EIS 1563

Environmental impact statement for the development of the

Girilambone north copper mines: incorporating additional

developments within the Girilambone Copper Mine ACN 057 083 637

ENVRONMEN1AL IMPACT SIATEMENT

FOR IMALL DEVELOPMENT

OF THE GIRILAMBONE NORTH COPPER MINES (Incorporating Additional Developments within the Girilambone Copper Mine)

Prepared in conjunction with: R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited I

I GIRILAMBONE COPPER COMPANY PTY LTD (ACN: 057 083 637) I on behalf of: Nord Resources (Pacific) Pty Ltd (ACN : 001 657 272)

I and I Straits Mining Pty Ltd (ACN : 055 020 614) I

I ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

I' FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE

I GIRILAMBONE NORTH COPPER MINES

I (INCORPORATING ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE

I GIRILAMBONE COPPER MINE) I I PREPARED BY: IN CONJUNCTION WITH: I Girilambone Copper Company Pty Ltd R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited Booroomugga Road Geological & Environmental Consultants GIRILAMBONE N.S.W. 2831 75 Kite Street I ORANGE N.S.W. 2831 ACN : 057 083 637 ACN : 002 033 712

I Telephone: (068) 33 1091 Telephone: (063) 62 5411 I Facsimile: (068) 33 1049 Facsimile: (063) 613622 I

August 1995 Report No: 117/11 1: 117girilambone/eis95 COPYRIGHT

R.W. Corkerv & Co. Pty Limited 1995 (a) and Nord Resources (Pacific) Pty Ltd/Straits Mining Pty Ltd

All intellectual property and copyright reserved.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this report may be reproduced by any process without written permission.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED FORM 2 SUBMISSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) prepared under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 Section 77

EIS prepared by:

Name: Mr Robert William Corkery Qualifications: B.Sc.(Hons), M. AppLSc. Address: 75 Kite Street ORANGE N.S.W. 2800

in respect of: The development of the Girilambone North Copper Mines and additional developments within the Girilambone Copper Mine.

Development Application:

Applicants' Name: Nord Resources (Pacific) Pty Ltd and Straits Mining Pty Ltd Applicants' Address: P.O. Box 12 GIRILAMBONE N.S.W. 2831

Land to be developed: Existing Mine Site All lots in Sections 1-16 DP 986 All roads internal to the private town of Girilambone DP 751315 - Portions 2, 3, 4, 5, Pt 12, 20, PWP & TL 22,29, 32 33, 34, 56, 57, 100, 110, 111, 112, 113, 123, 145 l)P827919 - Lot2 Public Roads Vested in Bogan Shire Council Crown Reserve Roads Proiect Site - Mining Lease Application No. 2 DP 751315 - Lots ii, 13, 14, 19, 30, 40, 51, 108, 138, 139, 140 and 141 l)P827919 - Lot 1 Public Road Crown Reserve Roads Reserve 1230 M for Mining or Mining Purposes Parish: G id il am bone County: Ca nbelego

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

An Environmental Impact Statement is attached.

CERTIFICATE: I, Robert William Corkery, of 75 Kite Street, Orange, N.S.W., hereby certify that I have prepared the contents of this Statement and to the best of my knowledge it is in accordance with Clauses 51 and 52 of the Environmental Pl; nm and Assessment Regulation, 1994 and it is true in all maUrticulars and does not, by its presentation or omission of inl iCi' , materia

Signature:

Name: ROBERT WILLIAPCORKERY

Date: I

I CONTENTS I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES GCC Contents

I CONTENTS I Page Page

FORM 2 iii SECTION 2: DESCRIPTION OF THE I PROPOSAL SUMMARY xv ii PREAMBLE 25 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION 2.1 UU I LII\11 OF I HE rr%JO1\L

PREAMBLE 1 2.1.1 Objectives 27 I 2.1.2 Overview of the Proposal 27 1.1 SCOPE 3 2.1.3 Approvals Required 28 1.2 DOCUMENT FORMAT 3 I 2.2 MINING AND EXPLORATION 1.3 THE APPLICANTS 5 TENEMENTS 32 I 1.4 BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSAL 6 2.2.1 Mining Tenements 32 1.5 THE EXISTING OPERATIONS 7 2.2.2 Exploration Tenements 34

1.5.1 Introduction 7 2.3 ORE BODIES 34 I 1.5.2 Approvals 7 2.4 MINING METHODS 37 1.5.3 Mining and Ore Production 8 1.5.4 Waste Rock Management 13 2.4.1 Open Cut Mining 37 1 1.5.5 Ore Handling and Crushing 13 2.4.1.1 Design 37 1.5.6 Heap Leaching and Copper 2.4.1.2 Mining Method 37 Recovery 13 2.4.1.3 Sequence of Mining 41 I 1.5.7 Mining Rates and Working Hours 15 2.4.1.4 Mining Rates 41 1.5.7.1 Mining Rates 15 2.4.1.5 Mining Equipment 42 I 1.5.7.2 Working Hours 17 2.4.2 Underground Mining 43 1.5.8 Transportation 17 2.5 WASTE ROCK MANAGEMENT 44 1.5.9 Infrastructure and Services 18 I 2.5.1 Waste Rock Characteristics 44 1.6 FUTURE OPERATIONS 20 2.5.2 Waste Rock Quantities 46 1.6.1 Introduction 20 2.5.3 Selection of Emplacement I 1.6.2 Open Cut Mining 20 Sites 46 1.6.3 Underground Mining 20 2.5.4 Site Preparation 47 1.6.4 Heap Leach Operations 20 2.5.5 Emplacement Design 47 1.6.5 Copper Recovery 21 2.5.6 Method of Construction 48

GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY 1.7 2.6 SITE ACCESS AND ORE TRANSPORT 51 CONSULTATION 21 Site Access 51 1.7.1 Government Consultation 21 2.6.1 1.7.2 Community Consultations 22 2.6.1.1 Existing Mine Site 51 2.6.1.2 Girilambone North Mines 51 1.8 ONGOING DOCUMENTATION 22 2.6.2 Haul Road Route 51 1.9 MANAGEMENT OF INVESTIGATIONS 23 2.6.3 Haul Road Design 53

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2.6.4 Road Construction 53 SECTION 3: DESCRIPTION OF THE 2.6.4.1 Sources of Materials 53 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 2.6.4.2 Method of Construction 53 PREAMBLE 73 2.6.4.3 Construction Timetable 54 2.6.5 Traffic Types and Levels 54 3.1 TOPOGRAPHY 75 2.6.6 Booroomugga Road Diversion 54 3.1.1 Local Topography 75 3.1.2 Project Site Topography 75 2.7 ORE PROCESSING AND TREATMENT 55 3.2 DRAINAGE 80

2.7.1 Introduction 55 3.2.1 Regional Drainage 80 2.7.2 Heap Leach Pad Design 55 3.2.2 Local Drainage 80 2.7.3 Heap Construction 3.2.3 Project Site Drainage 80 and Operation 56 2.7.4 Copper Recovery 56 3.3 GEOLOGY 83

2.8 WORKING HOURS AND 3.3.1 Regional Geology 83 PROJECT LIFE 59 3.3.2 Local Geology 2.8.1 Working Hours 59 and Mineralisation 83 2.8.2 Project Life 59 3.3.3 Project Site Geology and Mineralisation 83 2.9 EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING 60 3.4 SOILS AND LAND/AGRICULTURAL 2.10 SERVICES AND AMENITIES 60 CAPABILITY 84

2.10.1 Water 60 3.4.1 Soil Occurrences 84 2.10.2 Fuel 61 3.4.2 Land Capability 85 2.10.3 Amenities 61 3.4.3 Agricultural Capability 85

2.11 REHABILITATION 61 3.5 METEOROLOGY 86 2.11.1 Introduction 61 3.5.1 Introduction 86 2.11.2 Open Cut Mines 64 3.5.2 Temperature 86 2.11.3 Waste Rock Emplacements 65 3.5.3 Rainfall 88 2.11.4 Heap Leach Pads 65 3.5.4 Evaporation 88 2.11.5 Road Network 66 - 3.5.5 Temperature Inversions 88 2.11.5.1 Haul Road 66 3.5.6 Wind 88 2.11.5.2 Booroomugga Road Diversion 66 3.6 WATER RESOURCES 89 2.11.5.3 Booroomugga Road 66 2.11.6 Borrow Pit 67 3.6.1 Surface Water 89 2.11.7 Maintenance 67 3.6.1.1 Occurrence 89 3.6.1.2 Surface Water Quality 89 2.12 DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS 67 3.6.2 Groundwater 93 2.13 DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES 69 3.6.2.1 Occurrence 93 3.6.2.2 Groundwater Quality 94 2.13.1 Introduction 69 2.13.2 Temporary Closure of 3.7 NOISE LEVELS 94 Booroomugga Road 69 2.13.3 Waste Rock Emplacements 72 3.8 AIR QUALITY 96

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - ix - GCC F Contents I Page Page

3.9 FLORA AND FAUNA 97 SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS AND IMPACT I 3.9.1 Introduction 97 ASSESSMENT 3.9.2 Project Site Flora 97 PREAMBLE 115 I 3.9.2.1 Survey Methods 97 I 3.9.2.2 Results 97 4.1 INTRODUCTION 117 3.9.3 Project Site Fauna 100 4.2 SURFACE WATER 117 3.9.3.1 Survey Methods 100 I 4.2.1 Objectives 117 3.9.3.2 Survey Results 101 4.2.2 Safeguards and 3.10 ARCHAEOLOGY 102 Management Procedures 118 I 4.2.2.1 Open Cut Mines and 3.10.1 Introduction 102 Waste Rock Emplacements 118 3.10.2 Previous Archaeological 4.2.2.2 Haul Road 121 I Studies 103 4.2.2.3 Heap Leach Pad No. 4 122 3.10.3 Survey Method 103 4.2.3 Impacts 122 3.10.4 Survey Results 104 4.2.4 Monitoring 122 3.10.5 Assessment of the I 4 .3 GROUNDWATER 123 Significance of the Archaeological Sites 104 4.4 AIR QUALITY 124 106 I 3.11 MINING HISTORY 4.5 SOIL MANAGEMENT 125

3.12 ZONING, LAND USE AND LAND 4.6 NOISE AND BLASTING 126 OWNERSHIP 106 1 4.7 TRANSPORTATION 127 3.12.1 Zoning 106 FLORA AND FAUNA 128 3.12.2 Project Site Land Use 107 4.8 I 3.12.3 Surrounding Land Use 107 Seven-Point Test of Significance - 3.12.4 Land Ownership 107 Girilambone North Mines 128-1 29 107 a 3.12.5 Surrounding Residences 4.9 VISUAL ASPECTS 130 3.13 VISIBILITY 110 4.10 LAND USE AND ADJACENT LAND USERS 130 3.14 SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS 110 4.11 ARCHAEOLOGY 131 3.14.1 Introduction 110 131 3.14.2 Population 111 4.12 BUSHFIRES 3.14.3 Employment 111 4.13 SOCIO-ECONOMICS 132

3.15 TRANSPORTATION ASPECTS 111 SECTION 5: EVALUATION OF THE I 3.15.1 Road Network 111 PROPOSAL 3.15.2 Rail Network 113 PREAMBLE 133 3.15.3 Air Transport 113 I 5.1 JUSTIFICATION OF THE 3.16 SERVICES 113 PROPOSAL 135 I 3.16.1 GirilamboneTownship 113 5.1.1 Introduction 135 3.16.2 Water 114 5.1.2 Biophysical Considerations 135 3.16.3 Telecommunications 114 5.1.3 Economic Considerations 136 I 3.16.4 Power 114 5.1.4 Social Considerations 137

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5.2 EVALUATION OF ECOLOGICAL 3.6 Groundwater Quality 95 SUSTAINABILITY 138 3.7 Deposited Dust Levels - 5.2.1 Introduction 138 Girilambone Area 96

5.2.2 Principles of [SD 138 3.8 Proximity of Surrounding Residences 110 5.3 CONSEQUENCES OF NOT PROCEEDING WITH THE 3.9 Socio-Economic Summary 112 DEVELOPMENT 141 4.1 Summary of Environmental 5.4 CONCLUSION 142 Safeguards, Procedures and Impacts 123-132

REFERENCES 145

FIGURES

APPENDICES

1.1 Locality Plan 4 Appendix Correspondence from Department of Planning 151 1.2 Existing Mine Site 9 Appendix Cortespondence from 1.3 SX-EW Process Flowsheet Government Authorities 157 Schematic 16 Appendix 3: Energy Statement 161 2.1 Proposed Site Layout 29 2.2 Exploration and Mining Tenements 33 TABLES 2.3 Open Cut Mine Sections 35

1.1 Approved Hours of Operations 17 2.4 Open Cut Mine Layouts 39 2.1 Area of Disturbance Associated 2.5 Waste Rock Emplacements 49 with Proposed Project Activities 28 2.2 Ore Types, Descriptions and 2.6 Conceptual Haul Road 52 Resource Estimates 36 2.7 Heap Leach Pads 57 2.3 Proposed Sequence of Mining 41 2.8 Final Landform - Project Site 62 2.4 Proposed Ore and Waste Rock Mining Rates 42 2.9 Conceptual Final Landform - 2.5 Proposed Mining Equipment 43 Heap Leach Pads 63 2.6 Geochemical Characterisation 2.10 Future Development Prospects 68 of Waste Rocks 45 2.11 2.7 Estimated Waste Rock Quantities Development Alternatives 70 ('000 bcm) 46 3.1 Local Setting 76 2.8 Proposed Project Life 59 3.2 Project Site Topography 79 3.1 Topography of Project Site Components 75 3.3 Drainage 81 3.2 Climatic Summary 87 3.4 Project Site Ecology 98 3.3 Surface Water Quality - Existing Mine Site 90 3.5 Project Site Archaeology 105 3.4 Baseline Surface Water 3.6 Land Ownership 108 Quality Monitoring Locations 92 3.7 Surrounding Residences 3.5 Surface Water Quality - 109 Project Site and Surrounds 93 4.1 Water Management 119

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - xi - GCC I Contents Page Page I I PLATES

I 1.1 An oblique aerial view to the north-west across the Girilambone Copper Mine towards the Project Site 11 I 1.2 An oblique aerial view to the south-west towards the Murrowombie Open Cut 11 I 1.3 An oblique aerial view to the north-west across the waste rock emplacement immediately west of the I Murrowombie Open Cut 11 1.4 An oblique aerial view to the north-west across Heap Leach I PadsNosland2 11 3.1 An oblique aerial view to the south-east across the area of the Proposed I Girilambone North Mines 77 3.2 An oblique aerial view to the north-west along the proposed haul road to the I Girilambone North Mines 77 A Girilambone North Mines and Existing Mine Site At back I of Document I I I I I I I 1

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED SUMMARY

I I -xv- I I SUMMARY

I INTRODUCTION

This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared to accompany a I Development Application by Girilambone Copper Company Pty Ltd on behalf of Nord Resources (Pacific) Pty Ltd and Straits Mining Pty Ltd (the "Applicants"):

for the development of the Girilambone North Mines; and

I to undertake additions and alterations to the existing Girilambone Copper Mine resulting from the activities associated with the I Girilambone North Mines.

Since the Girilambone Copper Mine commenced operations on site in October 1992, Li the Applicants, through their Exploration Joint Venture, have defined three additional copper deposits similar in mineralogy to the ore currently being mined in the Murrowombie Open Cut on the Existing Mine Site. Figure A shows the locations of I the Existing Mine Site and the three open cut mines proposed to recover the predominantly oxide copper ore. The three proposed mines (Hartmans, Larsens and I North-east) are collectively referred to as the Girilambone North Mines. In addition to requiring Development Consent from Bogan Shire Council, the Applicants are also seeking an additional Mining Lease (Mining Lease Application No. 2) and Pollution Control Approval for the proposed activities. I THE PROPOSAL

I The Applicants propose to develop three satellite open cut mines approximately 4 km north-west of the Existing Mine Site to recover a range of copper-bearing ores for leaching and copper recovery on the Existing Mine Site. The open cut mines would be developed sequentially using conventional open cut mining techniques similar to those employed in the Murrowombie Open Cut. Much of the early development for each open cut would involve stripping of waste rock because the ore is between 40 in and I 60 in below the surface. Once exposed, the ore would be transported in campaigns via a new haul road to the Existing Mine Site. Each haulage campaign would be of approximately 4 to 5 days duration. The waste rock from the open cut mines would be transported to two waste rock emplacements to be developed adjacent to the open cut mines. An opportunity may I exist to partially backfill the initial open cut developed (Hartmans Open Cut - Figure A). In total approximately 160 ha of land would be disturbed on and around the I Girilambone North Mines. I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED

IS C:\RWC\1 17\FIG—A.DWC

oc E placement

N Open Cut

/ artm iOn Cut

Waste Emplacement

I La C u

Soil Stor anAr I NORTH MINES

REFERENCE I

PropOSed F0500 I 1 " " Power Line I Project Site Boundary I C -01 Contour (interval = 5m)

.5 Road a I

0 Existing Road I , (if Requl edt Fenced Off

Bomuggoa Diversion N7

Sedimentation

Eoiting Weote Rook Empieonmn

M rw bi Open Cut

Exintiog Leech Pad / Exioting Leach -- Leech Pad Pad IN 3 \ N 2 / 56/ t)J % EXISTING MINE SITE entesen

SCALE 1:30000 \çFiure 4

500 0 500 7000 1500 GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES AND EXISTING MINE SITE

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I I

Ore from the Girilambone North Mines would be transported to the existing Run-of- I Mine (ROM) pad. It would then be blended and fed into the crushing and screening plant for size reduction, after which it would be placed upon either the existing or one A of the two proposed new heap leach pads. During the four year life of Girilambone North Mines, the Applicants expect to recover approximately 3.6 Mt of copper-bearing ore which would yield approximately I 32 000 t of copper. The ore produced would effectively increase the operational life of the copper production at the Girilambone Copper Mine by approximately 2 years.

I Approximately 32 million tonnes of waste rock would be mined to recover the copper- bearing ore, the bulk of which would be oxidised rock. Approximately 7 per cent of the I waste rock would be fresh, unoxidised rock which may contain some sulphidic materials capable of generating acid in excess of the levels which could be naturally neutralised. The Applicants propose to encapsulate all fresh waste rock within a pre- I determined area of the waste rock emplacements, irrespective of its ability to produce acid. If Hartmans Open Cut is partially backfilled, the fresh rock would be placed beneath the projected regional groundwater table.

The Existing Mine Site would remain the source of all services throughout the life of the Girilambone North Mines. The only buildings to be constructed adjacent to the I Girilambone North Mines would be a small lunch room and an ablutions block. All vehicles and mining equipment would be fuelled and serviced via the Contractor's service truck. Any major servicing and repairs would be carried out at the workshop on the Existing Mine Site. Water for dust suppression would be drawn from on-site dams and from water pumped from the Existing Mine Site (originally from the Bogan and I Macquarie Rivers). All site components would be rehabilitated in a manner that provides a low maintenance, stable and safe landform where potential soil erosion is adequately I controlled. The open cuts would remain as voids surrounded by a trench and windrow to prevent long term inadvertent access. Rehabilitation of the waste rock Li emplacements would comprise predominantly rock-facing on the final batters and topsoiled near flat surfaces. The Applicants would manage not only the area affected by the mining proposal but the remainder of land under their control to ensure issues I relating to stocking rates, bushfire management, weed and vermin control are properly managed so as not to adversely affect any neighbour. I I THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

The Girilambone North Mines are located on and adjacent to a small ridge line that I forms a local watershed between Sidburys Creek (which also flows near the Existing Mine Site) and an un-named creek that flows to the north-east. Both creeks ultimately I flow into the Bogan River. I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED - xviii- -

The proposed areas of disturbance are devoid of much of their original topsoil but still retain much of their original vegetation, albeit that most of the shrubs and groundcover have been heavily grazed for many years. Both open woodlands and low woodlands occur within the areas to be disturbed. None of the plant species recorded in areas to be disturbed are rare or threatened or of conservation significance. The fauna on the Project Site are similar to those which could be expected to be found in the eastern parts of the semi-arid zone. No known or likely endangered species nor habitats of endangered species that could be significantly affected by the Applicants' proposal were identified on site. A number of archaeological sites were identified during a survey of the proposed areas of disturbance and their surrounds. None of the sites identified are of sufficient importance to restrict the proposed activities, although Consents to Destroy would be required for up to seven sites. The area around the proposed Girilambone North Mines is sparsely settled with the closest non-project related residences to the new activities at a distance of approximately 2.7 km. Booroomugga Road, an unsealed rural road, crosses the proposed haul road west of the entrance to the Existing Mine Site.

SAFEGUARDS AND IMPACTS

The development of the Girilambone North Mines and the alterations and additions to the Existing Mine Site have been planned with a range of design and operational safeguards to ensure all components of the surrounding environment are not adversely affected by the proposal. The principal safeguards and impacts are as follows.

All activities would be undertaken with appropriate erosion and sediment controls in place prior to disturbance. Sediment controls include sediment traps, silt-stop fencing, diversion banks and collection banks. Emphasis would he placed on progressive clearing and soil disturbance. With all of these controls in place, the bulk of sediments would be controlled on-site. No changes to the chemistry of surface runoff are predicted.

A range of measures and design features has been incorporated into the proposal to ensure any suiphidic waste rock encountered is not oxidised and causes any long term changes to water quality. The principal feature to ensure an acceptable level of impact would be the encapsulation of all fresh waste rock into the waste rock emplacements or placement of that waste rock into Hartmans Open Cut below the long term groundwater table that would re-establish after mining ceases.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I I

All saline groundwater accumulating in sumps in the open cuts would be I used for dust suppression in and around the open cuts and waste rock emplacements. The configuration of the emplacements by the time saline water is encountered would enable all runoff to be directed I towards the open cuts.

A range of controls, similar to those already shown to be effective in controlling surface water and process solutions, would be installed around and beneath Heap Leach Pad No. 4 should it be constructed. I The controls include liners, diversion banks, leak detection systems, and a sedimentation basin designed to contain a I in 100 year, 72 hour storm event. With such controls in place, the impact of the construction and I operation of Heap Leach Pad No. 4 would be acceptable.

Eli Dust would be controlled through a range of measures to ensure an acceptable level of impact is achieved. The controls would include road watering, drilling rigs fitted with dust collection equipment and topsoil I stripping after the surface is moistened.

III Soils would be carefully managed to ensure they are transferred directly wherever possible and stored appropriately whenever necessary. Soils are to be preferentially used in rehabilitation of near-flat areas whereas I batters are to be rock-faced. Impacts of proposed activities on soil resources is assessed as acceptable. I An assessment of noise levels generated on both the Existing Mine Site and the Girilambone North Mines has shown that noise levels would be I below the EPA guideline levels principally because of the standard noise controls adopted and the considerable distance between the surrounding I residences and the areas of activities. The diversion of Booroomugga Road around the Existing Mine Site I would provide a safe route for all vehicles around the proposed haul road between the Girilambone North Mines and the ROM pad. This diversion is accepted by the local community as the safest means of I avoiding any conflict between local and mine-related traffic.

I The mining activities would not be visible whereas local motorists would notice the haultrucks travelling to and from the Existing Mine Site. I Visual impacts are assessed as acceptable. No adverse impacts are predicted on local flora and fauna. Emphasis I would be placed upon rehabilitation using native vegetation. I - t R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED The proposed activities would necessitate the removal of up to seven archaeological sites, the impact of which would be minor.

The four years of mining operations and additional two years of copper production would result in continued employment, continued spending locally and statewide, and maintenance of the diversity of the district's income and workforce, all of which represent positive impacts on the socio-economic climate.

CONCLUSION

The proposal to develop the Girilambone North Mines and incorporate additions and alterations to the Existing Mine Site has been designed with emphasis placed upon the experience gained to date in operating the Girilambone Copper Mine. Testing to confirm a range of material properties including metallurgical (chemical and physical), geotechnical properties and soils/rock characteristics are either currently in place or programmed to he undertaken as part of the feasibility study. It has been assessed that, with the implementation of appropriate design and operational safeguards, the Girilambone North Mines would not have an adverse impact upon the local environment either during or after their operation.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED -1 -

SECTION I

INTRODUCTION

PREAMBLE

This section introduces the proposal to develop the Girilambone North Mines and to undertake additions and alterations to the Girilambone Copper Mine and reviews:

details of the Applicants; the background to the proposal; the approved activities on the Girilambone Copper Mine; the existing operations and their environmental status; consultation undertaken with relevant Government Authorities and the local community; and personnel involved in project design and preparation of this document and supporting documents.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 3 - GCC I Section 1 - Introduction I 1.1 SCOPE This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared to accompany a Development Application by Girilambone Copper Company Pty Ltd on behalf of I Nord Resources (Pacific) Pty Ltd and Straits Mining Pty Ltd (the "Applicants") for the development of the Girilambone North Mines, and to undertake additions and I alterations to the Girilambone Copper Mine resulting from the activities associated with the proposed Girilambone North Mines. The document will also accompany the application to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for a Pollution Control I Approval to develop the Girilambone North Mines.

The Girilambone Copper Mine and proposed Girilambone North Mines are I respectively located approximately 3 km west and north-west of the township of Girilambone (Figure 1.1). For the purposes of this document, the area within the existing granted leases which incorporates the Girilambone Copper Mine is referred to I as the Existing Mine Site' and the area within MLA 2 is referred to as the "Project Site".

I This document incorporates all relevant information required for the granting of Development Consent and the required Pollution Control Approval. The proposed development of the Girilambone North Mines is considered as "Designated I Development" in accordance with the definitions within Schedule 3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1994.

I This document provides an overview of the existing operations on the Existing Mine Site and the programmed activities throughout the remaining life of the existing mine. I This overview is provided to enable an appreciation of the inter-relationship between the existing and proposed developments. The level of detail provided in this document is sufficient for the assessment of the impact of the proposal to be accurately assessed. I Further detail would be progressively compiled throughout the operational life of the project and be incorporated in the relevant annual or biennial review of the Mining, Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Plan (MREMP) for the combined I operations. Details of ongoing reporting for the project is discussed further in Section

1.2 DOCUMENT FORMAT

This document has been written in five sections with a set of Appendices. The I requirements of Clause 50 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1994, and the specific requirements from the Department of Urban Affairs and (Appendix 2) are addressed I Planning (Appendix 1) and other Government Authorities in the most appropriate sections of the document. Apart from outlining the specific issues to be addressed, Appendices 1 and 2 also list where each issue identified is I addressed in this document.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED GCC - 4 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section / - Introduction

C:'\RWC\1 17\FIG1-1DwC

40 0 40_____ 80 120km Figure 1.1 LOCALITY PLAN

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I DS - GRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 5 - GCC I Section 1 - Introduction I The document format is as follows:

Section 1: introduces the document and the existing mining, heap leaching I and processing operations. A brief assessment is provided of the existing operations. The background to the proposal and the consultation with Statutory Authorities and local community is I outlined.

Section 2: outlines the Applicants' objectives and proposed plans for the development of the Girilambone North Mines together with the additions and alterations within the Existing Mine Site. The I proposals for waste rock emplacement and progressive rehabilitation are also outlined.

I Section 3: describes the components of the existing environment on and ' around the Project Site that have been reviewed during the preparation of this document. Those components or issues influencing or constraining the development and operations of the I project are identified. Section 4: presents the design and operational safeguards and management procedures that have been taken into account during the planning I of the Girilambone North Mines. This section also analyses the likely impact that the new mining operations would have on the surrounding enviroilment once the safeguards and procedures are I adopted. Proposed environmental monitoring procedures are also 1 outlined. Section 5: evaluates the proposal in terms of the goals and guidelines of Ecologically Sustainable Development, and justifies the ongoing I operations in terms of biophysical, economic and social considerations. The consequences of the Girilambone North Mines not proceeding and a conclusion for the entire document is I presented.

I References: incorporates references to both published information and the specific supporting reports for this document.

I 1 1.3 THE APPLICANTS The Applicants for the development of the Girilambone North Mines are Nord Resources (Pacific) Pty Ltd (ACN : 001 657 272) and Straits Mining Pty Ltd (ACN I 055 020 614). These Companies are the joint venture partners in Girilambone Copper

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I GCC - 6 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 1 - Introduction

Company Pty Ltd, the management Company formed to manage the operation of the Girilambone Copper Mine. Nord Resources (Pacific) Pty Ltd together with Nord Australex Nominees Pty Ltd are wholly owned subsidiaries of Nord Pacific Limited, an established international mining and exploration company with interests in Australia, PNG, USA and Mexico. Nord Pacific Limited is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and on the NASDAQ market system in the USA and has a market capitalisation in excess of $50 million. In Australia, Nord Australex Nominees Pty Ltd holds a 40 per cent interest in the Girilambone Copper Mine, a 50 per cent interest in exploration licences covering an area of approximately 3 000 km2 surrounding the Girilambone Copper Mine and joint venture interests in exploration tenements in Queensland and Western Australia. Other projects of Nord Pacific Limited include a 100 per cent interest in a substantial gold pre-development project at the Tabar Islands (near Lihir) in PNG, a 40 per cent interest in a major nickel-cobalt-chromite pre-development at Ramu in PNG, and a recently-acquired joint venture interest in a silver-gold prospect in Mexico. Straits Mining Pty Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Straits Resources Limited, an Australian mining company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. Straits Mining Pty Ltd has a market capitalisation of approximately $50 million. Their principal asset is a 60 per cent interest in the Girilambone Copper Mine. Straits Mining Pty Ltd also has a 50 per cent interest in the Girilambone Exploration Joint Venture and a 100 per cent interest in the Peak Downs Exploration Project covering an area of approximately 700 km2 near Clermont in Queensland. This exploration project covers an area which includes the old Peak Downs Copper Mine. Other tenements applied for in the Cobar and Parkes districts in New South Wales are considered prospective for "Cobar-style" and "Northparkes-style" base metal mineralisation as well as "Girilambone-style" secondary oxide/sulphide mineralisation.

1.4 BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSAL

In 1989, Nord Australex Nominees Pty Limited commenced a detailed drilling and metallurgical programme around the old Girilambone Copper Mine. Based on the resource defined and the identification that the recovered ore could be economically converted to metallic copper, a project was formulated. A Development Application and an accompanying Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project was lodged with Bogan Shire Council in December 1990. Development Consent was granted on the 25th March 1991 and the required Mining Lease (ML 1280) and Mining Purposes Leases (MPL 294 and 295) were granted on the 6th August 1991. The joint venture was formed in December 1991. Site activities commenced in October 1992 and by May 1993 copper production had commenced on site. In the 1990 EIS, the potential for the development of further open cut mines was outlined, particularly in the area now proposed as the Girilambone North Mines. Since 1992, the Exploration Joint Venture has proven copper resources in three areas. This

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES 7 - GCC Section 1 - Introduction

exploration activity has defined sufficient ore to develop a group of satellite mines to I the main Girilambone Copper Mine.

The proposal outlined in this document has been established following a I comprehensive review of a range of options for the processing, transportation, leaching and recovery of copper from these satellite deposits.

I I 1.5 THE EXISTING OPERATIONS

1 1.5.1 Introduction This section presents an overview of the existing operation at the Girilambone Copper I Mine so that readers can gain an appreciation of the inter-relationship between the existing mining operation and the proposed Girilambone North Mines. Information on the existing operation has been drawn from the MREMP for the mine together with I the 1995 Annual Review Figure 1.2 presents the Existing Mine Site layout and Plates 1.1 to 1.4 display a range of oblique aerial views of the current status of activities on I the Existing Mine Site. 1 1.5.2 Approvals The Existing Mine Site currently operates with the following approvals.

. Development Consent - Bogan Shire Council - Granted 25th March I 1991.

Pollution Control Approval (No. 260786C1) - Environment Protection I Authority - Granted 4th August 1992. Mining Lease (ML) 1280 - Department of Mineral Resources - I Granted 6th August 1992.

. Mining Purposes Leases (MPL) 294 and 295 - Department of Mineral I Resources - Granted 6th August 1992.

I . Pollution Control Licence No. 004501 - Environment Protection Authority - Renewed annually from 27th April. (Figure 1.2 identifies the I licence only refers to the ROM pad and crushing and screening plant).

I t R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I GCC EIS - GRILAMBONE NORTH MiNES Section 1 - Introduction

The project as approved in 1991 incorporated the: L recovery of copper by heap leaching and on-site copper production; and I

copper concentrate productions through an on-site concentrator. Approval was also granted for the construction and use of a tailings dam west of the waste rock emplacement.

To date activities have been focused on production of copper through heap leaching, however, as the ore amenable to heap leaching is depleted, attention would be placed upon production of copper concentrates. Details of the plans for construction and operation of facilities associated with the production of concentrates would be incorporated in the relevant annual or biennial review of the MREMP.

1.5.3 Mining and Ore Production

A single open cut mine referred to as the Murrowombie Open Cut (after the name of the original homestead on ML 1280) (Figure 1.2), is being mined by a conventional open cut, drill, blast, load and haul method. The ultimate open cut mine is planned to be roughly circular, having a diameter of approximately 400 m and a depth of approximately 120 m below the surrounding topography. Macmahon Construction Pty Ltd have been contracted to undertake drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, crushing and stacking of ore for the Girilambone Copper Mine.

Most of the ore and waste rock is too hard for ripping and requires drilling and blasting. Blasting occurs on most days, generally at the end of day shifts. Loading haultrucks is undertaken using hydraulic excavators. Drilling in the ore zones is undertaken well in advance of blasting. This enables the drill cuttings to be analysed for copper and metallurgical ore type and, combined with visual geological control, forms the grade control method. - In the past, high grade ore has been trucked to the run-of-mine (ROM) pad and nearby crushing station and low grade ore trucked to the low grade stockpile area immediately north of the open cut mine. Approximately 650 000 tomes of low grade ore is stockpiled in the area nominated on Figure 1.2. This practice has recently been stopped and all ore is trucked to the ROM pad. Throughout the life of the Murrowombie Open Cut a total of approximately 9.3 million bank cubic metres (bcm) or 23.5 million tonnes (Mt) of rock will be moved. Approximately 4.1 Mt or 68 per cent of the defined 6.0 Mt of copper-bearing ore capable of being mined by open cut methods has been mined to date. The ratio of waste rock to ore mined is approximately 2.9 to 1. The current cut-off grade for ore is set at 0.2 per cent copper.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED I GCC EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 1 - Introduction I - C:\RwC\117\nGl-2.DwG MPL 294 CONCRETE CROSSING TN To Canbelega, I MIN

SX POERLOF SOOROOMUGCA HIGH GRADE GOLD PLANT WATER 66/11kV ROAD STOCKPILE TREATMENT I H - LOW GRADE COPPER OFFICE PLANT TRANSFORMER T PLANT / STOCKPILE / WATER / I / CARPARK SUPPLY STOCKPILE 1 1 PIPELINE I I - - - - EXISTING sal I I I I STOCKPILE j 70 MCTEOROLOGICAL I , DUCK POND 1 RAFFINATE STATION - / +2 - PONDS ;

I RAW WATER I' I DAM I \ I DIVERSION I I EXPLOSIVES DRAIN I / WASTE ROCK MAGAZINE EMPLACEMENT 'No i EXISTING SOIL I I ) it STOCKPILE I 11kV ''LEACH POWERLINE MURROWOMBIE OPEN CUT PAD N DIVERSION a (9 Pooels) DRAIN OPEN CUT N' FINAL 1 ATION SITE OPEN CUT N OUTLINE PRIMAR( LEACH I IJTION (PLS) POND WASTE O8SE INTERMEDIATE LEACH — -.-- ROCK SOLUTION (ILS) PON 1 EMPLACEMENT if \\

I IT DEWATER I' DAM LL2gS ' DIVERSION [ SPILLWAY

Magazine'Dam z SEDIMENTATION SEDIMENTATION BASIN 2 REFERENCE if It Lease Boundary L128O"\ 73 Ill Road (Sealed/Unsealed)

Watercourse \ I Soil Stockpiles

I Area Subject to EPA Licence I- Surface Water Monitoring Site A \ I SCALE 1:10000 I (See Section 3.6) \.-& _273 Wilgabone. Tank 100 0 100 200 .300 400 500 m = Groundwater Monitoring Site Figure 1.2 (See Section 3.6) EXISTING MINE SITE I

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I

EIS GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES -11- GCC I Section 1 - Introduction I

4 1 -

2 I - _ :c::-: -Ft I I - I I I

I Plate 1.1: An oblique aerial view to the north-west across the Girilambone Copper Plate 13: An oblique aerial view to the north-west across the waste rock Mine towards the Project Site (Ref: 117AS/18) emplacement west of the Mu-rowombie Open Cut (Ref: 117AS/23) I I I I I I I 1 Plate 1.2: An oblique aerial view to the south-west towards the Murrowombie Open Cut Plate 1.4: An oblique aerial view to the north-west across Heap Leach Pad Nos 1 and 2 I (Ref: 117AT/5) (Ref: 117AS/15)

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 13 - GCC 1 Section 1 - Introduction L 1.5.4 Waste Rock Management Waste rock is transported to a waste rock emplacement located on the western side of r the Murrowombie Open Cut (Figure 1.2). The emplacement is being developed in three 10 m tiers. The outer faces of the tiers are formed first (at approximately 18°) with a 20 m wide bench left along the face of I the emplacement between tiers. Provision has been made in the design of the emplacement for the encapsulation of fresh waste rock capable of potentially generating sulphuric acid from the oxidation of suiphide minerals in the waste rock. However, testing of representative samples of fresh waste rock to date has indicated a negative nett acid producing potential result. I 1.5.5 Ore Handling and Crushing [1 Run-of-Mine (ROM) ore is transported from the open cut mine by trucks and tipped onto the ROM pad (Figure 1.2). The ores are segregated according to ore type. Reclaim from the ROM stockpile is by front-end loader to the 80 tonne capacity ROM I bin. The ores are blended to ensure a consistent copper grade feed to the leaching process. A grizzly structure mounted over the bin prevents lumps of greater than 1 000 mm diameter entering the crushing circuit. The oversize material is stockpiled I for later size reduction with a rock breaker. The crushing circuit comprises a primary and secondary crusher with appropriate I screens. The ROM ore is retrieved from the bottom of ROM bin by a vibratory feeder and fed to the primary jaw crusher at an average of 300 tonnes per hour. Primary jaw crusher discharge is conveyed to a high frequency vibrating screen with an aperture selected to control the undersize to 80 per cent passing 12.5 mm. Screen oversize is conveyed to a secondary crusher via a feed hopper. Secondary crusher product is combined with the primary jaw crusher product and again reports to the vibrating screen. The crushing and screening plant is fitted with a range of dust control measures to 1 contain dust. 1.5.6 Heap Leaching and Copper Recovery

I Crushed ore of the required size is conveyed onto one of two lined heap leach pads (referred to as Heap Leach Pad Nos 1 and 2 - Figure 1.2). The liner, formed from 1 mm thick high density polyethylene (HDPE) is placed beneath the heap to collect I the solutions applied to remove the copper from the ore. The crushed ore is laid out in panels approximately 270 m long x 70 m wide x 5.5 m high. Once a panel has been filled with ore to the desired height, the conveying and stacking system is moved laterally to commence ore stacking on the next panel and the pipework through which solution is applied to the heap is placed onto the heap surface. Leach solution is then irrigated across the surface using a network of wobbler sprinklers.

R.W. C0RKERY & CO. FTY LIMITED GCC - 14 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 1 - Introduction

The process of leaching or solubilising the copper in the ore is carried out in two stages. In Stage 1, a dilute sulphuric acid solution (approximately 10 g/L) with a pH of approximately 2 and a low copper concentration (known as Raffinate") is pumped from the Raffinate Pond (Figure 1.2) and used to irrigate ore panels which have already been partially leached. The runoff from these panels contains an intermediate concentration of copper and is known as Intermediate Leach Solution (ILS). In Stage 2, the ILS is collected in a 9 000 in3 storage pond (the ILS Pond - Figure 1.2) before being pumped back to the heap and used to irrigate fresh ore panels i.e. ore panels not previously leached. The runoff from the fresh ore panels will contain approximately 2 to 4 g/L copper and is known as Pregnant Leach Solution (PLS). The PLS solution is collected in a second 9 000 m3 pond (the PLS Pond - Figure 1.2) adjacent to the ILS pond prior to being pumped to the Solvent pond adjacent to the ILS pond and hence to the Solvent Extraction/Electrowinning (SX-EW) processing plant.

The actual leaching of the copper from the ore takes place as the sulphuric acid solution percolates through the ore stacked on the heap. The chemical reactions involved vary depending on whether oxide or sulphide copper ore is being leached. Oxide ore is acid leached and sulphide ore is ferric leached by the action of bacteria. The length of time required for the leaching process depends on which ore type is being leached, the grade of the ore, and the ambient temperature.

The primary objective of the heap configuration and construction is to maximise permeability of the heap to the leach solution while, at the same time, maintaining air flow and thereby providing optimal conditions for the bacterial leaching of the ore. Water and air supply to the system is crucial for its operation, with CO2 and pyrite required for bacterial growth, and oxygen required for the bacteria's metabolic processes. The bacteria (Thiobacillus ferrooxidans), thrives at temperatures of 30°C to 37°C temperature and pH 12.

With each successive lift, the leaching process as described above is repeated. Figure 1.2 shows the status of the leaching operation at present. Heap Leach Pad No. 1 shows single lifts over nine panels and double lifts over three panels. Heap Leach Pad No. 2 has single lifts over all eight panels on the pad. Approximately 3.4 Mt of ore at 1.46 per cent Cu has been placed on Heap Leach Pads Nos 1 and 2 to date.

These heap leach pads can theoretically be stacked to a height of 30 m. However, this could only be achieved if rates of leaching and sequencing of construction enable the required level of copper recovery. The height to which the heaps can practically be constructed will be ascertained throughout the next two years of operation.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I E!S - GIRtLAMBONENORTHMINES - 15 - GCC Section 1 - Introduction I

A flowsheet for the Solvent Extraction-Electrowinning process is shown schematically on Figure 1.3. After the aqueous leach cycle, the processing involves an organic and an aqueous electrolyte cycle.

Organic Cycle

In the organic cycle, the pregnant solution is contacted with an organic phase comprising a copper extracting reagent in a high flashpoint (typically 80°C) kerosene diluent. This produces "loaded organic" solution.

Aqueous Electrolyte Cycle

In the aqueous electrolyte cycle, the loaded organic solution flows to the "strip section" where it is contacted counter current with spent electrolyte from the electrowinning (EW) section. Copper is concentrated into an acidic electrolyte 1 solution which is pumped to the EW tank house. The organic phase, now stripped of copper, is returned to the organic cycle. I In the EW tank house, electrolysis of the electrolyte solution deposits copper metal onto stainless steel cathodes. Anodes are made of a lead/calcium/tin alloy. About every 7 days the cathodes are pulled out of the electrolyte solution I and the copper sheet (cathode copper) is physically separated from the stainless steel cathodes which are then returned to the electrolyte solution. I Cathode copper is at least 99.99 per cent pure and commands a premium price. The SX-EW plant has a capacity to produce approximately 15 500 tonnes of cathode I copper per year. The ore processing and copper recovery activities on the Project Site are undertaken with a range of air quality and water pollution controls to ensure the environment I immediately around the Existing Mine Site is not adversely affected.

1.5.7 Mining Rates and Working Hours

1 1.5.7.1 Mining Rates

Ore is mined at a rate depending principally upon the grade of the copper in the ore. The rate is selected to provide the projected annual copper requirement for the SX- EW plant. To date, the rates of mining both waste rock and ore have varied from I approximately 800 000 tonnes per month to the more recent rate of 550 000 tonnes per month. Although, the rate of mining has varied considerably, the production of copper- bearing ore has been comparatively consistent at approximately 120 000 to I 130 000 tonnes per month.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED 0 17 / 1 1 - Auqust, 1995 C)

HEAP LEACHING, SOLVENT EXTRACTION AND ELECTROWINNING CONTINUOUS PROCESS AT pH 1-2 Elecfrons +CATMOOC kOOC RE FE R E N CE 02

IA2 50 4 541p9uriC odd 50 2

CuSO4 copper sulphate SO2- R- orqaoic

MAKEUP PURE INSET ACID CuSO4 45g/I Cu

NCE s

HEAPS QU (ExirctantphJKero*en) ELECTROLYTE LEACH winning) CYCLE

Cu CATHODE METAL

LEACH SEtTLER SCER

2u IMPURE CuSO 5 Cu 3.Og/I Cu

SOuRCE: Mnproc Eqneors Pty Ltd (SOLVENT EXTRACTION) Figure 1.3 SX-EW PROCESS ------_. ------FLOWSHEET - - SCHEMATIC - - - - P H EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 17 - GCC Section 1 - Introduction

1.5.7.2 Working Hours I Table 1.1 lists the approved working hours for the activities undertaken within the Existing Mine Site. I

TABLE 1.1 Approved Hours of Operation

Activity Hours

Open Cut - mining 24 hours 7 days per week - blasting 7.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Saturday - truck ore and waste to surface 24 hours 7 days per week

Underground - mining 24 hours 7 days per week - blasting 9.00 am to 10.00 pm Monday to Saturday - truck ore to surface 24 hours 7 days per week

Crusher 24 hours 7 days per week

Heap construction 24 hours 7 days per week

SX-EW plant 24 hours 7 days per week

Transport copper product 7.00 am to 10.00 pm Monday to Saturday

Tt is noted that all activities identified in Table 1.1 are in progress except underground I mining. This document outlines proposed changes to the hours of operation for the transportation of copper product (see Section 2.8.1). I 1.5.8 Transportation

I The Existing Mine Site is well located with respect to road access. Access for the workforce, delivery of goods and product despatch is via Booroomugga Road, a two- I lane sealed road which extends from the Mitchell Highway to the mine. Since the plant commenced operations, cathode copper product despatches and reagent deliveries (including acid, toluene), combined with infrequent delivery or I collection of earthmoving equipment, have been the main source of heavy vehicle movements. Overall traffic movements have been reduced recently through the introduction of back-loading practices for the copper product. Employee's and visitor's I light vehicles and light to medium service vehicles constitute the remaining traffic flow to and from the site. Overall, the operation now generates approximately 130 vehicle

I movements per day.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED 1-7

GCC ElS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 1 - Introduction

1.5.9 Infrastructure and Services I Hermidale Road Deviation I In December 1992, Hermidale Road was diverted to the south-east around the Existing Mine Site (Figure 1.2). The road diversion was funded and constructed by Girilambone Copper Company Pty Ltd to a gravel sealed rural Shire Road standard and to the satisfaction of Bogan Shire Council. The road diversion is permanent, and though marginally increasing the travel distance to and from Hermidale (by approximately 0.5 km), is of a much higher standard than the old alignment. The road reserve created is sufficiently wide to enable it to function as a travelling stock route. This was one of the functions the previous roadway fulfilled.

On-Site Road Network

A series of unsealed roads have been constructed to enable operational access to all parts of the Existing Mine Site. These roads are maintained using a combination of a grader and water truck to ensure safe conditions exist, appropriate to the equipment using the road. Where light vehicles are operating in areas where heavy earthmoving equipment is being used, a flashing amber light is mounted on the roof of the light vehicle to assist vehicle recognition.

Ptwr

The normal and peak power demand for the project (rectiformers, crusher, SX-EW plant, concentrator plant and ancillaries) is approximately 5.3 MVA and 5.9 MVA respectively. Power for the project is supplied by Western Power from the 66 kV feeder line which connects Nyngan to Bourke. Western-Power have installed a 66 kV sub-station; 66 kV switchgear; 66 kV voltage regulation, and a 66/11 kV transformer and associated earthworks.

Water Supply

The mine and processing plant require a continuous, reliable water supply to enable them to keep operating, even in the event of protracted periods without rainfall. To guarantee the annual requirements of water for the site, the mine has secured access to 707 ML from existing entitlements on the Bogan and Macquarie River systems. These water entitlements were converted to high security entitlements which ensures supply, even in time of water shortages in the river systems. It is noted that the conversion to high security entitlements is achieved by reducing the quantity of water

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 19 - GCC I Section 1 - Introduction

allocated, thereby increasing the water remaining in the river system during normal 11' flow rates. It is noted that whilst the mine has secured high securing entitlements, maximum use is I made of the water available on site. The actual water usage for the past 12 months was lower than the entitlements held. The water usage increased with the commissioning of the Stage 1 upgrade and a further entitlement was purchased to cover this. The plant I has not run at full capacity for a 12 month period as yet and the water usage will reflect the entitlements held once this is achieved. I Water is pumped from a licenced pumping station immediately downstream from the confluence of the Gunningbar Creek and Bogan River and piped via a 26 km pipeline through Girilambone to the Existing Mine Site. The pipeline lies wholly within I MPL294. Some water is treated prior to use on-site principally to adjust pH and remove suspended solids. I Telephone

1 Telecom has installed 18 lines to the Existing Mine Site to satisfy all on-site telephone and facsimile requiremeilts.

I Fuel Storage I With the exception of the mining contractor's equipment, all vehicles are fuelled off site, generally either in Girilambone or Nyngan. The fuel storage for the contractor's equipment is bunded to 120 per cent of the tank I capacity, in accordance with EPA conditions for fuel storage.

I Fencing

The Existing Mine Site has been fenced along the Booroomugga Road and Hermidale Road diversion with standard stock fencing, and signs have been provided at regular intervals to advise the public of the mining activities. Signs have also been erected I along the existing fence around the Mining Area and at the perimeter of the mining leases. The processing facilities and administration area compound in the vicinity of I Booroomugga Road is fenced with a Cyclone man-proof fence and security gates. Security surveillance of the site will be maintained throughout the project life by the I staff operating the processing plant.

Sewerage

Ablutions and change room facilities for the workforce are serviced by a septic disposal system installed to the satisfaction of the Council.

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Amenities I The administration and processing plant offices, change room and lunch rooms are located adjacent to the SW-EX Plant (Figure 1.2). The corresponding facilities for the mining contractor are located adjacent to their workshop facility within their compound.

Refuse

Domestic refuse generated by the employees is collected in bins provided throughout the mine, processing and amenities areas. These bins are emptied regularly, the contents being taken to the waste rock emplacement area and buried in a pre- determined area.

1.6 FUTURE OPERATIONS

1.6.1 Introduction This section presents an overview of the approved, projected activities on the Existing Mine Site that are likely to influence and/or be influenced by the development of the Girilambone North Mines.

1.6.2 Open Cut Mining Mining of copper-bearing ore is currently programmed to continue until December 1997 during which period 1.9 Mt of ore will be mined from the Murrowombie Open Cut.

1.6.3 Underground Mining No commitments have yet been made regarding the potential for underground mining, which if it proceeds, would also require the construction of the already approved additional processing plant, equipment and infrastructure.

1.6.4 Heap Leach Operations Heap Leach Pads Nos 1 and 2 have a theoretical design capacity sufficient to contain 11.3 Mt of crushed ore, that is, based on five 6.0 m high lifts. The actual number of lifts to be constructed will be reviewed regularly throughout the life of the project by assessing actual and projected copper recoveries. At the completion of mining in the Murrowombie Open Cut the pads would contain a total of 6.0 Mt of ore, that is based on the projected quantity of ore yet to be recovered and stacked on the pads (1.9 Mt ore from the open cut mine plus 0.7 Mt from the low grade stockpile). Hence, based

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 21 - GCC 1 Section 1 - Introduction

on the current five lift design, capacity for a further 5.3 Mt of crushed ore could be I available on both pads. It has recently been established that the copper recoveries are lower in winter and therefore the planned stocking of ore on the heap leach pads needs to be amended. It has been established that a third heap leach pad (Heap Leach Pad No. 3) is required on-site to maintain the recovery of copper in solution for the production of cathode copper. Girilambone Copper Company has lodged a separate Development Application for this pad since it is proposed that construction of the pad will I commence in late September 1995.

1.6.5 Copper Recovery

It is proposed to maintain the annual rate of cathode copper production at about 15 500 t. However, the Girilambone Copper Company Pty Ltd would constantly review I efficiencies and new technologies available throughout the remaining life of the i project. I 1.7 GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY CONSULTATION I 1.7.1 Government Consultation Girilambone Copper Company Pty Ltd maintains regular contact with a range of Government Authorities through the evaluation of the Annual Review of the Mining, I Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Plan (MREMP). During the 1994 review, all Authorities involved were advised that during the first half of 1995, the proposal for the development of the Girilambone North Mines would be assessed I economically and environmentally. This document draws together the environmental evaluation undertaken to date. I In December 1994, R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited wrote to the following Authorities seeking their specific requirements for the EIS. -

. Department of Planning (Sydney); I Bogan Shire Council (Nyngan) *; . Department of Mineral Resources (Cobar) *; I Environment Protection Authority (Dubbo) *; . Department of Land and Water Conservation (formerly I Department of Conservation and Land Management (Nyngan) and Department of Water Resources (Dubbo)) *; I . NSW Agriculture (Dubbo);

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I GCC - 22 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 1 - Introduction

National Parks and Wildlife Service (Coonabarabran); State Rail Authority (Freight Rail) (Sydney); and Roads and Traffic Authority (Parkes).

Appendix 1 lists the issues raised by the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning and Appendix 2 lists the issues raised by other Government Authorities. It is noted that those Authorities above marked (*) are involved in the review of the MREMP Annual Reviews. A Planning Focus meeting was held on-site in early July 1995 to further outline the proposal to the above authorities and to seek any additional comments on the proposal. A draft Environmental Impact Statement was circulated at that time. This document addresses each of the issues raised by these authorities to the extent necessary for an Environmental Impact Statement. It is again noted that details of specific activities would be incorporated in the relevant MREMP Annual Review.

1.7.2 Community Consultations The Applicants initially concentrated their community consultation upon one-to-one discussions with the various neighbours around the existing operation and proposed Girilambone North Mines. During early July 1995, they convened an information meeting with residents of Girilambone and the surrounding district to further outline the proposal and to seek comment on relevant issues potentially of concern. The principal issues raised during the discussions and information meeting related to:

the temporary diversion of Booroomugga Road;

timing and mining method;

ore haulage;

environmental including flora, fauna and archaeology; and

benefits to the local community.

1.8 ONGOING DOCUMENTATION It is proposed that should the development of the Girilambone North Mines receive the required Government approvals and the necessary funding, the progress of activities on site and up-to-date planning would be incorporated within the respective Annual Reviews of the MREMP for the Girilambone Copper Mine. All relevant monitoring data would also be included in the Annual Reviews. Where possible, the Applicants would seek to standardise all conditions for the existing and new operations.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 23 - GCC I Section 1 - Introduction

1.9 MANAGEMENT OF INVESTIGATIONS The preparation of this document has been managed by Mr Rob Corkery, B.Sc.(Hons),M.Appl.Sc., Principal of R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited, Geological and Environmental Consultants. Miss Cleta Coleman, B.Env.Sc., Environmental Scientist with R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited compiled relevant data on the existing environment.The management of the EIS Approval Process has been undertaken by Mr Ross Hastings, Project Manager for the Northern Development and Manager Mining for Girilambone Copper Company. Also involved in the document's preparation have been the following personnel based at the Girilambone Copper Mine:

Mr Milan Jerkovic, Mine Manager;

. Mr Brian Pocock, Mine Superintendent; I . Mr Andrew Kerr, Environmental Officer; I Mr Phil Busby, Manager Metallurgy;

Mr Harry Holle, Senior Process Engineer; and

. Mr Mike Fogarty, Exploration Manager, Nord Resources. I The investigations to identify relevant environmental constraints for the development of the Girilambone North Mines has been undertaken in conjunction with the I following specialist consultants:

Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd - flora;

Countrywide Ecological Services - Fauna; and

Central West Archaeological & Heritage Services - Archaeology.

The reports have been prepared as supporting documents to the EIS and can be viewed at the exhibition centres or provided on request to the Applicants during the I exhibition period. I

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED - 25 -

SECTION 2

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL

PREAMBLE

This section out/lies the Applcants' ohectives and proposal for the development and operation of three satellite open cut mines coilecttvely referred to as the Girl/am bone North Mines. The copper ore and the proposed method of mining are detailed together with the p/a/is for waste rock management. The proposed pi-ogressi'e and final rehahilitatioii activities associated ivitli the Gin/am hone North Allies are also detailed.

This section also outlines i/ic few in loon additions/a Iterations that need to he undertaken on the Existing Miie Site to acconimnodate the delivem)' and processing of ore fl-om the Gin/am bone North Miii es.

The section connie/cs with a review of the deve/opmneiit alternatives considered iliro a ghiolit the p/cu ii iii ig process undertaken for the developu ic/it of i/ic Gin/am bone North Mines.

Details of the Applicants' proposals for water (/11(1 soil 177111 iagemn en t and of/icr en i 'iron/n c/ill/I sa/egi iards and management procedures are set out in Section 4 of this document.

R.W. C0RKER'' & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 27 - GCC Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

2.1 OUTLINE OF THE PROPOSAL

I 2.1.1 Objectives The Applicants have the following objectives in proposing the development of the Girilambone North Mines:

to extend the economic life of the existing operation with emphasis placed upon utilising the current mine infrastructure and facilities as much as possible;

to responsibly develop the mine extension in such a manner that maximises the recovery of copper-bearing ore; and I to undertake all ongoing activities in a planned manner that minimises any adverse impacts on the local environment throughout and beyond the operational life of the project. I 2.1.2 Overview of the Proposal

1 The Applicants propose to develop three satellite open cut mines approximately 4 km north-west of the existing Girilambone Copper Mine to recover a range of copper- I bearing ores for leaching and copper recovery on the Existing Mine Site. The open cut mines would be developed using conventional open cut mining techniques similar to those employed at the Murrowombie Open Cut. Ore would be transported by off-road I haultrucks to the existing ROM pad whilst the waste rock would be transported to waste rock emplacements to be developed adjacent to the open cut mines. Figure 2.1 displays the proposed layout of the Girilambone North Mines and their relationship to I the Existing Mine Site. In total, approximately 160 ha of land would be disturbed within the Project Site and a further 3.5 ha disturbed within the Existing Mine Site. Table 2.1 lists the area of disturbance for each activity within both the Project Site and I Existing Mine Site.

Ore from the Girilambone North Mines would be processed through the existing crushing plant and either placed on the existing heap leach pads or, if required, conveyed to one or two new heap leach pads to be constructed adjacent to the existing heap leach pads (Heap Leach Pad Nos 3 and 4 - Figure 2.1). Proposed Heap Leach Pad No. 3 lies to the south-west of existing Heap Leach Pad No. 2, and proposed Heap Leach Pad No. 4 lies immediately north of Booroomugga Road. All copper recovery I would occur within the existing SX-EW plant. The Applicants would only undertake minor changes on the Existing Mine Site, principally to the road network to accommodate the transportation of ore from the Girilambone North Mines and the I diversion of Boo roomugga Road.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED I GCC - 28 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal I

The development of the Girilambone North Mines would essentially increase the operational life of the existing operation by approximately 2 years. Emphasis would be placed upon progressive rehabilitation of areas disturbed and new areas on the waste rock emplacements as they are developed.

TABLE 2.1

Area of Disturbance Associated with Proposed Project Activities

Activity Area (ha) Activity Area (ha) Activity Area (ha)

Project Site Project Site (Cont'd) Existing Mine Site

Hartmans 12.6 Waste Rock 17.7 Haul Road 0.7 Open Cut Emplacement 2

Larsens 12.7 Haul Road 7.8 Open Cut

North-east 5.0 Heap Leach Pad No. 4 15.3 Booroomugga Road 2.8 Open Cut Diversion

Waste Rock 85.0 Sedimentation Basin 4 4.0 Emplacement 1 TOTAL: 160.1 TOTAI2 3.5

2.1.3 Approvals Required

Schedule 2 (Part 7) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1994 requires this document to outline the approvals that must be obtained under any other Act or Law before activities can commence on the Project Site or be modified on the Existing Mine Site. The Applicants have established that they require three approvals, with the possibility of two further approvals subject to later assessments.

(i) Development Consent - Bogan Shire Council.

A Development Consent is required from Bogan Shire Council in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (as amended), for the following activities within MLA2:

open cut and underground mining;

emplacement of waste rock;

5 R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED

I

EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 29 - GCC I Section 2 - Description of the Proposal L:\RWC\1 I7\FiC2 .DWG I Ernplacernent

I - See Enlarged Area pen Cut At Right r Soil S orage Area ::::;t

71 Hartmec. 1 / 1 ( WãiiRock

- Waste 1/Emplacement Empla - / 2 I Lerece. Open ,Cu, / / I SoHStQr - / Noth'-eas Open Cut I K

Har m ns pen Cut 7 \ I I - -

ST~ > I Amenities Area

Emplacei I I REFERENCE rnent ) I I Proposed Fence Power Line

Sediment Trap / I - Lars ns Open Cut Project Site Boundary (it qfrod) Fenced / Contour (Interval z 5m) - - I I / Road Soil Storage Area ( -

/ - I :::::::::fl 2 7

(1 Prec/ I \ W..t, Rock Z f N 4 V I

I V /

I '> SCALE 1:30000 SCALE 1:12500 / 500 0 500 1000 1500 m 200 0 200 400 600 m Figure 2.1 I PROPOSED SITE LAYOUT

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 31 - 0CC I Section 2 - Description of the Proposal I haul road construction;

heap leach pad construction and use of a diversion of I Booroomugga Road; and I Some minor alterations and additions to the existing operations are also proposed on the Existing Mine Site. It is noted that these alterations and I additions to the existing operations are assessed to be of a minor nature and that the ongoing development on the Existing Mine Site is substantially the same as that approved by Council in 1991. Accordingly, I approval for the alterations and additions on the Existing Mine Site is sought in accordance with Section 77 of the Environmental Planning and I Assessment Act, 1979 (as amended).

1 (ii) Mining Lease - Department of Mineral Resources

I The Applicants are seeking a Mining Lease in accordance with the requirements of Part 5 of the Mining Act, 1992 to undertake the I following activities: I open cut and underground mining;

I waste rock emplacement;

I haul road construction;

I heap leach pad construction and use;

I ongoing exploration; and

I ancillary activities.

I Development Consent from Bogan Shire Council is required prior to the granting of the Mining Lease. Further details of MLA 2 are presented in I Section 2.2.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED GCC - 32 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

(iii) Pollution Control Approval - Environment Protection Authority

This document is also being submitted to the EPA to accompany an application for a Pollution Control Approval in accordance with Section 17K of the Pollution Control Act, 1970. No licences would be required from the Authority given it is not planned to store or release any contaminated water on site nor undertake any crushing on the new site.

The operations within the Project Site may require three additional approvals, namely licences for dewatering bores (under Part V of the Water Act, 1912), a clearing licence from NSW State Forests for clearing millable timber and a Consent to Destroy some identified archaeological sites. The need for these approvals would be further evaluated prior to the commencement of activities.

2.2 MINING AND EXPLORATION TENEMENTS

2.2.1 Mining Tenements

The joint venture partners currently hold:

one Mining Lease (ML 1280) covering approximately 322.3 ha over the Girilambone Copper Mine and all associated infrastructure and development (Figure 2.2);

one Mining Purposes Lease (MPL294) covering the length of the mine water suppiy pipeline from the Bogan River (Figure 2.2); and

one Mining Purposes Lease (MPL 295) covering approximately 89.23 ha I immediately to the west of ML 1280 (Figure 2.2). This lease was granted for the purpose of constructing a tailings dam for tailings generated by on-site processing. This area of land has not yet been used. However, it may be required if underground ore or the low grade gold-bearing ore are processed to produce concentrates. 1

All leases were granted on the 6th August 1992 for a term of 21 years. I

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED 1 I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 33 - GCC I Section 2 - Description of the Proposal C:\RWC\1 17\FIC2-2.DWG

I ° N VN- NS

N 5 I N5 41 I N S ) 1 1 N /NI N5 S I UNU' N N GIRILAMBONE N / I I N NORTH MINES' I / I N 9 I N IN I V I I 7 7/ I I I I I' I I

I / o 'I / / -o 1 l /7 / N/ I / I I )"D

EXISTING J \.MINE SITE / I -- / / /- .. I /

I SCALE 1:40000 Figure 2.2 0.5 = 0 0.5 LO E5 2.0 km EXPLORATION AND MINING TENEMENTS

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED I GCC - 34 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal I 2.2.2 Exploration Tenements I

The Girilambone Exploration Joint Venture, owned equally by Nord Resources (Pacific) Pty Ltd and Straits Pty Ltd and managed by Nord Resources (Pacific) Pty Ltd holds Exploration Licence (EL) 3138 which surrounds the Existing Mine Site and covers the area of the Girilambone North Mines (Figure 2.2). This tenement covers approximately 300 km2 and has a five year (renewable) term, due for expiry in July 1999. The joint venture holds twelve additional Exploration Licences in the

Girilambone area collectively covering approximately 3 000 km2.

2.3 ORE BODIES

The ore bodies in the proposed Girilambone North Mines contain a range of copper minerals reflecting the extent of oxidation and enrichment. The principal minerals present are chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), chalcocite (Cu2S), native copper (Cu), malachite (CuCO3Cu(OH)2) and azurite (2CuCO3Cu(OH)2). The depth of oxidation below which the ore is primarily chalcopyrite is approximately 70 in in the North-east deposit and almost 80 m in Hartmans and Larsens deposits (Figure 2.1). Figure 2.3 displays the typical location and shape of the ore bodies within each proposed open cut mine.

For planning purposes, the Applicants group the minerals and assign metallurgical codes. Table 2.2 lists the relative quantity of each ore type and metallurgical code for each of the three deposits.

The Applicants estimate that the Girilambone North Mines contain about 32 000 tonnes of total copper at a 0.2 per cent cut-off grade which is approximately one third the quantity of copper planned for recovery from the Murrowombie Open Cut. It is also noteworthy that the waste rock to ore ratio in the Girilambone North Mines would be approximately 8.7 to 1 or more than twice the ratio in the Murrowombie Open Cut. Brief details of the ore in each of the proposed open cut mines is presented in Section 3.3.

In both the proposed Hartmans and North-east Open Cuts, the ore bodies are at least 40 in below the surface whereas in the proposed Larsens Open Cut, the depth of waste rock above the ore body is approximately 60 m.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 35 - GCC I Section 2 - Description of the Proposal C:\RWC\ I I 7\FIG2-3.DWC I LARSENS ELEVATION I rn (AHO) 1 1 lo Drill Holes I

SECTION A-A ELEVATION (AHD) 1 HARTMANS I 77T// I 1 7/illHoles SECTION B-B I

ELEVATION I NORTH-EAST I 1 Drill Holes 0 I

I REFERENCE SECTION C-C

Proposed Minable Reserve I Potential Underground Resource Figure 2.3 Limit of Oxidation See Figure 2.4 For OPEN CUT MINE 1 Section Locations SECTIONS

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED 0 C-) 0 TABLE 2.2 Ore Types, Descriptions and Resource Ore Estimates

Hartrnans Larsens North-east Metallurgical Type Description Codes Tonnes Grade Cut-ofl Tonnes Grade Cut-OfT Tonnes Grade Cut-Off (Mt) (Cu %) (Cu %) (Mt) (Cu %) (Cu %) (Mt) (Cu %) (Cu %)

A Chalcopyrite Dominantly primary suiphides ------0.20 0,64 0.2 1.91 1.22 0.2 (pyrite, chalcopyrite)

C-) 0 B Chalcocite Conspicuous chalcocite with variable .14 0.93 0.2 0.62 0.90 0.2 .11 0.69 0.2 content of chalcopyrite, pyrile and m native copper. 2° C-) 0 C Mixed Chalcocite and copper carbonate .25 0.58 0.2 0.64 1.02 0.2 .26 0.97 0.2 minerals with variable amounts of native copper.

D Oxide Malachite with trace azurite, cuprite 2.03 0.64 0.2 0.55 0.68 0.2 .40 0.71 0.2 and native copper.

TOTALS: 2.42 0.65 0.2 2.00 0.85 0.2 2.68 1.10 0.2

- - - - .- - _. ------No ------I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 37 - GCC I Section 2 - Description of the Proposal I 24 MINING METHODS I 2.4.1 Open Cut Mining 2.4.1.1 Design 1 The Girilambone North Mines have been designed to maximise the recovery of copper ores, minimise the quantity of waste rock removed yet provide a safe, stable void throughout the mine life. The design criteria are based on both on-site geotechnical 1 investigations and the experience to date in the Murrowombie Open Cut. The following design criteria have been used to date to design each of the Girilambone North Mines. However, it is noted that further investigations are planned to refine the 1 design parameters.

1 Ore bench height - 3 m; I . Waste rock bench height - 3 m to 12 m; Final bench height - 12 m to 18 m;

I Final bench width - 4 m to 5 m; I Bench face angle: I - above limit of oxidation - 600 - below limit of oxidation - 700

I Haul road - Width - 12 m to 20 m. I - Gradient - 1:10 (V:H). Figure 2.4 displays the preliminary layout and design of each of the three open cut I mines using the above criteria.

2.4.1.2 Mining Method I Mining in each open cut mine area would commence with a range of site-preparatory I activities involving: installation of drainage controls;

I tree and shrub clearing; and I soil removal and stockpiling.

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Each of these activities, which are described in more detail in Section 4 of this document, would be undertaken in such a manner that minimises the area of disturbance and maximises the recovery of materials useful for rehabilitation. It is noted that should NSW State Forests assess any of the trees to be cleared are millable, a clearing licence would be obtained prior to tree clearing activities.

Conventional open cut mining methods would be used to remove ore and waste rock from the three open cut mines. Where possible, the softer materials near the surface would be removed by an excavator loading directly into a haultruck (sometimes after ripping). The quantity of waste rock capable of being removed by free digging is expected to be small and the bulk of the rock would be drilled and blasted.

Drill hole cuttings from blast holes would be analysed for copper (and possibly gold) and used for grade control delineation. Typical blasting patterns would vary from 3 m x 3 m to 5 m x 5 m.

Drilling would be a continuous operation in the open cut mines as holes need to be drilled well ahead of blasting to ensure adequate time for grade control analyses.

Blasting would be undertaken by competent shotfirers using bulk explosives. The frequency of blasting may be daily or less and generally would occur at the end of the day shift, that is, between 3.00 pm and 6.00 pm.

Ore would be transported in off-road haultrucks to the existing ROM pad on the Existing Mine Site. Waste rock from Hartmans Open Cut would be trucked to Waste Rock Emplacement (WRE) 1. Waste rock from Larsens Open Cut would be trucked initially to WRE 1 but may be trucked to Hartmans Open Cut should it be considered appropriate to backfill that void. Waste rock from the North-east Open Cut would either be placed within WRE 2 or into the completed sections of Hartmans Open Cut.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I - 39 - GCC EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal 1 C:\RWC\ 1 17\11G2-4.OWG I I I I 1 1 m

I 500 I000m LOCATION 500 0 PLAN I

I A L 1 I I C I L 1 1 I NORTH-EAST OPEN CUT

LARSENS OPEN CUT I SCALE 1:3000 HARTMANS OPEN CUT Figure 2.4 See Figure 2.3 For PRELIMINARY OPEN CUT 0 50 100 150m I 50 Open Cut Mine Sections MINE LAYOUTS

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 41 - GCC Section 2 - Description of the Proposal I

2.4.1.3 Sequence of Mining

I Table 2.3 lists the proposed sequence of mining for each of the three open cut mines. This sequence has been determined based on the objective to supply a regular quantity LI of copper to the ROM pad in each six-month period. Mining would start on the low wall side on the northern end of Hartmans Open Cut and approximately 40 m of waste rock would be stripped before any ore is I encountered. Once the ore is exposed in Hartmans Open Cut, stripping would 1 commence at Larsens to remove a greater thickness of overburden. TABLE 2.3 I Proposed Sequence of Mining I OI)eII Cut Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 I Hartrnans

I Larsens

I North-east I

I Mining would also start at the northern end of Larsens Open Cut. The Applicants expect a regular supply of copper-bearing ore once the initial pre-strip is removed I from Larsens Open Cut. h The North-east Open Cut is the last area scheduled to he mined. I 2.4.1.4 Mining Rates I Table 2.4 lists the projected mining rates throughout each six-month period of the four I year mine life.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED GCC - 42 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

TABLE 2.4

Proposed Ore and Waste Rock Mining Rates

Quantity of Ore Mined Quantity of Waste Year Rock Mined ('000 t) ('000 t)

Year 1 - First 1-laif -- 4 100

- Second Half 25 4 110

Year 2 . First Half 80 4360

- Second Half 595 4 320

Year 3 - First Half 935 4 340

- Second Half 460 4500

Year 4 - First Half 900 4 110

- Second Halt 640 1 800

TOTAL 3 635 31 630

2.4.1.5 Mining Equipment

Table 2.5 lists the range of equipment to be used during the mining of the Girilambone North Mines. This equipment is essentially the same as the existing mining fleet with the addition of two extra haultrucks.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I DS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 43 - I Section 2 - Description of the Proposal I TABLE 2.5 Proposed Mining Equipment I Equipment No. Use/Duties I Haultrucks (85 t) 8 Ore/waste haulage I Bulldozers (D8) 1 Ripping/mining/waste disposal Bulldozer (D6, LGP) 1 Spreading on leach pad I Front-end Loaders (980, 920) 3 Loading hopper, general Drill Rigs (Montebert, Atlas Copco) 2 Production, perimeter drilling

I Hydraulic Excavator (100 t, 65 t) 2 Loading trucks, clean up I Grader (12 G) 1 Road maintenance Water Truck (769, Mack) 2 Dust suppression I Service Truck 1 General duties Crane 1 Maintenance

I Lighting Plants 3 Lighting around open cut mines I Sundry 4WD Vehicles 6 General duties Explosives Truck 1 Transport of explosives I Forklift 1 Workshop duties I I I 2.4.2 Underground Mining I Potential exists in both the Larsens and North-east Open Cuts to develop underground mines from near the floors of the open cuts. The Applicants have no detailed plans to 1 develop any underground mines within either of these mines at present. Any decision to proceed with such ventures would he based on considerably more drilling/testing I data and a full economic evaluation.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED GCC 44 - EIS - GIRILA,MBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

2.5 WASTE ROCK MANAGEMENT

2.5.1 Waste Rock Characteristics The Applicants have established that the range of waste rock likely to be encountered during the mining of the Girilambone North Mines would be similar to that encountered in the Murrowombie Open Cut. Based on exploration results, mining models for the project and experience in the Murrowombie Open Cut, three principal types of waste rock are expected.

Type 1: oxidised barren waste rock (<0.1 per cent Cu);

Type 2: oxidised waste rock, weakly mineralised (0.1 to 0.2 per cent Cu);

Type 3: fresh barren rock (<0.2 per cent Cu).

The characteristics of each waste rock type are presented in Table 2.6. The results indicate:

Types I and 2 Waste Rock

<0.01 per cent sulphur and "barren" acid generation potential;

slightly negative nett acid producing potential;

. negligible acid neutralisation potential;

neutral pH, low electrical conductivity, low sulphate; and

moderate copper levels and low levels of other heavy metals.

These results indicate that Type 1 and 2 rocks would not pose a long term storage problem. The barren nature of these rocks would enable them to be used as a cover material for more geochemically reactive waste rock types.

Type 3 Waste Rock

negative NAPP (nett acid producing potential);

neutral pH, moderately high electriéal conductivity and sulphate levels; and

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILMBONE NORTH MINES - 45 - GCC I Section 2 - Description oft/ic Proposal I low copper and heavy metal contents. I TABLE 2.6

I Geochemical Characterisation of Waste Rocks I Waste Rock Type 1 2 3 I Inherent Salinity and Acidity (1:5 water leach, 16 hours)

pH of water leach 7.5 7.4 7.3 1 Electrical Conductivity pS/cm) 120 160 560 Sulphate (mg/L) 60 <5 190

I "Accelerated Weather" leach (1:5 water, 30°C , air sparge, 5 days)

pH of water leach - - 7.7 I Electrical Conductivity (IS/cm) - - 560 Acid Generation l'otential

I Sulphur (%) <0.01 <0.01 1.03 Carbon as Carbonate (%) 0.01 0.02 0.45 I N.A.P.P.: -0.1 -0.2 -0.5 Heavy Metals I As (ug/g) 30 90 50 Cd(pg/g) 1 1 4 Co (i.ig/g) 10 15 30 Cu (Ug/g) 340 2 100 160 1 Pb (pg/g) 50 50 40 Mn (pg/g) 180 210 360 Ni (yg/g) 15 15 25 I Zn (Ug/g) 70 95 470 Fe (%) 3.8 6.6 6.9 I ** N.A.P.P. (lien acid producing potential) 1 Source : MREMP, 1993 I Type 3 rocks are unlikely to pose a long term acid or heavy metal problem, however, leachate from the exposure of this rock type would probably have an elevated salinity I and require containment.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED GCC - 46 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

During waste rock characterisation studies for the 1990 EIS for the Murrowombie Open Cut, two further types of waste rock were identified and referred to as Types 4 and 5. These materials had positive NAPP, moderate to high sulphur and sulphate levels, high electrical conductivity, and elevated copper and zinc concentrations. Mining to date within the Murrowombie Open Cut has not identified any positive NAPP waste rock in areas originally considered from drill cores to contain such materials. Hence, reference is made to only the three types identified above. Further evaluation and testing of waste materials in the fresh rock zones will be undertaken as these zones are extracted as part of the mining operation.

2.5.2 Waste Rock Quantities Table 2.7 lists the estimated quantities of waste rock to be generated throughout the development of the Girilambone North Mines. Essentially the oxidised waste rock is located above the limit of oxidation (Figure 2.3) and the fresh waste rock occurs below the limit of oxidation. TABLE 2.7 Estimated Waste Rock Quantities ('000 bcm)

Hartrnans Larsens North-east Waste Rock Type TOTAL Open Cut Open Cut Open Cut

Oxidised 4 700 5 350 1 440 10490

Fresh 90 710 110 910

TOTAL: 4 790 6 060 1 550 11 400

Based on the above estimated waste rock quantities, approximately 900 000 bcm (2.27 Mt) of fresh waste rock, or 7 per cent of the total quantity of waste rock to be mined, would be recovered from the three open cut mines. Based on experience within the Murrowombie Open Cut, it is anticipated that some of that fresh waste rock would contain some sulphidic materials.

2.5.3 Selection of Emplacement Sites It is an important component when siting a waste rock emplacement to minimise the haulage distance from the open cut mine to the site of the emplacement. The Applicants considered two options for siting WRE 1, namely its proposed location and a location to the east of the open cut mines (see Section 2.13). The proposed location offers the greatest opportunity for the waste rock emplacement to blend into the

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 47 - GCC Section 2 - Description of the Proposal I

existing landform and is least prospective for copper mineralisation of the two I alternate sites for future open cut extension/development. The elongated shape of the WRE 1 (Figure 2.5) would enable three access ramps to I be constructed which would facilitate the selective placement and ultimate encapsulation of any Type 3 waste rock or fresh waste rock that has a positive nett acid producing potential (NAPP). I WRE 2 is similarly positioned near the haul road exit of the North-east Open Cut. The Applicants would also consider placing waste rock from the North-east Open Cut into I the completed Hartmans Open Cut and therefore avoid the need to construct WRE 2. 1 2.5.4 Site Preparation The area of WRE 1 would be prepared progressively, given the entire emplacement covers approximately 85 ha. The Applicants estimate that the area would be prepared I in three stages commencing on the northern side and moving southward. Each stage of site preparation would involve: I

. construction of the perimeter drainage controls; I . tree and shrub removal; and

I soil removal and storage and/or transfer.

Details of each of these activities is given in Section 4.

2.5.5 Emplacement Design The approach to the design of the waste rock emplacements has been based I principally upon the rehabilitation objectives, the availability of topsoil, and the experience to date in the construction of the waste rock emplacement around the Murrowombie Open Cut. Emphasis would also be placed on endeavouring to create a I final landform that has a natural appearance like the scattered rocky hills around Girilambone. I The comparatively low slopes on which the waste rock emplacements would be constructed, particularly adjacent to the toe of the emplacements, would ensure that long term stability can be assumed without any specific engineered drainage controls. I Figure 2.5 shows WRE 1 would be constructed with three 10 m tiers. The outer face or batter of the lowermost tier would be set at approximately 14° and the remaining tiers would have batters of 18° or 1:3 (V:H). The principal difference between WRE 1 and I the waste rock emplacement on the Existing Mine Site would be the introduction of rock facing on the final batters. Given the lack of suitable quantities of good topsoil, it I is considered preferable that topsoil is used where it can be directly transferred onto

1 R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED GCC - 48 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal final slopes or placed on the near-horizontal surfaces between tiers and on the final top surface. The final batter on the lowermost tier has been set at 14° based on the Applicants' experiences to date and the opportunity for the lower batter to receive some topsoil directly transferred from other sections of the emplacement. The lower batter would therefore be a combination of rock-faced and topsoiled slopes emulating naturally occurring slopes. The use of soil on the lower slopes would also assist in blending those slopes with the surrounding topography. The outer faces or batters of the upper tiers would be entirely rock-faced. The 20 m wide benches between each successive tier would be contoured with a slope of less than 1:50 (V:H) towards the rear to the slope and a slope of less than 1:200 (V:H) along the bench itself to the nominated outlets. Additional small rock structures would be constructed on the rear of the benches to act as localised detention basis and erosion controls. WRE 2 would be constructed in a similar manner except the maximum height of the first tier would be approximately 5 m. The area of this emplacement would be approximately 18 ha.

2.5.6 Method of Construction

After the site preparation activities are completed, waste rock would be placed around the perimeter of the section of emplacement being constructed. This would also act as an additional form of sediment control. The emplacement would be formed by a staged progression upslope (see Figure 2.5, Detail A). Emphasis would be placed upon leaving the outer surface in an irregular manner that would replicate natural slopes and provide local niches for plant growth. Limited shaping would be undertaken principally near the perimeter of the emplacements and at the toe of each tier to blend with the surrounding landform.

As the height of each bench between the tiers is reached, the outer margin of the emplacement would be shaped to achieve the drainage configuration outlined in Section 2.5.5. Once the bench is formed, the upsiope construction of the emplacement would continue.

As the second and third tiers are developed, a void would be left by building up the outer sides of the tier with oxidised waste rock. All fresh waste rock would be placed within the void in the centre of the emplacement. Oxidised waste rock stockpiled to one side of the top tier would be placed above the fresh rock to ensure at least 0.3 m to 2.0 m of oxidised waste rock covers the fresh rock.

An important component of the construction of the waste rock emplacements would be the control of drainage throughout their construction. Once the outer surface of the lower tier is formed, it is proposed that all future surface runoff would be directed towards the open cut mines.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES GOC I Section 2 - Dcvcriptioii oft/ic Piopo. C.\RWC\l I TN I I

E1EVA11OH (D) 260 I 200 240 / AHD 230

220 I 210 Existing Landform

I SECTION B-B - N.T.S. I t

[LDIATION I 260 - 250

240

230 I 220 210 I Existing Landform SECTION A-A 1 N.T.S. Potential Encapsulation Location for Fresh Waste Rock I With Nett Acid Producing Potential I Intermediate Slope Left In Irrenular Manner

I Intermediate Slope Left

REFE RENCE Toe of Slope Shaped I and Toosoiled Sediment Trap 18 Contour (Interval = 2m) I Road 14 Creek/Drainage Line DETAIL A

I N.T.S. I Figure 2.5 I WASTE ROCK EMPLACEMENTS

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 51 - GCC I Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

1 2.6 SITE ACCESS AND ORE TRANSPORT

1 2.6.1 Site Access

2.6.1.1 Existing Mine Site

The Applicants propose to continue to gain access to the Existing Mine Site via the I electronic gate adjacent to the site office and car park.

2.6.1.2 Girilambone North Mines

The Applicants initially propose to gain access to the area of the Girilambone North I Mines via the existing site access track that intersects Booroomugga Road approximately 2.5 km west of the Existing Mine Site entrance (Figure 2.1). It is proposed to use the existing site access track for a period of approximately 3 months I until the main haul road (Figure 2.1) is fully constructed. Once the haul road is ' completed, access to the Girilambone North Mines would be exclusively via the new haul road. Access track development and maintenance would be limited to grading to ensure an easy passage for low loaders and earthmoving equipment to the mine sites. The Applicants propose that in order to achieve a safe crossing of the existing I Booroomugga Road, that the Booroomugga Road be closed and diverted for a period of approximately 3 years, that is, for the duration of ore haulage from the new mines to the ROM pad. Details of the Booroomugga Road Deviation are presented in I Section 2.6.6.

1 2.6.2 Haul Road Route

Figure 2.6 identifies the haul road route from the southern end of Larsens Open Cut I to the ROM pad on the Existing Mine Site, a distance of approximately 4 km. The route has been selected to:

(i) minimise the overall distance from the Girilambone North Mines to the I ROM pad on the Existing Mine Site; I (ii) reduce grade variations along the route; and I (iii) reduce impact on drainage along the route.

This latter factor was considered important given the level of runoff observed in the 1 local catchments during a substantial rainfall event in January 1995.

7 R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED 000 - 52 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

C:\RWC\l 17\F1G2-6.DWC I

Larsens Open Cut

I 4.Okm ( Waste Rock / Emplacement 1 / ) TYPICAL ROAD SECTION

'spool1 Coenpeoted Road

/2::

SECTION IN CUT N.T.S.

(

SECTION IN FILL N.T.S.

7>:

REFERENCE

Contour (Interval o im) Fence Proposed Haul Road • Proposed Culvert - Local Catchment Divide Proposed Fence Across Direction of Flow B ooroorno eg Road For Duration Of One Transp Chainage Location o 5knr. From ROM Pad (km)

P.d

Figure 2.6 CONCEPTUAL HAUL ROAD

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 53 - GCC 1 Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

2.6.3 Haul Road Design 1 The haul road would be of a simple design involving either cut or fill and a single 1:50 ' (V:H) upsiope crossfall. The operational road surface would be 20 m wide formed with a nominal 300 mm thickness of natural road base. The haul road would have a maximum grade of 2.2 per cent. Culverts would be positioned along the length of the haul road to carry upsiope runoff I beneath the road surface. Upsiope runoff would be directed to the appropriate culverts by the pushed-up banks of soil. Runoff from the roadway itself would be I directed into a trapezoidal dish drain on the upsiope side of the haul road. In areas where batters are either formed through cut or fill, the batter slopes would be set at approximately 1:3 (V:H) unless the materials at those locations would enable a I steeper slope to be formed without adversely affecting sediment loss.

1 2.6.4 Road Construction

2.6.4.1 Sources of Materials The Applicants expect to construct the haul road with a balance of cut and fill along I the full length of the road, that is, based on the design shown on Figure 2.6. Once formed, the road would be surfaced with a nominal 300 mm thickness of natural road base drawn preferentially from the area of the Hartmans Open Cut and/or nearby I associated rock outcrops. In the event that the required 30 000 m3 of natural road base cannot be obtained from the Hartmans Open Cut area, the Applicants propose to establish a borrow pit in an area of fractured rocky outcrop adjacent to the 1.0 km I chainage mark (Figure 2.6). The borrow pit would be designed principally to remove part of the top of the existing hill in that location leaving a free-draining surface.

2.6.4.2 Method of Construction I The construction of the haul road would involve the following activities: I . site survey and identification of cut and fill batter locations; installation of culverts;

tree and shrub clearing - all trees and shrubs cleared would be transferred to either the existing waste rock emplacement or a storage 1 area adjacent to WRE 1;

• stripping of topsoil to form a soil mound on the upsiope side of the I roadway;

I • bulk earthmoving to form the roadway;

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED GCC - 54 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

installation of roadside drainage on the upsiope side of the haul road; and

surfacing the operational road surface with suitable rock materials.

2.6.4.3 Construction Timetable The Applicants estimate that the entire haul road would be constructed over a period of approximately 16 weeks.

2.6.5 Traffic Types and Levels The principal traffic to use the haul road would be the 85 t capacity haultrucks transporting ore to the ROM pad. The Applicants propose to transport an average of approximately 8 000 t of ore per day. Based on the average and maximum quantity of ore transported over a 9 hour shift, the average traffic level per hour would vary from 18 to 28 truck movements or one truck every 2 or 3 minutes. The estimated 3.6 million tonnes of ore would be transported to the ROM pad over a total of approximately 450 days throughout a three year period. The Applicants expect that the trucks would concentrate the haulage of ore to the ROM pad for approximately 4 to 5 days at a time with a 5 to 7 day break when they would concentrate on waste rock removal from the open cut mines. This procedure would maximise the benefit of road watering on successive days.

2.6.6 Booroomugga Road Diversion The Applicants propose to seek approval to close Booroomugga Road by fencing across the road at those locations shown on Figure 2.1. The Applicants have selected the closure and diversion of Booroomugga Road, principally in the interests of safety where the opportunities for human error on the part of truck drivers or motorists is avoided. Other alternative means of controlling the interaction of haul trucks and motorists travelling along Booroomugga Road are considered in Section 2.13. Figure 2.1 identifies the route of the proposed diversion around the western and southern side of the Existing Mine Site. The diversion intersects both the Booroomugga Road and permanent Hermidale Road diversion at right angles, the preferred configuration of such intersections. The diversion would be constructed to a standard similar to that adopted for the Hermidale Road diversion, namely a two-lane unsealed rural road constructed to Council's specifications. The roadway would be fenced on the mine side to prevent inadvertant access to the Existing Mine Site. The Applicants would maintain the diversion for the duration of the Booroomugga Road closure and re-instate Booroomugga Road at the completion of ore haulage from the Girilambone North Mines.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 55 - GCC Section 2 - Description of the Proposal I

2.7 ORE PROCESSING AND TREATMENT I 1 2.7.1 Introduction The copper-bearing ore mined from the Girilambone North Mines would be amenable to copper recovery using heap leaching and the SX-EW method of processing. The I Applicants intend that all ore transported from the Girilambone North Mines would be processed through the existing crushing and screening plant and conveyed or trucked to the existing heap leach pads or one of two new heap leach pads. It is noted I that construction of Heap Leach No. 3 and the associated pond to contain the intermediate leach solutions, together with Sedimentation Basin 3 (Figure 2.7) are I planned to commence in late September 1995. The additional activities for which approval is sought on the Existing Mine Site and I the Project Site that relate to ore processing and treatment are as follows:

. construction of Heap Leach Pad No. 4 and the associated pond to I contain the intermediate leach solution, together with Sedimentation Basin 4 (Figure 2.7). These activities would be undertaken within the Project Site immediately north of Booroomugga Road. Use of this heap I leach pad would necessitate a new configuration for the conveyor and a crossing above or beneath Booroomugga Road. An above-road crossing is preferred in conjunction within the closure of Booroomugga Road 1 discussed in Section 2.6.6;

It is noted that the need to use Heap Leach Pad No. 4 would depend primarily on the efficiency of the copper recovery system as the existing heaps increase in height. If it is possible there would be no need to I construct Heap Leach Pad No. 4; and . construction of a link road on the Existing Mine Site between the new I haul road and the ROM pad.

2.7.2 Heap Leach Pad Design I The Applicants' propose to construct Heap Leach Pad No 4 in the same manner as Heap Leach Pad Nos I and 2, utilising as far as possible the existing topography to assist solution drainage. Heap Leach Pad No. 4 would cover approximately 14.5 ha, I with dimensions of 540 m x 270 m. The pad would be sub-divided into equal panels, with each panel approximately 70 ui in width and 270 m in length. I Detailed testwork and field experience indicates that an individual lift height of 4 m to 8m is most favourable for maximum copper recovery. Figure 2.7 presents a typical section of the heap leach pad. The maximum height of Heap Leach Pad No. 4 would I be 30 m.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED

GCC - 56 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

The heap leach pad area and drains would be lined with a 1 mm thick high density polyethylene (HDPE) membrane to contain solutions and prevent seepage. Each adjacent panel would also be separated by HDPE covered bunds to contain process solutions to the area beneath each panel. Immediately on top of the HDPE membrane, a system of perforated plastic drainage pipes would be placed at approximately 5 m centres to ensure solution applied to the heap can drain quickly. A 0.5 m to 1.0 m thick layer of coarse crushed ore (overliner) is placed over the HDPE and drainage pipes. The overliner material serves a number of purposes including:

protection of the HDPE liner from puncture;

permitting free drainage of solutions percolating through the heap;

creating a permeable base to encourage air to flow through the heap; and

provide a base for conveying and stacking equipment to operate on.

The heap leach pad has been designed so that rainwater runoff would be contained in the associated intermediate leach solution pond and Sedimentation Basin 4.

In order to maximise permeability and minimise air starvation and solution channelling within the heaps, an ore loading system utilising conveyors would continue to be used in preference to a truck/dozer loading operation.

2.7.3 Heap Construction and Operation

The proposed method of heap construction and operation of the heaps would be identical to the system already in placed and previously described in Section 1.5.6.

2.7.4 Copper Recovery

The pregnant leach solutions recovered from Heap Leach Pad No. 4 would be processed in the existing SX-EW Plant in the manner outlined in Section 1.5.6.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED I - 57 - GCC EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal I I I I I I I

Z28 G4 R SECTION THROUGH LINER AND LEAK DETECTION I NOT TO SCALE I st / U / /

APPROX 140n, WiDE FOR S TIERS I / APPROX 200 WIDE FOR 3 TIERS / 5 LIFTS - EACH c APPROG 65 HIGH I I I I I

1 - Ø

I PLANNED FOR IYPICAL CROSS-SECTION THROUGH LEACH PAD t2000

NOTE: ALLOW 0.5m OF SETTLEMENT PER 6.5m LIFT I THEREFORE TOTAL HEIGHT = 30m

I N / SCALE 1:10000 N / 100 0 100 200 300 400 500 m Figure 2.7 I HEAP LEACH PADS I N /

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 59 - GCC I Section 2 - Description of the Proposal I 2.8 WORKING HOURS AND PROJECT LIFE

I 2.8.1 Working Hours The Applicants propose to continue operations within the Girilambone North Mines I within the existing approved hours of operations, as listed previously in Table 1.1 (Section 1.5.7.2). However, it is proposed to extend the hours of operation for the transportation of copper product to 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. This change in I operational hours is required since the copper produced on site is now despatched as back-loads on trucks delivering acid to the Existing Mine Site. I 2.8.2 Project Life I Table 2.8 displays the additional operational life the mining and processing of the copper-bearing ores from the Girilambone North Mines would have on the overall I project life. TABLE 2.8 I Proposed Project Life

I YEAR ACTIVITY I 1995 1 1996 1 1997 1 1998 1 1999 1 2000 I 2001 Open Cut Mining I - Marrowombic Open Cut I - Hartmans Open Cut I I - Larsens Open Cut

I - North-cast Open Cut F I Copper Production 1

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED GCC - 60 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

In brief, the operation of the Girilambone North Mines would extend the project life by approximately 2 years. Based on current open cut mine ore reserves and projected open cut mining and processing rates, the mine would cease copper production during the Year 2001. The opportunity to extend the mine life beyond the completion of open cut mining at the Girilambone North Mine through underground mining would be evaluated prior to the completion of copper recovery to ensure continuity of ore supply if the ore can be economically recovered.

2.9 EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING

It is proposed to retain the existing workforce for the operation of Girilambone North Mines. In total, the existing project employs 90 persons, 70 per cent of which originate from Nyngan, Girilambone or the local district. There may be a need to increase the workforce by up to five persons once ore haulage from the Girilambone North Mines commences. The Applicants would continue to offer housing in Nyngan to a number of its senior staff drawn to Nyngan from other mining operations around Australia. To date, the Applicants have purchased and/or commissioned the construction of eleven homes in Nyngan.

2.10 SERVICES AND AMENITIES

2.10.1 Water

The Applicants' principal requirement for water on the Project Site would be for dust suppression. This would be met from the following sources:

water from the Existing Mine Site originating from the Bogan River. This water would be pumped via a pipeline positioned adjacent to the haul road. The water would be stored in the existing double tanks located to the east of the North-east Open Cut and drawn for use via a standpipe (Figure 2.1). If required, the storage capacity of these tanks would be increased throughout the life of the project;

usage of groundwater or rainwater accumulating in sumps within the floor of the active open cut mines; and

sediment traps constructed around the perimeter of the waste rock emplacements and open cut mines.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 61 - GCC I Section 2 - Description of tlz e Proposal

I 2.10.2 Fuel No fuel would be stored on the Project Site. All vehicles and mining equipment would be fuelled and serviced via the Contractor's service truck. Any major servicing and I repairs would be carried out at the workshop on the Existing Mine Site. I 2.10.3 Amenities I The only amenities proposed on the Project Site would be a small lunch room and an ablutions block located adjacent to the double tanks east of the North-east Open Cut (Figure 2.1). The ablutions block would be connected to a Council-approved septic I tank. Water would be supplied via a feeder line from the proposed pipeline and power would be supplied from a small portable generating set. One or more receptacles would be provided for the collection of all wastes generated at the lunch room and amenities block. The receptacles would be collected regularly and the wastes disposed of within the approved area on the Existing Mine Site.

2.11 REHABILITATION

I 2.11.1 Introduction The Applicants propose to continue to incorporate its existing rehabilitation procedures in all aspects of the operation of the Girilambone North Mines. Design I planning of the project has addressed the need to ensure that rehabilitation is undertaken progressively, where possible, and provides a low maintenance site in the long term. Figures 2.8 and 2.9 show the final landform proposed at the completion of I the project for the proposed activities on both the Project Site and for the heap leach pads.

I The landform features would be shaped with maximum slopes of approximately 180 (1:3 (V:I-l)) with midslope benches where necessary, so that long term geotechnical I stability occurs and erosion is minimised. The overall objectives of the proposed rehabilitation may be summarised as follows:

(i) to provide a low maintenance, stable and safe landform commensurate I with a grazing land use capability;

to revegetate with native tree and shrub species comparable with pre- existing vegetation communities; and

(iii) to provide a stable ground cover for erosion control.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. ETY LIMITED

GCC - 62 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Sectioii 2 - DesCI7ptio/i oft/ic Proposal

C:\RWC\ 11 7\FL/2-8.DWG

REFERENCE Trench and Windrow ST-7

a-i- Sediment Traps Retained As Farm Dams

- - Contour (Interval = 2m) ST Direction of Runoff

------Creek/Drainage Line

E mplacement F_L \J

North-eàs Open Cut

oubIe Tanks

Har mans Open Cut

T-5

/\\

Waste Rock ST8 Emplacement

) Lars ns Open Cut ST-4A%\ '

17 ' .J ST-

/

SCALE 1:12500 Figure 2.8

200 0 200 400 800m CONCEPTUAL FINAL LANDFORM PROJECT SITE

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 63 - 000 I Section 2 - Description ott/ic' Proposal C:\RWC\1 1 7\FIG2-9.DWG I REFERENCE Existing Contour

Leach Pad Outline I j ( / I I I I BOOROOMUGGA ROAD I I Mu r rowom I Open Cu I I I up' I I I

I SCALE 1:10000 Figure 2.9 100 0 100 200 300 400 500 m CONCEPTUAL FINAL LANDFORM I HEAP LEACH PADS

1 R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I GCC - 64 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal I 2.11.2 Open Cut Mines I At the completion of open cut mining activities, the open cut mines would be left as voids. Whilst the Applicants plan to maximise the extent of backfilling with waste rock into the void created in the Hartmans Open Cut, re-handling of waste rock to backfill the other voids would render the Girilambone North Mine uneconomic. Furthermore, it would jeopardise potential underground development of the potential ore within the Larsens and North-east deposits. The following rehabilitation procedures proposed for the open cut mine voids are designed principally to achieve long term safety.

A trench and windrow would be cut and pushed around the perimeter of each void to prevent accidental vehicular access (see Figure 2.8).

The haul roads into each void would be closed off with large waste rock boulders but could be re-opened to provide safe access to the bottom of the open cut mine in the event of future underground mine development.

At completion of underground mining, if it proceeds, the portals would be sealed.

At the completion of all mining, it is likely that the water table would gradually rise to its pre-mining level, that is, approximately 170 m AHD. It is predicted that it would take up to 10 years for the water in each open cut to rise to approximately 170 m AHD. The approximate depth of water in each open cut mine would be as follows:

Hartmans Open Cut : 43 m deep;

Larsens Open Cut: 61 m deep; and

North-east Open Cut : 46 m deep.

It is expected that water quality in the voids would be similar to existing water quality given:

the water table would re-establish at a level above any suiphidic materials in the exposed final walls of the open cuts. Hence, oxidation of sulphide materials could not occur; and

any sulphidic waste rock placed in Hartmans Open Cut, should it be shown to be positive NAPP, would be placed beneath 170 m AHD and likewise would be below water and unable to oxidise to produce any deleterious substances.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 65 - GCC Section 2 - Description of the Proposal I

In the event that Type 1, 2 or 3 waste rock from Larsens and/or the North-east Open I Cuts is backfilled into Hartmans Open Cut, it would be left as a scree slope at the angle of repose around the perimeter of the void.

2.11.3 Waste Rock Emplacements

I The final configuration of the waste rock emplacements are presented on Figure 2.8. Considerable emphasis would be placed wherever practicable upon the progressive I rehabilitation of the emplacements. The design and method of construction of the emplacements previously outlined in Section 2.5.6 reflects this approach. As an appropriate length of the lower batter slope is prepared, soil would either be transferred directly from a new area or stockpile and placed on the final batter. Irrespective of whether the final slope is surfaced with rock I or soil, emphasis would be placed upon establishing vegetation through direct seeding using seed stock and seed-hearing branches collected from elsewhere on the Project Site or Existing Mine Site. When available, tree branches, stumps and saplings would I be spread over final slopes. Once each bench is formed between successive tiers and shaped, the surface would be I covered with between 100 mm and 150 mm of topsoil and seeded with native seed or an appropriate cover crop (and low levels of fertilizer, if necessary). The Applicants would draw upon the results of the progressive rehabilitation undertaken on the slopes I and benches of the existing waste rock emplacements in the revegetation of WRE 1 and 2. I Once the final upper surface of the waste rock emplacements are formed and the final drainage controls installed, the remaining stored soil would be transferred to the surface. Particular emphasis would be placed upon ensuring areas of the emplacement I surface and roadways watered with saline water are reworked and covered with sufficient topsoil so as not to adversely affect plant growth. The surface would then be stahilised with an appropriate cover crop with low levels of fertiliser. The final surface I of WRE I would be shaped and revegetated in three or more campaigns whereas the surface of WRE 2 would be shaped in a single campaign. I The Applicants propose to continue the current native seedling propagation programme and plant appropriate species, generally in clumps, on the surface and I benches of the waste rock emplacements. 1 2.11.4 Heap Leach Pads The approach to the rehabilitation of the leached ore on the Heap Leach Pad No. 4 is to be developed over the next few years. This approach is proposed given the absence of rehabilitation practices developed for such operations and ore types either in Australiaor overseas. The approach outlined below is conceptual and would be refined after research and evaluation of test results.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED GCC - 66 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

The heaps of spent ore that would remain on Heap Leach Pad No.4 would be re- shaped after an assessment has been undertaken to establish that no further pregnant copper-bearing solutions can be economically recovered from the heaps. Prior to reshaping, the heaps would be "detoxified" by irrigating them with an alkaline solution until the pH of the recovered leach solution increases to above pH 5.0. At this pH, the chemical and bacterial leaching process would be terminated.

Should Heap Leach Pad No. 4 be used, it would be reduced marginally in height and the side slopes reduced to less than 18°. The final landform would resemble a low (10 m to 20 m high) elongated hill (Figure 2.9).

As the final slope of the heaps are formed, and the final drainage configuration completed, subsoil (up to 200 mm) and topsoil (up to 100 mm) would be spread across the surface. Once topsoiled, the final surfaces would be sown with a mixture of grasses and shrubs. As in the case of the waste rock emplacements, a few clumps of trees would be grown from tuhestock at appropriate locations.

2.11.5 Road Network

2.11.5.1 Haul Road

Unless there is agreement by Council, local community and the Applicants to leave the haul road in place for recreational or other use, the haul road between the Girilambone North Mines and the Existing Mine Site would be removed. This would involve ripping the road surface, removing culverts, shaping the final surface and finally respreading the previously stockpiled topsoil across the disturbed areas. All final slopes would be blended into the surrounding topography. The completed surface would be seeded with an appropriate seed mix and any stored branches, stumps etc. placed on the final surface.

2.11.5.2 Booroomugga Road Diversion

Should it be required by Council, Booroomugga Road Diversion would be treated in a similar manner to the haul road and the perimeter fencing re-instated.

2.11.5.3 Booroomugga Road

At the completion of all ore haulage, the temporary fences blocking Booroomugga Road would be removed and the road surface graded and replaced where necessary prior to being opened for ongoing use by vehicles.

R.W. CORKEFIY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 67 - GCC I Section 2 - Description of the Proposal 1 2.11.6 Borrow Pit It is proposed that should the borrow pit, adjacent to the proposed haulroad, be developed, its rehabilitation would involve: I reshaping the final landform to ensure it is free-draining;

the surface would be deep ripped on the downslope side to maximise infiltration; I pushing topsoil, originally pushed aside, back across the completed landform;

(iv) placement of trees, shrubs, stumps originally pushed to one side back I over the final landform.

I 2.11.7 Maintenance All rehabilitated areas would be maintained to ensure there is not excessive scour or I inappropriate revegetation establishment. The Applicants would maintain a programme to document the species abundance, diversity and growth rate as a means of assessing the effectiveness of their revegetation programme. Follow-up maintenance I programmes would be undertaken at least twice each year for a period of up to three years after the completion of the revegetation programme.

2.12 DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS I Amongst the development prospects that the Applicants would be investigating in the near future would be the underground extension beneath the Murrowombie Open Cut I and the Larsens and North-east deposits. The Applicants remain confident that exploration elsewhere in the Girilambone area would also define additional economic copper ore bodies in a similar manner to those I currently being proposed for development. Figure 2.10 identifies a number of geochemical and geophysical anomolous areas within and immediately surrounding MLA 2 that would be the target of further exploration. Extensive reconnaissance sirotem geophysical surveys have been undertaken since 1992 over the geochemical anomalies previously identified and also over geochemical 1 anomalies discovered by the Applicants throughout their other twelve exploration licences. A number of significant anomalies have been located and these and the I adjoining areas warrant exploration for leachable copper resources. Deep percussion and diamond drilling are planned to test twelve high priority Sirotem anomalies with associated magnetic anomalies and anomalous copper geochemistry in I bedrock samples.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED GCC - 68 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description oft/ic Proposal

C:\RWC\1 7\FIG2-1O.DWG 1 7

'a 1;7

'a 1/

REFERENCE 'a

Geophysical Anomalies

Geochemical Anomalies / LI I

SCALE 1:30000 T' Figure 2.10 500 0 500 1000m \ FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 69 - GCC I Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

2.13 DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES

I 2.13.1 Introduction

Schedule 2(3) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1994, I requires that any feasible alternatives to carrying out the proposed development be addressed in this document. The assessment of a range of development alternatives I has been examined by the Applicants during their pre-feasibility study for the Girilambone North Mines. The feasible alternatives considered in this document 1 relate to: I . temporary closure of Booroomugga Road; and

I . waste rock emplacement locations.

The Applicants examined the options to relocate the crushing and screening plant to an area adjacent to the Girilambone North Mines and either construct a heap leach pad nearby or convey the ore to the existing and proposed heap leach pads on the Existing Mine Site. In both cases the quantity and copper grade of the defined ore is insufficient to sustain the costs of either alternative.

1 2.13.2 Temporary Closure of Booroomugga Road Figure 2.11 presents the configuration of the proposed haul road that would be necessary should it not be possible to temporarily close Booroomugga Road. The main I feature of this alternative would be the use of traffic lights to control the interaction between haultrucks and pri\'ate vehicles travelling either east or west along I Booroomugga Road. Features of the alternate haul road would be:

. bends would be constructed in the haul road either side of Booroomugga I Road to deliberately slow haultrucks down to a speed of 15 kph before crossing the public road;

the running surface of the road (normally 20 m wide) would be reduced to 12 in at Booroomugga Road to restrict haultruck movement to one- I way operation at any time; and

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED

GCC - 70 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Desc:ription ot the Proposal l4, C;\RWC\1 17\HG2-1 iDWO

:j ALTE RNATE WASTE ROCK EMPLACEMENT

North .a

Harbp.o )

Rook

I Lars sOp

I J\

SECURITY TRAFFIC Tr LIOI4T TRAFFIC

I ALTERNATE HAUL ROAD

INSET

N a

dflIIon Proposed Boom 4 / Exlsth.g L.acVPad 4 1\( arrowombI. ii Open Cut

Existing

Pad -- 5 EoUng w I Leech 0 ach Pad / \r3\ N2 56/ Figure 2.11 SCALE 1:30000 - - DEVELOPMENT 500 0 500 1000 1500m ALTERNATIVES

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I DS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 71 - GCC I Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

I . sensors would be fitted adjacent to the haul road at a nominated distance from Booroomugga Road to activate:

I (a) the red lights to stop vehicles from Booroomugga Road crossing I the haul road; and

(b) the raising of boom gates located on the haul road either side of I Booroomugga Road. I The main components of the traffic lights and boom gate system at the crossing of I Booroomugga Road would be as follows:

I . four conventional traffic light poles would be positioned at the crossing. These would be normally green for traffic using Booroomugga Road I unless haultrucks are approaching or crossing the roadway;

. a set of boom gates would be located on both sides of Booroomugga I Road across the haul road. These gates would be closed whilst ever the lights are green for traffic on Booroomugga Road;

a set of steel gates would be mounted behind the boom gates which 1 would be closed and locked when ore is not being hauled: I . appropriate signs would be displayed on Booroomugga Road on both the eastern and western side of the crossing; and 1 a second entrance from Booroomugga Road, secured with a steel gate, I would be constructed for light mine vehicles. I The Applicants favour the temporary closure and construction of a road diversion around the Existing Mine Site principally on safety grounds. Despite all the best training, warning signs and operational procedures, the Applicants believe it is far I more appropriate to approach the issue with full caution and accept an option where there is no possibility for interaction between haultrucks and private vehicles. The Applicants' consultation with the local community has received similar support for the I diversion of Booroomugga Road.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED GCC - 72 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 2 - Description of the Proposal

2.13.3 Waste Rock Emplacements The Applicants have carefully considered their options for placement of the waste rock generated within each open cut mine and has established that, apart from the proposed location for the waste rock (see Section 2.5), two feasible alternatives exist.

Eastern Side of Open Cuts

Figure 2.11 shows the location of a potential waste rock emplacement adjacent to the east side of the Girilambone North Mines. It is essentially a "mirror image" of the proposed emplacement but has been rejected because the proposed emplacement is less likely to be affected by any potential expansion of the open cut mines, particularly towards the end of the mine life.

Hartmans Open Cut

The current geological model of the Hartmans deposit suggests there are negligible quantities of copper-bearing ore beneath the projected floor of the proposed open cut mine. Should this be confirmed in the latter half of the operational life of the mine, the mine would be ideally suited for receiving any fresh waste rock from the base of Larsens Open Cut and all the waste rock from the North-east Open Cut. Whilst the Applicants are intending to maximise the backfilling of Hartmans Open Cut void, provision has been made in planning the site layout for all waste rock to be emplaced on the surface around the mine areas.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED - 73 -

I SECTION 3

I DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

____-_ -...' ...... 18 I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 75 - GCC I Section 3 - Existing Environment 1 3.1 TOPOGRAPHY

3.1.1 Local Topography

Girilambone lies in the western plains district of NSW where local topography is characterised by plains with occasional undulating and/or locally prominent hills. The closest prominent hill to the Project Site is Trig Hill, 1.5 km east of the Existing Mine Site (Figure 3.1), where the hill rises to approximately 260 m AHD.

3.1.2 Project Site Topography

The Project Site is centred on an elevated area approximately 4 km north-west of the Existing Mine Site. Elevations vary from approximately 200 m AHD near the Existing I Mine Site to 238 m AHD at the small hill in the area of the proposed Hartmans Open Cut. Slopes on the Project Site range generally between 0.50 and 4.5° although some small rocky areas are steeper with side slopes of up to 15° to 20°. Figure 3.2 depicts the I topography of the Project Site.

Table 3.1 lists the maximum and minimum slopes and elevation range of the areas I proposed for the location of the waste rock emplacements and the Girilambone North I Mines. TABLE 3.1 Topography of Project Site Components

Elevation Range Maximum Slope Minimum Slope (m AHD) I Hartmans Open Cut 4.60 0.950 238 to 218 I Larsens Open Cut 2.50 0.950 226 to 216 I North-east Open Cut 1.90 0.950 220 to 217 RE 1 2.50 0.5 ° 226 to 210 I WRE 2 1.30 0.9 ° 216 to 208 H

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED

GCC - 76 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment

10

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ç Court/apds I 26184 .% N5N 21 . 12 / adale 20

SCALE 1:100000

1 2 3 4 5km Figure 3.1 I LOCAL SETTING

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 77 GCC I Section 3 Existing Environment I I I I I I I

I Plate 3,1: An oblique aerial view to the southeast across the area of the proposed I Girilambone North Mines (Ref: 117A0/6) I I

I T - Z r -, - ;- , - -. ._: _- -•' - ' - •' -. :•-' I - - •-' i11J' I .'. . - •''L' - -. - - - - I I

Plate 3.2: An oblique aerial view to the north-west along the proposed haul road I to the Girilambone North Mines (Ref: 117A0/22) I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED ccc - 78 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Envfronn2ent

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLy BLANK

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED 1 EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES I Section 3 - Existing En inronment - 79 - GOC 7\F1C1 2.DWG I REFERENCE \ 7 /Power Line

c Projent Site Boundary

I - - Contour (Interval = 2m) I Road :::a :It:ne

I ct 7 4 2 A

Open 6., I / I I I

I 11k I I I I I I A I

I I I N I SCALE 1:30000 / ) 500 0 500 1000m Figure 3.2 N I p I PROJECT SITE TOPOGRAPHY

1 R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED I GCC - 80 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment I

3.2 DRAINAGE I

I 3.2.1 Regional Drainage I The Project Site lies within the Macquarie River drainage catchment and is drained by the Bogan River which flows south to north through the township of Nyngan (Figure 3.3). The Bogan River is connected to the Macquarie River via Duck Creek and Gunningbar Creek, north of the Project Site. The Albert Priest Channel, approximately 65 km long, connects the Bogan River and the Macquarie River via the Gunningbar Creek. The channel joins Gunningbar Creek approximately 3.5 km west of the Macquarie River. Figure 3.3 presents the approximate location of the channel.

3.2.2 Local Drainage

Local drainage is cliaracterised by intermittent streams which flow towards the Bogan River. Locally, two drainage systems are present, one which flows to the south-east (Sidburys Creek) and an un-named creek which flows to the north-east.

Sidburys Creek traverses the south-western corner of the Existing Mine Site and flows to the south-east. A system of ephemeral gullies radiate from the ridge and hill systems present within the Existing Mine Site and the Project Site. All gullies drain towards Sidburys Creek or other un-named intermittent tributaries of the Bogan River. Local drainage is also depicted on Figure 3.3.

3.2.3 Project Site Drainage

Figure 3.3 depicts Project Site drainage and shows the main catchment divide which runs through the centre of the site, and numerous other sub-catchments. Approximately half of the Project Site drains towards the west and half towards the east. The proposed areas for the Girilambone North Mines, the northern soil storage areas and WRE 2 drain to the east. Two adjoining tanks ("double-tanks") are located immediately downslope of the Hartmans and North-east Open Cut sites (Figure 3.3). The majority of the area proposed for the WRE 1 and the existing and proposed site access roads drains towards Sidburys Creek to the west of the Project Site.

An existing tank is located downslope and to the south of the area proposed for WRE 1. Another tank which collects runoff from the elevated area east of the proposed haul road near Booroomugga Road is located near the southern boundary and the proposed haul road.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 81 - GCC I Section 3 - Existing Eni'ironnient .II7\F3.DWU

REGIONAL MACQUARIE BASIN CATCHMENT AREA Source MACQUARIE RIVER, BASIN 421 WATER RESOURCES INVENTORY WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION, N.S.W

SCALE 1:3000000 50 0 50 100

I

REFERENCE MLA Boundary

Road

"- -_-- Watercourse

Contour (interval = 2m) Principal Catchment Boundary Minor Catchment Boundary Ground Tank Surface Water Gw-160 Monitoring Site

TSStationutatp, n g C, ...... )

- PROJECT SITE LOCAL SCALE 1:150000 SCALE 1:40000 2.5 0 2.5 5.0 7.5 km 500 0 500 bOon, I Figure 3.3 DRAINAGE

I I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 83 - GCC Section 3 - Existing Environment I 1 3.3 GEOLOGY A 3.3.1 Regional Geology The Girilambone region is located within the western portion of the Lachian Fold Belt. The district is underlain by the Girilambone Beds, a Cambrian-Ordovician I sequence of dominantly clastic rock types which have undergone low grade greenschist facies metamporphism. Regionally, the Girilambone Beds consist of quartzofelspathic I schist, phyllite, greywacke, slate, quartzite and minor altered basic volcanics. Within the vicinity of the Project Site, the Girilambone Beds include variably to well laminated greywackes and quartz-mica schists, cryptocrystalline to micaceous quartzite I as well as rare occurrences of serpentinite and metamorphosed basic igneous rocks.

3.3.2 Local Geology and Mineralisation

Copper mineralisation occurs within a thinly laminated to massive lenticular quartzite I horizon as well as within surrounding sericite-chlorite-quartz schists. The styles of mineralisation. include massive, thinly laminated to banded, disseminated as well as I fracture fillings in oxidised rocks. The dominant copper-bearing minerals include azurite, malachite, chalcocite, native copper and chalcopyrite. I 3.3.3 Project Site Geology and Mineralisation I The following description has been provided by the manager of the exploration joint venture undertaking the exploration within the Project Site. I ' Hartmans Deposit This mineralised zone extends for 450 m north-south and 150 m east-west as a sub- horizontal irregular body of hydromorphic malachite and azurite. The zone from the surface to 35 m is devoid of ore-grade mineralisation and the zone from 35 m to 85 m 1 contains the bulk of the mineralisation. A narrow zone (possibly 15 m wide and 5 m deep) with native copper occurs at the base of the malachite-azurite at 80 m to 85 m I depth. Some chalcocite mineralisation associated with fine-grained pyrite and minor 1 chalcopyrite occurs at the southern end of the deposit. The rock types are mainly weathered chloritic schists with minor zones of weak silicification, and a central limonitic gossanous zone. Secondary silicification and I ferruginisation within the gossan ranges from weak to intense. A zone of graphitic schist trends north-westerly through the mineralisation, and native I copper and possibly chalcocite occur within this zone at depth.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I GCC - 84 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment U Larsens Deposit I The Larsens mineralised zone occurs as a composite body with secondary native copper and malachite-azurite trending grid north, and fine-grained disseminated to massive pyrite with chalcocite and chalcopyrite trending grid north-west. Both types of mineralisation dip easterly at 250. Low grade copper mineralisation is also associated with limonite. The primary sulphide mineralisation is extremely erratic with numerous small discontinuous lenses, some of which do not extend 25 m along strike or down dip. At least three gossanous zones, up-dip from suiphide bodies, have been intersected by drilling. Copper minerals have migrated down dip along the gossanous zones and also vertically downwards from the gossans. Extreme leaching has resulted in only minor intersections greater than 0.8 per cent copper within 50 m of the surface. Rock types in the zone are mainly fine-grained chioritic schists with zones of weak pervasive silicification. Leaching and weathering are extremely erratic and are most intense in the vicinity of the lode formations.

North-east Deposit'

Below the weathered zone, the mineralisation consists of a regular tabular pyrite- chalcopyrite body approximately 200 m in strike length and 12 m true width, striking grid north-south, dipping grid east at 700 and pitching grid south. Copper minerals include malachite-azu rite, limonite with low levels of copper at shallower depths and minor native copper, and minor chalcocite-rimmed pyrite in the supergene zone at greater depth. Leachable ore types consist mainly of malachite-azurite with minor native copper and chalcocite. No major chalcocite body similar to that at the Murrowombie Open Cut exists, but chalcocite forms rims on pyrite and chalcopyrite. Graphitic shears striking grid north-west terminate the mineralisation at the northern and probably the southern ends of the ore body.

3.4 SOILS AND LAND/AGRICULTURAL CAPABILITY

3.4.1 Soil Occurrences

Soils in the Girilambone area typically comprise sands, red-brown sandy gravels and colluvial soil. Around rocky outcrops, such as those on the Project Site, the soils are normally skeletal and on the hill flanks and plains, silty clays and sandy loams predominate. Soils in the proximity of the Project Site are classified within the Cobar land system and the Mineshaft land system. Soils of the Cobar land system comprise shallow gravelly loamy soils, grading to deeper acid and neutral red earths with

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 85 - GCC I Section 3 - Existing Environment

hardpans downslope and in drainage lines. Soils of the Mineshaft land system comprise 1 shallow stony, sandy and loamy soils which deepen slightly along drainage lines.

Soils on the Project Site within the proposed areas of disturbance are characterised by A red earths. However, very little topsoil remains, principally, as a result of poor farming practices, such as overgrazing. Gully erosion is evident on and surrounding the Project Site.

For planning purposes, the Applicants have selected an average depth for topsoil stripping of 100 mm across all areas to be disturbed. Prior to disturbance, the 1 Applicants propose to undertake a reconnaisance study of all approved areas of disturbance and accurately record soil thickness to assist in planning the extent of I direct soil transfer and soil stockpiling. I 3.4.2 Land Capability The Soil Conservation Service developed an eight class system for evaluating the [I capability of rural land. The classification delineates the various classes of land using:

the hiophysical characteristics or constraints and the extent to which these would limit a particular land use. Climate, geology, geomorphology, soil erosion, site and soil drainage characteristics and I current land use data are all considered in determining land capability;

I the current technology available for the management of the land; and

. an assessment of the soil erosion hazards, environmental problems I caused by soil erosion and sedimentation.

The Girilambone area may be classified as having a rural land capability of Classes IV and VI. Class IV land is suitable grazing and occasional cultivation with soil I conservation practices such as minimal cultivation, stock control and pasture improvement. Class VI land is suitable for grazing, subject to standard soil I conservation practices, but not suitable for cultivation owing to physical limitations. I 3.4.3 Agricultural Capability NSW Agriculture adopts a 5 class system for the classification of rural land which provides an appreciation of the agricultural capability of the land, that is, with respect I to its capability for cropping, pasture improvement and grazing. All land within and surrounding the Project Site would be classified Class 4 and Class 5. The bulk of the I land is Class 4, with the more elevated rocky areas recognised as Class 5 land.

1 R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED

I GCC EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment I Class 4 and Class 5 lands are defined as follows: I

Class 4: Land suitable for grazing but not for cultivation. Agriculture is based on native pastures or improved pastures established using minimum tillage techniques. Production may be seasonally high but the overall production level is low as a result of severe constraints, including economic factors, which preclude land improvements.

Class 5: Land unsuitable for agriculture or at best suited only to light grazing. Agricultural production is very low to zero as a result of severe constraints, including economic factors, which preclude land improvement.

3.5 METEOROLOGY

3.5.1 Introduction

The following summaries of meteorological data are based on 25 years of records collected at the Cobar MO Bureau of Meteorology Station (No. 048027) 100 km west- south-west of Girilambone, 108 years of records collected at the Nyngan Post Office (No. 051039), approximately 50 km south-east of the Project Site, and at a meteorological station managed by the Girilambone Copper Company Pty Ltd immediately east of the Existing Mine Site. The on-site station was commissioned in September 1992 and records data including wind speed and direction, air temperature and rainfall. It is noted that the data for Nyngan Post Office is more indicative of long term climate variations. In general, the climate in the area is dry continental with hot summers and mild winters. The summaries of climatic data are presented in Table 3.2.

3.5.2 Temperature

Table 3.2 compares daily minimum and maximum temperatures at Nyngan and at the Girilambone Copper Mine. Girilambone tends to have higher mean daily maximum temperatures and lower mean daily minimum temperatures than Nyngan. January and February are the hottest months at both locations. June is the coldest month at Girilambone and July is the coldest month at Nyngan. At Nyngan, the mean monthly maximum temperature for January is 33.9° and at Girilambone the mean maximum temperature for January is 36.3°C. The mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures for June are 16.4°C and 4.4°C at Girilambone.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 87 - GCC I Section 3 - Existing Environment TABLE 3.2 1 Climatic Summary

I Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year I TEMPCR&TURE (°c Nyngan (108 years of records) Mean Daily Maximum 33.9 33.3 30.5 26.0 20.7 17.5 16.6 18.4 22.2 26.4 29.9 32.9 25.7 1 Mean Daily Minimum 19.6 19.3 16.5 12.0 7.8 5.0 3.6 5.0 7.9 11.8 14.9 17.8 11.8

Girilambone Copper lv1ine I Mean Daily Maximum 36.3 35.0 30.1 28.8 21.5 16.4 22.5 27.6 31.5 26.3 27.8 30.1 Mean Daily Minimum 20.9 19.1 15.8 11.9 8.3 4.4 0.3 0.0 3.2 11.3 13.1 17.3

I l'ALL {iwu}

Nyngan (108 years of records) I Mean 51 47 41 31 35 33 29 30 26 35 34 40 432 RaindaysperMontb 5 4 4 3 4 5 5 5 4 5 4 4 52 I Girilambone Copper Mine - 1992 to 1995 1992 62.2 60.8 108.6

I 1993 76.6 12.4 19.2 0.6 42.4 16.2 49.2 7.2 70.0 50.8 48.0 34.8 427.4 I 14 0.6 79.8k 57.0 k 4.0 5.0 19.6 7.0 8.0 2.8 15.0 55.0 10.0 264.6 1995 278.1 1.2 0.0 2.2 80.0 8.6

I EVAPORATION (mtn/month

Cobar (25 years of records) I Maximum 416 322 270 172 lii 74 89 126 192 270 321 379 2742 Minimum 186 141 163 79 59 40 52 67 103 116 170 240 1416 1 Average 297 242 211 137 86 57 64 91 129 186 244 310 2054 FOG FREQUINCLES I Cobar (25 years of records) Average No. per 0 0 0 0 1 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 7 month I Maximum No. 1 1 2 3 5 9 7 3 2 2 2 1 38 recorded per month U + Equipment malfunction on-site; date from Girilambone Store I

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I GCC - 88 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment I 3.5.3 Rainfall I Average annual rainfall as recorded in Nyngan, is 432 mm, although during drought years the annual rainfall has been lowered than 120 mm. The rainfall pattern for Nyngan is somewhat variable, despite the records which, averaged over many years, tend to show that rainfall is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. This is evidenced in Table 3.2 which shows variation in monthly rainfall distribution both within and between the years of monitoring.

3.5.4 Evaporation

Table 3.2 lists the average monthly evaporation for a 17 year period at Cobar. Greatest evaporation occurs during January and the least during June. Evaporation averages 2 054 mm per annum, thus any surface water is lost rapidly except in the coolest months or after very heavy rainfall.

3.5.5 Temperature Inversions

Radiation inversions are the main type of temperature inversions likely to cause noise enhancement or air pollutants to be held close to the ground. An indication of the frequency of radiation inversions is reflected by the occurrence of fogs. Table 3.2 presents the recorded fog frequencies for the Cobar Station. The maximum recorded fogs in any one month was nine in June 1980. On average, only seven fogs are recorded annually at Cobar. Any other inversions without fog occurrences would be expected to disperse quickly after sunrise.

3.5.6 Wind

Records kept at the Cobar Research Station show that during summer and autumn, morning winds tend to predominate from the north-east and east. During winter, morning winds are variable both in direction and strength. A greater proportion of winds blow from the south-west dluadrant than at other times during the year. Afternoon winds, based on records from Cobar, show a dominance in winds from the south, south-west and west throughout the year. Wind velocities are usually 8 km/hr to 20 km/hr.

Continuous wind speed and direction data recorded at the Girilambone Copper Mine between 1992 and 1995 show easterly winds dominate in summer. In the evening and at night, winds from the south-east are common. Moderate winds frequently develop from the north-east in the morning and in the afternoon the main wind directions are from the south-west. The south-westerly winds tend to be the strongest winds. In winter, the records kept at the Girilambone Copper Mine indicate a more frequent presence of southerlies and a general easing in the wind strength. Winds from the north-west are less frequent.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES GCC I Section 3 - Existing Environment 1 3.6 WATER RESOURCES

1 3.6.1 Surface Water I 1 3.6.1.1 Occurrence The principal rivers in the region include the Macquarie River and the Bogan River. I In the Girilambone area, irrigation supply is regulated via Gunningbar and Duck Creeks, which both flow from the Macquarie River near Warren to join the Bogan River downstream from Nyngan. The Bogan River and its ephemeral tributary creeks I are the main surface water resources in the local area. There are also numerous surface water storage dams and tanks of various sizes located on properties throughout I the area.

Surface water resources on the Existing Mine Site include two sedimentation basins, the "Duck Pond" and the Magazine Dam (Figure 1.2). Sidburys Creek, an intermittent I stream, runs through the south-western corner of the Existing Mine Site. Immediately downstream of the Existing Mine Site, a further water storage is present, namely I Wilgabone Tank. Surface water on the Project Site is restricted to three ground tanks and a number of small intermittent streams. After rainfall events, runoff on the Project Site tends to I flow as sheetwash. I 1 3.6.1.2 Surface Water Quality

I Existing Mine Site and Surrounds I The water quality of the 'Duck Pond" and the Magazine Dam have been monitored on a regular basis since 1989 and the water quality of the sedimentation basins has been I monitored since late 1991. Table 3.3 displays the results of surface water monitoring at ' the above locations and at Wilgabone Tank. In general, water quality around the Existing Mine Site is of average quality with near neutral pH and high levels of suspended solids after rainfall. Waters upstream and downstream are generally low in metal concentrations, although unfiltered samples do show slightly elevated iron levels I as the iron is absorbed onto suspended clay particles in the samples.

foal I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I GCC - 90 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment I

TABLE 3.3

Surface Water Quality - Existing Mine Site

Location Date 1)11 EC 11CO3 SO4 Cu Pb Zn Co

Duck Pond 30/06/1993 6.89 79 35 <5 <0.001 <0.005 <0.05 -- 12/10/1993 7.26 53 -- 5 0.045 0.01 <0.05 -- 19/01/1994 8.28 90 * -- -- <0.05 <0.05 0.5 <0.05 28/06/1994 7.15 110 -- -- <0.01 <0.005 0.05 <0.05 29/09/1994 8.35 125 -- 7 0.02 <0.005 <0.05 <0.05 16/01/1995 7.00 120 -- -- 0.02 <0.005 0.10 <0.05 20/05/1995 7.75 135 -- -- 0.01 0.025 <0.05 <0.05 30/06/1995 6.80 130 -- -- 0.02 <0.005 <0.05 <0.05

Wilgabone Tank 30/06/1993 7.13 71 35 <5 0.23 0.005 0.15 -- 12/10/1993 7.20 * 86 -- <5 0.005 <0.005 0.1 -- 25/11/1993 535 * 80 * 35 <5 <0.01 <0.005 <0.05 -- 20/01/1994 9.75 110 -- -- <0.05 0.05 <0.05 <0.05 28/06/1994 7.04 90 -- -- <0.01 <0.005 0.05 <0.05 29/09/1994 7.20 85 -- 4 0.01 <0.005 <0.05 <0.05 16/01/1995 7.30 110 -- -- <0.01 <0.005 0.10 <0.05 20/05/1995 7.25 75 -- -- 0.01 0.025 <0.05 <0.05 30/06/1995 6.40 65 -- -- <0.01 <0.005 <0.05 <0.05

Magazine Dam 30/06/1993 8.01 75 30 <5 <0.01 <0.005 0.05 -- 12/10/1993 6.99 133 -- 5 <0.005 0.005 0.05 -- 20/01/1994 6.25 150 -- -- 0.1 0.05 0.05 <0.05 28/06/1994 7.01 80 -- -- <0.01 <0.005 <0.05 <0.05 29/09/1994 7.15 95 -- 2 0.01 <0.005 <0.05 0.10 16/01/1995 6.70 110 -- -- 0.01 <0.005 0.20 <0.05 20/05/1995 7.35 110 -- -- 0.03 0.02 <0.05 <0.05 30/06/1995 6.35 80 -- -- <0.01 <0.005 <0.05 <0.05

Sedimentation 13/10/1993 6.8 337 -- 90 0.05 <0.005 <0.05 -- Basin 1 20/01/1994 5.75 490 -- -- 0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 28/06/1994 6.37 670 -- -- 1.31 <0.005 0.25 0.25 29/09/1994 3.95 1 790 -- 858 16 <0.005 1.25 0.70 01/11/1994 4.95 1 450 -- 425 2.55 -- 0.55 0.40 16/01/1995 3.70 1995 -- -- 12 0.005 1.10 0.60 20/05/1995 2.55 16 750 -- -- 790 0.05 44 26 30/06/1995 2.75 4460 -- -- 105 <0.005 7.70 3.15

Sedimentation 13/10/1993 8.14 10410 -- 1565 0.05 0.035 <0.05 -- Basin2 20/01/1994 9.20 26300 -- -- <0.05 <0.05 0.05 <0.05 28/06/1994 7.05 860 -- -- 0.08 <0.005 <0.05 <0.05 29/09/1994 8.10 2535 -- 249 0.06 <0.005 <0.05 <0.05 16/01/1995 6.55 435 -- -- 0.40 0.015 0.15 <0.05 20/05/1995 7.90 5215 -- -- 0.15 0.025 <0.05 <0.05 30/06/1995 7.45 2305 -- -- 0.11 <0.005 <0.05 <0.05 ' Laboratory results presented where field measurements are absent Note: All measurements in ing/L

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 91 - GCC Section 3 - Existing Environment I

Water quality within the areas influenced by on-site activities has varied and reflects a I range of occurrences. The two principal structures that collect surface water on the Project Site are Sedimentation Basins 1 and 2.

I . Sedimentation Basin 1 collects runoff from the area of the heap leach I pads, SX-EW plant and other process-related activities, during the mine life to date, various quantities of acidified waters have entered this basin. The basin has operated as it was designed to collect and contain all I runoff from within its catchment. I

Sedimentation Basin 2 collects water from the waste rock emplacement and at various stages has contained small quantities of groundwater pumped from the Murrowombie Open Cut. I

El

It is noted that the level of water Sedimentation Basin is intentionally kept low 1 through preferentially using the water after rainfall events for dust suppression. Hence, the quantity of water with the quality nominated in Table 3.3, particularly in I Sedimentation Basin 2, is comparatively low.

I

1 Project Site and Surrounds I

Figure 3.3 and Table 3.4 respectively display and describe the location of surface water monitoring sites sampled on the 29th November 1994 in the vicinity of the proposed I Girilambone North Mines. The collection of samples followed rainfall of approximately 55 mm. All samples were collected from either dams (tanks) or pools in drainage lines that were flowing during the previous day. Table 3.5 lists the results of I the surface water monitoring programme.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I GCC - 92 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment I

TABLE 3.4 1 Baseline Surface Water Quality Monitoring Locations *

Location # Descriptive Location

GW-7 Within Sidburys Creek on the southern side of the five panel culvert on Booroomugga Road, 1.8 km west of the main entrance gate to the Existing Mine Site.

GW-8 Within the un-named tributary that flows north-easterly from the northern end of the Project Site. The sample location is on the eastern side of the Bourke Road, approximately 6.8 km from the Booroomugga Road turnoff.

GW-9 Shearing Shed tank- "Avoca" - receives runoff from northern half of the area cast of the haul road.

GW-10 Within an un-named drainage line that drains the southern half of the area cast of the proposed haul road. The sample location is on the western side of the Bourke Road at the northern-most culvert, approximately 0.75 km north of the Booroomugga Road turnoff.

GW-1 1 Within a small dam on a tributary of Sidburys Creek approximately 50 m north of Booroomugga Road. 3.2 km west of the main entrance gate to the Existing Mine Site.

GW-12 Within an un-named drainage line that flows through a two panel culvert beneath the Bourke Road, 1.4 km from the Booroomugga Road turnoff.

GW-13 Within an un-named drainage line that flows through a five panel culvert beneath the Bourke Road, 2.9 km from the Booroomugga Road turnoff, opposite the "Avoca" house tank.

GW-14 Avoca Tank, approximately 0.5 km north of MLA 2 - located on a drainage line draining the proposed WRE 2.

GW-15 Within an un-named drainage line that flows through a two panel culvert beneath the Bourke Road 4.2 km from Booroomugga Road turnoff.

GW-16 Double Tanks, approximately 200 in east of the proposed North-east Open Cut Mine.

* Note: GW prefix refers to Girilambone Water # See Figure 33

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 93 - GCC I Section 3 - Existing Environment I TABLE 3.5 Surface Water Quality - Project Site and Surrounds I LOcatIOn# GW-10 GW-11 GW-14 GW-16 Parameter Units GW-7 GW-8 GW-9 I ptl - 7.2 7.2 7.0 7.3 7.2 6.9 6.6 EC jiS/c11-1 103 71 51 108 186 45 27

1 SS mg/L 56 24 36 44 52 16 68 I Ca mg/L 5 4 4 8 15 4 1 Mg mg/L 3 1 2 4 6 1 <1 I Ba mg/L 3 2 2 3 3 2 2 K mg/L 13 9 7 13 15 5 4

I HCO3 mg/L 42 27 26 45 78 21 8 I SO4 mg/L 2 2 1 2 5 <1 1 CI mg/L <1 <1 <1 5 5 <1 <1 1 Cd mg/L <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Cu mg/L 0.02 <0.01 0.02 <0.01 <0.01 0.03 0.01

1 Mn mg/L 0.11 0.11 0.69 1.35 1.17 0.20 0.22 I Pb mg/L 0.04 0.02 0.02 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Zn mg/L 0.14 0.13 0.11 0.09 0.11 0.13 0.09 I As mg/L <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Fe mg/L 14.5 0.5 6.7 13.4 11.2 1.1 1.8

1 Note: GW 1)1etiX refers to Girilanibone Water # See Figure 33 I 3.6.2 Groundwater I 3.6.2.1 Occurrence I Groundwater in the region is generally of low yield. The Department of Land and Water Conservation (Water Resources Division) advises that there is one registered bore within approximately 3 km of the Project Site (Figure 3.3). Boremaster data for I this bore (No. 42880), adjacent to "Bylong" homestead, reveals a low groundwater yield

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED GCC - 94 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment of 0.630 L/s and standing water level of 18.0 m. This standing water level is approximately 180 m AHD or 40 m to 50 m lower than the land surface near the proposed open cut mine.

Regional groundwater levels within the area of the three proposed open cut mines are generally in the order of 170 m AHD. Water levels measured in the exploration drill holes in that area confirm that groundwater flows are invariably sympathetic with surface topography. That is, the bulk of the groundwater flows from the area of the three open cut mines is to the east and north-east. Experience to date within the Murrowombie Open Cut has highlighted that the quantity of groundwater in the vicinity of the open cut is low. It was originally envisaged that dewatering bores would be necessary to reduce the water level in the vicinity of the Murrowombie Open Cut. However, the current practice of allowing groundwater to accumulate in a sump within the floor of the open cut has been adequate. Groundwater inflows into the Murrowombie Open Cut are in the order of 200 m3/day which are easily manageable.

3.6.2.2 Groundwater Quality

Table 3.6 lists the chemistry of the groundwaters tested from representative drill holes within each of the three proposed open cut mines in the Girilambone North Mines area and, for comparative purposes, from the Existing Mine Site prior to the commencement of mining.

Groundwater present in the vicinity of the proposed Girilambone North Mines is highly saline with electrical conductivity (EC) levels generally between 20 000 to 25 000 ps/cm. It is noted that the salinity of groundwater in the proposed open cut mines is marginally lower than the groundwaters around the Murrowombie Open Cut on the Existing Mine Site. The principal salts present in the groundwater are NaCl,

CaSO4, MgSO4 and MgCl2.

3.7 NOISE LEVELS

Because environmental noise levels vary with time, it is necessary to describe the noise in terms of statistical descriptors. The statistical noise exceedance levels LN in dB(A) are the levels exceeded for N per cent of the measurement period. For example, LA is the noise level which is exceeded for 90 per cent of the measurement period and approximates the average minimum noise level. This is often referred to as the "background" noise level. Similarly, the LA10 is the noise level exceeded for 10 per cent of the measurement period and approximates the average maximum noise level used to assess annoyance. LAI is indicative of maximum noise level that is exceeded 1 per

cent of the time due to individual noise events such as a heavy vehicle passing. LAeq provides a measure of the total noise energy during the measurement period.

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I TABLE 3.6 I Groundwater Quality North-east Hartmans Laisens Deposit Existing Mine Site Deposit Deposit I Parameter Units RC I RC 1 RC 4 RC 20 RC 21 RC 46 234 273 279

I pH 7.4 7.7 7.5 7.4 7.7 7.9 7.0 7.0 7.3 I EC pS/cm 21 500 24 400 24600 22800 19 600 20 700 25800 30000 27700 Ca mg/L 179 216 362 219 185 199 145 312 290 I Mg mg/L 713 917 972 889 743 855 661 687 960 Na mg/L 3 490 4040 4220 3 970 3 380 3 720 5410 7080 5600

I K mg/L 50 45 42 34 46 27 12 73 44

HCO3 mg/L 800 785 685 762 735 766 893 790 820

I SO4 mg/L 1910 2530 3000 2 420 1910 2490 2590 3540 2 600 1 Cl mg/L 5820 7050 7350 6 790 5 820 6 230 8 100 10900 8 300 Cd mg/L <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.001 <0.001 0.003 1 Cu mg/L 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.7 1 0.7 0.032 0.048 0.01 Ma mg/L 0.5 1.4 <0.1 1.0 <0.4 <0.1 0.5 1.2 0.03

I Pb nig/L <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.041 0.084 0.02 I Zn mg/L 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.065 0.072 0.75 As mg/L <0.01 <0.01 0.03 <0.01 <0.01 0.01 0.005 0.01 ND 1 Fe mg/L 13.4 7.0 1 12.6 12.4 6.8 5.1 0.04 0.05 <0.05

I The A-weighting is a standard electronic weighting applied to the measurement of sound to approximate the frequency response characteristics of the normal human ear I when judging the loudness of a sound. Noise was monitored immediately prior to mining and processing operations I commenced at the Girilambone Copper Mine, that is, from the 4th to 11th September 1992. The noise monitoring involved measurement of continuous noise levels in Girilambone and provide a base upon which operational noise levels could be I compared at "Ferndale' and Girilambone township. The noise environment was

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED GCC - 96 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment dominated by birds, insects, wind in trees and occasional passing traffic. Background noise levels (LAc ) generally fell below 30 dB(A) during the night and were around 30 dB(A) during the day. A background noise level of 30 dB(A) was then assumed.

Following start-up of the mine, two periods of noise monitoring were undertaken in January and May 1993 at two locations in close proximity to the operational areas. Periodic exceedances of the 45 dB(A) limit for operation were measured in January. Subsequent monitoring in May 1993 revealed that noise levels from the current mine and processing plant were comparable to pre-operational levels measured in 1992. Hence, compliance with EPA noise criteria was demonstrated.

Given the comparatively large distance to the closest residences and the township of Girilambone, no specific methods of mitigating the effects of noise generated by current operations are being implemented.

3.8 AIR QUALITY

The air quality around the Project Site is typical of similar semi-arid rural environments with the major air Contaminant being dust. Dust sources principally include movement of vehicles on unsealed roads, nearby agricultural activities, mining and associated activities. Meteorological conditions can substantially impact on air quality, in particular the transport of dust by wind. Deposited dust levels were monitored on a regular basis at five strategically situated locations and indicates that average deposited dust levels are generally less than 2 g/m2/month.

TABLE 3.7

Deposited Dust Levels - Girilambone Area

Site Location* GD-i GD-2 GD-3 GD.4 GD-5 Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Ash Ash Ash Ash Ash Location Solids Solids Solids Solids Solids

Highest 3.79 0.83 1.65 1.17 1.93 0.92 4.81 2.13 1.63 1.08

Mean

Lowest SI) 0.33 0.24 0.03 0.02 0.35 0.30 0.21 0.20 0.19 0.04

: Units - g/1112/month

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1 3.9 FLORAAND FAUNA

I 3.9.1 Introduction The flora of the Project Site and surrounding area was surveyed and documented by Anne Clements and Associates Pty Ltd, Environmental and Biological Consultants. I The survey was undertaken on the 22nd and 23rd December 1994. A section of the Project Site in the vicinity of the three proposed open cut mines was previously I surveyed by Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd on 18th to 19th November 1988 in conjunction with the survey of the Existing Mine Site. A three day fauna survey was undertaken by Dr Leong Lim of Countrywide Ecological I Services in early January 1995. The regional fauna checklist suggest that up to 174 species of birds, 43 species of mammals, 31 species of reptiles and 16 amphibian I species could be expected to occur on the Project Site and surrounding area. The findings of the studies are summarised below.

3.9.2 Project Site Flora i 3.9.2.1 Survey Methods

I The distribution of vegetation communities were principally mapped from ground surveying and stereoscopic interpretation of 1:10 000 aerial photographs. I The relative frequency of plant species, distribution, heights and numbers of individual tree species were assessed in twelve 10 m wide transects, each consisting of five 10 m x 10 m quadrats. Sub-quadrats (5 m x 5 m) were used to survey and record the 1 presence/absence of herb and shrub species. The locations of the transects are shown on Figure 3.4. Five species recordings were also made at eight spot locations (A-H) as I shown on Figure 3.4.

1 3.9.2.2 Results

Distribution and Characteristics of Vegetation Communities

Figure 3.4 depicts major vegetation communities on the Project Site. The vegetation 1 sampled within each of the transects was relatively homogeneous. The two main vegetation communities found on the Project Site are:

1. Open Woodlands: Comprising Eucalyptus populnea subsp bimbil (Popular Box) with varying amounts E. intertexta (Inland Red Box) and I Callitris glaucoplzylla (White Cypress Pine) (Figure 3.4); and

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C;\RWC\ 11 7\F103-4.DWC

REFERENCE ?JA Boundary

- - - - Exl.tinB ML / IiU'L Boundary

Road

Watorcourue / Dam

Contour (Interval 5m)

\\ TI

REFERENCE - ECOLOGY • Soak/Dam/Tank S Bat Roosting Tree Bat Record -Trap Line

Low Woodland - Ev I

Open Woodland J'T1IIT

-- Open Woodland - Cg prominent \

Open Woodland with undergrowth

Cleared

' Vegetation Transect, with Ouadratn on arrowed side

B Spot Location

Spot Location with ,i surrounding area 0 •

Species and general / 'Ep locality of Species Cg - Callitrin glaucophylla Ep - Eucalyptus populnea (White Cypress Pine) (Popular Box) / An - Acacia excelsa llronwoodl Ei - Eucalyptus intertenta (Inland Re d Box) Ev - Eucalyptus viridis (Green Mallee) Gp - Geijera parviflora (Wilga) Bp - Brachychiton populneum (Kurrajong)

Figure 3.4 \ PROJECT SIT1E_ECOLOGYJ

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2. Low Woodlands: Comprising Eucalyptus viridis (Green Malice) I Woodland on slopes and ridges with sandy soils, often less than 5 m I above gullies.

I The E. viridis community does not have a restricted distribution and in drier parts of NSW it is found in patches within woodlands of E. intertexta (Beadle 1981). k The vegetation differed slightly between the 1988 and 1994 surveys. A stand of Acacia burrowii on top of the rocky knoll was recorded in transect 8 in the 1994 survey but not recorded in the 1988 survey of the knoll. In contrast, the small shrub Acacia I homalopliylla (yarran) was found in the 1988 survey of the hill top. The variation in young trees and shrubs present is believed to be a result of germination and I establishment following the April 1990 rainfall. Callitris glaucophylla, a member of vegetation Community 1, has a widespread I distribution on the western plains of NSW. It was recorded in both surveys and appears to be re-generating in response to of high rainfall events.

I Differences in herb species is most likely related to variations in rainfall, time of sampling and grazing pressure.

I There were less exotic species recorded in the 1994 survey than in the 1988 survey. The five exotics present are: Cenchrus ciliaris (Buffel Grass near the Mitchell I Highway), Medicago minima (Small Woolly Bur Medic in Transects 1 and 4), Marrubium vulgare (Horehound), Salvia verhencaca (Wild Sage in Transect 4) and Urochloa panicoides (Liverseed Grass at Location G). None of these species are listed I as noxious weeds for the Bogan Shire (Noxious Weeds Act, 1993).

A full plant species list is presented in Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd (1995) I and details species abundance, height, and scientific and common names. 1 I Floral Components of Conservation Significance on the Project Site

I None of the species recorded on the Project Site in either the 1988 or 1994 floral surveys are likely to be rare or threatened (Briggs and Leigh, 1988 and CSIRO, 1995). Some species are outside their expected regional distribution, however, this is likely to 1 be related to the limited number of detailed surveys undertaken in Central NSW. I There are no species of conservation significance within the Project Site.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED I ccc - 100 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment I 3.9.3 Project Site Fauna I 3.9.3.1 Survey Methods I The following survey methods and materials were used to sample fauna on the Project Site: I

Elliot Traps - traps were laid 20 m apart at intervals of 100 m along a transect over 2 nights (2 x 100 Elliot trap nights). The trapping pattern was developed to detect arid and semi-arid small mammals. Traps were checked early the following morning. I

Bat Trip Lines - trip lines were set up over two water holes on the Project Site over two nights. I

Ultra-sonic Detector - the detector was used to record bat calls at the tanks and soaks on the Project Site over two nights. This survey method is useful as it can detect fast flying, largely upper canopy or above- canopy species which are not normally detected by other means.

Spotlighting - was performed on foot and from a vehicle over a two night period (two x 3 hour searches) to detect the presence of arboreal mammals, nocturnal and roosting birds and amphibians.

Bird Census and Searches - were conducted along two 500 m north- south transects along a 5 km transect passing through the Project Site. Each transect was 100 m wide. Sampling took place over a two day period (two x 1 hour counts).

Listening Watches - were undertaken between dusk and 10.00 pm at all the dams and the soaks on the Project Site to detect the presence of owls and other fauna from their vocalisation.

Sampling AmiThibians and Reptiles - random and opportunistic sampling of amphibians was undertaken at the three tanks and the soaks on the Project Site. Frog calls were identified using pre-recorded calls by Baker and Grigg (1983). Reptiles were surveyed along the two 500 m long north-south transects established for the bird census and on the rocky knoll. Two 1 hour searches were conducted over a 20 m wide strip over a period of two days for reptiles.

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. Animal Signs and Opportunistic Observations - were recorded I concurrently during other searches. These include opportunistic sightings of animals and their tracks, prints and faecal material, regurgitated crop pellets, diggings, scratch marks and other remains. I

Figure 3.4 shows the location of the fauna survey trap lines and location of the soaks, I dams and the "double tanks".

I 3.9.3.2 Survey Results

Mammals I No small mammals were recorded during the two trap nights and no arboreal I mammals were sighted over the spotlight transect. Grey Kangaroos occur around table drains along the western edge of the Project Site. One Red Kangaroo and a Swamp Wallaby were sighted in the same area. Bats are the best presented mammal group. I During the survey, no bat capture was recorded due to the recent rain and consequently few bats were drinking from the permanent dams and tanks where the bat trap-lines were positioned. 1-lowever, nine bat species were located during the I survey, all of which are insectivorous. Two bat species identified are listed as vulnerable and rare, namely; Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus fluviventris) and Little Pied Bat (Chalinolobus picatus). The Greater Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus I timoriensis) and the Inland Eptesicus (Eptesicus baverstocki), which are expected to occur in the area, are similarly listed. I Figure 3.4 shows the location of the bat recordings and a known bat roosting tree on the site. The tree is positioned outside the area of proposed disturbance. Countrywide Ecological Services (1995) also noted that both the Kultarr and Brush- I tailed Rock Wallaby have been identified by the National Parks and Wildlife Service as potentially occurring in this area.

Birds I During the survey, ten species of birds were identified, all of which are common and mostly located in small flocks. There were no Schedule 12 bird species ("vulnerable or I rare") located in the survey, however, the Pink Cockatoo, Superb Parrot and Mallee Fowl may potentially occur periodically throughout the district.

I Amphibians

Only four of the sixteen expected species of amphibians were found in the survey. I One species, Wrinkled Toadlet (Uperoleria rugosa) had not been located in the area in previous fauna surveys. No endangered amphibians were identified or are expected to I occur in the area.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I I GCC - 102 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment I Reptiles I Four reptile species were sighted on the Project Site including: the Nobby (Amphibolurus nobbi), Tree Dtella (Gehyra variegata), Lace Monitor (Varanus varius) which was common and widespread, and a Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus) on the small rocky knoll. No endangered reptiles were identified or are expected to occur on the Project Site.

The number of species and the abundance of fauna obtained in the survey was low largely as a result of the prolonged drought in the region and the degraded habitat conditions due to intense stocking. In particular, the drought conditions have contributed to the relatively low number of birds recorded during the survey. The region potentially has a very rich avifauna due to the proximity of the Bogan River and the numerous water holes in the area (Countrywide Ecological Services, 1995). A full fauna checklist of species expected to occur and species recorded on the site is presented in the report by Countrywide Ecological Services, 1995. The list provides common and scientific names, and vulnerable, rare and threatened categorisations.

Conservation Signiflcance of Project Site Fauna

The fauna on the Project Site is similar to that which can be expected to be found in the eastern parts of the semi-arid zone. The Project Site fauna has a greater affinity with the fauna of the Cohar-Byrock Peneplain than the more riverine fauna of the Bogan River floodplain. A study of the possible impact on the environment of protected fauna, according to the Schedule 4(a) Environmental Planning and Assessment Act seven-point checklist, indicates that the proposed development is not expected to significantly affect any endangered species or habitats of endangered species. Therefore a FaunaE Impact Statement (FIS) is not warranted (Countrywide Ecological Services, 1995).

3.10 ARCHAEOLOGY

3.10.1 Introduction An archaeological investigation of the Project Site, was conducted by J. Kelton of Central West Archaeological & Heritage Services. The field survey component of the investigation was conducted between 14th and 16th December 1994 (inclusive). The consultant was assisted during the field survey by Mr Buddy Weldon representing the Nyngan Local Aboriginal Land Council and by Mr Andrew Kerr of Girilambone Copper Company Pty Ltd. Formal documentation of liaison with the Local Aboriginal Land Council is presented in Central West Archaeological & Heritage Services, (1995).

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A portion of the Project Site was also covered in an archaeological investigation by I Nicholson (1989), which included the area of the Existing Mine Site (ML 1280 and MPL 295).

I Prior to European settlement, the Girilambone area was inhabited by the Wongaibon Aboriginal people. The Wongaihon people occupied a diverse range of landforms from I the Bogan River and its tributaries to the drier, semi-dried plains east of the Darling River. 1 3.10.2 Previous Archaeological Studies

National Parks and Wildlife Service archives reveal eight previously recorded sites within a 25 km radius of the Project Site. Nicholson conducted two archaeological I investigations in the vicinity, partially including the Project Site. The first investigation (1989), which included part of the Project Site as a component of the initial I Girilambone Copper Mine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), found that none of the archaeological sites listed in the National Parks and Wildlife Service archives occurred on the Project Site, referred to as the "North-East Prospect" in her report. I Further work by Nicholson (1990) required for the environmental impact assessment of the water pipeline corridor from the Bogan River to the Existing Mine Site, revealed a number of open artefact scatters in the vicinity of the Project Site which I were considered to be minimal in extent and of low artefact density.

Other archaeological studies undertaken within the district (described in the I archaeological report by Central West Archaeological and Heritage Services, 1995) emphasise the higher distribution and density of sites along major water courses, with I the occurrence of smaller isolated sites reflecting casual short term occupation.

I 3.10.3 Survey Method

I The field survey method concentrated on the proposed areas of disturbance yet provided for a review of the areas elsewhere within the Project Site away from the proposed areas of disturbance and an area immediately to the north of the Project I Site.

The landforms within the Project Site were analysed and archaeological sensitivity, I that is, the potential of an area to contain archaeological sites, was predicted. The site and surface visibility were also assessed. The survey was conducted by vehicle and on I foot within a series of parallel transects spaced between 50 m and 100 m apart over the proposed area of disturbance, where sites were located, more intensive transects were walked. The remainder of the Project Site was surveyed less intensively by vehicle and I on foot.

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3.10.4 Survey Results The following archaeological sites were located during the field survey of the Project Site and are shown on Figure 3.5:

. 31 hearth sites (GC - HS 1 to 25 and 29 to 34);

24 scarred tree sites (GC-ST 1 to 19 and 23 to 27);

4 isolated artefact finds (GC-1F 1 to 4); and

one open artefact scatter site (GC-OS-1).

The location of these sites within the Project Site is presented in Figure 3.5. Additional sites identified beyond the Project Site are described by Central West Archaeological & Heritage Services.

3.10.5 Assessment of the Significance of the Archaeological Sites A significance assessment of all of the Aboriginal sites was based on the following three criteria identified by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, namely:

educational value;

. scientific value; and

Aboriginal value.

The 32 hearth sites, most of which consist of relatively small cooking fire sites representing isolated opportunistic explorations, are considered to be of low to moderate significance given the large number of sites throughout the Project Site and adjacent areas and their low scientific and educational value. The scarred trees vary in significance. Trees 21 and 22 (Figure 3.5) were given a high significance assessment due to their high potential for scientific investigation and educational purposes and high social value to the Aboriginal community. Scarred tree sites 6 and 7 are located close to the proposed southern limit of WRE 1. Scarred trees 10 and 27 are of moderate significance due to the relatively clear scar shapes occurring on live trees. All other scarred trees recorded during the survey were given moderate to low significance assessment based mainly on the poor condition of the scars which occur mostly on dead trees. The isolated artefact finds were all found in association with hearth sites (Figure 3.5) and considered to have low significance.

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I >pen Cut I artr

I \ I \ -- - I

I \- I

REFERENCE I - - - - Proposed MLA Boundary \ - - - - - Existing ML / MPL Boundaryt I Road Watercourse I Dam

Contour (interval = 5m) I ARCHAEOLOGICAL REFERENCE Hearth Site I Scarred Tree Site 4 A Isolated Artefact Find I OS-i Open Artefact Scatter Site I ---/' 500 0 500 1000 1500 Figure 3'5 I PROJECT SITE ARCHAEOLOGY

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GCC - 106 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment

The open artefact scatter (GC-OS-1), which extends approximately 200 m with a width of approximately 50 m (Figure 3.5) is situated adjacent to an existing farm dam and a surface water drainage soak. The scatter contains approximately 50 stone artefacts, 20 of which are quartz. Because the occurrence of this site type is rare in the study area, it is considered to be moderate to highly significant. Although the scientific value of the site is low, the Aboriginal community is concerned about the protection of the site.

3.11 MINING HISTORY There is virtually no mining history on the Project Site. However, three shallow shafts up to 45 m deep deep were sunk (luring the 1890s. One of these shafts was sunk by Hartman, who is credited with the discovery of copper at Girilambone. These miners/explorers were not successful due to the considerable depth of weathering and leaching of copper minerals.

3.12 ZONING, LAND USE AND LAND OWNERSHIP

3.12.1 Zoning The Project Site is located within the Bogan Shire, Parish of Gidalambone, County of Canbelego. Under the provisions of the Bogan Shire Local Environmental Plan (LEP), March 1982, the Project Site is zoned Rural 1(a) (Non-urban). Mining is a permissible land use within this zone, subject to consent by Council. In accordance with Clause 10, Parts 1 and 2 of the LEP, Council needs to consider the following for each Development Application on Rural 1(a) land:

1. (a) present or potential agriculturalZD land use;

(h) vegetation, timber production, land capability, soil and water resources;

potential for mining from known or prospective valuable deposits of minerals, sand, gravel, etc;

protection of significant nature conservation areas, scenic or recreation areas, archaeology or heritage;

costs of providing/extending/maintaining services to the area;

future expansion of settlements in the area; and

2. the relationship of the proposed development to development on adjoining and/or local land.

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I Each of the above issues is addressed to the extent required in this document. Ii 3.12.2 Project Site Land Use

The Project Site has a long history of sheep grazing, mining and mineral exploration. I The area has been subject to clearing and logging and three old shallow mine shafts occur on the site. Current land use involves sheep grazing and mineral exploration. The Existing Mine Site is currently used for mining, heap leaching, processing I activities and rehabilitation activities. Ii 3.12.3 Surrounding Land Use

The surrounding area is predominantly used for sheep grazing. South-east of the I Project Site lies the small township of Girilambone. I 3.12.4 Land Ownership

Land ownership details of the Project Site and surrounding properties are presented I on Figure 3.6. The Applicants currently own approximately 1110 ha of land covering the Existing Mine Site and some surrounding land. They are also currently purchasing "Ferndale' a property owned by A.C. and J.L. Lang. This land currently covers about I two-thirds of the Project Site.

I MLA2 also covers Crown Land comprising a number of Crown Road Resees and a reserve for Mining or Mining Purposes (Reserve No. R1230(M)). I I 3.12.5 Surrounding Residences

Table 3.8 lists the distances of surrounding rural residences and Girilambone township to the Project Site and the Existing Mine Site. The locations of the surrounding residences with respect to the Existing Mine Site and the proposed Girilambone North Mines are presented on Figure 3.7.

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I g I I I I I I 1

I SCALE 1:75000 1.0 0 1.0 2.0 30 4Q 5.0km Figure 3.7 I SURROUNDING RESIDENCE

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TABLE 3.8 Proximity of Surrounding Residences

Closest Point to Proposed Closest Point to Existing Open Residence Open Cut - Girilainbone North Cut (kin) Mines (kin)

Girilarnbone Township 3.5 6.0

"Bylong" 4.8 2.7

"The Brothers" 4.4 4.0

"Ferudale" 3.3 2.6

"Avoca" 3.3 2.8

"Glendale" 3.8 3.4

A project-related residence

3.13 VISIBILITY

The Existing Mine Site is visible principally from the local road network, namely Booroomugga and Hermidale Roads. The visibility of the Existing Mine Site is a feature that attracts tourist visits to the Girilambone area.

The area of the proposed Girilambone North Mines is partially visible from the Mitchell Highway approximately 4 km north-west of Girilambone. The Project Site is not visible from any surrounding residences.

3.14 SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS

3.14.1 Introduction

Socio-economic data has been drawn from the 1991 Census data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The Project Site is located within Collection District (CD) 030105. The closest regional centre is the township of Nyngan, approximately 45 km south-east of the Project Site. A summary of the relevant socio-economic data is presented in Table 3.9.

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I 3.14.2 Population lists the populations of Nyngan and CD 030105. In 1991, Nyngan and Table3.9CD 030105 had populations of 2317 and 146, respectively. Of these populations, 76 and 77 per cent respectively were of working age (15 to 64 years) which was higher than the State average of 66 per cent for that time. The Nyngan population has decreased by 7 per cent (from 2 502 persons) since the time of the 1986 Census. A comparison of the 1986 and 1991 populations in the CD 030105 is not possible due to CD boundary changes.

Both the Nyngan and the CD populations have a high proportion of young people.

1 3.14.3 Employment In 1991 in Nyngan the most significant employment industries were wholesale and f retail trade (17 per cent) followed by Community Services (15 per cent) and Agriculture and Forestry (12 per cent). In the CD 030105 Agriculture and Forestry I were the most important employment categories (71 per cent). The unemployment rate in Nyngan in 1991 was 14.5 per cent, 3.3 per cent higher than the State average of 11.2 per cent for that time. The unemployment rate in CD 030105 I was 9.5 per cent, 1.7 per cent below the State average. The Applicants' employment policy is to employ local persons where possible. In June 1995, 70 per cent of the 90 persons employed at the Girilambone Copper Mine originated from Nyngan, I Girilambone and the local district.

I 1 3.15 TRANSPORTATION ASPECTS I 3.15.1 Road Network

I Girilambone is reached by the Mitchell Highway, a rural highway of reasonable quality with a sealed dual carriageway pavement. The Mitchell Highway connects Nyngan to I the south-east and Bourke to the north-west. The Roads and Traffic Authority's 1993 traffic data indicate an AADT (Annual Average Daily Traffic) of 520 on the Mitchell Highway in the vicinity of Girilambone. The RTA estimates heavy vehicles would I represent approximately 20 per cent of AADT.

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TABLE 3.9 Socio-Economic Summary

Nyngan CD 030105

Total Number of Persons

Total Number of Persons 2317 146

Proportion of Working Age 76% 77%

Labour Force Status

Employed

Wage/Salary Earner 661 24 Self Employed 109 30 Employer 89 14 Unpaid Hcliicr 12 8

TOTAL: 866 76

UNEMPLOYED TOTAL: 147 8

TOTAL LABOUR FORCE: 1 013 84

MAJOR EMPLOYMENT CATEGORIES

Agriculture and Forestry 104 (12%) 52 (71%) Community Services 133 (15%) 6 ( 8%) Wholesale and Retail Trade 151 (17%) 0 ( 0%) Manufacturing 30 ( 3%) 0 ( 0%)

INI)USTRY SECTOR

Australian Government 30 0 State Government 213 5 Local Government 52 3 Private Sector 538 65

() Percentage of employc(l persons (percentages rounded)

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 113 - GCC I Section 3 - Existing Eniiironment

Figure 3.1 depicts the road and rail network in the vicinity of the Mine and Project I Site. Between Girilambone and the Existing Mine Site and Project Site, Booroomugga and Hermidale Roads are used. Booroomugga Road is a dual width sealed road to the eastern perimeter of the Existing Mine Site. Both Booroomugga and Hermidale roads I are shire roads in moderate condition. Bogan Shire Council have advised that there are no traffic count data on either of these roads, although total traffic and heavy [1 vehicle use are very low. The Company estimates that the existing project generates approximately 120 vehicle movements daily with up to 10 per cent being heavy vehicles, e.g. for delivery of chemicals etc. Li A road traffic survey was conducted by the Applicants on Booroomugga Road between the 23rd May 1995 and 7th June 1995. The traffic counter was positioned on a sealed I section of road immediately west of the Existing Mine Site entrance. Results indicated an average weekday traffic level of 66 vehicles and a weekend average of 34 vehicles. Traffic levels ranged between SO and 87 on weekdays and between 29 and 40 on I weekends. These levels exclude exploration traffic movements to and from the Project Site but include mine staff and employee traffic movements to and from nearby accommodation, and school bus movements on weekdays.

I 3.15.2 Rail Network Girilambone township is no longer serviced by a railway. The Main Western Railway I between Bourke and Nyngan passes through Girilambone township but has been decommissioned. The nearest rail services are at Nyngan where the trunk line from I Cobar joins the line to Narromine and Dubbo. I 3.15.3 Air Transport The nearest air freight terminal is in Dubbo where there is a commercial airport with I frequent connections to Sydney. Nyngan has a small airport receiving light aircraft. Commercial services from Nyngan to Sydney are offered by 1-lazelton Airlines four days per week.

I 3.16 SERVICES

I 3.16.1 Girilambone Township I A general store, Post Office, RSL Club and petrol/service station are the main facilities in Girilambone. A series of water towers store water for the township. As previously mentioned, the rail siding is no longer operational and is in a state of I disrepair.

I RW. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I 0CC - 114 EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 3 - Existing Environment I

3.16.2 Water The Applicants have secured the suppiy of 707 ML of water through four water entitlements for the duration of the project. This quantity is sufficient to supply the current annual water requirement of at least 500 ML. The water is pumped from immediately downstream of the confluence of the Bogan River and Gunningbar Creek. The present allocation of water from the water licences issued by the Department of Land and Water Conservation is 233 ML (80SL 48661), 147 ML (80SL 51157), 117 ML (80SL 51846) and 210 ML (80SL 95072). The water is pumped from the pumping station via a 26 km buried pipeline located generally on the southern side of Murrowombie Road, along Arcturus Street, Girilambone and along the southern side of Booroomugga Road. No water is reticulated to the Project Site.

3.16.3 Telecommunications A total of eighteen exchange lines (telephone and facsimile) have been installed to the Existing Mine Site. No telecommunication facilities service the Project Site and it is envisaged that none will he required.

3.16.4 Pover Electicity is supplied to ML 1280 by Western Power from a 66 kV feeder line that closely follows the Mitchell Highway between Nyngan and Bourke.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I - 115 - I I SECTION 4 I ENVIRONMENTAL I SAFEGUARDS AND IMPACT I ASSESSMENT I I I PREAMBLE V I

I This section reviews the objectives fti- managing all environmental issues on and around the Project Site and areas of additional I activities n the Existing Mine Site. The design and operatona1 safeguards, together wit/i the operational/nianagenieni procedures I are set out where appropriate. The assess/ne/it of envioninental impact of i/ic dei'elopinentr is under aken assuming all proposed safeguaids and procedures are I adop ted.

I Where appiopri ate, proposals for environ!? IC! hal in omioring are I p!()posed. Apart from matters relating to surface water iiIaIiUgeiiieiit, the objectives, eiiviioiiiii en! at .s ufgim urds (1/1(1 in ipucis are p resen ted in I ta/ni/ar form. I

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4.1 INTRODUCTION

The approach towards the planning and proposed implementation of design and operational safeguards and the assessment of impact of the Girilambone North Mines I is drawn largely from the Applicants' experience over the past three years in developing and operating the Girilambone Copper Mine. During this period, the Applicants have demonstrated that their approach has achieved compliance with the I required regulations and environmental criteria and an acceptance of procedures by relevant statutory authorities. I Throughout the discussions held with Government Authorities, as part of the preparation of this document, issues relating to surface water were highlighted as important issues requiring detailed site specific planning and evaluation. In recognition I of this, the objectives, safeguards and impacts are presented in conventional text form and referenced to Figure 4.1. All other issues are presented in this section in a tabular form given the objectives, safeguards and impacts are assessed to be similar to those I on the Existing Mine Site. I 4.2 SURFACE WATER I 4.2.1 Objectives I The principal objectives of the management and control of surface water on the Project Site and Existing Mine Site are as follows:

I (1) diversion of 'clean" water away from disturbed areas, where practicable;

I collection of coarse sediments from disturbed areas and limiting levels of suspended solids in the water draining from the Project Site;

compliance with EPA and ANZECC criteria for water quality:

- pH : 6.5 to 8.5;

- Suspended Solids: <50 mg/L;

- Cu : 1.0 mg/L (Schedule 2); - Pb : 0.05 mg/L (Schedule 2); - Zn 5.0 mg/L (Schedule 2); and - Co : 1.0 mg/L (ANZECC, 1992).

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED GCC - 118 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 4 Safeguards/Procedures/Impacts

minimise soil erosion at all stages of operations, namely clearing, operations and rehabilitation; and

to ensure all surface water controls installed are designed to reflect the Applicants' experiences to date on the Existing Mine Site.

4.2.2 Safeguards and Management Procedures

4.2.2.1 Open Cut Mines and Waste Rock Emplacements

The principal safeguards and management procedures that would be implemented on the Project Site are presented where appropriate on Figure 4.1. Details of the safeguards and procedures are set out below:

emphasis with surface water management around the open cut mines, WRE 1 and WRE 2 would be placed upon collection of sediments since no changes to the chemistry of surface runoff are predicted;

a total of ten sediment traps (ST 1 to ST 10) would be progessively installed around the proposed open cut mines, WRE 1 and WRE 2. Two existing dams would also serve as sediment traps, namely ST 3 and ST 8. The catchment areas of the dams vary from 10 ha (ST 8) to 68 ha (ST 7). The sediment traps would be constructed as conventional farm dams in locations that would avoid the need to construct collection banks. All dams would be constructed with rock armoured spiliways designed to convey a 1 in 50 year storm event. All sediment traps would be cleaned out should their capacity be reduced to more than one third of the sediment traps' capacity by sediment build-up;

rainfall falling within the open cut areas, once entirely below ground level, would be contained at the lowest point and used for road watering;

emphasis would be placed on progressive clearing of vegetation and removal of soils to limit exposure of disturbed areas to rainfall;

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 119 - 000 Section 4 - Safeguards/Procedures/impacts

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REFERENCE

I Catchment Boundary Road I SCALE 1:10000 Contours 700 0 100 200 300 400 500 m Sedimentation Trap SCALE 1:12500 Figure 4.1 200 0 200 400 600 m I WATER MANAGEMENT

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I I EIS - GIRII.AMBONE NORTH M!NES 121 - GCC I Section 4 - Safeguards/Procedures/Impacts

WRE 1 and WRE 2 would be constructed with the outer and lowermost sections of each lift constructed first. This construction method has been demonstrated to be a very effective sediment control on the Existing I Mine Site. All benches on the waste rock emplacements would slope inwards to avoid runoff across batter slopes. All areas above the first tier would be designed to direct surface runoff to the closest open cut mine. I Water from the final surface would be directed towards final roadways which would be left to function as rock-lined flumes to convey the runoff I to the open cut voids;

all batter slopes on the waste rock emplacements would be rock-faced and therefore provide limited opportunity for sediment loss;

road watering beyond areas draining back into the open cut mines would be undertaken principally with fresh water drawn from surface dams or from the Existing Mine Site. Use of saline water would be confined I largely to the haul roads within the open cut mines and waste rock emplacements; and

all waste rock materials capable of causing the generation of more acidic or saline water than natural surface water would be encapsulated in the I waste rock emplacements or placed in Hartmans Open Cut below the - water table.

4.2.2.2 Haul Road

The following safeguards would be adopted to control the generation and dispersal of sediments from the haul road:

(i) upslope runoff would be diverted towards culverts beneath the haul road (see Figure 2.6);

(ii) sediment traps (approximately 10 m3 capacity) would be constructed I immediately upslope of all culverts to collect roadside drainage; and

I (iii) the road surface would be cambered to direct all surface runoff to the upslope side of the road and trapezoidal roadside drains. Small sediment traps would be formed at regular intervals within the drain and comprise I coarse waste rock placed in the drain itself.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I GCC - 122 - EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES Section 4 - Safeguards/Procedures/Impacts I 4.2.2.3 Heap Leach Pad No. 4

The principal safeguards to manage surface water around the Heap Leach Pad No. 4 would involve: I

the diversion of upsiope runoff around the heap leach pad (see Figure 4.1); and

the construction of a sedimentation basin downslope of the heap leach pad capable of containing a 1 in 100 year 72 hour storm event, that is 60000 m3.

4.2.3 Impacts

The following impacts on surface water have been identified should the development of the Girilambone North Mines proceed.

Sediment traps around the proposed open cut mines and the waste rock emplacements and silt traps adjacent to the haul road would collect any coarse sediments. Water flowing from these structures would contain some suspended solids, presumably at a concentration comparable to natural flows.

No changes to the chemistry of surface waters are predicted given the encapulation procedures discussed in Section 2.5.5 and the restriction of use of saline water for dust suppression on the roads within the open cut mines and around waste rock emplacements.

The current practice of maximising the use of water collected on site would continue and thereby limit the quantity of water pumped from the Bogan River.

4.2.4 Morntoring

The existing surface water monitoring programme would be extended to include Sedimentation Basin 4. Field measurements of pH and electrical conductivity (BC) would be undertaken on all sediment traps following inflows into the sediment traps. Should pH and EC values vary significantly from baseline levels, additional analyses would be undertaken.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 123 - GCC Section 4 - Safeguards/Procedures/Impacts I TABLE 4.1

Summary of Environmental Safeguards, Procedures and Impacts I Page 1 of 10

Objectives Safeguards/Procedures Environmental Impacts

I 43 GROUNDWATER

To ensure groundwater quality Proposed Open Cut Mines Proposed Open Cut Mines I is not adversely affected by and Waste Rock Emplacements and Waste Rock Emplacements activities during the mine life or Safeguards and procedures for Changes to groundwater levels after activities cease. management of groundwater around the open cut mines are are not required until mining predicted to be low due occurs at a depth of principally to the low quantity Throughout the operational life approximately 170 in AHD or of water present. of the open cut mines, approximately 40 in to 60 in groundwater levels need to be below the existing surface. No changes to groundwater controlled to ensure stability of quality are likely to occur internal slopes, Based on the experience within throughout the operational life the Murrowombie Open Cut, of the project. the rate of groundwater inflow At the end of mine operations, would be low and best managed the groundwater levels would through the use of sumps gradually return to pre-mining ogressively constructed in the levels and cover the base of all I Por of the respective open cut three open cut mines to a level mines, of approximately 170 m AHD. Water is predicted to This would result in water accumulate in the sumps at a depths in each open cut mine as I rate of approximately 200 in follows: day which would be used for dust suppression purposes (see Hartmans Open Cut - 43 in Surface Water Management). Larsens Open Cut - 61 in I North-east Open Cut - 46 in Groundwater is already of poor quality due principally to its Long term groundwater quality saline nature, is predicted to be similar to the Any fresh waste rock with a existing water quality, that is, positive NAPP placed in the with the adoption o ( the Hartmaris Open Cut would be safeguards outlined with respect placed below the depth of the to placement of any positive regional groundwater table so NAPP waste rock. that long term oxidation would be prevented. A programme of monitoring of water in each open cut would I be undertaken together with a programme of monitoring water quality in the final voids until I the mining lease is relinquished. Heap Leach Pad No. 4 Heap Leach Pad No. 4 A 1 mm thick HDPE liner No adverse impacts on water I would be used above a quality are predicted given the compacted base to collect all proposed safeguards. process solutions used. The liner would be installed by Two additional piezometers specialists and in such a manner would be installed surrounding that it is not perforated. Heap Leach Pad No. 4, if it is constructed. A leak detection system would I be installed beneath the pad to collect any process solutions. I

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Objectives Safeguards/Procedures Environmental Impacts

44.AIRQUAUTY

Ensure dust generation from all A 30 m3 water truck would be Low impacts predicted based on activities does not adversely used to water the actively-used previous monitoring results affect local air quality sections of haul road and access roads around the open cut mines and waste rock emplacements. Water would be Compliance with EPA criteria Compliance with EPA criteria drawn from supplies on the assured given considerable for: Existing Mine Site pumped to distance to surrounding the double tanks where a residences standpipe would be established. airborne dust (<9Opg/m3/24 hrs) Monitoring of deposited dust levels could be undertaken near deposited dust Ore would be hauled to the 'Avoca if coisidered warranted (<2 g/m2/month) ROM pad in campaigns over a by the occupiers of Avoca. few days to maximise the benefit of road watering. No continuous vsible Haulage of ore would be Drift of acid solution should be smoke from vehicle avoided on very hot windy days. mmor. emissions for more than 10 seconds

The area exposed by activities would be limited by both progressive clearing and rehabilitation.

All drilling rigs would be fitted with appropriate dust collection equipment.

All trucks and earthmoving equipment would be fitted with exhausts directed away from the ground.

Topsoil would be moistened prior to stripping if required.

The upper perimeter of the leach heaps would be surrounded by a bund to limit spray drift from sprinklers.

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Summary of Environmental Safeguards, Procedures and Impacts - Cont'd I Page 3 of 10 I Objectives I Safeguards/Procedures I Environmental Impacts

I To minimise the potential for • Topsoil would be recovered • No adverse impacts expected soil erosion where present. If not transferred directly, topsoil would be stored in stockpiles I Retain viability of soil resources <1.5 in high.

To maximise direct transfer of I soil. • Subsoil stockpiles <3 in high.

I Silt-stop fencing used where appropriate.

I Straw bales used on sides of road. I Topsoil stabilised with cover I crop where appropriate. Upsiope drainage controls would be installed to divert I water away from disturbed areas. I I I I I I I

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Objectives Safeguards/Procedures Environmental Impacts

46-NOISEANfl BLASTiNG... I I

Compliance with EPA criteria All equipment would be fitted An assessment of the proposed for mining and related activities with standard exhaust mufflers activities by Richard Heggie and transportation Associates Pty Limited has established the predicted LAb noise level at Bylong' and Avoca residences from activities involving up to 8 items LA10 daytime noise level Few controls required given of equipment (trucks, <35 dB(A) at nearest intervening topography and excavators, bulldozers, etc.) residences (Note: Daytime = considerable distances to would be 22 dB(A) in neutral 7.00 am to 10.00 pm). surrounding residences. atmospheric conditions and up to 27 dB(A) under adverse weather conditions.

LA10 night-time noise level <33 dB(A) at nearest "Bylong to residences (Note: Night- time = - Existing Mine Noise generated by both the 10.00 pm to 7.00 am) Area = 4.3 km existing operations and the - Larsens Open proposed Girilambone North Cut = 2.2 km Miiies will marginally reinforce LA10 noise levels by 1 dB(A) to Avoca to levels approaching 28 dB(A) - Existing Mine under adverse weather Airbiast Overpressure - Area = 2.8 km conditions. All blasts <120 dB(L) and - North-east Open 95 per cent <115 dB(L). Cut = 2.3 km

Conventional drilling and Noise generated at the above blasting would be carried out predicted levels may with controls and procedures periodically be heard at 'Avoca" consistent with good blasting and "Bylong under adverse • Ground Vibration - practice. weather conditions (e.g. light All blasts <10 mm/s and 95 per wind or temperature inversion). cent <5 mm/s.

The noise from earthrnoving equipment may be slightly audible, particularly on still nights. It would be distinguishable by its different character, but its level would be well below EPA criteria.

Short term monitoring at Avoca and "Bylong" would be undertaken to verify predicted levels.

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Minimise adverse impacts on • Booroomugga Road Deviation • Local motorists would needto local road conditions and users for separation of haul trucks travel an extra 2 km around the and private vehicles (for safety Existing Mine Site - a small cost I reasons) to avoid accidents

Ensure safety of all road users. • Details of road deviation to be • Additional roads around the submitted to Council should the Existing Mine Site improve deviation be approved, tourist potential.

Deviation would be in place for • No other changes in traffic mix approximately 3 years. or levels on local roads and the Bourke Road.

All future copper produced on- site would be despatched as • No additional impacts as trucks back loads on tankers delivering would be otherwise returning I acid to site, without a load.

I Fewer total truck movements would occur. I

A full Traffic Impact Statement I is not warranted. I

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Objectives I Safeguards/Procedures I Environmental Impacts

Minimise impact on flora and • Progressive rehabilitation • Satisfies Seven-Point Test for fauna beyond disturbed areas. wherever possible. endangered fauna found or likely to occur on the Project Site (see below).

Compliance with National Parks • Rehabilitation using native seed • No rare or threatened plants. and Wildlife Act, collected locally.

Minimising areas disturbed. Proposal not expected to significantly affect any endangered species or their habitats.

Test Component I Response Relating to the Project Site I

The extent of modification or removal of Extent of modification to habitat of minor significance habitat, in relation to the same habitat type considering similar habitat types are extensive in the area. in the locality.

The sensitivity of the species of fauna to • Little Pied Bat and Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat removal or modification of its habitat. I (b) sensitivity to removal or modification of habitat should not be significant given the widespread distribution and The time required to regenerate critical mobility of the species. Degree of reduction in roost habitat, namely the wole or any part of the trees locally should not be significant. habitat which is essential for the suivival of (c) trees with large hollows probably take >200 years to that species of fauna. I develop.

The effect on the ability of the fauna population to recover, including interactions (d) it is not expected that these species populations would between the subject land and adjacent have to recover as they would not be significantly habitat that may influence the population adversely affected. beyond the area proposed for development. Kultarr

does not appear to be sensitive to mine exploration and mine activities where it occurs in Old and S.A.

no habitat critical on Project Site for survival of this species.

this species would not have to recover as there were no species recorded on the Project Site.

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Test Component Response Relating to the Project Site

Pink Cockatoo no prime habitat (Popular Box-Red Box association) would be extensively affected, therefore species not expected to be sensitive. Trees with medium-sized hollows take > 100 years to form. It is not expected that this species would have to recover as species not recorded on Project Site. I Superb Parrot No habitat critical to the survival of the species would be reduced therefore species not likely to be sensitive. I Trees with small hollows take up to 100 years to form. Not expected that this species would need to recover.

I MalIce Fowl Species not expected to be sensitive as no extensive habitat for this species occurs on or around the I Project Site. Appropriate habitat not present and unlikely to regenerate.

Mallee Fowl population not expected to have to recover as none recorded recently or known to occur Li in the area. Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby Not expected to be sensitive as no suitable habitat in 1 area. Appropriate habitat not present and unlikely to regenerate.

Not found to exist in area therefore population not expected to need to recover from proposal.

(e)Any proposal to ameliorate I/ic impact. Nest and roosting trees for endangered bats would be retained.

I (f) Whet/icr the land is cuire/itly being assessed The land is not suitable for dedication under the Wilderness for wilderness by the Di,'ector of the Act and is not being assessed for wildnerness. National Paiks and Wildlife Seivice under I the Wilderness Act, 1987. (g)Any adverse effect on the survival of that It is a conclusion of this study that the proposed development species of endangered fauna or of is unlikely to have a significant adverse affect on the survival of populations of that fauna. any endangered fauna and that a Fauna Impact Statement is I not required. I

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Objectives Safeguards/Procedures I Environmental Impacts

To minimise visual impact of • Progressive rehabilitation would Additional activities on the the proposal I assist in limiting exposed areas. Existing Mine Site would be visible from perimeter roads.

Use of rock-facing for Haultrucks would be visible rehabilitation consistent with from the Booroomugga Road some natural surfaces. near the entrance to the Existing Mine Site.

Notwithstanding the objective to • Some of the elevated areas of limit visibility of the mine, it is the waste rock emplacements recognised that the mine has would be visible from distant attracted local interest as a vantage points but the overall tourist feature, impact would be minor.

In general, mining activities on the Project Site would be rarely visible. However, should Heap Leach Pad No. 4 be developed, it would be highly visible from Booroomugga Road.

To ensure adjoining land uses • Responsible weed and vermin • Capability of adjoining land not are not adversely affected, control programmes. adversely affected by operation.

Responsible soil erosion practices Nearby landowners aware of To maximise the potential use temporary road closure. of the land after mining and processing is completed. Areas subject to past grazing All sediment traps left at the pressures would be allowed to end of the project life for stock regenerate with only limited watering. grazing for fire management.

Regular contact with surrounding landowners.

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To ensure any known sites are Project components have been No unacceptable impacts managed and/or documented designed, where practicable, predicted. prior to consents being issued around identified sites. to destroy. I Stop work in the event that archaeological material is discovered and the National I Parks and Wildlife Service contacted.

I Prior to any disturbance (and if required), a consent to destroy would be sought for two scarred tree site (No. 6/7), two isolated I artefact finds (3 and 4), and potentially three hearth sites (15, 20, 21).

See Report by Central West Archaeological and Heritage Services (1995).

I To reduce the potential of fires • All earthmoving equipment Low impacts forecast. and to control any fires that fitted with fire extinguishers. I should start on or near the Project Site. Fire tender maintained on Existing Mine Site. I Periodic grazing of land controlled by the Applicants.

I Regular liaison with local Bushfire Controller.

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Objectives I Safeguards/Procedures I Environmental Impacts

To minimise adverse social Provide continuity of Positive impact - continued impacts. employment through planning employment of existing sequential operations. workforce for approximately 2 years.

Continued Company spending.

Maximise economic benefits. • Benefits for Local, State and National Governments.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I - 133 - I I SECTION 5 I EVALUATION OF THE I PROPOSAL

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I I EIS - GIRILAMBONENORTHMINES - 135 - GCC 1 Section 5 - Evaluation of the Proposal 1 5.1 JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROPOSAL

5.1.1 Introduction 1 Schedule 2(3) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1994 requires this document to justify the development of the Girilambone North Mines I and additions/alterations to the existing Girilambone Copper Mine Site in terms of biophysical, economic and social considerations.

I 5.1.2 Biophysical Considerations The proposed Girilambone North Mines and the ongoing operation of the existing I Girilambone Copper Mine, involving the mining and processing of copper-bearing ore, would be adequately safeguarded during and after the operation to ensure the I environment in and around the Girilambone area would not be adversely affected. Although some impacts would occur, it has been determined that the level of these impacts falls within specified criteria or acceptable community expectations. I The principal impacts the proposal would have on the local environment and the justification of those impacts are set out below.

(1) Surface water and groundwater would be managed on site to avoid or minimise limit any adverse impacts. This will be achieved through a I range of water management controls and responsible, well designed waste rock emplacements.

I (ii) Dust generation would continue to be minimised and compliance with EPA criteria assured through dust suppression on haul roads, ore I haulage in block periods, dust collection devices on drill rigs and progressive rehabilitation.

(iii) Noise levels generated by the activities on the Project Site and the Existing Mine Site would not adversely impact upon surrounding residences given their considerable distance from the site. Both noise I and blasting would continue to be controlled within EPA criteria.

(iv) A number of the site activities would be visible from the local road I network, together with haultrucks on the haul road between the new open cut mines and the Existing Mine Site, particularly on the Existing I Mine Site. However, given the local interest in the mine as a tourist attraction, the visibility of a well operated mine is seen as a positive I benefit for the local community. (v) The transportation of ore from the new open cut mines to the ROM pad would have a slight impact on local motorists using Booroomugga Road. I Local motorists would be required to travel an extra 2 km on the

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Booroomugga Road Deviation. The impact is considered slight in the I view of reducing the risk of motor vehicle accidents.

(vi) Management of the Project Site during on-site operations and the I commitment to rehabilitation would ensure growth of vegetation is effective in stabilising disturbed surfaces. I The above impacts are justified in that the level of impact would be minor and the absolute level of impact would be reduced throughout the life of the operation. I

5.1.3 Economic Considerations There would be significant benefits earned by the Applicants, their shareholders and employees, as well as by the local community and State and Federal Governments as a result of the development of the Girilambone North Mines and the additions/alterations to the Existing Mine Site.

Girilambone/Nyngan District

The development of the Girilambone North Mines and the additions/ alterations to the Existing Mine Site would guarantee continued employment of the existing workforce of 90 persons employed by the Applicants on site for approximately 2 years (70 per cent of which originate from the Girilambone and Nyngan district).

The possible creation of five additional jobs once ore haulage from the Girilambone North Mines commences.

Economic flow-on effects of spending by the Applicants, contractors and employees and indirect employment would continue to have an invigorating effect on the local and wider community.

The injection of in excess of $5 million per annum in the form of wages and salaries into the local community would continue for the life of the project.

The involvement of local service industries in the supply of materials and services would continue and possibly increase.

The Applicants' capital expenditure upon items for the proposed development would benefit both local and NSW businesses.

Ongoing mining and processing of copper-bearing ore and production of copper would maintain the considerable stability and diversity of the district's income and workforce.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 137 - GCC 1 Section 5 - Evaluation of the Proposal 1 New South Wales The NSW Government would benefit directly from the continued I employment of the Applicants' large existing workforce and the associated payroll tax and other charges and flow-ons.

I A large sum of money would continue to be paid to the NSW Government in the form of royalties for the ore mined. In 1995, it is estimated that $1 million would be paid in royalties for the copper- I bearing ore mined at Girilambone.

I (iii) The cost competitive supply of copper throughout NSW would be maintained.

Australia

(i) The Commonwealth would also significantly benefit from the development of the Girilambone North Mines and the additions and alterations to the Existing Mine Site in the form of income tax and 1 corporate income tax.

(ii) Continued production of copper metal in Australia is an important I means of limiting imports and from time to time achieving export i income.

1 5.1.4 Social Considerations The principal social considerations that would arise from the development of the I Girilambone North Mines would be as follows:

(i) guarantee of continued direct employment of approximately 90 persons I over the additional life of the mine; I (ii) maintenance of indirect employment levels;

(iii) potential for creation of five additional jobs on-site; I (iv) the Applicants would continue to offer housing to a number of its senior 1 staff; (v) increased stabilisation and employment diversification of the district's I workforce;

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support of local services by the Applicants, employees and contractors would continue; and

a cost competitive supply of copper to domestic consumers throughout NSW and Australia.

5.2 EVALUATION OF ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY

5.2.1 Introduction Schedule 2(5) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1994, requires the justification of the proposal in terms of the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD). ESD is a concept which can be defined as development which uses, conserves and enhances the community's resources in such a way that ecological processes are maintained and present and future quality of life can be improved. An alternative definition is a development which aims to meet the needs of Australian's today, while conserving our ecosystems for the benefit of future generations. Mining and mineral processing industries contribute substantially to the natural well- being of Australians through the provision of a range of products used in their daily lives. Mining is also important for regional development and employment. However, exploration, mining and mineral processing activities do involve some degree of environmental disturbance. In the context of ESD, the issue of whether environmental impacts are irreversible or affect long term ecological sustainability is important. For this reason it is the overall objective of the ESD process to ensure compatability between mining and the environment. Because mining involves the extraction of non- renewable resources, the first step towards achieving ESD involves ensuring efficient use of the resources and therefore achieving maximum resource utilisation.

5.2.2 Principles of ESD As defined under Schedule 2(8) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1994, ESD consists of the following four interrelated principles:

the precautionary principle;

the principle of inter-generational equity;

the principle of the conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity; and

the principle for the improved valuation and pricing of environmental resources.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 139 - GCC I Section 5 - Evaluation of the Proposal I The Precautionary Princi1e This principle is defined as "where there are threats of serious or irreversible I environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation. In the application of I the precautionary principle, public and private decisions should be guided by: 1. careful evaluation to avoid, wherever practicable, serious or irreversible I damage to the environment; and 2. an assessment of the risk-weighted consequences of various options" I (IGAE, 1992).

I To satisfy this principle of ESD, emphasis must be placed on anticipation and prevention of environmental damage, rather than reacting to it. For this purpose, the Applicants have engaged specialist consultants during the preparation of this I Statement to examine the existing environment, predict possible impacts and recommend safeguards in order to ensure that the level of impact satisfies statutory requirements or reasonable community expectations. Environmental safeguards, as I discussed in Section 4 of this document, are measures that have been planned with a comprehensive knowledge of the existing environment and an appreciation of the potential impacts, to prevent environmental degradation. Throughout the development I of the proposal the Applicants and their consultants have adopted an anticipatory approach to risk, particularly the risk of irreversible ecological damage, by undertaking I an appropriate level of research and baseline studies and environmental evaluation. Reliance has also been placed upon experience gained in operating the existing Girilambone Copper Mine. l After a full evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed developments, there are no activities or features of the proposal for which there is a I level of uncertainty in achieving an acceptable level of environmental performance. I Inter-Generational Eiuit The definition of this ESD principle is "the present generation should ensure that the I health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations' (IGAE, 1992). This principle includes both intra-generational (within generations) equity and inter- I generational (between generations) equity. Equity within generations requires that the economic and social benefits of the I development be distributed appropriately among all members of the community. The project and particularly the safeguards with respect to transportation, water, air, noise and soil management have been designed to ensure that no part of the community I would be unacceptably disadvantaged.

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The non-material well-being or "quality of life" of residents of the Girilambone and Nyngan area would continue be maintained throughout and beyond the life of the project through implementation of safeguard measures to mitigate any environmental impacts and progressive rehabilitation programmes. The Applicants' proposal has been so planned to ensure efficient ore recovery and production of copper. The copper produced on-site has a wide range of uses including copper piping, copper rod used in electrical wiring, alloys, copper fittings for motors and plumbing etc. Approximately 90 per cent of the copper produced on-site is used for the manufacture of electrical wiring as the copper is of such high purity. The copper products subsequently used in the construction of infrastructure, wiring and fittings, typically have a long use life and benefit both present and future generations. The conversion of raw materials into finished infrastructure and materials for use in domestic and industrial construction is both a process of value adding and a long term investment in the materials and has beneficial consequences to inter- generational equity as both present and future generations may benefit.

Conservation of Biological Diversity and Ecological Integrity

Biological diversity or biodiversity incorporates the variety of life forms and is usually considered at three levels; genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Ecosystem integrity describes the condition of an ecosystem that is relatively unaltered from its natural state. For the purposes of this assessment biodiversity is considered both on the Project Site, and where appropriate, beyond the Project Site. Although minor impacts would occur on a local scale, the Applicants' specialist consultants consider that in both the short and long term, the biodiversity of the Project Site and surrounding area would be conserved, maintained and more than likely improved as a greater diversity of vegetation returns to the Project Site. Given the Applicants' proposed adoption of recommendations to minimise impact, the relatively small area of disturbance and the implementation of progressive rehabilitation using flora species native to the area, long term biodiversity and ecological integrity of the area should be maintained. Progressive rehabilitation acts to minimise the areas biologically isolated at any one time and is a positive step in promoting the re-establishment of the previous habitat or, in some cases enhancing the flora and fauna of the site beyond that which previously existed.

Improved Valuation and Pricing of Environmental Resources

This principle involves consideration of the materials proposed to be mined and the surrounding environmental resources (e.g. air, water, land and living things) which may be affected. The valuation and pricing of the mined and manufactured materials

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 141 - GCC I Section 5 - Evaluation of the Proposal

comprises the cost of processing and manufacture, rehabilitation costs, profit, delivery I costs and the final cost to the customer. Those other environmental resources which the mine would use are to be valued and I the cost borne by the Applicants. The cost of using the environmental resources is seen as the cost incurred to protect and prevent pollution of air, water, noise and local amenity. The value placed by the Applicants on the environmental resources, other I than the extracted resource, is evident in the extent of research, planning and design of environmental safeguards and measures to prevent irreversible damage of these I resources.

1 5.3 CONSEQUENCES OF NOT PROCEEDING WITH THE DEVELOPMENT

U Schedule 2(3)(a) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1994, requires this document to address the consequences of not proceeding with the proposed development of the Girilambone North Mines and the additions/alterations I to the Existing Mine Site. The consequences of not proceeding are manifold and 1 include: (i) the loss of additional operating life for a viable mining project which has I been of considerable economic value to the Girilambone and Nyngan District, the Bogan Shire, NSW and Australia;

the premature loss of approximately 90 direct jobs and numerous indirect jobs in the Girilambone and Nyngan area;

the loss of in excess of $10 million in direct wages and salaries over the I projected 2 years of additional project life; (iv) Applicants' support of local service industries involved in the supply of I materials and services would cease 2 years earlier than proposed;

(v) domestic consumers of copper produced on-site, would need to obtain I their requirements from other sources possibly with a higher transport cost component;

(vi) around 15 500 tonnes per annum of copper would no longer be marketed I throughout NSW; and

(vii) the minor potential impacts on the local environment would not 1 eventuate.

I R.W. CORKERY & CO. PlY LIMITED

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5.4 CONCLUSION The proposed development of the Girilambone North Mine and the additions/alterations to the Existing Mine Site as presented within this Statement, has been designed to further develop one of the State's mineral resources in both an efficient and environmentally responsible manner, and thereby ensure the short and long term well-being of the community and compatability of the development with the environment. The approach taken in planning the proposal has been multi-disciplinary, with foresight, community involvement and extensive consultation with professionals and various Government Authorities. The operation of the Girilambone North Mines in accordance with the plans set out in this document would enable the positive socio-economic benefits for the Girilambone and Nyngan district to continue and would enable the continued production of copper whilst appropriate environmental management procedures are progressively incorporated on site.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED I

REFERENCES Pi EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 145 - GCC References I

ANNE CLEMENTS & ASSOCIATES PTY LTD (1995) I "Flora Report : Proposed Girilambone North Copper Mines", prepared for Girilambone Copper Company.

BAKER & GRIFF (1983) "Frogs of SE Australia - Explanatory Notes and Recording". University of I Sydney/National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW).

I BEADLE, "The Vegetation of Australia" Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

I BRIGGS, J.D. and LEIGH, J.H. (1988) "Rare and Threatened Australian Plants" Revised Edition Special Publication [14], Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra. I CENTRAL WEST ARCHAEOLOGICAL & HERITAGE SERVICES (1995) I 'Archaeology Report for the Proposed Girilambone North Copper Mines", prepared for Girilambone Copper Company.

I CLEMENTS, A. and STEVENS, S. (1989) "Flora and Fauna Report on the Old Girilambone Mine Working". Unpublished report prepared for Girilambone Copper Company. I

COUNTRYWIDE ECOLOGICAL SERVICES (1995) I "Fauna Report - Proposed Girilambone North Copper Mines". Prepared for Girilambone Copper Company.

I IGAE (1992) Inter Governmental Agreement on the Environment. I NOXIOUS WEEDS ACT (1993) I Order No. 3, NSW Government Gazette No. 104, 12 August 1993. I I 1 I

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D r I I j I I I I APPENDICES I I LI I I I I 1 I I - 149 - 1 H 1 I I I

PPENDIX 1

1 p-, DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING I I NOW DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AFFAIRS AND PLANNING I I I I I 1 I I I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 151 - GCC Appendix 1 - Department of Planning I 0 New South Wales Government A, IM., __L I Depament of Planning

Remington Centre 175 Liverpool Street, Sydney 2000 Box 3927 G.P.O. Sydney 2001 DX. 15 Sydney I R W Corkery & Co 2077 P0 Box 80 Telephone :(02) 391 2000 Ext: ORANGE NSW 2800 I Fax No. :(02) 391 2111 I

I F1hLEDHLLJ._ Our Reterence lit 0 5 JAN 1995 Your Retererce: i 1 U Liz

I Dear Sir, -- . PROPOSED EXTENSION TO GIRILAMBONE COPPER MINE I Thank you for your letter of 1 December 1994 indicating that you are consulting with the Director with regard to the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the I above development. 2. If development consent is required for the proposal and it is a designated development within the meaning of Schedule 3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, I 1994, an EIS must accompany the development application to Bogan Council. The EIS shall be prepared in accordance with clause 51 of the Regulation (see Attachment No. I) and shall bear a certificate required by clause 50 of the Regulation. I 3. Attachment No. 2 is a guide to the type of information most likely to be relevant to the development you propose; not all of the matters raised therein may be appropriate for I consideration in the EIS for your proposal; equally, the guide is not exhaustive.

4. In addition, pursuant to clause 52 of the Regulation, the Director requires that the I following matters be specifically addressed in the EIS: . review of environmental performance of the existing operation; I provisions of Bogan LEP, clause 10, parts I and 2 . a concise account of the environmental features of the extension site; I surface and groundwater resources, potential for water pollution and means of monitoring and mitigating any adverse impacts; • implications for water supply at Gi.rilambone; 1 conceptual rehabilitation plan for the extension area in relation to the Girilambone Copper Mine I potential for wind erosion of exposed land and mitigating measures;

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-2-

chemical use, including quantities, storage facilities and transport arrangements. Consideration should be given to potential risks and the means of mitigating impacts; traffic implications of construction stage and product haulage socio-economic implications of the proposed mining activity at Girilambone and nearest regional centres; results of consultation with: - Environment Protection Authority - Roads and Traffic Authority - State Rail Authority - National Parks and Wildlife Service - Department of Water Resources - NSW Agriculture - Department of Mineral Resources - Department of Conservation and Land Management

In preparing your EIS you should approach Bogan Council and take into account any comments Council considers may apply to its determination of the proposal.

Should you require any further information regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact us agair.

Yours sincerely,

DrD.Mullins Acting Manager Assessments and Major Hazards Branch As Delegate for the Director

7 R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED 1] EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 153 - GCC I Appendix 1 - Department of Planning

I APPENDIX 1 Girilambone Copper Mine - Girilambone Copper Company Pty Ltd

Ii Correspondence from the Director of the Department of Planning I Coverage of Relevant Specific Issues in the Environmental Impact Statement Relevant Issue to be Covered Covered in Section(s) I • review of environmental performance of the existing operation 1.5 • provisions of Bogan LEP, Clause 10, Parts 1 and 2 3.12.1

I • environmental features of the extension site Section 3 • surface and groundwater resources, potential for water pollution 3.6, 4.2, 4.3 U and means of monitoring and mitigating any adverse impacts • implications for water supply at Girilambone Not Applicable • rehabilitation plan for the extension area in relation to the 2.11 I Girilambone Copper Imine • potential for wind erosion of exposed land and mitigating measures 4.4 I • chemical use, including quantities, storage facilities, transport 1.5.9, 2.7.2, 2.10.2, arrangements, potential risks and the means of mitigating impacts 1.5.6 I • traffic implications of construction stage and product haulage 2.6, 4.7 • socio-economic implications at Girilambone and nearest regional 3.14, 4.13 centres I • results of consultation with: - Environment Protection Authority Appendix 2 (Copies held by Council) [1 - Roads and Traffic Authority I - State Rail Authority - National Parks and Wildlife Service I - Department of Water Resources - NSW Agriculture I - Department of Mineral Resources I - Department of Conservation and Land Management - Bogan Shire Council I I

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1 I I APPENDIX 2 I I I COVERAGE OF ISSUES RAISED BY GO VERNMENT A UTHOR! TIE S I Bogan Shire Council Department of Land and Water Conservation I NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Department of Mineral Resources Environment Protection Authority I Roads and Traffic Authority Department of Water Resources NSWAgriculture I

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I I EIS - GIRILAMBONE NORTH MINES - 157 - GCC I Appendix 2 - Government Authorities APPENDIX 2 I Girilambone Copper Mine - Girilambone Copper Company Pty Ltd Correspondence from Government Authorities Coverage of Relevant Specific Issues in the Environmental Impact Statement I Page 1 of 2

Authority Relevant Issue to be Covered Covered in I Section(s) BOGAN SHIRE Improvements to Council roads None Planned COUNCIL Upgrading and alteration to the Booroomugga 2.6, 4.7 I Road and Mitchell Highway intersection DEPARTMENT OF Impact of acid mist from the acid leaching process LAND AND blown by wind on surrounding vegetation and how 4.4 I WATER problem will be addressed CONSERVATION 2.10.1 (formerly Water balance Department of I Conservation and Sedimentation control 4.5 Land Management) Rehabilitation provisions 2.11 I 2.5.3, Figures 2.1, Waste rock emplacement position 2.5 and Tailings darn placement, suitability Not Relevant I revegetation NSW NATIONAL . Aboriginal sites survey 3.10 PARKS AND WILDLIFE 3.9 I SERVICE Flora and fauna surveys DEPARTMENT OF . Waste characterisation, including method of 2.5.1 MINERAL identifying and isolating rocks with NAPP or NAG I RESOURCES including MREMP Rehabilitation approach, 2.11 development and philosophy for final land use

I Intention to maintain high standards of 4.2.4 • environmental monitoring ENVIRONMENT Air, noise, water and hazardous chemicals 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, I PROTECTION pollution control 1.5.6, 2.7.2 AUTHORITY Pollution control licencing and approvals 1.5.2, 2.1.3

ROADS AND Traffic Impact Statement including: 2.6, 3.15, 4.7 I TRAFFIC - traffic involved with construction, staff vehicle AUTHORITY movements, and transport of raw materials; - transport routes; 3.15 I - capacity of existing routes to carry increased No increases traffic; and planned - capacity of existing intersections to cope with No changes I increased_traffic. DEPARTMENT OF No SpeCifiC requirements WATER I RESOURCES I

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APPENDIX 2

Girilambone Copper Mine - Girilambone Copper Company Pty Ltd Correspondence from Government Authorities Coverage of Relevant Specific Issues in the Environmental Impact Statement - Cont'd Page 2 of 2

Authority Relevant Issue to be Covered Covered in Section(s) FREIGHT RAIL No specific requirements

NSW Land Resources 3.12 AGRICULTURE - existing land classes and uses on Project Site and surrounding properties; - size of Project Site in relation to property as a 2.1.2, 3.12.3 whole; - effects on agricultural industries in local 4.9 district; - potential impacts on adjoining landholders and 4.9 mitigation measures. Water Resources - impact on surface and groundwater and 4.2, 4.3 mitigation measures; - water quality. 3.6.1.2, 3.6.2.2 Chemicals - management of chemicals to be used on-site. 1.5.6 Butler Zones - existing/proposed buffers/vegetation screens No special buffers between Project Site and adjoining landholders. required Rehabilitation - final land use and justification. 2.11, 5.1 - rehabilitation plan/programme and measures 2.11, 4.5 to maintain soil viability. Cumulative Impact - in context of regional land resources. 4.9 General - proposal should not disadvantage primary 4.9 producers (noise, dust etc.); - soil erosion control; 4.5 - protection of surface and groundwater quality; 4.2, 4.3 - weed control; - rehabilitation should not impact on 4.9, 2.11 surrounding land users; - environmental monitoring. 4.2, 4.4

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The format of this Energy Statement follows the guidelines set out by the Office of I Energy. I 1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION I The Applicants propose to develop three satellite open cut mines, collectively referred to as the Girilambone North Mines, to mine approximately 3.6 million tonnes of ore I containing copper. The waste rock:ore ratio would be approximately 8.7:1. The ore would be crushed and copper recovered using heap leaching and associated solvent extraction and electrowinning on the Existing Mine Site, 4 km south of the I Girilambone North Mines. The development of Girilambone North Mines and the proposed additions and alterations to the Existing Mine Site would extend the project life by approximately 2 years. I Waste rock would be transported to waste rock emplacements to be developed adjacent to the open cut mines and/or backfilled into the first open cut mine I completed. I

2.0 OPERATIONAL ENERGY REQUIREMENTS

I 2.1 Open Cut Mining and Ore Transportation The mobile equipment used in the open cut mining and ore transportation would be essentially the same as the existing mining fleet with the addition of two extra I haultrucks. All equipment would be diesel fuelled. The Applicants estimate that the fuel usage to operate the equipment involved in the 1 drilling, loading and transportation of the ore will amount to approximately 3 million litres of fuel annually.

2.2 Processing Plant

The crusher station, ore conveying and stacking and solvent extraction-electrowinning I process will continue to be operated exclusively by electric power.

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2.3 Total Fuel usage The annual liquid fuel for the project will be approximately 3 million litres.

3.0 JUSTIFICATION OF LIQUID FUEL USAGE

3.1 Open Cut Mining and Ore Transportation There is no alternative economic method to remove the ore and waste rock. The alternative to transportation of ore to the processing plant on the Existing Mine Site is to relocate the plant to the Girilambone North Mines site. This alternative is not economically feasible given the relatively short project life, and the quantity of copper grade of the defined ore is insufficient to sustain the cost of relocating the plant.

3.2 Processing Plant The Applicants are maximising their use of electrical power by linking into the nearby 66 kVA grid and substituting electric power pumps, engines, etc., wherever practically possible instead of diesel powered equipment.

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY LIMITED

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