Warrego Project mining management plan · 2021. 6. 8. · Warrego Gold Ore Treatment Plant –...

Warrego Gold Ore Treatment Plant

Mining Management Plan

January 2020

prepared for

Tennant Consolidated Mining Group Pty Ltd

Final version for release as approved by TRL Tennant Creek Pty Ltd

© Northern Resource Consultants, 2018

Contact Information Details

Organisation Northern Resource Consultants Pty Limited

Contact Person Marty Costello

Phone Redacted

Email Redacted

Mail Redacted

ABN 55 126 894 693

Document Control Details including responsible party and date

Version 1 M Kinnane internal draft August 2018

Version 2 M Kinnane internal draft for client review August 2018

Version 3 M Kinnane internal draft for QA/QC August 2018

Version 4 S. Talbot QA/QC review September 2018

Version 5 M. Kinnane final report for client release September 2018

I Marty Costello, declare that to the best of my knowledge the information contained in this mining

management plan is true and correct and commit to undertake the works detailed in this plan in accordance

with all the relevant Local, Northern Territory and Commonwealth Government legislation.

Signed: Redacted Date: 15 April 2021

© Northern Resource Consultants, 2018

Limitations and Qualifications

Client: TRL Tennant Creek Pty Ltd

Prepared by Northern Resource Consultants (NRC)

This document has been prepared for the sole and exclusive use of TRL Tennant Creek Pty Ltd (the Client). It may not

be updated, amended, distributed or disclosed to any third party without the express written consent of Northern

Resource Consultants (NRC).

NRC makes no representation or warranty (whether express or implied), undertakes no duty and accepts no

responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or any part of it. If any reliance is placed on

this document, or any part of it, by any third party, NRC hereby disclaims any and all liability for such reliance.

This document has been prepared on the basis of instructions provided to NRC by the Client. It is limited by the scope

of those instructions and any qualifications which have been agreed between NRC and the Client or otherwise

communicated to the Client prior to the date of this document (Date), whether verbally or in writing. The scope of

those instructions may have been limited by a range of factors including, but not limited to, time, budget and access

constraints.

Any statements, opinions, conclusions, advice or recommendations contained in this document (Conclusions) must be

read and relied upon only in the context of the document as a whole.

This document is current as at the Date and the Conclusions may differ if further investigation, observation or analysis

is undertaken by NRC or if any data, information, designs, plans or analysis (Data) relied upon by NRC when preparing

this document is subsequently found to be incorrect or incomplete.

Unless otherwise specified in this document, NRC is not responsible for revising or updating this document if

additional Data is obtained after the Date, through further investigation, observation, analysis or otherwise, which

indicates that the content of this document, including any Conclusion, is inaccurate or incomplete.

Unless otherwise stated in this document, where Data used in this document, or upon which the Conclusions were

based, was obtained from the Client or any third party, the accuracy and completeness of that Data has not been

independently verified by NRC. Such Data was used in good faith and NRC is not responsible for its quality, accuracy

or completeness, nor does NRC warrant or represent that such Data is accurate, up-to-date or complete.

Neither the Conclusions nor any part of this document constitutes legal advice, nor do they represent the opinions of

the government or regulatory agencies responsible for the administration of the relevant legislation or regulatory

regimes.

Warrego Gold Ore Treatment Plant – Mining Management Plan

prepared by: Northern Resource Consultants Pty Ltd

Contents

Mining Management Plan Checklist 1

1. Introduction 3

1.1. Operator details 3

1.1.1. Organisational structure/chart 3

1.2. Title details 5

1.3. Project description 11

1.3.1. Location 11

1.3.2. Background 11

1.3.3. Project proposition 11

1.3.4. Project exclusions 16

1.3.5. Rationale and future developments 17

2. Site Conditions 17

2.1. Physical environment 17

2.1.1. Climate 17

2.1.2. Land systems 21

2.1.3. Flora and fauna 22

2.2. Socio-economic environment 22

2.2.1. Current land use 23

2.2.2. Identified stakeholders and consultation 23

2.2.3. Workforce description and demography 24

2.2.4. Community affairs 25

3. Statutory and Non-statutory Requirements 25

3.1. Statutory requirements 25

3.2. Non-statutory obligations 25

3.3. Sacred, archaeological and heritage sites 26

3.3.1. Sacred sites 26

3.3.2. Heritage and archaeological sites 26

4. Operational Activities 27

4.1. Exploration and mineral development program 27

4 2. Care and maintenance program 27

4.3. Operations program 30

4.3 1. Operational performance 32

4.4. Closure works and studies 33

5. Environmental Management Program 33

5.1. Organisational structure of environmental responsibility 33

5.2. Environmental policy and responsibilities 34

5.3. Environmental commitments 34

5.3.1. Commitments contained in this MMP 34

5.3.2. Establishing environmental commitments 35

5.4. Environmental training and education 38

5.5. Environmental emergency response training 38

5.6. Implementation, monitoring and review 39

5.6.1. Identification of environmental aspects and impacts 39

5.6.2. Risk assessment 39

5.7. Environmental management plans 45

5.7.1. Spill response procedure 45

5.7 2. Hazardous material management plan 48

5.7.3. Land clearance procedure 52

5.7.4. Native flora and fauna management plan 56



5.7.6. Waste (domestic and industrial) management plan 57

5.7.7. Dust, noise and vibration management plan 59

6. Water Management 62

6.1. Current conditions 62

6.1.1. Surface water 62

6.1.2. Groundwater 62

6.2. Information/knowledge gaps 63

6.2.1. Identification of information/knowledge gaps 63

6.2.2. Filling information/knowledge gaps 63

6.2.3. Water account 63

7. Incident Reporting 63

7.1. Incident reporting–internal and external 63

7.2. Process for reporting fauna impacts 64

7.3. Process for reporting cultural heritage impacts 64

7.4. Process for reporting to the Department of Industry Tourism and Trade 64

7.5. Incident reporting–health and safety 64

7.6. Process for reporting to NT WorkSafe 65

8. Closure Planning 65

8.1. Planned closure strategy 65

8.1.1. Expected disturbance areas 65

8.1.2. Rehabilitation domains 65

8.1 3. Completion criteria65

8.1.4. Post mining land use 66

8.1.5. Rehabilitation implementation 66

8.1.6. Rehabilitation tasks by domain 67

8.2. Unplanned closure strategy 68

8.3. Rehabilitation and revegetation monitoring 68

8.3.1. Monitoring methods–landscape function analysis 68

8.3.2. Financial provisions for rehabilitation 69

9. References 70

List of Tables

Table 1: Operator details 3

Table 2: ML30888 tenure details 5

Table 3: Meteorological data for Tennant Creek Airport 19

Table 4: Stakeholders identified as part of the Project MMP 23

Table 5: Aboriginal culturally significant trees 26

Table 6: Care and maintenance work program 27

Table 7: Operations work program 30

Table 8: Performance objectives for the MMP32

Table 9: Environmental management responsibilities at WGOTP 33

Table 10: Environmental commitments of the Project 36

Table 11: Definitions of likelihood of an incident occurring at the Project 39

Table 12: Definitions of consequence as it applies to risk assessment for the Project 39

Table 13: Risk assessment matrix used for the Project 40

Table 14: Assessment of risk scores for the Project risk assessment 40

Table 15: Risk assessment for the Project for the refurbishment and commissioning phases: (L) =

likelihood, (C) = consequence, (T) = total risk rating 41

Table 16: WGOTP hazardous materials matrix49



Table 17: WGOPT land clearance procedure 53

Table 18: Waste (domestic and industrial) management matrix 58

Table 19: Dust, noise and vibration management matrix 60

Table 20: Completion criteria for the Project 66

Table 21: TCMG security calculation for the WGOTP 70

List of Figures

Figure 1: Organisational structure and responsibilities 4

Figure 2: ML30888 over historical Warrego Ore Treatment Plant site 6

Figure 3: Areas associated with the Project 7

Figure 4: ML30888 and its location from the Tennant Creek township 8

Figure 5: ML30888 wholly within PPL946 9

Figure 6: Boundaries of ML30888 over the historical Warrego Ore Treatment Plant site and derelict

infrastructure project areas 10

Figure 7: Location of TD1 complex 14

Figure 8: Configuration of TD1 complex 15

Figure 9: General spill response procedure 46

List of Appendices

Appendix A Maps Appendix C NT WorkSafe Proforma Appendix D

Security Calculation

1



Mining Management Plan Checklist This checklist has been included with this Mining Management Plan (MMP) in accordance with

the Department of Industry Tourism and Trade (DITT) Template for the Preparation of a Mining

Management Plan. The contents of the ‘Requirement’ column have been cross referenced to

page numbers within this report.

y/N Page Requirement DITT

comment

Has the plan been endorsed by a senior representative of the company?

Y 4 Introduction:

Have operator details been included?

Y 4 Is the company structure described?

Y 6 Are title details included?

Y 12 Is there a project summary and description of improvements?

Y 20 Site Conditions:

Have all the physical environment conditions for the site and surrounds

been identified?

Y 25 Have the current land uses and users and stakeholders been identified?

Y 27 Have Community Affairs been described?

Y 28 Statutory and Non-statutory requirements:

Has all legislation relevant to the operation and associated permits and

approvals been identified?

Y 28 Have all non-statutory obligations been identified and included?

Y 29 Have Aboriginal and heritage sites been identified?

Y 30 Operational Activities:

Have all operational activities relating to mining, processing, exploration

and any related activities for the site been addressed in the MMP?

N N/A Waste Rock Characterisation:

Have results of waste rock characterisation been included and discussed?

N N/A Has a waste characterisation report been included?

N N/A Does the MMP include a waste rock management plan?

Y 38 Environmental Management:

Has the environmental management structure and responsibilities been

outlined?

Y 38 Has the Environmental Policy been included?

Y 39 Has a register of environmental commitments been included?

N N/A Has a summary of all recommendations from the Environmental Impact

Assessment been included and addressed if the project has been formally

assessed?

2




comment

Y 42 Has training and induction been addressed?

Y 43 Is there an Environmental Emergency and Response plan?

Y 43 Have all environmental aspects and potential impacts been identified?

Y 43 Has a risk assessment been carried out?

Y 50 Have Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) for identified risks been

developed and included?

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

EMPs:

Do all EMPs include:

Objectives and targets

Management and mitigation strategies

Monitoring and measurement

Discussion and analysis of results

Non-conformances and corrective actions

Y 69 Water Management:

Has a comprehensive description of surface water conditions been

included?

Y 70 Has a comprehensive groundwater model been described?

Y 70 Have information or knowledge gaps been identified and described for

water management?

Y 70 Are there comprehensive details (including scopes of work) on actions

proposed to be taken to respond to any identified information or

knowledge gaps?

N Have hazards been identified that could result from activities related to the

operation and rank the associated risks of impacts to both surface and

groundwater?

N Are all strategies and actions that will be undertaken to manage any risks

identified included?

N Has the water monitoring program been detailed?

N Has all monitoring data been included?

N Has an interpretation of data by a suitably qualified person been included?

N Has a discussion of trends over time been detailed?

N Have details of remedial / corrective strategies and scopes of work been

included?

N Have proposed actions been detailed?

Y 71 Incident Reporting:

Has a table of all incidents recorded on site been included and discussed?

3




comment

Y 74

78

74

78

75

Closure Planning:

Has a Life of Mine Plan – Unplanned Closure plan been included?

Are all disturbances described?

Are remediation activities that would be required in the event of unplanned

closure described?

Are activities required to achieve end land use objectives described?

Y 79 Does the MMP include a detailed costing of closure activities for the life of

plan?

Y 74 Have all past disturbances and those proposed for the next reporting

period been identified and included?

Y

Y

Maps and Plans:

Maps and plans have scale, scale bar, legend and north point?

Datums used are MGA94 or GDA94 (expressed in decimal degrees) with

elevations based on AHD?

Introduction

Operator details Tennant Consolidated Mining Group Pty Limited (TCMG) is the owner and operator of the

Warrego Gold Ore Treatment Plant located on mineral lease (ML) 30888.

Table 1: Operator details

Operator Details: Tennant Consolidated Mining Group Pty Ltd (ABN 72 645 263 547)

Key contact person(s): Marty Costello (Project Director)

Postal address: Redacted

Street address: Redacted

Phone: Redacted

Email: Redacted

Organisational structure/chart

The board of TCMG has appointed a Project Director who is accountable for the

development and management of the Warrego Gold Ore Treatment Project (WGOTP, the

Project). This position is supported by internal resources and external service providers. The

organisational structure and responsibilities are outlined in Figure 1.

The Project Director is responsible for maintaining the Mining Management Plan (MMP) and

Environmental Management Plans relevant to the Project.

The General Manager is responsible for managing site works including environmental

monitoring programs, statutory reporting processes and site-based regulatory engagement.



4

Project Director

Neil O’Loughlin

Board – Tennant Consolidated Mining Group

(TCMGMG)

Managing

Director

Peter Main

Project

Director

Marty Costello

Site Safety and Field Manager

Justin Hankinson

Figure 1: Organisational structure and responsibilities

5



Title details The proposed Project lies wholly within ML 30888 held by TCMG and is located 55km by road to

the northwest of the Tennant Creek township. The access road to the Project site is via the

Warrego Road, which is bitumen sealed for the entire distance between the Stuart Highway and

the entrance to the site.

ML30888 incorporates the historical Warrego mine (open pit and underground workings), head

frames and associated mining infrastructure, the copper concentrate processing facility and

associated infrastructure, bismuth tailings storage facility (TSF), the disused gold processing

plant and associated processing infrastructure, ore crushing and grinding facilities, ore conveyor

infrastructure, ball mills, run of mine (ROM) pad, workshops and office facilities, the historical

Warrego town site and tailings dam 1 (TD1) tailings storage facilities. Figure 2 and Appendix A

illustrate the position of ML30888 over the historical Warrego Ore Treatment Plant project site.

The Project infrastructure that is the subject of this MMP includes the proposed WGOTP

processing facility (former gold processing plant) and ROM pad, the workshops and office

facilities, part of the historical Warrego town site, TD1 TSF and the onsite landfill area illustrated

in Figure 3 and Appendix A.

The historical TSFs immediately adjacent to the western boundary of the ML30888 formerly held

by Aard Metals Limited and operated under a separate tenure are not subject to this MMP.

ML30888 was granted on 10 July 2015 to Giants Reef Exploration Pty Ltd for a term of 10 years

to expire on 9 July 2025. ML30888 is an amalgamation and replacement title for MLC’s 22, 39–

41, 71–76, 83, 84, 98–102, 107 and 108.

Details of the ML30888 tenure that is the subject of this MMP are listed in Table 2. Figure 4 and

Appendix A show the location of ML30888 with respect to the Tennant Creek township.

Table 2: ML30888 tenure details

Tenement ID tenement name holder interest Grant Date Effective Date Expiry Date Area (HA)

ML30888 Warrego TCMG 100% 10/7/2015 10/7/2015 9/7/2025 306

The Warrego tenure listed in Table 2 and displayed in Figure 2 and Appendix A is located within

NT Land Parcel 00408, Perpetual Pastoral Lease 946 (PPL 946) Phillip Creek Station (Figure 5).

Figure 6: and Appendix A illustrate the boundaries of ML30888 in relation to the historical

Warrego Ore Treatment Plant site and derelict site infrastructure. Note the historical TSF

adjacent to the western boundary of ML30888 is off lease and does not form part of the

proposed Project.

6



Figure 2: ML30888 over historical Warrego Ore Treatment Plant site

7



Figure 3: Areas associated with the Project

8



Figure 4: ML30888 and its location from the Tennant Creek township

9



Figure 5: ML30888 wholly within PPL946

10



Figure 6: Boundaries of ML30888 over the historical Warrego Ore Treatment Plant site and

derelict infrastructure project areas

11



Project description

Location

The Project site is located approximately 55km northwest of the Tennant Creek township and is

located west of the Stuart Highway, on the Short Range (5659) 1:100,000 map sheet centred on

GDA94 Z53 coordinates 376100E 7849200N.

Figure 4 shows the location of the Project site and surrounds with respect to its location to the

Tennant Creek township.

Background

Large-scale mineral development of the Warrego area commenced in the early 1970s. The Peko

Wallsend Company established a large underground mining and processing facility at Warrego

in 1972. Mining facilities included a large headframe, vent and access shafts as well as

associated workshops and geological stores. Processing facilities included large primary and

secondary crushing circuits, grinding mills and flotation circuits for the extraction of copper

concentrates that were rich in gold. Process residues were stored in the TD1 complex to the

north of the site. Extensive water and power generation facilities as well as a town to house the

workforce supported these developments. In addition to the Warrego production, gold/copper

ore mined at the Gecko and Argo mines was also brought in to Warrego for treatment. Mining

at Warrego was curtailed in 1999 when the crown pillar failed.

In 1991, a carbon-in-pulp gold treatment plant was developed at the site. Tailings from the

Warrego concentrator were treated in the new plant to extract residual gold not removed in the

copper flotation process. By this time, storage in the TD1 complex had been exhausted and

additional tailings storage was developed to the west of the site in TDs2, 3 and 4. Tailings were

reclaimed from the TD1 complex and retreated in the gold plant to recover residual gold.

Following the tailings re-treatment campaign, the site was placed into care and maintenance.

Two campaigns of processing gold bearing ores from remote mining operations have been

undertaken. The first campaign occurred in the years leading up to 1999 when ore from the

White Devil mine was processed in the gold circuit. Tailings from this campaign were disposed

of in the TD2/3/4 complex. Approximately 275,000T of ore from the Chariot mine was

transported to Warrego for treatment in the gold circuit between 2003 and 2005.

Following another period of care and maintenance, a decision was made to scrap much of the

original copper processing facility. The lease operator at the time engaged a contractor to

undertake the work that included dismantling and removal of much of the fixed plant and

associated buildings. The program did not include scrapping of the 300,000T/yr gold treatment

plant. During the execution of these works, the contracting company went into receivership with

some of the decommissioning works incomplete.

Prior to TCMG taking ownership of the ML30888 in 2021, Territory Resources Limited kept the

site and its remaining infrastructure secure for future potential site recommissioning projects.

Project proposition

TCMG proposes to recommence gold ore treatment operations at ML30888.

The Tennant Creek mineral field is a high grade, gold and copper field centred on the township

of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory (NT). TCMG is aware of several known gold resources

12



in the area that are available for development but remain stranded. One of the key impediments

to the development of these resources is the lack of an available ore treatment facility. TCMG

proposes to recommence gold ore treatment operations at ML30888. The business model is

centred on a common user facility whereby the plant is supplied with ore mined elsewhere in

the Tennant Creek mineral field and trucked into Warrego.

The proposal is six-fold. TCMG propose to:

Refurbish and recommission the existing gold ore treatment facility at Warrego.

Redevelop and recommission the existing TD1 TSF.

Develop new water and wastewater services.

Develop new electrical power services.

Recommission the existing industrial landfill at Warrego.

TCMG does not propose to operate, occupy, develop or rehabilitate the remainder of ML30888

pursuant to this MMP.

Figure 3 defines the area of activity proposed in this MMP.

Refurbish and recommission the existing gold ore treatment facility TCMG proposes to refurbish, recommission and operate the existing gold processing facilities at

Warrego.

For the purposes of this MMP, the gold processing facilities include:

Primary and secondary fixed crushing circuit.

Fine ore bin.

Grinding, gravity gold and classification circuits.

Leach and absorption circuits.

Elution and carbon regeneration circuit.

Electro-win and gold room.

Reagent mixing and storage station.

415V distribution network.

Process and potable water distributions.

Plant and process air distributions.

Workshops and administration.

TCMG propose to undertake the necessary maintenance works to return the plant to a safe,

serviceable and operable condition. The work will involve maintenance on a like-for-like basis.

No new developments are proposed.

It is proposed that the first stage of refurbishment works will take six months to complete. This

scope will bring the plant up to an operable condition and allow processing operations to re-

commence. The second stage of refurbishment works will take a further 18 months to complete

and will run concurrently with processing operations.

During the term of this MMP, TCMG proposes to recommission the gold processing facility and

to treat 50KT of ore to confirm the operability of the plant.

At the conclusion of the refurbishment works, the expectation is that the plant will be capable of

treating gold bearing ores at a rate of 300KT/annum. The circuit will utilise a conventional

carbon-in-pulp configuration. Ore will be crushed, mixed with raw water and ground to achieve

a grind size of 80% passing 85µm. The process slurry will then be leached with cyanide solution

to liberate the gold. Gold will be removed from the circuit and smelted into dore bars on site

before being sent for refinement into fine gold.

13



TCMG propose to operate the facility for a nominal period of 5 years.

Redevelop and recommission the existing TD1 tailings storage facility

TCMG also proposes to redevelop and recommission the TD1 complex to store process residues

from the gold treatment facility.

The TD1 facility has been in and out of operation since the early 1970s and has been subjected

to both filling and reclaim activities. The perimeter embankments have not been developed to

contemporary engineering standards and have been breached in a number of locations. Our

understanding is that the environmental performance of the facility has been sound; however,

TCMG does not propose that the facility is fit for reuse without substantial redevelopment.

TCMG propose to redevelop the TD1 facility shown in Figure 7 and Appendix A so that it

provides storage for at least 5–7 years’ worth of production from the gold ore treatment facility.

To achieve this, TCMG propose to establish new perimeter embankments that satisfy

contemporary engineering standards and support the most appropriate footprint/rehabilitation

program going forward. The proposal is that the western cell be redeveloped and filled first as

illustrated in Figure 8 and Appendix A. Development of the eastern cell would not occur until

some years into the processing campaign.

Tailings discharge into the facility will be via spigots located around the facility perimeter in a

manner that locates the supernatant pond centrally. A central decant shall be established to

reclaim water as appropriate.

Initial water balance models indicate that the facility will be in water deficit. These models will

need to be refined once full-scale operations commence.

The proposal does not include cyanide destruction in the process flow sheet. TCMG anticipate a

weak-acid-dissociable cyanide concentration of less than 150ppm in the supernatant water.

14



Figure 7: Location of TD1 complex

15



The TD1 complex is divided into two cells TD1 West and TD1 East as illustrated in Figure

8.

Figure 8: Configuration of TD1 complex

Develop new water and wastewater services TCMG proposes to develop a range of new water facilities to support the gold ore treatment

business.

The infrastructure associated with the Wiso wellfield that previously supplied the Warrego site

has been allowed to decline to the point where it is not viable to refurbish or recommission the

field. TCMG propose to establish a new raw water supply by exploiting the substantial resource

available in the Warrego underground mine workings. TCMG propose to install submersible

pumps in the still accessible Warrego main shaft. Water quality monitoring indicates that

16



although of moderate salinity, the water will be suitable for direct use as process water in the

ore treatment circuit.

TCMG also propose to develop a potable water treatment facility. Raw water will be treated with

resin softening and reverse osmosis (RO) to provide a potable water supply to the ore treatment

facility. A package treatment plant will be commissioned to perform this duty. Reject brine from

the RO will be directed to tailings for final disposal.

Develop new electrical power services

TCMG propose to develop a range of new power facilities to support the gold treatment

business.

TCMG propose to establish a new on-site generation station powered by diesel engines. The

station shall comprise four 700kVa units running in parallel. The units will be located at the gold

ore treatment plant and will feed directly into the existing 415V distribution network.

TCMG propose to refurbish and recommission the existing bulk diesel fuel storage. The existing

tank farm comprises a fleet of steel tanks located within an earthen bund system.

TCMG propose to establish a number of small (<100kVa) diesel-powered generation stations

around the site to provide electrical power to various pump stations.

Recommission the existing industrial landfill at Warrego

TCMG propose to recommission the existing industrial landfill.

A permanent on-site waste disposal site will be required for the disposal waste during the

refurbishment and operational activities. An existing landfill site within the ML30888 is illustrated

in Figure 3. The typical waste stream proposed to be disposed of into the landfill include:

Domestic waste streams such as wastes from crib room bins including food scraps and plastics;

and waste from office bins including plastics, cardboard, glass and non-recyclable paper.

Listed waste streams such as empty acid containers; empty detergent/sanitiser containers;

grease trap residues; empty solvent containers; empty paint tins; containers that have contained

caustic solutions, laboratory solutions, oxidising agents, reducing agents, resins, pesticides or

herbicides, alkalis, surfactants and aerosol lubricants; rubber and synthetic polymer liners and

other miscellaneous rubber and synthetic polymer products excluding tyres and any other waste

for which written agreement for disposal had been obtained from the administering authority.

The following waste streams shall NOT be DISPOSED in the site landfill: hazardous wastes not

listed above; liquid or semi-solid wastes including sewage slurry, black water, sewage treatment

sludge; medical waste; hydrocarbon products; and contaminated soil with hydrocarbon or

chemicals.

Disposal of these wastes shall comply with legislation and licences and will not impact human

health and the environment.

17



Rationale and future developments

The Project proposed in this MMP will have significant implications for the wider Tennant Creek

mineral field. TCMG proposes to operate the Warrego gold mill as a toll treatment facility under

commercial terms. They therefore seek to stimulate and encourage further exploration for gold

by other operators across the local area.

In addition to providing stable and high paying jobs in the Tennant Creek region, TCMG also

hope to help build the skills and capacity base of the local economy that in turn will foster

further local development.

The primary plan is to recommission the gold ore treatment plant and operate it for a period of

5 years. This period is based upon current known ore reserves in the local area. TCMG hope that

local mining operators are successful in identifying and developing additional sources of ore

that can be treated at the Warrego gold ore treatment plant.

The presence of a fully functioning gold ore treatment facility along with an established

workforce including technical and engineering staff will enable a number of longer term

opportunities to be considered and perhaps acted upon. These may include:

Increasing the capacity of the Warrego plant to treat gold at a greater rate.

Development of a copper flotation circuit that would enable the Warrego plant to treat

gold/copper as well as copper ores.

Detailed investigation into the retreatment and sale of the material located in the bismuth oxy-

chloride dam.

Detailed investigation into the retreatment and potential sale of the magnetite and other base

metals included in the TD2/3/4 complex.

Site Conditions

Physical environment

Climate

The closest long-term weather station to the Project site is the Tennant Creek Airport, site

number 015135 (413700mE 7829440mN; GDA94_Zone 53) located 37km southeast of the

Warrego site

The climate of the Tennant Creek region is described as a typical sub-arid climate, with a cool

winter from May to September (with occasional rainfall as a result of southern frontal activity)

and a hot summer from October to April (with more humid conditions and rainfall from

northern monsoons, typically in January and February). The prevailing wind direction in the

region is east to southeast throughout the year. The highest rainfall usually falls from November

to March. The amount of rainfall in any one year is dependent on the degree to which the

monsoon influence penetrates inland.

The Tennant Creek area in central Australia is very dry and therefore experiences a high rate of

evaporation (approximately 3,600mm); therefore, little permanent surface water remains from

18



one wet season to the next. Droughts are common to the region and may persist for several

years. The average maximum and minimum daily air temperatures, average monthly rainfall and

9.00 am and 3.00 pm humidity levels and wind speed data for Tennant Creek are presented in

Table 3.

Analysis by Groundwater Resource Management (2009) reported the regional maximum 6-

minute intensity rainfall data recorded from the Tennant Creek Airport was 192mm/hr on 9

February 1982. The authors indicated this short duration rainfall intensity in excess of 150mm/hr

is potentially indicative of rainfall intensities that might be experienced within the region and

concluded that this intensity has an average recurrence interval ARI in excess of 50 years.

19



Table 3: Meteorological data for Tennant Creek Airport

Statistics Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual Years

Temperature

Mean maximum

temperature (°C)

36.6 35.7 34.5 31.8 27.7 24.6 24.7 27.5 31.7 34.9 36.5 37.1 31.9 49 1969–2018

Mean minimum

temperature (°C)

24.9 24.4 23.3 20.4 16.4 12.9 12.3 14.4 18.4 21.7 23.8 24.8 19.8 49 1969–2018

Rainfall

Mean rainfall (mm) 119.3 118.7 53.6 16.4 8.2 5.5 5.4 2.5 7.7 19.2 41.5 76.0 476.8 49 1969–2018

Decile 5 (median)

rainfall (mm) 93.2 71.2 29.4 2.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.2 12.0 37.2 49.2 438.5 49 1969–2018

Mean number of days

of rain ≥ 1 mm 7.8 7.6 4.3 1.5 1.0 0.6 0.5 0.4 1.2 2.7 4.1 6.2 37.9 49 1969–2018

Other daily elements

Mean daily sunshine

(hours) 9.2 9.1 9.2 9.8 9.7 9.8 10.2 10.6 10.2 10.1 9.8 9.4 9.8 47 1969–2017

Mean number of clear

days 6.5 5.5 11.0 15.5 18.7 20.5 23.2 23.0 20.5 17.2 11.4 8.0 181.0 41 1969–2010

Mean number of cloudy

days 12.4 11.7 8.9 5.3 4.3 2.6 1.9 1.7 2.5 4.5 6.1 10.1 72.0 41 1969–2010

9 am conditions

Mean 9am temperature

(°C) 29.2 28.4 27.1 24.3 19.9 16.2 15.8 18.6 23.2 27.0 29.1 29.8 24.0 41 1969–2010

Mean 9am relative

humidity (%) 50 54 46 38 40 42 38 31 28 29 34 42 39 41 1969–2010

Mean 9am wind speed

(km/h) 16.9 16.8 19.6 23.7 24.7 24.3 23.7 25.2 25.6 24.9 21.7 18.4 22.1 42 1969–2010

3 pm conditions

Mean 3pm temperature

(°C) 35.3 34.4 33.4 30.8 26.9 23.8 23.9 26.6 30.6 33.6 35.2 35.7 30.9 41 1969–2010

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionstemp.shtml#meanmaxtemp

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionstemp.shtml#meanmaxtemp

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionstemp.shtml#meanmintemp

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionstemp.shtml#meanmintemp

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionsrain.shtml#meanrainfall

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionsrain.shtml#decile5rainfall

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionsrain.shtml#decile5rainfall

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionsrain.shtml#daysofrain

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionsrain.shtml#daysofrain

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionsother.shtml#meansunshine

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionsother.shtml#meansunshine

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionsother.shtml#cleardays

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionsother.shtml#cleardays

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionsother.shtml#cloudydays

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitionsother.shtml#cloudydays

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitions9and3.shtml#mean9amtemp

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitions9and3.shtml#mean9amtemp

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitions9and3.shtml#mean9amrh

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitions9and3.shtml#mean9amrh

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitions9and3.shtml#mean9amwind

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitions9and3.shtml#mean9amwind

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitions9and3.shtml#mean3pmtemp

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitions9and3.shtml#mean3pmtemp

20



Statistics Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual Years

Mean 3pm relative

humidity (%) 32 35 29 26 26 26 22 18 17 18 21 26 25 41 1969–2010

Mean 3pm wind speed

(km/h) 15.5 16.0 17.6 17.3 16.7 16.4 15.5 16.1 16.0 14.6 13.9 14.3 15.8 41 1969–2010

red = highest value blue = lowest value

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitions9and3.shtml#mean3pmrh

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitions9and3.shtml#mean3pmrh

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitions9and3.shtml#mean3pmwind

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/definitions9and3.shtml#mean3pmwind

21



Land systems

Topography and geology Gold and copper-gold deposits discovered in the Tennant Creek gold field to date are hosted in

the Lower Proterozoic Warramunga Formation; a metamorphosed (greenschist facies)

greywacke-siltstone-shale sedimentary sequence that usually displays a pronounced east-west

cleavage. Ore occurs adjacent to steeply dipping, lenticular or pipe-like magnetite/haematite-

chlorite-quartz bodies (‘ironstone’) that are found along east-west trending structures. It is

generally thought that the magnetite/haematite was hydrothermally formed in dilation zones

along the controlling structures and that the deposition of gold, sulfides and associated

alteration minerals was a later event with mineralisation possibly being derived from a different

source but following the same structurally controlled path. In plan view, the ironstone bodies

tend to be narrowest in the north-south direction and elongated east west, reflecting the

regional cleavage and shearing. Ore grades may occur over substantial vertical intervals of an

ironstone pipe or lens, but are not expected to occur over the entire length.

The topography of the area generally comprises essentially flat plains with occasional rounded

to steep sided hills some 20 to 30m above the surrounding plains.

Topsoil and subsoil The proposed refurbishment activities at the Project site will be the first stage in the

recommencement of ore processing activities at Warrego. The proposed Project is not likely to

generate any new disturbance of soils on site.

The Project site is located on an alluvial plain to the south of the Short Range, in an ephemeral

drainage system. Drainage lines, which trend in a southerly direction, are poorly developed and

become less defined with distance from the Short Range.

Soils in the area are Red Kandosols (Isbell, 1996). The soils of the area are highly leached, lacking

in phosphorous and nitrogen, and low in nutrient value. Topsoil cover is generally in the order of

5–10cm thick. However, topsoil has been stripped from the area inside the Project area. The

regolith consists of up to 3m of alluvium overlying approximately 30m of deeply weathered

siltstone.

Hydrology The Project site lies within a shallow, south-easterly sloping ‘low’ in the regional topography.

Because of its topographical position, the area is prone to flooding during the wet season.

Within the site, drainage is artificial and a product of previous historical site development

activities. Extensive bunding has been built to the north and east of the plant site to isolate the

Project site from runoff by diverting overland flow. Surface water drainage lines are limited to

two shallow, partly rock armoured, drainage lines that redirect water deflected by the bunds.

One of these drainage lines is located at the south-eastern end of the bund and the other at the

western end.

Groundwater encountered in monitoring bores on the site has been recorded to depths of

27.45m below the surface and is generally saline.

22



Water that will be used as part of the refurbishment activities at the Project site will be sourced

from the historical Warrego mine also located on ML3088.

Flora and fauna

The Project site was cleared of native vegetation prior to construction of the historical Warrego

facilities. Previous owners of the site have undertaken revegetation activities with varying

degrees of success in some areas of the site as infrastructure was decommissioned and removed

and stockpiles relocated (Giants Reef Mining Limited, 2003).

Survey of the site undertaken by Hollingsworth (2000) described the vegetation community at

the nearby Warrego township as Acacia woodland, dominated by Mulga (Acacia aneura). The

vegetation communities located outside the Project area are characterised by scattered open

woodland over-storey of Snappy Gum (Eucalyptus leucophloia) community with a Spinifex

(Triodia pungens and Plectrachne pungens) open hummock grassland lower storey and ground

cover.

Hollingsworth (2000) describes the region as containing a range of native fauna owing to the

area being in a transitional zone from the high summer rainfall northern area to the low,

increasingly winter rainfall of the southern semi-arid area. The area hosts a wide range of local

bird species and, during the wet season, may also host migratory birds from the northern

coastal region (Fowler et al., 1998).

Given the level of current and previous disturbance to the site, and the absence of vegetation

communities likely to support threatened species, the potential for species of conservation

significance to be found over the Project area is considered unlikely.

Phillip Creek Station surrounds the WGOTP site, which is an operating cattle station. A stock

fence is installed around the perimeter of the lease to exclude cattle from the lease area.

Weeds Any weed infestations on the project will be managed in accordance with the Weed Management Act 2001, through the implementation of a Weed Management Plan.

Socio-economic environment The Project site is located on NT Portion 00408, PPL946 that forms part of Phillip Creek Station.

Cattle grazing activities are carried out surrounding the Project site as part of the Phillip Creek

Station.

The Tennant Creek region has had a history of gold and copper mining from 1934 to 2006 and

owes its partial existence as an established township to support this mining activity. The mining

history of the region also facilitates tourism by drawing tourists to the district.

The refurbishment of the gold ore treatment facility will provide much needed local employment

and will also generate a cash flow for TCMG. This will facilitate additional exploration within the

Tennant Creek region, which will enable it to maintain and increase its

23



current support for the Tennant Creek community. The increase in exploration activities will

potentially increase the likelihood of discovering new mineral deposits.

Current land use

The Project site is located wholly within NT Portion 00408, PPL946, Phillip Creek Station and has

been previously used as the Warrego Ore Treatment Plant and Warrego mine and associated

mining and processing infrastructure as illustrated in Figure 6.

Current surrounding land use includes cattle grazing activities associated with the surrounding

Phillip Creek Station.

Identified stakeholders and consultation

TCMG as the new owner of ML30888 has identified a number of key stakeholders of the

Warrego Project. These are listed in Table 4.

As a new operator in the district, TCMG has taken steps to ensure that they have made

themselves known to as many of the stakeholders as possible. To date, TCMG personnel have

engaged in direct communications with the stakeholders detailed in Table 4.

Table 4: Stakeholders identified as part of the Project MMP

stakeholder consultation

Phillip Creek Station, Sandy

and Katherine Warby (parcel

00408).

Initial meetings held at the Phillips Creek Homestead.

Key issues identified as boundary fencing, weeds and local water

resources.

In principle agreement to operate pursuant to the Emmerson

Resources Land Access Agreement; however, this will need to be

formalised during the term of this MMP.

The Central Land Council (CLC) TCMG met with representatives of CLC at their Alice Springs

office in July 2018. This included a briefing of the plans at

Warrego as well as the wider Tennant Creek mineral field.

In principle agreement was reached to convene a liaison

committee meeting in October.

24



stakeholder consultation

Mungalawurra community Mungalawurra community share the sealed access road

(Warrego Road) that leads to the main gate into the Warrego

site and the dirt road beyond the Warrego Mill and mine site

(which was built as the Wiso borefield access road and was

subsequently used to found their community).

Department of Industry

Tourism and Trade (DITT)

Discussions during initial project approval phase, continued

consultation via annual MMPs. A number of formal meetings

held to discuss project outcomes.

MMP to be submitted to address DITT requirements

Department of Environment,

Parks & Water Security

(DEPWS)

Consulted on an as needs basis to inform project approvals

requirements.

Department of Infrastructure,

Planning and Logistics

(Transport, Lands and

Planning)

Traffic management and road planning requirements for the

Project.

Department of Attorney-

General (NT Worksafe)

Asbestos removal and disposal and site operational status.

Tennant Creek Town Council Discussions during initial project approval phase. Site progress

briefings CEO to occur on a routine basis. Key issues include use

of local service providers and housing pressure.

Member for Barkley TCMGwill undertake briefings with the Member on a routine

basis

Since becoming active in the local area, TCMG has engaged the services of a number of local

businesses involved in building services, catering, and transport and logistics. TCMG has opened

an office at 17 Brown Street in Tennant Creek.

The Tennant Creek township is 55km away and hence no information sessions are planned for

the town community.

Details of stakeholder correspondence will be provided in subsequent MMPs as the process

occurs.

Workforce description and demography

It is anticipated that during refurbishment activities the Project workforce at the site will number

up to 50 personnel including contractors. TCMG’s preference will be to utilise local trades

people and contractors where available. Building services trades (electricians, plumbers and

refrigeration mechanics) are available locally but lack of mining activity in the Tennant Creek

mineral field in recent years has led to a decline in industrial trades skills such as boilermakers

and fixed plant fitters. TCMG expect that during the refurbishment works, more than 50% of the

workforce will be engaged on a FIFO basis. These services are readily available in Darwin.

During operational activities, it is anticipated the workforce will consist of approximately 30–50

company and contractor personnel. Previous mining activity in Tennant Creek has resulted in a

rich skills base of plant operators and maintainers. Many of these people are now involved in

other pursuits but TCMG hope to achieve a 50% locally domiciled operations workforce. The

25



expectation is that technical and management staff will primarily be domiciled in Darwin or Alice

Springs and be engaged on a FIFO arrangement.

Community affairs

As discussed in section 2.2, the Tennant Creek region has a rich history of gold and copper

mining and processing from 1934 to 2006. The township owes its partial existence to the

previous mineral exploration, mining and processing activities, a history that now draws tourists

to the region. The refurbishment of the Project site has the potential to provide much needed

local employment during the overhaul phase as well as generate a cash flow for TCMG. This will

enable TCMG to develop its current support for and within the Tennant Creek community and

will also increase expenditure on mining, processing and exploration (thereby increasing the

likelihood of discovering new mineral deposits in the Tennant Creek Mineral Field), leaving a

positive impact long after processing at the Project site has been completed.

Statutory and Non-statutory Requirements

Statutory requirements

This MMP has been developed as required under the Mining Management Act 2018 (NT) and

has been collated in accordance with section 40 of the Act to ensure that the required

information is provided to the DITT for assessment. The Mining Management Act is the key piece

of legislation for the Project; however, other legislation which is also applicable and with which

TCMG will be required to comply with includes:

Mining Management Act 2018 (NT)

Mineral Titles Act 2016 (NT)

Bushfires Management Act 2016 (NT)

Environmental Assessment Act 2013 (NT)

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)

Waste Management and Pollution Control Act 2016 (NT)

Environmental Offences and Penalties Act 2011 (NT)

Heritage Act 2016 (NT)

Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 2013 (Sacred Sites Act) (NT)

Weeds Management Act 2013 (NT)

Water Act 2016 (NT)

Soil Conservation and Land Utilisation Act 2016 (NT)

Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2014 (NT)

Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2016 (NT)

Dangerous Goods Act 2012 (NT)

Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2016 (NT)

Non-statutory obligations In addition to statutory obligations, there are also a number of non-statutory obligations

relating to the Project.

TCMG will work to ensure common interests in the project are satisfied and ensure concerns

raised or complaints received are responded to and resolved. A number of non-government

26



organisations have an interest in the Project, and TCMG will work with these organisations,

where required, to ensure the best outcome from the Project for all parties. These organisations

include:

Central Land Council.

Northern Territory Division of the Minerals Council of Australia.

Fire and Emergency Response Groups.

Sacred, archaeological and heritage sites

Sacred sites

There are no sacred sites within the Project site as defined by the ML30888 boundaries. An

AAPA certificate (C2003/081) that covers ML30888 was obtained by Giants Reef in 2003. It is

known that there are culturally significant trees (5659-020 to 5659-022) along the Wiso Road to

the west of the Project site (Table 5).

TCMG commit to hold regular liaison meetings with Traditional Owners (facilitated by the CLC).

In a meeting held with the CLC and TCMG in July 2018 the proposal to recommence treatment

of gold bearing ore from within the Tennant Creek Region was tabled at the meeting and

welcomed very positively by the Traditional Owners.

Table 5: Aboriginal culturally significant trees

REF# Name Northing

(AMG)

EASTING

(AMG) Nature Comments

5659-020

Lungku II

7849927

371857

Lightning

Dreaming

Tree

On the northern side of

Wiso Road, west of

Warrego. Damaged

during grading works in

1996.

5659-021

Bilba

7850645

360059

Lightning

Dreaming

Tree

On the southern side of

Wiso road, west of

Warrego. Destroyed

during grading works in

1996.

5659-022

Lungku I

7849762

373536

Lightning

Dreaming

Tree

On the northern side of

Wiso road, west of

Warrego.

Heritage and archaeological sites

The headframe over the historical Warrego underground mine is now heritage listed and will

remain under ‘care and maintenance’ during the term of this MMP. The headframe is located

away from the area of operations and will not be impacted by any refurbishment activities or

operations proposed in this MMP.

27



Operational Activities All activities proposed to be undertaken at ML30888 during the term of this MMP have been

arranged into four programs. These are the exploration and mineral development program, the

care and maintenance program, the operations program and the closure works and studies

program.

Exploration and mineral development program

For the term of this plan, TCMG does not propose to undertake any exploration or mineral

development on the Project site. Historically, the Warrego mine was a substantial poly-

metalliferous mineral resource with the lease area remaining highly prospective. TCMG commit

to undertaking a review of existing historical exploration data during the 2018–19 period;

however, exploration activities would not likely be undertaken until such time as refurbishment

activities had been completed. Any exploration activities would be the subject to a future MMP

amenDITTnt application covering exploration activities for the Project site.

Care and maintenance program The purpose of the care and maintenance program is to maintain compliance with the various

legal and other obligations that apply at the Project site. To achieve this purpose, four broad

objectives have been defined. These are to:

Ensure public safety by excluding non-essential personnel from the property.

Protect the environmental values of the receiving environment, particularly in the dimensions of

water quality and the impact of exotic species.

Meet regulatory requirements.

Sustain and maintain the asset suite.

To achieve these objectives, the care and maintenance program has been divided into five

elements. Each element has been designed to address a particular strategic need relating to a

key risk area. Table 6 lists these elements and describes the activities that TCMG proposes to

undertake during the term of this and future MMPs.

Table 6: Care and maintenance work program

Aspect Strategic

Approach

Activities PROPOSED for this MMP Works for Future MMP

Operations Refurbishment Commissioning

Site Security and Exclude stock Assess adequacy Repair fences to Develop and execute

Safety and the general of site fencing to exclude stock plan to exclude access

public from exclude stock from site. to shafts and

ML30888. Assess adequacy

of site signage

subsidence zones on

the Warrego site. and gates to

exclude public.

Water Implement active Assess Review Water Execute groundwater

Management control of groundwater Management Plan and surface water

contaminated quality monitoring integrating quality monitoring

water streams to arrangements and commissioning programs.

ensure recommend data. Review water balance

28



Aspect Strategic

Approach



protection of the

receiving

environment.

future

improvements.

Undertake two

rounds of

groundwater

quality

monitoring.

Develop water

balance for TD1

complex during

operations phase.

Develop Water

Management Plan

for Warrego.

model within 12

months of operations

commencing.

Land and

Biodiversity

Management

Undertake

activities to

exclude exotic

flora (weeds) and

fauna (pigs,

goats) as

responsible

landholders

within a pastoral

context.

Assess site for

invasive weeds.

Undertake

campaign to

control exotic

weeds targeting

rubber bush.

TCMG will

develop a Land

and Biodiversity

Management Plan

for Tennant Creek.

Undertake annual

review and control of

exotic weeds on site.

Non-Mineral

Waste

Management

Adopt hierarchy

of waste

principles and

ensure

environmental

protection.

Invite contractors

to site to assess

scrap steel

inventory at site.

Operate on-site landfill.

Environmental

Management

System

Take a

systematic and

risk-based

approach to

environmental

management.

Develop suite of

environmental

housekeeping

inspections for

Warrego.

Undertake two

environmental

inspections.

Review

Environmental

Aspects &

Undertake six

environmental

inspections/annum.

Review Aspects and

Impacts Register

(annually).

29



Aspect Strategic

Approach



Impacts Register.

Regulatory

Management

Maintain

compliance with

all applicable

laws and

licenses.

Register for

NGERS/NPI etc.

Prepare 2019

MMP.

Submit annual returns

as appropriate (NGERS,

NPI).

30



Operations program The operations program proposed for implementation at the Project site will involve the

refurbishment of the gold processing facilities and critical supporting infrastructure as

summarised in Table 7. The refurbishment works are anticipated to take approximately 9 months

to complete.

Following the refurbishment activities, the Project will enter its planned 5–7 year operational

phase. TCMG have estimated that approximately 1.5MT of ore will be processed during the 5-

year operational phase and are proposing an operational throughput at the refurbished gold

processing plant of 300KT/annum.

Upon the completion of the operational phase, the Project site will then be placed in a 3-year

care and maintenance program, followed by site closure.

As discussed in section 4, TCMG will only be responsible for the refurbishment of the following

site areas and infrastructure detailed below. Figure 3 illustrates the operational areas that TCMG

will utilise during the refurbishment phase of the project.

Table 7: Operations work program

Aspect Strategic

Approach

Activities PROPOSED for this MMP Works for Future

MMP

Operations

Refurbishment Commissioning

Gold Ore Refurbish, Undertake mechanical Undertake mechanical Undertake

Treatment operate and and electrical and electrical repairs mechanical and

Facility – maintain the refurbishment works as required to support electrical repairs

Refurbishment Warrego gold

ore treatment

as required to return

the plant to an

plant commissioning to fixed crushing

circuit and fine facility to operable condition. ore bin.

achieve the Focus on critical items Complete non-

nameplate critical repairs to

300KT/annum structural

throughput supports and

concrete

bunding as

required.

Gold Ore Undertake Process circa 50KT of Process circa

Treatment operational readiness ore to commission 330KT/annum of

Facility – activities including plant ore

Operations workforce readiness

and assignment of

operational spares

31



Aspect Strategic

Approach

Activities PROPOSED for this MMP Works for Future

MMP

Operations

Refurbishment Commissioning

TD1 Develop, Undertake Develop the Stage 1 Manage the

maintain and geotechnical northern and supernatant

operate the TD1 investigations at TD1. southern inventory to an

complex to Complete a detailed embankments of TD1 appropriate risk

support design of the stage 1 (West) to design level.

processing TD1 (West) Discharge 50000KT to Develop the

operations for at Embankments. TD1 (East) Stage 1 TD1

least 5 years Develop the Stage 1 Establish a TSF (East)

western embankment Management Plan embankments.

of TD1 (West) to Develop the

design. Stage 2 TD1

embankments.

Water Services Develop, Install dewatering Extract

maintain and equipment into the approximately

operate a Warrego 400ML/annum of

process and underground water from the

potable water workings Warrego

supply to Install and underground

support the commission a workings

Warrego gold packaged potable Produce

ore treatment water treatment plant approximately

facility Install septic waste- 2.5ML/annum of

water treatment potable water to

system including plant.

irrigation

Energy Services Develop, Operate circa 100kVa Operate 3–4 ×

maintain and gensets at the mill. 700kVa gen-sets

operate an Refurbish the existing to deliver

electrical energy fuel storage facility. approximately

supply to Install a new LPG 720MWhr at

support the storage facility at the 415V.

Warrego gold mill.

ore treatment

facility

32



Operational performance

Table 8 provides a summary of proposed performance objectives for the term of this MMP.

Table 8: Performance objectives for the MMP

Operational Activities DEtails Completion

Period

Exploration and minerals development

Data Review Undertaking a review of the Project area’s historical

exploration data

MMP end of

term

Care and maintenance

Site Security and Safety Assess adequacy of site fencing to exclude stock

MMP end of

term

Assess adequacy of site signage and gates to exclude

public.

Water Management Assess groundwater quality monitoring arrangements

and recommend future improvements. Undertake two rounds of groundwater quality

monitoring. Develop water balance for TD1 complex during

operations phase. Develop Water MP for Warrego.

Land and Biodiversity

Management Assess site for invasive weeds

Undertake campaign to control exotic weeds targeting

Rubber Bush Develop Land and Biodiversity Management Plan for

Tennant Creek

Non-Mineral Waste

Management Invite contractors to site to assess scrap

Environmental

Management System Develop suite of environmental housekeeping

inspections for Warrego

Undertake two environmental inspections

Review Environmental Aspects and Impacts Register

Regulatory

Management

Register for NGERS/NPI etc

Prepare 2019 MMP

Operations

Gold Ore Treatment

Facility – Refurbishment

Undertake mechanical and electrical refurbishment

works as required to return the plant to an operable

condition. Focus on critical items.

End of MMP

term Gold Ore Treatment

Facility – Operations

Undertake operational readiness activities including

workforce readiness and assignment of operational

spares

TD1 Undertake geotechnical investigations at TD1

33



Operational Activities DEtails Completion

Period

Complete a detailed design of the stage 1 TD1 (West)

Embankments

Develop the Stage 1 western embankment of TD1

(West) to design

Water Services Install dewatering equipment into the Warrego

underground workings

Install and commission a packaged potable water

treatment plant

Install septic waste-water treatment system including

irrigation

Energy Services Operate circa 100kVa gensets at the mill.

Refurbish the existing fuel storage facility

Install a new LPG storage facility at the mill

Closure works and studies

The purpose of the closure works and studies program is to define the activities specifically

related to decommissioning of the lease area. The site’s history means that ML30888 affords

some particular challenges regarding lease relinquishment that TCMG will need to engage with

various stakeholders, most notably DITT.

During the term of this plan, TCMG proposes to focus on getting the project up and running

and therefore defer significant works in this program area.

Environmental Management Program

1.1. Organisational structure of environmental responsibility

The environmental management responsibilities at the Project will fall within the following

organisational structure. Specific areas of responsibility are described in Table 9.

An Environmental Management role will be recruited for, with responsibilities as outlined in

Table 9. The Environmental Manager will be answerable to the Health, Safety and Environment

(HSE) Officer.

The HSE Officer will have environmental responsibilities as outlined in Table 9 and be

answerable to the Warrego site manager.

Table 9: Environmental management responsibilities at WGOTP

Personnel responsibility

34



Personnel responsibility

Health, Safety and Environment

Officer

Compliance with Environmental Management Plans

Achieving the commitments outlined in the MMP

Ensuring the environmental outcomes in the MMP are

achieved

Responsible for adhering to the Health and Safety

obligations on site as set out in Work Health and Safety

(National Uniform Legislation) Act and associated

regulations.

Environmental Manager Environmental compliance tasks

Monthly environmental reports

Executing pre-closure planning tasks for environmental

remediation in good time

Implementation of Environmental Management Plans

Environmental incident response

Environmental policy and responsibilities TCMG’s activities will be carried out so as to protect the health of management, staff,

employees, contractors, key stakeholders and community while paying proper regard to the

protection and management of the environment. The primary goal of TCMG’s operations is to

maintain the highest environmental standards. TCMG’s Environmental Policy is presented below:

Ensure compliance with applicable Northern Territory and Commonwealth laws, regulations,

guidelines and procedures.

Establish procedures to ensure effective implementation of its policy.

Provide adequate environmental training and guidance to its employees.

Instil a culture of continuous improvement through setting and reviewing targets, auditing and

reporting environmental performance.

Undertake regular consultation with project stakeholders (both local and regulatory

departments) to discuss any of their environmental concerns.

TCMG expects all employees and contractors to:

Comply with TCMG’s implemented environmental management policies and regulations.

Review and strive to improve environmental practice.

Report all environmental incidents to their immediate managers.

Identify and address environmental concerns through open and honest consultation with local

community members and government departments.

1.2. Environmental commitments

1.2.1. Commitments contained in this MMP

The environmental commitments contained in this MMP are split into the environmental

domains detailed in Table 10 of this report.

35



1.2.2. Establishing environmental commitments

To identify environmental commitments appropriate to the Project, TCMG conducted an

environmental risk assessment for the activities inherent for the Project. That risk assessment

process is included in section 5.6.2 of this report titled ‘Risk assessment’. The commitments

relate directly to the environmental risks assessed for the Project. Where a risk is identified,

mitigation strategies are detailed in the Implementation, Monitoring and Review section of this

report. The environmental commitments are a step further in the risk assessment process–a

commitment to not allow the identified impact to take place.

36



Table 10: Environmental commitments of the Project

commitment

reference

environmental

management issue

commitment due date performance against commitment

W_01 Vegetation clearing

adversely impacts fauna at

the site.

Adverse impacts to fauna at Warrego

caused by vegetation clearing will be

minimised as much as possible through

the implementation of a Land Clearance

Procedure formulated in accordance with

the NT Government Land Clearing

Guidelines – Northern Territory Planning

Scheme (NRETAS, 2010).

The Land Clearing

Procedure must be

finalised before the

onset of clearing for

construction

activities.

Fauna spotter catchers will be retained for vegetation

clearing.

A fauna spotter catcher report will be available post

clearance.

W_02 Vehicle strikes kill or injure

fauna at site.

TCMG will implement speed limits on site

access roads and tracks and restrict traffic

travelling off main site roads to avoid

collision with fauna. Staff will be educated

to avoid risk of collision and measures to

be taken should an incident occur.

Speed limits will be

set when roads are

constructed and

maintained on an

ongoing basis

through the life of

the Project.

Fauna education will be provided to all staff.

Site incident reports can be reviewed.

Speed limit signs will be installed and road speed

restrictions implemented. Speed limit signs in place.

W_03 Soil disturbance and traffic

movement may result in

the potential for increased

occurrence of weeds on

site.

TCMG will implement the weed and pest

management plan in accordance with the

MMP, which includes ensuring vehicles and

equipment are clean prior to accessing the

site and ensuring that weed eradication

programs are undertaken if required.

Ongoing during the

life of the

operations.

Weeds will be well controlled on site.

No new species identified in closure rehabilitation

that may be a result of mining activities.

W_04 Adverse effects on

local/regional air quality as

a result of airborne dust

associated with the

proposed project.

TCMG will implement speed limits on site

access roads and tracks and run water

carts during operations to reduce the

intensity of vehicle-generated dust.

Ongoing during the

life of operations.

No environmental nuisance complaints received by

TCMG in relation to dust or airborne contaminants.

Dust suppression is undertaken during operations.

W_05 Contaminated or sediment TCMG will reinstate sediment basins on Erosion and Sediment basin(s) will be constructed promptly during

37



laden runoff from site to

the receiving environment.

Potential to decrease water

quality and impact on

aquatic flora and fauna.

site to capture all potentially contaminated

or sediment-laden stormwater from the

leaving the site.

TCMG will install erosion and sediment

control infrastructure around the site.

Sediment Control

(ESC) measures

must be

implemented prior

to the

commencement of

reprocessing

operations.

the refurbishment phase.

Stormwater runoff from the project areas will be

captured in the sediment basins.

W_06 Impacts to the receiving

environment from

hydrocarbon/chemical

spills.

TCMG will ensure that all hydrocarbons

and chemicals are stored in appropriately

bunded areas as per Australian and State

Standards and Regulations and implement

a spill response procedure to ensure

immediate clean-up of spills on site.

Before

commencement of

operations and

during operations.

Visual inspections show all chemicals stored in an

appropriately sized bund (110% of largest container)

or self-bunded.

W_07 Impacts to local

groundwater posed by

refurbishment activities.

TCMG will ensure that impacts to

groundwater are minimised long term for

both the duration of operations and post

mine closure until such a time as they

relinquish the mining lease.

During

refurbishment and

operations.

Groundwater monitoring will routinely be undertaken

as part of the operational activities onsite.

38



Environmental training and education All TCMG employees and contractor personnel will be informed of the environmental issues of

the Project and issued appropriate instructions in an induction before commencing work on site.

Contractors are required to produce documentation of their environmental credentials.

Environmental induction documentation and will be made available for inspection at TCMG’s

Tennant Creek office and the Project site office.

All TCMG employees are provided with environmental induction training on joining the

company. Issues are specific to each operational site and are the subject of additional induction

training, prior to commencement of an employee at each project area. All staff and contractors

working in the proximity to Aboriginal sites of significance are provided with maps or shown the

sites locality from a distance and asked to avoid such areas.

Short-term contract personnel such as field support staff, contractors and local earth moving

contractors are also given an environmental induction as part of a general site safety induction.

The induction is undertaken prior to commencement of work activities. The induction is related

to the relevant work area and activities to be undertaken.

Training is provided to staff and contractors regarding the potential occurrence and

identification of native fauna. Staff and contractors are asked to avoid disturbing native fauna

species and to inform the site/project manager of any sightings.

During refurbishment activities, a weekly toolbox meeting is planned to be undertaken on the

work site where environmental issues and concerns are discussed and reported. Induction

training includes:

Environmental responsibilities and duty of care.

Company policies, practices and procedures.

Environmental awareness.

Specific environmental issues covered in the induction include:

Minimising soil disturbance.

Washing down of vehicles to avoid the spread of noxious weeds (vehicle wash down area is at

the TCMG’s house/workshop in Tennant Creek on Brown Street. This area is paved and is

monitored for weeds).

Restricting travel through the lease area to existing tracks to minimise disturbance.

Avoiding travel on wet muddy tracks after rains to maintain the integrity of the tracks.

Carrying any rubbish away and not burning it.

Storing chemicals and their containers away from surface or groundwater.

Cleaning up chemical and oil spills and removing all contaminated ground material;

Inductees are required to sign a record of induction that is filed on site at Tennant Creek.

Literature detailing prominent invasive species likely to be present within the lease area will be

made available to staff and contractors during refurbishment activities.

Environmental emergency response training TCMG has developed an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP). An environmental

incident is defined as any sudden or unexpected event that results in a negative environmental

impact. All environmental incidents/emergencies such as major pollution incidents will be

reported to the NT Environment Protection Authority and the DITT in the NT. TCMG will contact

both of these government departments in the event of an emergency incident. The site General

39



Manager will be responsible for delegating tasks to respond to the incident and

prevent/mitigate environmental harm. In general, the EPRP will endeavour to ensure:

A safe environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and neighbours.

That all activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner consistent with

environmental regulations, guidelines and best practice.

The identification and management of all significant environmental risks.

That the response to emergencies is predicted primarily on the preservation of human life and

the safety of emergency response personnel.

The containment of emergencies and their effects within facility boundaries.

Cooperation with external emergency response organisations.

A safe return to normal operations.

Implementation, monitoring and review

Identification of environmental aspects and impacts

The Project is a refurbishment project to be carried out on defined infrastructure assets in

ML30888 for the purpose of re-establishing gold processing activities at the historical Warrego

Ore Treatment Plant site. The refurbishment activities have a relatively low environmental

impact. Specific risks posed by the proposed project activities are identified in the next section

on risk assessment. These risks and the associated controls have inspired the environmental

commitments in Table 10 of this document.

Risk assessment

Risk assessment matrix

The risk assessment matrix used for the Project is based on the sample provided in the Template

for the Preparation of a Mining Management Plan. The key prompt to assessing a risk is the

likelihood that a particular event or issue will take place. The definitions of the likelihood of an

occurrence are included in Table 11 of this report.

Table 11: Definitions of likelihood of an incident occurring at the Project

measure of likelihood

Almost Certain Expected to occur in most circumstances.

Likely Will probably occur in most circumstances.

Possible Might possibly occur at some time.

Unlikely Could occur at some time.

Rare May occur only in exceptional circumstances.

As the likelihood of each event is assessed, so is the potential consequence of the event taking

place. The definition of the consequences used in this risk assessment is included in Table 12 of

this report.

Table 12: Definitions of consequence as it applies to risk assessment for the Project

measure of consequence

Catastrophic Environmental disaster.

Major Severe environmental damage.

40



measure of consequence

Moderate Contained environmental impact.

Minor Some environmental impact.

Insignificant Low environmental impact.

The combined likelihood and consequence of an event result in a risk rating for that event. A

numerical rating is attributed to both the scale of likelihood and the scale of consequence of a

potential event. A matrix that demonstrates the combined scores from those scales is presented

in Table 13. Scoring risks allows them to be ranked in order of magnitude in terms of their need

for mitigation. The need for action on a potential event ranked by its risk score is presented in

Table 14.

Table 13: Risk assessment matrix used for the Project

Risk Assessment Matrix

LIKELIHOOD OF

OCCURRENCE

SEVERITY OF CONSEQUENCES

Catastrophic

(5)

Major

(4)

Moderate

(3)

Minor

(2)

Insignificant

(1)

Almost certain (5) 10 9 8 7 6

Likely (4) 9 8 7 6 5

Possible (3) 8 7 6 5 4

Unlikely (2) 7 6 5 4 3

Rare (1) 6 5 4 3 2

Table 14: Assessment of risk scores for the Project risk assessment

Risk Score Risk Rating Action Required

9 – 10 Extreme Immediate.

7 – 8 High Action plan required. Senior management attention.

5 – 6 Moderate Specific monitoring or procedures required.

2 – 4 Low Management through routine procedures.

Results of the environmental risk assessment for the Warrego Gold Ore Treatment Project The risk assessment conducted for WGOTP breaks risk into potential sources of environmental

harm and potential receptors of that environmental harm. Risks and impacts are identified and

mitigation strategies identified. Those mitigation strategies feed into the environmental

commitments table included as Table 10 of this report. These commitments are TCMG’s pledge

to not allow the environmental harm to occur and are reflective of the management and

mitigation strategies to be implemented at site.

Risk is broken into two project phases: refurbishment and commissioning. The refurbishment

and commissioning risks are identified in Table 15.

41



Table 15: Risk assessment for the Project for the refurbishment and commissioning phases: (L) = likelihood, (C) = consequence, (T) = total risk rating

potential impact event risk rating

control strategy

residual risk

rating monitoring and management

procedure

deadline for implementation

(L) (C) (T) (L) (C) (T)

Flora and Fauna

Vegetation clearing Fauna spotter catchers At the end of clearing, those The Land Clearance Procedure

resulting in injuries or will be utilised for spotter catchers will prepare a must be finalised before land

mortality of fauna and clearing events for major report for TCMG listing species clearing commences pre-

flora. 5 2 7

infrastructure domains.

All clearing will be 3 2 5

impacted, with outcomes

including relocation

construction. Fauna spotter

catchers must be utilised for all conducted in accordance pre-clearing, capture and land clearing operations.

with the TCMG Land releases during clearing,

Clearance Procedure. injuries and fatalities.

Native fauna death or Enforce speed limits on Continue to enforce speed Ongoing through the life of

injury due to vehicle site access roads. limits. refurbishment activities.

interaction.

3

2

5

Require an incident

report to be completed

2

2

4

Track incident reports of

vehicle interactions.

for all fauna interactions

resulting in vehicle

damage.

Soil disturbance and Implement weed Routine weed and seed Strategies and plans to be in place

traffic movement may management strategies. inspections of vehicles. before construction commences.

result in the potential Ensure vehicles travelling Weed management strategies Routine weed and seed

for increased from high risk areas are to be implemented on an inspections to be conducted

occurrence of weeds

on site. 5 3 8

washed down before

entering the site. 3 3 6

ongoing basis.

Local weed wash down

weekly.

Possible introduction of Restrict traffic access to facilities to be used when

new weed species and established roads and required.

increased weed density tracks only.

and occurrence. Local wash down

42



potential impact event risk rating control strategy residual risk

rating

monitoring and management

procedure deadline for implementation

facilities to be used if

available.

Air Quality

Adverse effects on

local/regional air

quality as a result of

airborne dust

associated with mining

operations

3

2

5

Speed limits to be

enforced on site roads

and access tracks to

reduce the intensity of

vehicle generated dust.

To reduce the amount of

dust on site, dust

suppression on site will

be through the use of a

dust polymer control

system, molasses or

other dust control

measures. This will also

result in a reduction in

the use of water alone

for dust suppression.

2

2

4

Management through routine

procedures.

A dust polymer, molasses diluted

in water or other suitable dust

control measure will be used for

dust suppression.

Water trucks for dust suppression

should begin operating at the

onset of refurbishment works.

Surface Water

Contaminated or

sediment laden runoff

from site to the

receiving environment.

Potential to decrease

water quality and

impact on aquatic flora

and fauna.

4

4

8

Re-establishment of a

sediment basin across

the TCMG control sites

to capture all potentially

contaminated or

sediment-laden water

from these sites.

Implementation of ESC

infrastructure and

maintenance procedures

1

3

4

Routine inspections of ESC

infrastructure to identify any

issues. Any issues to be

notified to the General

Manager and

replacement/repairs to be

undertaken as soon as

possible.

Water quality monitoring to be

undertaken following any

Site sediment basins and ESC

infrastructure must be

implemented prior to the

commencement of refurbishment

activities.

Site water management plan.

Inspections to continue on a

regular basis during refurbishment

operations.

43




rating



rainfall event.

Contaminated or

sediment laden runoff

from the outer batters

of TD1 to the receiving

environment. Potential

to decrease water

quality and impact

aquatic flora and fauna.

4

4

8

Construction of a

sediment basin at the

toe of TD1 to capture

potentially contaminated

or sediment-laden water

from the outer batters of

TD1.

Implementation of ESC

infrastructure and

maintenance measures.

2

4

6

Routine inspections of ESC

infrastructure to identify any

issues. Any issues to be

notified to the General

Manager and

replacement/repairs to be

undertaken as soon as

possible.

Water quality monitoring to be

undertaken following any

rainfall.

The TD1 sediment basin and ESC

infrastructure must be

implemented prior to the

commencement of refurbishment

activities.

Inspections to continue on a

regular basis during operations.

Engineering embankment to be

put in place.

Groundwater

Impacts to local

groundwater posed by

refurbishment activities

3

3

6

Inflow of water into TD1

will be monitored during

refurbishment and

commissioning activities.

3

2

5

Routine groundwater

monitoring will be conducted

quarterly to monitor baseline

concentrations of analytes.

Wet season rainfall will result in

temporary seepage from the

immediate vicinity of TD1

Groundwater monitoring will be

conducted from the outset of


Contaminant Management

Impact to the receiving

environment from

hydrocarbon/ chemical

spills.

4

2

6

All hydrocarbons to be

stored in appropriately

bunded areas as per

Australian Standards.

Fuel to be stored and

dispensed using a self-

bunded tank and

automated delivery

1

3

4


procedures.

Implementation of the Spill

Response Procedure.

All strategies and management

plans to be in place before

construction commences.

Routine procedures to be

implemented on an ongoing

basis.

44




rating



system.

All minor chemical

storages to be bunded in

a bunded area or using

temporary bunded

containments.

TCMG will implement

the Spill Response

Procedure contained in

this MMP to ensure

immediate clean-up of

all spills to prevent

release to the receiving

environment.

Disturbance of existing

contaminants across

the Project site

4

3

7

Establish baseline site

contamination levels to

ensure proper controls

are in place for

movement and disposal

of soils across Project

site.

4

2

6


procedures.

Routine procedures to be

implemented on an ongoing

basis.

45



Environmental management plans

Spill response procedure

Objectives The objective of this spill response procedure is to limit environmental harm occurring in the

event of a spill of a hazardous material at the Project. Storage and handling of hazardous

materials are addressed in this report in section 5.7.2 titled ‘Hazardous material management

plan’. This spill response procedure is designed purely to address the response in the event of a

spill.

Fuel will be stored and dispensed using a self-bunded tank and automated delivery system. The

fuel tank will have a capacity of 10,000L to facilitate refuelling of mobile plant and equipment,

and fuelling the diesel generators.

Targets A spill response procedure similar to that outlined in Figure 9 will be followed. Actions will be

taken to excavate the contaminated soils from within the spill footprint and transported to TD1

as required.

46



Figure 9: General spill response procedure

Management and mitigation strategies Spill response kits will be available and easily accessible to staff during refuelling operations.

TCMG staff and any contractors involved in the works will be suitably trained in spill response

procedures and familiar with the contents and use of the spill kits. The contents of spill kits will

47



be checked and replaced as needed. In the event of a chemical spill or leak of any volume, staff

will be required to advise management as soon as possible.

Using the spill response kits, a clean-up of the spill site will be undertaken by suitably qualified

staff members. Disposal of any contaminated material or waste, if present, will be taken to TD1

for disposal.

For major spills, generally defined to be the loss of more than 100L of a given chemical, the

incident will be notified to the NT Government.

Storages on site will be designed and maintained in accordance with AS 1940-2004: Storage and

handling of flammable and combustible liquids. All spills at site are to be reported to the site

General Manager. An incident report must be completed for each spill. These incident reports

will be maintained in a register by the General Manager and be available for inspection if

required.

All waste management on site will be undertaken in accordance with the Northern Territory

Waste Management and Pollution Control Act.

Monitoring and measurement

Site inspections to be conducted during operations will include inspecting the following areas of

the site:

fuel storage

any chemical storages

waste stockpiles

bunded areas

spill response kits to ensure adequate supplies

areas subject to spill incident reports to ensure clean-up was effective.

These site inspections will be undertaken on a weekly basis by TCMG with the ultimate

responsibility lying with the General Manager.

Effectiveness Site inspection reports and spill incident reports will be reviewed monthly for the following:

Evidence that bunding and containment has been inspected and is functioning adequately.

Evidence that spill clean-up procedures were followed promptly in the event of a spill.

Evidence that spill clean-up procedures were adequate to deal with the spill event.

Non-conformance and corrective actions A non-conformance with the spill management procedure would include the following:

Spill kits not used to clean up a spill.

Spill kits not restocked after use.

Spills not contained.

Spills not responded to immediately.

Spill clean-up equipment inadequate to respond to the spill in question.

Spill containment infrastructure insufficient to contain a spill.

If the effectiveness review identifies an issue with how spill events are handled, the spill

response procedure will be reviewed. Additional procedures and inspections may be put in place

to address the deficit. Additional infrastructure may be required. Toolbox training will be

48



prepared to address any changes and delivered to staff during prestart meetings to ensure all

staff are appraised of changes in spill management processes.

Hazardous material management plan

This management plan addresses the purchase, selection, storage, use, movement, decant and

disposal of hazardous materials for the Project. Hazardous materials that will be on site include

flammable liquids, gases and chemicals that are corrosive or chemically reactive. TCMG will

comply with relevant statutory requirements in regard to the handling and management of

hazardous materials on site. This will be in accordance with Work Health and Safety (National

Uniform Legislation) Act and associated regulations, the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road

and Rail (National Uniform Legislation) Act and associated regulations and the Dangerous Goods

Act and associated regulations.

The only fuel to be stored at site will be in a 10,000L self-bunded fuel tank to be used for

fuelling of the mobile plant and for the generator.

Further works to manage fuel and other hazardous materials on site are detailed in Table 16.

49



Table 16: WGOTP hazardous materials matrix

objective target applicable lEGISLATION management and

mitigation

monitoring AND

MEASUREMENT effectiveness

non-conformance and corrective

action

Safe use,

storage, and

disposal of

chemicals and

hazardous

goods.

Storage and

handling of

hazardous

materials

must be in

accordance

with

regulations.

Work Health and Safety

(National Uniform

Legislation) Act, The

Dangerous Goods Act,

The Transport of

Dangerous Goods by

Road and Rail (National

Uniform Legislation) Act

and their associated

regulations.

Handling and storage of

all hazardous substances

must be in accordance

with the Material Safety

Data Sheet (MSDS) for

that substance.

All spills will be reported

and investigated.

Spills will be

minimal, reported

immediately,

investigated and

promptly cleaned

up. Explosives will be

managed where

exposure to

potential risk is at a

minimum.

Storage areas will be regularly

inspected. An incident database will

be maintained. The Environment

Manager or General Manager will

record and sign off on monthly

inspections of hazardous waste

storage areas.

Spills will be reported and a spill

incident database maintained.

All mobile equipment

and light vehicle

servicing activities

including wash down

will be done on

impermeable surfaces.

Vehicle servicing and wash

down areas should be

inspected weekly.

Decanting and labelling

of hazardous materials

will be carried out in

accordance with the

National Code of

Practice for the Labelling

of Workplace

Substances NOHSC

(1994).

All substances should be

labelled appropriately.

There should be no spills

while decanting

substances.

MSDS must be kept in

close proximity to their

respective hazardous

material.

MSDS will be easily

accessible.

50




mitigation

monitoring AND



action

An appropriate storage

area for hazardous

material storage must

be constructed at the

outset of the operation

and built to Australian

Standards 1940-2004.

Hazardous material

storages areas will be

appropriately bunded or

temporary bunding

structures provided in

areas where hazardous

materials are to be

temporarily stored.

Fuel storage areas must

be properly bunded.

Bunding should be

inspected regularly for

integrity.

Small amounts of waste

hydrocarbon materials

should be collected and

stored in properly

labelled 205L drums.

Hydrocarbon waste

storage drums should be

inspected to ensure they

are properly labelled and

stored themselves on a

temporary bunding.

All oil waste must be

taken off site for

disposal at a properly

licenced facility.

Waste disposal records

must be kept.

Personnel must be

provided with the

appropriate personal

protective equipment

for handling and

management of

hazardous substances.

Personal protection

equipment must be

available in proximity to

hazardous materials.

51




mitigation

monitoring AND



action

The spill procedure must

be followed at all times.

Spills must be reported

and an incident report

completed.

Spills must

be dealt with

promptly.

Work Health and Safety

(National Uniform

Legislation) Act, The

Dangerous Goods Act,

The Transport of

Dangerous Goods by

Road and Rail (National

Uniform Legislation) Act

and their associated

regulations

Spill kits and spill

materials for larger spills

should be provided in

close proximity to the

relevant storage areas.

Spill kits and spill materials

should be inspected

weekly to ensure they are

fully stocked.

There will be a

databased of spill

incidents

maintained.

The incident database will available

for inspection and will be complete

and up to date. If the database is not

up to date, an investigation should be

conducted into the existing spill

procedure and further staff education

provided.

Spill kits should be

readily available and

properly stocked.

Incomplete spill kits should be

reported and restocked immediately.

Staff education may be given if spill

kits are repeatedly used and not

reported for restock.



52

Land clearance procedure

Strategies and methodologies for land clearing

Efficient and strategic land clearance for the project is key to minimising environmental harm

from the outset of the project, and critical to effective rehabilitation at the end of the project.

The small disturbance footprint presents a further opportunity for this to be a low impact

project that can be rehabilitated smoothly at project closure. Adhering to best practice land

clearance management as per the Land Clearing Guidelines – Northern Territory Planning

Scheme (NRETAS, 2010) will benefit the rehabilitation success of the project. Further works to

manage land clearing are detailed in Table 17 below.

53



Table 17: WGOPT land clearance procedure

objective target management and mitigation monitoring AND


non-conformance and

corrective action

All clearing must be

permitted.

Ensure permits to

clear are lodged and

approved in time for

clearing works.

The required authorisation for land

clearing must be identified and

approval sought in a timely fashion

for clearing.

No clearing must take place without

appropriate permits.

Land clearance planning

must include lead times for

permitting.

Permitting will be in

place for clearing.

Clearing performed without the

necessary permits must be

reported to the relevant

government authority.

Conduct land

clearance in an

efficient manner that

maximises retention

of resources reusable

in rehabilitation.

Clear during the

most appropriate

season for the

region

Ensure clearing takes place in

April/May to meet the end of wet

season/start of dry season target for

effective clearing.

Clearing should be

conducted in line with the

proposed activity schedule

for the mine.

Clearing will be

conducted at the most

appropriate time of

year.

If clearing cannot be conducted

as scheduled, clearing

methodologies will be assessed

against the prevailing

conditions and modified where

necessary.

Clear only areas that

are required to be

cleared.

Mark the areas to be cleared before

clearing.

GPS equipment should be

used by surveyors to mark

out areas to be cleared, and

clearing should be

supervised to ensure no ‘out

of bounds’ clearing takes

place.

Approved clearing

sites should be well

flagged to avoid

confusion and any

unnecessary and

illegal removal of

native vegetation.

If the supervisor sees clearing

taking place outside designated

areas, all machinery movement

should be halted and the

clearing plan reviewed.

Avoid unnecessary

environmental

damage through

soil compaction.

Access to the site should be

managed to prevent the introduction

of weed species or unnecessary

compaction of soils by vehicles.

Site access should be

signposted clearly and

unauthorised vehicles

apprehended.

Soil compaction

should be minimal.

Clearing methodologies should

be reviewed with

contractors/machine operators

if compaction is deemed to be

excessive.

Unauthorised vehicles should

be apprehended promptly and

asked to leave the area.

54





non-conformance and

corrective action

Minimise impacts to

soil integrity and

composition.

Timing should be closely managed

to ensure large areas of soil are not

left exposed without being promptly

stripped for stockpiling.

Clearing will be conducted

in accordance with this plan.

Clearing will be

conducted efficiently,

soil compaction will be

minimised and

vehicles movements

across site restricted.

Clearing methodologies should

be reviewed with

contractors/machine operators

if compaction is deemed to be

excessive.

Maximise retention

of material for reuse

in rehabilitation.

Post-clearing debris should be

cleaned up using a blade and

stockpiled in windrows running

along the contour to minimise loss

of material through stormwater

runoff.

Stockpiling will be

conducted in accordance

with this plan.

Stockpiles should be

constructed in

accordance with this

plan.

Stockpiles that are

inappropriately situated should

be relocated.

Manage bushfire risk

appropriately

Post-clearing debris

to be stockpiled to

minimise bushfire

risk.

Debris should be stockpiled away

from native vegetation and away

from other infrastructure.

Stockpiling will be

conducted in accordance

with this plan.


constructed in

accordance with this

plan. Firebreaks should

be maintained as

described.

Stockpiles that are

inappropriately situated should

be relocated. Firebreaks should

be maintained through the life

of the operation.

Bushfire controls to

be used.

Fire breaks of at least 2m in width

should be cleared around any

stockpiled vegetation (if applicable).

Fire breaks will be installed

in accordance with this plan.

Firebreaks should be

maintained.

Firebreaks should be routinely

inspected and maintenance

work carried out if and when

required.

Minimise erosion risk

Steep slopes that do

not form part of the

disturbance

footprint should not

be cleared

Vegetation should be left intact on

steep slopes that lie between

infrastructure areas but do not form

part of the disturbance footprint.

Note the importance of maximising

connectivity, the next objective in

this table.

Vegetation will be left intact

where practicable and

vegetation condition

reviewed at rehabilitation.

Steep slopes will not

be cleared.

Where steep slopes have been

cleared, ESC infrastructure must

be implemented.

55





non-conformance and

corrective action

Post-clearing debris

to be stockpiled to

minimise erosion

risk

Post-clearing debris should be

stockpiled in windrows running

along the contour to minimise loss

of material through stormwater

runoff.

Where this is not possible, diversion

bunding should be used to divert

stormwater away from smaller debris

at high risk of washing away in a

storm event.


inspected for form and

placement.

Stockpiles should not

erode in a rainfall

event.

Improperly formed or

positioned stockpiles should be

reshaped and/or moved.

Minimise impacts to

fauna

Maximise habitat

connectivity through

the use of native

vegetation buffers

Buffers should be retained where

possible.

Remaining vegetation

should be inspected at

rehabilitation for condition

and noted in the baseline

rehabilitation reporting.

Habitat connectivity

will be maximised

where possible.

Due to the short-term nature of

the project, issues with

connectivity will be rectified on

rehabilitation.

Direction of clearing

must provide egress

for fauna species

Clearing should be conducted

directionally in a manner that allows

fauna species the best opportunity

to relocate to native habitat. Clearing

must be undertaken progressively,

downhill, over a number of days to

allow fauna the opportunity to

relocate away from the disturbance.

Clearing must be supervised

to ensure the direction

allows a means of egress.

Fauna will be able to

escape the clearing

where possible.

If the supervisor declares the

clearing to be improperly

conducted, the clearing will be

stopped and processes

reviewed before resumption of

the activity.

56



Native flora and fauna management plan

Objective and targets The objective of the native flora and fauna management plan is to minimise the impact of the

proposed refurbishment activities on native flora and fauna at Warrego.

Targets for this management plan are for flora and fauna species diversity to be maintained in

the locality and be rehabilitated to a state representative of pre-refurbishment activities.

Management and mitigation strategies

Excavated areas can pose a risk to native fauna through entrapment and exposure. Excavated

areas should be checked regularly for trapped fauna, with inspection occurring at least twice

daily. These areas should be checked early in the morning for fauna that has become trapped

overnight and again in the late afternoon for fauna that has become trapped over the course of

the day.

Safe egress points should be included to allow fauna to escape of their own accord. Any fauna

that cannot escape of their own accord should be removed in a manner that is safe for both the

animal and the person handling the animal. A suitably qualified and experienced person should

be the only one to handle dangerous fauna species such as snakes. The use of a fauna spotter-

catcher during the vegetation clearing and construction period is recommended to minimise the

chances of injury to native fauna. The fauna spotter-catcher should hold all relevant permits for

handling and relocating wildlife and should be present during clearing activities. The role of the

spotter-catcher would be to advise on appropriate clearing methods to ensure animal escape

paths are maintained and relocate fauna located within the disturbance area accordingly.

Vehicle strike represents a general threat to native fauna species. Strategies for managing

vehicle interactions with fauna are described below.

Monitoring and measurement Records of threatened wildlife are to be maintained and injuries or deaths to be reported.

Effectiveness

The Environmental Manager will keep a register of fauna interactions and sightings as

appropriate. Exercises such as land clearance and topsoil stockpiling, which directly influence the

success of this MMP, should be monitored to ensure they are carried out in accordance with

their own, detailed management plans.

Non-conformance and corrective actions Non-conformances with this management plan would include:

Fauna deaths from interaction with refurbishment infrastructure and vehicle strikes.

A decrease in vegetative condition over the life of the project.

A decrease in the fauna habitat condition.

Fauna deaths during the refurbishment and commissioning activities will be investigated and, if

required, a toolbox session will be compiled on species identification, fauna awareness and

adhering to speed limits, for delivery during the prestart meetings.

57



Waste (domestic and industrial) management plan

The Project is a relatively short-term project with an intended low environmental impact. As

such, the company will maintain the existing on-site industrial landfill. All domestic and

industrial waste where approved will be disposed of in the landfill site. Further works to manage

waste management are detailed in Table 18.



58

Table 18: Waste (domestic and industrial) management matrix




action

Minimise environmental

impacts associated with the

generation and disposal of

waste from refurbishment

activities.

Generate less waste

where possible.

Volumes of waste being

generated should be

recorded.

Waste storages should

be inspected weekly.

Volumes of waste

generated versus

volumes of waste

recycled.

Waste storages should be inspected

weekly to ensure nothing that can be

recycled is being disposed of.

Recycle more waste

where possible.

Volumes of waste being

generated should be

recorded.



Volumes of waste

generated versus

volumes of waste

recycled.

Waste storages should be inspected

weekly to ensure nothing that can be

recycled is being disposed of.

Segregate domestic

and industrial waste.

Waste types must be

labelled in storage, through

the use of colour coded bins

or labelling on containers.



Waste will be

segregated

according to type.

If waste is found to be mixed

inappropriately, a waste

management toolbox session should

be delivered at the next pre-start

meeting.

Promote the efficient use of

resources.

Promote recycling.

Promote recycling of

material where possible on

site.

Investigate the availability of

recycling contractors for site

pick up of waste.

Volumes of waste should

be recorded.

The site will recycle

as much material as

possible.

Where recycling facilities are

available and are not used, a waste

management toolbox session should

be delivered at the next pre-start

meeting.

Educate staff on correct waste

disposal.

Make sure all staff

understand the

different waste

streams on site.

Include waste disposal

instructions in the site

induction.

Inspect waste disposals

to ensure waste is being

properly segregated.

Waste will be

segregated

according to type.

Where waste is being disposed of

inappropriately, a toolbox session

should be delivered at the next pre-

start meeting.



59

Dust, noise and vibration management plan

The nearest sensitive receptor to the Project site is the Mungalawurra community, approximately

25km (in a straight line) from the site. Based on the activities proposed under this MMP, it is

highly unlikely the residents of Mungalawurra community would be negatively impacted by

dust, noise and vibration from the operation.

To reduce the risk of impact to environmental receptors, this dust, noise and vibration

management plan aims to control dust generated by traffic related to the project, and also

reduce noise and vibration caused by the refurbishment activities. Further works to manage

dust, noise and vibration are detailed in Table 19.

60



Table 19: Dust, noise and vibration management matrix

objective target management and

mitigation

monitoring AND


non-conformance and

corrective action

Prevent dust from

becoming a nuisance.

Minimise dust from

refurbishment

activities.

Use dust suppressing

water carts with a mixture

of polymer or molasses

dust suppressant

chemical on the site

roads.

The refurbished crusher

plant for crushing ore will

be fitted with a dust

suppression system.

Dust generation will be

monitored visually and dust

suppression polymers or

molasses with water carts

will be used in dry periods.

Depositional dust should

remain below nuisance dust

limits, which on a visual

inspection would be sufficient

to create a visible layer of dust

on a parked car or outdoor

furniture in one day.

An excess of depositional dust

will prompt an increase in the

use of water for dust

suppression.

The use of a polymer or

molasses dust suppressant

chemical will reduce the

amount of water required for

dust suppressant.

Minimise noise and

vibration from


Limit machinery

noise.

Install sound proofing

and noise abatement

controls on machinery

where applicable.

Where noise abatement

controls exist for a machine,

they must be installed and

used.

Machinery noise will be limited.

When machinery is inspected,

lack of sound proofing should

be noted and rectified.

Ensure vehicles are

maintained as per

manufacturer’s

instructions

A vehicle maintenance

register must be kept.

There will be a vehicle

maintenance register that

shows up to date maintenance

actions.

Where vehicles are inspected

and maintenance is found to

be out of date, an incident

report must be completed and

the vehicle taken offline until it

can be maintained.

Limit noise impacts

on staff.

Ensure staff utilise hearing

protection on site where

appropriate.

Provide hearing protection

for staff.

Staff will wear hearing

protection where required.

Any staff complaint on noise

exposure must be

acknowledged within 24 hours

and an investigation initiated

within 48 hours of receiving

the complaint.

61



objective target management and

mitigation

monitoring AND


non-conformance and

corrective action

Install signs in areas

where hearing protection

is required.

Conduct spot checks to

ensure staff are wearing

appropriate hearing

protection.

Staff will wear hearing

protection where required.

Any staff complaint on noise

exposure must be

acknowledged within 24 hours

and an investigation initiated

within 48 hours of receiving

the complaint.

Operate a complaints

process to ensure

stakeholder feedback is

handled promptly and

issues resolved

satisfactorily.

Deal with

complaints

promptly and

resolve issues in a

satisfactory fashion.

Maintain a complaints

register and communicate

that register to staff and

the local stakeholders.

Review the register for

complaints monthly.

Complaints received will be

dealt with successfully.

If, on review, complaints were

found to not be acknowledged

or resolved promptly, an

investigation must be

undertaken into the reason for

this.

62



Water Management Water for the Project will be sourced for the operations from the historical Warrego Mine. A

submersible pump will be used in the shaft to pump water from the shaft to the processing

operations.

There was a program of groundwater and surface water monitoring in place prior to the closure

of the Warrego mine site in 2005. Where available, the relevant data will be reviewed and

incorporated into the new monitoring program. TCMG intends to re-establish water monitoring

during site operations. A monitoring schedule will form part of the routine site inspections and

include quarterly monitoring of standing water levels at the site and quarterly sampling of

groundwater monitoring bores and monitoring surface water sites following significant rainfall

events.

Current conditions

There is no surface water within the Project area. The Project is located within the Barkly

catchment in Victoria River Wiso Drainage basin group. Drainage in the regional vicinity of the

Project site is generally poorly developed with ephemeral meandering streams traversing alluvial

areas. The main ephemeral watercourse is Phillip Creek, which is east of the Project site area and

runs generally from west to east across the Stuart Highway. Rainfall rates and climatic variations

are discussed in section 2.1.1.

There is little surface run off and no direct run off into Philip Creek from the immediate Project

site. Flood waters could eventually reach Philip Creek via intermittent streams to the east and

west of the site. Natural drainage overall is minimally restricted by historical site infrastructure,

local diversion bunding has been constructed across the site by the site’s former owners.

Anecdotically, it appears this bunding has proven to prevent ingress of floodwaters into the

historical operational areas of the site.

Should surface contamination occur due to leaks or spills, then run off in the vicinity of the

contamination will be controlled and separated from ‘clean’ run off until the contamination has

been rectified.

Surface water

Currently, there is no surface water on site; therefore, to establish the baseline contaminant

levels at the site, monitoring is planned to be undertaken following rainfall events at the site to

establish the volumes and pathways that surface waters travel to leave the historical mine site. A

monitoring program will be developed during the refurbishment phase of the project.

Groundwater

Currently, there is no groundwater monitoring being undertaken at the site; therefore, the

63



baseline groundwater contaminant levels at the site will be determined during the

refurbishment phase of the project. The site does have a number of groundwater monitoring

bores; however, because the site has been in care and maintenance, then the maintenance of

the groundwater monitoring bores is unknown and will most likely require the re-installation of

a new groundwater monitoring network.

TCMG will commit to re-establishing the groundwater monitoring network across the Project

site.

Information/knowledge gaps

Identification of information/knowledge gaps

TCMG understands that little to no groundwater or surface water monitoring data has been

collected from the historical Warrego site since the site operations went into care and

maintenance at the end of 2005. Groundwater and surface water monitoring will need to

recommence as part of the Project.

Site contamination levels will need to be established within the Project area.

Filling information/knowledge gaps

When groundwater and surface water quality data is received from the first of TCMG’s

monitoring program, this data will be used with available historical monitoring data to form a

baseline for the future monitoring program.

Monitoring of water quality over time (inflow water and monitoring bore water) will be

completed and reported in subsequent MMPs.

Water account

The data collected will also be used to provide a water account based on the Minerals Council of

Australia Water Accounting Framework, which will be reported to DITT in subsequent MMPs.

Incident Reporting

Incident reporting–internal and external Reporting to the DITT will be in accordance with Regulations 3 and 4 of the Mining Management

Act and any individual reporting requirements contained in any authorisations issued under the

Mining Management Act.

The procedure for reporting is:

All incidents are to be reported to the General Manager as soon as the incident is identified.

Examples of reportable incidents include spills (chemicals and fuel), burst or leaking pipelines

and excessive dust generation.

The General Manager will be responsible for onward reporting of qualifying incidents to the

DITT as soon as practicable, but within 24 hours of discovery of the incident.

Management of the incident will be in accordance with the steps described in the management

plans, depending on the nature of the incident. An incident register will be maintained by the

site General Manager and will be produced for inspection if required. The incident will be

investigated to determine causes and identify procedures to prevent recurrence.

64



Process for reporting fauna impacts Any fauna that are injured or killed during refurbishment and commissioning activities should be

promptly reported to the Environmental Manager as an environmental incident.


All fauna incidents are to be reported to the Environmental Manager and the General Manager

as soon as the incident is identified.

Process for reporting cultural heritage impacts If culturally sensitive artefacts or objects are found during the refurbishment and commissioning

works, the operator shall immediately stop works in the immediate vicinity of the artefact or

object and advise the Mine Manager. The Environmental Manager shall establish an exclusion

zone around the artefact or object until it has been inspected and/or removed by a person

authorised by the Heritage Branch of the NT Government.

Process for reporting to the Department of Industry Tourism and Trade

Incidents that qualify for onward reporting to DITT should be notified within 24 hours of

discovery of the incident. In an event where an incident causes a breach of the conditions of the

Environmental Authority for the Project, reporting must be conducted in accordance with the

details of that specific condition.

DITT have produced a pro forma for the reporting of incidents under section 29 of the Mining

Management Act. A copy of this form is included as of this MMP. This pro forma, or a bespoke

incident reporting form containing the same information, should be used to report any incident

to DITT.

Incident reporting–health and safety If a workplace health and safety incident has also been identified as a ‘notifiable incident’ as

per Part 3 of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act, the General

Manager is responsible for ensuring that NT WorkSafe is notified immediately, as per Sections

35 to 39 of the Act. A ‘notifiable incident’ as outlined within the Act constitutes the following:

The death of a person.

A ‘serious injury of illness’.

A ‘dangerous incident’.


The Health Safety and Environment (HSE) Officer on site is responsible to inform NT WorkSafe

immediately via phone or email once they are aware of the incident. Written notification may

also be requested within 48 hours of the incident.

The HSE Officer will then alert the General Manager of the incident.

The HSE Officer will need to ensure that the site of the incident is preserved until a NT WorkSafe

inspector arrives or directs otherwise.

On site procedures will ensure that all staff inform the HSE Officer of any incidents or health and

safety risks on site. The HSE officer is responsible for maintaining a record of all potential health

and safety risks and updating these within the Risk Management Plan.

TCMG acknowledge that effective mitigation of health and safety risks can help to mitigate

potential environmental risks for the life of operations of the Project.

65



Process for reporting to NT WorkSafe Health and safety incidents are required to be reported to NT WorkSafe immediately after the

incident, as such communication of the incident via phone or email will be utilised.

NT WorkSafe have produced a pro forma for the reporting for Health and Safety Incidents under

Sections 35 to 39 of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act. A copy of

this pro forma is included as Appendix C of this MMP. This pro forma, or a bespoke incident

reporting form containing the same information, should be used to report any incident to NT

WorkSafe.

Closure Planning The Project occurs wholly within ML30888, which is as amalgamation of historical leases

associated with the former Warrego mine and Warrego Ore Treatment Plan. The mine and ore

treatment plant site has been previously cleared of native vegetation and topsoil prior to the

commencement of the historical mining and ore processing operation.

The Project will not be creating new site disturbances. Refurbishment activities will be carried

out on and within existing highly disturbed areas within ML30888. Rehabilitation activities will

be confined to those disturbances associated with the Project only.

1.1. Planned closure strategy

1.1.1. Expected disturbance areas

The Project site layout involves the following major infrastructure components:

Gold processing plant area and associated infrastructure (3.38ha).

Administration offices (demountable, within gold processing plant footprint).

TSF West (25ha).

Landfill (1.38ha).

Rehabilitation domains

To assist in planning for rehabilitation, the Project site has been segregated into the following

domains:

Domain 1: Gold processing facility and associated infrastructure, including site office and

ablutions, ROM pad.

Domain 2: TD1.

Domain 3: Roads and access tracks with ESC infrastructure.

Domain 4: Landfill site.

Each of these domains will require rehabilitation works and associated costing for rehabilitation

liability.

1.1.2. Completion criteria

Completion criteria are important to ensure that a clear definition of successful rehabilitation is

established for each closure domain. Completion criteria have been determined based on

surrounding land use and post closure landform designs for the Project. Criteria include:

safe to humans and wildlife

66



non-polluting

stable

able to sustain an agreed post mining land use

Reference sites relevant to each domain and closure criteria shall be established within the first

12 months of operations with the post mining land use for each domain described in Table 20.

Table 20: Completion criteria for the Project

Domain

Domain 1 All infrastructure removed

Landscape function and vegetation is resilient, self-sustaining and similar in

density and abundance to adjacent off lease areas.

Domain 2 Tailing storage facility rehabilitated to provide physically stable, safe water

shedding structure.

Domain 3 Roads and access tracks rehabilitated unless required for end land use by

pastoral leaseholder.

Domain 4 Left stable and safe to humans and wildlife



Domain 5 All infrastructure removed.



1.1.3. Post mining land use

In developing the proposed final landforms for the Project, a hierarchal approach has been

applied as follows:

Reinstate the pre-mining land use.

Reinstate ‘natural’ ecosystems to be as similar as possible to the original ecosystem.

Develop an alternative land use with higher beneficial uses than the pre-mining land use.

Develop an alternative land use with beneficial uses other than the pre-mining land use.

The WGOTP lease is located within the Phillip Creek Station pastoral lease, with the land across

the ML is flat and is suited for grazing. Pastoral activity is occurring in the immediate vicinity of

the proposed project. The land within and adjacent to the proposed disturbance is native

vegetation, albeit heavily disturbed by the fire regime and grazing activities of the region.

Based on the above, the proposed post mining land use objective for the site will be to reinstate

the pre-mining land use to be as similar as possible to the adjacent ecosystem. This will be

achieved through seeding of native species during rehabilitation works.

1.1.4. Rehabilitation implementation

TCMG will engage appropriately qualified earthworks and demolition contractors to undertake

the material movement and the bulk of rehabilitation and final earthworks at the site.

The works will be undertaken with the supervision of management and in accordance with the

WGOTP MMP. Given the short nature of the proposed project, the opportunity for progressive

rehabilitation will be limited; however, TCMG will be willing to implement rehabilitation activities

on areas as they become available should they not be required for future operations.

67



1.1.5. Rehabilitation tasks by domain

Domain 1: Gold processing facility and associated infrastructure

The associated infrastructure domain includes the ROM pad footprint , incorporating the

crusher, offices and fuel storage .

Works required for rehabilitation of infrastructure areas will include removal of:

administration offices (demountable)

ablutions (demountable)

fuel storage tanks

crusher

generators.

When all infrastructure is removed by licenced contractors, associated disturbance areas will

undergo rehabilitation. This will involve the following tasks:

Concrete pads will be broken up and either salvaged, disposed of on site or used as clean

landfill in areas of existing disturbance where the landform is amenable to filling.

Treatment/removal of localised contamination (i.e. hydrocarbon spillages).

Reshaping of disturbed surfaces.

Spreading of available topsoil on reshaped surfaces and/or deep ripping of surfaces whether or

not topsoil is available.

Contour ripping to assist with water infiltration and surface water control.

Seeding of ripped surfaces.

Domain 2: TD1 Following an appropriate desiccation and consolidation or drying out period for period the TD1

complex. A single capillary break layer is proposed for capping of the tails storage facility. On

this basis, the following capping layers are proposed:

Capillary break layer 1 – Nominally 0.5m layer, selected material with suitable properties (e.g.

coarse material of appropriate size distribution) may require screening.

Low permeability layer – Nominally 0.5m layer, selected material with suitable properties (e.g.

clay content) may require screening and likely to require compaction to achieve minimum target

permeability.

Protection layer (for low permeability layer)/extended growth media layer – Nominally 0.5m

layer, selected material with suitable properties (i.e. will depend on other material properties and

cover design for trade-off between suitability to maintain vegetation and water shedding

properties to limit nett percolation) may require screening.

Growth media layer – Nominally 0.5m layer, selected material with suitable properties (e.g.

topsoil, other suitable material) may require requiring sourcing, screening, carting and

placement.

Suitable materials are likely to exist on site for the capillary break layer in the form of waste rock.

Low permeability and growth media materials exist onsite in the form of shallow red clayey soils.

Schedule of quantities and final design of the capping layer will be investigated during the

operational phase of the Project.

68



Domain 3: Roads and access tracks

Roads and access tracks will be rehabilitated using available materials stockpiled in windrows to

the side of the roads. Road surfaces will be ripped, stockpiled material will be respread and

surfaces will be again ripped and then seeded. ESC infrastructure along the roads will be

rehabilitated in a similar fashion.

Domain 4: Landfill site Immediately following closure, it is likely that the landfill site will continue to be required to be

used for the disposal of residual wastes from the recently rehabilitated areas. Following final

rehabilitation works of the WGOTP domains, the landfill site will be suitably covered and

rehabilitated and revegetated to establish landscape function and vegetation that is resilient,

self-sustaining and similar in density and abundance to the adjacent off lease areas.

Unplanned closure strategy In the event of an unplanned closure, operations will cease and all equipment and mobile

infrastructure fuels and chemicals will be removed from site.

In the event the site is placed in care and maintenance, environmental monitoring of surface and

groundwater will continue to take place at the frequency nominated in Table 15 of this report.

Erosion and sediment control infrastructure will be inspected on a routine basis for integrity, and

the entire site will be inspected monthly to ensure there is no risk of ongoing environmental

harm.

Should the site be nominated for closure, the planned closure strategy will be implemented.

Rehabilitation and revegetation monitoring The monitoring objective for rehabilitation at the Project is to provide evidence that the

designed landscape is stable, with nutrient cycling and vegetation indices equal to or above

those of the control transect within the analogue site. The results of the rehabilitation

monitoring program will be the primary mechanism by which government departments and

agencies determine rehabilitation success.

1.1.6. Monitoring methods–landscape function analysis

Tongway and Hindley (2004) developed the landscape function analysis (LFA) as the CSIRO’s

principal method for mine rehabilitation assessment within the arid zone. LFA is an indicator-

based monitoring procedure that evaluates soil surface processes to examine how well a

landscape is working as a biophysical system in relation to disturbance or rehabilitation.

LFA monitoring methods comprise assessing a suite of parameters at different landscape

positions on each site, namely on flats, slopes and in troughs. Repeated edaphic (soil properties)

and biological measurements are taken over time for various parameters that indicate changes

in ecosystem function as rehabilitation proceeds. The goal of rehabilitation is to achieve a self-

sustaining landscape. A self-sustaining ecosystem would not need further additions of nutrients,

seed, water or other management inputs. The CSIRO LFA method, as detailed by Tongway and

Hindley (2004), would be used to inform the monitoring program design; however, some

modification to this method may be required to address the site-specific variables at Warrego.

69



LFA is typically conducted as an annual monitoring event and TCMG has made this commitment

to rehabilitation monitoring post closure. The results of the LFA monitoring and

recommendations will be discussed in the Operational Performance Reports presented following

rehabilitation and completion of site activities.

In general, the LFA method would involve monitoring of the following three groups of sites:

Natural site(s):

Disturbed analogue(s) may be utilised due to the presence of stock (grazing pressure) to

consider the impact of stock.

Rehabilitated sites:

Reference sites for rehabilitation performance, successful or otherwise.

Disturbance sites:

Gold processing facilities and ROM pad.

TD1.

Roads and tracks.

Landfill site.

Analogue sites would be chosen as close as possible to the rehabilitated area so that the same

climatic and environmental conditions exist at both sites to the extent possible.

Specific LFA monitoring sites are yet to be selected; however, the LFA methodology would be

applied to the processing facilities pad, roads and offices area, which would be treated as a

single site, and the existing TD1 footprints. This program would survey the entire rehabilitated

area, due to the comparative small size of these areas and record percentage of plant cover,

identify plant species present and note the development of erosional features in comparison to

a neighbouring analogue site.

1.1.7. Financial provisions for rehabilitation

Overview In accordance with section 43 of the Mining Management Act, the WGOTP site is required to

submit a security bond to the NT Government to prevent or minimise environmental harm

caused by the activities, specifically for the completion of rehabilitation should the holder of the

mining lease and MMP be unable to complete the required works in accordance with this MMP.

Calculation of financial provision Section 43A of the Mining Management Act specifies that the Minister will calculate the required

amount of security to be provided to the Northern Territory Government. Once the security

bond is set, the amount will be reviewed in conjunction with the Government to ensure it

remains consistent with the level of disturbance caused by the project at any specific time.

Table 21 details the security calculation for the WGOTP. TCMG propose that during the

refurbishment period of this WGOTPMMP no liability and no security be applicable.

During the commissioning period, TCMG would recognise the liability associated with the

infrastructure and extractive domains associated with this WGOTPMMP.

During initial operations, TCMG would recognise the liability associated with the TSF domain

associated with a future WGOTP MMP.

70



The proposed bond details are included in Appendix D.

References Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS). (2010). Land

Clearing Guidelines. Darwin, Northern Territory: Department of Natural Resources, Environment,

the Arts and Sport.

Fowler, B., Minns, A., & Holmes, R. (1998). Normandy Gold Pty Ltd Tennant Creek Operations

Environment Management Plan 1998.

Giants Reef Mining Limited. (2003). Mine Management Plan Warrego Ore Treatment Plant

Tennant Creek, Northern Territory.

Groundwater Resource Management Pty Ltd (2009). Hydrological baseline assessment Wonarah

Phospate Project.

Hollingsworth, I. D. (2000). Warrego Soil Contamination Project Report for Normandy Tennant

Creek Pty Ltd by EWL Sciences Pty Ltd.

Isabell, R.F. 1996. The Australian Soil Classification. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria

NT Infonet NT NRM Report - Warrego Mill Weed Report. Retrieved from

http://www.infonet.org.au

Tongway, D. J., & Hindley, N. I. (2004). Landscape function analysis: Procedures for monitoring

and assessing landscapes with special reference to minesites and rangelands. Version 3.1.

Canberra, ACT: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems.

Maps

http://www.infonet.org.au/

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Weed Report for Warrego

NT WorkSafe Proforma

Security Calculation

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