Appendix O Project Environmental Management Program€¦ · Bauxite Hills Project • Metro Mining...

Appendix O – Project Environmental Management

Program

Metro Mining Bauxite Hills Project

Draft Environmental Management Program

July 2015

Bauxite Hills Project • Metro Mining

Table of Contents

Section 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1-1 1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 1-1 1.2 Purpose ...................................................................................................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Scope of the Project and Location .................................................................................................. 1-2 1.4 Key Project Activities ........................................................................................................................... 1-3 1.5 Environmental Objectives.................................................................................................................. 1-3

Section 2 Environmental Management System ........................................................................................... 2-1 2.1 Incident Reporting ................................................................................................................................ 2-1 2.2 Emergency Response ........................................................................................................................... 2-2 2.3 Audits and Inspections ........................................................................................................................ 2-2

Section 3 Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................................................... 3-1 Section 4 Environmental Monitoring Program............................................................................................ 4-3

4.1 Surface Water .......................................................................................................................................... 4-3 4.2 Groundwater ............................................................................................................................................ 4-6 4.3 REMP ........................................................................................................................................................... 4-6 4.4 Weather Station ...................................................................................................................................... 4-7 4.5 Dust and Noise Monitoring ................................................................................................................ 4-7 4.6 Topsoil Stockpiles .................................................................................................................................. 4-8

Section 5 Marine .................................................................................................................................................... 5-10 5.1 Vessel Access and Speed Zones .................................................................................................... 5-10 5.2 Underwater Noise............................................................................................................................... 5-12 5.3 Seagrass Habitats ................................................................................................................................ 5-12 5.4 Vessel Wake and Erosion ................................................................................................................ 5-13 5.5 Introduced Marine Pests ................................................................................................................. 5-13 5.6 Marine Water Quality........................................................................................................................ 5-16 5.7 Sediment Quality ................................................................................................................................. 5-17 5.8 Acid Sulphate Soils (ASS) ................................................................................................................ 5-17 5.9 Marine Fauna Vessel Strike ............................................................................................................ 5-17 5.10 Fisheries Resources ........................................................................................................................... 5-17

Section 6 Rehabilitation ....................................................................................................................................... 6-1 6.1 Rehabilitation and Monitoring ........................................................................................................ 6-1 6.2 Success Criteria ....................................................................................................................................... 6-3 6.3 Decommissioning .................................................................................................................................. 6-3

Section 7 Erosion and Sediment Controls ...................................................................................................... 7-1 Section 8 Weeds, Feral Pests and Fire Management .................................................................................. 8-1

8.1 Weeds .......................................................................................................................................................... 8-1 8.2 Pest Fauna ................................................................................................................................................. 8-1 8.3 Fire Management ................................................................................................................................... 8-2

Section 9 Waste Management ............................................................................................................................ 9-1 9.1 Solid and Semi-liquid Waste ............................................................................................................. 9-1 9.2 Liquid Waste ............................................................................................................................................ 9-1 9.3 Regulated Wastes .................................................................................................................................. 9-2

Section 10 Pre-Wet Season Preparation Checklist ..................................................................................... 10-1

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List of Figures

Figure 4-1 Water monitoring locations ............................................................................................................ 4-5 Figure 5-1 Go and no go zones and speeds ................................................................................................... 5-11 Figure 6-1 Rehabilitation monitoring sites....................................................................................................... 6-2

List of Tables

Table 3-1 Personnel roles and responsibilities ................................................................................................ 3-1 Table 4-1 Surface water (freshwater) monitoring parameters and frequencies ............................................. 4-3 Table 4-2 Surface water (marine) monitoring parameters and frequencies ................................................... 4-4 Table 4-3 Groundwater monitoring locations, parameters and frequency ..................................................... 4-6 Table 4-4 Noise limits (sensitive place) ............................................................................................................ 4-8 Table 5-1 Potential construction impacts – marine environment ................................................................. 5-14 Table 5-2 Potential operational impacts – marine environment ................................................................... 5-15 Table 5-3 Marine monitoring ......................................................................................................................... 5-16 Table 7-1 Erosion and sediment controls ........................................................................................................ 7-1 Table 9-1 Potential sources of waste during Project operation ...................................................................... 9-1 Table 9-2 Liquid waste stream, source and location ....................................................................................... 9-2 Table 9-3 Project waste inventory (estimations) ............................................................................................. 9-3

Document History and Status

Revision Date Issued Reviewed By Approved By Date Approved Revision Type

0

Author: Colleen Fish

Document Title: Bauxite Hills Project Environmental Management Program

Document Version: Draft

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Section 1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction Metro Mining Limited (Metro Mining) is proposing to develop the Bauxite Hills Project (the Project) located on the western coastline of Cape York, Queensland. The proposed Project includes a small open cut operation, haul road and barge loading facility that will produce and transport just under 2 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) over 27 years. The bauxite from the Project is suitable as a Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) product (i.e. ore is extracted and loaded directly to ships with no beneficiation (washing) or tailings dams required) and hence, minimal waste is generated which in turns minimises impacts to the surrounding environmental values (EVs). Bauxite will be transported by barge via the Skardon River to the transshipment site, approximately 12 kilometres (km) offshore, where it will be loaded into ocean going vessels (OGVs) and shipped to customers.

The Project site is remote from any township with the nearest town Mapoon, located approximately 16 km from the mining lease boundary and approximately 35 km to the southwest of the proposed mine infrastructure area (MIA). Access to Mapoon from the barge loading facility is approximately 40 km by sea and approximately 350 km by 4WD (via Weipa) from the workers camp, utilising 4WD only tracks. Employees and contractors will be flown in and accommodated on site. It is anticipated that there will be regular charter flights from either Cairns or Weipa bringing in stores, supplies and personnel.

It is anticipated that the Project will employ approximately 105 people including staff, equipment operators and barge / transshipment personnel working a two week on, and one week off roster on only a day shift. Employees will be drawn from the local community where possible as well as further afield. As the Project is located in the Cape region, with distinct wet and dry seasons, operation will occur only during the dry season from, nominally, March to November. Operating during the dry season simplifies drainage and sediment control and significantly reduces the impact on the EVs as well as health and safety risks.

The operation will be subject to all the laws and r egulations of the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (MR Act) (Qld) and the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) (Qld). There may also be further conditions if approvals are required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (Cwlth) and additional Queensland specific legislation. All activities within the mining lease areas and access to the mining lease areas will be controlled by Metro Mining.

This draft Environmental Management Program (EMP) has been prepared to support an application by Metro Mining for an Environmental Authority (mining activities) for its Bauxite Hills Project.

1.2 Purpose The EMP proposes a range of measures to protect the identified environmental values potentially affected by the development of the Project. The measures proposed in this document, together with the Draft Environmental Authority (see Section 8 of the Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA) assessment report), will be used by the administering authorities to establish the approval conditions for the project. Metro Mining is committed to the preparation of sound environmental management policies and procedures to ensure compliance throughout the life of the Project.

This EMP will be a live, interactive document that will be updated in accordance with improvements in environmental management practices, standard operating procedures, any Works Approvals and Licence conditions, and in consultation with key project stakeholders. This draft EMP has been

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prepared to articulate environmental measures for Metro Mining and its contractors to follow for the construction and operation of the mine and related infrastructure to ensure that:

Activities associated with the Project’s development do not adversely affect environmental values or the local community; and

Any potential environmental impacts of the development are managed in accordance with legislative requirements and sound environmental management practices.

1.3 Scope of the Project and Location Metro Mining is proposing to develop an open cut bauxite mine and barging / transshipment operation on the western coastline of Cape York, Queensland. The Project is expected to have a life span of 27 years and is characterised by several shallow open cut pits that will be connected via internal haul roads, which in turn, will be connected to a main north-south haul road that will link with the MIA and barge loading facility located to the north of the pits on the Skardon River.

The plan in Figure 2-1 shows haul road locations situated within Metro’s EPM boundaries. Alternative haul road locations are also shown. These alternative haul road locations have a lesser impact on the environmental values (i.e. less disturbance to fringing mangrove communities); however, they are sited on mining tenements held by other companies. Metro Mining access to these locations requires the grant of s316 Infrastructure Leases which may be objected to by the other companies.

The Project area is remote from any township with the nearest town Mapoon, located approximately 35 km in a direct line to the southwest of the proposed MIA. Access to Mapoon from the barge loading facility is approximately 40 km by sea and approximately 350 km by 4WD (via Weipa) from the workers camp. There are no reserves, stock routes, easements or public road reserves within the Project area.

The Project is expected to employ 105 employees, with additional contractors as needed. The mine will operate one 12 hour shift per day for nine months of the year, shutting down operations during the wet season. Contractors may work a two week on, and one week off roster; however, this will be decided by the selected mine operator. The Project workforce, comprising all staff and contractors throughout the life of the Project, will be required to follow Project workforce management plans and strategies to ensure environmental and social impacts are minimised.

Key components of the Project include:

Shallow open cut pits;

Internal haul roads and access roads;

Barge loading facility on the Skardon River;

MIA including the run-of-mine (ROM) stockpile, bauxite stockpiles, barge loading conveyor load point, earthmoving equipment hard park, administration offices, workshops and fuelling facilities;

Accommodation camp;

Raw and potable water supply; and

Sewage treatment plant.

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1.4 Key Project Activities

The key activities that this EMP will apply to are:

Site preparation including vegetation clearing, topsoil stripping with storage or spreading and overburden removal;

Construction activities and services;

Water supply and storage;

Electricity supply via diesel generators;

Light vehicle roads and heavy vehicle haul access roads;

Water management system (WMS);

Mine infrastructure area (MIA) including:

- chemical fuel and oil storage facilities

- maintenance workshops and vehicle washdown facilities

- waste transfer stations

- administration offices and associated amenities

- telecommunication infrastructure

Excavation of run of mine (ROM) bauxite;

Initial storage of topsoil and waste;

Dump stations and overland conveyor systems;

Bauxite (ROM and product) stockpiles;

Site rehabilitation and stabilisation;

Barge loading;

Shipping and transhipment of product bauxite;

All other activities not described separately, but which are directly associated with or facilitate or support the described activities;

Rehabilitating or remediating environmental harm because of any of the described mining activities; and

Actions to prevent environmental harm because of any of the described activities.

1.5 Environmental Objectives

The key objectives of this EMP are to:

Implement a system for compliance with the following requirements:

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- relevant legislative requirements

- licences, approvals and permits

- obligations and commitments from Metro Mining’s ERA assessment report

- project environmental policy and environmental management system

Establish design, mitigation and management measures to achieve the environmental objectives in relation to the predicted impacts for design and construction and operations;

Ensure that project design processes incorporate leading practice environmental design and sustainability principles to minimise the potential impacts of construction and operation on the environment and local community;

Ensure that construction and operations are undertaken in a way which minimises potential impacts on the environment and community; and

Develop, implement and monitor measures that minimise pollution and optimise resource use.

The objectives and performance criteria relate to environmental protection, prevention of pollution and continuous improvement. The overarching objectives include:

Compliance with all environmental laws relevant to construction and operation activities and honor commitments made in the ERA assessment report;

Address environmental related community issues arising from the construction and operations activities;

Take all reasonable steps to minimise the likelihood that no events of material or serious environmental harm as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) occur;

Ensuring that sound environmental management practices; and

Compliance with relevant environmental approvals.

Metro Mining’s construction and operational environmental performance will be measured using a number of environment related Performance Criteria. Performance Criteria will be developed in consultation with key stakeholders and will be used as strategic indicators for the ongoing assessment of performance during the construction and operations phase of the project. Assessment of Metro Mining’s compliance with these Performance Criteria will be reported, reviewed and monitored on a regular basis via a documented management system review, monthly reports and site meetings.

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Section 2 Environmental Management System An environmental management system (EMS) for both the construction and operational phases of the Project will be developed based on the principles of the AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management Systems. The EMS will establish the framework for environmental management of Project activities, and will include the following:

The Project’s environmental policy statement;

Roles and responsibilities;

Identification of potential environmental impacts;

Presentation of objectives and targets for the mitigation of potential environmental impacts;

Implementation of plans and procedures to ensure objectives and targets are met;

A reporting procedure – internal and external;

Induction, training and awareness programs to ensure Project personnel are aware and capable of fulfilling the Project’s environmental responsibilities;

An emergency and incident procedure; and

Management review process to search for opportunities for continuous improvement.

2.1 Incident Reporting In accordance with the site EA, and the site SMS, the holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority by written notification within 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.

Reporting commitments under the environmental authority and other legislation will be complied and include:

Prepare Annual Returns as required under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld);

Submit reports for the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) and the National Greenhouse and

Notify the administering authority of incidents that may compromise compliance with the conditions of the environmental authority or incidents where serious or material environmental harm is caused, or threatened to be caused, unless that environmental harm is authorised (e.g. by the environmental authority or development approval).

A register of environmental incidents will be maintained and corrective actions assigned where required.

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2.2 Emergency Response An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) will be developed in consultation with relevant Governments Departments to ensure that the potential consequence of emergency situations as identified in this report is minimised as far as possible, and will include management of the potential for environmental harm will be included in the Plan. Environmental emergency situations that could arise during the construction and operation of the Project include:

Release of dangerous goods;

Flooding;

Bushfire; and

Cyclone.

The Project will have an on-site contact for state emergency services to contact in the event of an emergency situation.

All Project personnel will receive basic training regarding the site Emergency Response Procedures, including prevention, planning, response to and recovery from incident or emergency.

2.3 Audits and Inspections Environmental audits will be conducted to assess compliance with regulatory requirements and the performance of the site EMS. The objectives of the environmental auditing and review programs are to:

Monitor and report on compliance with regulatory requirements, EA and EMP commitments, Plan of Operations, environmental policy, company standards, best-practice guidelines and signatory codes; and

Ensure senior management review of performance via consideration of the audit reports.

An environmental auditing program will be implemented at the operation which will include:

Internal environmental audits annually;

Regular EMS review;

Plan of Operations audits with each Plan of Operations; and

Administering authority audits at a frequency determined by the authority.

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Section 3 Roles and Responsibilities All personnel managing or working on the Project shall be responsible for environmental management and continuous improvement in performance. All staff will be made aware of their responsibilities during the Project induction process.

All personnel associated with the Project shall be required to comply with the requirements of all applicable environmental legislation, regulations, codes of practice as well as project standards, procedures and work instructions. An outline of the environmental responsibilities of key personnel and contractors throughout the life of the Project are shown in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1 Personnel roles and responsibilities

Specific Role Responsibilities Construction or Operations Manager

incorporate the EMP actions and requirements into the Project specific procedures; appoint / nominate the Site Environmental Manager (SEM); review the performance of the EMP on a quarterly basis; review any environmental non-conformances, remediation and preventative actions; allocate Project resources to manage environmental issues; and ensure suppliers and contractors comply with environmental requirements.

Project Engineers and Superintendents

implement the EMP on site; report to the SEM on environmental issues and non-conformances; ensure that site personnel are aware of their environmental obligations; and take corrective action to resolve non-conformances.

Corporate Environmental Manager

develop and implement the corporate EMS; develop, and where appropriate undertake, the environmental audit plan to ensure

that audits of the site EMP and EA are carried out and reported to Corporate Management, the SEM and Construction / Operations Manager;

liaise with relevant State and Commonwealth authorities regarding significant operating and corporate environmental issues;

provide advice and support in relation to environmental issues; and develop the Final EMP to ensure compliance with AS/NZS ISO 14001, and update as

required in consultation with the SEM. Site Environmental Manager (SEM)

take all steps necessary to avoid or minimise adverse environmental impacts, including recommending to the Construction or Operations Manager that activities cease due to inadequate environmental performance;

report to the Construction or Operations Manager, and the Corporate Environmental Manager, on the performance of the EMP and improvement opportunities;

ensure that the EMP is effectively implemented and maintained at the Project level; undertake daily and weekly site inspections and audits, as required by the EMP; be present on site during any critical construction activities and provide support to

the Project team to enable them to meet their environmental commitments; investigate and report on any environmental incidents and ensure that appropriate

action is taken; undertake environmental monitoring requirements, as required by approvals, licenses

and permits. develop and conduct an appropriate environmental awareness training program; ensure that environmental records and files are maintained; ensure community complaints and non-conformances are recorded and appropriately

considered and acted upon; liaise with relevant local authorities regarding works; liaise with the general public and key stakeholders, as required.

Contractors comply with legal and contractual requirements; comply with management / supervisory directions; participate in awareness training as directed by management; notify project management prior to commencement of key activities; and regularly report on activities and environmental performance.

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Specific Role Responsibilities

All Personnel comply with the relevant Acts, Regulations, Codes of Practice and Standards; comply with the Environmental Policy and Procedures; promptly report to management any non-conformances and / or breaches of the

system; and participate in awareness training as directed by management.

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Section 4 Environmental Monitoring Program Bauxite Hills Mine operates under EA XXXXXXX.

Environmental monitoring at Bauxite Hills Mine will be undertaken to meet all relevant legislation and guidelines, with particular focus to ensure all EA conditions are incorporated as required.

Samples will be collected by people appropriately trained, and analysis will be undertaken by NATA registered laboratories where applicable.

Monitoring results will be entered into an appropriate electronic format to allow comparative analysis and assessment of results over time, in order to detect any short or potential long-term changes to the water quality.

All monitoring results will be stored for a minimum of 5 years, as required in the site EA.

Monitoring results and assessments will be reported to the relevant regulators as required in the site EA.

4.1 Surface Water Surface water (freshwater and marine) quality will be monitored at the locations shown in Figure 4-1 and for the parameters and frequencies defined in Table 4-1 and Table 4-2.

Setting water quality parameters for the site will require careful consideration of the existing baseline conditions, given that the variability in water quality can naturally be quite extreme, and changes significantly along the marine –> estuarine –> freshwater progression, and in response to wet season and dry season fluctuations.

Table 4-1 Surface water (freshwater) monitoring parameters and frequencies Quality Characteristics Trigger Level Monitoring Frequency pH TBA Quarterly Electrical Conductivity TBA

Suspended solids TBA

Turbidity TBA

Sulfate (SO42-) TBA

Nitrate TBA

Total Nitrogen TBA

Total Phosphorous TBA

Ammonia TBA

Aluminium TBA

Arsenic TBA

Cadmium TBA

Chromium TBA

Copper TBA

Iron TBA

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Quality Characteristics Trigger Level Monitoring Frequency Lead TBA

Mercury TBA

Nickel TBA

Zinc TBA

Manganese TBA

Petroleum hydrocarbons (C6-C9) TBA

Petroleum hydrocarbons (C10-C36)

TBA

Table 4-2 Surface water (marine) monitoring parameters and frequencies

Quality Characteristics Trigger Level Monitoring Frequency

Dissolved oxygen TBA Quarterly

pH TBA

Salinity TBA

Turbidity TBA

Ammonia TBA

Nitrite TBA

Nitrate TBA

Total nitrogen TBA

Total phosphorus TBA

Aluminium TBA

Arsenic TBA

Cadmium TBA

Chromium TBA

Copper TBA

Iron TBA

Manganese TBA

Mercury TBA

Nickel TBA

Lead TBA

zinc TBA

Chlorophyll-a TBA

Hydrocarbons (C6 – C9) TBA

Hydrocarbons (C10-C36) TBA

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Figure 4-1 Water monitoring locations

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4.2 Groundwater Groundwater quality and levels will be monitored for the locations, parameters and frequencies defined in Table 4-3.

As recommended, two additional monitoring bores will be installed in 2016 to the south east of Bigfoot Swamp to monitor any potential groundwater impacts from mining operations in BH6.

Table 4-3 Groundwater monitoring locations, parameters and frequency

Monitoring Point

Location Parameters Monitoring Frequency

Trigger values

Easting Northing Surface RL

BH1 MBs TBA TBA TBA pH, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Phosporous, Total Nitrogen, Ammonia, Aluminium, Copper, Lead, Iron, Zinc, Mercury

Quarterly TBA. Final trigger values are proposed using the 80th percentile of the baseline data set. Interim trigger values using the current 80th percentile from the existing baseline data are proposed

BH6 MBs TBA TBA TBA

4.3 REMP A REMP will be developed in accordance with DEHP Guidelines including DEHP Technical Guideline - Wastewater release to Queensland waters (EM112 – Version 1) and will be periodically updated as required throughout the life of the Project. The REMP will be implemented through the EMP and will incorporate the following elements:

Final WQOs will be developed with trigger values set at the 80th percentiles. Baseline water quality monitoring has determined locally derived interim WQOs for the Project;

The ongoing baseline assessment and interpretation of water quality data will be undertaken in accordance with relevant guidelines including the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) (former) Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2009 (DERM 2009b), QWQG (DERM 2009a), and ANZECC and ARMCANZ guidelines. The monitoring program will outline, as a minimum:

- Measures to further derive local WQOs from data collected from reference sites, chosen in accordance with the QWQG (DERM 2009a)

- Frequency and locations for sampling

- Relevant water quality parameters, including physico-chemical and estimation of local stream flow

- Water quality sampling methods

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All data used to determine locally-derived WQOs shall be recorded in an electronic format for

review by the administering authority if requested;

Event based monitoring will be undertaken throughout the life of the Project at the Skardon River adjacent to the MIA;

Water quality monitoring will be undertaken up and down stream of the mine site, and in nominated Project affected water storages (including groundwater sump slots) and watercourses on-site;

In the event a trigger level is exceeded during a release, a response mechanism will be implemented to include the following:

- In the event of an exceedance of results against the WQOs trigger levels, compare downstream results to upstream results and if the two are similar, an exceedance is unlikely to be a result of Project-related activities. If downstream results are noticeably higher than upstream, carry out a visual inspection of the works site to identify potential sources of contaminants

- Corrective actions arising from the investigation will be identified and implemented to address exceedances.

Reporting processes to DEHP will be undertaken as per EA conditions.

The REMP specifically mentions monitoring of conditions during any release of mine-impacted water. As Bauxite Hill’s mining pits will be self-draining, there is no predicted requirement to release pit water to the environment. The only mine-impacted water that could be released to the environment is from surface water sediment control structures around mining infrastructure, including the MIA, camp, haul roads and BLF.

In addition to the Surface Water, Groundwater and Marine monitoring described above, the REMP will incorporate late dry season (i.e. end of mine operational phase) and late wet season monitoring of Bigfoot swamp for water quality (surface water and groundwater), area of inundation and general aquatic ecological assessment.

4.4 Weather Station The onsite automatic weather station is located at the airstrip. It will be downloaded on a monthly basis during site operations. The weather station will be downloaded prior to the cessation of mining operations for the wet season, and again at the commencement of mining operations in the dry season.

4.5 Dust and Noise Monitoring Air quality and / or noise monitoring will be undertaken on a complaints based basis.

In the event of a complaint made to the administering authority (which in the opinion of an authorised officer is considered neither frivolous nor vexatious) about airborne contaminants or noise generated in carrying out the authorized activity in the Bauxite Hills Project area, monitoring will be undertaken to determine if the following levels have been exceeded when measured at the relative sensitive or commercial place:

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Dust

Dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air Determination of particulate matter Deposited matter Gravimetric method; and

A concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometres (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24 hour averaging time*, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of the relevant Australian Standard for measuring 10 micrometres (PM10) suspended . (*5 days exceedance allowed each year including natural causes).

Noise

Noise levels have not exceeded the limits detailed in Table 4-4.

Table 4-4 Noise limits (sensitive place) Sensitive Place

Noise level dB(A) measured as:

Monday to Saturday Sunday and Public Holidays

7am to 6pm 6pm to 10pm 10pm to 7am 9am to 6pm 6pm to 10pm 10pm to 9am

LAeq, adj, 15 mins

CV = 50 AV = 5

CV = 45 AV = 5

CV = 40 AV = 0

CV = 45 AV = 5

CV = 40 AV = 5

CV = 35 AV = 0

LA1, adj, 15 mins

CV = 55 AV = 10

CV = 50 AV = 10

CV = 45 AV = 5

CV = 50 AV = 10

CV = 45 AV = 10

CV = 40 AV = 5

CV = Critical Value; AV = Adjustment Value

If monitoring indicates the airborne contaminants or the noise levels specified above have been exceeded, the holder of this environmental authority must compare the results of the impacted site to that of a nominated reference monitoring site. If the level of airborne contaminants or the noise levels specified at the impacted site does not exceed the reference monitoring site, then no action is to be taken and the contaminants will be regarded as not having been generated in the carrying out of the authorised activity.

4.6 Topsoil Stockpiles The appropriate management of topsoil is important in regard to the successful implementation of the Projects progressive rehabilitation program. To ensure topsoil resources are manage appropriately, topsoil stockpile management will include:

Following clearing, topsoil will be stripped to an average 20 cm depth across all of the mining areas;

Some understorey vegetation will purposefully be left following clearing and incorporated into the topsoil to retain the biological activity of the stored topsoil and provide propagules for regrowth which will stabilise the stockpiles during storage;

Where topsoil is being stripped within an economic distance of a prepared rehabilitation area, topsoil will be directly placed on the rehabilitation area without stockpiling. Where this will not be feasible, topsoil stockpiles will be constructed;

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The height of topsoil stockpiles will be minimised where possible, and will be no greater than

2 m;

Topsoil stockpiles will be left to self-revegetate. If after one or more wet season any weed species have established, appropriate controls will be undertaken; and

Topsoil replacement will occur at similar depths existing prior to mining (approximately 200 mm).

Topsoil stockpiles will be monitored prior to the wet season to ensure they meet the topsoil storage commitments e.g. stockpile heights, and to determine the risk of erosion over the wet season. Topsoil stockpiles at risk of erosion over the wet season will be planted with appropriate fast growing cover species.

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Section 5 Marine Key elements of the project in regards to the marine environment include the:

Barge loading facility;

Marine operations and barge route;

Cyclone moorings; and

Offshore transhipment area.

Potential construction and operational impacts to the marine environment from the Project have been listed in Table 5-1 and Table 5-2 respectively. Proposed management for significant risks are detailed below.

5.1 Vessel Access and Speed Zones Go and no-go zones have been allocated for barge and tug operations based on an draft clearance of less than or greater than 2m water depth, based on the lowest astronomical tide, as shown in Figure 5-1. This highlights that during the LAT, there may be some areas at the mouth of the Skardon River that will not be accessible by the barges and tugs. This is recognised as a constraint on the Project, such that barging operations will be operated around the tide times, and that barging will cease for a nominal period either side of the low tide.

By considering proximity to seagrass habitats and areas of shallower depths, speed zones have also been defined to minimise habitat disturbance, and potential marine fauna interactions or fauna strikes. Speeds of 4 knots are proposed within 500m of seagrass habitats and adjacent to shallow bathymetry. Within the remainder of the channel, speeds are proposed up to 8 knots, as shown in Figure 5-1.

In addition to defined speed zones vessel masters will manage speed and direction where safe to do so to avoid collision with marine fauna.

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Figure 5-1 Go and no go zones and speeds

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5.2 Underwater Noise The objective of the mitigation process for underwater construction noise is to minimize the potential for permanent hearing damage in marine mega fauna (cetaceans, dugong, turtles, sharks, etc.). During operations, general vessel and operational noises have, at worst, potential to alter behavioural response.

Pile driving for the construction of the Barge Loading Facility is the activity that requires specific impact management with respect to noise and vibration impacts. During pile driving activities, the following controls will be implemented:

Hours of operation - Marine based pile driving operations to take place during daylight only;

Noise assessment - An initial check of marine-based pile driving equipment, to confirming actual noise emissions to the predicted impact zone;

Soft start procedure - The start procedure for the pile driving unit should comprise of a soft start approach with increasing noise level, reaching 100% operational force over a ten minute period. Alternatively, a noise producing device that is capable of gradually increasing in the level of acoustic energy for 10 minutes could be used prior to commencement of piling. The noise producing device provide an initial noise level that is no greater than 140 dB re 1μPa@ 1m to enable mobile fauna to move away.

Marine observer - A suitably trained observer is to provide an ‘All clear’ for cetaceans and turtles, dugong and other marine megafauna within a 500 m radius of the pile driving unit. This is to be confirmed before the commencement of pile driving operations.

5.3 Seagrass Habitats Seagrass habitats exist in close proximity to the proposed barge loading facilities (50-100m). At all barge loading options the proposed trestle conveyor alignment will cross over a small section of habitat potentially suited to seagrass establishment. The proposed quay line and barge loading facility itself are located within deeper waters outside the seagrass meadows. None of the locations are expected to encounter seagrass within the footprint of the loading berth given water depths and limitations in light availability.

The primary risk of disturbance to seagrasses will be via the initial construction of the barge wharf infrastructure and conveyor alignment.

Given the small area of seagrass and low potential impact that has been described, the following controls are proposed:

Conduct surveys for potential impact to seagrass once the final design and construct plans have been approved; and

Develop a marine ecology monitoring plan, incorporating seagrass habitats, prior to construction.

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5.4 Vessel Wake and Erosion The barging of the bauxite from the barge loading facility to the offshore transhipment location will result in the generation of vessel wake waves within the Skardon River. As mangroves are present along the majority of the banks of the Skardon River any vessel wake waves are expected to be attenuated by the established mangrove vegetation and will therefore not result in significant erosion of the river bank.

Given the targeted production rate of just under 2 million t/pa, approximately 1600 barge movements would be required each year (800 out and 800 in), over a 40 week operation. This presents a significant increase in vessel traffic for the river, presently minimal use by larger commercial vessels.

To manage the potential impact of vessel wakes and bank erosion, it is proposed to monitor the banks along the Skardon River and, if any new areas or significantly increased existing areas of erosion are detected, to develop an appropriate action plan in consultation with the regulators.

5.5 Introduced Marine Pests The risk of introduction of marine pests is significantly reduced by the large international OGVs remaining offshore, and not entering the estuarine and inshore waters of the Skardon River, however some risk remains from the movement of tugs and barges from other ports within Australia, and the management of ballast water from the OGVs.

Ships servicing the Bauxite Hills operations will be required to manage ballast waters in line with the existing Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements before permitting its discharge inside Australia's territorial sea (12 nautical mile limit generally applies).

The Commonwealth Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry also recently released guidelines for marine pest monitoring within Australia. Metro Mining will follow these documents in establishing a practical monitoring, management and reporting program for introduced marine pests.

In line with these requirements, the Project would seek to implement a marine pest monitoring and implementation program every 2-3 years.

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Table 5-1 Potential construction impacts – marine environment

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Table 5-2 Potential operational impacts – marine environment

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5.6 Marine Water Quality There are potential marine water quality impacts during both construction and operations. These include:

vessel movement via propwash;

construction of marine facilities via sediment disturbance;

oil/chemical spills and vessel discharges;

dust emissions from loading; and

stormwater discharges.

Outside seasonally driven stormwater (when operations will not be occurring), the proposed development does not propose any point source releases of water to the marine environment.

Controls to management marine water quality will include:

Minimise habitat disturbance and clearing;

Minimise sediment disturbance during construction where possible;

Implement erosion and sediment control plan (See Section XX);

Implement appropriate dust controls during construction and operations, via maintenance of a suitable moisture content in the product material;

Gross pollutants, sediments, oils and other contaminants from industrial, hardstand, roadway and trafficked areas will be captured by specialised measures including oil, grit, and gross pollutant traps where possible and appropriate;

Commercial vessels involved in the site construction and operational phases will be subject to International, National and State policies and guidelines to restrict environmental impacts as a result of spillages, anticorrosion products, wastewater products, and solid wastes;

Metro Mining will work within the agreed arrangements of Australia's National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (National Plan) and the requirements of the Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995, and have appropriate spill response plans and equipment in place; and

Marine water quality monitoring will be undertaken as detailed in Table 5-3.

Table 5-3 Marine monitoring

Location Monitoring Parameters Monitoring Frequency

TBA Observations of marine fauna are to be recorded to a database

Ongoing

Incidences of direct interaction such as vessel strike, or near vessel strike are to be reported.

Ongoing

Underwater noise monitoring will be undertaken if required during pile driving to ensure adopted noise criteria remain applicable with regards to exclusion zones

During BLF construction utilising pile driving

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Location Monitoring Parameters Monitoring Frequency

Design and implement a seagrass monitoring program that will survey seagrass abundance, distribution and species composition

TBA

A marine pest monitoring and implementation program will be developed.

Prior to construction

Construction based monitoring to be undertaken pursuant to the ASS management plan.

Prior to construction

5.7 Sediment Quality Given that the major risk to sediment quality would result from any spillage of hazardous materials, sediment monitoring is only proposed following any significant spill of hazardous materials to the Skardon River environment.

5.8 Acid Sulphate Soils (ASS) The presence of minor ASS and PASS within the immediate on shore locations indicates that shoreline construction, excavations and construction of any associated revetments may need to more broadly consider ASS and PASS distribution. The existing data is limited.

Once final design and construct details have been approved, and prior to construction, an ASS monitoring and management plan will be developed, appropriate to the potential risk identified in the proposed construction plans.

5.9 Marine Fauna Vessel Strike Increased vessel movements within the Skardon River and adjacent coastal regions present the greatest potential for interaction. Management of vessel based interactions are proposed within the vessel access and speed zone plans.

5.10 Fisheries Resources Key commercially important species found in the study area include; Barramundi, Blue Threadfin Salmon, King Threadfin Salmon, Blacktip Shark complex and juvenile Grey Mackerel. Species of recreational importance such as Giant Queenfish and Barramundi were identified and these stocks currently support commercial charter operations.

The commercial and recreational fisheries resources of the study area may be affected by;

Displacement of fishing effort; a 200m exclusion zone is required around the barge facilities;

Disruption of access to existing fishing locations within the river and adjacent shores due to shipping traffic; and

Impact to important fisheries resources/habitats.

The spatial distribution of the commercial fishery (western beach shoreline north and south of the Skardon River entrance) is predominantly outside areas directly impacted by the Project. Furthermore, the commercial fishing effort in the inshore net and crab fisheries of the area is small relative to the rest of the Gulf of Carpentaria and has been declining over the last decade; therefore

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Bauxite Hills Project • Metro Mining despite the minor displacement, a major impact due to the mine is not anticipated. Impact upon fisheries resources is considered minor.

The proposed vessel anchorages and transhipment locations offshore of the Skardon River are located inshore of an identified minor prawn catch area. The most profitable prawning grounds are located further south adjacent to Weipa. Impact upon prawn fisheries from is considered minor.

The proposed development will not create a significant loss of habitat (intertidal or sub tidal), and the passage of fish within and between freshwater, estuarine and marine systems will not be negatively influenced by barriers. There is also no dredging or bed-levelling proposed. Impacts upon fisheries habitats are considered minor.

Specific controls that Metro Mining will introduce are:

A no-take policy will be enforced on employees and contractors within areas of the mine; and

Water quality, sediment, erosion, dust, stormwater and seagrass monitoring will be undertaken to ensure fish habitats are being managed appropriately.

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Section 6 Rehabilitation In summary, rehabilitation methods for all types of land will normally consist of:

Timber clearing two - three years in advance of soil removal to allow soil and soil micro-organism recovery, and re-establishment of the soil seed bank;

Topsoil removal at the appropriate depths;

Direct placement of topsoil onto recontoured mine areas, or topsoil stockpiling;

Overburden pushed up onto the adjacent mining panel;

Ripping through the mine floor prior to overburden placement;

Overburden recontoured to reinstate appropriate drainage and ensure the final land surface is similar to the pre-mining surface;

Scarification of the soil surface;

Seed application incorporating a nominated mix of native species (locally sourced where possible) with a quick growing ground cover e.g. sorghum, along with appropriate fertiliser levels; and

Direct seeding and tubestock planting of selected species if required.

6.1 Rehabilitation and Monitoring The aim of rehabilitation monitoring is to determine whether the key species have established and whether the rehabilitated areas are likely to develop into an ecosystem similar to pre-mining or require upgrade work.

Every rehabilitated area will be assessed at both six and 18 months after seeding. The six month assessment will focus on the establishment of key canopy species (e.g. Eucalyptus tetrodonta and/or Melaleuca spp.) while the 18 month assessment will focus on both the density and composition of all species including trees, shrubs and groundcover.

Long term monitoring sites will also be established to record the progression of species composition over time, and the establishment of an ecosystem that approaches the values of the pre-existing landscape.

Metro Mining has identified that lowering of the land surface post-mining may result in a greater mix of Melaleuca spp and other wetland-fringing assemblages in the region, than currently exist in the Eucalyptus tetradonta dominated ecosystem. Rehabilitation monitoring will focus on these potential changes, and success criteria may be modified to support this.

Analogue sites away from the mining area will also be established. It is proposed monitoring of the long-term sites will be undertaken approximately every 5 years.

Figure 6-1 shows the annual progressive location of monitoring sites, as rehabilitation monitoring is undertaken, as well as the long-term rehabilitation monitoring sites.

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Bauxite Hills Project • Metro Mining Figure 6-1 Rehabilitation monitoring sites

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6.2 Success Criteria Completion/success criteria are a set of objective standards against which rehabilitation progress can be assessed.

Mine closure and rehabilitation planning is a process that continues throughout the life of mine, and specific completion/success criteria will be developed in the early stages of the operation at the Project and reviewed during the life of the mine as advances in knowledge or techniques and changes in adjacent land use or stakeholder desires are presented. Preliminary rehabilitation success criteria will be developed within 3 years of commencement of bauxite mining.

Rehabilitation objectives and associated criteria, milestones and standards will need to be achievable using accepted mining industry leading practice rehabilitation operations and site specific monitoring and data collection. Completion/success criteria are invariably site specific, based on the biophysical parameters relevant to the mine location and end use goals. Analogue sites will be assessed to ensure pre-mining ecological parameters are accurately captured and used to develop appropriate completion/success criteria. These are implemented in such a way as to ensure that closure aims are being achieved.

Completion/success criteria should be thought of as ‘triggers’, where failure to meet a given criteria should prompt specific remedial steps.

A general list of components to be covered in rehabilitation completion/success criteria would include:

Landform stability and performance;

Biodiversity;

Revegetation;

Resistance and resilience to disturbance; and

The monitoring and management of exotic species.

Indicators will be representative of key ecological processes related to stability and sustainability, as well as those that assess vegetation development, structure and diversity within important groups. In addition, these criteria will be site specific and closely related to the local climatic, specific ecosystem components, mining techniques and mining land use and include Traditional Owner requirements.

6.3 Decommissioning The decommissioning and final rehabilitation of the Project will occur on a staged basis over several years.

A Final Rehabilitation Report (FRR) which includes a contaminated site assessment will be prepared final to surrender of the mining lease.

Metro Mining’s decommissioning strategy is based on the following concepts:

Remove all infrastructure (unless agreement has been reached with the land owner and/or Traditional Owners) and revegetate to a predetermined post-mine land use;

Compacted areas will be ripped, re-contoured, topsoiled (where required) and revegetated;

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Bauxite Hills Project • Metro Mining Minimise erosion and its potential off lease effects;

Protect downstream water quality from contaminated runoff; and

On relinquishment, ensure that the agreed post-mine land use has been reached.

The decommissioning program will incorporate the following areas:

Mine and Port Infrastructure

The infrastructure to be left on-site following mine closure will depend on the requirements of Metro Mining, the Traditional Owners and the landowner requests. It is currently envisaged; however, that all buildings, offices, plant equipment, workshops, raw water tanks, power plant, conveyors, sewage treatment plant, fuel storage tanks, stockpiles and associated facilities will be decommissioned and removed from site. Compacted areas will be ripped, re-contoured, topsoiled (where required) and reseeded.

Water Supply Bores and/or Storages

Water supply bores and/or storages will be permanent, unless removal is specifically requested by the landowner, and therefore will not require decommissioning. Bores or storages required to be removed will be decommissioned in accordance with the appropriate guidelines at the time.

Drainage

Permanent drainage contours and structures will remain to ensure drainage is controlled, unless removal is specifically requested by the landowner, and therefore will not require decommissioning.

Creek/Gully Diversions

It is not anticipated to be any creek or gully diversions anticipated for the Project and therefore decommissioning will not be required. Any clearing near waterways will be rehabilitated appropriately to ensure it meets the completion/success criteria.

Access/Haul Roads

Should roads not be required by the landowner, they will be rehabilitated to blend in with the surrounding landforms. Compacted areas will be ripped, topsoiled and reseeded.

Mine Village

All mine village infrastructure to be left on-site following mine closure will depend on landowner and potentially Traditional Owner requests. It is currently envisaged; however, that all buildings and associated facilities will be decommissioned and removed from site. After the infrastructure has been removed the land will be rehabilitated to blend in with the surrounding landscape, with disturbed areas ripped, topsoiled and seeded as required.

Waste Disposal

All waste material generated during the decommissioning process will be disposed of appropriately and recycled were possible. Waste oil will be sent off-site by licensed contractors complying with Queensland waste tracking legislation and disposed of appropriately. Any hydrocarbon contaminated soil identified within the infrastructure and operational areas will be disposed of at an approved facility or bioremediated on-site.

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Section 7 Erosion and Sediment Controls Erosion and sediment control has been identified as one of the potential significant environmental impacts to the local receiving environment, particularly the Skardon River.

The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (to be finalised following final design construction plans but prior to construction works commencing) identifies the location and engineering standards to be met to manage erosion and sediment runoff.

Monitoring will be undertaken as required to ensure all erosion and sediment controls are operating to standard, including by taking water samples where possible from the discharge point of the controls to record sediment levels.

The general type of erosion control measures recommended throughout the life of the Project are summarised in Table 7-1.

Table 7-1 Erosion and sediment controls

Area Control Measure

Cleared Land

restrict clearing to areas essential for the works windrow vegetation debris along the contour minimise length of time soil is exposed minimise soil stockpiling divert run-off from undisturbed areas away from the works direct run-off from cleared areas to sediment control, if not contained

Exposed soils (after stripping of topsoil)

minimise length of time subsoil is exposed direct run-off from exposed areas to sediment control, if not contained

Rehabilitated areas

progressive rehabilitation during operations apply fast growing, recessive pastoral grass seed to ensure soil stabilisation prior to the

establishment of native species apply seed and fertiliser as necessary to ensure rapid re-establishment of native species direct run-off from rehabilitated areas to sediment controls, if not contained re-contour the land similar to the pre-mining state to ensure natural drainage patterns are

maintained

Sediment dams / drains and other water management structures

rehabilitate any dam or drain not required post-mining by: - regrading embankments, - replacing topsoil, and - seeding

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Section 8 Weeds, Feral Pests and Fire Management

8.1 Weeds The Project area lies in close proximity to disturbance associated with the abandoned Skardon Kaolin Project. There are; however, extensive areas of woodland that are free from disturbance, with the exception of riparian zones and swamps which have impacts associated with feral pigs and cattle. Although existing weed issues are subsequently minor, there is considerable potential that presently intact habitats will be degraded by exotic species.

Weed management measures to be implemented in the Project area will include:

Wash down facilities to be constructed at access points for vehicles arriving and departing from the Project site. These facilities are to be bunded and located away from drainage lines to minimise the risk of weed spread;

Vehicles entering the Project site and leaving properties known to contain declared weeds will be thoroughly washed down before entering clean areas; ensuring that wheels, wheel arches and the undercarriage are free of mud and plant material;

Radiators, grills and vehicle interiors will be cleaned of accumulated seed and plant material;

Vehicles to keep to roads or compacted surfaces (preventative) and reduce vehicle movements in wetted soil where avoidance is not possible;

Identified weeds of management concern, including declared and environmental weeds, to be controlled in accordance with local best practice management as described in the Pest Fact sheets published by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries;

Treated areas will be monitored to assess the success of declared weed eradication;

Weed management to be included in the site induction program for the Project to promote awareness of weed management issues; and

A site-specific Weed and Pest Management Plan will be developed prior to construction for the Project in coordination with the Mapoon Land and Sea Ranges current weed and pest management practices.

8.2 Pest Fauna Feral animals declared as pets under the Land Protection Act represent are a threat to primary industries and natural resources and responsibility for control rests with landholders. The following pest animals were recorded from the Project area:

Dog/dingos;

Wild dogs;

Feral cats;

Feral pigs; and

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Bauxite Hills Project • Metro Mining Cane toads.

The impacts of these species are likely to include the following:

Predation on native species;

Competition for food resources, which may decrease abundance of prey for native predator species;

Habitat changes due to destruction of plants; changed floristic composition; reduced regeneration of plants; alteration of soil structure; increased invasion and spread of weeds;

Increased access for non-native predator species;

Toxicity to native species;

Reduced water quality and availability; and

Spread of exotic invertebrates and creation of habitats suitable for disease.

The following general mitigation measures are proposed for the management of pest animal species:

Appropriate disposal and management of wastes on site; and

A site-specific Weed and Pest Management Plan will be developed prior to construction for the Project in coordination with the Mapoon Land and Sea Ranges current weed and pest management practices.

8.3 Fire Management The Project has the potential to increase fire risk associated with the operation of vehicles, and activities undertaken by site personnel (e.g. welding, cigarette butts). Uncontrolled fires have the potential to alter ecosystem characteristics and directly and indirectly impact on ecological values in the Project area.

Standard operating procedures will be developed to minimise the risk of accidental ignition of fires.

Vegetation retained on site will be managed for fuel load and appropriate fire regimes will be put in place to maintain biodiversity values while minimising the risk of bushfire.

Fire regimes and management measures will be documented in a site-specific Fire Management Plan that will be developed prior to construction in coordination with the Mapoon Land and Sea Rangers, and any neighbouring land management plans.

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Section 9 Waste Management There is no beneficiation associated with the Project; therefore there are no identified process wastes beyond oversize rock material and tree roots that will be returned to the pit. Table 9-1 details potential waste sources from the major activities associated with operation of the proposed Project.

Table 9-1 Potential sources of waste during Project operation Section Facility

Mining Infrastructure Area (MIA)

Laboratory Office buildings and ablutions Stores Light/Heavy Vehicle and Boat Workshops Waste Management Area

Mining operations Machinery/vehicle operation Crib huts and field ablutions

Haul roads Machinery/vehicle operation

Barge loading facility Product material from conveyors / transfers Conveyors (including belts/rollers) Fuel transfers and distribution

Accommodation village

Kitchen Laundry Ablutions Landscaping Sewage / Water Treatment

Operating wastes have been separated into two primary categories; solid and semi-solid wastes and liquid wastes.

9.1 Solid and Semi-liquid Waste Solid and semi-solid wastes will be generated during everyday activities and operations from facilities onsite. These include:

General Waste (garbage);

Recyclables (plastics, glass, paper and cardboard, cans);

Food/putrescible wastes;

Regulated wastes (used oils/oily rags, tyres, chemicals, lead-acid batteries, etc.);

Cleared timber; and

Waste products (sludges) from sewage and water treatment plants.

9.2 Liquid Waste Raw water for the mine site will be sourced from a borefield into the shallow and/or GAB groundwater aquifers and pumped to raw water storage facilities. This raw water will be used for dust suppression, fire service, washdown and the potable water treatment plant (if required).

Table 9-2 outlines the liquid waste streams generated by source and location from the operation of the Project.

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Bauxite Hills Project • Metro Mining Table 9-2 Liquid waste stream, source and location

Waste stream Source Location Facility stormwater Generated from stormwater coming into contact with

mine processes, facilities and operational areas Throughout the site

Oily water and wash-down water

Workshops and vehicle wash down facilities MIA Mining operations Barge loading facility

Waste oils, paints and solvents

Workshops Maintenance onsite

Throughout the site Barge loading facility

Greywater and sewage Generated primarily from the mine village, which houses amenities, accommodation units, laundry and kitchen Also generated from amenities throughout the Project site.

MIA Mine village Mining operations Tug boats

9.3 Regulated Wastes The following regulated wastes are anticipated to be generated by the Project:

Oily rags;

Waste oils, paints and solvents;

Greywater and sewage;

Grease trap wastes;

Waste sludges associated with potable and waste water treatment;

Used/scrap tyres; and

Lead acid batteries.

Other ERAs are anticipated to be associated with the Project specifically in relation to waste management, and these may include:

ERA 53 – Composting;

ERA 63 – Sewage treatment; and

ERA 64 – Water treatment.

Table 9-3 provides a summary of waste types, waste sources, estimated quantities, characteristic and disposal and management.

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Bauxite Hills Project • Metro Mining Table 9-3 Project waste inventory (estimations)

Waste Type Source Approximate Quantity

Characteristic

Disposal and Management

Green waste / cleared vegetation

Clearing for village, MIA, barge loading facility, haul roads, mine pits

1,665 ha (worst case disturbance)

Organic waste

Reused and recovered

Used in progressive rehabilitation. Respread over disturbed land to minimise erosion. Left onsite for habitat use

General solid wastes including putrescible

Construction and crib hut

<3 t/yr Organic / general waste

Disposed / Reused and recovered Transported to an offsite regulated waste facility. Putrescible waste will be stored in covered containers and composted

General recyclables (paper, plastics, aluminium cans and glass)

Crib hut <2 t/yr Recyclable waste

Recycled and recovered

Scrap metal and steel offcuts

Workshop <3 t/yr Recyclable waste


Timber – pallets and offcuts etc.

Workshop Minor amounts Organic waste


Tyres and rubber

Light vehicles <10 t/yr Recyclable waste

Disposed, Recycled and recovered

Transported to an approved landfill or recycling facility.

Sewage Portable toilet <10 t/yr Regulated waste

Reused and recovered Effluent will be treated and used for irrigation.

Concrete Workshop <3 t / yr Inert waste Recycled and recovered Timber pallets recycled and recovered.

Hydrocarbon wastes (waste oil, absorbent, greases, degreasers, oily rags, oil filters and contaminated soil)

Workshop - off-site in Weipa (waste oil) and onsite workshop

<15 t/yr Gaseous waste

Avoided Equipment will be selected with consideration to low emissions to air, high energy efficiency and fuel efficiency. Dust suppression measures, management and odours.

Batteries Barge loading facility, conveyor, MIA and village

<1 t/yr Regulated waste

Recycled and recovered Transported to an approved landfill or recycling facility.

A number of waste management statistics will regularly be recorded, including:

The volumes/tonnages of waste transported offsite for each major waste category.

Volumes / tonnages of different waste streams that have been reused or recycled.

Volumes of different waste streams that have been incorporated into the composting trial

Volume of compost from the compositing trial that have been reused through the rehabilitation program

Volume, type and location of inert construction material that has been placed to landfill

These statistics will be incorporated into an annual waste management report that will be available on request to the Administering Authority.

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Section 10 Pre-Wet Season Preparation Checklist The mine proposes to close during the wet season. In order to ensure mining infrastructure is secure and does not present an unacceptable risk of potential environmental impact, a pre-wet season checklist is proposed to be developed prior to the initial wet season of the construction and/or operational activities.

A skeleton crew will be maintained on site during the wet season to monitor and maintain the infrastructure and undertake environmental controls, monitoring and maintenance as required.

A full Pre-Wet Season Checklist will be prepared prior to construction. An example of work that will be included in the pre-wet season checklist is:

2 month before mine closure for the wet season:

Inspect topsoil stockpiles and seed with cover grass species if erosion potential is identified;

Audit of hazardous materials storages; and

Inspection and list of maintenance requirements for each sediment control structure and haul road crossing.

1 month before mine closure for the wet season:

Undertake identified maintenance for each sediment control structure and haul road crossing;

Pump out oily water interceptors and bunded infrastructure for appropriate transport and treatment offsite;

Schedule waste collection for all relevant waste/rubbish that is stored on site, to minimise potential for contamination of runoff during wet season;

Ensure all identified rehabilitation works are completed with appropriate drainage and erosion controls in place; and

Ensure sewage treatment plant wet season storage is adequate.

1 week before mine closure for the wet season:

Photographs of all sediment structures and haul road crossings showing full operational status prior to wet season;

Undertake all pre-wet season environmental monitoring that has been identified, including Bigfoot Swamp, marine, surface water and groundwater monitoring; and

Identify areas of pits that require ripping prior to the wet season to loosen compacted material and allow groundwater infiltration;

During the wet season / mine closure:

The skeleton crew remaining on site over the wet season will be responsible for:

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- Undertaking daily inspections, where access is possible, of all mining related infrastructure and mining areas to identify any areas where environmental controls have failed or are not meeting the standards required

- Where environmental controls have failed or are not meeting the standards required, identify suitable course of action to bring the environmental controls back into correct operating standards

- Report any non-compliance, or identified potential non-compliance, to the relevant senior Metro Mining personnel for additional action

Undertake environmental monitoring (e.g. weather station download) as required and in accordance with their training and responsibility levels.

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Appendix O Project Environmental Management Program€¦ · Bauxite Hills Project • Metro Mining...

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