and Number Location Maximum Constraints Disturbance Area (ha) Ancillary Stockpile ML 90065 (Great Australia) 1 Scale and Infrastructure Raw Water Pipeline ML 90065 (Great Australia) Existing Site Roads ML 90065 (Great Australia) 5.3 intensity Additional Site Roads and Haulage Roads ML 90065 (Great Australia) 7.5 Noise/Visual Bund ML 90065 (Great Australia) Domestic Waste Disposal 0.5 Area ML 90065 (Great Australia) 0.01 Office ML 90065 (Great Australia) Workshops / Admin. ML 90065 (Great Australia) 0.9 Explosives Magazines ML 90065 (Great Australia) 0.75 Sewage Treatment Plant ML 90065 (Great Australia) 0.1 General Construction 0.1 Areas (Existing ML 90065 (Great Australia) 26 disturbance) ML 90108 (Orphan Shear) Run-off Diversions ML 90108 (Orphan Shear) 2 Existing Site Roads 1.5 Additional Site Roads and ML 90108 (Orphan Shear) 3 Haulage Roads ML 90065 (Great Australia) Run-off Diversions 0.5 Run-off Diversions 1.8 (Taipan/Flood Protection Landform)
- A3
Access to the mining project via land authorised for that purpose by the Mineral Resources Act 1989 is subject to the conditions of this environmental authority. (A3B) The environmental authority holder is authorised to receive, stockpile and process ore from third party mining operations, provided such activities comply with the requirements set out in this environmental authority and a geochemical assessment of the ore is undertaken and made available to the administering authority prior to storage and handling on site. Maintenance of measures, plant and equipment
- A4
The holder of this environmental authority must: (a) install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (b) maintain such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient condition; (c) operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient manner; and (d) ensure all instruments and devices used for the measurement or monitoring of any parameter under any condition of this environmental authority are calibrated, and appropriately operated and maintained.
- A5
No change, replacement or alteration of any plant or equipment is permitted if the change, replacement or alteration increases, or is likely to increase, the risk of environmental harm. Monitoring
- A6
The holder of this environmental authority must record, compile and keep for a minimum of seven years (7) all monitoring results required by this environmental authority and make available for inspection within ten (10) business days all or any of these records upon request by the administering authority.
- A7
Where monitoring is a requirement of this environmental authority, the holder must ensure that a competent person(s) conducts all monitoring.
- A8
Any management or monitoring plans, systems or programs required to be developed and implemented by a condition of this environmental authority must be reviewed for effectiveness in minimising the likelihood of environmental harm on an annual basis and amended promptly if required. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 Financial assurance
- A9
The holder of this environmental authority must provide to the administering authority a financial assurance of an amount and in a form acceptable to the administering authority in accordance with the most recent edition of the administering authority's Guideline - Calculating financial assurance for mining projects, before the proposed mining activities commence.
- A10
The financial assurance must include the cost of rehabilitating pre-existing disturbances where the transfer or replacement of a tenement has maintained continuity of tenure since the disturbance was caused or re- disturbed.
- A11
The amount of financial assurance may be reviewed by the administering authority at any time including when a plan of operations is amended or replaced, the authority is amended or new information is obtained from an audit or other sources.
- A12
The financial assurance is to remain in force until the administering authority is satisfied that no claim on the assurance will be required. Risk management
- A13
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement an environmental risk management system for mining activities which conforms to a recognised Standard for Environmental Risk Management by 30 November 2012. Emergency response / contingency
- A14
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement an emergency response/contingency plan to respond to emergency events and incidents by the 7 June, 2012.
- A15
The emergency response/contingency plan required under condition (A14) must include, but not be limited to, the following (a) Response procedures to be implemented to prevent or minimise the risk of environmental harm arising from incidents; (b) Response procedures to minimise the extent and duration of environmental harm caused by an incident; (c) The practices and procedures to be employed to restore the environment or mitigate any environmental harm caused; (d) The resources to be used in response to an incident; (e) Procedures to investigate the cause of any incidents, including releases, and where necessary, implement remedial actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence of similar events; (f) The provision and availability of documented procedures to staff attending any incident to enable them to effectively respond; (g) Training of staff that will be called upon to respond to incidents to enable them to effectively respond; (h) Timely and accurate reporting of the circumstance and nature of incidents to the administering authority in accordance with conditions of this environmental authority; (i) Procedures for accessing monitoring points during incidents; and (j) Procedures to notify any occupiers or registered owners of affected land and other potentially impacted stakeholder who may be affected by the event. Notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions
- A16
The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority by written notification as soon as practicable but within twenty-four (24) hours, after becoming aware of any emergency or incident which results in the release of contaminants not in accordance, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A17
The notification in conditions (A16) must include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) The environmental authority number and name of the holder; (b) The name and telephone number of the designated contact person; (c) The location of the emergency or incident; (d) The date and time of the emergency or incident; (e) The time the holder of the environmental authority became aware of the emergency or incident; (f) Where known: OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 (i) the estimated quantity and type of substances involved in the emergency or incident; (ii) the actual or potential cause of the emergency or incident; (iii) a description of the nature and effects of the emergency or incident including environmental risks, and any risks to public health or livestock; (g) Any sampling conducted or proposed, relevant to the emergency or incident; (h) Immediate actions taken to prevent or mitigate any further environmental harm caused by the emergency or incident; and (i) What notification of stakeholders who may be affected by the emergency or incident has occurred or is being undertaken.
- A18
The holder of this environmental authority must notify the occupiers or registered owners of affected land and any other potentially impacted stakeholder as soon as reasonably practicable after becoming aware of the event of any emergency or incident that has the potential to impact on environmental values or breaches any condition of this environmental authority concerning releases of contaminants to the environment.
- A19
The notification in condition (A18) must include the following: (a) The location of the emergency or incident; (b) The date and time of the emergency or incident; (c) The estimated quantity and type of any substances involved in the emergency or incident; (d) The potential impacts to environmental values caused by the emergency or incident; and (e) Where there is potential impact on livestock or human health, precautionary measures that should be taken.
- A20
Within ten (10) business days following the initial notification of an emergency or incident, or receipt of monitoring results, whichever is the latter, further written advice must be provided to the administering authority, which includes details of: (a) all available results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; (b) outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; (c) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident; and (d) proposed actions to respond to the information about circumstances which result or may result in environmental harm.
- A21
As soon as practicable, but not more than six (6) weeks following the conduct of any environmental monitoring performed in relation to the emergency or incident, which results in the release of contaminants not in accordance with, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority, written advice must be provided to the administering authority detailing the results of any such monitoring performed.
- A22
The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority by telephone, email or facsimile as soon as practicable but within forty-eight (48) hours, after becoming aware of any monitoring result that demonstrates an exceedance of any approval limit and is not known to be associated with any emergency or incident event (as described in condition A16). Complaints
- A23
The holder of this environmental authority must record all environmental complaints received about the mining activities including the following details: (a) Name, address and contact number for of the complainant; (b) Time and date of complaint; (c) Reasons for the complaint; (d) Investigations undertaken; (e) Conclusions formed; (f) Actions taken to resolve the complaint; (g) Any abatement measures implemented; and (h) Person responsible for resolving the complaint.
- A24
The holder of this environmental authority must, when requested by the administering authority, undertake relevant specified monitoring within a timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental harm. The results of the investigation (including an analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results) and abatement measures implemented must be provided to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of completion of the investigation, or no later than ten (10) business days after OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 the end of the timeframe nominated by the administering authority to undertake the investigation. Community
- A25
The holder of this environmental authority must establish, promote and maintain easily accessible lines of communication between residents, stakeholders and land owners reasonably expected to be affected by the activities to ensure that social and cultural heritage impacts are identified and managed. This must include but not be limited to the following: (a) Regular meetings open to all relevant stakeholders at intervals of not less than six (6) months; or (b) The establishment of a consultative committee with representation open to all relevant stakeholders that meets at regular intervals as determined by the committee. Third party auditing
- A26
The holder of this environmental authority must nominate an appropriate third party auditor to audit compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority within one (1) year of the commencement of this authority, and then at regular intervals not exceeding two (2) years.
- A27
The third party auditor must certify the independent findings of the audit in the report.
- A28
The financial costs of the third party audit are the responsibility of the holder.
- A29
The holder must promptly act upon any recommendations arising from the audit by: (a) Investigating any non-compliance issues identified; and (b) Promptly implementing measures or taking necessary action to ensure compliance with the requirements of this environmental authority.
- A30
Within one (1) month of receiving the final audit report and audit document, the holder must provide a written report, which includes a copy of final audit report, to the administering authority addressing the: (a) Actions taken by the holder to ensure compliance with this environmental authority; and (b) Actions taken to prevent a recurrence of any non-compliance issues identified.
- A31
Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard published externally to this authority and the standard is amended or changed subsequent to the issues of this authority the holder must: (a) Comply with the amended or changed standard within 12 months of the amendment of change being made, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard or relevant legislation; and (b) Until compliance with the amended or changed standard is achieved, continue to remain in compliance with the standard that was current immediately prior to the relevant amendment or change. Exploration
- A32
All exploration activities carried out on the mining leases must comply with each of the Standard Environmental Conditions contained in the most recent version of the Eligibility criteria and standard conditions for exploration and mineral development projects. To the extent that any Standard Environmental Condition is inconsistent with a provision of this authority, the provision of this authority will prevail.
- A33
Notwithstanding standard condition A13 of the Eligibility criteria and standard conditions for exploration and mineral development projects, the holder of this environmental authority is authorised to carry out exploration activities up to 5 metres from the boundary of the category B environmentally sensitive areas (ESA), identified as endangered regional ecosystem and 100 metres from the boundary of the category B ESA, identified as the Mount Elliot Metallurgical Plant and Mill (Heritage Place ID 602256), provided that no environmental harm occurs. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE A OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 SCHEDULE B - AIR Point Source releases to air
- B1
The point source release of contaminants to air from carrying out the mining activity must: (a) Only occur from a location specified in Table B1 - Release points (air); and (b) Be undertaken in accordance with the release requirements specified in Table B1 - Release points (air); and (c) Not cause or contribute to an exceedance of a contaminant limit specified in Table B2 - Contaminant limits (air) at any sensitive place.
- B2
Prior to operation of the Gold Room, develop an air quality monitoring program (AQMP) capable of determining compliance with condition B1 of this environmental authority must be developed and documented. The AQMP must comply with the most recent edition of AS4323.1 Stationary source emissions method 1: Selection of sampling positions, and the most recent edition of the administering authority's air quality sampling manual.
- B3
From commencement of operating the Gold Room, implement the AQMP required under condition B2 of this environmental authority. Table B1 - Release points (air) Release Release point Location Source Release requirements description point description Easting Northing Minimum release Minimum exit gas Barring furnace height (metres temperature (-C) above ground) RP3 Barring furnace 449844 7707668 7 50 extraction fan Table B2 - Contaminant limits (air) Period Contaminant limit (-g/m3) Contaminant Ammonia (NH3) 1 hour 3304 Arsenic1 1 year 0.0063 Cadmium1 1 year 0.0053 Carbon Monoxide (CO) 8 hours 11,0003 Chromium (VI) 1 hour 0.094 Copper 1 hour 3.74 Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) 1 hour 2004 Lead2 1 year 0.53 Manganese1 1 year 0.163 NO2 1 hour 2503 PM2.5 1 day 253 SO2 1 day 2303 Note: 1 measured as the total metal content in PM10 2 measured as the total metal content in total suspended particles. 3 Schedule 1 Air quality objectives of the Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008 4 NSW Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2010
- B4
Contaminants must not be released to the atmosphere from any diesel powered generator other than in accordance with the manufacturers' specifications. General
- B5
The release of noxious or offensive odour or any other airborne contaminant resulting from the mining activities must not cause environmental harm.
- B6
The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that vehicles (including trains) used for transporting bulk materials from the mining tenement, leave the site with appropriate load preparation to prevent the spillage and / or loss of particulate matter and / or windblown dust during transport. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013
- B7
The holder of this environmental authority must implement and maintain dust control procedures that incorporate a program for continuous improvement for the management of dust resulting from the mining activities. Dust and Particulate Monitoring
- B8
The environmental authority holder shall ensure that all reasonable and feasible avoidance and mitigation measures are employed so that the dust and particulate matter emissions generated by the mining activities do not cause exceedances of the following levels when measured at any sensitive or commercial place: (a) Dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, when monitored in accordance with the Australian Standard AS3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of particulate matter - Deposited matter - Gravimetric method. (b) A concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometres
- B9
When requested by the administering authority or as a result of a complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer), dust and particulate monitoring must be undertaken, and the results thereof notified to the administering authority within fourteen (14) days following completion of monitoring. Monitoring must be carried out at a place(s) relevant to the potentially affected dust sensitive place.
- B10
If monitoring indicates the limits in condition (B8) have been exceeded, the holder of this environmental authority must promptly implement dust abatement measures so that emissions of dust generated by the mining activities cease to exceed the limits in condition (B8). Background Dust and Particulate Matter Monitoring
- B11
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a background dust deposition monitoring program within 12 months of the commencement of this environmental authority. The program must be able to detect a significant change to dust deposition to sensitive receptors due to activities that are part of the mining activity.
- B12
The program must include, but not limited to, the details as specified in Schedule B- Table B3 (Background Dust and Particulate Matter Monitoring).
- B13
The holder of this environmental authority must report the results and analysis of dust and particulate matter monitoring to the administering authority on request. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 Schedule B - Table B3 (Background Dust and Particulate Matter Monitoring) Air Quality Determination Monitoring Point Location Monitoring Point Description (Easting, Northing - GDA94) 450296.00, 7706659.00 DG1 449671.00, 7709201.00 DG2 Dust Deposition 449162.00, 7709206.00 DG3 (total solids g/(m2 month)) 448589.00, 7709147.00 DG4 448356.00, 7709098.00 DG5 448760.00, 7707917.00 DG6 END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE B OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 SCHEDULE C - WATER Release to Waters
- C1
Contaminants that will, or have the potential to cause environmental harm, must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority. Contaminant Release to Waters
- C2
The release of contaminants to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Schedule C - Table C1 (Contaminant Release Points) and depicted in Schedule I - Figure 2 - Location of Surface Monitoring Points (Water Quality and Flow) and Release Points. Schedule C - Table C1 (Contaminant Release Points) Release Easting Northing Contaminant Source and Location, and Receiving Waters Description Point (GDA94) (GDA94) Description of Release Point Coppermine Creek RP1 449629.00 7707104.00 Discharge from Storm Pond 5 spillway Coppermine Creek RP2 448321.00 770814.00 Paddock Lode / Taipan Pit Spillway
- C3
The release of contaminants to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Schedule C - Table C1(Contaminant Release Points) for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Schedule C - Table C2 (Contaminant Release Limits). Schedule C - Table C2 (Contaminant Release Limits) Contaminant (mg/L unless Release Limits Monitoring Frequency specified otherwise)1 Daily during release (the Electrical conductivity 1500 or 20 x 80th percentile of applicable reference site first sample must be taken (-S/cm) value, whichever is higher5. within 2 hours of commencement of release) pH (pH unit) 6.0 or 20th percentile of applicable reference site value, whichever is higher. Sulphate as SO42- 7.5 or 80th percentile of applicable reference site value, Aluminium whichever is higher. Arsenic (AsV) Cadmium 545 2 or 80th percentile of applicable reference site Chromium (CrVI) concentration5. Cobalt Copper 1.13 or 20 x 80th percentile of applicable reference site Lead concentration, whichever is higher5. Nickel Mercury 0.263 or 20 x 80th percentile of applicable reference site Zinc concentration5, whichever is higher. Cyanide (free) (as un-ionised HCN; measured as (CN)) 0.0043 or 20 x 80th percentile of applicable reference site concentration5, whichever is higher. 0.023 or 20 x 80th percentile of applicable reference site concentration5, whichever is higher. 0.0016 or 20 x 80th percentile of applicable reference site concentration5, whichever is higher. 0.0283 or 20 x 80th percentile of applicable reference site concentration5, whichever is higher. 0.0683 or 20 x 80th percentile of applicable reference site concentration5, whichever is higher. 0.223 or 20 x 80th percentile of applicable reference site concentration5, whichever is higher. 0.0123 or 20 x 80th percentile of applicable reference site concentration5, whichever is higher. 0.163 or 20 x 80th percentile of applicable reference site concentration5, whichever is higher. 0.0143 Cyanide (total) 1.674 Notes for Table C2: OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 1. All metals and metalloids must be measured and reported as both total (unfiltered) and dissolved (field filtered) levels; 2. For the protection of 95% of species (slightly to moderately disturbed aquatic ecosystem). Source: Australasian Bulletin of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Chemistry (2016), Table 3 <https://australasia.setac.org/wp-content/uploads/ABEEC-v3-p1.pdf> 3. Twenty (20) times contaminant level based on ANZECC (2000), Table 3.4.1, 95% aquatic species protection level for slightly to moderately disturbed ecosystem. 5. Reference site concentration determined from reference site specified in Table C8 at time of release. 6. Twenty (20) times contaminant level based on ANZECC (2000), section 8.3.7.1 low reliability metals and metalloids.
- C4
The release of contaminants to waters must not exceed the release limits stated in Schedule C - Table C2 (Contaminant Release Limits) for each quality characteristic. Stream Flow Monitoring
- C5
Before the 1 November 2012, the holder of this environmental authority must install, operate and maintain a stream flow gauging station to determine and record stream flows at the locations upstream of each release point as specified in Schedule C - Table C3 (Contaminant Release During Flow Events) for any receiving water into which a release occurs.
- C6
Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, the release of contaminants to waters must only take place during periods of natural flow events specified as minimum flow in Schedule C - Table C3 (Contaminant Release During Flow Events) for the contaminant release point(s) specified in Schedule C - Table C1 (Contaminant Release Points). Schedule C - Table C3 (Contaminant Release during Flow Events) Receiving Release point Gauging Easting Northing Minimum Flow in Flow water station (GDA94) (GDA94) Receiving Water recording description Frequency description Required for a Release Event Coppermine Discharge from Spillway Gauging 449583.00 7706956.00 The release Continuous Creek of Stormwater Pond 5 station 1 comprising less (minimum than 5% of the Coppermine Discharge from Spillway daily) Creek of Paddock Lode Pit natural flow.1 Notes for Table C3: 1. The volume of flow can be determined by height of water or flow. The actual flow must be a quantifiable measure.
- C7
At the time of release the water flow volume in the respective receiving water must be at least twenty (20) times the volume at which respective treated waste waters are released.
- C8
The daily quantity of contaminants released from each release point must be measured and recorded at the monitoring points in Schedule C - Table C1 (Contaminant Release Points).
- C9
Releases to waters must be undertaken so as not to cause erosion of the bed and banks of the receiving waters, or cause a material build-up of sediment in such waters. Notification of Release Event
- C10
The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable of a release event (no later than twenty four (24)) hours of having commenced releasing mine affected water to the receiving environment). Notification must include the submission of written verification to the administering authority of the following information: (a) release commencement date/time; (b) expected release cessation date/time; (c) release point/s; (d) release volume (estimated); (e) receiving water/s including the natural flow rate; and (f) any details (including available data) regarding likely impacts on the receiving water(s).
- C11
The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable, (nominally within twenty-four (24) hours after cessation of a release) of the cessation of a release notified under condition (C10) and within 28 days provide the following information in writing: (a) release cessation date/time; (b) natural flow volume in receiving water; OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 (c) volume of water released; (d) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Agency Interest: Water of this environmental authority (i.e. contamination limits, natural flow, discharge volume); (e) all in-situ water quality monitoring results; and (f) any other matters pertinent to the water release event. Onsite Water Storages
- C12
Water storages stated in Schedule C - Table C5 (Water Storage Monitoring) must be monitored for the water quality characteristics specified in Schedule C - Table C6 (Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits) at the monitoring locations and at the monitoring frequency specified in Schedule C - Table C5 (Water Storage Monitoring). Schedule C - Table C5 (Water Storage Monitoring) Water Storage Description Easting Northing Monitoring Frequency
- C13
Water stored in the Great Australia Mine Pit must not exceed a level of 167.3 mAHD.
- C14
In the event that waters storages defined in Schedule C - Table C5 (Water Storage Monitoring) exceed the contaminant limits defined in Schedule C - Table C6 (Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits), the holder of the environmental authority must implement measures, where practicable, to prevent access to waters by livestock. Schedule C - Table C6 (Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits) Quality Characteristic Test Value Contaminant Limit2 pH (pH units) Range 6 - 91 EC (S/cm) Maximum 10001 Sulphate (mg/L) Maximum 10001 Aluminium (mg/L) Maximum 51 Arsenic (mg/L) Maximum 0.51 Cadmium (mg/L) Maximum 0.011 Chromium (mg/L) Maximum 11 Cobalt (mg/L) Maximum 11 Copper (mg/L) Maximum 11 Lead (mg/L) Maximum 0.11 Nickel (mg/L Maximum 11 Zinc (mg/L) Maximum 201 Magnesium (mg/L) Maximum 20001 Mercury Maximum 0.0021 Cyanide (total) Maximum 0.083 Notes for Table C6: 1Contaminant limit based on ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) stock water quality guidelines. 2For metals or metalloids Total measurements (unfiltered) must be taken and analysed. Receiving Environment Monitoring and Contaminant Levels
- C15
The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Schedule C - Table C8 (Receiving Water Reference Sites and Down Stream Monitoring Points) for each quality characteristic and at the frequency stated in Schedule C - Table C7 (Receiving waters quality objectives). OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 Schedule C - Table C7 (Receiving waters quality objectives) Contaminant (mg/L unless specified Water quality objectives5 (total) Water quality objectives5 Monitoring Frequency otherwise)1 (dissolved) Electrical conductivity 5002 (S/cm) pH (pH units) 6 - 7.56 Sulphate as SO42- 5457 0.0554 Each flow event within Aluminium 0.13 0.0134 24 hours of a release Arsenic (AsV) 0.013 0.00024 0.0023 0.0014 Weekly during natural Cadmium 0.053 0.00005 8 flow event Chromium (CrVI) monitoring purposes only 0.00144 Cobalt 23 0.00344 Copper 0.013 0.00064 Lead 0.0013 0.0114 0.023 0.0084 Mercury monitoring purposes only Nickel 0.0074 Zinc1 Cyanide (Free) (as un- 0.083 ionised HCN, 0.74 measured as [CN]) Cyanide (Total) Nitrate (Total N) Notes for Table C7: 1. All metals and metalloids must be measured as both `total' (from analysis of an unfiltered sample) and `dissolved' (from analysis of a field filtered sample) 2. Based off Queensland Water Quality Guideline (2013), electrical conductivity 75th percentile in the Gulf -Appendix G, Table G.1 4. Based off ANZECC (2000) value for 95% species protection, Table 3.4.1, measured as `dissolved' metals 5. Where a water quality objective is exceeded at a compliance site and the applicable reference site also exceeds this concentration during the release/flow event, the value of the reference site applies as the water quality objective for the duration of the release/flow event. 6. Based off ANZECC (2000) Table 3.3.5 7. For the protection of 95% of species (slightly to moderately disturbed aquatic ecosystem). Source: Australasian Bulletin of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Chemistry (2016), Table 3 <https://australasia.setac.org/wp- content/uploads/ABEEC-v3-p1.pdf> 8. Based off ANZECC (2000) low reliability metals and metalloids, Section 8.3.7.1 Schedule C - Table C8 (Receiving Water Reference Sites and Down Stream Monitoring Points) Monitoring Points Receiving Waters Location Easting Northing Description (GDA94 Zone 54) (GDA94 Zone 54) Upstream Monitoring Points Upstream of the boundary of and GAM Site 1 directly down slope from the southern 449689.00 7706395.00 limit of the heap leach pad. Great Australia Mine - additional upstream site (GAM Upstream of Coppermine Creek 450130.00 7708749.00 4) Downstream Monitoring Points At the point where Coppermine Creek Great Australia Mine Site 2 enters ML90065, downstream from 448540.00 7708033.00 the process area The northern boundary of the mining Great Australia Mine Site 3 lease where Coppermine Creek exits 448721.00 7709273.00 ML90065 Orphan Shear Downstream 449775.00 7708777.00 Notes for Table C8: Reference sites must: OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 (a) be from the same bio-geographic and climatic region; (b) have similar geology, soil types and topography; (c) contain a range of habitats similar to those at the test sites; (d) have a similar flow regime; and (e) not be so close to the test sites that any disturbance at the test site also results in a change at the reference site.
- C16
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the water quality objectives specified in Schedule C - Table C7 (Receiving Waters Quality Objectives) the holder of this environmental authority must compare the downstream results to the reference site results in the receiving waters and: (a) where the downstream result in the same or a lower value than the reference site value for the quality characteristic during the same sampling event then no action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream results exceed the reference site complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 methodology, into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority in the next annual return, outlining: (i) details of the investigations carried out; and (ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a water quality objective has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with (C16) (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- C17
Release of contaminants must not result in an exceedance of contaminant limits stated in Schedule C - Table C7 (Receiving waters quality objectives). Stream Sediment
- C18
Sediment quality of receiving waters must be monitored twice a year (once at the end of the wet season and once at the end of the dry season) at the monitoring locations defined in Schedule C - Table C8 (Receiving Water Reference Sites and Down Stream Monitoring Points) and identified on Schedule I - Figure 2 and for the parameters defined in Schedule C - Table C9 (Stream Sediment Trigger and Contaminant Levels).
- C19
If quality characteristics of sediments exceed any of the stream sediment trigger levels specified in Schedule C - Table C9 (Stream Sediment Trigger and Contaminant Levels), the holder of this environmental authority must compare the results of the downstream monitoring point to the results from the upstream monitoring points and: (a) if the level of contaminants at the downstream monitoring point does not exceed the upstream monitoring point data, then no action is to be taken; or (b) if the level of contaminants at the downstream monitoring point is greater than the upstream monitoring point data, complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 methodology, into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within three (3) months, outlining: (i) details of the investigations carried out; and (ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with C19(b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the three month investigation period.
- C20
Releases of contaminants must not result in an exceedance of sediment contaminant limits stated in Schedule C - Table C9 (Stream Sediment Trigger and Contaminant Levels).
- C21
All stream sediment sampling must be undertaken in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS 5667.12 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments of 1998. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 Schedule C - Table C9 (Stream Sediment Trigger and Contaminant Levels) Parameter Unit Contaminant Limit Trigger Level Arsenic mg/kg 703 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1 or 202, whichever is whichever is higher higher. Cadmium mg/kg 103 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1 or 1.53, whichever is whichever is higher higher. Chromium mg/kg 3703 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1 or 802, whichever is whichever is higher higher. Copper mg/kg 2703 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference1or 652, whichever is higher. whichever is higher Lead mg/kg 2203 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1 or 502 whichever is whichever is higher higher. Mercury mg/kg 13 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1 or 0.152 whichever is whichever is higher higher. Zinc mg/kg 4103 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1 or 2002 or, whichever is whichever is higher higher. Particle size distribution For interpretation purposes only Notes for Table C9 1 Reference sites are defined in Table C8. 2 ANZECC (2000) Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines - low values based on total sediments. 3 ANZECC (2000) Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines - high values based on total sediments. Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP)
- C22
A REMP must be developed and implemented by 7 June 2012 to monitor and record the effects of the release of contaminants on the receiving environment periodically and whilst contaminants are being discharged from the site, with the aims of identifying and describing the extent of any adverse impacts to local environmental values, and monitoring any changes in the receiving water. A copy of the REMP must be provided to the administering authority prior to its implementation and due consideration given to any comments made on the REMP by the administering authority. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of the Coppermine Creek and connected waterways within 10 km downstream of the release or further if an impact is detected beyond 10 km.
- C23
The REMP must address (but not necessarily be limited to) the following: (a) Description of potentially affected receiving waters including key communities and background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration any temporal variation (e.g., seasonality); (b) Description of applicable environmental values and water quality objectives to be achieved (i.e., as scheduled pursuant to the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009); (c) Any relevant reports prepared by other governmental or professional research organisations that relate to the receiving environment within which the REMP is proposed; (d) Water quality targets within the receiving environment to be achieved, and clarification of contaminant concentrations or level indicating adverse environmental impacts during the REMP; (e) Monitoring for any potential adverse environmental impacts caused by the release; (f) Monitoring of stream flow and hydrology; (g) Monitoring of toxicants should consider the indicators specified in Schedule C - Table C2 (Contaminant Release Limits) to assess the extent of the compliance of concentrations with water quality objectives and/or the ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 guidelines for slightly to moderately disturbed ecosystems; (h) Monitoring as a minimum the parameters specified in Schedule C - Table C2 (Contaminant Release Limits) (in addition to dissolved oxygen saturation and temperature); (i) Monitoring biological indicators (for macroinvertebrates in accordance with the AusRivas methodology / the latest edition of the Administering Authority's monitoring and sampling manual) and metals/metalloids in sediments (in accordance with ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000, BATLEY and/or the most recent version of AS5667.1 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments) for permanent, semi- permanent water holes and water storages; (j) The location of monitoring points (including the locations specified in Schedule C - Table C8 (Receiving Water Reference Sites and Down Stream Monitoring Points) which are reference and downstream impacted sites for each release point; (k) The frequency or scheduling or sampling and analysis sufficient to determine water quality objectives OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 and to derive site specific reference values within 2 years (depending on wet season flows) in accordance with the latest edition of the Administering Authority's Queensland Water Quality Guidelines. For ephemeral streams, this should include periods of flow irrespective of mine or other discharges; (l) Specify sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; (m) Any historical datasets to be relied upon; (n) Description of the statistical basis on which conclusions are drawn; and (o) Any spatial and temporal controls to exclude potential confounding factors.
- C24
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations in accordance with condition (C23) must be prepared and submitted in writing to the administering authority by 31 January 2013 and thereafter every 12 months. This should include an assessment of background water quality, any assimilative capacity for those contaminants monitored and the suitability of current discharge limits to protect downstream environment values. Water General
- C25
All determinations of water quality must be: (a) Performed by a person or body possessing appropriate experience and qualifications to perform the required measurements; (b) Made in accordance with methods prescribed in the latest edition of the latest edition of the Administering Authority's monitoring and sampling manual; (c) Collected from the monitoring locations identified within this environmental authority, within 24 hours of each other where possible; (d) Carried out on representative samples; and (e) For laboratory determinations, carried out in a laboratory accredited (e.g., NATA) for the method of analysis being used.
- C26
The release of contaminants directly or indirectly to waters must not: (a) Produce any visible discolouration of receiving waters; or (b) Produce any slick or other visible or odorous evidence of oil, grease or petrochemicals nor contain visible floating oil, grease, scum, litter or other objectionable matter. Annual Water Monitoring Reporting
- C27
The following information must be recorded in relation to all water monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority in the specified format with each annual return: (a) The date on which the sample was taken; (b) The time at which the sample was taken; (c) The monitoring point at which the sample was taken; (d) The measured or estimated daily quantity of the contaminants released from all release points; (e) The release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; (f) The results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances with the conditions of this environmental authority; and (g) Water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format upon request. Water Management Plan
- C28
A Water Management Plan must be developed and implemented by 7 June 2012 that provides for the proper and effective management of the actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from the mining activity and to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- C29
The Water Management Plan must be developed in accordance with the most recent edition of the administering authority's Guideline for Preparing a Water Management Plan 2009 and must include at least the following components: (a) Contaminant Source Study; (b) Site Water Balance and Model; (c) Water Management System; (d) Saline Drainage Prevention and Management Measures; OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 (e) Acid Rock Drainage Prevention and Management Measures (if applicable); (f) Emergency and Contingency Planning; and (g) Monitoring and Review.
- C30
Each year the holder of the environmental authority must undertake a review of the Water Management Plan prior to the wet season (i.e. by 1 November) and a further review following the wet season (i.e. by 1 May the following year) to ensure that proper and effective measures, practices or procedures are in place so that the mine is operated in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority and that environmental harm is prevented or minimised.
- C31
A copy of the Water Management Plan and/or a review of the Water Management Plan must be provided to the administering authority on request. Saline, acid and metalliferous drainage
- C32
The holder of this environmental authority must ensure proper and effective measures are taken to avoid or otherwise minimise the generation and/or release of saline, acid and/or metalliferous mine drainage. Stormwater and Water Sediment Controls
- C33
An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed before 7 June 2012 by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site to minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and contamination of storm water.
- C34
The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be included in the Plan of Operations, and provides for at least the following stormwater management functions: (a) Prevent or minimise the contamination of stormwater; (b) Diverting uncontaminated stormwater run-off around areas disturbed by mining activities or where contaminants or wastes are stored or handled; (c) Contaminated stormwater runoff, incident rainfall and leachate is collected; and treated, reused, or released in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (d) Roofing or minimising the size of areas where contaminants or wastes are stored or handled; (e) Using alternate materials and or processes (such as dry absorbents) to clean up spills that will minimise the generation of contaminated waters; (f) Erosion and sediment control structures are placed to minimise erosion of disturbed areas and prevent the contamination of any waters; (g) Procedures to ensure that erosion and sediment control structures are maintained and adequate storage is available in sediment dams in accordance with design criteria; and (h) Training of staff that will be responsible for maintenance and operations of sediment and erosion control structures.
- C35
Erosion protection measures and sediment control measures must be implemented and maintained to minimise erosion and the release of sediment and contamination of storm water.
- C36
The maintenance and cleaning of any vehicles, plant or equipment must not be carried out in areas from which contaminants can be released into any receiving waters.
- C37
Any spillage of wastes, contaminants or other materials must be cleaned up as quickly as practicable to minimise the release of wastes, contaminants or materials to any stormwater drainage system or receiving waters. Groundwater
- C38
Groundwater quality and level must be monitored at the locations and frequencies defined in Schedule C - Table C10 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) & Schedule I - Figure 3 for quality characteristics identified in Schedule C - Table C11 (Groundwater Contaminant and Trigger Limits).
- C39
If quality characteristics of groundwater from compliance bores identified in Schedule C - Table C10 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) exceed any of the trigger levels stated in Schedule C - Table C11 (Groundwater Contaminant and Trigger Limits), the holder of this environmental authority must compare the compliance monitoring bore results to the reference bore results and: (a) if the level of contaminants at the compliance monitoring bore does not exceed the reference bore OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 results, then no action is to be taken; and (b) if the level of contaminants at the compliance monitoring bore is greater than the reference bore results, complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000, into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within 3 months, outlining: i. details of the investigations carried out; and ii. actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with C39 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the three month investigation period.
- C40
Monitoring of groundwater from compliance bores identified in Schedule C - Table C10 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency), must not exceed any of the contaminant limits defined in Schedule C - Table C11 (Groundwater Contaminant and Trigger Limits).
- C41
Groundwater monitoring bores must be constructed and operated in accordance with methods prescribed in the latest edition of the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand manual titled Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia.
- C42
Annual groundwater monitoring reports analysing groundwater chemistry and hydro-geological status of all groundwater bores and groundwater conditions must be prepared and submitted to the administering authority with each annual return. Schedule C - Table C10 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) Monitoring Point Easting Northing Surface RL1 (m) Monitoring Frequency
- C43
The holder must install and maintain a leak detection system to detect any leakage from the heap leach pads.
- C44
The monitoring locations and frequencies of the leak detection systems for the heap leach pads are defined in Schedule C - Table C12 (Leak Detection Devices). Schedule C - Table C12 (Leak Detection Devices) Monitoring point Easting Northing Monitoring frequency (GDA 94 Zone 54) (GDA 94 Zone 54) Monthly Leak Detection Bore 1 449862.00 7707306.00 Leak Detection Bore 2 449964.00 7707238.00 Leak Detection Bore 3 450021.00 7707209.00 Leak Detection Bore 4 450074.00 7707183.00 Leak Detection Bore 5 450129.00 7707154.00 Leak Detection Bore 6 450184.00 7707125.00 Leak Detection Bore 7 450239.00 7707096.00 449880.00 7707314.00 HLP Cell Bore 1 449927.00 7707291.00 HLP Cell Bore 2 449965.00 7707272.00 HLP Cell Bore 3 450007.00 7707250.00 HLP Cell Bore 4 450047.00 7707232.00 HLP Cell Bore 5 7707210.00 7707317.00 HLP Cell Bore 6 450087.00 7707305.00 7707272.00 Interception Bore 1 449847.00 7707254.00 7707232.00 Interception Bore 2 449870.00 7707212.00 Interception Bore 3 449916.00 7707244.00 7707257.00 Interception Bore 4 449956.00 7707684.00 7707051.00 Interception Bore 5 449998.00 7707130.00 7707083.00 Interception Bore 6 450038.00 7707223.00 PLS Pond East LD 449785.00 7707335.00 PLS Pond West LD 449756.00 Raffinate Pond LD 450189.00 Storm Pond 5 - LD 1 449736.00 Storm Pond 5 - LD 2 449609.00 Storm Pond 5 - LD 3 449684.00 Storm Pond 5 - LD 4 449744.00 Storm Pond 6 - LD 6 449554.00
- C45
Seepage must not exceed the groundwater contaminant limits defined under Schedule C - Table C11.
- C46
Contaminants must not be released outside the lined area of the heap leach pads. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE C OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 SCHEDULE D - REGULATED DAMS Assessment of consequence category
- D1
The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635) at the following times: (a) prior to the design and construction of the structure, if it is not an existing structure; or (b) if it is an existing structure, prior to the adoption of this schedule; or (c) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- D2
A consequence assessment report and certification must be prepared for each structure assessed and the report may include a consequence assessment for more than one structure.
- D3
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who undertook the assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635). Design and construction41 of a regulated structure
- D4
Conditions (D5) to (D9) inclusive do not apply to existing structures.
- D5
All regulated structures must be designed by, and constructed5 under the supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635).
- D6
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless the holder has submitted a consequence category assessment report and certification to the administering authority has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person for the design and design plan and the associated operating procedures in compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- D7
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635), and must be recorded in the Regulated Dams/Levees register.
- D8
Regulated structures must: (a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635); (b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of: (i) floodwaters from entering the regulated dam from any watercourse or drainage line; and (ii) wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line. (iii) floodwaters causing erosion of the TSF embankment. (c) have the floor and sides of the dam designed and constructed to prevent or minimise the passage of the wetting front and any entrained contaminants through either the floor or sides of the dam during the operational life of the dam and for any period of decommissioning and rehabilitation of the dam.
- D9
Certification by the suitably qualified and experienced person who supervises the construction must be submitted to the administering authority on the completion of construction of the regulated structure, and state that: (a) the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for that regulated structure; (b) construction of the regulated structure is in accordance with the design plan.
- D10
The following regulated dams must meet the hydraulic performance criteria specified in Schedule D - Table D1 (Hydraulic Performance of Regulated Dams). 4 Construction of a dam includes modification of an existing dam--refer to the definitions. 5 Certification of design and construction may be undertaken by different persons. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 Schedule D - Table D1 (Hydraulic Performance of Regulated Dams) Name of Regulated Spillway Capacity or Design Storage Allowance (DSA) Mandatory Reporting Level dam (Dams other than levees) Diversion Capacity (Levees) (Dams other than levees) AEP AEP AEP Raffinate Pond 1:10,000 AEP 1:100 AEP, 2 month wet season plus process input Initial Tailing Dam 1:10,000 AEP 1:100 AEP, 2 month wet season plus process input Storm Water Pond 4 1:10,000 AEP 1:20 AEP, 2 month wet season plus process input PLS Pond 1 (East) 1:10,000 AEP PLS Pond 2 (West) 1:10,000 AEP 1:100 AEP, 2 month wet season 1:100 AEP 72 hour volume or Storm Water Pond 1 1:10,000 AEP plus process input 1 in 100 AEP wave allowance Storm Water Pond 2 1:10,000 AEP Storm Water Pond 3 1:10,000 AEP Storm Water Pond 5 1:1,000 AEP Storm Water Pond 6 1:1,000 AEP 1:100 AEP, 2 month wet season 1:10,000 AEP plus process input Tailings Storage Facility 1:1,000 AEP (TSF1 and TSF2) 1:100 AEP, 2 month wet season plus process input Concentrator Process Water Dam Operation of a regulated structure
- D11
Operation of a regulated structure, except for an existing structure, is prohibited unless: (a) the holder has submitted to the administering authority: (i) one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with condition (D8), and (ii) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications, and (iii) certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition (D9), and (iv) where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, a copy of the certified system design plan. (v) the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; (vi) the holder has entered the details required under this authority, into a Register of Regulated Dams; and (vii) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structures.
- D12
For existing structures that are regulated structures: (a) where the existing structure that is a regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, the holder must submit to the administering authority within 12 months of the commencement of this condition a copy of the certified system design plan including that structure; and (b) There must be a current operational plan for the existing structures.
- D13
Each regulated structure must be maintained and operated, for the duration of its operational life until decommissioned and rehabilitated, in a manner that is consistent with the current operational plan and, if applicable, the current design plan and associated certified `as constructed' drawings.
- D14
The following regulated dams must be wholly located within the control points defined in Schedule D - Table D2 (Location of Regulated Dams) below. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 Schedule D - Table D2 (Location of Regulated Dams) Name of dam containing Latitude (GDA94)(1) Longitude (GDA94)(1) hazardous waste 449809.00 7707287.00 Pregnant Leachate Solution Pond 1 449844.00 7707268.00 449771.00 7707238.00 449846.00 7707272.00 Pregnant Leachate Solution Pond 2 449771.00 7707238.00 449719.00 7707268.00 449809.00 7707287.00 Raffinate Pond 450053.00 7707724.00 450238.00 7707706.00 450180.00 7707655.00 Initial Tailings Dam 450170.00 7707627.00 450215.00 7707631.00 450172.00 7707675.00 Storm Water Pond 1 449653.00 7707286.00 449607.00 7707142.00 449508.00 7707203.00 Storm Water Pond 2 449571.00 7707326.00 449713.00 7707370.00 449751.00 7707422.00 Storm Water Pond 3 449809.00 7707287.00 449779.00 7707428.00 449739.00 7707330.00 Storm Water Pond 4 449883.00 7707459.00 449849.00 7707459.00 449676.00 7707256.00 Storm Water Pond 5 449832.00 7707185.00 449769.00 7707038.00 451342.00 7707122.00 449623.00 7707477.00 Storm Water Pond 6 449748.00 7707425.00 449676.00 7707280.00 449560.00 7707335.00 448921.00 7707997.00 449270.00 7708346.00 Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) 1 449587.00 7708346.00 and TSF 2 449718.00 7708244.00 449541.00 7707806.00 449276.00 7707809.00 449018.00 7707915.00 449888.00 7707481.00 Concentrator Process Water Dam 449915.00 7707534.00 449887.00 7707546.00 449857.00 7707502.00 Note (1`): A minimum of 3 control points is required to constrain the location of all activities associated with the dam containing hazardous waste. Additional infrastructure which forms part of any dam containing hazardous waste may include appurtenant works consisting of tailings discharge pipelines, seepage collection systems, runoff diversion bunds, containment systems, pressure relief wells, decant and recycle water systems. Schedule D - Table D3 (Basic Details of Regulated Dams) Name of Regulated Hazard Maximum Maximum Maximum Use of dam dam Category surface depth of dam Storage of Pregnant Leach Solution volume of area of dam dam (m3) (m) (ha) PLS Pond 1 High 0.25 6,000 5 PLS Pond 2 High 0.25 6,000 5 Storage of Pregnant Leach Solution 3,000 Raffinate Pond High 0.16 2,000 3 Storage of Raffinate Solution 54,700 Initial Tailing Dam High 0.07 3 Storage of tailings from process trials Storm Water Pond 1 High 2.1 5 Storage of stormwater from runoff from processing area OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 Storm Water Pond 2 High 0.86 17,800 3 Storage of stormwater from runoff from 0.73 15,815 processing area 0.30 3,950 Storm Water Pond 3 High 2.41 115,000 6 Storage of stormwater from runoff from 1.8 46,500 processing area 18.38 2.7 million Storm Water Pond 4 Significant 3 Storage of stormwater from runoff from processing area Storm Water Pond 5 High 5 Storage of stormwater from runoff from processing area Storm Water Pond 6 High 6 Storage of stormwater from runoff from processing area TSF 1 High 22 Permanent containment of tailings TSF 2 High 11.62 726,400 18.5 Permanent containment of tailings Concentrator Significant 0.8 25700 3.3 Storage of process water for the Process Water Dam concentrator Mandatory reporting level
- D15
Conditions (D16) to (D19) inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- D16
The Mandatory Reporting Level (the MRL) must be marked on a regulated dam in such a way that during routine inspections of that dam, it is clearly observable.
- D17
The holder must, as soon as practical and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware, notify the administering authority when the level of the contents of a regulated dam reaches the MRL.
- D18
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam.
- D19
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures. Design storage allowance
- D20
The holder must assess the performance of each regulated dam or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated dam or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year.
- D21
By 1 November of each year, storage capacity must be available in each regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems with a shared DSA volume), to meet the Design Storage Allowance (DSA) volume for the dam (or network of linked containment systems).
- D22
The holder must, as soon as possible and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware that the regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, notify the administering authority.
- D23
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that a regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam or linked containment systems. Annual inspection report
- D24
Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- D25
At each annual inspection, the condition and adequacy of all components of the regulated structure must be assessed and a suitably qualified and experienced person must prepare an annual inspection report containing details of the assessment and include recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the regulated structure.
- D26
The suitably qualified and experienced person who prepared the annual inspection report must certify the report in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635). OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013
- D27
The holder must: (a) Within 20 business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: (i) The recommendations section of the annual inspection report; and (ii) If applicable, any actions being taken in response to those recommendations; and (b) If, following receipt of the recommendations and (if applicable) actions, the administering authority requests a full copy of the annual inspection report from the holder, provide this to the administering authority within 10 business days62 of receipt of the request. Transfer arrangements
- D28
The holder must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared under this authority, including but not limited to any Register of Regulated Structures, consequence assessment, design plan and other supporting documentation, to a new holder on transfer of this authority. Decommissioning and rehabilitation
- D29
Dams must not be abandoned but be either: (a) decommissioned and rehabilitated to achieve compliance with condition (D30); or (b) be left in-situ for a beneficial use(s) provided that: (i) it no longer contains contaminants that will migrate into the environment; and (ii) it contains water of a quality that is demonstrated to be suitable for its intended beneficial use(s); and (iii) the administering authority, the holder of the environmental authority and the landholder agree in writing that the dam will be used by the landholder following the cessation of the environmentally relevant activity(ies).
- D30
After decommissioning, all significantly disturbed land caused by the carrying out of the environmentally relevant activity(ies) must be rehabilitated to meet the following final acceptance criteria: (a) the landform is safe for humans and fauna; (b) the landform is stable with no subsidence or erosion gullies for at least three (3) years; (c) any contaminated land (e.g., contaminated soils) is remediated and rehabilitated; (d) not allowing for acid mine drainage; or (e) there is no ongoing contamination to waters (including groundwater); (f) rehabilitation is undertaken in a manner such that any actual or potential acid sulfate soils on the area of significant disturbance are treated to prevent or minimise environmental harm in accordance with the Instructions for the treatment and management of acid sulfate soils (2001); (g) all significantly disturbed land is reinstated to the pre-disturbed soil suitability class; (h) for land that is not being cultivated by the landholder: a. groundcover, that is not a declared pest species is established and self-sustaining b. vegetation of similar species richness and species diversity to pre-selected analogue sites is established and self-sustaining, and c. the maintenance requirements for rehabilitated land is no greater than that required for the land prior to its disturbance caused by carrying out the petroleum activity(ies). d. for land that is to be cultivated by the landholder, cover crop is revegetated, unless the landholder will be preparing the site for cropping within 3 months of petroleum activities being completed. Register of Regulated Dams
- D31
A Register of Regulated Dams must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated dam.
- D32
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Dams when a design plan for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority.
- D33
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Dams once compliance with condition (D11) and (D12) has been achieved.
- D34
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Dams is current and 6 Please note that for some model conditions, such as model conditions for dams associated with a resource activity - non mining activity, the notification requirements may be located in a separate part of the conditions of an environmental authority (e.g., under notification requirement conditions). OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 complete on any given day.
- D35
All entries in the Register of Regulated Dams must be approved by the chief executive officer for the holder of this authority, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct.
- D36
The holder must, at the same time as providing the annual return, supply to the administering authority a copy of the records contained in the Register of Regulated Dams, in the electronic format required by the administering authority. Transitional arrangements
- D37
All existing structures that have not been assessed in accordance with either the Manual or the former Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams must be assessed and certified in accordance with the Manual within 6 months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule.
- D38
All existing structures must subsequently comply with the timetable for any further assessments in accordance with the Manual specified in Table D4 (Transitional hydraulic performance requirements for existing structures), depending on the consequence category for each existing structure assessed in the most recent previous certification for that structure.
- D39
Table D4 ceases to apply for a structure once any of the following events has occurred: (a) It has been brought into compliance with the hydraulic performance criteria applicable to the structure under the Manual; or (b) It has been decommissioned; or (c) It has been certified as no longer being assessed as a regulated structure.
- D40
Certification of the transitional assessment required by (D37) and (D38) (as applicable) must be provided to the administering authority within 6 months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule. Schedule D - Table D4 (Transitional hydraulic performance requirements for existing structures) Transition period required for existing structures to achieve the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams Compliance with criteria High Significant Low >90% and a history of No transition required No transition required No transitional conditions good compliance apply. Review consequence performance in last 5 years Within 7 years, unless Within 10 years, unless assessment every 7 years. >70%-90% otherwise agreed with the otherwise agreed with the No transitional conditions administering authority, administering authority, apply. Review consequence 50-70% based on no history of based on no history of assessment every 7 years. unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. 50% Within 5 years unless Within 7 years unless Review consequence otherwise agreed with the otherwise agreed with the assessment every 7 years. administering authority, administering authority, based on no history of based on no history of Review consequence unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. assessment every 5 years. Within 5 years or as per Within 5 years or as per compliance requirements compliance requirements (e.g., TEP timing). (e.g., TEP timing). END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE D OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 SCHEDULE E - WASTE Waste Management Program
- E1
The holder must develop, implement and maintain a waste management program in accordance with Part 5 of the Environmental Management (Waste Management) Policy 2000 for the site. The waste management program must include: (a) a description of the mining activities that may generate waste; (b) waste management control strategies including: i. the types and amounts of wastes generated by the mining activities; ii. segregation of the wastes; iii. storage of the wastes; iv. transport of the wastes; v. monitoring and reporting matters concerning the waste; (c) the hazardous characteristics of the wastes generated including disposal procedures for hazardous wastes; (d) a program for reusing, recycling or disposing of all wastes; (e) how the waste will be dealt with in accordance with the waste management hierarchy, including a description of the types and amounts of waste that will be dealt with under each of the waste management practices in the waste management hierarchy (i.e., avoidance, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, disposal); (f) procedures for identifying and implementing opportunities to minimise the amount of waste generated, promote efficiency in the use of resources and improve the waste management practices employed; (g) procedures for dealing with accidents, spills and other incidents; (h) details of any accredited management system employed, or planned to be employed, to deal with waste; (i) how often the performance of the waste management program will be assessed; (j) the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the waste management program will be assessed; and (k) staff training and induction to the waste management program. Waste Disposal
- E2
All general and regulated waste (other than authorised under condition (E3) must be removed from the site to a facility that is lawfully able to accept the waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- E3
The only waste that can be disposed of on site is waste that is generated on site. Waste generated on site is limited to: (a) Waste rock; (b) Scats; (c) Rejects; (d) Tailings; (e) Tyres; (f) Spent heap leach material; and (g) General waste including construction and demolition waste, green waste and putrescible and domestic wastes. Regulated waste
- E4
Regulated waste, other than that authorised to be disposed of onsite under this authority, must only be removed and transported from the site by a person who holds a current authority to transport such wastes to a facility that is lawfully able to accept the waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- E5
Regulated waste generated in the mining activity can be temporarily stored on site awaiting removal provided it is stored to ensure there is minimal risk of causing fire or contamination to land or waters.
- E6
Each container of regulated waste stored awaiting movement off-site must be clearly marked to identify the contents.
- E7
Except as otherwise provided by the conditions of this authority, all waste removed from the site must be taken to a facility that is lawfully allowed to accept such waste under the provisions of the Environmental Protection OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 Act 1994.
- E8
Where regulated waste is removed from the site (other than by a release as permitted under another schedule of this environmental authority), records must be kept of the following: (a) the date, quantity and type of waste removed, and (b) name of the waste transporter that removed the waste; and (c) the intended treatment/disposal destination of the waste. Note: Records of documents maintained in compliance with a waste tracking system established under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or any other law for regulated waste will be deemed to satisfy this condition. Tyre storage and disposal
- E9
Tyres stored awaiting disposal or transport for take-back and recycling or waste-to-energy options - must be stockpiled in volumes less than 3m in height and 200m2 and at least 10m from any other tyre storage area.
- E10
Fire Prevention measures must be implemented including the removal of all combustible materials, including grass and vegetation, within a 10m radius of any tyre storage area.
- E11
Waste tyres generated from mining activities may be disposed of in waste rock emplacements provided tyres are placed as deep in the waste rock as reasonably practical.
- E12
Scrap tyres resulting from the mining activities disposed within the operational land must not impede saturated aquifers or compromise the stability of the consolidated landform. Tailings disposal
- E13
Tailings must be managed in accordance with procedures contained within the current Environmental Management Plan. These procedures must include provisions for: (a) Containment of tailings in accordance with approved design plan (b) The management of seepage and leachates both during operation and post closure; (c) The control of fugitive emissions to air; (d) A program of progressive sampling and characterisation to identify acid producing potential and metal concentrations of tailings: (i) all tailings material must be progressively characterised during disposal for net acid producing potential (NAPP) and the following contaminants: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, tin, zinc and fluoride. (ii) Tailings characterisation must be undertaken at a minimum rate of eight (8) regularly spaced samples per 100,000 tonnes of tailings material discharged. (iii) where the acid producing potential of tailings material has not been conclusively determined geochemical kinetic testing must be conducted to indicate oxidation rates, potential reaction products and effectiveness of control strategies. (iv) maximum duration of surface exposure of potentially acid producing tailings to oxidizing conditions is one (1) month. (e) Rehabilitation strategy which meets the rehabilitation objectives specified in Schedule G (G3); and (f) Monitoring of rehabilitation, research and/or trials to verify the requirements and methods for decommissioning and final rehabilitation of tailings, including the prevention and management of acid drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment of vegetation cover.
- E14
Upon disposal of tailings into the tailings storage facility, the holder of this environmental authority must inspect the tailings storage facility weekly to identify and register any fauna mortalities. This information will be made available to the administering authority upon request and within forty eight (48) hours of the discovery of any fauna mortalities. Details of mortalities will include but not be limited to: (a) animal species of the discovery of any fauna mortality; (b) number of animals; (c) location; and (d) likely cause of death.
- E15
If in the opinion of the administering authority, the mortality rate referred to in condition E14 is unacceptable, the holder of this environmental authority will be required to develop and implement an action plan to reduce the mortality rate and provide the action plan to the administering authority within one (1) month of the plan OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 being required. Waste rock disposal
- E16
The holder must develop, implement and submit to the administering authority a waste rock and spoil management plan before 30 November, 2012 and update and resubmit the plan with each subsequent Plan of Operations.
- E17
From the 1 October, 2012, waste rock and spoil disposal must not occur on the site unless the holder has submitted to the administering authority a waste rock and spoil management plan, together with the certification by an appropriately qualified person that the plan has addressed the requirements of condition
- E18
in accordance with best practice environmental management.
- E18
The waste rock and spoil management plan must include where relevant, at least: (a) Characterisation of the waste rock and spoil to predict the quality of runoff and seepage generated, including salinity, acidity, alkalinity, dissolved metals, metalloids and non-metallic inorganic substances; (b) A program of progressive sampling program to validate pre-mine waste rock and spoil characterisation. The waste rock sampling program must include validation of salinity, acid and alkali producing potential and metal concentrations including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, magnesium, mercury and zinc; (c) Where the acid rock drainage potential / neutral mine drainage potential of waste rock material has not been conclusively determined, geochemical kinetic testing must be conducted to indicate oxidation rates, potential reaction products and effectiveness of control strategies; (d) Records must be maintained of all waste rock characterisation and disposal including contingency planning for the management of acid rock / neutral mine drainage; (e) A materials balance and disposal plan demonstrating how potentially acid forming and acid forming waste rock will be selectively placed and/or encapsulated to minimise the generation of acid mine drainage; (f) A materials balance and disposal plan demonstrating how waste rock that has a potential to generate neutral and/or saline mine drainage will be selectively placed and managed to minimise the generation of neutral and/or saline mine drainage; (g) A sampling program to verify encapsulation and/or placement of potentially acid forming / acid forming waste rock / waste rock that has a potential to generate neutral mine drainage; (h) How often the performance of the plan will be assessed; (i) A Rehabilitation strategy which meets the rehabilitation objectives specified in Schedule G; (j) Monitoring or rehabilitation, research and/or trials to verify the requirements and methods for decommissioning and final rehabilitation of the placed materials, including the prevention and management of acid mine drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment of vegetation cover; and (k) Waste rock dump must be constructed and maintained in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan Amendment (April 2008).
- E19
The waste rock dump must be constructed to prevent any water other than incidental rainfall from entering the waste rock dump.
- E20
Seepage from the waste rock dump can only be released into the receiving environment if the seepage complies with the contaminant limits set out under Schedule C - Table C2 (Contaminant Release Limits)
- E21
All waste rock characterised as having acid forming potential must be returned to the open pit at end of mine life or be encapsulated in a suitably designed waste rock dump approved by the administering authority. Waste Burning
- E22
The only waste authorised to be burnt on site is packaging boxes from explosive and sodium cyanide, so long as the burning does not cause environmental harm. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE E OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 SCHEDULE F - NOISE AND VIBRATION General
- F1
Unless authorised by this environmental authority, noise from any mining activity must not cause serious or material environmental harm at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- F2
In the event of a complaint made to the administering authority (which is neither frivolous or vexatious) about noise generated in carrying out the licensed activity and the noise is considered by the administering authority to be an unreasonable noise, the holder must take action to ensure that it will not in the future cause unreasonable noise. Noise Monitoring
- F3
The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that noise generated by the mining activities does not cause the criteria in Schedule F - Table F1 (Noise Limits) to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place.
- F4
When requested by the administering authority, the holder of this environmental authority must undertake noise monitoring and recording within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental nuisance at any sensitive place or commercial place, and the administering authority must be notified of the results within ten (10) business days following completion of monitoring. Schedule F - Table F1 (Noise Limits) Sensitive place or commercial place Noise level dB(A) Monday to Saturday Sundays and public holidays measured as: 7am to 6pm 6pm to 10pm to 9am to 6pm 6pm to 10pm to LA10, adj, 10 mins BG+5 10pm 7am BG+5 10pm 9am LA1, adj, 10 mins BG+10 BG+5 BG+3 BG+10 BG+5 BG+3 BG+10 BG+5 BG+10 BG+5 Note: In the event that the measured background noise level (BG) is less than 25 dB(A), then 25 dB(A) can be substituted for the measured background level.
- F5
Noise monitoring and recording must include the following descriptor characteristics and matters: (a) LAN,T (where N equals the statistical levels of 1, 10 and 90 and T = 15 mins); (b) background noise LA90,; (c) the level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise and any adjustment and penalties to statistical levels; (d) atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and directions; (e) effects due to any extraneous factors such as traffic noise; (f) location, date and time of monitoring; (g) if the complaint concerns low frequency noise, Max LpLIN,T; and (h) if the complaint concerns low frequency noise, one third octave band measurements in dB(LIN) for centre frequencies in the 10 - 200 Hz range.
- F6
The method of measurement and reporting of noise levels must comply with the most recent edition of the administering authority's Noise Measurement Manual or the most recent version of Australian Standard AS 1055.1 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise. Air Blast and Ground Vibration
- F7
The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that blasting does not cause the limits for peak particle velocity and air blast overpressure in Schedule F - Table F2 (Blasting Noise Limits) to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 Schedule F - Table F2 (Blasting Noise Limits) Blasting noise limits Sensitive or commercial place limits 7am to 6pm 6pm to 7am No blasting Air-blast overpressure 115 dB (Linear) Peak for nine (9) out of ten (10) No blasting consecutive blasts initiated and not greater than 120 dB (Linear) Peak at any time. Ground vibration peak particle For vibrations of more than 35 Hz -not more than 25 velocity mm/s ground vibration, peak particle velocity; or For vibration of not more than 35 Hz - not more than 10 mm/s ground vibration, peak particle velocity.
- F8
The holder must develop and implement a blast monitoring program to monitor compliance with Schedule F - Table F2 (Blasting Noise Limits) for: (a) at least 10 % of all blasts undertaken on this site in each year; and (b) all blasts conducted during any time period specified by the administering authority at the nearest sensitive place or commercial place.
- F9
Where blast monitoring detects non-compliance with Schedule F - Table F2 (Blasting Noise Limits) the holder must: (a) take steps to ensure compliance is achieved by subsequent blasts; and (b) continue to monitor all consecutive blasts until at least three (3) successive blasts comply with Schedule F - Table F2 (Blasting Noise Limits).
- F10
The holder of this environmental authority must undertake vibration monitoring when requested to do so by the administering authority (a) to investigate any complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer) of environmental nuisance at any sensitive place or commercial place. (b) the administering authority must be notified within ten (10) business days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring. (c) the results of the investigation must be provided in the time requested by the administering authority.
- F11
The method of measurement and reporting of vibration levels must comply with the most recent edition of the administering authority's guideline Noise and vibration from blasting. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE F OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 SCHEDULE G - LAND & REHABILITATION General
- G1
Other than as authorised under this environmental authority, contaminants must not be released to land in a manner which constitutes environmental nuisance, or material or serious environmental harm.
- G2
Any spillage of wastes, contaminants or other materials must be cleaned up promptly. Such spillages must be cleaned up using dry methods that minimise the release of wastes, contaminants or materials to any stormwater drainage system, roadside gutter or waters. Rehabilitation Objectives
- G3
Land disturbed by mining must be rehabilitated in accordance with Appendix B - Table 1 (Rehabilitation Requirements) and Table 2 (Landform Design). Progressive Rehabilitation
- G4
Progressive rehabilitation must commence within 12 months of when areas become available within the operational land, and must be in accordance with the current plan of operations. Topsoil
- G5
Topsoil and subsoils must be stripped and stockpiled ahead of mining to a depth determined from soil surveys to ensure that useable soil resources are preserved for rehabilitation.
- G6
Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles must be managed to ensure stability and minimise the release contaminants. Measures must include: (a) Vegetating stockpiles; (b) Minimising the height of stockpiles; and (c) Re-using stockpiles as soon as possible.
- G7
A topsoil inventory which identifies the topsoil requirements for the mining project and availability of suitable topsoil on site must be detailed in the Plan of Operations submitted after the 7 June 2012. Post Mine Land Use Plan
- G8
The holder must develop and submit to the administering authority a Post Mine Land Use Plan (PMLUP) within 18 months of commencement of this environmental authority and update and resubmit the plan with each subsequent Plan of Operations. The PMLUP must describe how the rehabilitation objectives in Appendix B - Table 1 will be achieved. The Post Mine Land Use Plan must include: (a) Schematic representation of final land form inclusive of drainage features; (b) Slope design; (c) Cover design; (d) Drainage design; (e) Erosion controls proposed on reformed land; (f) Description of experimental design for monitoring of analogue and rehabilitated areas inclusive of statistical design; (g) Proposed revegetation methods inclusive of plant species selection, re-profiling, respreading soil, soil ameliorants/amendments, surface preparation and method of propagation; (h) Materials balance including available top soil and low permeability capping material; (i) Geotechnical, geochemical and hydrological studies; (j) Chemical, physical and biological properties of soil and water; (k) Nominate performance criteria for the cover system; and (l) A rehabilitation monitoring program. Rehabilitation Monitoring Program
- G9
A rehabilitation monitoring program must be developed and implemented on commencement of rehabilitation by a person nominated by the holder of this environmental authority possessing appropriate qualifications and experience in the field of mine site rehabilitation.
- G10
The holder must conduct rehabilitation monitoring in accordance with the program developed in condition (G9) on at least a yearly basis which must include sufficient spatial and temporal replication to enable scientifically justifiable conclusions as established under the rehabilitation program or other methodology to the satisfaction of the administering authority. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013
- G11
Verification of rehabilitation success is to be carried for each domain. Monitoring must be carried out for each domain at a minimum sampling intensity of 1:15,000 and must include sufficient replication to enable statistical analysis of results at an acceptable power. Post closure management plan
- G12
A Post Closure Management Plan for the site must be prepared at least 18 months prior to final production onsite and implemented for a period of: (a) At least thirty (30) years following final production on site; or (b) A shorter period if: (i) the site is proven to be geo-technically and geo-chemically stable; and (ii) it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the administering authority that no release of contaminants from the site will result in environmental harm; and (iii) The plan is prepared at least 6 months prior to final production onsite.
- G13
The Post Closure Management Plan must include the following elements: (a) Operation and maintenance of: (i) Wastewater collection and reticulation systems; (ii) Wastewater treatment systems; (iii) The groundwater monitoring network; (iv) Final cover systems; and (v) Vegetative cover. (b) Monitoring of: (i) Surface water quality; (ii) Groundwater quality; (iii) Seepage rates; (iv) Erosion rates; (v) The integrity and effectiveness of final cover systems; (vi) The health and resilience of vegetative cover. Heap Leach Operational Plan
- G14
The holder must develop and implement a Heap Leach Operational Plan.
- G15
The Heap Leach Operational Plan must be submitted with the Plan of Operations and certified by a suitably qualified environmental professional.
- G16
The Heap Leach Operational Plan (as required under G14) must address as a minimum the following: (a) Regular inspections of the heap leach liner and an assessment of its ability to contain contaminants; (b) Sizing of launders, perimeter drains and containment bunds to prevent the release of contaminants or potentially contaminated waters; (c) Diversion of uncontaminated stormwater away from the heap leach pads and minimising catchment size; (d) Procedures to prevent tears in the liner including but not limited to use of equipment on the pads, the placement of ore and the management of fly rock; (e) Contingency plans in the event of the release of contaminants; (f) Records of as constructed and design plans, and all pipes and infrastructure associated with the heap leach operation; (g) Procedures to minimise erosion of the heap leach pads and exclude ore from entering the launders and/or perimeter drains.
- G17
The holder must undertake a review of the Heap Leach Operational Plan at a minimum frequency of every three (3) years. Infrastructure
- G18
All buildings, structures, mining equipment and plant erected and/or used for the mining activities must be removed from the site prior to surrender, except where agreed in writing by: (a) the Minister responsible for the Mineral Resources Act 1989; (b) the administering authority, and (c) the landowner. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 Chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids
- G19
All explosives, hazardous chemicals, corrosive substances, toxic substances, gases, flammable or combustible liquids and dangerous goods must be stored and handled in accordance with the current, relevant Australian Standard where such is applicable.
- G20
Notwithstanding the requirements of any applicable Australian Standard, any liquids stored on site that have the potential to cause environmental harm must be stored in or serviced by an effective containment system that is impervious to the materials stored and managed to prevent the release of liquids to waters or land.
- G21
Where no relevant Australian Standard is available, the following must be applied: (a) storage tanks must be bunded such that the capacity and construction of the bund is sufficient to contain at least 110% of a single storage tank or 100% of the largest storage tank plus 10% of the second largest storage tank in multiple storage areas; and (b) drum storages must be bunded such that the capacity and construction of the bund is sufficient to contain at least 25% of the maximum design storage volume within the bund.
- G22
All containment systems must be designed to minimise rainfall collection within the system. Contaminated Land
- G23
Prior to making an application for Surrender or approval for Progressive Rehabilitation the holder must undertake a contaminated land assessment / investigation of the relevant areas of the licensed place in accordance with the administering authority's Guideline for the Assessment & Management of Contaminated Land in Queensland.
- G24
A register and map of all potentially contaminated sites and any remediation details, must be kept on site, updated regularly, and included in each Plan of Operations.
- G25
A Spillage Management Plan and an Emergency Plan must be developed before 7 June 2012 for all hazardous materials stored on-site, together with a description of suitable equipment and training must be updated and included with each Plan of Operations. Baseline Studies
- G26
All areas greater than 10 ha to be disturbed must undergo the following pre-mining surveys where these surveys have not been previously carried out: (a) survey topsoil to determine its suitability for use in rehabilitation; (b) survey of land suitability; (c) survey flora, fauna and nature conservation values; and (d) survey cultural heritage values. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE G OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 SCHEDULE H - DEFINITIONS Words and phrases used throughout the environmental authority are defined in the Definitions section at the end of the Environmental Authority. Where a definition for a term used in the environmental authority is sought and the term is not defined within the environmental authority, the definitions in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its Regulations and Environmental Protection Policies must be used. Acceptance criteria means the measures by which the actions implemented to rehabilitate the land are deemed to be complete. The acceptance criteria indicate the success of the rehabilitation outcome or remediation of areas which have been significantly disturbed by the mining activities. Acceptance criteria may include information regarding: - vegetation establishment, survival and succession; - vegetation productivity, sustained growth and structure development; - fauna colonisation and habitat development; - ecosystem processes such as soil development and nutrient cycling, and the recolonisation of specific fauna groups such as collembola, mites and termites which are involved in these processes; - microbiological studies including recolonisation by mycorrhizal fungi, microbial biomass and respiration; - effects of various establishment treatments such as deep ripping, topsoil handling, seeding and fertiliser application on vegetation growth and development; - resilience of vegetation to disease, insect attack, drought and fire; - vegetation water use and effects on ground water levels and catchment yields. Affected person is someone whose drinking water can potentially be impacted as a result of discharges from a dam or their life can be put at risk due to dwellings or workplaces being in the path of a dam break flood. Acid rock drainage means any low pH waters, contaminated as a result of the mining activities. Ambient (or total) noise at a place, means the level of noise at the place from all sources (near and far), measured as the Leq for an appropriate time interval. Annual inspection report means an assessment prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person containing details of the assessment against the most recent consequence assessment report and design plan (or system design plan); (a) against recommendations contained in previous annual inspections reports; (b) against recognised dam safety deficiency indicators; (c) for changes in circumstances potentially leading to a change in consequence category; (d) for conformance with the conditions of this authority; (e) for conformance with the `as constructed' drawings; (f) for the adequacy of the available storage in each regulated dam, based on an actual observation or observations taken after 31 May each year but prior to 1 November of that year, of accumulated sediment, state of the containment barrier and the level of liquids in the dam (or network of linked containment systems); (g) for evidence of conformance with the current operational plan. Annual exceedance probability or AEP the probability that at least one event in excess of a particular magnitude will occur in any given year. Assessed or assessment by a suitably qualified and experienced person in relation to a consequence assessment of a dam, means that a statutory declaration has been made by that person and, when taken together with any attached or appended documents referenced in that declaration, all of the following aspects are addressed and are sufficient to allow an independent audit of the assessment: (a) exactly what has been assessed and the precise nature of that determination; (b) the relevant legislative, regulatory and technical criteria on which the assessment has been based; (c) the relevant data and facts on which the assessment has been based, the source of that material, and the efforts made to obtain all relevant data and facts; and (d) the reasoning on which the assessment has been based using the relevant data and facts, and the relevant criteria. Associated works in relation to a dam, means: (a) operations of any kind and all things constructed, erected or installed for that dam; and (b) any land used for those operations. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00876013 Authority means an environmental authority or a development approval. Background means the average of samples taken prior to the commencement of mining from the same waterway that the current sample has been taken. Certification means assessment and approval must be undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced person in relation to any assessment or documentation required by this Manual, including