Metro Mining Appendix H2 - Metro Mining Community and ... · The proponent for the Project is...
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Environmental Impact Statement Metro Mining Chapter 1 - Introduction
Transcript of Metro Mining Appendix H2 - Metro Mining Community and ... · The proponent for the Project is...
Metro MiningBauxite Hills Project
Environmental Impact Statement
Metro MiningChapter 1 - Introduction
Environmental Impact Statement
Metro MiningAppendix H2 - Metro Mining Community andSocial Responsibility Policy
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Environmental Impact Assessment and Statement ............................................................... 1-1 1.2 The Proponent ........................................................................................................................................ 1-3
1.2.1 Company and Contacts.................................................................................................................. 1-3 1.2.2 Experience and Business Activities ......................................................................................... 1-3 1.2.3 Environmental Record .................................................................................................................. 1-5
1.3 Project Summary.................................................................................................................................... 1-7 1.3.1 Interrelated Projects ...................................................................................................................... 1-8
1.4 The EIS Process.................................................................................................................................... 1-10 1.4.1 Function of this EIS ...................................................................................................................... 1-11 1.4.2 Objective and Scope of this EIS .............................................................................................. 1-11 1.4.3 Accredited Process for Controlled Actions ....................................................................... 1-12 1.4.4 Methodology of the EIS .............................................................................................................. 1-12 1.4.5 Risk Assessment Methodology ............................................................................................... 1-15 1.4.6 Critical and Routine Matters ................................................................................................... 1-18 1.4.7 EIS Structure ................................................................................................................................... 1-18 1.4.8 EIS Submissions ............................................................................................................................ 1-19
1.5 Public Consultation Process ........................................................................................................... 1-20 1.5.1 Terms of Reference Consultation .......................................................................................... 1-20 1.5.2 Consultation during Project Planning Phase .................................................................... 1-20 1.5.3 Public Consultation Program .................................................................................................. 1-24 1.5.4 Affected and Interested Persons ........................................................................................... 1-26
1.6 Project Approvals ............................................................................................................................... 1-27 1.6.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 1-27 1.6.2 EPBC Approval for a Controlled Action .............................................................................. 1-28 1.6.3 Mining Lease ................................................................................................................................... 1-28 1.6.4 Environmental Authority .......................................................................................................... 1-29
1.7 Relevant Legislation, Policies and Standards ......................................................................... 1-31 1.7.1 Commonwealth Legislation ..................................................................................................... 1-31 1.7.2 Key Queensland Legislation..................................................................................................... 1-33 1.7.3 Other Queensland Legislation ................................................................................................ 1-37 1.7.4 Considered Legislation and Guidelines .............................................................................. 1-41 1.7.5 State, Regional and Local Plans .............................................................................................. 1-42 1.7.6 Standards, Codes and Guidelines .......................................................................................... 1-43
1.8 ToR Cross-reference .......................................................................................................................... 1-46
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Regional location of the Project...................................................................................................... 1-2 Figure 1-2 Project overview ............................................................................................................................. 1-9 Figure 1-3 EIS process .................................................................................................................................... 1-10 Figure 1-4 Electronic update example ........................................................................................................... 1-23 Figure 1-5 IAP2 public participation spectrum and levels of engagement .................................................... 1-25 Figure 1-6 Stakeholders ................................................................................................................................. 1-26 Figure 1-7 MSES ............................................................................................................................................. 1-39
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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List of Tables
Table 1-1 Metro Mining and consultant details ............................................................................................... 1-3 Table 1-2 Metro Mining tenement schedule ................................................................................................... 1-4 Table 1-3 EIS sub-consultants ........................................................................................................................ 1-13 Table 1-4 Definitions for assessment of hazard and risk ............................................................................... 1-15 Table 1-5 Ratings for likelihood of occurrence .............................................................................................. 1-16 Table 1-6 Consequence ratings ...................................................................................................................... 1-16 Table 1-7 Risk assessment matrix .................................................................................................................. 1-18 Table 1-8 Volume 1 chapter content ............................................................................................................. 1-19 Table 1-9 Volume 2 specialist technical reports and results appended to this EIS ........................................ 1-19 Table 1-10 Formal communication and engagement activities as of June 2015 ........................................... 1-21 Table 1-11 Project environmental approval requirements ........................................................................... 1-27 Table 1-12 Environmentally relevant activities for the Project ..................................................................... 1-30 Table 1-13 Threshold values of greenhouse gas emissions and production ................................................. 1-33 Table 1-14 Anticipated notifiable activities for the Project ........................................................................... 1-34 Table 1-15 Other relevant legislation ............................................................................................................ 1-41 Table 1-16 ToR Cross-reference – introduction ............................................................................................. 1-46
1-1
1 Introduction
The proponent for the Project is Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd (Aldoga), a 100% owned subsidiary of
Metro Mining Ltd (Metro Mining). Metro Mining through its subsidiary companies, Aldoga and Cape
Alumina Pty Ltd (Cape Alumina), is proposing to develop the Bauxite Hills Project (herein referred
to as ‘the Project’) located on Mining Lease Application (MLA) 20676, MLA 20688, MLA 20689,
MLA 100051, MLA 100047 and MLA 100048.
The Project is located on a greenfield site on the western coastline of Cape York, Queensland (Figure
1-1). It will include a shallow open cut operation, haul road, Barge Loading Facility (BLF) and Roll
on/Roll off (RoRo) facility that will produce and transport a maximum of 5 million tonnes per annum
(Mtpa) over 12 years. The bauxite from the Project is suitable as a Direct Shipping Ore (DSO)
product, that is, ore which is extracted and loaded directly to ships with no beneficiation (washing)
or tailings dams required. As such, 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 transhipment site, approximately
12 kilometres (km) offshore, where it will be loaded into ocean going vessels and shipped to
customers.
1.1 Environmental Impact Assessment and Statement
An Environmental Impact Assessment has been undertaken for the Project. This assessment
analysed the proposed activity, the actual and potential impacts and level of risk the activity may
have on the environment and the mitigation measures required to reduce the risk of the identified
actual and potential impacts. The definition of environment applied for the purposes of the
assessment is embodied within s8 of the Environmental Protection Act 1997 (EP Act) and includes:
Ecosystems and constituent parts, including people and communities;
All natural and physical resources;
The qualities and characteristics of locations, places and areas, however large or small, that
contribute to their biological diversity and integrity, intrinsic or attributed scientific value or
interest, amenity, harmony and sense of community; and
The social, economic, aesthetic and cultural conditions that affect, or are affected by, those items
mentioned above.
The results of this assessment have guided the planning, design and layout of the Project to ensure
impacts to EVs are minimised. The results of this assessment are documented within this
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
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DISCLAIMER
CDM Smith has endeavoured to ensure accuracy and completeness of the data. CDM Smith assumes
no legal liability or responsibility for any decisions
or actions resulting from the information contained
within this map.
GCS GDA 1994 Zone 54
/0 50 10025
Kilometres
Regional location of the ProjectDESIGNED
Details
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©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITH
This drawing is confidential and shall only be
used for the purpose of this project.
DATA SOURCE
MEC Mining 2015;QLD Government Open Data Source;
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology.
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DESIGNER
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Project location
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1.2 The Proponent
1.2.1 Company and Contacts
The proponent for the Project is Aldoga, a 100% owned subsidiary of Metro Mining. The mining
tenements are held by Aldoga (99%) (ABN 87 102 192 585) with the remaining 1% held by Cape
Alumina (ABN 88 107 817 694), a 100% owned subsidiary of Metro Mining.
Metro Mining is referred to throughout this document rather than Aldoga or Cape Alumina for
convenience as Metro Mining is the ultimate holding company for the Project and is readily
recognised as a public company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
The Environmental Authority (EA) will ultimately be issued to the tenement holders, Aldoga and
Cape Alumina.
Metro Mining was formed after MetroCoal Ltd undertook a takeover of Cape Alumina Ltd, which
was completed in mid-December 2014. Both companies were listed on the Australian Securities
Exchange (ASX) in 2009 and have been focussed on developing projects in Queensland over the past
six or more years. Metro Mining’s major shareholders are Balance Property Group (19.1%), Dadi
Engineering and Development Group (16.4%), and China Xinfa Group Corporation Ltd (5.7%).
The relevant details regarding Metro Mining, including website and contact details, are summarised
in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1 Metro Mining and consultant details
Metro Mining – Project Director Metro Mining – Manager Environment and Community
Consultant
Entity Metro Mining Ltd Metro Mining Ltd CDM Smith
Contact Mike O’Brien Colleen Fish Mark Imber
Postal Address
GPO Box 10955,
Brisbane QLD 4000
GPO Box 10955,
Brisbane QLD 4000
PO Box 359
Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4163
Phone (07) 3009 8000 (07) 3009 8000 (07) 3828 6900
Website http://www.metromining.com.au/ http://www.metromining.com.au/ http://www.cdmsmith.com
Email [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
1.2.2 Experience and Business Activities
Metro Mining’s commodities portfolio includes bauxite and coal. Below is a summary of the
experience and current business activities of Metro Mining.
1.2.2.1 Bauxite
Metro Mining controls approximately 1,300 square kilometres (km2) of exploration tenements in
western Cape York, a region world-renowned for its high-quality, export-grade bauxite. This is one
of the largest tenement holdings in the region outside the Rio Tinto Alcan mining leases.
The Metro Mining group has been granted 14 Exploration Permits for Minerals (EPM). It also
currently has five EPM applications (EPMA) and eleven MLA. A full list of current tenements held by
the Metro Mining group on Cape York is provided within Table 1-2.
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Table 1-2 Metro Mining tenement schedule
Tenement Project Name Holder/Applicant Status (Expiry Date) Area Ha (MLAs) No. Sub Block (EPM)
MLA 20572 Pisolite Hills 1 Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Application 12311.4
MLA 20573 Pisolite Hills 2 Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Application 3207.8
MLA 20574 Pisolite Hills 3 Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Application 3885.5
MLA 20611 Hey Point Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Application 370.7
MLA 20612 Port Musgrave Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Application 1050.3
MLA 20676 Bauxite Hills 1 Aldoga Mineral Pty Ltd Cape Alumina Pty Ltd
Application 2317.91
MLA 20687 Bauxite Hills 2 Aldoga Mineral Pty Ltd Cape Alumina Pty Ltd
Application 1647
MLA 20688 Bauxite Hills 6 East Aldoga Mineral Pty Ltd Cape Alumina Pty Ltd
Application 531
MLA 20689 Bauxite Hills 6 West Aldoga Mineral Pty Ltd Cape Alumina Pty Ltd
Application 2052
MLA 100047 Port Haul Road Aldoga Mineral Pty Ltd Cape Alumina Pty Ltd
Application 45.23
MLA 100048 BH1 Haul Road Aldoga Mineral Pty Ltd Cape Alumina Pty Ltd
Application 34.1
MLA 100051 Bauxite Hills Port Aldoga Mineral Pty Ltd Cape Alumina Pty Ltd
Application 51.31
EPM 14547 Pisolite Hills Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (19/4/2016) 48
EPM 15012 Mapoon Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (30/11/2019) 14
EPM 15077 Worbody Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (16/9/2018) 15
EPM 15173 Duyfken Point Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (23/2/2019) 16
EPM 15263 North Coconut Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (29/4/2017) 12
EPM 15269 Aurukun North Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (3/2/2018) 55
EPM 15277 Pisolite Hills South Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (22/12/2016) 20
EPM 15278 Pisolite Hills North Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (28/9/2019) 53
EPM 15374 Dulhunty Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (21/9/2018) 33
EPM 15375 Vrilya Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (21/10/2018) 53
EPM 15376 Ducie River Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (29/9/2019) 29
EPM 15984 Port Musgrave Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (23/2/2019) 4
EPMA 15985 Penefather Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Application 45
EPM 16899 Skardon River Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (16/12/2019) 14
EPM 17499 Eucid Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Granted (30/10/2017) 4
EPMA 25877 Central Cape York Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Application Conditional Surrender
50
EPMA 25878 Northern Cape York Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Application Conditional Surrender
86
EPMA 25879 Southern Cape York Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Application Conditional Surrender
82
EPMA 26144 Skardon West Cape Alumina Pty Ltd Application 8
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To date significant drilling has been conducted at the Bauxite Hills.
At the Bauxite Hills Project, the company has announced (June 2 2015 ASX release) Resources and
Reserves of DSO bauxite as follows:
Resources (all categories): 53.6 Million tonnes (Mt) at 50.6% Al2O3 and 11.7% SiO2; and
Reserves (all categories and included in resources): 48.2 Mt at 50.2% Al2O3 and 11.2% SiO2.
Metro Mining has previously undertaken drilling at the Pisolite Hills deposits and plans further
scouting, exploration and drilling programs to advance more projects in the future, including at
Duyfken, Weipa Satellites and Vrilya areas.
Metro Mining also holds two granted EPMs over a Central Queensland bauxite project.
1.2.2.2 Coal
Metro Mining has successfully identified 4.45 billion tonnes of thermal coal resource in the Surat
Basin. The coal is ideal as a feedstock for power stations due to its high quality and low sulphur. The
identified resources are within the Bundi, Columboola, Goombi, Dalby West and Norwood Projects.
The Bundi Project is located immediately south of Glencore's proposed Wandoan Mine development
and New Hope Coal's proposed Elimatta Mine. The Bundi Project coal resource estimate is 2001.6
Mt (1705.6 Mt Inferred and 296 Mt Indicated).
The Columboola Project is a joint venture with SinoCoal Australia Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of China Coal
Ltd, the second largest coal producer in China). The deposit is down dip of Cameby Downs Mine,
currently being mined by Yancoal. Columboola has an Inferred Resource of 1.515 billion tonnes
thermal coal at depths amenable to underground mining. A Mineral Development Licence (MDL)
application has been submitted.
The Dalby West Project located at the south-eastern end of the Surat Basin, west of Dalby, has a
thermal coal Inferred Resource of 520 Mt and the Norwood Project located west of Bundi has an
inferred resource of 156 Mt.
The deposits had been planned to be mined using modern, large scale underground long wall
operations. Metro Mining stopped work on its tenements in 2013 due to the depressed coal market
and delays in rail infrastructure to Queensland’s Surat Basin. Metro Mining believes that the coal
market will recover in the medium term and is continuing to assess coal market conditions and work
with other stakeholders in the Surat Basin to provide solutions to the rail infrastructure.
1.2.3 Environmental Record
Metro Mining, including Aldoga and Cape Alumina, have been operating in Australia since 2008 and
have not had any environmental enforcement or non-compliance issues to date. The directors have
put in place strategies and procedures to ensure that the consolidated entity manages its compliance
with environmental regulations. These strategies and procedures apply to all Metro Mining
controlled companies including Aldoga and Cape Alumina.
The directors have not been convicted of any environmental crimes within Australia or elsewhere.
The Directors of Aldoga and Cape Alumina are:
Mr Simon Finnis CEO of Metro Mining Ltd; and
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Mr Scott Waddell Company Secretary and CFO of Metro Mining Ltd.
The Metro Mining Board of Directors are:
Mr Stephen Everett | Independent Non-Executive Chairman;
Mr Jijun Liu | Non-Executive Director;
Mr Dongping Wang | Non-Executive Director;
Mr Ken Xiao | Alternate NED to Mr Liu;
Mr Xiaoming Yuan | Alternate NED to Mr Wang;
Mr Philip Hennessy | Independent Non-Executive Director;
Mr George Lloyd | Independent Non-Executive Director; and
Mr Lindsay Ward | Independent Non-Executive Director.
1.2.3.1 Sustainable Development and Environmental Management Systems
Metro Mining is a responsible corporate citizen that is working collaboratively with all stakeholders
to deliver a sustainable, profitable bauxite mining projects that will also have positive social,
economic and environmental outcomes for the local community and broader Australian public.
This Project is being developed in accordance with the principals of ecologically sustainable
development and in accordance with Metro Mining’s Environmental Policy. As part of its
commitment to the environment, Metro Mining is looking at new approaches, based on proven
technology, to minimise the costs and environmental impacts of shallow, surface mining operations.
Metro Mining have developed a draft Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Project
(Appendix K) and where possible have committed to developing an Environmental Management
System (EMS) prior to the commencement of construction works for the Project.
Metro Mining believes that a fundamental requirement of a successful business is the support and
approval of the communities in which it operates, and that a properly managed mining operation
will bring significant benefits to Traditional Owners and individuals along with the local and
regional communities. Metro Mining’s Community and Social Responsibility Policy outlines the
commitments to creating employment and genuine economic and social benefits for local
communities, including Indigenous communities, near our project sites. To give effect to this, Metro
Mining in the name of Aldoga and Cape Alumina, has recently entered into a formal agreement with
the trustee of the land, Old Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation (OMAC), The Ankamuthi People and the
Northern Cape York Group #1 (NCY#1) covering amongst other things, employment, compensation,
rehabilitation and environmental and cultural heritage management.
Metro Mining has the following environmental, health, safety and community policies in place which
will apply to this Project:
Policy 4.1 – Occupational Health and Safety Policy approved on the 26 May 2015;
Policy 5.1 – Community and Social Responsibility Policy approved 26 May 2015;
Policy 6.1 – Environmental Policy approved on the 26 May 2015;
Policy 7.1 – People Policy approved on the 26 May 2015; and
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Policy 8.1 – Diversity Policy dated 25 August 2015.
These policies provide clear objectives for Metro Mining to achieve the high level of performance in
the environmental, health and safety and community areas.
1.3 Project Summary
This section provides a brief description of the elements of the Project and the major associated
infrastructure requirements. A detailed description of the Project is provided in Chapter 2 –
Description of the Project. Approval is sought for the construction, operation and decommissioning
of these key activities and all works anticipated to be associated with six existing MLAs: MLA 20676,
MLA 20688 and MLA 20689 and associated special purpose MLAs (i.e. for infrastructure purposes
and transportation purposes) (MLA 100051, MLA 100047 and MLA 100048) that are currently
under application.
The construction works will include the concurrent construction of multiple infrastructure
elements including: open cut mine pits, the Mine Infrastructure Area (MIA), BLF and RoRo facility,
haul roads, accommodation camp, water infrastructure including water storage tanks, bores and
internal access roads.
Bauxite ore will be extracted by ripping and digging (no blasting) from three open cut areas within
Bauxite Hills mining area 1 (BH1) (MLA 20676) and Bauxite Hills mining area 6 (BH6) East and West
(MLA 20688 and MLA 20689) utilising front end loaders and trucks for hauling.
A small quantity of overburden, varying from 0.2 to 0.6 metres (m) will be removed to access the
bauxite and will be stored in temporary stockpiles, before being pushed back over the post-mined
area. Bauxite will be screened in-pit before haulage to the product stockpile within the MIA using B-
triple haul trucks. Ore will be dumped onto the product stockpile and conveyed onto barges. The
product will be stockpiled to a maximum height of 19 m using stackers with dozer push out if
required. Two product stockpiles will be within a 120 m x 150 m area with a maximum capacity of
approximately 240,000 tonne (t).
Barges, with an initial capacity of 3,000 t increasing to 7,000 t in full production will be moored
alongside the BLF and loaded via a conveyor. The conveyor gantry from the shore to the barge loader
will be connected to a causeway then supported by piles. The total length of the conveyor will be
approximately 550 m of which approximately 100 m will be causeway and the remaining 450 m
consisting of the jetty and loading head/berthing area. The RoRo facility will support both the
Project logistics during construction and the operational phase of the Project. This RoRo facility will
consist of a barge ramp to facilitate berthing of landing craft for cargo operations.
Barges will be towed by tugs from the BLF to the transhipment location, approximately 12 km from
the mouth of the Skardon River. The transhipment area will be a designated anchorage area with no
permanent infrastructure, away from significant benthic habitat. A temporary mooring will be
established for the ship loading crane barges. A single day mooring of appropriate size will be
established for the barge fleet. This mooring may be used by the tug and barge sets as required.
These moorings will be recovered each year at the end of operations. Additional cyclone rated
mooring points, one for each of the four tug and barge sets and two for the ship loading cranes will
be located in the river downstream of the barge loading facility for when the barges and tugs are not
in use. An overview of the Project mining leases and infrastructure layout is provided in Figure 1-2
and discussed in more detail in Chapter 2 – Description of the Project.
A 100 person accommodation camp will be located within MLA 20688, this will include onsite power
generators, water treatment and sewage treatment proposals. Construction is planned to
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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commence in April 2017, following the receipt of all necessary environmental approvals. Detailed
design and construction of all relevant Project infrastructure is estimated to take seven months. The
first shipment of bauxite is planned for October 2017. The Project will be 100% fly-in fly-out (FIFO)
due to its remote location. The Project will only undertake construction and operation during the
dry season and will secure and shut down the site during the wet season.
1.3.1 Interrelated Projects
There are no interrelated projects or service projects required for the Project. Given the remote
nature and location of the site, the Project will be accessed by air and sea, will have onsite sourced
water and will be powered by onsite diesel fuel generators.
The existing Skardon River airstrip, approximately one kilometre from the Project’s southern
boundary will be used to transfer staff to and from the Project site. An alternative option is also
being considered which would use the existing Weipa airport facilities with fast boat transfers to
and from the Project.
Airport Strip
Haul Road
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Figure 1-2
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DISCLAIMERCDM Smith has endeavoured to ensure accuracy
and completeness of the data. CDM Smith assumes no legal liability or responsibility for any decisions or actions resulting from the information contained
within this map.
GCS GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54
/0 1,000 2,000500
Metres
Project overview
©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITHThis drawing is confidential and shall only be used
for the purpose of this project.
APPROVED
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04/04/16
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142°3'38.755"E11°44'43.987"S
Floating Crane Moorings
Tug and BargeMoorings
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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1.4 The EIS Process
This EIS is being undertaken under the statutory process set out within Chapter 3 of the EP Act. The
EIS process and the EA and MLA approval processes are shown in Figure 1-3. The EIS process is
described in more detail in Section 1.4.4.
Figure 1-3 EIS process
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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1.4.1 Function of this EIS
This EIS has been prepared to address the requirements of the Commonwealth Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) and the Queensland EP Act and
in particular the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Project EIS issued on 22 February 2016 by the
EHP. The ToR requires environmental, social and economic impacts to be considered throughout
the EIS.
This EIS will also be used to support the grant of the current site specific EA application lodged with
EHP. The scope of the information considered by the EIS included the requirements of s125 of the
EP Act as well as the Office of the Coordinator-General guideline “Preparing an environmental
impact statement: Guideline for proponents” and EHP’s technical guidelines for EA applications in
addition to that required by the ToR. As per s125 of the EP Act, the EIS:
Describes the EVs likely to be affected by the Project and each relevant activity;
Details the emissions and releases likely to be generated by each relevant activity;
Describes the risk and likely magnitude of impacts on the EVs;
Details the management practices proposed to be implemented to prevent or minimise adverse
impacts; and
Details how the land will be rehabilitated after the Project ceases.
1.4.2 Objective and Scope of this EIS
The main objectives of undertaking this EIS was to:
Identify EVs for consideration in the design and planning phases of the Project;
Provide early and continued engagement with the community throughout the planning process;
Provide insurance that decisions are made with consideration of all interests; and
To ensure that all impacts both direct and indirect to the natural, social and economic
environments are at an acceptable standard for the existing EVs.
This EIS report aims to be a self-contained document which provides comprehensive information
to:
Provide EHP and other advisory bodies with sufficient information to assess the potential
adverse and beneficial impacts of the Project to allow grant of an EA;
Provide a basis for interested and affected persons to understand the Project and the existing
environment as well as the likely impacts, alternatives and the mitigation measures adopted to
manage the impacts;
Provide a definitive statement of strategies, commitments, management measures and actions
and monitoring programs to be undertaken in order to avoid and mitigate for actual and
potential adverse impacts that may result from the Project; and
Provide a draft EMP outlining management measures that can be carried out over conditions that
will attach to approvals, EAs and permits for the Project.
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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The EIS scope covers the life of the Project from construction and operation through to
decommissioning. The EIS details realistic, deliverable, cost effective and technically achievable
strategies aimed at reducing environmental, community and economic impacts to acceptable levels.
The level of assessment undertaken for each EV outlined in the corresponding EIS chapters reflects
the degree of environmental risk and the level of significance of the associated impact.
Section 40 of the EP Act provides that the purpose of an EIS is to give sufficient information about
the potential adverse and beneficial environmental, economic and social impacts and the proposed
management, monitoring to minimise adverse impacts to the Commonwealth and State authorities
and the public to help them make informed decisions. Therefore, the purpose of this EIS is to provide
information on all aspects of the Project and its impacts, not only those impacts that are regulated
on the mining lease, but matters off the mining lease. It also includes information on impacts
regardless of whether they are regulated (under any mechanism), for example social impacts.
The EP Act and subsequent EA conditions regulate impacts on EVs occurring on the MLAs
(onsite). It can also regulate likely impacts on EVs offsite that occur due to activities on the ML, by
requiring management actions onsite. For impacts beyond those occurring as a result of onsite
activities, the EIS assessment report can contain recommended conditions and actions required by
other agencies (e.g. Maritime Safety Queensland, Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR),
Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM), Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
(DAF) and DotE) which can be relevant to Project related activities outside of the MLAs such as tidal
works (if required).
1.4.3 Accredited Process for Controlled Actions
The proposed Project was referred on 11 August 2015 to DotE (EPBC 2015/7538). On 18 September
2015, DotE determined the proposed Project to be a controlled action under the EPBC Act. The
controlling provisions are s18 and s18A (listed threatened species and communities), s20 and s20A
(listed migratory species) and s23 and s24A (Commonwealth marine areas).
The EIS process will assess potential impacts of the Project on the controlling provisions consistent
with the bilateral agreement (s45 of the EPBC Act) between the Australian and Queensland
governments for the purposes of the Commonwealth Government’s assessment under Part 8 of the
EPBC Act. In accordance with DotE’s guidelines for the preparation of the draft EIS for the Project, a
stand-alone chapter has been prepared for assessment of Matters of National Environmental
Significance (MNES) as part of approval under the EPBC Act (see Chapter 7 – Matters of National
Environmental Significance). The bilateral process runs parallel with the EIS process with input
from DotE in the ToR, government consultation and review and assessment of the EIS (Figure 1-3).
DotE will issue a separate approval for the Project which outlines the required conditions to mitigate
any impacts to MNES.
1.4.4 Methodology of the EIS
The EIS process under the EP Act has a number of stages and decision milestones. The main steps
involved in obtaining approval for the Project (including the EIS preparation and approval process)
are outlined below.
Step 1 – Preliminary Planning
A number of investigations were undertaken as part of the preliminary planning phase. These
assessments included exploration of resource and initial mine planning, assessments of EVs
including flora and fauna, assessments of surface and subsurface water features and investigations
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
1-13
into locations of surrounding sensitive receptors. This assisted to identify environmentally sensitive
areas, develop targeted EIS field studies, select appropriate locations for mining infrastructure and
establish the occurrence of the targeted resource.
Step 2 – Community and Government Consultation
Throughout the EIS process, community and Local/State/Commonwealth Government consultation
has been ongoing and will continue throughout the duration of the Project. The assessment of social
and economic impacts utilised results of research conducted previously in the Skardon area and
other parts of the western coastline of Cape York, along with submissions received from the draft
ToR and results of various consultation processes conducted by government agencies and other
proponents. Further discussion on the activities and outcomes of community consultation and how
the information from consultation was considered in the EIS process are provided in Section 1.5.
Step 3 – Initial Advice Statement and Terms of Reference
On 17 August 2015, Metro Mining submitted to EHP an application for an EA under the EP Act,
notification was received on the 21 September 2015 that an EIS would be required. Further
information on statutory requirements and legislative processes is provided in Section 1.7. Under
the bilateral agreement both DotE and EHP prepared the ToR to ensure the EIS would address both
Commonwealth and State environmental matters.
The draft ToR for the EIS was prepared under the EP Act and placed on public exhibition together
with the Initial Advice Statement (IAS) from 7 December 2015 to 3 February 2016. The ToR for the
Project approved by EHP and DotE was issued on 22 February 2016 and this EIS has been prepared
in accordance with that ToR. To simplify assessment against the Project ToR, a cross-referencing
checklist of each aspect has been included in this EIS (see ToR cross-reference tables at the end of
each chapter).
Step 4 – EIS Preparation
The EIS was prepared to address the ToR and relevant technical guidelines for an EA application.
Preparation of the EIS followed the completion of baseline technical assessments, consideration of
engineering, planning, and operational requirements (which determined the ultimate level of
potential impacts), and measures required to mitigate those impacts. Surveys of soils, surface water,
groundwater, terrestrial/aquatic and marine ecology, cultural heritage and noise/air quality were
completed during the development of the EIS. Impact assessments were undertaken by a multi-
disciplinary team of qualified technical specialists from a range of organisations, including sub-
consultants as outlined in Table 1-3.
Table 1-3 EIS sub-consultants
Discipline Contributor
MNES AMEC Foster Wheeler (AMEC) and Ports and Coastal
Environmental (PACE)
Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology AMEC Foster Wheeler (AMEC)
Environmental Offsets AMEC Foster Wheeler (AMEC)
Marine Ecology Ports and Coastal Environmental (PACE)
Air Quality Vipac Engineers
Noise and Vibration Vipac Engineers
Coastal Environment Ports and Coastal Environmental (PACE)
Economic Assessment Economic Associates
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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Step 5 – Submission and Release of the EIS
Upon submission of the EIS, EHP have a 20 business day review period to determine whether the
EIS can proceed to public submission. Once approved for public release, the general public and
government agencies have a minimum of 30 business days to provide comment.
Step 6 – Proponent Response
EIS submissions will be collated and forwarded by EHP to Metro Mining for consideration. Metro
Mining will analyse the issues and level of concerns and provide EHP appropriate responses to the
submissions. Depending on issues raised during the submission process, Metro Mining may be
required to prepare a supplementary EIS report addressing the comments.
Step 7 – Assessment under the EP Act
Following Metro Mining’s response, EHP will assess the EIS and produce an EIS assessment report.
This report will outline the adequacy of the EIS in assessing the ToR, determine if impacts have been
appropriately mitigated or avoided and recommend if the Project should proceed subject to
conditions. The State EIS process is complete once the assessment report is provided to Metro
Mining.
This report as well as documentation for the above steps will be available on the EHP website:
https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/management/impact-assessment/eis-processes/bauxite-hills-
project.html.
Step 8 – Assessment under the EPBC Act
Under the EPBC Act, this EIS is being assessed in accordance with the Bilateral Agreement between
Queensland and the Commonwealth which came into effect on 18 December 2014. This Bilateral
Agreement applies to proposals that are 'controlled actions' requiring assessment under Part 8 of
the EPBC Act and which are undergoing an EIS process under Chapter 3, Part 1 of the EP Act. In
accordance with DotE’s guidelines for the preparation of the draft EIS for the Project, a stand-alone
chapter has been prepared for assessment as part of approval under the EPBC Act. The bilateral
process runs parallel with the EHP assessment process of the EIS (Figure 1-3). DotE will issue a
separate approval for the Project which outlines the required conditions to mitigate any impacts to
MNES.
Once EHP have completed the final assessment report, it will be issued to DotE who have an
additional 30 business days to prepare their own approval and conditions.
Step 9 – Decision of Environmental Authority
Aldoga has applied for a site-specific EA and relevant MLAs to authorise the Project. The EA
application will be evaluated by EHP once the EIS process is completed in Step 8. Based on the
information provided in the EIS, EHP will prepare a draft EA for the Project. Copies of the draft EA
will be provided by EHP to any person that made a submission on the EIS during Step 5 above and
made publicly available at the EHP website. Interested parties must then decide whether the final
EIS and the draft EA resolve their concerns. If there are no objections to the draft EA then EHP will
grant the EA at the same time the MLAs are granted. If however, there is an objection to the draft
EA, those objections will be heard in the Land Court. Draft EA conditions are included in Chapter 20
– Draft EA Conditions.
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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Step 10 – Environmental Management Plans
It is noted that an EMP is no longer a requirement of an EIS under the EP Act following green tape
reduction amendments. However, for completeness, an EMP framework is included as part of the
EIS to enable a better understanding of the management strategies and approaches that will be
adopted as part of the Project construction and operations.
The EIS provides the management measures and commitments for the Project’s EMP. The EMP is a
site specific plan developed to ensure that all necessary measures are identified for implementation
in order to protect the environment and comply with environmental legislation. The EMP is
provided in Appendix K.
1.4.5 Risk Assessment Methodology
To quantify the potential for an impact to cause harm, a risk analysis was undertaken using the
AS/NZS 31000 criteria. The risk assessment seeks to define the risk of any adverse outcome and
considers the elements within the hazard analysis including the identified hazards, consequence
and the likelihood. This risk assessment rates these consequence and likelihood findings and applies
a risk matrix to prescribe a risk. The risk assessment process was undertaken on both unmitigated
risks and residual (mitigated) risks. Mitigated risks are those with controls to minimise the
likelihood and consequence of a hazardous incident and might include:
Alternative technology or processes;
Alternative locations;
Reduction in onsite storage of dangerous goods;
Modification of process and storage conditions;
Early detection, control and clean-up of any releases;
Containment and collections systems;
Improvements in plant operability; and
Operational and organisational safeguards (including training).
The risk assessment criteria in AS/NZS 31000 establishes a method for identifying risk profiles
through combining a likelihood rating of a hazard or impact occurring with a consequences rating
of a hazard or impact occurring. The risk profiles used for this assessment have been detailed in
Table 1-4. Furthermore, a description of the ratings used for likelihood and consequence has been
provided in Section 1.4.5.1 and Section 1.4.5.2, respectively. Definitions applicable to the risk
assessment process as described in this chapter are outlined in Table 1-4.
Table 1-4 Definitions for assessment of hazard and risk
Term Definition
Hazard Something with the potential to cause harm. This can include hazardous substances, plant and equipment, work processes or other aspects of the surrounding environment.
Likelihood The chance or probability of an event resulting in an impact occurring.
Consequence How much harm the impact could have, how many people it could affect and the duration of the harm.
Unmitigated Risk The likelihood that a harmful consequence might result when exposed to the hazard without implementation of the proposed mitigation measures.
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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Term Definition
Residual Risk The likelihood that a harmful consequence might result when exposed to the hazard with the effective implementation of the proposed mitigation measures.
“Major Accident Event (MAE)”
Sudden occurrence (including a major emission, loss of containment, fire, explosion or release of energy) leading to serious danger or harm to persons, property, both the built or natural environment, whether immediately or delayed.
1.4.5.1 Likelihood Assessment
A qualitative assessment of the possible event frequency was undertaken to assess the likelihood of
an impact occurring, and rated based on the ratings included in Table 1-5.
Table 1-5 Ratings for likelihood of occurrence
Probability Description
Almost certain Will almost certainly occur. Has a 95% or greater chance of occurring over Project lifetime.
Likely Probably will occur. Has a 70% to 95% chance of occurring over Project lifetime.
Possible May possibly occur. Has a 30% to 70% chance of occurring over Project lifetime.
Unlikely Could possibly occur. Has a 5% to 30% chance of occurring over Project lifetime.
Rare Only likely to occur in exceptional circumstances. Has a 5% or less chance of occurring over Project lifetime.
1.4.5.2 Consequence Assessment
The potential level of consequence of an impact was rated in accordance with the definitions shown
in Table 1-6. Each outcome has been individually assessed where a hazardous incident may have
multiple impacts.
Table 1-6 Consequence ratings
Maximum potential consequence (realistic)
Description Environment Reputation Financial Existing Operations Interruption
Legal
Catastrophic Significant, extensive detrimental long-term impact.
Negative international publicity. Very serious litigation. Reputation severely tarnished. Share price may be affected.
Losses to the Project > AUD $10M.
Plant shutdown. Significant prosecution and fines. Very serious litigation including class action.
Major Wide spread long to medium term damage to valued area.
Significant negative attention, national publicity. Major breach of regulation. Reputation tarnished.
Losses to the Project > AUD $5M.
Temporary plant shutdown.
Major breach of regulation. Major litigation.
Moderate Localised medium term damage to an area of local value.
Attention from media, negative regional publicity. Serious breach of regulations with fine.
Losses to the Project > AUD $1M.
Delays resulting in reduced throughput due to changes to existing practices.
Serious breach of regulation with prosecution or moderate fine possible.
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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1.4.5.3 Risk Matrix
The risk matrix adopted for the assessment is included in Table 1-7. The colour shading refers to
the qualitative bands of risk level. The risk assessment tables are structured to show the results of
the unmitigated risk profile and residual risk profile. The table presents the results in the following
order:
The hazard that may impact on health and safety;
The impact that could arise from the hazardous event;
The consequence (C), likelihood (L) and risk (R) that may impact on health and safety;
The strategy or strategies established to address the risk; and
The consequence (C), likelihood (L) and risk (R) that may impact on health and safety after
mitigations measures are implemented.
For the purposes of this risk assessment, risk levels are defined as follows:
Extreme – Works must not proceed until suitable mitigation measures have been adopted to
minimise the risk;
High – Works should not proceed without consideration of alternative options or additional
controls to minimise the risk. A documented action plan is required;
Medium – Acceptable with formal review. A documented action plan is required; and
Low – Acceptable with review.
Maximum potential consequence (realistic)
Description Environment Reputation Financial Existing Operations Interruption
Legal
Minor Localised short to medium term damage to an area of minor local significance.
Negative publicity and attention from local media. Moderate breach of regulations.
Losses to the Project > AUD $0.5M.
Sustained minor change to existing practices.
Minor legal issues, moderate non-compliances and breaches of regulations.
Insignificant Limited damage to a localised area. No lasting effects.
Local public concern/ complaints. Minor technical non-compliance.
Losses to the Project > AUD $0.2M.
Temporary minimal change to existing practices.
Minor non-compliances and breaches of regulations.
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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Table 1-7 Risk assessment matrix
Likelihood Consequence
Catastrophic 1
Major 2
Moderate 3
Minor 4
Insignificant 5
Almost Certain 1
Extreme Extreme Extreme High Medium
Likely 2
Extreme Extreme High Medium Medium
Possible 3
Extreme High High Medium Low
Unlikely 4
High High Medium Low Low
Rare 5
Medium Medium Low Low Low
1.4.6 Critical and Routine Matters
The EIS provides an assessment of critical and routine matters identified in the ToR. The critical
matters are those defined by the ToR and have the following characteristics:
A high or medium probability of causing serious or material environmental harm or those that have a high probability causing an environmental nuisance; and
Considered important by the administering authority and/or there is a public perception that an activity has the potential to cause serious or material environmental harm or an environmental nuisance, or, the activity has been the subject of extensive media coverage.
Critical matters for this Project as listed in the ToR, are as follows and are discussed in the corresponding chapters:
Land (Chapter 4 - Land), flora and fauna (Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology and Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology);
Identified Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) under the State Planning Policy (July 2014) (Chapter 4 – Land, Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology and Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology);
Identified MNES under the EPBC Act (Chapter 7 – Matters of National Environmental Significance);
Water quality (Chapter 9 – Surface and Groundwater Quality); and
Coastal environment (Chapter 19 – Coastal Environment).
1.4.7 EIS Structure
The EIS consists of two volumes:
Volume 1 - EIS chapters; and
Volume 2 - EIS appendices and results.
A summary of the contents of each volume are provided in Table 1-8 and Table 1-9. The following
structure of the EIS has been developed to meet the objectives of the ToR and to address the relevant
site EVs.
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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Table 1-8 Volume 1 chapter content
Chapter Chapter Title Chapter Chapter Title
i Glossary and Abbreviations Chapter 11 Flooding and Regulated Structures
ii Executive Summary Chapter 12 Air Quality
Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 13 Noise and Vibration
Chapter 2 Description of the Project Chapter 14 Waste Management
Chapter 3 Climate Chapter 15 Cultural Heritage
Chapter 4 Land Chapter 16 Social and Economic
Chapter 5 Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology Chapter 17 Transport
Chapter 6 Marine Ecology Chapter 18 Hazard and Safety
Chapter 7 Matters of National Environmental
Significance Chapter 19 Coastal Environment
Chapter 8 Biosecurity Chapter 20 Draft EA Conditions
Chapter 9 Water Quality Chapter 21 References
Chapter 10 Water Resources
Table 1-9 Volume 2 specialist technical reports and results appended to this EIS
Appendix Appendix Title Appendix Appendix Title
A1 Soil Sample Results E2 Surface Water Technical Report
A2 Contaminated Land Register Results F Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas
Technical Report
A3 Conceptual Erosion and Sediment Control
Plan G Noise and Vibration Technical Report
B1 Terrestrial Ecology Technical Report H Economic Technical Assessment
B2 Aquatic Ecology Technical Report I Shipping Technical Assessment
B3 Marine Ecology and Coastal Processes J Bathymetric Survey Report – Skardon
River
C Offsets Strategy K Environmental Management Plan
D Water Quality Results L Consolidated Terms of Reference Cross-
reference Table
E1 Groundwater Technical Report M Consolidated Commitments Table
1.4.8 EIS Submissions
Government agencies and the public are invited to make submissions to EHP during the EIS public
exhibition period. All comments and submissions must be made in writing and addressed to EHP as
described in s52 to s56 of the EP Act.
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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All submissions, comments and enquiries regarding this EIS should be addressed to:
1.5 Public Consultation Process
This section of the EIS provides a summary of the consultation undertaken to date along with a brief
outline of the Stakeholder Engagement Strategy (herein referred to as the Strategy) and future
consultation planned to take place. Further information regarding the Strategy is provided in
Chapter 16 – Social and Economic.
1.5.1 Terms of Reference Consultation
The draft ToR was publicly advertised for comment by EHP from 7 December 2015 through to 3
February 2016. In addition, a Project newsletter was circulated and key stakeholder meetings were
held to highlight the importance of the ToR public comment period and highlighting the opportunity
to comment.
During the public comment period, 16 submissions were received by EHP for consideration in
finalising the ToR, all of these came from government agencies. The most common issues raised in
these submissions included:
Water supply options and strategies;
Protection of water quality values;
Emergency service availability;
Assessment approach for ecological values; and
Cumulative impacts of this and Gulf Alumina’s Skardon River Bauxite Project (SRBP).
The final ToR was issued on 22 February 2016 and encompassed the relevant and applicable issues
raised during the consultation.
1.5.2 Consultation during Project Planning Phase
Project consultation commenced in 2014, continued through 2015 and will be ongoing through the
EIS process in 2016 and 2017 with all interested and affected stakeholders.
Metro Mining and its subsidiary, Cape Alumina Ltd have been active in the Cape York region since
2008 and have established informal communication processes with many of the stakeholders which
will continue to occur. Formal Project specific communication and engagement activities
undertaken are detailed in Table 1-10.
The Chief Executive
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
Attention: The EIS Coordinator – Bauxite Hills Project
GPO Box 2454
Level 9, 400 George Street,
Brisbane QLD 4001
Telephone: 1300 130 372
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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Table 1-10 Formal communication and engagement activities as of June 2015
Activity Date
Website Update
Metro Mining website updated with information regarding the Project Jan 2015
Monthly Web Newsletter “Bauxite Insight” May 2015, Jun 2015
ASX and Media Releases in relation to the Environmental Approval process Jan, Apr, Jul, Sep, Oct 2015 Jan, Feb 2016
Draft Terms of Reference for public comment Dec 2015 – Feb 2016
EA Application Documents Jan 2016
Bauxite Hills Project Newsletter #1 Jan 2016
Bauxite Hills State and Commonwealth Government Site Visit
EHP – Monika Rhodes and Thomas Cobban DoTE – Elizabeth McMillan and Luke Hulbert
Aug 2015
Email Presentation
Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs - Senator the Honourable Nigel Scullion Apr 2015
Government Meetings and Direct Project Updates
Honourable Billy Gordon, MP. Queensland member for Cook Mar 2015 Mar 2016
Honourable Anthony Lynham, MP. Queensland Minister Department of Natural Resources and Mines
Apr 2015
Honourable Warren Entsch, MP. Federal member for Leichhardt Apr 2015
Honourable Mark Bailey MP. Queensland Minister for Ports May 2015
Honourable Curtis Pitt MP. Queensland Treasurer, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
Jun 2015
Honourable Robbie Katter, MP and Shane Knuth, MP. Queensland members for Mt Isa and Dalrymple respectively.
Jul 2015
Honourable Coralee O’Rourke, MP. Minister assisting the Premier on North Queensland
Oct 2015
Honourable Steven Miles, MP. Queensland Minister for the Environment Mar 2016
DNRM Director-General Mr James Purtill Oct 2015
Deputy Director-General Premier and Cabinet Mr Graham Fraine Mar 2016
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet – Cairns Office Apr 2015
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
Jul, Sep, Oct 2014, Feb, Mar, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec 2015, Jan, Feb, Mar 2016
Commonwealth Department of the Environment Sep 2014 Mar, Jul, Aug 2015 Jan, Feb 2016
Cooktown Shire Council Apr, Dec 2015
Mapoon Aboriginal Council April 2015
Cairns Regional Council Apr 2015 Jan 2016
Stakeholder Meetings and Project Updates
Old Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation Feb, May, Jun, Dec 2015 Jan 2016
Ankamuthi People (or their legal representation) Jan, Apr, Jun, Jul, Nov 2015, Jan 2016
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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Activity Date
Ports North Jul 2014, Feb 2015, Apr 2015, May 2015, Jan 2016
Maritime Safety Queensland – Harbour Master Jan, Apr, May 2015, Jan 2016
Cape York Sustainable Futures / Tourism Cape York Jun 2014 Apr 2015
Rio Tinto Alcan Apr, Jul, Oct 2015 Feb 2016
Cairns Chamber of Commerce Apr 2015
My Pathways Weipa Office May 2015
Mapoon Land and Sea Rangers Jun 2014 Jun, Sep 2015 Jan 2016
Weipa Police Apr 2015
Cairns Airport Jan 2016
Skill 360 Apr 2015 Jan, Feb 2016
In addition to the above meetings, Metro Mining has sent out electronic updates (refer to Figure 1-
4 for an example) of the Project to the following stakeholders:
Department of Local Government, Community Recovery and Resilience;
Cairns Airport;
Weipa Airport;
NPA Airport;
Cooktown Airport;
Cairns Public Safety Business Agency – Rural Fire Brigade and Emergency Services;
Western Cape Chamber of Commerce;
Weipa Town Office;
Queensland Health;
North Queensland Bulk Ports;
Transpacific, via Weipa Weighbridge;
Gulf of Carpentaria Fishing Association; and
Regional Development Australia – Canberra Office.
The major external stakeholders to the Project are the Ankamuthi People (Ankamuthi) and the
NCY#1 (both as the Traditional Owners and applicants to the two existing Native Title Claims) and
OMAC, the Aboriginal trustee for the land. Metro Mining has held a number of formal and informal
meeting with the Ankamuthi, the NCY#1 and OMAC, negotiating an Ancillary Agreement under the
Right to Negotiate process. The Ancillary Agreement is a combined Native Title Agreement and Land
Access Agreement between all parties. This agreement was executed on the 21 January 2016 and
meets the legislated requirements of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan. Metro Mining has a
separate Compensation Agreement with OMAC executed on 9 December 2015.
The proposed Bauxite Hills Project
is located on western Cape York,
approximately 35 kilometres
northeast of Mapoon.
Metro Mining Limited
Bauxite Hills Project News | January 2016
Bauxite Hills Project News | January 2016 | Metro Mining (ASX : MMI) I Page 1
Metro Mining Limited (Metro Mining)
is proposing to develop the Bauxite
Hills Project.
Bauxite Hills will be a shallow open
cut mining operation including haul
roads and a barge loading
facility and will produce and
transport up to 5 million tonnes of
bauxite per annum (Mtpa) over a
predicted 15 year mine life.
Bauxite from the Project is a Direct
Shipping Ore (DSO) product which
means it is extracted and loaded
directly to ships. No beneficiation
or tailings dams are required,
significantly reducing potential
impacts to the surrounding
environment.
Bauxite will be transported by barge
along the Skardon River, through
the existing Port of Skardon, to the
transhipment site approximately
12 km offshore. Here it will be
loaded into ocean going vessels
and shipped to customers.
Mine construction is due to start
early 2017, with the first shipment of
bauxite planned for October 2017.
Metro Mining is developing its Bauxite Hills Project through
a wholly owned subsidiary, Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd.
Project Update
Figure 1-4 Electronic update example
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
1-24
1.5.3 Public Consultation Program
The Stakeholder Engagement Strategy will be developed as a management tool for use by Metro
Mining to build awareness, acceptance and ultimately, an understanding of the mining operations.
It will be designed to maximise community and stakeholder input into the mining operations
through capacity building and two-way communication mechanisms which will be in place for the
life of the mine. It also outlines the communication tools which will be used and the purpose of these
tools. The Strategy will remain a dynamic document and will be updated as required throughout the
life of the mine.
The Strategy will be based on the Social Impact Assessment Guideline – July 2013 issued by the
Coordinator General in conjunction with EHP. The Guideline has been prepared to assist proponents
to assess the social aspect of their projects, promote a risk-based approach to social impact
assessment and focus on outcomes to encourage innovative solutions to capitalise on social
opportunities and mitigate detrimental impacts that may arise from the Project.
A core principal of the Guideline is to ensure communities of interest are engaged in a meaningful
way during the development of the social impact assessment and community consultation phase of
the EIS, recognising local knowledge, experience, customs and values. The Guideline encourages
community participation across the project lifecycle.
In addition to the Guideline, the International Association for Public Participation’s (IAP2) Public
Participation Spectrum (shown in Figure 1-5) has been considered in the community consultation
program. The Spectrum includes opportunities to inform, consult, involve, collaborate with and
empower stakeholders, including local communities and the wider public.
For the purposes of managing the level of engagement with stakeholders, stakeholders have been
grouped as follows:
Level 1: Landholders, registered Native Title claimants or body corporates, underlying tenure
holders and local government;
Level 2: Key stakeholders and local communities; and
Level 3: General public, community and special interest groups, wider regional and state-wide
Project communication.
For Level 3 stakeholders the level of participation for this Project is anticipated to be inform and
consult, for Level 2 stakeholders inform, consult and involve, and for Level 1 stakeholders,
collaboration is anticipated (Figure 1-5). The stakeholders’ ability to influence decisions depends
on the decision type and what aspects of the Project are negotiable and what aspects are non-
negotiable. The process is intended to be flexible and open to including all stakeholders to the
maximum extent possible.
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
1-25
Source: IAP2 2014
Figure 1-5 IAP2 public participation spectrum and levels of engagement
Where practicable, communication and engagement activities will be prioritised in the following
order:
Key stakeholders and directly affected landholders;
Local communities, neighbouring landholders, and other stakeholders; and
General public and wider regional community.
The Strategy informed the engagement program for the public notification period. This program
includes activities across the IAP2 spectrum targeted towards the different stakeholders and
includes already scheduled events and those planned for the remainder of the approvals period.
Activities include:
Maintaining the Project website through ongoing updates to that website – http://www.metromining.com.au/resources-projects/bauxite-projects/environmental-impact-statement;
Monthly Web Newsletter “Bauxite Insight”;
Specific Project Newsletters at relevant stages of the EIS process;
Ongoing meetings with Traditional Owner representatives and Aboriginal Land Trustees throughout 2014, 2015 and 2016; and
INFORM
Level 1. 2 and 3
Stakeholders
CONSULT
Level 1, 2 and 3
Stakeholders
INVOLVE
Level 1 and 2
Stakeholders
COLLABORATE
Level 1
Stakeholders
EMPOWER
Level 1
Stakeholders
PU
CLI
C P
AR
TIC
IPA
TIO
N G
OA
L
To provide the
public with
balanced and
objective
information to
assist them in
understanding the
problem,
alternatives,
opportunities
and/or solutions
To obtain public
feedback on
analysis,
alternatives and/or
decisions.
To work directly
with the public
throughout the
process to ensure
that public
concerns and
aspirations are
consistently
understood and
considered.
To partner with the
public in each
aspect of the
decision including
the development of
alternatives and the
identification of the
preferred solution.
To place final
decision making in
the hands of the
public.
PR
OM
ISE
TO T
HE
PU
BLI
C
We will keep you
informed.
We will keep you
informed, listen to
and acknowledge
concerns and
aspiration, and
provide feedback
on how public input
influenced the
decision. We will
seek your feedback
on drafts and
proposals.
We will work with
you to ensure that
your concerns and
aspirations are
directly reflected
in the alternatives
developed and
provide feedback
on how public
input influenced
the decision.
We will work
together with you
to formulate
solutions and
incorporate your
advice and
recommendations
into the decisions
to the maximum
extent possible.
We will implement
what you decide.
INCREASING IMPACT ON THE DECISION
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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Ongoing one-on-one meetings and other communications with key stakeholders and Project partners.
Engagement activities will continue for the duration of the Project with ongoing and regular
engagement with stakeholders in accordance with the IAP2 Spectrum. The Strategy will be updated
to reflect changes in the Project and in response to feedback, and issues raised during engagement
activities. The Strategy will continue to inform and reflect the development of the Project.
1.5.4 Affected and Interested Persons
In combination with the individuals, groups and businesses mentioned above, there are other
affected and interested persons that may be impacted by, or have interest in the Project, as defined
under Section 38 and 39 of the EP Act. The identified stakeholders are represented in Figure 1-6 and
directly affected landowners and tenement holders are outlined in Section 3.2.3 of Chapter 2 –
Description of the Project.
Figure 1-6 Stakeholders
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1.6 Project Approvals
The purpose of this section is to summarise the key regulatory framework for the Project under
Commonwealth, Queensland State and local government legislation and policies. Commonwealth,
State, regional and local planning instruments, applicable guidelines, local planning schemes and
local laws have been reviewed.
1.6.1 Overview
The Project requires specific environmental approvals under the Commonwealth EPBC Act and the
EP Act. In addition, the Project will potentially require a number of other approvals, permits and
licences for various components of the development. The anticipated approvals for the Project are
provided in Table 1-11 with further details on each approval trigger and requirement provided in
more detail in the following sections. The most significant legislation that applies to the
environmental management of the operations is described within each relevant chapter.
Table 1-11 Project environmental approval requirements
Permit/Approval/Licence Legislation Authority Comments
Project Wide
Environmental Authority EP Act EHP
Covers mining and associated activities as per operational and environmental requirements of an EA (mining activities). Under Schedule 2A of the EP Act, the Project is for ‘mining bauxite’ which has an Aggregated Environmental Score (AES) of 97. ERAs that are applicable: ERA 8 (1) (c) Chemical storage – Storing 500 m3 or
more of chemicals of class C1 or C2 combustible liquids under AS 1940 or dangerous goods class, with an AES of 85;
ERA 33 (1) – Crushing, milling, grinding or screening more than 5,000 t in a year; and
ERA 63 (1) (a) Sewerage Treatment – Operation of a sewerage treatment works with a total daily peak capacity of at least 21 equivalent persons; or operating a sewage pumping station with total design capacity of more than 40 KL in an hour, with AES of 27 (100 to 1500 equivalent persons with treated effluent discharged through an irrigation scheme).
Controlled Action Approval
EPBC Act DotE The Project was referred on 11 August 2015 (EPBC 2015/7538) and on 18 September 2015, DotE declared the Project a controlled action under the EPBC Act.
Mining Lease Mineral Resources Act 1989
DNRM
Resource tenure in the form of six mining leases (MLA 20676, MLA 20689, MLA 20688, MLA 100051, MLA 100047 and MLA 100048) for minerals and infrastructure pursuant to the MR Act.
Mine Operations
Licence to take water (surface water and/or groundwater) and approvals for related infrastructure
Water Act 2000 DNRM
The Water Act 2000 provides the framework to regulate the use of surface waters and groundwater through water planning instruments. Under the Act, a person (including a corporation) must not take, supply or interfere with water unless authorised under the act. An application to divert water from watercourses during construction and mine operational activities will be required for this Project.
Licence to take water from the Great Artesian Basin (GAB)
Water Act 2000 DNRM The Project has been declared ‘regionally significant’ by DNRM and an application for a water allocation is in progress.
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Transport Infrastructure
Buoy Mooring Authority
Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994
Maritime Safety Qld
Maritime Safety Queensland has a whole-of-state framework for approving buoy moorings. A regional harbour master may create some area-specific conditions.
Permit/Approval/Licence Legislation Authority Comments
Marine Fuel Transfer Activity Permit
Port of Skardon River Port Rules
Ports North Undertaking refuelling activities at the barge loading facility as it is within the Port Limits.
Operational Works for Damage to Marine Plants
Sustainable Planning Act 2009
State Assessment and Referral Agency – DAF
Any damage or removal of marine plants beyond the Mining Lease boundary.
The environmental assessment has been prepared to assess EVs, potential impacts and propose
appropriate management and mitigation strategies in relation to the activities to be undertaken for
the development of the Project. This information assists in identifying other subsidiary required
permits and provides the baseline and impact assessment information required to support
applications of these permits.
1.6.2 EPBC Approval for a Controlled Action
The EPBC Act provides a legal framework to protect and manage MNES including nationally and
internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities, heritage places and water resources.
The EPBC Act implements obligations under international conventions and treaties, such as
protection of migratory species (Migratory Bird Agreements and Bonn Convention 1979) and World
Heritage Area values (World Heritage Convention 1972). The EPBC Act is administered by DotE.
The EPBC Act establishes a process for assessment and approval of proposed actions that have, or
are likely to have, a significant impact on MNES. Proponents refer projects to DotE initially for
determination on whether a project is a controlled action or not a controlled action. If the referral
is deemed to be a controlled action, then it is likely to have a significant impact on MNES and must
be undertaken in accordance with prior approval from the Minister.
The Project was originally referred to DotE on 12 January 2012 (EPBC2012/6246) and was declared
a controlled action 10 February 2012. Draft EIA guidelines were issued for review 6 July 2012 and
finalised 15 August 2012. Following the EHP decision on the EA in 2015, the Project scope changed
significantly and as such Metro Mining sought to have the original referral withdrawn. The original
referral was withdrawn on 17 August 2015.
The Project incorporating the increased scope was referred to DotE on 11 August 2015 (EPBC
2015/7538). A decision on the referral was released on 18 September 2015 for listed threatened
species and communities, migratory species and Commonwealth marine areas deeming the
proposed action a controlled action and requiring assessment by an EIS.
For this Project, the EIS process is accredited under the bilateral agreement between the
Commonwealth and Queensland Governments. Hence, this EIS addresses the impacts to MNES in
Chapter 7 – MNES as a standalone separate chapter within the EIS which fully addresses the matters
relevant to the controlling provisions.
1.6.3 Mining Lease
Chapter 6 of the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (MR Act) provides the legislative framework for
exploration, development and mining tenure in the State. Compliance with the MR Act is
administered by DNRM. Granting of an MLA, in conjunction with the issuing of an EA from EHP
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entitles the holder to mine specified minerals and carry out activities that are associated with, or
support the mining activity. Such ancillary activities may include but not be limited to wastewater
storage and treatment, machinery and equipment maintenance and accommodation facilities
provided these activities are undertaken within the MLA boundary.
Three MLAs for minerals are required for the Project, covering an area of approximately 3,930 ha.
The MLA for infrastructure covering an area of approximately 52 ha is required for the MIA and BLF
and RoRo facility and the two MLAs for the haul roads cover an area of 80 ha in total. These areas
have been selected to optimise the extraction of the bauxite resource to enable the safe conduct of
operational activities, to allow advantageous positioning of the Project infrastructure and to
minimise impacts to EVs.
A MLA provides entitlements to:
Enter and be on the MLA for mining purposes or transportation through land to access the
mining area;
Use any sand, gravel and rock within lease area for mining activities;
Prospecting, exploring or mining;
Processing a mineral won or extracted by the mining;
An activity that is directly associated with, or facilitates or supports, the mining or processing of
the mineral; and
Rehabilitating or remediating environmental harm because of a mining activity.
The MR Act also sets royalty payments, rents, landholder compensation and notification
requirements which Metro Mining must comply.
Section 4A of the MR Act precludes the application of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act) to
activities undertaken for purposes of the mining tenure, with the exception of provisions in relation
to the Queensland Heritage Act 1992. It also makes building work controlled under the Building Act
1975 self-assessable development within the lease.
Pursuant to the Mineral Resources Regulation 2003, various restricted areas have been declared
across parts of Queensland that limit exploration and mining activities. It is noted there are no
restricted areas within the proposed MLA boundaries.
1.6.4 Environmental Authority
1.6.4.1 Site-Specific EA
In Queensland, a mining proponent needs to apply for an EA to undertake an Environmentally
Relevant Activities (ERA). EHP is responsible for administering the EP Act including granting and
assessing compliance with EAs to provide for the regulation of environmental management in the
mining industry. Pursuant to the EP Act, activities that will, or have the potential to, release
contaminants into the environment and which may cause environmental harm are defined as ERAs.
Under s107 of the EP Act, a ‘resource activity’ is defined as a ‘mining activity’. The EP Act further
defines a ‘mining activity’ as an authorised activity for a mining tenement under the MR Act under
s110. Such authorised activities include that act of mining, processing and ancillary activities in
support of a mining operation. A resource or mining activity is also defined as a resource ERA.
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Schedule 2A of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 (EP Regulation) lists the resource
ERAs. The proposed Project will involve the conduct of resource ERA 11 – Mining Bauxite.
The EA application process has different levels of assessment according to the level of potential
environmental risk associated with the proposed Project. To take into account the level of risk, there
are three types of EAs that may be granted for a resource or mining activity. These include:
Standard EA – if the ERA can meet the eligibility criteria and comply with the standard
conditions;
Variation EA – if the ERA can meet the eligibility criteria, but the Proponent wants to vary one
or more of the standard conditions; or
Site-specific EA – if the ERA does not have eligibility criteria or cannot meet the eligibility
criteria.
Schedule 3A of the EP Regulation prescribes the eligibility criteria for each mining activity that is
authorised, or is to be authorised under an EA for a mining activity. The proposed Project activities
cannot comply with all of the eligibility criteria prescribed in Schedule 3A of the EP Regulation.
Accordingly, a site-specific EA is required for the Project. Once approved, the site-specific EA will
prescribe conditions for the Project to ensure it is operated in accordance with the environmental
protection objectives of the EP Act and subordinate legislation.
A site-specific EA application for resource activities requires a decision to be made whether an EIS
is required under the EP Act. If an activity has the potential to pose a significant risk to the receiving
environment, the proponent may be required to submit an EIS. EHP has published trigger criteria
for mining projects that will usually be required to undertake an EIS under the EP Act. While the
Project did not trigger any of these criteria, EHP provided notification that an EIS would be required
for this Project.
The EA is an integrated authority that allows for the carrying out of multiple ERAs that are part of a
project, as such all ERAs must be listed and described in the EIS for inclusion in the EA. The EA is
expected to provide approval conditions for each of the required ERAs. The anticipated ERAs
applicable to the construction and operational stages are listed in Table 1-12.
Table 1-12 Environmentally relevant activities for the Project
ERA Reference Relevant Activity Location and Activity Summary
ERA 8
Chemical Storage - storing more than 500m3 of chemicals of class C1 or C2 combustible liquids under AS 1940 or dangerous goods class 3 under subsection (1)(c).
MLA 100051
ERA 33 Crushing, milling, grinding or screening more than 5,000 t in a year.
MLA 20676, 20688 and 20689 (screening will be undertaking in pit)
ERA 63 1(a)(i) Sewage treatment for 100 to 1,500 equivalent persons with treated effluent discharges to an infiltration trench or irrigated.
MLA 20688
The following ERAs were considered not to apply as the ERA definition specifically excludes the
application of the activities to resource activities conducted under an EA:
ERA 15 – fuel burning. A calculation of the total fuel consumption from onsite power generation
operating at 100% (worst case scenario) the total burn per hour will be under 200 L (170 kg)
thus the Project will not trigger the 500 kg per hour ERA 15 for fuel burning;
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ERA 16 – extraction of material. The relevant activity does not include extracting material under
an environmental authority for a resource activity (Schedule 2, Part 11, Item 16 (2a));
ERA 50 – loading and unloading materials within 5km of astronomical tide or 1km of a
watercourse and loading or unloading bulk materials in association with a port. The relevant
activity does not include loading, unloading or stockpiling materials under an environmental
authority for a resource activity (Schedule 2, Part 11, Item 50 (2));
ERA 53 – composting and soil conditioner manufacturing. This is not expected to be triggered
as under 200 t of organic material or organic waste or more of compost or soils conditioners
per year will not be generated;
ERA 56 – regulated waste storage. This activity relates to the receiving of waste and not the
onsite generation of waste as part of mining. The operations will receive some limited regulated
waste from the marine service providers which will be stored at the facility awaiting removal
for recycling, reprocessing or treatment. This is predominately waste oil and will be under the
trigger limit of 5000 L of oil and 45 t of batteries (Schedule 2, Part 11, Item 56 (e)); and
ERA 58 – regulated waste treatment. This activity consists of operating a facility for receiving
and treating regulated waste. The only regulated waste received onto the site (other than onsite
generation) will be oily wastes and minor amounts of batteries from the marine services
contractor, there is not proposal to treat these wastes on-sites. The only wastes to be treated
onsite is sewage covered under ERA 63 and soil conditioning is under the trigger limit of ERA
53.
The process for obtaining an EA for mining activities is established in Chapter 5 of the EP Act.
According to the Act, the Project requires a site–specific application for ineligible ERAs (Section 124)
that is for which eligibility criteria are not in effect. Under changes from the Environmental
Protection (Greentape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012 which commenced on
the 31 March 2013, this EIS will satisfy the Information and Notification stages. Upon lodgement of
the EA application the application will only require the decision stage to be completed, thus reducing
the duplication of information submission and public notification which previously existed.
EHP is the regulatory authority that has responsibility for administration of EAs, oversight of
compliance and retaining financial assurance bonds to ensure the area is suitably rehabilitated.
1.7 Relevant Legislation, Policies and Standards
1.7.1 Commonwealth Legislation
1.7.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
The EPBC Act provides a legal framework to protect and manage MNES including nationally and
internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities, heritage places and water resources.
The EPBC Act implements obligations under international conventions and treaties, such as
protection of migratory species (Migratory Bird Agreements and Bonn Convention, 1979) and
World Heritage Area values (World Heritage Convention, 1972). The EPBC Act establishes a process
for assessment and approval of proposed actions which may impact on these MNES, this Act is
administered by DotE.
Activities within the North Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network will be subject to the zoning
scheme and applicable management plan once it is in effect. Transitional management
arrangements have been implemented for the North Commonwealth Marine Reserves to cover the
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period until a statutory management plan comes into effect. Mining operations, commercial vessel
transit, erecting structures, carrying out works and carrying on an excavation are approved actions
in accordance with the approval of actions in the North Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network
issued under s359B of the EPBC Act.
The EPBC Act also establishes the National Heritage List, Commonwealth Heritage List and the
World Heritage Lists. The National Heritage List includes natural, Indigenous and historic places
that are of outstanding heritage value to the nation. The Commonwealth Heritage List comprises
natural, Indigenous and historic places on Commonwealth lands and waters or under
Commonwealth Government control and identified by the Minister for the Environment (the
Minister) as having Commonwealth Heritage values. There are no listed areas within the Project
area.
The EPBC Act’s associated Environmental Offset Policy provides upfront guidance on the role of
offsets in environmental impact assessments, and how the department considers the suitability of a
proposed offset. Offsets are defined as measures that compensate for the residual impacts of an
action on the environment, after avoidance and mitigation measures are taken. This policy aims to
improve environmental outcomes through the consistent application of best practice offset
principles and encourage advanced planning of offsets. Offsets have been considered during the
assessment phase of this environmental impact assessment. The suitability of a proposed offset is
considered as part of the decision to approve or not approve a proposed action under the EPBC Act.
Based on the findings, offsets will be required for the Project and this policy will be relevant and the
assessment of offsets requirements has been provided in Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater
Ecology, Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology and Chapter 7 – Matters of National Environmental
Significance.
1.7.1.2 Native Title Act 1993
The Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NT Act) recognises the land rights and interests of Indigenous
peoples where they have historically resided and regulates the conduct of ‘future acts’, including
development. The legislation provides for the determination of native title claims, the treatment of
‘future acts’ that may impact on native title rights and the requirement for consultation and/or
notification to relevant claimants where ‘future acts’ are involved.
The provisions of the NT Act are administered by the National Native Title Tribunal. The Tribunal is
established to work with people to understand Native Title and reach outcomes that recognise
everyone’s rights and interests in land and waters.
One native title claim and one agreed determination exists over the terrestrial and marine
components of the Project area. The NCY #1 (Tribunal file no. QCD2014/017) was provided with a
native title determination on the 30 October 2014 in their favour and the Ankamuthi Group
(Tribunal file no. QC1999/026), has a claim still to be determined by the Federal Court.
Consistent with the requirements of the NT Act, Metro Mining has, through its subsidiaries Aldoga
and Cape Alumina, concluded an Ancillary Agreement with both the NCY#1 and the Ankamuthi
Group. The Ancillary Agreement includes a Cultural Heritage Management Agreement.
1.7.1.3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984
The purpose of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth) (ATSIHP
Act) is to preserve and protect from injury or desecration, areas and objects in Australia and in
Australian waters that are of particular significance to Aboriginals in accordance with Aboriginal
tradition. The ATSIHP Act enables Traditional Owners to make an application to DotE to declare
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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certain areas or objects as protected. The ATSIHP Act also includes provisions to manage the
discovery and appropriate management of Aboriginal remains.
1.7.1.4 National Greenhouse Energy Reporting Act 2007
The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (Cth) (NGER Act) provides a single national
reporting framework for the reporting and dissemination of information related to Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions, GHG projects, energy consumption and energy production of corporations. The
NGER Act imposes various registration, reporting and record-keeping requirements.
The NGER Act provides the framework for mandatory reporting of GHG emissions and production
and consumption of energy when threshold values are exceeded by a corporation or single facility.
Threshold values relevant to the Project are provided in Table 1-13. If these threshold values are
exceeded Metro Mining as the controlling corporation (as defined under the NGER Act) will apply
to the Greenhouse and Energy Data Officer to register on the National Greenhouse and Energy
Register. If these values are exceeded, Metro Mining must provide annual reports to the data officer
on its GHG emissions, energy production and consumption. GHGs are assessed in Chapter 12 – Air
Quality of this EIS and based on that assessment, the NGER Act is not expected to apply to the Project.
Table 1-13 Threshold values of greenhouse gas emissions and production
Threshold Values
Emission of GHG Energy Production Energy Consumption
Controlling
corporations
50 kilotonnes per year of
carbon dioxide equivalence
(CO2-e)
200 terajoules per year 200 terajoules per year
Single facility 25 kilotonnes per year of CO2-e 100 terajoules per year 100 terajoules per year
1.7.2 Key Queensland Legislation
1.7.2.1 Environmental Protection Act 1994
The EP Act provides the key legislative framework for environmental management and protection
in Queensland. The objective of the EP Act is to: ‘Protect Queensland’s environment while allowing
for development that improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that
maintains ecological processes on which life depends’ (s3). Under the EP Act, Metro Mining must
comply with the general environmental duty not to undertake an ‘activity that causes, or is likely to
cause, environmental harm unless all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise
the harm are taken’ (s319).
In addition to setting out the requirements for an EIS and site-specific EAs this Act also contains
provisions relating to contaminated land, notifications of environmental harm and lays foundations
for a number of subordinate Environmental Protection Policies (EPPs).
Notifiable Activities
Land contamination and activities that have been identified as likely to cause land contamination
are listed as notifiable activities in Schedule 3 of the EP Act. Any person undertaking these notifiable
activities must notify EHP and the land is recorded on the Environmental Management Register.
Potentially notifiable activities associated with the Project are listed in Table 1-14.
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Table 1-14 Anticipated notifiable activities for the Project
Item Number (Schedule 3 of
the EP Act) Description of Activity
7 Chemical storage of more than 10 tonne of chemicals that are dangerous goods
under the dangerous goods code.
29 Petroleum product or oil storage in above ground tanks.
37
Waste storage, treatment or disposal – storing, treating, reprocessing or disposing
regulated waste including operating a sewage treatment facility with onsite disposal
facilities.
Note: Under Section 371 of the EP Act, the owner or occupier of land must notify EHP within 22 business days of becoming aware of the notifiable activity having occurred or going to occur on the subject land.
1.7.2.2 Subordinate Legislation
The EP Act has a range of subordinate legislation which assists in achieving the objective. The Act is
supported by the following subordinate EPPs:
Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008 (refer to Chapter 12 – Air Quality);
Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008 (refer to Chapter 13 – Noise and Vibration); and
Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (refer to Chapter 9 – Surface and Groundwater
Quality and Chapter 10 – Water Resources).
Where relevant impacts could occur for this Project, impact assessments have been undertaken
having due regard to the EVs specified in each EPP.
Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008
The objective of the Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008 (EPP (Air)) is to achieve the object
of the EP Act in relation to Queensland's air environment. To achieve this objective, the EPP (Air)
provides a framework for:
Identifying EVs to be enhanced or protected;
Specifying air quality indicators and goals to protect or enhance the EVs; and
Providing processes which manage the air environment and involve the community in achieving
air quality goals that best protect Queensland's air environment.
Air quality values of the Project area, potential impacts from the Project and management of those
impacts are discussed in Chapter 12 – Air Quality. As set out in Chapter 12 – Air Quality, the Project
has applied the air quality objectives outlined with the EPP (Air) to Project activities.
Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008
The objective of the Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008 (EPP (Noise)) is to achieve the
object of the EP Act in relation to Queensland's acoustic environment. The EPP (Noise) provides a
framework for:
Identifying the EVs to be enhanced or protected;
Stating acoustic quality objectives for enhancing or protecting the EVs; and
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Providing a framework for making consistent, equitable and informed decisions about the
acoustic environment.
The acoustic values of the Project area, potential impacts from the Project and management of those
impacts are discussed in Chapter 13 – Noise and Vibration and the acoustic noise objectives for
health and wellbeing have been applied to the Project.
Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009
The Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (EPP (Water)) establishes a process for
identifying EVs to be protected and states standards for water quality in support of those values.
The EPP (Water) provides a framework for:
Identifying EVs and management goals for Queensland waters;
Stating water quality guidelines and objectives to protect or enhance the EVs;
Providing a framework for making consistent, equitable and informed decisions about
Queensland waters; and
Monitoring and reporting on the condition of Queensland waters.
Potential impacts on surface water and groundwater and the management measures are addressed
in Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology, Chapter 9 – Water Quality, Chapter 10 – Water Resources Chapter
11 – Flooding and Regulated Structures and Chapter 19 – Coastal Environment. The identified EVs
and water quality objectives have been applied to the Project’s activities.
1.7.2.3 Environmental Offsets Act 2014
The Environmental Offsets Act 2014, Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014 and the Queensland
Government Environmental Offsets Policy provides a streamlined framework for environmental
offset requirements. Offsets are required where there is an unavoidable impact on significant EVs.
In addition, an environmental offset can only be required if impacts from a prescribed activity
constitute a significant residual impact as identified through the following guidelines:
The State guideline that provides guidance on what constitutes a significant residual impact for
MSES;
The Commonwealth Significant Impact Guidelines for what constitutes a significant residual
impact on MNES; and
Any relevant local government significant impact guideline for Matters of Local Environmental
Significance (MLES).
The Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy provides a decision support tool to enable
administering agencies to assess offsets proposals in accordance with the Environmental Offsets Act
2014. An environmental offset may be required as a condition of approval where the activity is likely
to result in a significant residual impact on prescribed environmental matters. The Significant
Residual Impact Guideline issued in December 2014 is used for consideration of all potential offset
requirements for MSES, for applications made under the EP Act. It is used to determine if a residual
impact from a prescribed activity is significant. Offsets may be delivered through a variety of
manners, including financial settlement offsets, proponent driven offsets and a combination of these
approaches.
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To avoid duplication with offsets required under the EPBC Act, the policy provides that the
administering agency must consider other relevant offset conditions which for the same or
substantially the same prescribed impact. If duplicating conditions are imposed it allows Metro
Mining to remove the duplication.
1.7.2.4 Water Act 2000
The Water Act 2000 (Water Act) provides a structured system for the planning, protection,
allocation and use of Queensland’s surface waters and groundwater. Under s808 of the Water Act, a
person must not take, supply or interfere with water unless authorised. Authorisation under the
Water Act for the taking of water from overland flow, groundwater, a watercourse, lake or spring
comes via a water entitlement and a development application. There is no current right to water
provided under the MR Act for water taken or diverted in the course of a mining activity [s235(3)].
The Project mine area lies within the Ducie Basin.
Water Supply
DNRM has developed the Strategy for Delivering Water Resource Management in Cape York. The
strategy applies to the river basins in Cape York including the Ducie Basin. As part of the strategy
DNRM has committed to dealing favourably with water licence applications where the impacts of
the proposed development are minimal or have been demonstrated to have manageable impacts on
existing water users and the environment.
In parallel, Government has removed the moratorium notice that applied to the Ducie Basin. The
purpose of the moratorium notice was originally to limit water related development while wild river
declarations were prepared. DNRM will commence a water resource planning process in Cape York
to support responsible and productive management, allocation and use of water resources and also
to align water rights in special agreement acts with the Water Act framework to bring water
management and allocation under a single legislative framework.
Interfering with a Watercourse
A number of watercourses intersect the Project area and are subject to the provisions of the Water
Act if interfered with. Placing fill or excavating in a watercourse, as required for works associated
with construction of haul roads, bridges and culverts require a Riverine Protection Permit (RPP). A
general exemption for this permit has been granted for resource holders where the works comply
with the DNRM Guideline: Activities in a watercourse, lake or spring associated with a resource
activity or mining operations.
No watercourse diversions or realignments are anticipated to be required for the Project.
1.7.2.5 Transport Operations (Maritime Safety) Act 1994
This Act provides for maritime safety rules which the sea transportation, transhipment area and
buoy moorings and movement of vessels for the Project will need to comply. The Act imposes a
general safety obligation on all vessel owners and operators, masters and crew to operate vessels
safely at all times. This responsibility includes making sure the ship is safe, properly equipped and
maintained and operated in a safe manner.
The Port of Skardon River is operated by Ports North and the subsequent Port Rules and the Project
will apply to activities within the Port Limits.
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A buoy mooring authority is an approval granted by Maritime Safety Queensland under this Act.
Unrestricted buoy mooring authorities are issued to support the business activities of established
marine service providers and legitimate businesses, such as this operation. Restrictions on the
design, construction, type and location are managed through Maritime Safety Queensland.
1.7.3 Other Queensland Legislation
Other relevant Queensland State legislation includes:
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003;
Sustainable Planning Act 2009;
Nature Conservation Act 1992;
Vegetation Management Act 1999;
Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002; and
Fisheries Act 1994.
1.7.3.1 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003
The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 contains provisions for identifying significant Aboriginal
cultural heritage and protecting it from development, including:
The requirement to comply with a duty of care towards Aboriginal cultural heritage;
The requirement to notify the existence and location of Aboriginal human remains;
The establishment of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Database which was searched as part of
Chapter 15 – Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Cultural Heritage; and
The establishment of a Register of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage which was searched as part of
Chapter 15 – Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Cultural Heritage.
The Act requires that, when carrying out an activity, all reasonable and practicable measures are
taken to ensure that the activity does not harm Aboriginal cultural heritage. This is referred to as
the cultural heritage duty of care.
Metro Mining has finalised a Cultural Heritage Management Agreement with the relevant Aboriginal
parties which will govern management of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
1.7.3.2 Sustainable Planning Act 2009
The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act) is Queensland’s principal planning legislation and it
provides a planning framework and development assessment system for Queensland. Activities
within the mining lease are largely exempt from the requirements of the Act through the exemption
within the MR Act outlined above and further specific exemptions within Sustainable Planning
Regulation 2009 (SP Regulation). The relevant sections of the SP Regulation for the Project are:
Schedule 4, Table 5, Item 2 makes all aspects of development for a mining activity to which an
EA (mining activities), under the EP Act applies, exempt from development under a local
government planning scheme;
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Schedule 3, Part 1, Table 2, Item 1 excludes development for a Material Change of Use for an ERA
for a mining activity from assessable development; and
Schedule 24, Part 1, Item 6 excludes clearing of native vegetation for a mining activity from
assessable development for the purposes of Schedule 3, Part 1, Table 4, Item 1.
The State Planning Policy (SPP) is a statutory instrument prepared under the SP Act that relates to
matters of Queensland interest. The SPP applies to a range of circumstances under the SP Act,
including for development assessment and when proposed new planning schemes are made or
amended. The SPP is applicable to assessable development within Queensland. The provisions of
the SPP may also be considered under the standard criteria of the EP Act which includes matters of
State interest, as such the EIS considers the relevance of the SPP to the Project. A map of applicable
MSES was generated within the SPP Interactive Mapping Systems which identified two MSES (see
Figure 1-7). The relevant State interests to the Project which are managed under the SPP are:
Biodiversity - MSES - Regulated vegetation and MSES - Regulated vegetation (intersecting a
watercourse); and
Water Quality - Climatic regions - stormwater management design objectives.
BH6 West MLA boundary
(MLA 20689)
BH1 MLA boundary (MLA 20676)
BH6 East
MLA boundary(MLA 20688)
605000
605000
610000
610000
615000
615000
620000
620000
625000
625000
86
90
00
0
86
90
00
0
86
95
00
0
86
95
00
0
87
00
00
0
87
00
00
0
FIGURE 1-7
DATE
DISCLAIMERCDM Smith has endeavoured to ensure accuracy
and completeness of the data. CDM Smith assumes no legal liability or responsibility for any decisions or actions resulting from the information contained
within this map.
GCS GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54
/0 1,000 2,000500
Metres
MSES
©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITHThis drawing is confidential and shall only be used
for the purpose of this project.
APPROVED
DRAWN
05/04/16
CHECKED
Legend
Barge Loading Area
Haul Road
Pit Extents
Mine Lease Area
Accommodation Camp
MSES - Regulated vegetation (intersecting a watercourse)
MSES - ’High Ecological Significance’ wetlands
MSES - Wildlife habitat
MSES - Regulated vegetation
DATA SOURCEMEC Mining; AMEC, 2015;
QLD Government Open Source Data;Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric
(Geofabric) PRODUCT SUITE V2.1.1 DRG Ref: BES150115-044-R1_MSES
DESIGNER CLIENT
1:60,000Scale @ A3 -
-DESIGNED
CHECKED -
MD
MD
-
R Details Date
16/07/151
Notes:
2
-
-
-
-
-
F:\1_PROJECTS\BES150115_Bauxite_Hill\GIS\DATA\MXD\FINAL\ERA\BES150115-044-R1_MSES.mxd
For Information Purposes
Updated Pit Extents
-
-
-
-
-
Barge Loading Area
Haul Road
Haul Road
Accommodation Camp
05/04/16
CampAccessRoad
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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1.7.3.3 Nature Conservation Act 1992
In broad terms, the objective of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) is the conservation of
nature (plants and animals) within Queensland. Specifically, the NC Act seeks to gather relevant
information, identify critical habitat areas, manage protected areas, protect wildlife and promote
ecologically sustainable development. The NC Act has 10 subordinate regulatory instruments in the
form of regulations, conservation plans and notices. Of relevance to the Project is the Nature
Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 which categorises flora and fauna species as extinct in the
wild, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened or of least concern. Also listed is international
wildlife and prohibited wildlife.
The NC Act will play an important role in approvals for the Project by providing legislative guidance
in respect to the conservation and protection of flora and fauna deemed to be of State significance.
Under the NC Act, permits for the movement of protected animals and the clearing of protected
plants are required and a Species Management Program must be approved when interfering with
native fauna habitat and breeding places.
Baseline surveys have not identified any protected plants or critical breeding places of protected
species.
1.7.3.4 Vegetation Management Act 1999
The Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VM Act) regulates the conservation and management of
vegetation communities and provides protection for regional ecosystems classified as ‘endangered’,
‘of concern’ or ‘least concern’ under the VM Act. The clearing of native vegetation for the Project
will be exempt from the provisions of the VM Act under Schedule 24 Part 1, Item 1 (6) of the SP
Regulation where clearing occurs within the Project’s mining leases for a mining activity. Further
details of existing vegetation on and off-lease and the management of vegetation issues and offsets
are included in Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology, Appendix B1 - Terrestrial Ecology,
Appendix B2 – Aquatic Ecology, Appendix B3 - Marine Ecology and Coastal Processes and Appendix
C - Offsets.
1.7.3.5 Fisheries Act 1994
The main purpose of the Fisheries Act 1994 is to provide for the use, conservation and enhancement
of the fish resources and habitats as a way to apply and promote the principles of ecologically
sustainable development. It regulates the taking and possession of specific fish, removal of marine
vegetation, the control of development in areas of fish habitat and listed noxious fish species. Any
damage to marine plants outside the mining lease boundary would require an operational works
permit to damage marine plants.
The construction and raising of a waterway barrier works that will inhibit the movement of fish is
regulated under the Fisheries Act 1994 and the SP Act. As the culvert haul road crossings will be
constructed on the mining lease, under the conditions of an EA (and not development approval), a
waterway barrier works is not required. Whilst the provision of the act do not apply within the MLA
Metro Mining will give consideration to the performance objectives and requirements of the State
Development Assessment Provisions Module 5.2 Fisheries Resources waterway barrier works to
adequately provide for fish passage, and provide equal or enhanced habitat values and habitat
complexity.
All waters of the state are protected against degradation by direct or indirect impact under s125 of
the EP Act. If litter, soil, a noxious substance, refuse or other polluting matter is on land, in waters
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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or in a fish habitat and the polluting adversely affects fisheries resources or habitat then penalties
apply.
1.7.3.6 Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002
This Act imposes primary obligations on landholders to maintain the land within the Project area
free of Class 1 and Class 2 pests and weeds, and to prevent their spread. Metro Mining are not the
landholders; however, measures to prevent the spread of declared pests and weeds will be imposed
under the EA. There are also no mapped stock routes within the Project area.
1.7.3.7 Forestry Act 1959
The Forestry Act 1959 provides for among other things, the sale and disposal of quarry material and
commercially valuable timber on certain State lands. All forest products and quarry materials on all
State land are the property of the State. The Act is administered by the DAF. The Project is located
on Aboriginal freehold land and may be exempt from the Forestry Act 1959. The MR Act provides
the right to quarry material to holders of a MLA.
1.7.4 Considered Legislation and Guidelines
The Project may be subject to other infrastructure and associated mining activity approvals. Table
1-15 provides an overview of additional Commonwealth and State legislation that may be applicable
to the Project.
Table 1-15 Other relevant legislation
Legislation Administering
Authority Project Relevance
Petroleum and Gas (Production
and Safety) Act 2004 and
Petroleum Act 1923
DNRM There are no overlapping petroleum lease or exploration
tenements. Hence agreements under this Act are not required.
Regional Planning Interest Act
2014 DILGP
There are no declared interest areas within the Project footprint
or immediate surroundings which require further approvals or
management. There is a priority living area and a regionally
important environmental area within and nearby Mapoon.
Queensland Heritage Act 1992 EHP
The Act provides for the conservation and protection of post
European settlement cultural heritage. A search of the
Queensland Heritage Register did not identify any Registered
(Protected) Places within the Project footprint. Notification in
accordance with the requirements of Part 9 of the Act will occur
if artefacts potentially protected under the Act are located.
Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 DTMR
The Act provides for the planning and management of transport
infrastructure for all modes of transport including (but not
limited to) air, sea, road, rail, bus ways and light rail.
Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990
Queensland
Fire and
Emergency
Service (QFES)
The Act requires Project operators to establish effective
relationships with the administering authority for the prevention
of and response to fires and certain other incidents. Chapter 18
– Hazards and Safety outlines the safety obligations and
commitments for the Project.
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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Legislation Administering
Authority Project Relevance
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Act 2011 EHP
The legislation establishes a framework for waste management
and resource recovery practices in Queensland. It promotes
waste avoidance and reduction and encourage resource
recovery and efficiency.
1.7.5 State, Regional and Local Plans
1.7.5.1 Coastal Management Plan
The Coastal Management Plan commenced on 18 March 2014. It is made under the Coastal
Protection and Management Act 1995. The Coastal Management Plan provides non-regulatory policy
guidance to coastal land managers. Key management policies dealt with by the plan include:
Maintaining coastal landforms and physical coastal processes;
Conserving nature;
Maintaining access to coastal resources for Indigenous cultural activities;
Maintaining or enhancing public access;
Management planning; and
Knowledge sharing and community engagement.
The Coastal Management Plan applies to works that are not regulated under SP Act such as the
propose Project. The plan has been considered in guiding management decisions associated with
the Project. An assessment against the objectives of the Coastal Management Plan has been provided
in Chapter 19 – Coastal Environment.
1.7.5.2 Queensland Plan
In 2014, the Queensland Government established the ResourcesQ 30-year vision and action plan to
the deliver the objectives of the Queensland Plan pertaining to the resources sector. The intention
is that by 2044, Queensland will be recognised as a preferred resource destination, with an enviable
investment track record and competitive operating environment.
1.7.5.3 Cape York Plans
The Cape York Regional Plan creates strategic, long-term land use certainty, particularly in relation
to areas that are appropriate for economic development opportunities and those that are set aside
for environmental protection. The Plan was gazetted on the 15 August 2014 and applies to the Cape
York region. The Cape York Regional Plan has been prepared to facilitate appropriate economic
development in the region and identifies strategic land use classifications to manage competing
economic and environmental state interests in the region. These classifications include Strategic
Environmental Areas, National Parks, Priority Agricultural Areas and Priority Living Areas. There
are no mapped areas within the Project area, the closest area is a Priority Living Area over the
township of Mapoon.
The Strategy for Delivering Water Resource Management in Cape York was released by the
Department of Natural Resources and Mines in July 2014 and covers water resource management
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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in Cape York catchments. The strategy establishes short-term and long-term actions that provide a
pathway for delivering a responsible and productive framework for water management, allocation
and use for the Cape York community. The strategy complements the regional planning process by
providing a pathway to ensure water resource management can be delivered in a way that is
consistent with the outcomes of a Cape York Regional Plan.
1.7.5.4 Local Plans
The Project is located within the Cook Shire Regional Council local government area. The Cook Shire
Planning Scheme 2007 is the applicable planning scheme, which:
Identifies assessable and self-assessable development; and
Identifies outcomes south to be achieved in the local government area as the context for
assessing development.
Certain types of development including mining activities under the MR Act are not subject to the
provisions of the SP Act and are therefore exempt from assessment against the Planning Scheme.
1.7.6 Standards, Codes and Guidelines
The Project will comply with all relevant standards, codes and guidelines available to monitor and
control construction and operations onsite, including Australian Standards, industry codes of best
practice and EHP Guidelines.
1.7.6.1 Standards
Standards are published documents setting out specifications and procedures designed to ensure
products, services and systems are safe, reliable and consistently perform the way they were
intended to. Relevant standards applicable environmental management of the Project include:
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems;
AS/NZS 4801 – 2001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – specification with
guidance for use;
ISO 31000 – Risk Management;
AS/NZ 1547 – On-site Domestic Wastewater Management;
AS 2187.0:1998 – Explosives – Storage, Transport and Use;
AS 1940:2004 – The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids;
AS 4452 – The storage and Handling of Toxic Substances;
AS 3780 – The Storage and Handling of Corrosive Substances;
AS/NZS 1170.2:2002 – Structural design actions - Wind actions;
AS/NZS 1768:2007 – Lightening protection;
AS 4282:1997 – Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting;
AS/NZS 1680 – Workplace Lighting;
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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AS/NZS 5667.9:1998 – Water quality – Sampling – Guidance of sampling from marine waters;
AS/NZS 5667.12:1998 – Water quality – Sampling – Guidance on sampling bottom sediments;
and
AS 1726:1993 – Geotechnical Site Investigations.
1.7.6.2 Guidelines
Guidelines are sets of best practices that are supported by consensus. Metro Mining will attempt to
follow guidelines, though they will be best treated with common sense, and occasional exceptions
may apply. The following guidelines are applicable to the Project:
EHP Guideline: Model mining conditions;
EHP Guideline: Site specific EA application requirements for activities with impacts to air
(EM960);
EHP Guideline: Site specific EA application requirements for activities with impacts to land
(EM961);
EHP Guideline: Site specific EA application requirements for activities with noise impacts
(EM962);
EHP Guideline: Site specific EA application requirements for activities with impacts to water
(EM963);
EHP Guideline: Site specific EA application requirements for activities with waste impacts
(EM964);
National Water Quality Management Strategy Guideline: Australian and New Zealand
Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality;
EHP Guideline: Stormwater guideline – ERAs;
National Water Quality Management Strategy Guideline: Guidelines for sewerage systems
biosolid management 2004;
National System Guideline: Australian ballast water management requirements version 5 (or
most current version);
National System Guideline: Australian marine pest monitoring guidelines version 2.0 (or most
current version);
DNRM Guideline: for activities in a watercourse, lake or spring associated with a resource
activity mining operations;
Standing Council on Environment and Water: National Environment Protection (Assessment of
Site Contamination) Measure 1999;
DNRM Guideline: Works that interfere with water in a watercourse – watercourse diversions;
Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual, Soil Management Guidelines, Version 4.0;
IECA Guideline: Best Practice in Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines, International
Erosion Control Association;
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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National System Guideline: National biofouling management guidelines for commercial vessels;
National System Guideline: National biofouling management guidelines for non-trading
vessels;
DAWR Guideline: Antifouling and in-water cleaning guidelines;
National System: Australian marine pest monitoring manual;
Ecoaccess Guideline: Assessment of Low Frequency Noise;
EHP Guideline: Financial assurance under the EP Act; and
EHP Guideline: Rehabilitation requirements for mining resource activities.
1.7.6.3 Codes
A code of practice is generally a collection of rules or procedures about a particular topic or activity.
Codes have different roles and functions under Queensland legislation. These codes can be grouped
into different types: industry codes, nature conservation codes of practice and codes of
environmental compliance.
A number of National Mine Safety Codes of Practice are currently being developed by SafeWork
Australia, these are currently in consultation stage and include:
Managing naturally occurring radioactive materials;
Strata control in underground mines;
Roads and other vehicle operating areas;
Inundation and in rush hazard management;
Emergency response; and
Mine closure.
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1.8 ToR Cross-reference
Table 1-16 ToR Cross-reference – introduction
Terms of Reference Section of the EIS
1. General Approach
1.1 For the purposes of the EIS process, ‘environment’ is defined in section 8 of the EP Act.
Section 1.1 - Environmental Impact Assessment and Statement.
1.2 The EIS should give priority to the critical matters associated with the project specified in section 7 of the TOR.
The critical matters listed in section 7 of the ToR are discussed in detail in the following EIS section, chapters and appendices. Critical matters have been assessed commensurate with the level of identified potential for impact and appropriate mitigation measures have been proposed for each critical matter.
Section 1.4.7.
Chapter 4 – Land
Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology
Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology
Chapter 7 – Matters of National Environmental Significance
Chapter 9 – Surface Water and Groundwater Quality
Chapter 19 – Coastal Environment
E1 Groundwater Technical Report
E2 Surface Water Technical Report
B1 Terrestrial Ecology Technical Report
B2 Aquatic Ecology Technical Report
B3 Marine Ecology and Coastal Processes
1.3 The detail in which the EIS deals with matters relevant to the project should be proportional to the scale of the impacts on environmental values.
Environmental risk assessments have been incorporated into all chapters of the EIS to determine the potential scale of impacts.
When determining the scale of an impact, consider its intensity, duration, cumulative effect, irreversibility, the risk of environmental harm, management strategies and offsets provisions.
The potential scale of impacts have been incorporated into all chapters of the EIS Impact Assessment sections.
2. Mandatory Requirements of an EIS
2.1 Describe the project including all aspects subject to this assessment. Chapter 2 – Description of Project
Provide details of the proponent of the project, including details of any joint venture partners.
Section 1.2. – The Proponent
The project description should include all on and off lease activities relevant to the project including construction, operation and decommissioning activities.
Chapter 2 – Description of the Project
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If the delivery of the project is to be staged, the nature and timing of the stages should be fully described.
Chapter 2.5.6. – Alternatives
Chapter 2.7.2. – Construction Program
2.2 For all the relevant matters, the EIS must identify and describe the environmental values that must be protected.
Environmental Values are discussed in the following sections:
Section 1.4.1. – Function of the EIS;
Section 1.4.2. – Objective and Scope of this EIS; and
Section 1.7.2.2. Subordinate Legislation.
The specific environmental values are then discussed in each chapter of the EIS.
Environmental values are specified in the EP Act, the EP Regulation, environmental protection policies (EPPs) and relevant guidelines.
Each technical chapter includes a specific section discussing relevant legislation, guidelines and policies.
2.3 The assessment should cover both the short and long-term scenarios and state whether any relevant impacts are likely to be irreversible.
Potential impacts associated with the Project are presented in each technical chapter of the EIS.
2.4 Provide all available baseline information relevant to the environmental risks of the project.
Available or obtained baseline data is presented in each technical chapter of the EIS.
Provide details about the quality of the information provided, in particular: the source of the information; how recent the information is; how the reliability of the information was tested; and any uncertainties in the information.
The EIS has been prepared on the basis that the authors have no reason to doubt the validity of the information sourced.
2.5 Demonstrate how the construction, operation and decommissioning (to the extent known) of the project would be consistent with best practice environmental management.
Refer to each technical chapter of the EIS.
In general, the preferred hierarchy for managing likely impacts is: (a) to avoid; (b) to minimise or mitigate; and (c) if necessary, and possible, to offset.
Each technical chapter of the EIS includes mitigation and management measures, in addition to key commitments. The hierarchy is considered in preparing mitigation and management measures.
Where relevant, avoidance and mitigation strategies and actions should be described in the context of EHP model conditions.
Each technical chapter of the EIS includes mitigation and management measures, in addition to key commitments. Where Model Mining Conditions are relevant they are included.
2.6 Provide detailed strategies in regard to all critical matters for the protection, or enhancement as desirable, of all relevant environmental values in terms of outcomes and possible conditions that can be measured and audited.
Chapter 4 – Land
Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology
Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology
Chapter 7 – Matters of Nation Environmental Significance
Chapter 9 – Water Quality
Chapter 19 – Coastal Environment
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2.7 Impact minimisation measures should include ongoing monitoring and proposals for an adaptive management approach, as relevant, based on monitoring.
Each technical chapter of the EIS includes mitigation and management measures, in addition to key commitments. The proposed measures should give confidence that, based on current
technologies, the impacts can be effectively managed over the long-term.
2.8 Present feasible alternatives of the project’s configuration (including individual elements) that may improve environmental outcomes. Section 2.5.4. – Alternatives to
the Project. Discuss the consequences of not proceeding with the project.
2.9 For unproven elements of a resource extraction or processing process, technology or activity, identify and describe any global leading practice environmental management, where available.
Chapter 2 –Description of the Project for extraction.
Note no processing is proposed.
3. Further Requirements of an EIS
3.1 The assessment and supporting information should be sufficient for the administering authority to decide whether an approval should be granted. Where applicable, sufficient information should be included to enable approval conditions, such as the existing model EA conditions, to be utilised.
Chapter 20 – Draft EA Conditions includes all conditions proposed for inclusion in the Environmental Authority.
3.2 To the extent of the information available, the assessment should endeavour to predict the cumulative impact of the project on environmental values over time and in combination with impacts created by the activities of other adjacent and upstream and downstream developments and landholders—as detected by baseline monitoring.
Refer to each technical chapter of the EIS.
This will inform the decision on the EIS and the setting of conditions.
The absence of a comprehensive cumulative impacts analysis need not be fatal to the project.
The EIS should also outline ways in which the cumulative impact assessment and management could subsequently be progressed further on a collective basis.
Refer to each technical chapter of the EIS.
3.3 Include a consolidated description of all the proponent’s commitments to implement management measures (including monitoring programs). Key commitments are provided
at the end of each chapter Should the project proceed, these should be able to be carried over into the approval conditions as relevant.
3.4 Provide all geographical coordinates throughout the EIS in latitude and longitude against the Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94).
Refer to each relevant chapter in the EIS.
3.5 An appropriate public consultation program is essential to the impact assessment process.
Section 1.5. - Public Consultation Process.
The proponent should consult with local, Queensland and Australian government authorities, and potentially affected local communities.
Section 1.5. - Public Consultation Process.
3.6 The EIS should describe the consultation that has taken place and how the responses from the community and agencies have been incorporated into the design and outcomes of the project.
Section 1.5. - Public Consultation Process.
Requirements for the public consultation plan are listed in the document: Preparing an environmental impact statement: Guideline for proponents, Office of the Coordinator General 2014.
Section 1.4.1. – Function of the EIS.
Section 1.5. - Public Consultation Process.
5. Introduction
5.1 Clearly explain the function of the EIS, why it has been prepared and what it sets out to achieve.
Section 1.4. – The EIS Process.
Include an overview of the structure of the document. Section 1.4.8. – EIS Structure.
Project Proponent
5.2 Describe the proponent’s experience, including:
Section 1.2. – The Proponent. the designated proponent’s full name, postal address and Australian Business Number, if relevant (including details of any joint venture partners)
Bauxite Hills Project Introduction
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the nature and extent of business activities
environmental record, including a list of any breach of relevant environmental laws during the previous 10 years
the proponent’s environmental, health, safety and community policies.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Process
5.3 The EIS should provide an outline of the environmental impact assessment process, including the role of the administering authority in the decision making process for the EIS. Section 1.4. – The EIS Process
Section 1.5. – Public Consultation Process
Section 1.6. – Project Approvals.
The information in this section is required to ensure readers are informed of the process to be followed and are aware of any opportunities for input and participation.
5.4 Inform the reader how and when properly made public submissions on the EIS will be addressed and taken into account in the decision-making process.
Project Approvals Process
Provide an outline of the approvals required to enable the project to be constructed and operated.
Section 1.6. – Project Approvals.
Explain how the environmental impact assessment process (and the EIS itself) informs the issue of the leases/licences/permits/consents required by the proponent before construction can commence.
Section 1.4. – The EIS Process
Section 1.5. – Public Consultation Process
Section 1.6. – Project Approvals.
Provide a flow chart indicating the key approvals and opportunities for public comment.
Section 1.4. – The EIS Process.
9. Appendices to the EIS
9.1 Appendices should provide the complete technical evidence used to develop assertions and findings in the main text of the EIS.
There are 11 technical appendices to support the assertions and findings in the EIS.
Metro Mining is not aware of any significant issue that is in the technical reports but not mentioned in the text of the EIS.
9.2 No significant issue or matter should be mentioned for the first time in an appendix—it must be addressed in the main text of the EIS.
9.3 Include a table listing the section of the EIS where each requirement of the TOR is addressed.
At the end of each chapter in the EIS is a specific ToR Cross Reference table for that section from the ToR. A compilation of the ToR Cross-reference table found in each chapter is also provided Appendix L.
9.4 Include a glossary of terms and a list of acronyms and abbreviations. i. – Glossary and Abbreviations.
