Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00982113 · Mine Domain
Minerals environmental authority EPML00982113 (Mine Domain), Granted. 192 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-100761088.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- WOLFRAM LIMITED
- Tenures
- ML100002; ML10343; ML10375
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-100761088 · effective 2026-03-06
- 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. Where there is no condition or this environmental authority is silent on a matter, the lack of a condition or silence does not authorise environmental harm.
- A2
Contaminants with the potential to cause environmental harm must not be released directly or indirectly to the receiving environment, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A3
The environmental authority holder must ensure that the activity is carried out in accordance with Table
- A1
as depicted in Schedule J - Map 1 Location of authorised disturbance. Table A1 - Authorised disturbance (`Table A1') Location (MGA94, Zone 55) Maximum disturbance area Mine Domain Mine Feature Name (hectares) Central Peg Coordinates 70.0 4.85 Waste Rock and Ore WRD 559926 7758123 4.0 Run of Mine (ROM) Temporary PAF Stockpile 559159 7757793 5.4 Temporary NAF Stockpile 558999 7757715 1 Low grade ore stockpile 559592 7758734 2.21 Temporary waste rock stockpile - Underground 559410 7757915 11.88 Temporary Northern Waste Rock Dump (NAF) 556306 7757742 3.75 Temporary Western Waste Rock Dump (PAF) 556106 7757639 3.7 Central Waste Rock Dump 556181 7757612 10 Temporary Telstra Hill (TH) Waste Rock Dump 558875 7759024 5.0 559821 7758845 ROM Pad 559850 7758560 Finger 11 & 12 stockpile Processing area Process Plant Areas (includes chemical and 560026 7759008 10.10 concentrate storages) Mining Area Area39 Pit & Portal Entrance 558690 7757946 6.4 MCU Mining Area
- V2
Pit & Portal Entrance 559129 7758187 38 East Pit 556482 7757613 3.02 Central Pit West Pit 556292 7757615 0.81 Far West Pit 556111 7757608 0.58 555770 7757509 3.42 Telstra Hill Open Pit 558738 775880 3.3 Exploration Exploration core shed and existing borrow pit. 558667 7759256 2.0 Dams Tailings Storage Facility 559447 7759237 55 Main Site Water Dam 558799 7759584 27.30 559446 7758597 1.54 Site Water Drainage Pond 1 559999 7758654 1.47 Site Water Drainage Pond 2 559628 7758921 2.19 Site Water Drainage Pond 3 555951 7757524 1.91 MCU Water Storage Dam Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 Mine Domain Mine Feature Name Location (MGA94, Zone 55) Maximum Drainage Central Peg Coordinates disturbance area Clean Water Diversion Drain 1 Borrow Pits and Clean Water Diversion Drain 2 560155 7757859 (hectares) Stockpiles Clean Water Diversion Drain 3 Clean Water Diversion Drain 4 3.5 Clean Water Diversion Drain 5 Clean Water Diversion Drain 6 559310 7757804 0.5 Site Water Collection Drain 1 (West) Site Water Collection Drain 2 (South) 558698 7757730 0.71 Site Water Collection Drain 3 (Adjacent TSF) MCU Waste Rock Dump Diversion Drain 559031 7758977 0.5 TH Diversion Bunds 560150 7758650 2 Material Borrow Area (Adjacent V2 Pit) 558731 7759091 0.27 Clay Borrow Area (North) NAF Supply 559578 7758201 1.5 Layback V2 pit wall for additional NAF rock 559620 7758602 0.5 Topsoil Telstra Hill Topsoil Admin 559120 7759030 3.0 Topsoil MSWD Topsoil TSF 556425 7757744 0.93 Topsoil Temp stockpiles NA NA 0.22 Topsoil A39 558650 7758320 25.0 Topsoil Western Haul Road 558671 7760003 7 Topsoil Treated Effluent (within Clay Borrow Area (North)) 559334 7759763 6.0
- 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 properly calibrated. Monitoring
- A5
All monitoring data, records and reports required by this environmental authority or related to environmental management of the activities must be: a) Carried out by an appropriately qualified person, periodically reviewed, and updated as required to reflect operational or environmental changes; b) Kept for a period of not less than five years; c) Provided to the administering authority in the specified format within 10 business days of a request; and d) Undertaken in accordance with the most recent version of any applicable standard or guideline for the activity. Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113
- A6
The following information must be recorded in relation to all monitoring required under a condition of this environmental authority: a) The date and time when the sample was taken; b) The location where the sample was taken; and c) Any other pertinent details of relevance to interpreting the sampling results (i.e., stream flow, wind conditions or any unusual observations such as odour or colouration).
- A7
The environmental authority holder must implement all reasonable measures necessary to conduct monitoring required under a condition of this environmental authority. Note: `Reasonable measures' could include establishing and maintaining safe all-weather access to a monitoring location by upgrading roads/tracks, use of suitable automated sampling devices, developing alternative routes or utilising alternative transport. Risk management
- A8
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a risk management system for mining activities which mirrors the content requirement of the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2009), or the latest edition of an Australian standard for risk management, to the extent relevant to environmental management, by 30 November 2011. Notification of emergencies, incidents, and exceptions
- A9
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority within 24 hours of becoming aware of any emergency, incident, sample result or event which does or may contravene a condition of this environmental authority.
- A10
Within 10 business days following the initial notification of an emergency, event or incident, or receipt of monitoring results, whichever is the latter, further written advice must be provided to the administering authority, including the following: a) Results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; b) Outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; and c) Proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident. Complaints
- A11
The holder of this environmental authority must record all environmental complaints received about the mining activities including: a) Name, address and contact number 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.
- A12
When requested by the administering authority, the environmental authority holder must undertake Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 specified monitoring within the timeframe nominated by the administering authority, to investigate any complaint related to the activity. Third-party reporting
- A13
The holder of this environmental authority must: a) By 30 June 2017, obtain from an appropriately qualified person a report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; b) Obtain further such reports at regular intervals, not exceeding three (3) yearly intervals, from the completion of the report referred to above; and c) Provide each report to the administering authority within 90 days of its completion.
- A14
Disturbance due to exploration activities in areas not scheduled to be mined must be rehabilitated in accordance with provisions detailed in the administering authority's Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects (the Code). Where there is a discrepancy between the Code and this environmental authority, the conditions of the environmental authority apply.
- A15
The environmental authority holder is authorised to transfer water from the MCU Mining Area to the Main Site Water Dam under this environmental authority, provided: a) such activities comply with the requirements set out in this environmental authority; b) a leak detection system or high level alarm system is installed; c) transfer of water ceases should a leak be detected; d) a risk assessment is undertaken and implemented.
- A16
The environmental authority holder is authorised to transfer water from the Main Site Water Dam to V2 Pit under this environmental authority provided: a) such activities comply with the requirements set out in this environmental authority; b) a leak detection system or high level alarm system is installed; c) transfer of water ceases should a leak be detected; d) a risk assessment is undertaken and implemented; e) transfer of water ceases when V2 pit level reaches 106m AHD.
- A17
Any risk assessment undertaken under condition A15 and A16, must: a) detail monitoring to be undertaken and proposed period for monitoring; b) detail controls identified to manage any risks; c) include emergency and contingency planning; d) be documented and made available to the administering authority upon request. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE A Schedule B - Air
- C1
All waste generated as part of the mining activities must be disposed of in a lawful manner at an off-site facility, with the exception of: a) Waste rock and tailings, which must be characterised, handled, and disposed of in accordance with Schedule C of this environmental authority; b) Timber pallets; and c) Tyres in accordance with condition C5. Note: The only waste authorised to be burnt on site is explosive boxes, so long as the burning does not cause environmental harm.
- C2
General waste must only be disposed of into the waste disposal trench facility of ML10343 and identified in Schedule J - Map 1 Location of authorised disturbance and Map 3 Location of Landfill Facility.
- C3
All waste rock and tailings must be: a) Geochemically characterised and disposed of in a manner that minimises the potential generation and/or release of contaminants to the receiving environment; b) Where the geochemical characteristics of waste rock is uncertain, this material must be treated as potentially acid forming, saline mine drainage or neutral mine drainage forming until demonstrated otherwise; and c) Details pertaining to meeting the requirements of this condition must be recorded and retained until this environmental authority is surrendered.
- C4
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.
- C5
Subject to demonstrating to the administering authority that no other use higher in the waste management hierarchy can be practicably implemented, waste tyres generated from mining activities may be disposed of on site in non-acid forming waste rock dumps.
- C6
Any seepage from the waste rock dump(s) must be captured and directed to the processing plant and / or Main Site Water Dam and / or open pit. The open pit is to remain a sink at all times if receiving seepage from the mining operation.
- C7
All waste rock from the V2 and A39 pits must be disposed of to the exhausted pits in compliance with the conditions of this authority in preference to the Waste Rock Dump where practicable.
- C8
All waste rock disposed of to the pits must be disposed of below the post-mining groundwater level where geochemical characterisation has determined the waste rock as Potentially Acid Forming. C8-1 All waste rock generated as part of the MCU and Telstra Hill Mining Area must be disposed of: a) to open pits unless there is no space in the pits; b) where geochemically characterised as potentially acid forming, placed preferentially below the post- mining groundwater level and fully encapsulated in neutral material.
- C9
Waste rock removed as a result of underground mining operations, other than waste rock stored at the Temporary waste rock stockpile - Underground must be progressively backfilled to the underground Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 workings.
- C10
Removal or relocation of tailings from the Tailings Storage Facility is not authorised.
- C11
All groundwater Operational Bores identified in Schedule E- Table E11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) must be installed and monitored for a minimum of 3 months prior to any disposal of tailings and/or waste rock to A39 Pit and V2 Pit.
- C12
Cumulatively tailings and waste rock disposed of in the A39 Pit must not exceed a maximum equivalent elevation of 90.5m AHD.
- C13
Cumulatively tailings and waste rock disposed of in the V2 Pit must not exceed a maximum equivalent elevation of 40.1m AHD.
- C14
A minimum of 2-meter-deep water cover must be maintained over tailings and waste rock disposed of to the A39 Pit and V2 Pit at all times.
- C15
Pit A39 and Pit V2 must remain a groundwater sink at all times.
- C16
Tailings and waste rock deposition in the A39 Pit and V2 Pit must immediately cease if the A39 or V2 Pits become a groundwater source. Sewage Treatment
- C17
Effluent from the sewage treatment plant must comply with the release limits stated in Table C1. Table C1 - Treated sewage effluent contaminant release limits (`Table C1') Contaminant Unit Release limit Limit type Frequency 5-day Biochemical mg/L 20 Maximum Monthly oxygen demand (BOD)1 Total suspended solids mg/L 30 Maximum Monthly Nitrogen mg/L 30 50th percentile1 Monthly 40 Maximum Monthly Phosphorus mg/L 15 Maximum Monthly E-coli Organisms/100ml 1000 Maximum Monthly pH pH units 6.0 - 9.0. Range Monthly 1 must be calculated based on 12 consecutive samples
- C18
Sewage effluent may only be released to the following locations: a) within the nominated area(s) identified in Table A1: Ancillary Infrastructure - Treated Effluent Irrigation (Disposal) Area and Schedule J - Map 1 Location of authorised disturbance; or b) other land for the purpose of dust suppression and/or firefighting; or c) reused as part of the mining activities
- C19
The application of sewage effluent must be carried out in a manner such that: a) vegetation is not damaged b) there is no surface ponding of effluent Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 c) there is no run-off or over spray of effluent.
- C20
Sewage effluent releases must be monitored at the frequency and for the parameters specified in Table C1.
- C21
The daily volume of sewage effluent release must be measured and documented.
- C22
When circumstances prevent the irrigation or beneficial reuse of treated sewage effluent such as during or following rain events, measures must be taken to store or lawfully dispose of effluent.
- C23
Sewage effluent must only be supplied to another person or organisation that has a written plan detailing how the user of the treated sewage effluent will comply with their general environmental duty whilst using the treated sewage effluent. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE C Schedule D - Noise Noise limits
- D1
The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that noise generated by the mining activities does not cause the criteria in Table D1 to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place. Table D1 - Noise limits (`Table D1') Sensitive or Commercial Place Noise level Monday to Saturday Sundays and Public Holidays DB(A) 7am to 6pm to 10pm to 9am to 6pm to 10pm to measured 6pm 10pm 7am 6pm 10pm 9am as: BG + 5dB BG + 5dB BG + 3dB BG + 5dB BG + 5dB BG + 0dB LA10, adj, 10 mins LA1, adj, 10 mins BG + 10dB BG + 10dB BG + 5dB BG + 10dB BG + 10dB BG + 5dB Note: BG means background noise Airblast overpressure nuisance
- D2
The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that blasting does not cause the limits for peak particle velocity and air blast overpressure in Table D2 to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place. Table D2 - Blasting noise limits (`Table D2') Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 Blasting noise Sensitive or commercial blasting noise limits place limits limits Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday 6pm to Monday to Friday 6pm Saturday, Sunday, and Public 7am to 7am Holidays 9am - 6pm Saturday, Sunday, and Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays 6pm - Public Holidays 6pm - Open Cut Pits and Underground Workings 9am 9am Open Cut Pits Underground Workings Air blast overpressure 115 dB (Linear) Peak for nine (9) out of No Blasting 115 dB (Linear) Peak for nine ten (10) consecutive blasts initiated and (9) out of ten (10) consecutive not greater than 120 dB (Linear) Peak at blasts initiated and not greater than 120 dB (Linear) Peak at any time. any time. Ground vibration peak 5mm/second peak particle velocity for No Blasting 5mm/second peak particle particle velocity nine (9) out of ten (10) consecutive velocity for nine (9) out of ten blasts and not greater than 10 (10) consecutive blasts and not greater than 10 mm/second mm/second peak particle velocity at any peak particle velocity at any time. time. Monitoring and reporting
- D3
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 one third octave band measurements in dB (LIN) for centre frequencies in the 10 - 200 Hz range. Note: Noise or blast monitoring as required by the administering authority in accordance with Schedule A - condition A13 END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE D Schedule E - Water
- E1
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.
- E2
The release of contaminants to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Schedule E - Table E1 (Contaminant Release Points) and depicted in Schedule J - Map 2 - Monitoring locations. Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 Schedule E - Table E1 (Contaminant Release Points) Release Point Northing Easting Contaminant source, Monitoring Point, Receiving (GDA94) (GDA94) location and including Description Waters description of Release Point Dam Spillway Description Main Site Water 7759750 558919 Main Site Water Dam Herbert Dam Spillway 7759806 558916 Spillway Overflow Creek
- E3
The release of contaminants to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Schedule E - Table E1 (Contaminant Release Points) for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Schedule E - Table E2 (Contaminant Release Limit and Trigger Levels).
- E4
Site-specific background contaminant and trigger limits based on background data must be developed by the environmental authority holder. The holder of this environmental authority holder must provide this data to the administering authority by 1 October 2013.
- E5
The release of contaminants to waters must not exceed the contaminant release limits stated in Schedule E - Table E2 (Contaminant Release Limit and Trigger Levels) for each quality characteristic. Schedule E - Table E2 (Contaminant Release Limit and Trigger Levels) Quality Contaminant Release Contaminant Trigger Monitoring Frequency Characteristic Limit (total metals) 1 Level (dissolved metals) Electrical conductivity 435 or 95th percentile of 435 (S/cm) reference, whichever is lowest pH (pH units) 6.0 (minimum) or 5th 6.0 (minimum) percentile of reference, 7.5 (maximum) whichever is highest 7.5 (maximum) or 95th percentile of reference, whichever is lowest Suspended Solids Same as reference data (mg/L) or 50mg/L, whichever is N/A Sulphate as SO42- Fluoride lowest Aluminium 1000 (mg/L) or 95th 80th percentile of reference Arsenic percentile of reference, Boron Cadmium whichever is lowest 2 (mg/L) or 95th 80th percentile of reference Daily during release (the first percentile of reference, sample must be taken within 2 whichever is lowest hours of commencement of release if safe to do so) 5 (mg/L) or 95th 0.055 (mg/L) percentile of reference, whichever is lowest 0.5 (mg/L) or 95th 0.013 (mg/L) percentile of reference, whichever is lowest 5 (mg/L) or 95th 0.0370 (mg/L) percentile of reference, whichever is lowest 0.01 (mg/L) or 95th 0.0002 (mg/L) percentile of reference, whichever is lowest Permit
- E6
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Schedule E -Table
- E2
(Contaminant Release Trigger and Limit Levels) during a release event, the holder of this environmental authority must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters during that release event to the trigger values specified in Schedule E - Table E2 (Contaminant Release Trigger and Limit Levels) and: a) If the level of contaminants at the downstream site is the same as the background value or a lower Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 value than the reference value for the quality characteristic during the release event, then no action is to be taken (the administering authority will determine if no action is required); or b) If the level of contaminants at the downstream site is greater than the reference monitoring site 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 3 months, outlining: a. Details of the investigations carried out; and b. Actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with condition E6 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the three-month investigation period.
- E7
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 specified in Schedule E - Table E3 (Contaminant Release During Flow Events) for any receiving water.
- E8
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 E - Table E3 (Contaminant Release During Flow Events) for the contaminant release point(s) specified in Schedule E- Table E1 (Contaminant Release Points). Schedule E - Table E3 (Contaminant Release During Flow Events) Receiving Release Gauging Station Latitude or Longitude or Minimum Flow in Receiving Flow Water Point Description Northing Easting (GDA94) Water Required for a Recording (GDA94) Release Event Frequency Description 558,807 7,759,593 Depending on individual Continuous Herbert Main Site Herbert Creek catchment this minimum (minimum Creek Water Gauging flow trigger will be either Dam Station 1 the release comprising daily) Spillway less than 5% of the natural flow or any natural flow in the receiving environment. The volume of flow can be determined by height of water or flow. The actual flow must be a quantifiable measurement. Example: 5m3/sec TBA: Location TBA: Location TBA: Location details must be details must be details must be King N/A nominated nominated nominated TBA: Location details must Continuous Creek or through an through an through an be nominated through an (minimum Unnamed amendment amendment amendment amendment application, Tributary application, application, application, daily) pursuant to the pursuant to the pursuant to the pursuant to the Environmental Environmental Environmental Environmental Protection Protection Act Protection Act Protection Act 1994, prior to 1994, prior to 1994, prior to Act 1994, prior to commencement commencement commencement commencement of MCU Mining Activities of MCU Mining of MCU Mining of MCU Mining Activities Activities Activities
- E9
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 wastewaters are released.
- E10
The daily quantity of contaminants released from each release point must be measured and recorded at the monitoring points in Schedule E - Table E1 (Contaminant Release Points). Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113
- E11
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.
- E12
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).
- E13
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 E12 and within 20 days provide the following information in writing: a) Release cessation date/time. b) Natural flow volume in receiving water. c) Volume of water released. d) Details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions 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.
- E14
Water storages stated in Schedule E - Table E4 (Water Storage Monitoring) must be monitored for the water quality characteristics specified in Schedule E - Table E5 (Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits) at the monitoring locations and at the monitoring frequency specified in Schedule E - Table E4 (Water Storage Monitoring). Schedule E- Table E4 (Water Storage Monitoring) Water Storage Latitude or Longitude Monitoring Location Monitoring Frequency of Monitoring Description Northing or Easting Latitude or Northing Location Longitude (GDA94) (GDA94) of Easting (GDA94) Quarterly Main Site Water (GDA94 Dam 7,759,530 558,440 7,759,600 559,030 7,759,210 558,910 7,759,460 559,190 7,758,970 558,140 7,759,030 558,580 7,759,320 558,430 Tailings Storage 7,759,420 559,270 7,759,660 559,360 Quarterly Facility 7,759,070 559,720 7,758,670 559,340 7,759,050 558,940
- V2
Pit 7,758,270 558,860 7,758,470 559,280 Quarterly 7,758,450 559,150 7,758,220 559,460 7,757,890 559,300 7,758,030 558,890 Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 Water Storage Latitude or Longitude Monitoring Location Monitoring Frequency of Monitoring Description Northing or Easting Latitude or Northing Location Longitude (GDA94) (GDA94) of Easting (GDA94) Quarterly
- A39
Pit (GDA94 Quarterly 7,758,026 558,576 Quarterly 7,758,066 558,796 7,758,010 558,620 Quarterly 7,757,896 558,800 7,757,853 558,609 Site Water 7,758,662 559,362 7,758,660 559,330 Drainage Pond 1 7,758,673 559,498 7,758,500 559,530 7,758,513 559,467 7,758,750 559,420 7,758,552 559,409 7,758,603 559,396 Site Water 7,758,794 560,070 Drainage Pond 2 7,758,589 560,064 7,758,582 560,019 7,758,665 559,931 7,758,727 559,982 Site Water 7,759,060 559,781 Drainage Pond 3 7,758,852 559,694 7,758,775 559,607 7,758,784 559,524 MCU Water 555947 7757468 555985 7757512 Quarterly Storage Dam
- E15
The standing water level of the lake in the A39 Pit and the V2 Pit must be measured and recorded monthly while tailings and/or waste rock are being deposited.
- E16
In the event that waters storages defined in Schedule E - Table E4 (Water Storage Monitoring) exceed the contaminant limits defined in Schedule E - Table E5 (Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits), the holder of the environmental authority must implement measures, where practicable, to prevent access to waters by livestock. Schedule E - Table E5 (Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits) Quality Characteristic Test Value Contaminant Limit1 pH (pH unit) Range Greater than 4, less than 92 EC (S/cm) Maximum 5970 Sulphate (total) (mg/L) Maximum 1000 Fluoride (total) (mg/L) Maximum 2 Aluminium (total) (mg/L) Maximum 5 Arsenic (total) (mg/L) Maximum 0.5 Cadmium (total) (mg/L) Maximum 0.01 Cobalt (total) (mg/L) Maximum 1 Copper (total) (mg/L) Maximum 1 Lead (total) (mg/L) Maximum 0.1 Mercury (total) (mg/L Maximum 0.002 Molybdenum (total) (mg/L) Maximum 0.15 Nickel (total) (mg/L Maximum 1 Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 Selenium (total) (mg/L) Maximum 0.02 Zinc (total) (mg/L) Maximum 20 Cyanide WAD (total) (mg/L) Maximum 0.53 Cyanide free (total) (mg/L) Maximum 0.023 Major ions (calcium, chloride, Interpretational purposes only Interpretational purposes only potassium, magnesium, sodium) Notes: 1 Contaminant limit based on ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) stock water quality guidelines. 2 Page 4.2-15 of ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) "Soil and animal health will not generally be affected by water with pH in the range of 4-9". 3 Based on a site derived value.
- E17
The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Schedule E - Table
- E7
(Receiving Water Reference Sites and Down Stream Monitoring Points) for each quality characteristic and at the frequency stated in Schedule E - Table E6 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Limit and Trigger Levels). Schedule E - Table E6 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Limit and Trigger Levels) Quality Characteristic Limit Trigger Level Monitoring Frequency pH 5.0 (minimum) or 5th percentile of reference, 6.0 (minimum) Receiving waters of whichever is highest. 7.5 (maximum) the MCU Mining Electrical Conductivity (S/cm) 9.0 (maximum) or 95th percentile of reference, 435 Area: at a minimum whichever is lowest 3004,7 monthly. Total Suspended N/A solids (mg/L) 1000 or 95th percentile of reference, whichever is All remaining lower receiving waters: Hardness (CaCO3) Same as reference data or 50mg/L, whichever is Daily when a the lowest. release is occurring. Interpretational purposes only Major Ions Interpretational purposes only Turbidity (NTU) 95th percentile of reference 80th percentile of reference Sulphate (SO42-) 854,7 (mg/L) (mg/L) 1000 (mg/L) or 95th percentile of reference, 80th percentile of reference whichever is lowest. 2505,7 (mg/L) Fluoride 2 (mg/L) or 95th percentile of reference, whichever 80th percentile of reference is lowest. 16,7 (mg/L) Aluminium Arsenic 5 (mg/L) or 95th percentile of reference, whichever 0.0552 (mg/L) Boron is lowest Cadmium 0.0132 (mg/L) 0.5 (mg/L) or 95th percentile of reference, 80th percentile of reference Chromium whichever is lowest. Cobalt 0.372,7 Copper 95th percentile of the reference 0.00022 (mg/L) 0.0012 (mg/L) 0.01 (mg/L) or 95th percentile of reference, 0.00282 (mg/L) whichever is lowest. 0.00142 (mg/L) 0.5 (mg/L) or 95th percentile of reference, whichever is lowest. 1 (mg/L) or 95th percentile of reference, whichever is lowest. 1 (mg/L) or 95th percentile of reference, whichever is lowest. Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 Quality Characteristic Limit Trigger Level Monitoring Frequency Iron 95th percentile of the reference 80th percentile of reference
- E18
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Schedule E - Table E6 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Limit and Trigger Levels) 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 is the same as the background, 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 within 3 months, outlining: a. Details of the investigations carried out; and b. Actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with condition E18 (b)b, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the three-month investigation period.
- E19
Release of contaminants must not result in an exceedance of contaminant limits stated in Schedule E - Table E6 (Receiving Water Contaminant Limit and Trigger Levels).
- E20
The environmental authority holder must install all weather access and a safe sampling location at the Main Site Water Dam Spillway and take reasonable action to provide all weather access to the receiving Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 environment and background monitoring locations defined in Schedule E - Table E7 (Receiving Water Reference Sites and Down Stream Monitoring Points).
- E21
Sediment quality of receiving waters and reference 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 E - Table E7 (Receiving Water Reference Sites and Down Stream Monitoring Points) and for the parameters defined in Schedule E - Table E8 (Stream Sediment Contaminant Limit and Trigger Levels).
- E22
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Schedule E - Table
- E8
(Stream Sediment Contaminant Limit and Trigger Levels) during a release event, the holder of this environmental authority must compare the results of the downstream site to the data from reference monitoring sites, and: a) If the level of contaminants at the downstream site does not exceed the reference monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; or b) If the level of contaminants at the downstream site is greater than the reference monitoring site 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: a. Details of the investigations carried out; and b. Actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with condition E22 (b)b, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the three-month investigation period.
- E23
Releases of contaminants must not result in an exceedance of sediment contaminant limits stated in Schedule E - Table E8 (Stream Sediment Contaminant Limit and Trigger Levels). Schedule E- Table E8 (Stream Sediment Contaminant Limit and Trigger Levels) Parameter Unit Contaminant Limit Trigger Level Arsenic mg/kg 703 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1 or 202, whichever is Bismuth mg/kg whichever is higher higher. Boron mg/kg Cadmium mg/kg 3 times the reference value1 Reference value1 Chromium mg/kg Cobalt mg/kg 3 times the reference value1 Reference1 Copper mg/kg mg/kg 103 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1 or 1.53, whichever is Lead mg/kg whichever is higher higher. Manganese mg/kg mg/kg 3703 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1 or 802, whichever is Mercury whichever is higher higher. Nickel 3 times the reference value1 Reference1 2703 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference1or 652, whichever is higher. whichever is higher Reference value1 or 502 whichever is 2203 or 3 times the reference value1, higher. whichever is higher 3 times the reference value1 Reference1 13 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1 or 0.152 whichever is whichever is higher higher. 523 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1or 212, whichever is Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 Parameter Unit Contaminant Limit Trigger Level whichever is higher. higher. Selenium mg/kg 3 times the reference value1 Reference value1 Silver mg/kg 3.73 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1 or 122, whichever is Tin mg/kg whichever is higher higher. 3 times the reference value1 Reference value1 Uranium mg/kg 3 times the reference value1 Reference value1 Zinc mg/kg 4103 or 3 times the reference value1, Reference value1 or 2002 or, whichever whichever is higher is higher. Particle size Interpretational purposes only Interpretational purposes only distribution 1 Reference sites are defined in Schedule E - Table E7 2 ANZECC (2000) Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines - low values based on total sediments
- E24
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.
- E25
A REMP must be developed and implemented by 30 March 2012 and amended prior to commencing mining activities at the MCU Mining Area, to monitor and record the effects of mining activities 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 Herbert Creek, Unnamed Tributary (directly south of the MCU Water Storage Dam), King Creek, Bogie River and drainage channels including connecting waterways, within 20 km downstream of the mining activities, or further if an impact is detected beyond 20 km.
- E26
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 and Wetland Biodiversity) Policy 2019); 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 mining activities. f) Monitoring of stream flow and hydrology; g) Monitoring of toxicants must consider the indicators specified in Schedule E - Table E2 (Contaminant Release Limits and Trigger Levels) 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; Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 h) Monitoring as a minimum the parameters specified in Schedule E - Table E2 (Contaminant Release Limits and Trigger Levels) (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 E - Table E7 (Receiving Water Reference Sites and Down Stream Monitoring Points) which are reference and potentially impacted sites downstream of the mining activities; k) The frequency or scheduling or sampling and analysis sufficient to determine water quality objectives 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; o) Any spatial and temporal controls to exclude potential confounding factors; p) Detailed investigation and description of the characteristics of Herbert Creek riparian vegetation communities downstream of the lease (those communities potentially affected by reduced groundwater levels as a result of reduced discharge from up gradient shallow aquifers impacted by dewatering). q) Monitoring of a representative range of vegetation communities detailed in (p) at minimum 3 monthly intervals up to Year 5 of operations, and then at minimum 6 monthly intervals for the remainder of project operations, to determine potential impacts caused by reduced groundwater levels. r) Details of permanent vegetation monitoring transects, and quadrats derived for (p) should be provided to the administering authority Department within 6 months so that they may be included in Schedule E - Table 10 (Location and monitoring frequency of permanent riparian vegetation transect at MCO) of this environmental authority. s) A set of indicators or criteria suitable for providing an early indication of impacts due to reduced groundwater levels should be developed and a comparison made against monitoring results collected while undertaking (q).
- E27
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations in accordance with relevant conditions must be prepared and submitted in writing to the administering authority by 31 August each year. This must 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. Where risk to the environment from mining activities is identified the REMP must be updated to include all action necessary to protect the receiving environment.
- E28
Water contaminated by the mining activity may be piped, trucked, or transferred by some other means that does not contravene the conditions of this authority for the purpose of supplying livestock water to directly adjoining properties or a third party.
- E29
Water contaminated by the mining activity to supply livestock drinking water may only be piped, trucked, or transferred if the quality meets the limits specified in Schedule E - Table E5 (Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits).
- E30
Water supplied for livestock watering purposes under condition E28, must be contained within a storage facility (tank or dam) such that it is not directly or indirectly released to the receiving environment.
- E31
The volume and quality of water supplied under condition E28 must be monitored and recorded. The quality parameters must include at a minimum, those listed in Schedule E - Table E5 (Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits).
- E32
If the responsibility of water contaminated by mining activities (the water) is given or transferred to another person in accordance with condition E29, condition E30 and condition E31: a) The responsibility of the water must only be given or transferred in accordance with a written agreement (the third-party agreement); b) The written agreement must require the recipient of the water not to use that water in a manner which would contravene a government standard, legalisation or policy or a condition of this environmental authority; and Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 c) The agreement must highlight that the use of contaminated water for stock must not be used in contravention of any food safety standards; and d) Include in the third-party agreement a commitment from the person utilising the water to use water in such a way as to prevent environmental harm or public health incidences and specifically make the persons aware of the General Environmental Duty (GED) under section 319 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, environmental sustainability of the water disposal and protection of environmental values and waters.
- E33
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 Administering Authority's monitoring and sampling manual; c) Collected from the monitoring locations identified within this environmental authority, within 2 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.
- E34
Monitoring and sampling must be carried out in accordance with written procedures and must address the requirements of the latest version of the following documents unless otherwise approved by the administering authority: (a) for waters and aquatic environments, Monitoring and Sampling Manual: Environmental Protection (b) for groundwater, Groundwater Sampling and Analysis - A Field Guide (2009:27 GeoCat#6890.1) and Australian Standard AS/NZS 5667.11:1998 Water quality--Sampling -Part 11: Guidance on sampling of groundwaters; (c) for subterranean aquatic fauna, the Guideline for the Environmental Assessment of Subterranean Aquatic Fauna.
- E35
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.
- E36
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 and frequency e.g., REMP reporting date: 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 exceedance with the conditions of this environmental authority; and g) Water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in the specified Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 electronic format upon request.
- E37
A Water Management Plan must be developed, implemented, and maintained 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.
- E38
The Water Management Plan required by condition E37 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; e) Acid Rock Drainage Prevention and Management Measures (if applicable); f) Emergency and Contingency Planning; and g) Monitoring and Review.
- E39
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 October) 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. Note: Where conditions of this Environmental Authority cannot be met as a result of the review of the Water Management Plan and operations, an amendment application pursuant to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 must be lodged.
- E40
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.
- E41
An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed 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 stormwater.
- E42
The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan required by condition E41 must include 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 are 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 Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 h) Training of staff that will be responsible for maintenance and operations of sediment and erosion control structures.
- E43
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.
- E44
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.
- E45
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.
- E46
The extraction of groundwater, other than that extracted as a result of pit dewatering activities, must not cause a decline in water levels within the associated aquifer except when associated with seepage management.
- E47
The extraction of groundwater must not cause environmental harm to any groundwater dependant ecosystems
- E48
The extraction of groundwater as a result of pit dewatering activities must not exceed 400 megalitres per annum.
- E49
Groundwater recovered through pit dewatering activities must not be released directly to the environment and must be pumped directly to the process plant in the first instance, or to existing site water management infrastructure.
- E50
Groundwater quality and level must be monitored at the locations and frequencies defined in Schedule E - Table E11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) for the quality characteristics identified in Schedule E - Table E12 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits).
- E51
Additional groundwater monitoring bores must be installed at appropriate intervals upstream and downstream of Pit V2 to enable detection and monitoring of a potential contaminant gradient which may occur along the fractured rock aquifer (lineament) by 30 March 2012. The final monitoring bore in the sequence, should be installed at a suitable location representative of groundwater discharge from the rock aquifer to Herbert Creek.
- E52
Electronic dataloggers must be installed to monitor groundwater levels in the bores and at the intervals nominated in Schedule E - Table E11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency).
- E53
Groundwater drawdown must be modelled using a numerical groundwater model and the numerical groundwater model must be validated annually using measured standing water level data.
- E54
In the event that the actual groundwater drawdown varies from the modelled groundwater drawdown for the Stage 4 pit cut-back and underground mining to -26.4mAHD, the environmental authority holder must undertake a review to determine compliance with condition E46 and E47 and document this review.
- E55
Semi-permanent waterholes which occur along Herbert Creek downstream of the mining operation should be identified and recorded in consultation with landholders. Permanent water level monitoring locations i.e., a surveyed depth board, should be installed at each waterhole in a manner which causes minimal damage to the bed, channel, and surrounding vegetation as soon as water levels have dropped sufficiently to allow access. Surface water levels should be monitored and recorded on a monthly basis at each semi-permanent waterhole by this method or in the interim by visual method (photographic record) and written description. Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113
- E56
The register of semi-permanent waterholes and monitoring results should be detailed in the annual REMP report.
- E57
In the event that the water levels in semi-permanent waterholes are reduced or found to be completely dry, an investigation should be undertaken to determine if the mining operations have likely caused or contributed to the reduction in standing surface water due to upstream dewatering activities, and a report provided to the administering authority within two months.
- E58
Contaminants must not be released to groundwater.
- E59
Contaminants measured from any compliance bore specified in Table E11 (Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency must not exceed the corresponding Limit A specified in Table E12 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits) on any five consecutive sampling occasions.
- E60
Groundwater measured from any compliance bore specified in Table E11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) must not exceed the corresponding Limit B specified in Table E12 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits) on any three consecutive sampling occasions.
- E61
If groundwater measured from any compliance bore specified in Table E11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) exceeds the corresponding Limit B specified in Table E12 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits) on any one sampling occasion the environmental authority holder must resample the groundwater within the compliance bore for all exceeding quality characteristics within ten business days of receipt of the results. Note: The resampling event is not considered a sampling occasion and therefore not a consecutive exceedance of the Limit B for the quality characteristic/s for the purposes of condition E59.
- E62
If groundwater measured from any compliance bore specified in Table E11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) exceeds the corresponding Limit B specified in Table E12 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits) on any one sampling occasion the environmental authority holder must review the seepage management systems as required by condition E69 for effectiveness within ten business days of receipt of results and document the review. Schedule E- Table E11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) Monitoring frequency Monitoring Location (GDA94) Aquifer Surface RL1 Depth (m) Screen(s) Groundwater Level Groundwater point Easting Northing (m) (m) Quality Manual Data Loggers Operational Bores
- MB16
158 90-96 Quarterly 558706 7757776 Silica Alteration 180 148-154 Monthly - 160-166 174-180 559229 77578518 Rhyodacite 95 89-95 Monthly
- MB18
558831 7758139 Rhyodacite 145 100 94-100 Monthly - Quarterly
- MB19
558820 7757773 Rhyodacite 151 85 79-85 Monthly - Quarterly
- MB20
558510 7758131 Rhyodacite 144 85 79-85 Monthly - Quarterly
- MB21
558535 7757780 TBA3 TBA3 TBA3 TBA3 Monthly - Quarterly
- MB22
558371 7757969 TBA3 TBA3 TBA3 TBA3 Monthly - Quarterly
- MB15
559381 7757926 Dacite Tuff 171.5 36 18-36 Monthly - Quarterly Compliance Bores
- MB1
560807 7758393 Volcaniclastic 152.5 49 25-28 Quarterly Yes - 6 Quarterly 46-49 hourly Quarterly 25-28 Quarterly
- MB3
560096 7759247 Volcaniclastic 144.6 48.5 46-48.5 Quarterly Yes - 6 Quarterly hourly Quarterly Quarterly
- MB4
559811 7759464 Volcaniclastic 143.1 54 42-54 Quarterly - Quarterly
- MB5
Quarterly 559686 7759586 Volcaniclastic 141.1 54 43-47 Quarterly Yes - 6 Quarterly 49-53 Quarterly hourly Quarterly
- MB7
557872 7759266 Volcaniclastic 139.4 49 Quarterly Yes - 6 Quarterly 7760491 38.5-41.5 Quarterly hourly
- MB12
559012 7759895 Volcaniclastic 125 54 44.5-49 Quarterly Yes - 6
- MB13
558564 7760022 Quarterly hourly 7758562 Volcaniclastic 125 47 37.5-54 Quarterly 7758612 Quarterly - MB13s 7758794 Shallow 23-32 43-47 Yes - 6 558774 7760957 groundwater 125 25 hourly 7-25 7759231 system Yes - 6 55-59 hourly
- MB14
560006 Volcaniclastic 152.5 78 67-71 73-77 Yes - 6
- MB16
Shallow 27-75 hourly 560330 groundwater 157.5 75 22-70 Yes - 6 hourly system 2
- MB17
Shallow 559168 groundwater 153 70 system Nullabor 2 558926 Volcaniclastic 120 52.5 PVC Quarterly - Quarterly Bore (farm 560467 Volcaniclastic 144.6 47 PVC Quarterly - Quarterly bore) "Old Rig" Bore (farm bore)
- MB10
556333 7756691 Andesitic Tuff 168 42 36-42 Quarterly Yes - 6 hourly
- MB11
561694 7758328 Rhyodacite 159 42 18-24 Quarterly Yes - 6 30-42 hourly
- MB2
560458 7758888 Volcaniclastic 151.6 49 23.5-26.5 Quarterly - Rhyodacite 44.5-49 Notes: 1. RL measurement to be taken from top of bore casing 2. Shallow groundwater system is to be targeted for this bore 3. TBA: must be provided in writing to the administering authority within 3 months of installing the groundwater bore.
- E63
Prior to commencing mining activities at the MCU Mining Area, a minimum of three (3) monthly samples must be collected and analysed for the MCU Mining Area monitoring points specified in Schedule E- Table E11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) for all parameters specified in Schedule E - Table E12 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits). Schedule E - Table E12 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits) Quality Contaminant Limits Characteristic Unit Bores Limit A Limit B pH pH Unit S/cm All Compliance bores NA Minimum 6.5 Electrical MB1 1,830 Maximum 8.4 conductivity MB3 2,600 2,230 2,730 Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 Quality Contaminant Limits Characteristic Unit Bores
- MB13
5,100 5,260 MB13s 2,800 2,900
- MB17
3,270 4,040 Nullabor 2 2,400 2,900 Old Rig 4,280 4,345
- MB13
700 2,100 MB13s 1,600 2,200
- MB17
2,000 70 Nullabor 2 64 60 Old Rig 53 593
- MB5
NA 0.001 Dissolved Cobalt MB7
- MB17
NA 0.0028 Dissolved Copper mg/L 0.005 0.006 All Compliance bores NA 0.0014 All Compliance bores, except MB4
- MB4
0.0014 0.004 0.013 0.027 All Compliance bores, except MB4, 0.0014 0.002 MB17, WSB1, WSB5 and WSB6 MB4 MB17 WSB1 Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 Quality Contaminant Limits Characteristic Unit Bores Dissolved Lead mg/L WSB5 Limit A Limit B Dissolved mg/L WSB6 Manganese mg/L All Compliance bores 0.0014 0.004 mg/L 0.008 0.016 Dissolved Mercury mg/L All Compliance bores 0.0034 Dissolved mg/L NA All Compliance bores Molybdenum mg/L NA 1.9 Dissolved Nickel All Compliance bores NA 0.0006 Dissolved All Compliance bores Selenium NA 0.034 All Compliance bores Dissolved Silver NA 0.011 All Compliance bores, except MB4 and MB17 NA 0.011 MB4 Dissolved Zinc mg/L MB17 NA 0.00005 MB1
- MB13
0.05 0.061 MB13s 0.022 0.033
- MB17
0.008 0.018 Nullabor 2 NA 0.008 Old Rig 0.01 0.025
- E64
The construction, maintenance and decommissioning of groundwater monitoring bores must be undertaken in a manner that: a) prevents contaminants entering the groundwater; and b) ensures the integrity of the bores to obtain representative groundwater samples from the target aquifer; and c) maintains the hydrogeological environment within the aquifer.
- E65
A bore drill log must be kept for each compliance, observation and operational groundwater monitoring bore which includes: Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 a) bore identification reference and geographic coordinate location; and b) specific construction information including but not limited to depth of bore, depth and length of casing, depth and length of screening and bore sealing details; and c) standing groundwater level and water quality characteristics and results of laboratory analysis for the possible trigger characteristics; and d) lithological data and stratigraphic interpretation by an appropriately qualified person to identify important features associated with groundwater monitoring; and e) target hydrogeological feature of the bore.
- E66
If a groundwater dependent ecosystem is identified and is being impacted on by pit dewatering activities from the mining operation, supplement water must be provided to that location for a period determined by the administering authority.
- E67
By 11 December 2018 a Groundwater Management Program must be developed, documented, and implemented by appropriately qualified persons.
- E68
The Groundwater Management Program required by Condition E67 must: a) identify potential sources of contamination to groundwater from the activity and any remedial actions required; and b) ensure that all potential groundwater impacts due to the activity are identified, monitored, and mitigated; and c) document sampling and monitoring methodology; and d) ensure that adequate groundwater monitoring and data analysis is undertaken to achieve the following objectives: a. detect any impacts to groundwater levels due to the activity; b. detect any impacts to groundwater quality due to the activity; c. determine compliance with conditions E58 and E70; and d. determine trends in groundwater quality; and e) include an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program; and f) include calibration and validation of the groundwater model; and g) include an assessment of measured hydraulic gradients at the Pits A39 and Pit V2 and identify whether the Pits are acting as a groundwater sink and any remedial actions required; and h) include a review process to identify improvements to the program that includes addressing any comments provided by the administering authority.
- E69
From 11 December 2018, the Groundwater Management Program must be reviewed on an annual basis by an appropriately qualified person to determine if it continues to meet the requirements stated in condition E68.
- E70
From 4 August 2022, the environmental authority holder must install, operate, and maintain Seepage Management Systems to prevent seepage from all site infrastructure from reaching compliance bores specified in Table E11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency).
- E71
The Seepage Management Systems required by condition E70 must, at a minimum: a) include effective control measures to minimise seepage from site infrastructure; and b) include effective control measures to capture and pump-back seepage sufficient to prevent migration into surface waters; and Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 c) include effective control measures to ensure seepage does not report to groundwater in the receiving environment; and d) include effective control measures to ensure compliance with condition E70; and e) include adequate detection measures to analyse and confirm the effectiveness of all control measures required by this condition.
- E72
From 4 August 2022, the environmental authority holder must develop, document, and implement a Seepage Management Plan (SMP). The SMP must, at a minimum: a) describe the Seepage Management Systems required by condition E70; and b) include adequate control measures to ensure groundwater quality in compliance bores listed in Table E11- (Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency) comply with all limits specified in Table E12 - (Groundwater contaminant limits); and c) include all measures necessary to ensure compliance with condition E58; and d) include adequate measures to intercept seepage sufficient to prevent migration beyond the compliance bores as specified in Table E11 - (Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency); and e) include adequate measures and review processes to determine if any additional control measures e.g., interception bores or interception trenches are required; and f) include an action plan to prevent any impact to groundwater dependent ecosystems or Matters of State Environmental Significance vegetation due to the operation of seepage interception measures; and g) include an action plan to implement and/or install any additional control measures that are required; and h) include a map or figure that depicts the location and type of seepage control measures installed; and i) be reviewed annually for the effectiveness of the components and include details of improvements undertaken in the previous year; and j) address any comments made by the administering authority
- E73
The Seepage Management Plan must be reviewed on an annual basis by an appropriately qualified person to determine if it continues to meet the requirements stated in condition E72.
- E74
The Seepage Management Plan must be made available to the administering authority on request. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE E Schedule F - Biodiversity Biodiversity offsets
- G1
Land disturbed by mining must be rehabilitated in accordance with Schedule G - Table G1. Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 Schedule G - Table G1 - Rehabilitation requirements Mine Mine Feature Post Mine Rehabilitation Goals and Objectives Domain Land Use WRD - Safe for humans and wildlife - Non-polluting Waste Rock Central Waste Rock Grassland - Stable and Ore Dump - Able to sustain the post-mining land-use - Revegetated with species endemic to the area with no Temporary PAF Stockpile declared pest species Temporary NAF - Compliant with all conditions of this environmental Stockpile authority Low grade ore stockpile - Establish a suitable cover system to prevent oxygen Waste Rock Temporary waste Native Ecosystem ingress and Ore rock stockpile - Underground - All contaminated land remediated - Safe for humans and wildlife Temporary Northern - Non-polluting Waste Rock Dump - Stable - Able to sustain the post mining land use (NAF) - Revegetated with species endemic to the area with no Temporary Western declared pest species Waste Rock Dump - Self-sustaining vegetation (PAF) - Compliant with all conditions of this environmental Temporary Telstra authority Hill (TH) Waste Rock Dump - All contaminated land remediated ROM Pad - Safe for humans and wildlife - Non-polluting ROM Grassland - Stable - Able to sustain the post-mining land-use Finger 11 & 12 - Revegetated with species endemic to the area with no stockpile declared pest species - Compliant with all conditions of this environmental authority Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113
- G2
A Final Land Use Rehabilitation Plan (`FLURP') that describes how the rehabilitation objectives in condition G1 will be achieved must be developed, documented, implemented, and maintained for all stages of the mining activity. The FLURP must at minimum include: a) Schematic representation of the proposed final landform inclusive of site drainage features; b) Details of proposed slope design and erosion and sediment controls; c) Proposed cover designs for encapsulation of waste material, including performance criteria; d) Proposed re-vegetation methods inclusive of plant species selection, propagation methods and establishment of suitable plant growth medium (i.e., topsoil); e) Materials balance for all rehabilitation requirements including available topsoil and material suitable for encapsulating waste in accordance with the proposed encapsulation methodology; f) Geotechnical, geochemical, and hydrological studies necessary to demonstrate likely success of proposed rehabilitation methodology to achieve the required rehabilitation outcomes; g) An investigation of proposed residual voids including potential for generation/mobilisation of contaminants, potential pathways for release of contaminants to waters (including groundwater) and a long-term void water balance model; and h) A rehabilitation monitoring program sufficient to identify if required rehabilitation outcomes have been achieved.
- G3
Rehabilitation in accordance with condition G2 must commence progressively in accordance with the plan of operations. Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113
- G4
Residual voids (including open pits and underground workings) must not cause any serious or material environmental harm, other than the environmental harm constituted by the existence of the residual void itself, subject to any other condition within this environmental authority.
- G5
All explosives, flammable or corrosive substances, hazardous chemicals, toxic substances, gases, and dangerous goods must be stored and handled in accordance with: a) The current Australian Standard where applicable; or b) Where no relevant Australian Standard exists, store such materials within an on-site containment system sufficient to prevent release to the receiving environment.
- G6
Minimise the potential for contamination of land by hazardous contaminants.
- G7
Other than as permitted within this environmental authority, contaminants must not be released to land. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE G Schedule H - Regulated Structures
- H1
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 a) Prior to the construction of the structure if it is not an existing structure; or b) If it is an existing structure, by 20 December 2016; or c) Prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- H2
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.
- H3
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 Design and construction of a regulated structure
- H4
Conditions H5 to H9 inclusive do not apply to existing structures.
- H5
All regulated structures must be designed by, and constructed under the supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for assessing
- H6
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless the environmental authority holder has submitted to the administering authority and 28 days have elapsed, the following: a) a consequence category assessment report, as required by condition H2, and b) the suitably qualified and experienced person certified design and design plan; and c) the associated suitably qualified and experienced person certified operating procedures.
- H7
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 Regulated Structures. Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113
- H8
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 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 structure from any watercourse or drainage line; and ii) wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line.
- H9
Certification by the suitably qualified and experienced person who supervises the construction must be submitted to the administering authority within 10 days of 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. Operation of a regulated structure
- H10
Operation of a regulated structure must not commence unless the environmental authority holder has submitted to the administering authority: a) One paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with condition H7, and b) A set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications, and c) Certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition H9, and d) Where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the design storage allowance (DSA) volume across the system, a copy of the certified system design plan; e) A statement that confirms: i) The requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; ii) The details required under this authority, have been entered into a Register of Regulated Structures; and iii) There is a current operational plan for the regulated structures.
- H11
For existing structures that are regulated structures: a) where the existing structure that is a regulated structure is managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, the environmental authority holder must submit to the administering authority within three (3) 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. Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113
- H12
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. Mandatory reporting level
- H13
Conditions H14 to H17 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- H14
The Mandatory Reporting Level (the MRL) specified in Table H1 must be marked on a regulated structure in such a way that during routine inspections of that structure, it is clearly observable.
- H15
The environmental authority 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 structure reaches the MRL.
- H16
The environmental authority holder must, immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated structure.
- H17
The environmental authority holder must record any changes to the MRL in Table H1 and in the Register of Regulated Structures. Design storage allowance
- H18
The environmental authority holder must assess the performance of each regulated structure or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated structure or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year.
- H19
By 1 November of each year, storage capacity must be available in each regulated structure (or network of linked containment systems with a shared DSA volume), to meet the Design Storage Allowance (DSA) volume for the structure (or network of linked containment systems), as specified in Table H1.
- H20
The environmental authority holder must, as soon as possible and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware that the regulated structure (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.
- H21
The environmental authority holder must, immediately on becoming aware that a regulated structure (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 structure or linked containment systems. Annual inspection report
- H22
Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- H23
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, if applicable, to ensure the integrity of the regulated structure.
- H24
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 Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113
- H25
The environmental authority holder must within 20 business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: a) The recommendations section of the annual inspection report; and b) If applicable, any details of any actions being taken in response to those recommendations. Transfer arrangements
- H26
The environmental authority 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
- H27
Regulated structures and structures must not be abandoned but must be decommissioned and rehabilitated to achieve compliance with conditions G1 and G2 of this environmental authority. Transitional arrangements
- H28
All existing structures that have not been assessed in accordance with the Manual for assessing and certified in accordance with the Manual for assessing consequence categories and hydraulic Hydraulic performance of regulated structures
- H29
Each regulated structure authorised by this environmental authority as specified in Table A1, must meet the hydraulic performance criteria listed in Table H1 for that structure. Table H1 - Hydraulic performance criteria (`Table H1') Name of Spillway Capacity Design Storage Mandatory Reporting Purpose Regulated Allowance (DSA) Level of Structure Structure Consequence Stage Category Design mAHD Design mAHD Design mAHD Structure Tailings Criteria Criteria Criteria Storage Stage 6 High RL152.8m Facility Stage 7 1 in 2000 RL151.8m 1 in 100 (664.2ML) 1 in 100 RL151.3m Tailings (TSF) Stage 8 Significant ARI, 24 RL153.8m AEP, 3 TBD2 AEP, 72 RL153.3m Storage Stage 9 Significant hour storm RL 155.3m month RL153.6m RL154.7m Main Site event (526.2ML) hour Water Stage 10 wet TBD2 duration TBD1 Dam NA season Probable TBD1 TBD2 (MSWD) Stage 2 Maximum RL159.8m 1 in 20 AEP, 3 RL133.7 Main Site Flood month 7m (930 TBD1 Water (PMF) ML) Dam wet Make-up 1 in 1000 RL138.0m season RL136.6 1 in 10 RL135.93m water (MSWD) ARI m AEP, 72 1 in 20 supply AEP, 3- (988ML) hour month duration 1 in 1000 RL140.5 wet 1 in 10 RL138.4 Make- ARI season AEP, m up 72-hour duration water supply Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 Name of Spillway Capacity Design Storage Mandatory Reporting Purpose Regulated Allowance (DSA) Level of Structure Structure Consequence Stage Category Design Design Design Structure Criteria Criteria Criteria mAHD mAHD mAHD MCU 1 in 1 in 20 RL 1 in 10 1,000 AEP, 3- 182.8 AEP, 72 Water NA Significant AEP RL month (14.9ML RL Water Storage 184m hour 182.3 Storage wet ) duration Dam season Tailings storage
- A39
Pit1 NA Significant N/A N/A 1 in 20 RL 1 in 10 RL118.5 AEP, 3- 110.5m AEP, 72 m and month waste hour rock wet duration season Tailings storage 1 in 20 1 in 10 AEP, 72 and
- V2
Pit1 NA Significant N/A N/A AEP, 3- RL RL113.3 waste month 111.7m hour m rock duration wet season
- H30
The hydraulic performance criteria specified in Table H1 are the minimum mandatory performance requirements; regulated structures must be managed in a manner that ensures compliance with all conditions of this environmental authority. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE H Schedule I - Definitions Definitions Key terms and/or phrases used in this document are defined in this section. Where a term is not defined, the definition in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its regulations or environmental protection policies must be used. If a word remains undefined it has its ordinary meaning. Acceptance criteria means the measures by which actions implemented are deemed to be complete. The acceptance criteria indicate the success of the decommissioning and rehabilitation outcomes or remediation of areas which have been significantly disturbed by the mining activities. Acceptance criteria may include information regarding: a) Stability of final landforms in terms of settlement, erosion, weathering, pondage, and drainage; b) Control of geochemical and contaminant transport processes; c) Quality of runoff waters and potential impact on receiving environment; d) Vegetation establishment, survival, and succession; e) Vegetation productivity, sustained growth, and structure development; f) Fauna colonisation and habitat development; g) 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; Permit Environmental authority EPML00982113 h) Microbiological studies including recolonisation by mycorrhizal fungi, microbial biomass, and respiration; i) Effects of various establishment treatments such as deep ripping, topsoil handling, seeding and fertiliser application on vegetation growth and development; j) Resilience of vegetation to disease, insect attack, drought, and fire; k) Vegetation water use and effects on ground water levels and catchment yields. Acid rock drainage means any contaminated discharge emanating from a mining activity formed through a series of chemical and/or biological reactions. Administering authority is the agency that administers the environmental authority provisions under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Annual exceedance probability or AEP means the probability that at least one event in excess of a particular magnitude will occur in any given year. Affected land means land on which an event has caused or threatens serious or material environmental harm.