Cairn Hill Magnetite-Copper-Gold Project
Mining and Rehabilitation Compliance Report (MARCR) 2010 - 2011
26 July 2011
Reference No. Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1
Document / Project Summary Information Mine Owner Termite Resources NL Mine Operator Termite Resources NL Primary Contact Person Simon Parsons, General Manager – Cairn Hill Contact Details Level 2, 16 Vardon Avenue, Adelaide 5000 Tel: +61 8 8227 0277 Fax: +61 8 8232 6740 Email: [email protected] Name of Mining Operation Cairn Hill Commodity Mined Magnetite-Copper-Gold Document Title Cairn Hill Magnetite – Copper – Gold Mining Project Mining and Rehabilitation Compliance Report (MARCR) 2010 – 2011 ML Granted 17 April 2008 ML Number ML 6303
Recipient: Mr Hans Bailiht – Principal Mining Regulator (Metallic & Uranium), Inspector of Mines Mining Regulation & Rehabilitation Branch Primary Industries and Resources South Australia GPO Box 1671 ADELAIDE SA 5001
Author: A Woidt – Termite Resources NL
Reviewer: S Staines – Termite Resources NL
Approved by: S Parsons – Termite Resources NL
Date: 26 July 2011
Distribution: PIRSA (3 hard copies, 1 electronic copy), Termite Resources NL (2 hard copies, 1 electronic copy), IMX Resources (1 hard copy, 1 electronic copy)
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Contents 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 General ...... 1 1.2 Background to the MARP ...... 1 1.3 Commitment ...... 1 2 Description of Mining Activities ...... 2 2.1 Tenement ...... 2 2.2 Owner/Operator ...... 2 2.3 MARCR Responsibilities ...... 2 2.4 Reporting Period ...... 2 2.5 Mining Activities Undertaken During the Reporting Period ...... 2 3 Ore Reserves and Mine Life ...... 6 3.1 Review of Reserves ...... 6 3.1 Additional potential sources ...... 7 3.1.1 Phase 2 Magnetite Project ...... 7 3.1.2 Phase 3 Potential ...... 8 3.1.3 Snaefell ...... 8 3.1.4 OZ Minerals Exploration Joint Venture ...... 9 4 Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Activities ...... 11 4.1 Rehabilitation and Environmental Activities ...... 11 4.1.1 Rehabilitation Works ...... 11 4.1.2 Flora & Fauna Monitoring ...... 11 4.1.3 Groundwater Monitoring ...... 12 4.2 Amount of Land Disturbed and Vegetation Cleared ...... 13 4.3 Proposed Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Activities 2011-2012 ...... 13 5 Operations Summary ...... 14 6 Compliance with Outcomes ...... 14 7 Rectification of Non-compliances ...... 29 8 Management Systems Reviews ...... 29 8.1 Management System Audit ...... 29 9 Fitness-for-purpose Reviews of Plant, Equipment, Infrastructure and Other Facilities ...... 29 10 New Environmental Hazards ...... 30 11 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act Reporting ...... 30 12 References ...... 31 13 Figures ...... 32 14 Appendices ...... 33
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Figures Figure 1: Cairn Hill Phase 1 site layout plan (EOM May 2011) (see attached)...... 32 Figure 2: Cairn Hill Phase 1 current and proposed disturbance areas (see attached)...... 32 Figure 3: Aerial photograph of Pit 1 looking north-west (taken March 2011)...... 5 Figure 4: Location of existing and potential ore reserves for IMX Resources in the Mt Woods Area...... 7 Figure 5: Cairn Hill Phase 1 and 2 drillhole locations...... 8 Figure 6: Snaefell drillhole locations on TMI magnetics...... 9 Figure 7: OZ Minerals / IMX tenements overlain on gravity...... 10 Figure 8: Rehabilitation (scarification) of Bore 7 turkey's nest dam (April 2011)...... 11 Figure 9: Fenced turkey nest dam at Bore 1 (CHPB01) excluding large fauna and stock...... 27 Figure 10: Self bunded fuel storage...... 27 Figure 11: Bunded oil storage facility...... 28 Figure 12: Lidded skip meeting waste management criteria...... 28
Tables Table 1: Updated key characteristics of Pit 1 (inclusive of Trial Pit)...... 4 Table 2: Mining volumes for the previous year (June 2010 – May 2011)...... 4 Table 3: Cairn Hill indicated and inferred mineral resource summary...... 6 Table 4: Phase 1 ore reserve estimate...... 6 Table 5: Predicted project footprint (revised from MARP), actual footprint for the reporting period, and predicted footprint for the next 12 months...... 14 Table 6: Compliance with outcomes assessment...... 15
Appendices Appendix A: Mining lease area (as detailed in the MARP)...... 34 Appendix B: Location of the Cairn Hill Project flora and fauna monitoring sites...... 35 Appendix C: Consultant report. Groundwater Monitoring Program: Cairn Hill Mine (AGT Report No. 2009/994, dated 18 February 2010)...... 36 Appendix D: EBS Ecology report. Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 (Final Revision No. 2, dated 21 June 2011)...... 37 Appendix E: Summary of Cairn Hill Project site plant movements during the reporting period and current plant on site. . 38
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1 Introduction
1.1 General Termite Resources NL (Termite Resources) is owner and operator of the Cairn Hill Magnetite-Copper-Gold Project (the ‘Project’) which is located approximately 55 km south-east of Coober Pedy, South Australia. This report meets the requirements for Termite Resources to provide Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) with an annual mining and rehabilitation compliance report (MARCR) for operations carried out on the Lease during the previous reporting period and compliance with the approved mining and rehabilitation program (MARP) and Lease conditions.
This MARCR has been prepared in general accordance with PIRSA’s MG3 Guidelines for miners: preparation of a mining and rehabilitation compliance report (MARCR) in South Australia, Version 1.4 (dated March 2009).
The Mining Lease (ML6303) for the Project, which covers approximately 80 km2, was granted by the Minister for Mineral Resource Development on 17 April 2008.
In accordance with the Lease conditions, Termite Resources has completed and submitted one MARCR to date for the Project:
• Cairn Hill Magnetite-Copper-Gold Project Mining and Rehabilitation Compliance Report 2008 – 2010 (dated 18 June 2010)
1.2 Background to the MARP The Early Works MARP (EWMARP) covered the trial mining activities and following completion of these activities in September 2008, the EWMARP was revised and updated through a consultative process with PIRSA to form the revised MARP for the Cairn Hill Project. The revised MARP was submitted to PIRSA for approval on 21 November 2008 and was subsequently approved on 26 May 2009.
Interim funding of $14.6 million was received for the Cairn Hill project on 7 May 2010. Consequently the mining contract between Termite Resources and Exact Mining Services was executed in May 2010. Official commencement of operations took place on 10 May 2010.
1.3 Commitment Termite Resources are committed to complying with the MARP. The Early Works process was of benefit from a mining, environmental and social perspective. During this process Termite Resources’ requirements and obligations were reviewed and assessed, and areas requiring improvement prior to full-scale mining operation commencement were identified.
In April 2011, Termite Resources commenced full-time employment of an Environmental Officer who will be responsible for ensuring the requirements of the MARP are met in relation to the Project and that the MARCR is completed each reporting year.
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2 Description of Mining Activities
2.1 Tenement The Cairn Hill Project infrastructure, trial pit, and mine pit are located within Mineral Lease 6303.
Additional tenements not covered under this MARCR include the haul road and rail siding: EL 4706, EL 3518, EL 4715 and EL 4525.
2.2 Owner/Operator The Cairn Hill Project is owned and operated by Termite Resources. Termite Resources is 51% owned by IMX Resources.
2.3 MARCR Responsibilities This MARCR has been prepared by Termite Resources. Termite Resources have full ultimate responsibility for all components of the report.
Consultant reports used in the preparation of this MARCR were prepared by the following companies:
• EBS Ecology • Australian Groundwater Technologies (AGT)
2.4 Reporting Period The Mining Lease (ML6303) was granted by the Minister for Mineral Resource Development on 17 April 2008. Termite Resources is to provide PIRSA with this MARCR within two (2) months of the anniversary of the Lease grant. This reporting period for this MARCR is June 2010 to May 2011.
2.5 Mining Activities Undertaken During the Reporting Period During late 2010, Termite Resources conducted a review of the current pits associated with Phase 1 of the Cairn Hill Project. This review incorporated a review of the ‘economics’ of each of the pits based on expected commodity pricing at the time. As a result of this review, it was identified that an opportunity existed to expand Pit 1 by approximately 20 Vm and to extend the pit along strike (to the west). An increase in ROM pad footprint was proposed to allow for extra storage capacity as well as the ability to undertake post crushing and blending opportunities, so as to maximise ore recovery and value. This resulted in an increase in site disturbance footprint (as detailed in Section 5). As a result of the increased footprint, the estimated cost to decommission and rehabilitate the mine site was revised along with the associated Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB). Details of the review were provided to PIRSA in a letter (dated 31 January 2011) and all additional payments arising as a result have been paid. PIRSA’s assessment of the proposed amendment was that it would not result in any change to the environmental or closure outcomes, or the compliance criteria. Additionally, PIRSA deemed that the amendment was within the scope of the approved MARP (letter from PIRSA, Ref: MO05939.003-V02, C2011/00191, dated 9 March 2011).
Since June 2010 the following activities occurred on site:
• Drill and blast activities (establishment of site magazines);
• Mining of ore and cartage to the ROM Pad; • Crushing;
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• Road Haulage;
• Establishment of temporary offices and workshops; • Establishment of toilets, plumbing and soakage trench;
• Expansion of the ROM pad footprint;
• Expansion of Pit 1 to the west and vertically; and • Increase in the northern waste dump footprint.
Mining occurred in the Starter Pit which was developed to the 100 RL at the end of the reporting period and Pit 1 which was developed (mainly) to the 120 RL at the end of the reporting period. The western cutback of Pit 1 commenced in May 2011. The three pits to be mined are:
• Starter Pit (Northern Pit) (to be completed in October 2011); • Pit 1 (Northern Pit) (to be completed in March 2014); and
• Pit 2 (Southern Pit) (to be completed in March 2015)
The Starter Pit will be developed into Pit 1 (Northern Pit). A second pit, Pit 2 will be developed to the south of Pit 1. Final design criteria of Pits 1 & 2 have been based upon the ‘trial pit’ design parameters as well as geotechnical fieldwork and the following criteria:
• Ramp width – 22 m (double lane);
• Single land ramps for bottom (nominally) 25 Vm;
• Ramp gradient – 1:8; • Batter height – varies between 10 m and 20 m;
• Berm width – varies between 5 m and 10 m; and
• Perimeter safety bunds have been constructed around the crest of the pit(s).
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Table 1: Updated key characteristics of Pit 1 (inclusive of Trial Pit).
Item Description Project Location 55 km south-east of Coober Pedy, South Australia Exploration Licence EL 3518. Mineral Claims MC3744 to MC3776. Mining Lease ML 6303. Mineral Lease Area 80.12 km2 Mining Disturbance Area 140.801 (1.41 km2) Mining Method Open pit. Mineralisation Comprises Iron (Magnetite), Copper and Gold. Mining rate (average) Dependent on mine scheduling requirements but up to 10,000 bcm per day (average). Mine life 4 years remaining, likely to extend as project develops. Project economic and technical fundamentals are to be reviewed bi-annually. Resource Current JORC compliant reserves (pre-mining commencement): 6.9 mt @ 51.2% Fe and 0.43% Cu (at a 40% Fe cutoff). Revised pit design targeted in pit recoverable ore (pre-mining commencement): Up to 7.90 mt @ 50.51% Fe and 0.39% Cu (at a 30% Fe cutoff). Pit dimensions 915 m long (east – west), and 375 m wide (north – south) at widest point. Processing method Conventional mobile crushing and screening. Operating hours 12 hours per day, 7 days per week (commenced 24hr/day in April 2011) Power source Mobile gen sets utilised Raw water source Existing production bores – CHPB01 and CHPB02 Raw water requirement Minimal requirements for dust suppression/road maintenance/construction. Accommodation All staff residing in Coober Pedy, no on site accommodation. Employees Up to a nominal 150 people on site (up to 100 on site at any one time). Capital expenditure $21M (approximate) for total operations.
The updated key characteristics of Pit 1 are shown above in Table 1 and details of the volume of material mined during the previous year are given below in Table 2.
Table 2: Mining volumes for the previous year (June 2010 – May 2011).
TOTAL Mining Volume (BCM) (June 2010 – May 2011) Waste (free dig) (BCM) 1,942,210 Waste (drill and blasted) (BCM) 913,390 Ore* (BCM) 199,152 TOTAL 3,054,751 Tonnes 817,820 Fe %* 53.09 Cu %* 0.78 *Niton uncalibrated grades
A plan detailing the current extent of mine workings is shown in Figure 1 (attached). A plan showing the current and proposed disturbance areas is shown in Figure 2 (attached).
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A photograph showing the extent of Pit 1 (as of March 2011) is shown below in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Aerial photograph of Pit 1 looking north-west (taken March 2011).
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3 Ore Reserves and Mine Life
3.1 Review of Reserves The Mineral Resource has been classified and reported above a 40% metal equivalent Fe cut-off grade using The Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Code (JORC 2004).
Snowden Mining Industry Consultants estimated the resources for Cairn Hill in June 2007 shown in Table 3.
Table 3: Cairn Hill indicated and inferred mineral resource summary.
Tonnage (Mt) Fe (%) Cu (%) Au (g/t)
Phase 1 Indicated 10.0 51.9 0.40 0.12
Inferred 0.8 48.3 0.18 0.05
Indicated + Inferred 10.8 51.6 0.38 0.11
Phase 2 Inferred 3.5 47.5 0.01 0.00
Total Indicated + Inferred 14.3 50.6 0.29 0.09
In December 2008, AMC Consultants Pty Ltd (AMC) estimated the ore reserves for the two optimised pit shells, determined by IMX and the mine planning and scheduling previously carried out by AMC. The results are shown below in Table 4.
Table 4: Phase 1 ore reserve estimate.
Tonnage (Mt) Fe (%) Cu (%) Au (g/t)
Phase 1 Probable 6.9 51.2 0.43 0.13
Total 6.9 51.2 0.43 0.13
The pit shells used as the basis of the mine planning and scheduling, and ultimately the ore reserve, were optimised based on maximising early cashflow, rather than on maximising NPV’s or maximising the utilisation of the resource. There is the potential to extend the pits to the west, where 2008 drilling indicated wide widths of higher grade copper, 10 m at 49.71% Fe, 1.21% Cu and 0.43g/t Au and 15 m at 15.75% Fe, 0.98% Cu and 0.74g/t Au outside the southern pit shell and the current resource and extend the pits deeper utilising the current resources, depending on pricing at the time.
Since the last official JORC Reserve statement by AMC in December 2008, a new Fe cut-off grade of 30% has been applied to the 2007 Resource model, this results in an increase in ore tonnes and a slight decrease in the grade. Pit 1 has also been re-designed to include more ore along strike to the west.
As of June 2007, the Cairn Hill mineral resource estimate (40% Fe metal equivalent cut-off) for an in-situ and undiluted resource was:
• indicated: 10.5 million tonnes of ore • inferred: 4.2 million tonnes of ore.
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As of 31 May 2011, the remaining in-pit resource for Phase 1 (pits 1 & 2 combined) is 7.0 million tonnes of ore (note this is not a JORC resource).
3.1 Additional potential sources The location of the existing Cairn Hill Phase 1 Project Site is shown in Figure 4, together with some of IMX Resources’ other potential ore reserves in the Mt Woods Area (Cairn Hill Phase 2, Phase 3 and Snaefell).
Figure 4: Location of existing and potential ore reserves for IMX Resources in the Mt Woods Area.
3.1.1 Phase 2 Magnetite Project In January 2011 it was announced that high grade massive magnetite was intersected in the initial three reverse circulation (RC) holes drilled at Cairn Hill Phase 2 (CHP2) in South Australia.
The holes were drilled immediately east of the current Cairn Hill Phase 1 mining in the CHP2 area where magnetite only mineralisation is present. An intense magnetic high that was interpreted to be a wide pod of magnetite mineralisation was targeted by the initial 241 m of drilling (Figure 5). Analytical results confirm that between 9 and 22 m of massive magnetite was intersected by the drilling.
The 11,000 m RC resource drilling programme commenced at CHP2 in late 2010. In addition to the RC resource programme, a diamond drilling programme was commenced to obtain sufficient representative whole core samples for bulk dry magnetic separation testwork as part of the CHP2 metallurgical programme. The Phase 2 area is a low copper / sulphur magnetite with generally a slightly lower iron grade than the Phase 1 area that IMX is currently developing. Initial metallurgical testwork results in 2008 were very encouraging and confirmed it is possible to produce a 60% Fe intermediate magnetite concentrate through just dry magnetic separation or a premium quality 69% Fe magnetite concentrate through dry and wet magnetic separation with very low levels of impurities at an exceptionally coarse grain size of 0.5 mm.
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A Phase 2 resource estimate is currently being undertaken and will be available in the second half of 2011.
Figure 5: Cairn Hill Phase 1 and 2 drillhole locations.
3.1.2 Phase 3 Potential The majority (approximately 90%) of the potential magnetite horizon, identified from detailed aeromagnetics flown in 2007, is yet to be drilled. Updated aeromagnetics data was obtained in April to June 2010 as part of the OZ Minerals Exploration Joint Venture (see section 3.1.4).
Following ground gravity surveys in the eastern parts of Phase 3 over the aeromagnetic highs, a reconnaissance drilling program (12 RC holes) aimed at proving up the grades for Phase 3 was completed in 2010.
The RC drilling targets within the Phase 3 area has identified approximately 25-35% Fe grades, but has likely not tested the optimal locations for magnetite.
3.1.3 Snaefell In addition to Cairn Hill, IMX continues to investigate potential additional deposits in the wider area.
Resource and metallurgical drilling has now been completed at the Snaefell iron ore prospect (see Figure 6). Snaefell is located 12 km south west of IMX’s Cairn Hill magnetite-copper-gold mine, and forms part of the 100% IMX-owned Mt Woods Iron Project in South Australia. The prospect is interpreted to have a strike length of more than 3 km and a vertical depth extent of at least 250 m.
The final four holes (928 m) of a 20-hole, 4,470 m RC resource drilling programme designed to define a JORC mineral resource were completed in early April 2011. Analytical results for the initial 14 RC drill holes have been reported with results from an additional two holes reported in April 2010. Analytical results from the last four holes are expected in early August 2011.
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These results continue to confirm the width, grade and continuity of the target magnetite mineralisation and the exploration target tonnage model used to plan the drilling. The mineralisation remains open at depth with at least 6 holes stopped in mineralisation at 230 m downhole depth.
In addition, a two hole 310 m PQ diamond drilling programme was also completed in April 2011. The objective was to obtain samples for metallurgical testwork that will advance the preliminary metallurgical test results as the first phase of a planned pre-feasibility study.
At Snaefell, IMX is targeting an exploration target tonnage model of 70-100 Mt grading 28-35% Fe over an 800 m strike length. An additional 200-300 Mt target of similar grade is interpreted to exist along strike to the east of the core area.
The Phase 3 project aims to identify sufficient resources to be able to plan an expanded mine operation of up to 5 mtpa within 3-5 years. Once all laboratory results have been received for the last four RC, and two metallurgical diamond holes, a JORC mineral resource will be prepared.
Figure 6: Snaefell drillhole locations on TMI magnetics.
3.1.4 OZ Minerals Exploration Joint Venture An exploration program of IMX’s Mt Woods tenements commenced early 2010 as a joint venture with OZ Minerals (see Figure 7 for location of joint venture tenements and gravity). The likelihood of an economic discovery within the IMX tenements is greatly improved due to the proximity to the Prominent Hill mine and supporting infrastructure.
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The joint venture does not cover any exploitable iron ore / magnetite in the Joint Venture Area and the rights to exploitable iron ore / magnetite in the joint venture area are retained by IMX. IMX will continue to have the right to explore for iron ore / magnetite dominant orebodies. In this regard, OZ Minerals and IMX have also now signed a separate Minerals and Iron Ore Sharing Agreement governing the priority of (on the one hand) mining of iron ore / magnetite by IMX and (on the other hand) mining of all other minerals by the joint venture. Under this Minerals and Iron Ore Sharing Agreement, the party with the iron ore / magnetite or other minerals rights with the higher recoverable value of resources in a deposit, will have first priority in respect of the development and mining of that deposit. The joint venture will be offered new discoveries of copper / gold on the Cairn Hill mineral lease currently owned by Termite Resources where those areas are not being used or proposed to be used by Termite Resources for any iron ore development and mining operations.
Figure 7: OZ Minerals / IMX tenements overlain on gravity
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4 Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Activities
4.1 Rehabilitation and Environmental Activities
4.1.1 Rehabilitation Works As mentioned in the 2008-2010 MARCR, seed was collected from Native Apricot (Pittosporum angustifolium) trees located near Pit 1 in March to April 2010. The seed has been stored, germinated, propagated and approximately 40 seedlings are now ready for planting. It is proposed that the plantings will take place at selected locations (e.g. along Engenina Creek) during winter 2011 to coincide with planned winter flora and bird monitoring activities.
A decommissioned turkey’s nest dam, located adjacent to Bore 7, was backfilled and scarified (completed 21 April 2011) allowing for natural regeneration (see Figure 8). Additionally, two small areas of haul road disturbance (vehicle turnaround points, approximately 80 m2 each) were rehabilitated in late April 2011. The progress of natural regeneration in these areas will be monitored and reported during the next reporting period.
Figure 8: Rehabilitation (scarification) of Bore 7 turkey's nest dam (April 2011).
4.1.2 Flora & Fauna Monitoring Fauna monitoring sites were originally established and surveyed in March 2010 to identify the diversity of mammals, reptiles, frogs, and birds present within the Cairn Hill Project area. Sites were established both close to the area to be directly impacted by the mine, and control sites located approximately 4-5 km away.
Flora monitoring sites were also established and surveyed in March 2010 to identify the flora species diversity and cover abundance, including both native and exotic weed species. Sites were established both close the area to be directly impacted by the mine, and control sites located approximately 4-5 km away.
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Since the commencement of mining, the flora and fauna monitoring sites have been protected from disturbance, including avoiding aligning new access tracks and infrastructure through and/or immediately adjacent to the sites.
EBS Ecology was engaged by Termite Resources during the reporting period to undertake a vegetation and fauna survey as part of the monitoring program for the Project. The survey, conducted in November 2010, follows from the first monitoring survey conducted in March 2010, and previous baseline surveys.
Appendix D provides the location of the fauna and flora monitoring sites established and surveyed, including the full EBS Ecology report for the November 2010 survey.
Ninety-six native flora species were recorded during the November 2010 survey, including many annual species not recorded in the March 2010 survey. Fifty fauna species were recorded during the survey, including 22 bird, 8 mammal (6 native and 2 exotic), 19 reptile and one frog species. At this early stage of the monitoring program, there is no indication of a loss of species diversity, abundance or community structure, associated with the mine. However, repeat surveys under the same environmental conditions (ideally in spring October-November) each year are required to ensure this remains the case.
Sclerolaena blackiana (Black’s Bindyi), a conservation listed species under the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, was located during the survey at two sites (including one in close proximity to the mine). Just one weed species, Citrullus colocynthis (Colocynth) was recorded during the survey. This species does not require control under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, and has not increased in distribution or abundance.
One mammal species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the nationally vulnerable Plains Mouse (Pseudomys australis) was caught during the survey. The species was also detected in March 2010, however, it is still unclear if these records constitute a permanent population at Cairn Hill. One bird species of conservation significance, the nationally vulnerable Thick-billed Grasswren, was observed during the current survey. This species is likely to be a resident of the area, and therefore should be the focus of future monitoring to ensure population abundance remains steady (with numbers close to the mine similar to those at the regional scale).
Bi-annual monitoring to be conducted in March/April and October/November each year will allow for consistency between survey periods (and therefore effective detection of any changes over time), as well as maximising the number of species likely to be identified with certainty (with fruits and seeds present).
4.1.3 Groundwater Monitoring In accordance with the Water Allocation Plan for the Far North Prescribed Wells Area (SAALNRMB, February 2009), an annual water-use report is currently being prepared for the previous water-use year (1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011) and will be submitted to the Department for Water by the end of September 2011.
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4.2 Amount of Land Disturbed and Vegetation Cleared Actual footprints for the reporting periods 2008-2010 (481,624 m2) and 2010-2011 (549,695 m2) are still well short of the total predicted project footprint (1,408,013 m2). The total area of disturbed land to date is 1,031,319 m2 (103.13 ha) (see Table 5 below).
The area disturbed predominantly includes gibber plains with sparse vegetation.
4.3 Proposed Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Activities 2011-2012 As mentioned above, seed previously collected from Native Apricot Trees has been stored, germinated, propagated and are now ready for planting. It is proposed that the plantings will take place at selected locations within the Mining Lease (e.g. along Engenina Creek) during winter 2011 to coincide with winter flora and bird monitoring activities.
It is planned that a decommissioned turkey’s nest dam, located adjacent to Bore 1 (CHPB01) be backfilled and scarified allowing for natural regeneration during the next reporting period.
A designated Soil Remediation Area for the management and remediation of potentially impacted soils arising from chemical spills on site will be constructed adjacent to the northern waste dump during the next reporting period. A Site Contamination Management Plan (SCMP) is also currently in development as an addendum to the existing Land Management Plan. The SCMP will be a useful tool for managing site contamination issues should they arise during the Project.
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5 Operations Summary
During late 2010, Termite Resources conducted a review of the current pits associated with Phase 1 of the Cairn Hill Project (see Section 2.5 for further details). This resulted in a predicted increase in project disturbance footprint (as shown in Table 5 below). As a result of the increased footprint, the estimated cost to decommission and rehabilitate the mine site was revised along with the associated Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB).
Predicted project footprints (revised January 2011), actual footprints to date, and predicted additional footprints for the next 12 months are shown in Table 5. Note that actual footprints for the reporting periods 2008-2010 (481,624 m2) and 2010-2011 (549,695 m2) are still well short of the total predicted project footprint (1,408,013 m2). However, the predicted additional footprint for the end of the next 12 month period will bring the total project footprint (1,127,288 m2) closer to the revised predicted project footprint (1,408,013 m2). A plan showing the current (May 2011) and proposed disturbance areas for the next 12 months is shown in Figure 2 (attached).
Table 5: Predicted project footprint (revised from MARP), actual footprint for the reporting period, and predicted footprint for the next 12 months.
Predicted project Actual footprint for Actual footprint for Predicted additional Component within mine footprint (revised the 2008-2010 the 2010-2011 footprint for the next operations area January 2011) reporting period (m2) reporting period (m2) 12 months (m2) Waste Dumps 496,630 14,814 476,739 - ROM Pad 118,700 90,000 28,700 -
Laydown Pad 90,223 90,223 No change -
Explosives Storage 15,000 14,843 No change -
Site Roads 143,500 90,138 No change -
Portion of Site Access Road 75,000 26,902 No change -
Pit 1 (including Trial/Starter 198,960 154,704 44,256 - Pit)
Pit 2 270,000 N/A - 95,969
Total 1,408,013 481,624 549,695 95,969
Note: The above figures do not include predicted footprints associated with proposed Cairn Hill Phase 2 activities, which are planned to occur during the next 12 months (MARP currently being revised in consultation with PIRSA).
6 Compliance with Outcomes
Table 6 (see over) lists the objectives and assessment criteria of the MARP Lease conditions and gives details of the compliance or non-compliance with these conditions.
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Table 6: Compliance with outcomes assessment.
Issue (outcome) Summary of control and Assessment criteria Compliant or non-compliant (as per MARP/EWMARP) management measures
Objective: To maintain the regional abundance, diversity and productivity of vegetation. To prevent new infestations of weeds and populations of pest species on site so that native flora and fauna are protected. To ensure that particulate or gaseous emissions do not adversely affect environment values or the health and amenity of people. No significant adverse • Defined areas for vegetation • Clearance not to occur outside of the Compliant impact on the abundance clearance (disturbance). areas indicated (as stated in MARP) • and diversity of threatened or 103.13 ha cleared to date within proposed footprint. PIRSA • non-threatened native flora Native Vegetation Management Plan. and not to exceed clearance footprint approved revised total footprint is 140.80 ha. species as a result of mining • Dust Management Plan. (as stated in MARP, see Table 5) operations. • Restriction of traffic movement. • Ongoing surveys at nominated location Compliant Includes impacts associated • No application of saline water outside with direct vegetation to identify changes in composition and • Vegetation monitoring transects established for long-term of the ‘cleared areas’. clearance, and in-direct abundance of flora species monitoring of impact sites (close to development area) and clearance due to smothering control sites (approximately 5 km from impact area) by wind generated dust, use allowing comparison of any differences in species of saline water for dust composition, abundance and total cover. November 2010 suppression. survey conducted by EBS Ecology.
• Adherence to the Dust Management Compliant Plan, including the proposed • All personnel were inducted prior to entry to mine site. management and mitigation measures: Induction includes emphasis on the need to remain on - mine traffic to remain on formed formed roads and within speed limits. roads and tracks within the mining • Only areas that need to be cleared for mine development areas purposes have been cleared. All areas that needed to be - clearing to the be undertaken cleared were cleared immediately prior to development. immediately prior to development • 2 water trucks are constantly (7am to 7pm) watering all to minimise the time of exposure disturbed areas to minimise dust generation and road and of cleared land pad degradation - stabilisation of disturbed areas using water.
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Issue (outcome) Summary of control and Assessment criteria Compliant or non-compliant (as per MARP/EWMARP) management measures
No increase in the weeds • Weed and Pest Management Plan. • Compliance with Weed and Pest Compliant and plant pathogens as a • Implement ongoing inspection for Management Plan, with adherence to • Flora survey conducted November 2010 to identify the result of mining operations. weeds. the following weed management presence of new weeds, or significant increase in existing • Implement eradication plan if weeds activities: weed species. identified. - inspection of mine area for the • 148 pieces of plant / equipment arrived onsite during the presence of weeds reporting period (see Appendix E). Interstate/high risk - all interstate or higher risk vehicles/equipment were washed prior to arriving on site. vehicles or equipment shall be All equipment arriving to site from interstate inspected on checked and cleaned prior to highway prior to authorisation to proceed to site. No weeds commencing work or seeds identified. - all vehicles will be required to • All personnel instructed to remain on formed roads during remain on formed roads and induction process. tracks within the mining project area - regular inspections of areas surrounding mining operations to identify any new weeds.
• Compliance register (containing Not applicable to date register relating to weeds issues) with • Flora survey conducted November 2010. No significant associated actions / responses to weed issues requiring management identified to date. demonstrate all reasonable • Compliance register yet to implemented. complaint(s) are addressed.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 16
Issue (outcome) Summary of control and Assessment criteria Compliant or non-compliant (as per MARP/EWMARP) management measures
Objective: To maintain the regional abundance, diversity and productivity of fauna.
No significant adverse • Implementation and adherence to a • Clearance not to occur outside of the Compliant impact of the abundance and Fauna Management Plan. areas indicated (as stated in MARP, • 103.13 ha cleared to date within proposed footprint. PIRSA diversity of threatened or • Implementation and adherence to a see ) and not to exceed clearance non-threatened native fauna approved revised total footprint is 140.80 ha. footprint (as stated in MARP, see species as a result of mining Native Vegetation Management Plan. operations. Table 5)
Includes impacts associated • Compliance with Fauna Management Compliant with reduced habitat, noise Plan, with adherence to the following • and vibration, entrapments All excavated areas including borrow pits and turkey nest or barriers to movement, proposed management and mitigation dams are inspected daily for trapped fauna. If trapped traffic collisions. measures: fauna found then report will be generated. No trapped - no driving off mine management fauna or stock found to date. roads unless authorisation • All turkey nest dams have been fenced (see Figure 9) to received by TR mitigate risks to native fauna and grazing stock. No - mine excavation areas to be significant increase in pest animal abundance to date, no inspected regularly to identify trapping or management necessary. existence of potentially trapped • All waste stored in lidded drums/skips and removed weekly fauna (see Figure 12). - maintenance of site fencing to avoid, minimise and manage impacts associated with grazing animals - adherence to waste management procedures to reduce potential food sources for introduced pests and vermin - monitor and implement pest trapping and management as may be required.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 17
Issue (outcome) Summary of control and Assessment criteria Compliant or non-compliant (as per MARP/EWMARP) management measures
• Ensure equipment complies with Compliant relevant noise standards. • No significant, permanent man-made noise sources are located near the project area. The nearest sensitive noise receptor to the mining operation is Ingomar Homestead which is located 45 km south-west of the project area, a distance which is well in excess of any recommended separation distances in the EPA Guideline. • Therefore it is determined that there is no need to undertake regular monitoring of noise levels. In regards to native fauna, the affect to native fauna levels will be determined by annual fauna surveys undertaken by experienced consultants.
• Results of monitoring program show no Compliant statistically significant differences • Fauna monitoring program established. Bi-annual (increase or decrease) in native monitoring to be conducted in March/April and vertebrate density and diversity October/November each year will allow for consistency compared with the local area. between survey periods (and therefore effective detection of any changes over time).
• Results of monitoring program show no Compliant statistically significant differences • Fauna monitoring program established for long-term (increase or decrease) in introduced monitoring. No significant increase in pest animal species vertebrate density and diversity diversity or abundance between the original baseline survey compared with the local area. (October 2006) and the fauna monitoring survey conducted in November 2010.
• Ongoing fauna monitoring and Compliant observation to determine changes in • Fauna monitoring program established. Bi-annual abundance of fauna species. monitoring to be conducted in March/April and October/November each year will allow for consistency between survey periods (and therefore effective detection of any changes over time).
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 18
Issue (outcome) Summary of control and Assessment criteria Compliant or non-compliant (as per MARP/EWMARP) management measures
Objective: To ensure that extraction and use of groundwater does not adversely affect environmental values, existing users or the health and amenity of people.
No reduction in groundwater • Water supply bores are a significant • Demonstrate that there are no Compliant flows to Great Artesian Basin distance from Southwest Springs impacts to the GAB springs due to • Surveys and research conducted (see Habermehl 1980; springs due to project water zone boundary and the main flow the project water extraction. extraction. Habermehl and Lau 1997) indicate the GAB is 80+ km north area of the GAB. east of Cairn Hill, and not within the important water • Adhere to Groundwater Management resources of the GAB proper. Plan. • Groundwater levels investigated in 2006 and 2007 (PB • Agreement in place with pastoralist in 2007a-b). the event that water in the Solar Bore • Monitoring of groundwater in Solar Working towards compliance is impacted. Bore (in accordance with • Monitoring data has been collected but not at the intervals Groundwater Management Plan). proposed in the Groundwater Management Plan (i.e. for the Solar Bore monthly water levels, quarterly salinity and pH, and annual water quality). An Environmental Officer has been employed and their role will include ongoing bore monitoring and reporting activities. • See Appendix C for the approved Groundwater Monitoring Program: Cairn Hill (Australian Groundwater Technologies 2010) submitted to DWLBC (now Department for Water).
• Measures identified in agreement Compliant with pastoralist to be implemented if • On-going liaison with pastoralist and new land owner SA groundwater in Solar Bore is Property Pty Ltd. Meetings were convened on a monthly impacted. basis with the previous pastoralist. All aspects of the agreement discussed and the pastoralist invited to raise any concerns he may have had. Relationship with the new owners is currently being established.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 19
Issue (outcome) Summary of control and Assessment criteria Compliant or non-compliant (as per MARP/EWMARP) management measures
Objective: To maintain the pre-mining quality and flow of surface watercourses so that environmental values are protected.
No long term effects of • Adherence to Surface Water • Inspection of surface water flows Compliant aquatic fauna and flora due Management Plan. after rain events. • The natural surface water flow patterns are currently being to altered flow regimes. assessed using detailed contour data to determine whether Includes impacts on fauna there are any significant changes to natural surface water and flora, general water flows and whether update of the Surface Water Management quality, and acid rock Plan is required. drainage. • Compliance with Surface Water Compliant Management Plan. • Natural surface water flow regimes currently being assessed.
• Construction of surface water Not applicable to date diversion as designed (as per • No diversions have been constructed to date. Surface Water Management Plan).
No long term effects on • Ore and waste rock will be stored on • Compliance with the design Compliant aquatic fauna and flora due permeability storage pads and requirements for acid rock drainage • A consultant was engaged to perform an assessment of to acid rock drainage. potential acid forming waste rock will management. potential acid forming waste rock (sulphide oxidation) at the be encapsulated. site after rainfall and humid conditions. • Leaching tests to determine • No signs of acid generation were observed in the waste rock potentially acid forming rock potential dumps. A small pocket of fast reacting sulphides was of stockpiles. identified in the ore body. • A sulphide oxidation management procedure was developed to deal with this material and provide pit geologists with a better understanding of the potential for acid generation. • Where identified, potential acid forming rock is to be encapsulated within the waste rock dumps.
• Inspection of surface water flows Compliant after rain events. • Inspection of ore stockpile undertaken after rainfall events. • See above for potential acid forming rock assessment completed.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 20
Issue (outcome) Summary of control and Assessment criteria Compliant or non-compliant (as per MARP/EWMARP) management measures
• Demonstrate that there is no adverse Compliant impact on aquatic fauna and flora • See above for potential acid forming rock assessment due to acid rock drainage. completed. • Where identified, potential acid forming rock is to be encapsulated within the waste rock dumps. Surface waters coming into contact with the rock will not drain into site waterways.
• Demonstrate adherence to design Compliant requirements for acid rock drainage • See above for potential acid forming rock assessment management (Surface Water completed. Management Plan). • Where identified, potential acid forming rock is to be encapsulated within the waste rock dumps. Surface waters coming into contact with the rock will not drain into site waterways.
No long term effects on • Refuelling to be undertaken in • Demonstrate adherence to industry Working towards compliance aquatic fauna and flora due accordance with industry best best practice and guidelines. • All personnel were inducted prior to entry to mine site. to release of fuel and/or practice and any spills attended to chemicals. Induction includes MSDS and chemical register requirements. immediately. • Adequate training of personnel using or decanting chemicals • Fuel/chemical/oil storage in is carried out using appropriate procedures. accordance with guidelines, • All appropriate MSDS on site. maintained and inspected to ensure • Site Contamination Management Plan for managing site integrity, good housekeeping and contamination issues is currently being developed. correct use of the area. • A dedicated Soil Remediation Area will also be constructed early in the next reporting period for managing and remediating potentially impacted soils resulting from spills.
• Records of inspection of fuel, oil and Working towards compliance chemical containment areas. • Daily inspection of fuel, oil and chemical containment areas has occurred but not reported. Environmental and Infrastructure Daily Inspection Report to include inspections of all fuel, oil and chemical containment areas.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 21
Issue (outcome) Summary of control and Assessment criteria Compliant or non-compliant (as per MARP/EWMARP) management measures
• Adherence to EPA Guidelines 080/07 Working towards compliance Bunding and spill management. • Fuel, oil and other chemicals on site are stored within a bund with an impervious floor in accordance with EPA Guideline Bunding and spill management (see Figure 10 illustrating the self bunded fuel storage, and Figure 11 illustrating a bunded oil storage facility). • Other smaller storages (e.g. IBCs) require further assessment of spill containment requirements (currently underway). • An Environmental Officer has been employed and their role will include inspecting all fuel, oil and other chemical storages during the next reporting period.
• Adherence to AS1940-1993 The Working towards compliance storage and handling of flammable • Dangerous goods are stored appropriately. The main diesel and combustible liquids (as per storage is on-site within a self bunded tank (Figure 10), and Surface Water Management Plan). smaller quantities of flammable and combustible liquids are generally stored appropriately within spillage containment facilities. • Non-compatible chemicals are segregated. All containers are labelled and appropriate safety signage is displayed. • Other smaller storages (e.g. IBCs) require further assessment of spill containment requirements (currently underway). • An Environmental Officer has been employed and their role will include inspecting all fuel, oil and other chemical storages during the next reporting period.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 22
Issue (outcome) Summary of control and Assessment criteria Compliant or non-compliant (as per MARP/EWMARP) management measures
Objective: To ensure that impacts to land management and land use are kept as low as reasonably practicable. To ensure that impacts to land use and soils are kept as low as reasonably practicable. To prevent the occurrence of any incidents associated with hazardous materials which may put either personnel or equipment at risk.
No long term impacts to soil • Refuelling to be undertaken in • Demonstrate adherence to industry Working towards compliance quality due to spills of fuel, accordance with industry best best practice and guidelines. • Daily inspection of fuel, oil and chemical containment areas oil or chemicals. • practice and any spills attended to Records of inspections of fuel, oil and has occurred but not reported. Environmental and immediately. chemical containment areas. Infrastructure Daily Inspection Report to include inspections • Fuel/chemical/oil storage in of all fuel, oil and chemical containment areas. accordance with guidelines, • Smaller storages (e.g. IBCs) require further assessment of maintained and inspected to ensure spill containment requirements (currently underway). integrity, good housekeeping and • An Environmental Officer has been employed and their role correct use of area. will include inspecting all fuel, oil and other chemical storages • All MSDS on site and up to date. during the next reporting period.
No long term impacts to soil • Adherence to Land Management • Compliance with Land Management Compliant quality due to leakages from Plan. Plan. • Condition of water supply pipelines maintained. water supply pipelines. • Repair water leaks as identified. Not applicable to date • No water leaks to date.
• Repair and stabilise landform scours Not applicable to date /washouts/erosion. • No erosion to date.
• Record of condition of water supply Working towards compliance pipelines (as per Land Management • Daily inspection of pipeline to be implemented as part of Plan). Environmental and Infrastructure Daily Inspection report. • A Field Technician has recently (May 2011) been employed at the site to carry out these daily inspections and reporting.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 23
Issue (outcome) Summary of control and Assessment criteria Compliant or non-compliant (as per MARP/EWMARP) management measures
Objective: To prevent the occurrence of any incidents associated with hazardous materials which may put either personnel or equipment at risk.
Risk to both personnel and • Hazardous management procedure • Transportation, storage and handling Compliant equipment of hazardous developed listing dangerous goods of dangerous goods (particularly • Transportation, storage and handling of dangerous goods in materials on site is and their quantities and locations, explosives if the decision is made to minimised. accordance with requirements. required handling and storage store explosives on site) in • Explosives currently stored on site in a dedicated magazine practices, safety and hazard accordance with the requirements of area, constructed in accordance with all relevant Regulations, management, audit procedures, the SA Mine Management Codes and Australian Standards. contingency cleanup and disposal Regulations, the Australian Code for procedures. the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, and in particular Australian Standards AS2243.10 and AS2508. • No dangerous goods will be allowed Compliant on site without the requisite MSDS • All MSDS’s on site prior to arrival of dangerous goods. received in advance.
• Dangerous Goods Procedure Compliant developed and followed ensuring that • Dangerous Goods Procedure developed. the dangerous goods onsite will be • All dangerous goods stored correctly and surrounded by held in approved storage vessels and appropriate bunding. surrounded by bunds constructed to the appropriate regulations.
• Dangerous Goods Procedure Compliant developed and followed ensuring that • Dangerous Goods Procedure developed. personnel exposed to dangerous • All personnel exposed to dangerous chemicals are trained in chemicals to be trained in the the dangers, safe use, and appropriate emergency dangers associated with the procedures. chemical, its safe use, and procedures to follow in case of emergency.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 24
Issue (outcome) Summary of control and Assessment criteria Compliant or non-compliant (as per MARP/EWMARP) management measures
• Fuel and oil storage logs containing Working towards compliance the following information are • Daily inspection of fuel, oil and chemical containment areas established and maintained: has occurred but not reported. Environmental and types and volumes of fuel and oil Infrastructure Daily Inspection Report recently reviewed and on site, locations of storage now includes reporting of inspections of fuel, oil and chemical facilities, storage methods, containment areas, plus bore pipelines and turkey nest dams. bunding and secondary • A Field Technician has recently (May 2011) been employed containment at the site to carry out these daily inspections and reporting. pumping, piping transfer and • Waste oil collection, treatment and disposal procedures in separation procedures place. fire protection measures • Site Contamination Management Plan for managing site spill containment and cleanup contamination issues is currently being developed. procedures • A dedicated Soil Remediation Area will also be constructed maintenance, testing and audit early in the next reporting period for managing and procedures remediating potentially impacted soils resulting from spills. waste oil collection, treatment and disposal procedures.
• All fire extinguishers and fixed fire Compliant equipment shall have six monthly • Fire extinguishers and fixed equipment checked and checks and maintenance. maintained.
• A Dangerous Goods and Chemicals Compliant Register shall be established for the • Dangerous Goods and Chemicals Register established. site.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 25
Issue (outcome) Summary of control and Assessment criteria Compliant or non-compliant (as per MARP/EWMARP) management measures
Objective: To ensure that changes to the biophysical environment do not adversely affect historical or cultural associations.
Aboriginal sites of scientific, • Cease work and consult with • Demonstration of consultation with Compliant mythological and cultural Antakarinja and Arabunna native title the native title claimants and • Native Title agreement place in place prior to PIRSA significance are protected or claimants in event of discovery of statutory reporting in the event that a lawfully removed with approval. No suspected aboriginal sites or relics discovered suspected Aboriginal site/relic is consent of the native title aboriginal sites/relics. to date. claimants, and reported in • Statutory reporting of discoveries in discovered. • Site Induction includes instruction on the procedure to follow accordance with statutory accordance with the Aboriginal in the event that a relic or possible Aboriginal site is requirements (under the Heritage Act 1988 (SA). discovered. All personnel intending to travel to site must Aboriginal Heritage Act • Long term contractors will be 1988). undertake a site induction. informed regarding indigenous and • Cultural awareness training program delivery is currently non-indigenous cultural history being planned. aspects of the operations and obligations if a site is uncovered.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 26
Figure 9: Fenced turkey nest dam at Bore 1 (CHPB01) excluding large fauna and stock.
Figure 10: Self bunded fuel storage.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 27
Figure 11: Bunded oil storage facility.
Figure 12: Lidded skip meeting waste management criteria.
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7 Rectification of Non-compliances
As this is only the second MARCR prepared for activities at Cairn Hill no non-compliances have been identified. Termite Resources has recently (April to May 2011) employed a full-time Environmental Officer and Field Technician to assist with ensuring the requirements of the MARP are met. Termite Resources aims to achieve no non-compliances for the Cairn Hill Project by the end of the next reporting period by working diligently to address areas where ‘working towards compliance’ has been identified in the assessment (Table 6) and by maintaining compliance in those areas where Termite Resources is already compliant. Internal reviews are regularly undertaken by Termite Resources staff to identify any potential non-compliances early and to put in place early intervention strategies.
As noted in the assessment, Termite Resources is continuing to work towards compliance in the following key areas:
1. Implementation of regular monitoring of groundwater (in accordance with Groundwater Management Plan);
2. Ensuring there are no long term effects on aquatic fauna and flora and to soil due to fuel and/or chemical spills;
3. Recording the condition of water supply pipelines (as per Land Management Plan); and 4. Establishing and maintaining fuel and oil storage logs containing pertinent information.
The methods in which Termite Resources will work towards compliance in these key are detailed in the Compliance with Outcomes Assessment (Table 6).
No instances of non-compliance with the outcomes or Lease conditions were noted for the Project by the PIRSA inspector during the reporting period. There were also no instances of non-compliance reported during the previous period (2008-2010).
8 Management Systems Reviews
As stated in the MARP, Termite Resources has developed a Mine Management Plan, a Supplier and Subcontractor Management Plan and an Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan. These plans describe the processes and strategies implemented to ensure the safe and successful execution of the works and management of the mine.
8.1 Management System Audit To date no reviews of the Mine Management Plan, Supplier and Subcontractor Management Plan or Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan have been necessary, and no changes have been made. A review is planned during the next reporting period (June 2011 to May 2012).
9 Fitness-for-purpose Reviews of Plant, Equipment, Infrastructure and Other Facilities
PIRSA expect major items of plant or equipment to be reviewed at least once every five years. As activities at Cairn Hill have not reached or exceeded five years, not reviews have been conducted to date.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 29
During the reporting period (June 2011 to May 2012) there were 148 plant / equipment movements to the Cairn Hill Project site. Many of these movement included smaller items such as compressors, trailers, fridges and pumps. All of these pieces of plant / equipment were checked for serviceability prior to entering the site and records of these checks have been entered into the maintenance logs kept with each piece of plant / equipment.
A summary of the plant / equipment movements and the plant currently on site is provided in the reports in Appendix E.
10 New Environmental Hazards
A consultant (Care Of Our Environment) was engaged to perform an assessment of potential acid forming waste rock (sulphide oxidation) at the site after rainfall and humid conditions. No signs of acid generation were observed in the waste rock dumps. A small pocket of fast reacting sulphides was identified in the ore body. As a result of this assessment, a sulphide oxidation management procedure was developed to deal with this material in the future and to provide pit geologists with a better understanding of the potential for acid generation. Where identified in the future, potential acid forming rock is to be encapsulated within the waste rock dumps.
There were no other new environmental hazards or risks identified during the 2010-2011 reporting period.
11 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act Reporting
The Cairn Hill project is not subject to approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as it is not a controlled action. This decision was made by the Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts on 6 May 2008 after consideration of the EPBC Act Referral Cairn Hill Project SA dated 28 March 2008 (Parsons Brinckerhoff / Termite Resources 2008).
One mammal species listed under the EPBC Act, the nationally vulnerable Plains Mouse (Pseudomys australis) was caught during the November 2010 survey. The species was also detected in March 2010, however it is still unclear if these records constitute a permanent population at Cairn Hill. One bird species of conservation significance, the nationally vulnerable Thick-billed Grasswren, was also observed during the November 2010 survey. This species is likely to be a resident of the area, and therefore should be the focus of future monitoring to ensure population abundance remains steady (with numbers close to the mine similar to those at the regional scale).
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 30
12 References
Australian Groundwater Technologies (2010) Groundwater Monitoring Program: Cairn Hill. Report to Termite Resources.
EBS Ecology (2011) Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010. Report to IMX Resources. EBS Ecology, Adelaide.
Habermehl, MA (1980) The Great Artesian Basin, Australia. BMR J. Journal of Australian Geology and Geophysics. 5: 9-38.
Habermehl, MA., Lau, KE (1997) Hydrogeology of the Great Artesian Basin, Australia. Australian Geological Survey Organisation. Scale 1:2 500 000.
JORC (2004) The Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Joint Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australasian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia.
PB (2007a) Cairn Hill Magnetite-Copper-Gold Mining Project Mining Proposal – Groundwater Studies. Unpublished Report to PB 07-002401-2102712A.
PB (2007b) Cairn Hill Groundwater Supply Investigation. Unpublished Report for Goldstream Mining NL.
Parsons Brinckerhoff (2007) Cairn Hill Magnetite-Copper-Gold Mining Proposal: Supporting Document for Mining Lease Application. Prepared for Termite Resources by Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia, Adelaide.
Parsons Brinckerhoff (2008) EPBC Act Referral Form: Cairn Hill Project, SA. Prepared for Termite Resources by Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia, Adelaide.
Parsons Brinckerhoff (2008) Cairn Hill Magnetite-Copper-Gold Mining Project: Early Works Mining and Rehabilitation Program. Prepared for Termite Resources by Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia, Adelaide.
Parsons Brinckerhoff (2008) Cairn Hill Magnetite-Copper-Gold Mining Project: Mining and Rehabilitation Program. Prepared for Termite Resources by Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia, Adelaide.
PIRSA (2008) Preparation of a Mining and Rehabilitation Program (MARP) (Extractive Mineral Operations). Regulatory Guideline No. 6. Minerals Group. Version 1.7. Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia. Adelaide.
PIRSA (2009) Guidelines for Miners: Preparation of a Mining and Rehabilitation Compliance Report (MARCR) in South Australia. Minerals Regulatory Guidelines MG3, Minerals Resources Group. Version 1.4. Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia. Adelaide.
SAALNRMB (2009) Water Allocation Plan for the Far North Prescribed Wells Area: February 2009. South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board, Government of South Australia, Adelaide.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 31
13 Figures
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 32 6759500N 6759000N 6758500N 23-Jun-11 Date:
513000E IMX Resources IMX Cairn Hill Operations Hill Cairn Plan No. Plan Figure 1: Cairn Hill Phase I Phase Hill Cairn 1: Figure Sit Layout Plan - EOM May 2011 May EOM - Plan Layout Sit 7500 Magazine Scale: 1: Scale:
512500E 512500E
512000E 512000E 1 t Pi
511500E 511500E Waste dump 1 dump Waste ROM
511000E 511000E Workshop Waste dump 2 dump Waste ice f Of
510500E 510500E
SURPAC - Gemcom Software
6758500N 6758000N 6759500N 6759000N site_map_07 6759500N 6759000N 6758500N 23-Jun-11 Date:
513000E IMX Resources IMX Cairn Hill Operations Hill Cairn Plan No. Plan Figure 2: Cairn Hill Phase I Phase Hill Cairn 2: Figure 7500 Current and Proposed Disturbance Areas Disturbance Proposed and Current Magazine Scale: 1: Scale:
512500E 512500E
512000E 512000E Current infrastructure/disturbance areas shown in grey and black lines. black and grey in shown areas infrastructure/disturbance Current yellow. in shown areas infrastructure/disturbance Proposed Pit 1 Pit
511500E 511500E Waste Dump 1 Dump Waste Pit 2 Pit ROM
511000E 511000E Workshop Waste Dump 2 Dump Waste ice f Of
510500E 510500E
SURPAC - Gemcom Software
6758500N 6758000N 6759500N 6759000N site_map_06
14 Appendices
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 33
Appendix A: Mining lease area (as detailed in the MARP).
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Appendix B: Location of the Cairn Hill Project flora and fauna monitoring sites.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 35
Appendix C: Consultant report. Groundwater Monitoring Program: Cairn Hill Mine (AGT Report No. 2009/994, dated 18 February 2010).
See attached file.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 36
GROUNDWATER MONITORING PROGRAM
CAIRN HILL MINE
AGT Report No. 2009/994 Date - 18/02/2010
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Scope 1
1.2 Responsible personnel 3
1.3 Monitoring program – review and modification 3
1.4 Regulatory reporting 4
1.5 Designated area 4
2. BOREFIELD PERFORMANCE MONITORING 6
2.1 Overview 6
2.2 Pumping schedule 6
2.3 Performance monitoring 6
2.4 Water sampling and analysis 7
3. REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 7
3.1 Overview 7
3.2 Water levels and quality 7
3.3 Drawdown thresholds 8
3.4 Monitoring priority 8
4. EXISTING GROUNDWATER USERS 9
4.1 Overview 9
4.2 Regional 9
4.3 Drawdown thresholds 9
5. REFERENCES 10
APPENDIX A MONITORING WELLS 11
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FIGURES
Figure 1: Cairn Hill Project Location ...... 2 Figure 2: Monitoring well locations...... 5
TABLES
Table 1: Groundwater Monitoring Frequencies ...... 3 Table 2: Groundwater Analyte List...... 4 Table A1: Monitoring Well Locations ...... 12
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope
IMX Resources (IMX) has prepared this groundwater monitoring program for the Cairn Hill Magnetite - Copper – Gold Project (the project). This program is required to satisfy the requirements of the Mining and Rehabilitation Program (MARP) developed for the project by Termite Resources NL in 2009, and subsequently approved by Primary Industries Resources South Australia (PIRSA). It also satisfies license conditions set by PIRSA for the project and those of the Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) relating to the taking of water from the Far North Prescribed Wells Area.
Background
The Cairn Hill project is located approximately 50 km to the south east of Coober Pedy (Figure 1). Operations are to include the mining of approximately 7.3 million tonnes of ore by open cut methods on Mining Lease (ML) 6303. The ore includes iron (as magnetite), copper, and gold at grades of 51.9%, 0.4% and 0.12 g/tonne respectively. The project is located on land held by pastoral lease (Mt Penrhyn & McDouall Peak Stations), and is within the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) and the Far North Prescribed Wells Area.
Infrastructure will include 2 pits nominally of dimensions 675 m x 270 m and 500 m x 240 m at pit crest, 2 waste rock (and overburden) dumps, a ROM pad, a laydown area, an explosives storage site, offices, mobile crushing circuit, access roads and tracks, water supply wells, a turkeys nest water storage, and a water treatment plant to provide potable water for onsite usage.
Water supply is from dedicated wells located in close proximity to ML6303 for site use. It is unlikely that groundwater will be encountered during mining activities. Although the orebody and surrounding (Precambrian) basement rocks are tight, and the overlying sedimentary cover is unsaturated, there is a possibility that limited volumes of water may be obtained from pit dewatering.
Sediments on site include the Mesozoic age Algebuckina Sandstone, Cadna – Owie Formation and Bulldog Shale. Saturation occurs in these units to the west of the lease area, including in a zone where a paleochannel or basement depression is thought to occur. The two-bore water supply wellfield for operations at the Cairn Hill mine is located in this zone.
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The Cairn Hill site is situated approximately 120–150 km south and southwest of the (GAB) Southwest Springs (Parsons Brinkerhoff, 2007) and flowing artesian conditions do not occur in this aquifer in the vicinity of the Cairn Hill site.
Figure 1: Cairn Hill Project Location
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1.2 Responsible personnel
The responsible person for actioning of this groundwater monitoring program is:
Mr Steve Staines Support Services Manager – Cairn Hill IMX Resources Ltd PO Box 1001 Coober Pedy SA 5273
1.3 Monitoring program – review and modification
The groundwater monitoring frequencies that were outlined in the MARP (March 2009) have been deemed to be unnecessarily excessive. PIRSA’s MARP Compliance Team has advised that if the revised groundwater monitoring frequencies are accepted by DWLBC as satisfactory then they will endorse the proposed changes. The revised groundwater monitoring actions are summarized in Table 1. Monitoring well locations are shown in Figure 2.
Table 1: Groundwater Monitoring Frequencies Well groupings Monitoring Frequency element
Depth to water Monthly
Active production wells (CHPB01-02) Salinity and pH Monthly
Water quality Annually
Depth to water Monthly ML6303 Monitoring wells (PBBH01,05-10; MB001-002) (PBBH02 is dry, PBBH03-04 & MB003 are in bedrock) Salinity and pH Quarterly
Depth to water Monthly for 1st year, then quarterly Regional Monitoring wells (PBMWRM001-003, ENG9) Salinity and pH Annually
Depth to water Monthly
Solar Bore and Mt Penrhyn No 2 (new) Salinity and pH Quarterly
Water quality Annually
Water quality monitoring is to comprise the sampling and analysis of groundwater for the analytes shown in table 2. All metals will be subject to analysis for ‘total concentration’.
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Table2: Groundwater Analyte List
pH sulphate (SO4) iron (Fe)
electrical conductivity (EC) chloride (Cl) manganese (Mn)
total dissolved solids (TDS) bicarbonate (HCO3) nickel (Ni)
calcium (Ca) carbonate (CO3) selenium (Se)
magnesium (Mg) aluminium (Al) uranium (U)
sodium (Na) arsenic (As) zinc (Zn)
potassium (K) copper (Cu) lead (Pb)
1.4 Regulatory reporting
Regulatory reporting associated with this groundwater monitoring program includes that to satisfy the licensing requirements of DWLBC for the taking of water from the Far North Prescribed Wells Area (FNPWA), reporting required to satisfy MARP and licence conditions set out in the lease offer and also any private agreements between IMX and landholders.
1.5 Designated area
Areas to be monitored include:
♦ ML 6303 and adjacent areas. This includes areas in the vicinity of the pit on ML 6303 and wells to its immediate west. Monitoring is to occur using 7 dedicated monitoring wells (PBBH01, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09,10, MB001 – 0002) and Solar Bore, located to the immediate south west of the pit(s).
♦ More distant areas to the south and west. In this region, monitoring is to be carried out using Mt Penrhyn 2, wells PBMWRM001, PBMWRM002 and PBMWRM003, and well ENG 9.
This suite of monitoring wells occurs in a rectilinear area approximately 40km (east – west) x 30km (north – south). This constitutes the designated groundwater monitoring area for the Cairn Hill project. Monitoring well locations are shown in Figure 2 and appended (Appendix A).
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Figure2: Monitoring well locations
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2. BOREFIELD PERFORMANCE MONITORING
2.1 Overview
Bore field (wellfield) performance monitoring is to be carried out to ensure that water supplies for mine construction and maintenance, other construction purposes, potable supply and dust suppression are maintained throughout the duration of the project. It is critical to the success of the project (both in terms of operating efficiency and environmental compliance) that water supplies are available when needed. Monitoring is also required to assess the long term performance of the wells, the ability of the aquifer to supply water at the required rates and durations and for DWLBC licence compliance. Borefield performance monitoring is to occur using wells CHPB01 and CHPB02.
2.2 Pumping schedule
Pumping schedules for supply (production) wells are developed by IMX staff on a location-by- location basis depending on activities required during a particular period. Scheduling information to be recorded is included in Section 2.3 below.
2.3 Performance monitoring
The monitoring of the performance of production wells CHPB01 and CHPB02 will include the recording of the following:
♦ Meter readings on a weekly basis;
♦ Pumping rates (if suitable instrumentation is fitted or by a calculation from meter readings);
♦ Fuel consumption per generator on a weekly/individual usage basis at each production well;
♦ Depth to water measurements in each well immediately prior to the commencement of pumping on a monthly basis; and
♦ leaks, breaks, breaches in discharge lines, meter failures.
Depth to water will be measured from a designated reference point on each occasion using a calibrated dipmeter. Results are to be entered on to field data sheets and transferred to an
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electronic database for storage and analysis. Trends in consumption, fuel usage, pumping rate, water level and water quality are to be identified at the time of data entry and remedial actions formulated and actioned if required.
2.4 Water sampling and analysis pH and EC are to be measured from water samples taken from the discharge line on a monthly basis for wells in long term continuous use and on a Bi-annual basis if production from a well is sporadic or not in yet use / decommissioned. Water samples will be collected from each pump equipped wellhead. pH and EC will be measured on site using instrumentation calibrated on the day of sampling and immediately prior to sample collection.
Water quality is also to be assessed annually by the collection and analysis of water samples. The samples are to be collected, placed in bottles with preservation as appropriate and dispatched using chain of custody protocols to a NATA registered laboratory for analysis as per the list above. Water sampling and collection procedures will adhere to the Groundwater Quality Sampling Guidelines developed by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission.
3. REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
3.1 Overview
A regional monitoring well network has been established using dedicated monitoring wells installed by IMX.
The location of regional monitoring wells, and monitoring wells within and immediate vicinity of ML6303, are shown in Figure 2.
3.2 Water levels and quality
For regional monitoring, depth to water (SWL) is to be measured monthly in wells PBMWRM001, PBMWRM002, PBMWRM003 and ENG 9 for the 1st year, and thereafter quarterly.
For ML6303 monitoring wells, SWL is to be measured monthly.
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Depth to water will be measured from a designated reference point on each occasion using a calibrated dipmeter. Results will be entered into field data sheets and then transferred to an electronic database (Exel or other). pH and EC are also to be measured annually from the regional wells and quarterly from the ML6303 monitoring wells. This will be carried out by removing a sample of water from each well using a bailer or sampling pump. The samples are to be collected after a minimum of 3 well volumes have been purged from each well. pH and EC will be measured on site using instrumentation calibrated on the day of sampling and immediately prior to sample collection.
3.3 Drawdown thresholds
Depth to water in the monitoring wells will be measured on a monthly basis from a date prior to the commencement of operations, thereby enabling long term patterns of water level fluctuation to be identified. This pattern will be considered as baseline data, and may include variations due to seasonality, barometric pressure and even recharge events. It is anticipated that a conformable dataset will be built up over several years of monitoring. Depth to water measurements that differ significantly from the established (baseline) conditions could indicate effects due to pumping at the Cairn Hill site. Variations in water levels over 4 consecutive measurements that show a consistent trend that differs from the baseline hydrograph will be taken to indicate drawdown due to site operations provided similar but greater drawdowns have been observed in wells closer to pumping sites.
Drawdowns of 0.5m and 0.3m have been modeled at wells PBBH05 and Solar Bore, respectively, after 10 years of extraction.
3.4 Monitoring priority
All wells will be given equal priority in monitoring.
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4. EXISTING GROUNDWATER USERS
4.1 Overview
Groundwater users in the vicinity of the Cairn Hill project area are few. The nearest groundwater use points are Solar Bore, located within ML 6303, and Mt Penrhyn No 2 bore, about 15 km south. Both are used for stock water supply. The Coober Pedy town water supply wells are located about over 50 km to the north and the Prominent Hill mine is about 70 km to the south east.
4.2 Regional
Depth to water is to be measured in Solar Bore and Mt Penrhyn Bore on a monthly basis. Measurements are to be made from a designated reference point using a calibrated dipmeter. Results are to be recorded on field data sheets and transferred to electronic database. If the wells are equipped with cumulative flow meters, then meter readings are to be recorded on each monitoring occasion (subject to landholder approval).
Ph and EC are to be measured on a Quarterly basis by removing samples of water from each well using a bailer, electric sampling pump or the pump installed in it (if so equipped). The samples are to be collected after a minimum of 3 well volumes have been purged from each well. pH and EC will be measured on site using instrumentation calibrated prior to sample collection on the day of sampling.
Water quality is also to be assessed annually by the collection and analysis of water samples. The samples are to be collected by bailer, by electric sampling pump or by the pump in it (if equipped), preceded by the removal of at least 3 well volumes of purge water. The samples are to be placed in bottles with preservation as appropriate and dispatched using chain of custody protocols to a NATA registered laboratory for analysis as per the list above. Filtration may be specified on site or in the laboratory. Water sampling and collection procedures will adhere to the Groundwater Quality Sampling Guidelines developed by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission.
4.3 Drawdown thresholds
Depth to water in wells Solar Bore and Mt Penrhyn No 2 will be measured on a monthly basis immediately prior to the commencement of operations, thereby enabling a long term pattern of water level fluctuation to be identified. This pattern will be considered as baseline data, and may
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include variations due to seasonality, barometric pressure and even recharge events as well as possible effects of pumping and pit dewatering (if applicable).
Depth to water measurements that differ significantly from the established (baseline) conditions could indicate effects due to pumping at the Cairn Hill site. Variations in water levels over 4 consecutive measurements that show a consistent trend that differs from the baseline hydrograph will be taken to indicate drawdown that could be linked to site operations provided similar but greater drawdowns have been observed in wells closer to pumping sites.
For Solar Bore, with a reported depth of 259m (drilled as CR9102 by BHP in 1991) and SWL of some 32m, drawdowns significantly in excess of 0.3m will require the pastoralist to be consulted and alternative supplies provided if required.
5. REFERENCES
Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia Pty Limited - Cairn Hill Magnetite-Copper-Gold Project Mining Proposal Groundwater Studies, February 2007
Termite Resources NL - Cairn Hill Magnetite Copper-Gold Mining Project Mining and Rehabilitation Program, 20 November 2008
The Government of South Australia - Natural Resources Management Act (1994).
The Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation – Water Licence No 140263
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APPENDIX A MONITORING WELLS
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Table A1: Monitoring Well Locations
Hole ID Easting Northing Latitude Longitude Elevation Datum HoleType
PBBH01 509754.00 6759015.00 -29.2978 135.1004 146 53 MB
PBBH02 510172.00 6758677.00 -29.3008 135.1047 145 53 MB
PBBH03 513389.00 6757675.00 -29.3099 135.1379 145 53 MB
PBBH04 513004.00 6756895.00 -29.3169 135.1339 144 53 MB
PBBH05 506817.00 6761431.00 -29.2760 135.0702 150 53 MB
PBBH06 506814.30 6759641.00 -29.2922 135.0702 140 53 MB
PBBH07 508881.00 6757811.00 -29.3087 135.0915 149 53 MB
PBBH08 511350.00 6754500.00 -29.3385 135.1169 140 53 MB
PBBH09 505375.00 6758405.00 -29.3033 135.0553 150 53 MB
PBBH10 510125.00 6756044.00 -29.3246 135.1043 140 53 MB
CHPB01 506810.00 6761325.00 -29.2770 135.0701 150 53 PB
CHPB02 511437.00 6754501.00 -29.3385 135.1178 147 53 PB
MB001 510400.00 6757480.00 -29.3116 135.1071 140 53 MB
MB002 510600.00 6758255.00 -29.3046 135.1091 140 53 MB
MB003 513130.00 6759870.00 -29.2900 135.1352 140 53 MB
Budget (Solar) Bore 510551.50 6758164.32 -29.3055 135.1086 140 53 PB
PBMWRM001 484913.342 6754406.823 -29.3393 134.8446 167.488 53 MB
PBMWRM002 483758.256 6743203.285 -29.4404 134.8325 158.335 53 MB
PBMWRM003 493206.772 6742741.665 -29.4447 134.9299 183.887 53 MB 5839-31 Mt Penrhyn 15 492675.000 6752480.000 -29.3568 134.9245 179.170 53 PB
5939-9 Mt Penrhyn 2 511401.00 6739303.00 -29.4757 135.1176 158.87 53 MB
5939-116 Eng 9 521525.00 6750667.00 -29.3730 135.2218 139.8 53 MB
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Appendix D: EBS Ecology report. Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 (Final Revision No. 2, dated 21 June 2011).
See attached file.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 37
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring Spring 2010
21 June 2011
Version 2
Prepared by EBS Ecology for IMX Resources
Document Control
Revision Date Date issued Authors Reviewed by Revision type No. Reviewed 1 1-Mar-2011 C, Nield, A. Derry, S. O’Neill S. O’Neill 28-Feb-2011 First draft 2 21-June-2011 C, Nield, A. Derry, S. O’Neill S. O’Neill 3-June-2011 Final draft
Distribution of Copies
Revision Date issued Media Issued to No. 1 1-Mar-2011 Electronic S. Staines, IMX Resources 2 21-June-2011 Electronic S. Staines, A. Woidt, IMX Resources
COPYRIGHT: Use or copying of this document in whole or in part (including photographs) without the written permission of EBS Ecology and/or IMX Resources Ltd constitutes an infringement of copyright.
LIMITATION: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of EBS Ecology’s Client, and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the agreement between EBS Ecology and its Client. EBS Ecology accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party.
CITATION: EBS Ecology (2011) Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010. Report to IMX Resources. EBS Ecology, Adelaide.
Front cover photo: Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata), Cairn Hill, November 2010.
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
EBS Ecology would like to acknowledge and thank the following people for their assistance with the project: Steve Staines, IMX Resources Mark Hutchinson and Carolyn Kovach, SA Museum, for advice on reptile identification David Stemmer, SA Museum, for advice on mammal identification Terry Reardon, SA Museum, for analysis of the Anabat data.
The following EBS Ecology staff conducted the survey: Sally O’Neill (Survey Co-ordinator)
Shay Jury Darren Richardson Catherine Nield Alison Derry (Ornithologist).
The survey was undertaken under the following Department of Environment and Natural Resources permits: Permit to Undertake Scientific Research, permit no: A25822-1.
Wildlife Ethics Committee: Approval of a Project Involving Animals, app. no. 10/2008.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
BDBSA Biological Databases of South Australian (managed by DENR)
DEH Department of Environment and Heritage (now known as DENR)
DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources (Government of South Australia)
EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth legislation)
NPW Act National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (South Australian legislation)
NRM Natural Resources Management ssp. subspecies sp. species (singular) spp. species (plural) var. variety
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 DEFINITIONS
Plant life forms Adapted from Heard and Channon (1997).
Grass herbaceous or rarely woody plants of the family Poaceae (Gramineae). Perennial or annual, generally erect or spreading. Usually with distinct individual shoots arising from a single root system, or if not, then not forming a hummock.
Herb herbaceous or slightly woody, annual or sometimes perennial plants. Herbaceous, annual species are commonly erect and woody, perennial species commonly creepers or climbers. Some species are tufted. Foliage usually covers the majority of the branches in shrubby and creeping forms. Rarely exceeds 0.5 m in height, unless climbing species.
Shrub woody, usually perennial plants, generally erect but may be procumbent or of weeping habit. Commonly broadly conical in form with the foliage occupying all or only part of the total height of the plant.
Tree woody, usually perennial plants, generally erect, of variable outline but commonly with a spherical or ovoid canopy raised well above the ground. The major part of the canopy from bottom to top less than or equal to two thirds of the total height of the tree. Single stemmed, or if multi-stemmed, with fewer than 5 individual trunks that result from branching of a single trunk (which may be quite short) and which do not arise from a mallee-like lignotuber.
Mallee woody, usually perennial plants of the genus Eucalyptus, generally erect, of variable outline but commonly with a spherical or vertically flattened canopy raised well above the ground. Leaves are commonly born only near the ends of branches. The major part of the canopy from bottom to top may extend from the ground to the maximum height of the plant, or may occupy only the upper portion of the total height. Multi- stemmed, the individual trunks arising from a lignotuber or swelling at the base of the stem, at or below soil level, and bearing dormant buds
Mistletoe aerial stem-parasitic shrubs of family Loranthaceae or Viscaceae. Excludes Dodders - Cassytha spp. and Cuscuta spp.2
Plant life cycles Annual completes the full cycle of germination to fruiting within a single year and then dies.
Perennial has a life span extending over more than two growing seasons.
Biennial completes the full cycle of germination to fruiting in more than one, but not more than two years, and then dies.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EBS Ecology were contracted by IMX Resources to undertake a vegetation and fauna survey as part of a monitoring program of its Cairn Hill mine site in the far north of South Australia. The survey, conducted in November 2010, follows from the first monitoring survey conducted in March 2010, and previous baseline surveys.
The results of the survey presented in this report contribute to the monitoring programs aim to collate information to assess objectives of the Cairn Hill Magnetite Copper-Gold Mining Project and Rehabilitation Plan (MARP) (IMX Resources 2009). The MARP requires the maintenance of vegetation abundance, diversity and productivity, the prevention of new weed infestations, and the maintenance of fauna abundance, diversity and productivity.
Ninety-six native flora species were recorded during the November 2010 survey, including many annual species not recorded in the March 2010 survey. Fifty fauna species were recorded during the survey, including 22 bird, 8 mammal (6 native and 2 exotic), 19 reptile and one frog species. At this early stage of the monitoring program, there is no indication of a loss of species diversity, abundance or community structure, associated with the mine. However, repeat surveys under the same environmental conditions (ideally in spring October-November) each year are required to ensure this remains the case.
Sclerolaena blackiana (Black’s Bindyi), a conservation listed species under the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, was located during the survey at two sites (including one in close proximity to the mine). Just one weed species, Citrullus colocynthis (Colocynth) was recorded during the survey, This species does not require control under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, and has not increased in distribution or abundance.
One mammal species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the nationally vulnerable Plains Mouse (Pseudomys australis) was caught during the survey. The species was also detected in March 2010, however it is still unclear if these records constitute a permanent population at Cairn Hill. One bird species of conservation significance, the nationally vulnerable Thick-billed Grasswren, was observed during the current survey. This species is likely to be a resident of the area, and therefore should be the focus of future monitoring to ensure population abundance remains steady (with numbers close to the mine similar to those at the regional scale).
Continuation of the annual vegetation monitoring program will eventually lead to a statistically robust trend analysis to examine the potential impact of the mine on vegetation and fauna abundance, diversity and productivity at the regional scale.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Survey objectives ...... 1 1.2 Location and land use ...... 2 1.3 Flora and fauna surveys conducted at Cairn Hill ...... 2
2 METHODS ...... 3 2.1 Vegetation survey ...... 3 2.1.1 Community composition and cover abundance ...... 3 2.1.2 Perennial species abundance ...... 4 2.2 Fauna survey techniques ...... 6 2.2.1 Trapping ...... 6 2.2.2 Bird surveys ...... 7 2.2.3 Bat call recording and harp trapping ...... 7 2.2.4 Spotlight surveys ...... 7 2.2.5 Survey effort summary ...... 8 2.3 Identification and nomenclature ...... 8 2.3.1 Flora ...... 8 2.3.2 Fauna ...... 8 2.4 Weather conditions during the survey ...... 8 2.5 Survey limitations ...... 9 2.5.1 Flora ...... 9 2.5.2 Fauna ...... 10 2.6 Trend analysis ...... 10
3 GENERAL RESULTS ...... 11 3.1 Habitat conditions during the field survey ...... 11 3.2 Mine works leading up to the survey ...... 12
4 FLORA RESULTS ...... 13 4.1 Native flora species ...... 13 4.1.1 Species richness ...... 13 4.1.2 Community composition ...... 14 4.1.3 Species distribution ...... 15 4.1.4 Species of conservation significance ...... 16 4.2 Exotic Weeds ...... 17 4.3 Summary of the vegetation monitoring sites ...... 18
5 FAUNA RESULTS ...... 21
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
5.1 Overall results ...... 21 5.2 Mammals ...... 22 5.2.1 Terrestrial mammals ...... 22 5.2.2 Bats ...... 24 5.3 Reptiles ...... 24 5.4 Frogs ...... 27 5.5 Birds ...... 28
6 DISCUSSION ...... 34 6.1 Assessment of the monitoring program aims and objectives ...... 34 6.2 Flora species and vegetation communities of Cairn Hill ...... 34 6.2.1 Conservation significant flora species ...... 34 6.2.2 Weeds ...... 35 6.3 Fauna species ...... 35 6.3.1 Conservation significant fauna ...... 35
7 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 36
8 REFERENCES ...... 37
9 APPENDICES ...... 38
Appendix 1. Monitoring site co-ordinates...... 38 Appendix 2. Vegetation monitoring site photographs...... 39 Appendix 3. Fauna monitoring site photographs, November 2010...... 51 Appendix 4. Flora species recorded in the 100 x 100 m quadrats and/or Jessup transects during the November 2010 survey...... 54 Appendix 5. Cover abundance of the flora species recorded during the November 2010 survey at the twelve vegetation monitoring sites...... 58 Appendix 6. Abundance of the flora species recorded during the November 2010 survey at the twelve vegetation monitoring sites...... 61 Appendix 7. Mammal, reptile and frog species recorded during the November 2010 survey...... 64 Appendix 8. Abundance (number of captures/observations) of mammals, reptiles and frogs during the November 2010 survey...... 66 Appendix 9. Birds recorded within the Cairn Hill project area...... 68 Appendix 10. Abundance (number of observations) of birds recorded during the November 2010 survey...... 72
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
List of Tables Table 1. Flora monitoring sites and vegetation type...... 3 Table 2. Cover abundance scale...... 4 Table 3. Fauna monitoring sites and habitat type...... 6 Table 4. Trap effort for the survey period...... 7 Table 5. Weather condition during the survey...... 9 Table 6. Rainfall records for the four months leading up to the spring 2010 field survey...... 11 Table 7. Summary of the Chenopod Shrubland on Gibber sites...... 18 Table 8. Summary of the Chenopod Shrubland on Sandplain over Gibber sites...... 19 Table 9. Tall Acacia Shrubland in Ephemeral Drainage Line...... 20 Table 10. Terrestrial mammal species recorded during the autumn and spring 2010 field surveys ...... 22 Table 11. Number of mammal captures and observations per habitat type during the spring 2010 field survey...... 23 Table 12. Reptile species recorded during the March and November 2010 field surveys...... 24 Table 13. Number of reptile captures and observations per habitat type during the spring 2010 field survey...... 25 Table 14. Frog species recorded during the autumn and spring 2010 field surveys...... 27 Table 15. Number of frog captures and observations per habitat type during the spring 2010 field survey...... 27 Table 16. Bird species observed during the autumn and spring 2010 field surveys ...... 29 Table 17. Number of bird observations per habitat type during the spring 2010 field survey...... 30
List of Figures
Figure 1. Location and distribution fauna and flora monitoring sites across the Mine Lease and in relation to mine infrastructure...... 5 Figure 2. Prolific abundance of flowering annuals at CON001...... 11 Figure 3. Fauna monitoring site IMP002 (showing a pitfall drift fence), with mine site and ore deposits in the background...... 12 Figure 4. Native species diversity per vegetation type recorded during the spring 2010 survey...... 13 Figure 5. Diversity of native species with families recorded during the November 2010 survey...... 14 Figure 6. Life form diversity of the vegetation / landform types recorded during the October 2010 survey...... 15 Figure 7. Life cycle diversity of the vegetation / landform types recorded during the October 2010 survey...... 15 Figure 8. Frequency distribution of native species...... 16 Figure 9. Sclerolaena blackiana (Black’s Bindyi) specimen collected during the spring 2010 survey...... 16
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Figure 10. Citrullus colocynthis (Colocynth) fruit and flowers. (Image from futura-sciences.com) ...... 17 Figure 11. Summary of native fauna species diversity of the three habitat types recorded during the November 2010 survey...... 21 Figure 12. Forrest’s Mouse (Leggadina forresti)...... 23 Figure 13. Spinifex Hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis)...... 23 Figure 14. Patch-nosed Brown Snake (Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha) observed on a vehicle track during the spring 2010 survey...... 25 Figure 15. Broad-banded Sandswimmer (Eremiascincus richardsonii)...... 26 Figure 16. Bynoe's Gecko (Heteronotia binoei)...... 26 Figure 17. Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus centralis) captured at site CON002 during the spring 2010 survey ...... 27 Figure 18. Australian Pratincole (Stiltia isabella)...... 31 Figure 19. Crimson Chat (Epthianura tricolor) observed at Cairn Hill, November 2010...... 32 Figure 20. Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis)...... 32 Figure 21. Low-lying water observed at site IMP002 ...... 33 Figure 22. Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) nest located 400 m from site CON003...... 33
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 1 INTRODUCTION EBS Ecology was commissioned by IMX Resources to undertake a flora and fauna monitoring survey of the Cairn Hill Mine ease in the far north of South Australia. The survey forms part of a long term flora and fauna monitoring program designed by EBS Ecology to monitor the potential impact of the mine construction and operation on local flora and fauna. The monitoring program aims to collate information to assess the following objectives of the Cairn Hill Magnetite Copper-Gold Mining Project and Rehabilitation Plan (IMX Resources 2009):
maintain the regional abundance, diversity and productivity of vegetation
prevent new infestations of weeds and populations of pest species on site so that native flora and fauna are protected
maintain the regional abundance, diversity and productivity of fauna.
1.1 Survey objectives The objectives of the field survey were to: assess flora and fauna species richness and abundance of the two dominant vegetation/landform types of the mine lease area, Stony Tablelands and Ephemeral Watercourses, by:
- trapping fauna monitoring sites for small-medium mammals, reptiles and amphibians, conduct bird surveys and record opportunistic observations of all fauna sighted - conduct spotlighting along established monitoring routes assess the cover abundance of plant species of the three vegetation communities for both the control and impact zones, by assessing and assigning a cover abundance score for all vascular species present within the one hectare quadrats
measure the abundance of perennial plant species of Stony Tablelands and Ephemeral Watercourses, for both the control and impact zones, by conducting a Jessup transect at each monitoring site
follow repeatable flora and fauna survey methods allowing for replication and statistical analysis over time.
The objectives of this report are to:
detail the species richness and community structure of the two vegetation/landform types of the project area at the time of the November 2010 survey discuss key results of the current survey, focussing on defining typical community structure, highlighting species recorded during the current survey that were not detected in the March 2010 survey, and any unusual recordings during the current survey,
identify any recommendations to enable improved future flora and fauna monitoring.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
1.2 Location and land use The Cairn Hill Mine Lease area (Cairn Hill) is located in the far north of South Australia, approximately 700 km north-west of Adelaide. The closest town is Coober Pedy, approximately 50 km to the north-west of Cairn Hill. The project area is located within the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara native title claim area, Ingomar pastoral station and the Woomera Prohibited Area. Cairn Hill occurs in the Stony Plains Bioregion, specifically within the Breakaways and Oodnadatta subregions. The flora and fauna monitoring program is within Mining Lease 6303 and Ingomar pastoral station, which is used for cattle and sheep grazing.
1.3 Flora and fauna surveys conducted at Cairn Hill EBS Ecology has completed several ecological assessments specifically for the Cairn Hill mine development. Details of the EBS surveys and assessments can be found in the following reports: Cairn Hill Flora and Fauna Assessment, October 2006 (EBS 2006a)
Cairn Hill Targeted Survey and Regional Assessment, December 2006 (EBS 2006b)
Draft Haul road (45 km)/Wirrida Siding Bird Assessment, March 2007 (EBS 2007a)
Proposed Haul Road (45 km) and Rail Siding Flora/Fauna Assessment, Cairn Hill Project. July 2007 (EBS 2007b)
Proposed Haul Rd (70 km) and Rail Siding Flora/Fauna Assessment, Cairn Hill Project. September 2007 (EBS 2007c).
Cairn Hill Flora and Fauna Monitoring: March 2010 (EBS 2010).
Numerous sites under the formalised Biological Survey of South Australia, managed and run by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), are located within the Stony Plains bioregion. Seven sites located within a 10 km radius of the Cairn Hill area. All flora and fauna records from the seven biological surveys are included in the Biological Database of South Australia (BDBSA). No flora or fauna species with a conservation rating were recorded during the surveys of the sites in closest proximity to Cairn Hill, however threatened species were recorded in the wider area (for details see EBS 2010).
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 2 METHODS The field survey was undertaken over a six day period between 13 and 18 November 2010, ten months after the monitoring program was established and first surveyed in March 2010. The field methods and techniques are briefly summarised below. For a detailed account of established methodologies see EBS (2010).
2.1 Vegetation survey Established survey methodology (see EBS 2010) was replicated at the twelve flora monitoring sites (six impact and six control) (Table 1). See Figure 1 for a map of the survey site locations. The vegetation monitoring was conducted through two key methods:
100 x 100 metre quadrats, to assess community composition and cover abundance of the flora species present
Jessup transects, to measure perennial species abundance.
Table 1. Flora monitoring sites and vegetation type. Flora monitoring Zone Vegetation and landform type site code
VEG001-IMP Impact Tall Acacia shrubland in ephemeral drainage line
VEG002-IMP Impact Chenopod shrubland on gibber
VEG003-IMP Impact Chenopod shrubland on gibber
VEG004-CON Control Chenopod shrubland on gibber
VEG005-CON Control Tall Acacia shrubland in ephemeral drainage line
VEG006-CON Control Chenopod shrubland on gibber
VEG007-IMP Impact Chenopod shrubland on sandplain over gibber
VEG008-IMP Impact Chenopod shrubland on gibber
VEG009-IMP Impact Chenopod shrubland on gibber
VEG010-CON Control Chenopod shrubland on gibber
VEG011-CON Control Chenopod shrubland on sandplain over gibber
VEG012-CON Control Chenopod shrubland on gibber
2.1.1 Community composition and cover abundance Community composition and cover abundance of the vegetation sites was surveyed using a modification of the standard South Australian Biological Survey Method used by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as a standard, repeatable method (Heard and Channon 1997).
At each 100 x 100 m site, the presence of all vascular plant species was recorded (vouchers were taken for later identification when necessary), with one or two surveyors scanning the entire area until the species list was exhausted. For each flora species (both annuals and perennials), the average cover
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 abundance for the site was recorded using a standard scale (Table 2). The cover abundance is a measure of above-ground parts of the plants of a species when viewed from directly above (i.e. the proportion of ground within the site occupied by the vertical projection of the species). Because the vegetation may be layered the cover of all species combined for each site may sum to greater than 100%.
Table 2. Cover abundance scale. Cover abundance scale Cover abundance description
SC Scattered individuals / clumps of individuals only
SP Sparse, many individuals but of little total cover
W Widespread, many individuals with high cover
D Dominant, widespread, many individuals covering most of the quadrat
2.1.2 Perennial species abundance The abundance of perennial plant species was measured along a Jessup transect. Effectively the Jessup transect is 100 m x 4 m, split into twenty 10 m x 2 m quadrants for ease of surveying. A 100 m tape is used as the centre point. A Jessup pole (2 m wide pole) is carried by the surveyor, with one end in-line with the 100 m tape, and the other end creating a visual boundary of the quadrant area. Within each quadrant the number of live individuals of each perennial species is counted, with separate counts for established adults and juveniles (typically non-woody plants less than 10 cm in height). The total for all quadrants is then totalled for each species. Over time, repeating the Jessup method provides an indication of any changes in species abundance and community composition, particularly recruitment of juveniles and senescence of adults.
Annual species are not counted within the Jessup transects as the method is intended to measure long- term community changes (in this case, potentially as a result of the mine). Annual species would not be subjected to equal conditions to the perennial species. For example dust deposition is likely to build up over time on perennial species, whilst annual species are only present for a short period of time, therefore subjected to less potential for deposition. In addition, certain annual species would also be difficult to count accurately, particularly when flourishing, and environmental and site conditions would highly influence the abundance of annuals making it difficult to compare survey periods.
Abundance per Jessup transect is measured as the actual number of each perennial species. Each species can be given a measure of relative abundance by dividing the total number of an individual species by the total number of individuals of all species for the transect multiplied by 100.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Figure 1. Location and distribution fauna and flora monitoring sites across the Mine Lease and in relation to mine infrastructure. 5
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
2.2 Fauna survey techniques Established survey methodology (see EBS 2010) was replicated at the six fauna monitoring sites (Table 3). The fauna monitoring was conducted through a variety of methods: pitfall, Elliott, and cage trapping
bat call recording analysis using an AnaBat detector
harp trapping for bats
timed bird surveys
spotlighting transect routes
recording of all opportunistic fauna observations whilst within the Mine Lease area.
Table 3. Fauna monitoring sites and habitat type. Fauna monitoring Zone Habitat type site code
IMP001 Impact Tall Acacia shrubland in ephemeral drainage line
IMP002 Impact Chenopod shrubland on gibber
IMP003 Impact Chenopod shrubland on gibber
CON002 Control Chenopod shrubland on gibber
CON001 Control Tall Acacia shrubland in ephemeral drainage line
CON003 Control Chenopod shrubland on gibber
2.2.1 Trapping The fauna trapping does not follow the standard methods of the Biological Survey of South Australia (Owens 2000), but rather uses a grid system with much higher trap effort to better obtain data on species abundance, and includes the use of funnel traps to target large reptile species. Each fauna monitoring trap site consisted of two pitfall lines (with pitfalls 225 mm diameter, 600 mm deep, of PVC stormwater pipe with push-cap fitting), two pitfall/funnel trap lines (with funnels 770 mm long, 170 mm wide, 170 mm high), four Elliott trap lines (Elliott Scientific, Upwey Victoria; type A 330 mm long, 100 mm high, 90 mm wide), one cage trap line (Sheffield Wire Products, Welshpool, Western Australia; 550 mm long, 220 mm wide, 220 mm high), and a single cat trap (Crestware Industries, Edwardstown South Australia: 800 mm long, 380 mm wide, 280 mm wide), located on the outer edge of the trapping grid.
A total of 384 pitfall, 720 Elliott, 142 funnel trap, 96 cage, 24 cat trap and two harp trap nights were conducted during the survey (Table 4).
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Table 4. Trap effort for the survey period.
Nights Trap effort (number of traps open x nights open) Site Start date open Pits Elliott’s Funnels Cages Cat trap
IMP001 13 Nov 2010 4 64 120 32 16 6
IMP002 14 Nov 2010 4 *64 120 32 16 6
IMP003 14 Nov 2010 4 64 120 32 16 6
CON001 13 Nov 2010 4 64 120 32 16 6
CON002 13 Nov 2010 4 64 120 32 16 6
CON003 14 Nov 2010 4 64 120 32 16 6
Harp location 17 Nov 2010 1 0 0 0 0 0
Total trap effort 384 720 192 96 24 * Pitfalls were not fenced for the first night of trapping (see survey limitations).
2.2.2 Bird surveys Each of the six monitoring sites were surveyed for birds for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. A single observer conducted an area search, walking 100 m from the perimeter of the trapping grid. The surveyor recorded all birds that could be positively identified by sight on the grid or within 100 m of the grid in similar habitat that that of the site, and all birds observed greater than 100 m or birds within adjoining habitat different to the habitat of the site, as off-site. Bird activity (e.g. flying over, flying over circling, resting of tree/shrub/ground, foraging on tree/shrub/ground), number of individuals observed, distance from observer, and any other notable comments were recorded.
2.2.3 Bat call recording and harp trapping A passive bat survey was conducted using AnaBat detectors (Titley Electronics, Ballina NSW) to record bat ultrasonic echolocation calls. A single Anabat detector was used at each of the six sites for one night. Not all sites were surveyed con-currently therefore weather conditions varied between the sites. A harp trap and AnaBat detector was set-up for two consecutive nights within Tall Acacia shrubland habitat in an ephemeral drainage line. AnaBat recordings were analysed by Terry Reardon (South Australian Museum) using Anaview software. Terry viewed the unique pulse rates and frequency characteristics, and used his extensive knowledge of the bats of South Australia to identify the calls to species level where possible or species complex. For more details on the use of AnaBat detectors see EBS 2010.
2.2.4 Spotlight surveys Two of the six established spotlight routes (EBS 2010) were surveyed on foot, by two (CON002) or three observers (CON001) for 30 minutes, commencing 30 minutes after sunset. Observers each used hand- held spotlights and head torches. Spotlighting on windy and cold nights was avoided. All species and number of individuals observed were recorded.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
2.2.5 Survey effort summary The fauna trapping survey was conducted between 13 and 18 November 2010. A variety of traps were used (Elliot, cage and funnel traps) for four consecutive nights at each site. For details on the trapping methodology used see EBS 2010.
2.3 Identification and nomenclature
2.3.1 Flora Most species observed were identified onsite through experience and knowledge of identifying features (including flower structure, leaf shape, fruit shape and habit) by the field surveyors. Field identification books were also used when required, including Plants of Western New South Wales (Cunningham et al. 1993), and Field Guide to the Plants of Outback South Australia (Kutsche and Lay 2003). Species names were updated to current nomenclature (following the DENR State Herbarium of South Australia’s Census of South Australian Plants, Algae and Fungi accessed via the E-flora website). Species not identified onsite were collected, pressed and identified at a later date using resources such as additional reference books, such as Flora of South Australia (Jessop and Toelken 1977-1980) Acacias of South Australia (Whibley and Symon 1992), and Grasses of Australia (Jessop et al. 2006), and the EBS Ecology herbarium.
2.3.2 Fauna All captured vertebrates were, where possible, identified and released immediately at the point of capture or amongst nearby vegetation cover or burrows to reduce stress. Vertebrate species nomenclature for scientific names and common names follows the Vertebrates of South Australia (DENR 2010) using commonly accepted local names. Field identification books were used when required, including A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia (Menkhorst and Knight 2009), A Complete Guide to the Reptiles of Australia (Wilson and Swan 2008), Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (Simpson and Day 1996), The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (Pizzey and Knight 2007), Australian Bats (Churchill 2008), Scats, Tracks and Other Traces: A Field Guide to Australia Mammals (Triggs 2004).
2.4 Weather conditions during the survey Weather conditions for the survey period generally consisted of warm days and mild nights. The average daytime temperature for the survey period was 27.3°C and the average night time temperature was 14.5°C (Table 5). The coolest part of the day was generally between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., and the warmest between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Moderate to strong winds were experienced for the majority of the survey period. The moon phase for the survey period ranged from a first quarter moon (14 November 2010) to a three quarter moon (full moon on the 22 November).
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Table 5. Weather condition during the survey. 9:00 a.m 3:00 p.m Rain Min Max Wind Wind Temp Temp Date Temp Wind Temp Wind speed speed °C dir °C dir °C °C mm km/h km/h
13-Nov-10 1.8 15.6 SSW 30 23.5 SW 19 14.7 25.6
14-Nov-10 0 18.9 SSE 28 27.5 WSW 6 15.3 29.1
15-Nov-10 0 18.4 S 30 25.9 SSW 19 16.1 27.9
16-Nov-10 0 15.7 SSW 22 23.8 SSW 28 14.4 25.3
17-Nov-10 0 16 S 22 25.6 SW 19 12.3 26.7
18-Nov-10 0 18.8 SSE 26 28 SSE 22 14.3 28.9
Source: Bureau of Meteorology (Coober Pedy weather station 016007).
2.5 Survey limitations
2.5.1 Flora
Species presence and identification Although time and effort was taken to ensure all visibly present species were observed and recorded, some species may have been missed. The vegetation is layered, with some smaller herbs growing under the canopy of shrubs, therefore making them easy to miss. Some annual species were towards the end of their life cycle and were difficult to identify to species level. Some native grasses were in the early phases of seed set and many lacked the physical characteristics required for identification to species level. The species recorded provides a good representation, and the best available at the time, of species composition within each vegetation community.
The Stony Plains bioregion is characterised by ephemeral or short-lived flora species, therefore it is not likely that all flora species would have been present within the monitoring sites at the time of the survey. The ephemeral or short lived species are only likely to be identified a short time after a large rainfall event and although the survey was conducted after good seasonal rains, it is possible some flora species were not recorded. Some of the flora species recorded were only identified to a genus level as they lacked distinguishing features (such as flowers, fruits or seeds) at the time of the survey.
Cover abundance estimates Cover abundance estimates are subjective, as cover is visually estimated and not measured directly. Different surveyors or even one surveyor at different times may make different estimates. To help overcome this, two surveyors worked together to assess all cover abundance estimates, with the two surveyors assessing the cover abundance of all species together. Surveyors also took care not to be biased towards the more conspicuous species, such as those in flower or those fruiting.
Abundance counts Field surveyors followed standardised methodologies and established procedures to undertake the Jessup transect counts, taking care to be accurate and precise, and avoid surveyor bias. However
9
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 surveyor error will always be a complication of field surveys. Despite the established procedures, different surveyors may consider individual plants differently (particularly with clonal species), with one surveyor considering a plant to be just one individual, whilst another surveyor may identify two or more individuals. Similarly, the boundary of the Jessup quadrats are only visually assessed with no physical outer boundary. This may result in over or/and under estimates of abundance, and differences between years.
Timing of the surveys Ideally annual vegetation monitoring should be conducted under the same environmental conditions each year. The first vegetation monitoring survey was conducted in March 2010, under less than ideal conditions due to a delay from the anticipated October-November 2009 survey.
2.5.2 Fauna This survey was designed and conducted to best detect a range of species within the four night survey period. However it is likely that additional species not recorded were actually present. These un-detected species may be in low abundance; therefore the chance of being caught or observed is low. Some of the un-detected species may be at moderate abundance, but their behaviour (e.g. avoidance of unfamiliar objects such as traps, human disturbance, nocturnal birds) and movements (e.g. small home ranges) reduces the likelihood of being detected.
It is also likely that additional species, such as nomadic, vagrant and migratory bird species, may occur within and rely on habitats of the survey area from time to time but were not present at the time of the current survey. Additional surveys undertaken at different times of the year and under different environmental conditions would be required to increase the chance of such species being detected. Long-term data from the annual fauna monitoring program will improve the dataset.
2.6 Trend analysis The monitoring program is designed to establish an accurate understanding of the impact of the mine operation on vegetation communities, and flora and fauna species. Such impacts can only be detected in the long-term. It is unlikely that any discernible trends will be worth investigating in statistical detail until five or more repeat surveys have been carried out (as indicated by Tucker et al. 2005). At this stage it is anticipated that regression analysis (with transformation of the data and/or bootstrapping to overcome several data issues with low counts) could be trialled on the data after three years of annual data has been collated (incorporating the 2010, 2011 and 2012 survey data) but is unlikely that any statistical valid models will be fitted until 2013.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 3 GENERAL RESULTS
3.1 Habitat conditions during the field survey Rainfall records for Coober Pedy show monthly rainfall for the four months prior to the survey were dramatically higher than the long term monthly median rainfall (Table 6). This led to prolific vegetation growth (see Figure 2 for example) with many annual and ephemeral herb and grass species taking advantage of the favourable conditions by flowering and setting seed. The majority of perennial chenopod shrubs such as Maireana, Sclerolaena and Atriplex had substantial amounts of new growth and many had flowers, fruits and/or seeds. This high level of vegetative cover contrasts dramatically to the previous March 2010 survey where large amounts of bare ground and dormant perennial shrubs and grasses were recorded. See Appendix 2 for comparative site photographs.
Table 6. Rainfall records for the four months leading up to the spring 2010 field survey. Long term median Month rainfall 2010 rainfall (mm) (1921-2010) July 3.2 mm 10.6 mm
August 3.6 mm 23.0 mm
September 2.9 mm 16.2 mm
October 6.6 mm 45.8 mm
Figure 2. Prolific abundance of flowering annuals at CON001.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
3.2 Mine works leading up to the survey The mine site progressed significantly between the March 2010 survey and the current November 2010 survey. Major earthworks occurred within the mine area, with creation and build-up of the Run-Of-Mine pad, major development of the haul road, and use of the haul road for heavy vehicles transporting mined material off-site. Two of the fauna sites, IMP002 and IMP003 are now clearly in close proximity to the mine area, with infrastructure clearly visible (see Figure 3) and vibrations evident. No, or very little, human disturbance since the March 2010 was noted at the other fauna sites and the flora sites.
Figure 3. Fauna monitoring site IMP002 (showing a pitfall drift fence), with mine site and ore deposits in the background.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 4 FLORA RESULTS
4.1 Native flora species
4.1.1 Species richness A total of ninety-six native flora species from twenty-three families were recorded within the 100 x 100 m quadrats at the twelve flora monitoring sites. Ninety-one were identified to species level (with certainty) and the remaining five were identified only to genus due to a lack of distinguishing features allowing for full identification. Thirty-nine native perennial species were recorded within the Jessup transects (all of which were also recorded in the 100 x 100 m quadrat methods). See (Appendix 4) for a full list of the flora species recorded during the current survey.
The highest species richness was recorded at the chenopod shrubland on gibber sites while the lowest diversity was recorded at the Chenopod Shrubland on Sandplain over Gibber sites (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Native species diversity per vegetation type recorded during the spring 2010 survey.
The chenopods (family Chenopodiaceae) contained the highest species diversity with 28 species recorded. There was also high diversity within the Gramineae family of grasses (19 species) and the Compositae family of daisies and everlastings (13 species). All other families were represented by less than six species including twelve families represented by only one species (Figure 5).
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Figure 5. Diversity of native species with families recorded during the November 2010 survey..
4.1.2 Community composition The distribution of species within the four lifeform categories was consistent across all vegetation types with herbs being the most diverse followed by grasses, shrubs then trees (Figure 6). The majority of the herb species recorded were annuals and this high species diversity is most likely due to the recent rainfalls providing ideal germinating conditions. However, perennial species still dominant all three vegetation/landform types due to the abundance of chenopod shrubs and perennial grasses that are able to persist in the landscape during dry conditions and then regenerate prolifically after rains.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Figure 6. Life form diversity of the vegetation / landform types recorded during the October 2010 survey.
Figure 7. Life cycle diversity of the vegetation / landform types recorded during the October 2010 survey.
4.1.3 Species distribution
Thirty-two native species were recorded at just one or two sites (Figure 8), indicating their distribution may be limited, or that they were not conspicuous at some sites allowing for identification. Most of these species were recorded in low abundance/low cover abundance (presence of less than 5%). Eight species were widespread across the sites but had low cover (less than 5%). One species, Cullen australasica (Tall Scurf-pea) was recorded at all twelve flora sites. The species with the highest abundance and most widespread distribution across sites were Atriplex vesicaria ssp (Bladder Saltbush), Dissocarpus paradoxus (Ball Bindyi), Leiocarpa leptolepis (Pale Plover-daisy), Salsola tragus
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
(Buckbush), Sclerolaena divaricata (Tangled Bindyi), Sclerolaena tricuspis (Three-spine Bindyi) and Sclerolaena uniflora (Small-spine Bindyi).
Figure 8. Frequency distribution of native species. Graph shows the number of species that were recorded at 1 site, 2 sites, 3 sites etc. (maximum of 12 sites).
4.1.4 Species of conservation significance One flora species of conservation significance was recorded during the spring survey. Sclerolaena blackiana (Black’s Bindyi), is listed as rare under National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, and was located within monitoring site VEG005-CON (Figure 9).
No flora species with a national conservation rating under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 were recorded within the vegetation monitoring sites.
Figure 9. Sclerolaena blackiana (Black’s Bindyi) specimen collected during the spring 2010 survey.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
4.2 Exotic Weeds One introduced species Citrullus colocynthis (Colocynth, also known as Paddy Melon) was recorded within vegetation monitoring sites VEG001-IMP and VEG005-CON (Figure 10). This species was recorded at these sites as well as VEG002-IMP during the autumn 2010 survey (EBS 2010a). Colocynth was generally restricted to drainage lines and washout areas within the 100 x 100 m quadrats. This species is not declared under the Natural Resources Management Act.
Figure 10. Citrullus colocynthis (Colocynth) fruit and flowers. (Image from futura-sciences.com)
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
4.3 Summary of the vegetation monitoring sites A summary of each of the twelve monitoring sites is provided in the Table 7 - Table 9. Refer to Appendix 5 for all 100 m x 100 m quadrat cover abundance scores and Appendix 6 for Jessup transect abundance data. At this early stage of the vegetation monitoring program there is little value in comparing results of the two survey periods, particularly since they were conducted under very different environmental and seasonal conditions. Similarly, at this early stage, comparison between the impact sites in close proximity to the mine to the control sites is not warranted.
Table 7. Summary of the Chenopod Shrubland on Gibber sites.
Details Control sites Impact sites
Species diversity
Overall species richness 64 native species, 0 exotics 68 native species, 0 exotics
Perennial shrubs Sclerolaena divaricata Sclerolaena divaricata Atriplex vesicaria ssp. Sclerolaena uniflora Dissocarpus paradoxus Sclerolaena diacantha Sclerolaena tricuspis
Perennial forbs Wahlenbergia sp. Leiocarpa leptolepis Leiocarpa leptolepis Goodenia fascicularis Lotus cruentus Lotus cruentus
Annual forbs Rhodanthe floribunda Pycnosorus eremaeus Zygophyllum ammophilum Zygophyllum ammophilum Salsola tragus Sclerolaena brachyptera Atriplex holocarpa
Perennial grasses / Eragrostis kennedyae Eragrostis setifolia sedges Eragrostis setifolia Eragrostis kennedyae Panicum decompositum var decompositum Eragrostis falcata
Annual grasses / sedges Tripogon loliiformis Aristida contorta Aristida contorta Enneapogon avenaceus Enneapogon avenaceus
Exotic species Nil Nil
Abundance
Adult abundance 1593 3950
Changes in abundance +792 +342 from autumn 2010
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Table 8. Summary of the Chenopod Shrubland on Sandplain over Gibber sites
Details Control sites Impact sites
Species diversity
Overall species diversity 40 native species, 0 exotics 37 native species, 0 exotics
Perennial shrubs Maireana astrotricha Sclerolaena diacantha Maireana pyramidata Sclerolaena lanicuspis
Perennial forbs Brachyscome ciliaris var ciliaris Lotus cruentus Convolvulus erubescens ssp. Lotus cruentus
Annual forbs Rhodanthe floribunda Atriplex holocarpa Erodium cygnorum Rhodanthe floribunda Calandrinia eremaea
Perennial grasses / sedges Astrebla pectinata Eragrostis setifolia Panicum decompositum var decompositum
Annual grasses / sedges Aristida contorta Aristida contorta Tripogon loliiformis
Exotic species
Abundance
Adult abundance 583 687
Changes in abundance from -123 +473 autumn 2010
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Table 9. Tall Acacia Shrubland in Ephemeral Drainage Line.
Details Control Impact
Species diversity Overall species diversity 47 native species, 1 exotic 56 native species, 1 exotic Dissocarpus paradoxus Dissocarpus paradoxus Perennial shrubs Frankenia serpyllifolia Maireana aphylla Neobassia proceriflora Marsilea drummondii Einadia nutans ssp. Perennial forbs Goodenia fascicularis Goodenia fascicularis Malvastrum americanum var americanum Marsilea drummondii Stemodia florulenta Atriplex holocarpa Lepidium phlebopetalum Annual forbs Calandrinia balonensis Centaurium spicatum Pycnosorus eremaeus Rhodanthe charsleyae Salsola tragus Stenopetalum lineare Eragrostis australasica Panicum decompositum var decompositum Perennial grasses / sedges Eragrostis setifolia Eragrostis setifolia Aristida contorta Aristida contorta Annual grasses / sedges Enneapogon avenaceus Tragus australianus Exotic species Citrullus colocynthis Citrullus colocynthis
Abundance
Adult abundance 1067 837
Changes in abundance from +29 +287 autumn 2010
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 5 FAUNA RESULTS
5.1 Overall results During the current survey 50 fauna species were recorded, including 22 bird, 8 mammal (6 native and 2 exotic), 19 reptile and one frog species. Bird species diversity was substantially higher within the Tall Acacia Shrubland in Ephemeral Drainage Line habitat (Figure 11) where trees and taller shrubs provide adequate roosting and nesting sites. As expected, reptile species diversity was substantially higher in the Chenopod Shrubland on Gibber habitat. See Appendix 7 for a list of all mammal, reptile and frog species and Appendix 9 for a list of bird species recorded during the current survey.
Figure 11. Summary of native fauna species diversity of the three habitat types recorded during the November 2010 survey.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
5.2 Mammals
5.2.1 Terrestrial mammals Six native terrestrial mammal species were recorded during the spring 2010 survey; two Dasyuridae species and four Muridae species. One of these mammals, the Plains Mouse (Pseudomys australis) is listed as vulnerable under both South Australian and Commonwealth legislation (Table 10). One species, the Sandy Inland Mouse (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis) was recorded during the November 2010 but not during the March 2010 survey. The Forrest's Mouse (Leggadina forrestii), the Spinifex Hopping- mouse (Notomys alexis) and the exotic House Mouse (Mus musculus) were exceptionally abundant compared to the March 2010 survey, suggesting these species may have been advantaged by the favourable conditions.
Indicators of species habitat preferences are not clear as most species were recorded within both habitat types (Table 11, Appendix 8). Two species, the Stripe-faced Dunnart (Sminthopsis macroura) and Forrest's Mouse (Leggadina forrestii) (Figure 12) were more abundant within the Chenopod Shrubland on Gibber habitat and two species, the Spinifex Hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis) and Fat-tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) were more abundant within the Tall Acacia Shrubland in Ephemeral Drainage Line habitat.
Table 10. Terrestrial mammal species recorded during the autumn and spring 2010 field surveys EPBC NPW Autumn Spring Family Species Common name Status status status 2010 2010 Bovidae Bos taurus European Cattle Exotic - - 80 9 Macropodidae Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo Native - - 16 0 Dasyuridae Sminthopsis crassicaudata Fat-tailed Dunnart Native - - 26 14 Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart Native - - 50 46 Planigale tenuirostris Narrow-nosed Planigale Native - - 1 0 Muridae Leggadina forresti Forrest's Mouse Native - - 20 66 Mus musculus House Mouse Exotic - - 3 114 Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse Native - - 4 24 Pseudomys australis Plains Mouse Native VU V 1 1 Pseudomys Sandy Inland Mouse Native - - 0 6 hermannsburgensis
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Table 11. Number of mammal captures and observations per habitat type during the spring 2010 field survey. Tall Acacia Chenopod Shrubland in Species Common name Shrubland on Ephemeral Gibber Drainage Line Bos taurus European Cattle 0 9 Sminthopsis crassicaudata Fat-tailed Dunnart 11 3 Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart 8 38 Leggadina forresti Forrest's Mouse 26 40 Mus musculus House Mouse 50 64 Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse 15 9 Pseudomys australis Plains Mouse 0 1 Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse 2 4
Figure 12. Forrest’s Mouse (Leggadina forresti).
Figure 13. Spinifex Hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis).
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
5.2.2 Bats No bats were caught during the spring 2010 survey and no bat calls were recorded using the AnaBat detectors. The two bat species that were recorded in March 2010 (Gould’s Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus gouldii), and Lesser Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus geoffroyi)) were not recorded during this survey.
5.3 Reptiles Nineteen reptile species were recorded during the spring 2010 survey, including four dragon, three gecko, four elapid snake, seven skink, two pygopod and one goanna species. None of these species are considered of conservation significance under South Australian or Commonwealth legislation (Table 12, Appendix 7). Six of these species were not recorded in the previous survey in autumn 2010. Thirteen species were in low abundance, with less than five records each. This included seven species that were only recorded once, for example the Patch-nosed Brown Snake (Figure 14). One species, the Eyrean Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis tetraporophora) was very abundant and was present in similarly high numbers to the autumn 2010 survey. Two species, the Gibber Dragon (Ctenophorus gibba) and the Short-legged Ctenotus (Ctenotus strauchii) were in moderate abundance. The Broad-banded Sandswimmer (Eremiascincus richardsonii) (Figure 15) and Bynoe’s Gecko (Heteronotia binoei) (Figure 16) were in slightly lower abundance compared to March 2010. As expected, reptile abundance was higher within the Chenopod shrubland on gibber habitat type (Table 13, Appendix 8).
Table 12. Reptile species recorded during the March and November 2010 field surveys. EPBC NPW March Nov Family Species Common name status status 2010 2010 Agamidae Ctenophorus gibba Gibber Dragon - - 2 8 Pogona vitticeps Central Bearded Dragon - - 2 4 Tympanocryptis intima Smooth-snouted Earless Dragon - - 0 1 Tympanocryptis tetraporophora Eyrean Earless Dragon - - 65 66 Diplodactylidae Diplodactylus tessellatus Tessellated Gecko - - 7 6 Rhynchoedura ornata Beaked Gecko - - 3 0 Elapidae Demansia psammophis Yellow-faced Whipsnake - - 0 1 Demansia reticulata Desert Whipsnake - - 1 0 Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha Patch-nosed Brown Snake - - 0 1 Suta suta Curl Snake - - 4 1 Gekkonidae Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko - - 3 2 Pygopodidae Delma australis Barred Snake-lizard - - 0 1 Pygopus schraderi Hooded Scaly-foot - - 1 1 Scincidae Ctenotus olympicus Saltbush Ctenotus - - 7 5 Ctenotus regius Eastern Desert Ctenotus - - 3 3 Ctenotus sp. Ctenotus - - 3 5 Ctenotus strauchii Short-legged Ctenotus - - 4 10 Cyclodomorphus venustus Saltbush Slender Blue-tongue - - 0 1 Eremiascincus richardsonii Broad-banded Sandswimmer - - 5 3 Lerista elongata Woomera Slider - - 1 0 Lerista timida Dwarf Three-toed Slider - - 1 0 Menetia greyii Dwarf Skink - - 5 2 Tiliqua occipitalis Western Bluetongue - - 1 0 Varanidae Varanus gouldii Sand Goanna - - 0 2
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Table 13. Number of reptile captures and observations per habitat type during the spring 2010 field survey.
Tall Acacia Chenopod Shrubland in Species Common name Shrubland on Off-site Ephemeral Gibber Drainage Line
Ctenophorus gibba Gibber Dragon 0 8 0 Pogona vitticeps Central Bearded Dragon 1 2 1 Tympanocryptis intima Smooth-snouted Earless Dragon 0 1 0 Tympanocryptis tetraporophora Eyrean Earless Dragon 8 58 0 Diplodactylus tessellatus Tessellated Gecko 1 5 0 Demansia psammophis Yellow-faced Whipsnake 1 0 0 Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha Patch-nosed Brown Snake 0 0 1 Suta suta Curl Snake 0 1 0 Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko 0 2 0 Delma australis Barred Snake-lizard 0 1 0 Pygopus schraderi Hooded Scaly-foot 0 1 0 Ctenotus sp. Ctenotus 0 5 0 Ctenotus olympicus Saltbush Ctenotus 0 5 0 Ctenotus regius Eastern Desert Ctenotus 2 1 0 Ctenotus strauchii Short-legged Ctenotus 0 10 0 Cyclodoomorphus venustus Saltbush Slender Blue-tongue 0 1 0 Eremiascincus richardsonii Broad-banded Sandswimmer 0 3 0 Menetia greyii Dwarf Skink 0 2 0 Varanus gouldii Sand Goanna 0 1 1
Abundance 13 107 3
Species richness 5 17 3
Figure 14. Patch-nosed Brown Snake (Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha) observed on a vehicle track during the spring 2010 survey.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Figure 15. Broad-banded Sandswimmer (Eremiascincus richardsonii).
Figure 16. Bynoe's Gecko (Heteronotia binoei).
26
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
5.4 Frogs One frog species, the Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus centralis) (Figure 17) was recorded during the current survey. This species is not considered of conservation significance under South Australian or Commonwealth legislation (Table 14, Appendix 7). All captures were in pitfall traps at site CON002 (Chenopod Shrubland on Gibber) where surface water had collected in a low lying area and created a large swampy depression (Table 15). During the March 2010 survey, Trilling Frogs were only observed at a minor depression (not at a monitoring site). The heavy rainfall in the months prior to the November survey created areas of suitable habitat and enabled the Trilling Frog to take advantage of the favourable conditions.
Table 14. Frog species recorded during the autumn and spring 2010 field surveys
Common EPBC NPW Autumn Spring Family Species name status status 2010 2010 Myobatrachidae Neobatrachus centralis Trilling Frog - - 30 14
Table 15. Number of frog captures and observations per habitat type during the spring 2010 field survey.
Tall Acacia shrubland in Chenopod shrubland on Species Common name ephemeral drainage line gibber
Neobatrachus centralis Trilling Frog 0 14
Figure 17. Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus centralis) captured at site CON002 during the spring 2010 survey
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
5.5 Birds Twenty-two bird species representing 19 families were observed during the current survey (Table 16). The Meliphagidae family of Honeyeaters and Chats was the most diverse family group with four species recorded. These being the Gibberbird (Ashbyia lovensis), Orange Chat (Epthianura aurifrons), Crimson Chat (Epthianura tricolor) and Singing Honeyeater (Lichenostomus virescens).
No exotic species were recorded. Birds were observed both during the established morning and afternoon surveys, as well as opportune observations during the day. Unlike the March 2010, the presence of birds during the middle of day, indicates either a higher bird abundance, or more favourable daytime conditions compared with previous seasons (or both). A number of common species, indicative of the habitat on site as well as within the region, were found. These included the Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata), White-winged Fairy-wren (Malurus leucopterus), Brown Songlark (Cincloramphus cruralis) and Orange Chat (Epthianura aurifrons). One common species commonly observed on site during the March 2010 survey, the Galah (Eolophus roseicapillus), was not recorded during the current survey.
Grouping the observations recorded within the six survey sites by habitat type reveals some indication of habitat preferences of the birds observed. The highest diversity was recorded in Tall Acacia Shrubland in Ephemeral Drainage Line, with nineteen species recorded (Table 17, Appendix 10). One-hundred and seventy-two observations of twelve species were recorded within Chenopod Shrubland on Gibber. Nine species were observed only within ephemeral/drainage line habitat, and three species were recorded only within gibber habitat.
The bird monitoring sites located within Tall Acacia Shrubland in Ephemeral Drainage Line, (Sites CON001 and IMP001) supported the highest species diversity; with seven and 12 species observed respectively. Two out of the four Chenopod Shrubland on Gibber sites (Sites CON003 and IMP003) recorded the lowest species diversity with four and five species observed respectively.
28
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Table 16. Bird species observed during the autumn and spring 2010 field surveys EPBC NPW Autumn Spring Family Species name Common name status status 2010 2010 Aphelocephala nigricincta Banded Whiteface - - 2 0 Acanthizidae Calamanthus campestris Rufous Fieldwren - - 7 10 Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle - - 2 6 Accipitridae Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite - - 0 1 Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow - - 4 8 Artamidae Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie - - 4 7 Eolophus roseicapillus Galah - - 39 0 Cacatuidae Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel - - 0 4 Casuariidae Dromaius Emu - - 28 0 novaehollandiae Charadriidae Charadrius australis Inland Dotterel - - 8 48 Columbidae Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon - - 4 6 Corvus bennetti Little Crow - - 6 0 Corvidae Corvus coronoides Australian Raven - - 0 17 Estrildidae Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch - - 39 104 Falconidae Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel - - 5 2 Glareolidae Stiltia isabella Australian Pratincole - - 0 48 Cheramoeca leucosterna White-backed Swallow - - 2 3 Hirundinidae Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin - - 0 1 Amytornis textilis Thick-billed Grasswren VU - 1 3 Maluridae modestus Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren - - 21 58 Megaluridae Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark - - 1 42 Megapodiidae Coturnix sp. Quail species - - 0 5 Ashbyia lovensis G bberbird - - 0 3 Meliphagidae Epthianura aurifrons Orange Chat - - 29 131 Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat - - 0 51 Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater - - 1 8 Motacillidae Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian Pipit - - 5 27 Petroicidae Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin - - 2 1 Phasianidae Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail - - 0 1 Psittacidae Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar - - 0 33 Turnicidae Turnix velox Little-button Quail - - 0 2
29
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Table 17. Number of bird observations per habitat type during the spring 2010 field survey.
Tall Acacia Chenopod Shrubland in Family Species Common name Shrubland on Offsite Ephemeral Gibber Drainage Line
Acanthizidae Calamanthus campestris Rufous Fieldwren 1 7 2 Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle 0 0 6 Accipitridae Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite 0 0 1 Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow 6 0 2 Artamidae Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie 4 0 3 Cacatuidae Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel 4 0 0 Charadriidae Charadrius australis Inland Dotterel 1 3 44 Columbidae Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon 4 0 2 Corvidae Corvus coronoides Australian Raven 0 0 17 Estrildidae Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch 69 0 35 Falconidae Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel 1 1 0 Glareolidae Stiltia isabella Australian Pratincole 7 27 14 Cheramoeca leucosterna White-backed Swallow 0 0 3 Hirundinidae Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin 1 0 0 Amytornis textilis modestus Thick-billed Grasswren 0 3 0 Maluridae Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren 28 10 20 Megaluridae Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark 11 18 13 Megapodiidae Coturnix sp. Quail species 5 0 0 Ashbyia lovensis Gibberbird 0 3 0 Meliphagidae Epthianura aurifrons Orange Chat 15 94 22 Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat 21 2 28 Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 4 0 4 Motacillidae Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian Pipit 5 3 19 Petroicidae Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin 1 0 0 Phasianidae Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail 0 0 1 Psittacidae Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar 18 0 15 Turnicidae Turnix velox Little-button Quail 0 1 1
206 172 252 Native species abundance
19 12 20 Native species diversity
Distribution of birds across the site varied, with two species, the Brown Songlark and Orange Chat, recorded at all six sites and elsewhere opportunistically. A high number of Inland Dotteral (Charadrius australis) were observed opportunistically (44) and the Australian Pratincole (Stiltia isabella) (Figure 18) was prevalent across the site; observed at all sites except sites CON001 (Tall Acacia shrubland in ephemeral drainage line) and CON002 (Chenopod shrubland on gibber). The Australian Pranticole was particularly abundance around mine disturbance areas.
30
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Figure 18. Australian Pratincole (Stiltia isabella).
A number of bird species were recorded just once during the spring survey including the Tree Martin (Petrochelidon nigricans) at site IMP001, Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii) at site CON001 and the Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis) during opportunistic observations. The most abundance species were the Orange Chat with 130 observations, Zebra Finch with 88, White-winged Fairy-wren with 58 and the Crimson Chat with 51 observations. Bird abundance was highest amongst ephemeral drainage lines. Sites IMP001 and CON001 recorded the highest bird abundance; with 84 and 75 birds observed respectively. This habitat correlation is disputed with site CON002 (gibber) also recording a high abundance with 73 birds observed. Remaining sites on the gibber tablelands (Sites CON003, IMP002 and IMP003) recorded the lowest abundance with 33 birds observed for both sites CON001 and IMP002 and 25 birds observed at site IMP003.
Ten of the 27 species recorded in the 2006 surveys (EBS 2007a and 2007b) of the Cairn Hill project area were not recorded during the current survey. Six species were observed during the current survey had not been recorded previously. These were the Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) (last record from the wider area in 2001), Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides) (last record from the wider area in 2004), Crimson Chat (Epthianura tricolor) (Figure 19) (last record from the wider area in 2001), Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) (last record from the wider area in 2004), Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis) (Figure 20) (last record from the wider area in 1995) and Little-button Quail (Turnix velox) (last record from the wider area in 2000).
31
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
In total 89 species have records within 50 km of Cairn Hill (BDBSA data). Fifty-five of these species have not been identified during the EBS surveys at Cairn Hill to date. This may be because the preferred habitats of these species are located in the wider area but are not present within the Cairn Hill project area, or because the species have declined either in distribution or abundance (or both). Fluctuations in bird diversity may also be attributed to seasonal variation on site and within the wider area. Bird diversity and abundance was higher during the spring survey compared to the autumn survey, largely due to higher rainfall over the winter and spring months (Figure 21).
Figure 19. Crimson Chat (Epthianura tricolor) observed at Cairn Hill, November 2010.
Figure 20. Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis).
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Figure 21. Low-lying water observed at site IMP002
One bird species of national conservation significance, the Vulnerable Thick-billed Grasswren (Amytornis textilis modestus) was observed during the current survey. Three individuals were observed near site CON002, and two were observed during an afternoon survey where a pair were observed perched on top of an Atriplex sp. shrub calling. A single individual was observed 200 m from the observer, resting on the ground.
Five Wedge-tailed Eagles were observed across the site during the spring survey; with two inactive and one active nest found (Figure 22). The active nest was situated approximately 400 m from site CON003 (517723E / 6761327N) along a drainage line. Although no eagles were observed on or near the active nest, fresh nest material within the bowl and white wash along sticks forming the nest bowl suggest the nest was active this season). Although not of conservation significant, Wedge-tailed Eagles, and other birds assist in assessing prey abundance. Consequently numbers may fluctuate when prey, including feral Rabbits and House Mouse plague.
Figure 22. Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) nest located 400 m from site CON003.
33
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 6 DISCUSSION
6.1 Assessment of the monitoring program aims and objectives The Cairn Hill vegetation and fauna monitoring program was designed by EBS Ecology to monitor the potential impact of the mine construction and operation on local flora and fauna. The monitoring program aims to collate information to assess the following objectives of the Cairn Hill Magnetite Copper-Gold Mining Project and Rehabilitation Plan (IMX Resources 2009):
maintain the regional abundance, diversity and productivity of vegetation
prevent new infestations of weeds and populations of pest species on site so that native flora and fauna are protected
maintain the regional abundance, diversity and productivity of fauna.
The results of the survey presented in this report, will contribute to the long-term dataset, allowing for an accurate analysis of the regional abundance, diversity and productivity of the vegetation both pre- and post mining, as well as comparison of sites in close proximity to the mine infrastructure to the adjacent control areas. Full trend analysis of the data to date is not warranted as only two survey periods have been collected, both of which were under differing environmental conditions. Continuing the monitoring program annually to coincide with the optimal conditions most likely to occur around October-November each year is recommended. This will eventually lead to a statistically robust trend analysis to examine the potential impact of the mine on vegetation abundance, diversity and productivity.
The three main vegetation/landscapes selected for long-term vegetation monitoring, and two vegetation/landscapes for fauna monitoring, are representative of the Cairn Hill landscape. The representative control and impact sites are considered adequate, and will allow for future comparisons.
6.2 Flora species and vegetation communities of Cairn Hill Ninety-six native flora species were recorded during the November 2010 survey, The highest species richness was recorded at the chenopod shrubland on gibber sites while the lowest diversity was recorded at the Chenopod Shrubland on Sandplain over Gibber sites
Many annual species were recorded during the survey, most likely due to the recent rainfalls providing ideal germinating conditions. However, perennial species still dominant all three vegetation/landform types due to the abundance of chenopod shrubs and perennial grasses that are able to persist in the landscape during dry conditions and then regenerate prolifically after rains.
6.2.1 Conservation significant flora species The state rare Sclerolaena blackiana (Black’s Bindyi) was located in the original 2006 survey, during the autumn 2010 survey and again during the spring 2010 survey at sites VEG005-CON and VEG001-IMP amongst the understorey of Acacia victoriae ssp. victoriae (Elegant Wattle) Tall Very Open Shrubland. No other conservation significant flora species were recorded during the survey.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
6.2.2 Weeds Just one weed species was recorded during the survey, Citrullus colocynthis (Colocynth). This species does not require control as it is a common and widespread species occurring in areas which collect water such as drainage lines and road verges.
6.3 Fauna species Fifty fauna species were recorded during the survey, including 22 bird, 8 mammal (6 native and 2 exotic), 19 reptile and one frog species. Bird species diversity was substantially higher within the Tall Acacia Shrubland in Ephemeral Drainage Line habitat where trees and taller shrubs provide adequate roosting and nesting sites. As expected, reptile species diversity was substantially higher in the Chenopod Shrubland on Gibber habitat.
6.3.1 Conservation significant fauna One mammal species of conservation significance, the nationally vulnerable Plains Mouse (Pseudomys australis) was caught during the survey. The animal was caught at IMP003 within chenopod shrubland on gibber habitat, within close proximity to the mine site. The species was also detected at this site in March 2010, however it is still unclear if these records constitute a permanent population or are evidence of periodic dispersal into secondary habitats. (see EBS 2010a for more detail).
One bird species of conservation significance, the nationally vulnerable Thick-billed Grasswren, was observed during the current survey. This species has been observed was recorded in the March 2010 survey, and earlier surveys in the wider Cairn Hill area, supporting the expectation that it is resident to the area. The species is likely to inhabit areas of suitable habitat at very low density. The chenopod shrublands along selected drainage lines and some of the low shrublands on gibber tablelands are likely to be suitable for the species. This habitat occurs both within close proximity (<1 km) to the mine, and the adjacent area (1-5 km from the mine). Research indicates that the Thick-billed Grasswren is a sedentary species with pairs likely to have home ranges as small as four hectares or as large as 40 ha (Schodde 1982).
Additional conservation significant species that may be found in the wider Cairn Hill area are the nationally vulnerable Slender-billed Thornbill (Acanthiza iredalei iredalei) and the state Rare Chestnut- breasted Whiteface (Aphelocephala pectoralis). The Slender-billed Thornbill usually prefers habitat with more Maireana spp. (Bluebush) than what is present at Cairn Hill, but such habitat does occur in the wider area. The Chestnut-breasted Whiteface also typically prefers habitat with more Maireana, as well as tall shrubs. Such habitat does occur in the wider area. The potential presence of these two species at Cairn Hill cannot be ruled out.
35
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 7 RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for the Cairn Hill vegetation and fauna monitoring program include: bi-annual monitoring of all permanent vegetation monitoring sites
bi-annual monitoring of all permanent fauna monitoring sites
bi-annual monitoring to be conducted in April and October/November each year, allowing for consistency between survey periods (and therefore effective detection of any changes), and to maximise the number of species likely to be identified with certainty (with fruits and seeds present)
continued protection of the permanent monitoring sites from disturbance, including avoiding aligning any new access tracks or infrastructure through or immediately adjacent to the sites
on-going monitoring (and record keeping) by IMX Resources staff, particularly focussing on new weed infestations, birds seen (especially migratory species that may not be picked up during the October-November survey period)
on-going monitoring (and record keeping) by IMX Resources staff of feral pest species (Cats, Foxes, Rabbits and House Mice) to ensure the mine site has not increased the local abundance of these species.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 8 REFERENCES
Brandle, R. (1998) A Biological Survey of the Stony Deserts of South Australia, Department of Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, South Australia.
Cunningham G.M., Mulham, W.E., Milthorpe P.L., Leigh J.H. (1992). Plants of Western New South Wales. Inkata Press, Sydney.
EBS (2006a) Cairn Hill Flora and Fauna Assessment, Coober Pedy, Environmental Biodiversity Services, Unpublished Report prepared for Parsons Brinckerhoff (revised 2007).
EBS (2006b) Cairn Hill Targeted Survey and Regional Assessment, Coober Pedy. Environmental Biodiversity Services, Unpublished Report prepared for Parsons Brinckerhoff.
EBS (2007a) Draft Haul road (45 km) / Wirrida Siding Bird Assessment, Coober Pedy, March 2007. Environmental Biodiversity Services, Unpublished Report prepared for Parsons Brinckerhoff.
EBS (2007b) Draft proposed Haul Road (45 km) and Rail Siding Flora/Fauna Assessment, Cairn Hill Project. July 2007. Environmental Biodiversity Services, unpublished report prepared for Parsons Brinckerhoff.
EBS (2007c) Proposed Haul Rd (70 km) and Rail Siding Flora/Fauna Assessment, Cairn Hill Project. September 2007. Environmental Biodiversity Services, unpublished report for Parsons Brinckerhoff.
EBS (2010) Cairn Hill Flora and Fauna Monitoring: March 2010. Report to IMX Resources. EBS Ecology, Adelaide.
IMX Resources (2009) Cairn Hill Magnetite Copper-Gold Mining Project and Rehabilitation Plan. Version dated 18 March 2009. IMX Resources, West Perth.
Jessop J.P. and Toelken H.R. (Eds) (1986). Flora of South Australia Parts 1-4, South Australian Government Printer, Adelaide.
Jessop J.P. Dashorst G.R.M. James F.M. (2006) Grasses of South Australia. Wakefield Press, Adelaide.
Kutsche F., Lay B. (2003) Field Guide to the Plants of Outback South Australia. Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, Adelaide.
Schodde, R. (1982) The Fairy-Wrens - A Monograph of then Maluridae. Lansdowne Editions, Melbourne.
Tucker G., Fasham M., Hill D., Shewry, M., Shaw P., Wade M. (2005) Planning a programme. In: D. Hill, M. Fasham, G. Tucker, M. Shewry, P. Shaw. Handbook of Biodiversity Methods: Survey, Evaluation and Monitoring. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Whibley, D.J.E and Symon, D.E. (1992) Acacias of South Australia, 2nd Edition. Government Printer, Adelaide.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010 9 APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Monitoring site co-ordinates.
Location of vegetation monitoring sites (100 x 100 m quadrats).
Flora Location (zone 53J) monitoring site Easting Northing VEG001-IMP 512924 6758514 VEG002-IMP 510616 6758826 VEG003-IMP 511021 6759783 VEG004-CON 509770 6753319 VEG005-CON 517817 6758436 VEG006-CON 517136 6762488 VEG007-IMP 512127 6758137 VEG008-IMP 512539 6759374 VEG009-IMP 510493 6759540 VEG010-CON 506667 6755606 VEG011-CON 515329 6757773 VEG012-CON 518497 6759432
Location of Jessop transects. Bearing from Start location (zone 53J) End location Flora start location monitoring site to end location Easting Northing Easting Northing VEG001-IMP 262° 512913 6758512 512819 6758501 VEG002-IMP 123° 510628 6758819 510709 6758766 VEG003-IMP 175° 511023 6759775 511031 6759677 VEG004-CON 203° 509765 6753305 509724 6753211 VEG005-CON 309° 517810 6758442 517734 6758504 VEG006-CON 311° 517130 6762494 517054 6762562 VEG007-IMP 173° 512129 6758128 512141 6758031 VEG008-IMP 317° 512532 6759384 512465 6759458 VEG009-IMP 253° 510483 6759539 510383 6759510 VEG010-CON 239° 506660 6755600 506557 6755541 VEG011-CON 52° 515335 6757778 515413 6757840 VEG012-CON 9° 518499 6759443 518507 6759492
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Appendix 2. Vegetation monitoring site photographs. Dropper indicates the start of the Jessup transect.
VEG001 - impact (March 2010).
VEG001 - impact (November 2010).
39
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
VEG002 – impact (March 2010) (photo of transect line not available).
VEG002 – impact (November 2010).
40
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
VEG003 - impact (March 2010).
VEG003 - impact (November 2010).
41
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
VEG004 - control (March 2010).
VEG004 - control (November 2010).
42
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
VEG005 - control (March 2010).
VEG005 - control (November 2010).
43
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
VEG006 - control (March 2010).
VEG006 - control (November 2010).
44
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
VEG007 - impact (March 2010).
VEG007 - impact (November 2010).
45
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
VEG008 – impact (March 2010).
VEG008 – impact (November 2010).
46
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
VEG009 – impact (March 2010).
VEG009 – impact (November 2010).
47
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
VEG010 – control (March 2010).
VEG010 – control (November 2010).
48
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
VEG011 - control (March 2010).
VEG011 - control (November 2010).
49
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
VEG012 - control (March 2010).
VEG012 - control (November 2010).
50
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Appendix 3. Fauna monitoring site photographs, November 2010. Photographs show one of the four pitfall drift lines at each site.
IMP001 - (November 2010).
IMP002 - (November 2010).
51
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
IMP003 - (November 2010)
CON001 - (November 2010).
52
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
CON002 - (November 2010).
CON003 - (November 2010).
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Appendix 4. Flora species recorded in the 100 x 100 m quadrats and/or Jessup transects during the November 2010 survey.
EPBC NPW 100 m Jessup Family Species name Common name Certain Status status status quadrat transect
Aizoaceae Gunniopsis papillata Twin-leaf Pigface Yes Native - - Tetragonia tetragonioides New Zealand Spinach Yes Native - - Amaranthaceae Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed Yes Native - - Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia sp. Native Bluebell Genus Native - - Chenopodiaceae Atriplex fissivalvis Gibber Saltbush Yes Native - - Atriplex holocarpa Pop Saltbush Yes Native - - Atriplex turbinata Atriplex Yes Native - - Atriplex vesicaria ssp. Bladder Saltbush Yes Native - - Dissocarpus biflorus var. biflorus Two-horn Saltbush Yes Native - - Dissocarpus paradoxus Ball Bindyi Yes Native - - Einadia nutans ssp. Climbing Saltbush Yes Native - - Enchylaena tomentosa var. Ruby Saltbush Yes Native - - Maireana aphylla Cotton-bush Yes Native - - Maireana astrotricha Low Bluebush Yes Native - - Maireana ciliata Hairy Fissure-plant Yes Native - - Maireana coronata Crown Fissure-plant Yes Native - - Maireana eriantha Woolly Bluebush Yes Native - - Maireana pyramidata Black Bluebush Yes Native - - Maireana turbinata Top-fruit Bluebush Yes Native - - Neobassia proceriflora Desert Glasswort Yes Native - - Osteocarpum dipterocarpum Two-wing Bonefruit Yes Native - - Rhagodia spinescens Spiny Saltbush Yes Native - - Salsola tragus Buckbush Yes Native - - Sclerolaena blackiana Black's Bindyi Yes Native - Rare Sclerolaena brachyptera Short-wing Bindyi Yes Native - - 54
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
EPBC NPW 100 m Jessup Family Species name Common name Certain Status status status quadrat transect
Sclerolaena diacantha Grey Bindyi Yes Native - - Sclerolaena divaricata Tangled Bindyi Yes Native - - Sclerolaena intricata Tangled Bindyi Yes Native - - Sclerolaena lanicuspis Spinach Bindyi Yes Native - - Sclerolaena tricuspis Three-spine Bindyi Yes Native - - Sclerolaena uniflora Small-spine Bindyi Yes Native - - Tecticornia sp. Samphire Genus Native - - Tetragonia tetragonioides New Zealand Spinach Yes Native - - Compositae Brachyscome ciliaris var. ciliaris Variable Daisy Yes Native - - Calotis hispidula Hairy Burr-daisy Yes Native - - Centipeda thespidioides Desert Sneezeweed Yes Native - - Gnephosis arachnoidea Spidery Button-flower Yes Native - - Leiocarpa leptolepis Pale Plover-daisy Yes Native - - Minuria denticulata Woolly Minuria Yes Native - - Minuria leptophylla Minnie Daisy Yes Native - - Pycnosorus eremaeus Golden Billy-buttons Yes Native - - Rhodanthe charsleyae Rhodanthe Yes Native - - Rhodanthe floribunda White Everlasting Yes Native - - Rhodanthe sp. Everlasting Genus Native - - Rhodanthe uniflora Woolly Daisy Yes Native - - Xerochrysum bracteatum Golden Everlasting Yes Native - - Convolvulaceae Convolvulus erubescens ssp. Convolvulus Yes Native - - Cruciferae Lepidium phlebopetalum Veined Peppercress Yes Native - - Stenopetalum lineare Narrow Thread-petal Yes Native - - Cucurbitaceae Citrullus colocynthis Colocynth Yes Exotic - - Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce drummondii Chamaesyce Yes Native - -
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
EPBC NPW 100 m Jessup Family Species name Common name Certain Status status status quadrat transect
Euphorbia tannensis ssp. eremophila Desert Spurge Yes Native - - Frankeniaceae Frankenia serpyllifolia Thyme Sea-heath Yes Native - - Gentianaceae Centaurium spicatum Sp ke Centaury Yes Native - - Geraniaceae Erodium cygnorum Blue Heron's-bill Yes Native - - Goodeniaceae Goodenia fascicularis Silky Goodenia Yes Native - - Gramineae Aristida contorta Curly Wire-grass Yes Native - - Aristida sp. Three-awn/Wire-grass Genus Native - - Astrebla pectinata Barley Mitchell-grass Yes Native - - Austrostipa trichophylla Austrostipa Yes Native - - Dichanthium sericeum ssp. Silky Blue-grass Yes Native - - Digitaria brownii Cotton Panic-grass Yes Native - - Diplachne fusca Brown Beetle-grass Yes Native - - Enneapogon avenaceus Common Bottle-washers Yes Native - - Enneapogon cylindricus Jointed Bottle-washers Yes Native - - Enneapogon intermedius Tall Bottle-washers Yes Native - - Enteropogon acicularis Umbrella Grass Yes Native - - Eragrostis australasica Cane-grass Yes Native - - Eragrostis falcata Sickle Love-grass Yes Native - - Eragrostis kennedyae Small-flower Love-grass Yes Native - - Eragrostis setifolia Bristly Love-grass Yes Native - - Panicum decompositum var. decompositum Native Millet Yes Native - - Tragus australianus Small Burr-grass Yes Native - - Tripogon loliiformis Five-minute Grass Yes Native - - Triraphis mollis Purple Plume Grass Yes Native - - Labiatae Teucrium racemosum Grey Germander Yes Native - - Leguminosae Acacia salicina Willow Wattle Yes Native - -
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
EPBC NPW 100 m Jessup Family Species name Common name Certain Status status status quadrat transect
Acacia victoriae ssp. victoriae Elegant Wattle Yes Native - - Cullen australasica Tall Scurf-pea Yes Native - - Lotus cruentus Red-flower Lotus Yes Native - - Swainsona oroboides Variable Swainson-pea Yes Native - - Trigonella suavissima Sweet Fenugreek Yes Native - - Malvaceae Abutilon halophilum Plains Lantern-bush Yes Native - - Lavatera plebeia Australian Hollyhock Yes Native - - Malvastrum americanum var. americanum Malvastrum Yes Native - - Sida fibulifera Pin Sida Yes Native - - Marsileaceae Marsilea drummondii Common Nardoo Yes Native - - Myoporaceae Eremophila glabra Tar Bush Yes Native - - Plantaginaceae Plantago drummondii Dark Plantain Yes Native - - Portulacaceae Calandrinia balonensis Broad-leaf Parakeelya Yes Native - - Calandrinia eremaea Dryland Purslane Yes Native - - Portulaca oleracea Common Purslane Yes Native - - Scrophulariaceae Limosella sp. Mudwort Genus Native - - Stemodia florulenta Bluerod Yes Native - - Umbelliferae Daucus glochidiatus Native Carrot Yes Native - - Eryngium plantagineum Long Eryngium Yes Native - - Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllum ammophilum Sand Twinleaf Yes Native - -
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Appendix 5. Cover abundance of the flora species recorded during the November 2010 survey at the twelve vegetation monitoring sites. SC = scattered individuals / clumps of individuals only. SP = sparse, many individuals but of little total cover. W = widespread, many individuals with high cover. D = dominant, widespread, many individuals, covering most of the site. Vegetation site number
Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Abutilon halophilum SC SC SC Acacia salicina SC Acacia victoriae ssp victoriae SC SC Alternanthera denticulata SC SC SC SC SC Aristida contorta SP SC SP SC SP SC SP SP SP Aristida sp SC SC SC SC Astrebla pectinata SP SC SC SC SC SP SC Atriplex fissivalvis SC SC SP SC Atriplex holocarpa SC SP SP SP SP W SP SP W SP SP Atriplex turbinata SC SC Atriplex vesicaria ssp SC SP SC W SP W SP SP SP SP W Austrostipa trichophylla SC Brachyscome ciliaris var ciliaris SC SC SC SC SC SC SP Calandrinia balonensis SC SP SC Calandrinia eremaea SC SC SP Calotis hispidula SC SC SC SC SC SC SP SC SC Centaurium spicatum SC SP Centipeda thespidioides SC SP SP SC SC SC Chamaesyce drummondii SC SP SC SC SC SC SP Citrullus colocynthis SC SC Convolvulus erubescens ssp SC SC SC SC SP Cullen australasica SC SP SP SC SP SC SC SP SC SC SC SC Daucus glochidiatus SC SP Dichanthium sericeum ssp SC Digitaria brownii SC SC SC SC Diplachne fusca SP Dissocarpus paradoxus SP W W W W W W W SC Einadia nutans ssp SP SC Enchylaena tomentosa var SC SC Enneapogon avenaceus SP SC SP Enneapogon cylindricus SC SC Enneapogon intermedius SC SC SC SC Enteropogon acicularis SP SP Eragrostis australasica SC W Eragrostis falcata SP SP SC SC SC Eragrostis kennedyae SP SP SC SP SC SP SC SC SP Eragrostis setifolia SP SP W SP W SP SP SP SP SP Eremophila glabra SC Erodium cygnorum SC SC SC SC SC SC SC SC SC SP SP Eryngium plantagineum SP SC 58
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Vegetation site number
Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Euphorbia tannensis ssp eremophila SC SC SC SC SC Frankenia serpyllifolia SC SC W Gnephosis arachnoidea SC SC SP SP SP SC SP Goodenia fascicularis SP SP SC SP SC SC SC SC Gunniopsis papillata SC SC Lavatera plebeia SC SC Leiocarpa leptolepis SC SP W SP SP SP SP SP SP SC SC Lepidium phlebopetalum W SC SC SC SC SC Limosella sp SC Lotus cruentus SC SC SP SP SP SP SC SP SC Maireana aphylla SP SC W SP SP SP SC Maireana astrotricha SC SP SP W Maireana ciliata SP Maireana coronata SC SC SC SP Maireana eriantha SC SP Maireana pyramidata SP W Maireana turbinata SC SC SP Malvastrum americanum var americanum SP SC SC Marsilea drummondii SP SP SP W Minuria denticulata SP SP SC Minuria leptophylla SC SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP Neobassia proceriflora SP SC SP SP W SP SP SP SP SP Neobassia proceriflora SP Osteocarpum dipterocarpum SC Panicum decompositum var decompositum SP SC SC SC SP SP SC Plantago drummondii SC SC SP SC SC SP SP SC SC SP SC Portulaca oleracea SC SC SC SC SC SC SC SP SC SC Pycnosorus eremaeus SC SP W SP SP SP SC SP SC Rhagodia spinescens SP SC SP SP SP SC SC Rhodanthe charsleyae SC SP Rhodanthe floribunda SC SP W SC W SP SC SP SP Rhodanthe sp SC Rhodanthe uniflora SC SC Salsola tragus SP SP W SP W SP SP SC SP SP W Sclerolaena blackiana SC Sclerolaena brachyptera SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SC Sclerolaena diacantha SP W SP W W SP W SP SC Sclerolaena divaricata W W W SP W SP SP SP SP SC Sclerolaena intricata SC SP W W Sclerolaena lanicuspis SP W SP SP Sclerolaena tricuspis SP W W W SP W SP W SP SC 59
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Vegetation site number
Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Sclerolaena uniflora SP D SP W SP W SP SP SP SC SC Sida fibulifera SC SC SC SC SC SP SC Stemodia florulenta SP Stenopetalum lineare SP SP SC SC SP SC SP Swainsona oroboides SC SC SP SP SC SP Tecticornia sp SP SP SP SC SP SC Tetragonia tetragonioides SP SP SP SC SC SC Teucrium racemosum SC Tragus australianus SC SP Trigonella suavissima SC SC SP Tripogon loliiformis SC SP SP SC SC SP SC SP SC Triraphis mollis SC SC Wahlenbergia sp SC SC SP SC SC SC SC SC SP Xerochrysum bracteatum SC SC Zygophyllum ammophilum W W W SP SP SP SP SP SC
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Appendix 6. Abundance of the flora species recorded during the November 2010 survey at the twelve vegetation monitoring sites. Vegetation site number Family Species Stage 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 CHENOPODIACEAE Atriplex fissivalvis Estab 1 25 44
Juv 1
Atriplex holocarpa Estab 307 167 83 11 21 31 10 119 165 15 11 6 Juv 21 1 41 10 1 8 32 26 5 2 1
Atriplex nummularia omissa Estab 10
Atriplex turbinata Estab 1
Atriplex vesicaria ssp Estab 15 2 22 27 81 6 9 1 4 1 93 57 Juv 2 1 2 1 3
Dissocarpus biflorus var biflorus Estab 1 1 151 8
Juv 6
Dissocarpus paradoxus Estab 18 491 45 42 420 67 16 95 1 43
Juv 4 6 2 12 10
Einadia nutans ssp Estab 3
Juv 8
Enchylaena tomentosa var Estab 17
Maireana aphylla Estab 44
Juv 1
COMPOSITAE Calotis hispidula Estab 16 7 9
Leiocarpa leptolepis Estab 9
CUCURBITACEAE Citrullus colocynthis Estab 2
EUPHORBIACEAE Chamaesyce drummondii Estab 9
Chamaesyce drummondii Estab 87 17 1 3
Euphorbia tannensis Estab 15 1
Euphorbia tannensis ssp eremophila Estab 1
FRANKENIACEAE Frankenia serpyllifolia Estab 2 167
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Vegetation site number Family Species Stage 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 GERANIACEAE Erodium cygnorum Estab 1
GOODENIACEAE Goodenia fascicularis Estab 8
Goodenia sp Estab 288 14
GRAMINEAE Aristida contorta Estab 4 1 5
Aristida sp Estab 3 1
Astrebla pectinata Estab 12 57 1 1 7 176 53
Brachiaria praetervisa Estab 25
Dactyloctenium radulans Estab 322 719 714 18 32 1 60 5
Juv 100
Diplachne fusca Estab 2
Enneapogon avenaceus Estab 12 6 3 45 30 165 11
Enneapogon intermedius Estab 9
Enteropogon acicularis Estab 2 30
Eragrostis australasica Estab 12
Eragrostis dielsii var dielsii Estab 6
Eragrostis falcata Estab 16
Eragrostis setifolia Estab 111 3 13 14 79 29 1 13 17
Juv 3
LEGUMINOSAE Acacia salicina Estab 2
Juv 1
Acacia victoriae ssp victoriae Estab 3 11
Juv 2
Cullen australasica Estab 71 80 13 78
Juv 4 5 32
MYOPORACEAE Eremophila glabra Estab 1
NYCTAGINACEAE Boerhavia dominii Estab 4
62
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Vegetation site number Family Species Stage 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Juv 2
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Appendix 7. Mammal, reptile and frog species recorded during the November 2010 survey.
Number of EPBC NPW Class Family Species name Common name Certain Status individuals status status recorded
Mammals Bovidae Bos taurus Cattle (European Cattle) Yes Exotic - - 9 Dasyuridae Sminthopsis crassicaudata Fat-tailed Dunnart Yes Native - - 14 Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart Yes Native - - 46 Muridae Leggadina forresti Forrest's Mouse Yes Native - - 66 Mus musculus House Mouse Yes Exotic - - 114 Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse Yes Native - - 24 Pseudomys australis Plains Mouse (Plains Rat) Yes Native VU V 1 Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse Yes Native - - 6 Reptiles Agamidae Ctenophorus gibba Gibber Dragon Yes Native - - 8 Pogona vitticeps Central Bearded Dragon Yes Native - - 4 Tympanocryptis intima Smooth-snouted Earless Dragon Yes Native - - 1 Tympanocryptis tetraporophora Eyrean Earless Dragon Yes Native - - 66 Diplodactylidae Diplodactylus tessellatus Tessellated Gecko Yes Native - - 6 Elapidae Demansia psammophis Yellow-faced Whipsnake Yes Native - - 1 Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha Patch-nosed Brown Snake Yes Native - - 1 Suta suta Curl Snake Yes Native - - 1 Gekkonidae Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko Yes Native - - 2 Pygopodidae Delma australis Barred Snake-lizard Yes Native - - 1 Pygopus schraderi Hooded Scaly-foot Yes Native - - 1 Scincidae Ctenotus sp. Ctenotus Genus Native - - 5 Ctenotus olympicus Saltbush Ctenotus Yes Native - - 5 Ctenotus regius Eastern Desert Ctenotus Yes Native - - 3 Ctenotus strauchii Short-legged Ctenotus Yes Native - - 10 Cyclodoomorphus venustus Saltbush Slender Blue-tongue Yes Native - - 1 Eremiascincus richardsonii Broad-banded Sandswimmer Yes Native - - 3 Menetia greyii Dwarf Skink Yes Native - - 2
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Number of EPBC NPW Class Family Species name Common name Certain Status individuals status status recorded
Varanidae Varanus gouldii Sand Goanna Yes Native - - 2 Frogs Myobatrachidae Neobatrachus centralis Trilling Frog Yes Native - - 14 VU = listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act 1999. V = listed as vulnerable under the NPW Act 1972.
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Appendix 8. Abundance (number of captures/observations) of mammals, reptiles and frogs during the November 2010 survey. Ephemeral Gibber Other Family Species Common name drainage line CON001 IMP001 CON002 CON003 IMP002 IMP003 Off-site
Mammals Bovidae Bos taurus Cattle (European Cattle) 9 Dasyuridae Sminthopsis crassicaudata Fat-tailed Dunnart 3 8 1 2 Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart 4 4 8 2 19 9 Muridae Leggadina forresti Forrest's Mouse 10 16 4 9 17 10 Mus musculus House Mouse 16 34 23 18 20 3 Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse 1 14 2 4 1 2 Pseudomys australis Plains Mouse (Plains Rat) 1 Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse 2 3 1 Reptiles Agamidae Ctenophorus gibba Gibber Dragon 4 1 3 Pogona vitticeps Central Bearded Dragon 1 2 1 Tympanocryptis intima Smooth-snouted Earless Dragon 1 Tympanocryptis tetraporophora Eyrean Earless Dragon 2 6 16 10 14 18 Diplodactylidae Diplodactylus tessellatus Tessellated Gecko 1 1 4 Elapidae Demansia psammophis Yellow-faced Whipsnake 1 Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha Patch-nosed Brown Snake 1 Suta suta Curl Snake 1 Gekkonidae Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko 1 1 Pygopodidae Delma australis Barred Snake-lizard 1 Pygopus schraderi Hooded Scaly-foot 1 Scincida e Ctenotus Ctenotus 5 Ctenotus olympicus Saltbush Ctenotus 5 Ctenotus regius Eastern Desert Ctenotus 2 1 66
Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Ephemeral Gibber Other Family Species Common name drainage line CON001 IMP001 CON002 CON003 IMP002 IMP003 Off-site
Ctenotus strauchii Short-legged Ctenotus 7 3 Cyclodoomorphus venustus Saltbush Slender Blue-tongue 1 Eremiascincus richardsonii Broad-banded Sandswimmer 2 1 Menetia greyii Dwarf Skink 1 1 Varanidae Varanus gouldii Sand Goanna 1 1 Frogs Myobatrachidae Neobatrachus centralis Trilling Frog 14
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Appendix 9. Birds recorded within the Cairn Hill project area.
Recorded in wider EPBC NPW Autumn 2010 Spring 2010 Family Species name Common name area (date of last 2006 survey status status survey survey record)
Acanthizidae Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill - - (2000) Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface - - (2000) Aphelocephala nigricincta Banded Whiteface - - (2000) Aphelocephala pectoralis Chestnut-breasted Whiteface - R (2005) Calamanthus campestris Rufous Fieldwren - - (2007) Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat - - (1923) Accipitridae Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle - - (2006) Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier - - (2004) Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite - - (2004) Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle - - (1995) Milvus migrans Black Kite - - (2005) Aegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar - - (2000) Ardeidae Ardea alba Great Egret - - (2001) Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron - - Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night-Heron - - (2001) Artamidae Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow - - (2005) Artamus superciliosus White-browed Woodswallow - - (2000) Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird - - (2001) Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie - - (2006) Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird - - (1999) Cacatuidae Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella - - (2006) Eolophus roseicapillus Galah - - (2006) Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel - - (2001) Casuariidae Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu - - (2007)
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Recorded in wider EPBC NPW Autumn 2010 Spring 2010 Family Species name Common name area (date of last 2006 survey status status survey survey record)
Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike - - (2005) Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller - - (2004) Charadriidae Charadrius australis Inland Dotterel - - (2001) Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel - - Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover - R (2005) Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing - - (2000) Columbidae Columba livia* Rock Dove - - (2006) Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon - - (2005) Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove - - (2000) Corvidae Corvus bennetti Little Crow - - (2006) Corvus coronoides Australian Raven - - (2004) Cuculidae Cacomantis pallidus Pallid Cuckoo - - (2001) Chalcites basalis Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo - - (2000) Chalcites osculans Black-eared Cuckoo - - (2000) Estrildidae Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch - - (2005) Eurostopodidae Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar - - (2000) Falconidae Falco berigora Brown Falcon - - (2004) Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel - - (2005) Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon - R (1984) Falco longipennis Australian Hobby - - (1999) Glareolidae Stiltia isabella Australian Pratincole - - (2001) Halcyonidae Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Red-backed Kingfisher - - (2004) Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher - - (1999) Hirundinidae Cheramoeca leucosterna White-backed Swallow - - (2005) Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow - - (2006)
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Recorded in wider EPBC NPW Autumn 2010 Spring 2010 Family Species name Common name area (date of last 2006 survey status status survey survey record)
Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin - - (2004) Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin - - (2002) Maluridae Acanthiza iredalei iredalei Slender-billed Thornbill VU R (1923) Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill - - (2000) Amytornis textilis modestus Thick-billed Grasswren VU - (1973^) Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren - - (2001) Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren - - (2005) Megaluridae Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark - - (2004) Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark - - (2004) Megalurus gramineus Little Grassbird - - (2004) Meliphagidae Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater - - (2006) Ashbyia lovensis Gibberbird (2001) Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater - - (2001) Epthianura aurifrons Orange Chat - - (2002) Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat - - (2001) Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater - - (2006) Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater - - (2006) Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner - - (2004) Purnella albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater - - (2002) Meropidae Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - - (1995) Monarchidae Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark - - (2006) Motacillidae Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian Pipit - - (2007) Nectariniidae Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird - - (2001) Otididae Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard - V (1947) Pachycephalidae Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird - - (2000)
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Recorded in wider EPBC NPW Autumn 2010 Spring 2010 Family Species name Common name area (date of last 2006 survey status status survey survey record)
Passeridae Passer domesticus* House Sparrow - - (2004) Pardalotidae Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote - - (2000) Pedionomidae Pedionomus torquatus Plains-wanderer VU E (1966) Petroicidae Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin - ssp (1923) Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin - - (2005) Psittacidae Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck - - (2000) Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar - - (2004) Neophema chrysostoma Blue-winged Parrot - V (2005) Neopsephotus bourkii Bourke's Parrot - - (2000) Northiella haematogaster Blue Bonnet - - (2000) Psophodidae Cinclosoma cinnamomeum Cinnamon Quail-thrush - - (2000) Psophodes occidentalis Chiming Wedgebill - - (2000) Phasianidae Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail - - (1995) Pomatostomidae Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler - - (2000) Rallidae Porzana fluminea Australian Spotted Crake - - (2004) Rhipiduridae Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail - - (2005) Turnicidae Turnix velox Little Button-quail - - (2000) * = introduced species
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Appendix 10. Abundance (number of observations) of birds recorded during the November 2010 survey. Ephemeral Off-site all Gibber Family Species Common name drainage line landform types CON001 IMP001 CON002 CON003 IMP002 IMP003 Off-site
Acanthizidae Calamanthus campestris Rufous Fieldwren 1 1 6 2 Accipitridae Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle 6 Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite 1 Artamidae Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow 6 2 Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie 4 3 Cacatuidae Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel 4 Charadriidae Charadrius australis Inland Dotterel 1 3 44 Columbidae Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon 4 2 Corvidae Corvus coronoides Australian Raven 17 Estrildidae Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch 33 36 35 Falconidae Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel 1 1 Glareolidae Stiltia isabella Australian Pratincole 7 4 13 10 14 Hirundinidae Cheramoeca leucosterna White-backed Swallow 3 Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin 1 Maluridae Amytornis textilis modestus Thick-billed Grasswren 3 Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren 28 2 8 20 Megaluridae Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark 5 6 4 5 5 4 13 Megapodiidae Coturnix Sp. Quail species 5 Meliphagidae Ashbyia lovensis Gibberbird 2 1 Epthianura aurifrons Orange Chat 8 7 59 16 10 9 22 Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat 14 7 2 28 Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 4 4 Motacillidae Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian Pipit 2 3 3 19 Petroicidae Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin 1
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Cairn Hill Vegetation and Fauna Monitoring: November 2010
Ephemeral Off-site all Gibber Family Species Common name drainage line landform types CON001 IMP001 CON002 CON003 IMP002 IMP003 Off-site
Phasianidae Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail 1 Psittacidae Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar 3 15 15 Turnicidae Turnix velox Little-button Quail 1 1
73
EBS Ecology 4/48 Barwell Avenue Kurralta Park, SA 5037 www.ebsecology.com.au t. 08 7127 5607 f. 08 8297 3768
Appendix E: Summary of Cairn Hill Project site plant movements during the reporting period and current plant on site.
Table E1: Plant Movements Report – Cairn Hill (30 June 2010 – 31 May 2011).
Plant Description Date Reason No. Installed RP002 Pump 2/02/2010 Location Correction LV609 Light vehicle, 4x4 5/07/2010 Asset Movement. LV364 Light vehicle, 4x4 5/07/2010 Asset Movement. SC012 Crusher 8/07/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver James Evans LV381 Light vehicle, 4x4 2/08/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver James Evans. TS652 Trailer, side tipper 3/08/2010 New Asset. TS653 Trailer, side tipper 3/08/2010 New Asset. TS654 Trailer, side tipper 3/08/2010 New Asset. TD440 Trailer, dolly 3/08/2010 New Asset. TD439 Trailer, dolly 3/08/2010 Asset Rename. PW002 Pipe, water stand 3/08/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans PW003 Pipe, water stand 3/08/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans EP003 Work platform 4/08/2010 New Asset. LV305 Light vehicle, 4x4 8/08/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver James Evans CN031 Container, 20' 18/08/2010 New Asset. HV748 Truck, prime 24/08/2010 Movement correction mover CN022 Workshop, 29/08/2010 Movement correction temporary shelter DZ923 Dozer, track 29/08/2010 PMN received. Sender Shannon Trewin, receiver James Evans TD443 Trailer, dolly 6/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Chris Macco-Palmer, receiver James Evans TS657 Trailer, side tipper 6/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Chris Macco-Palmer, receiver James Evans TS658 Trailer, side tipper 6/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Chris Macco-Palmer, receiver James Evans WS002 Loader, wheel 9/09/2010 New Asset. TD442 Trailer, dolly 10/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Chris Macco-Palmer, receiver James Evans LV398 Light vehicle, 4x4 14/09/2010 Asset Movement. LT023 Tower, lighting 16/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans TD409 Trailer, dolly 22/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Doug Downs, receiver James Evans convertor TD414 Trailer, dolly 22/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Doug Downs, receiver James Evans convertor TS604 Trailer, side tipper 22/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Doug Downs, receiver James Evans TS616 Trailer, side tipper 22/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Doug Downs, receiver James Evans LT015 Tower, lighting 23/09/2010 Parent was renamed. HV709 Truck, prime 28/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Doug Downs, receiver James Evans mover TS610 Trailer, side tipper 28/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Doug Downs, receiver James Evans TD405 Trailer, dolly 28/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Doug Downs, receiver James Evans convertor TS617 Trailer, side tipper 28/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Doug Downs, receiver James Evans TD415 Trailer, dolly 28/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Doug Downs, receiver James Evans TS615 Trailer, side tipper 28/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Doug Downs, receiver James Evans TS612 Trailer, side tipper 28/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Doug Downs, receiver James Evans HV753 Truck, prime 30/09/2010 PMN received. Sender Chris Macco-Palmer, receiver James Evans mover ST016 Hire Plant 1/10/2010 Asset Movement. RB001 Pipe, water stand 1/10/2010 Asset Movement. TS623 Trailer, side tipper 1/10/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans TS624 Trailer, side tipper 1/10/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 38
Plant Description Date Reason No. Installed TD403 Trailer, dolly 5/10/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans convertor TD419 Trailer, dolly 5/10/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans convertor TD406 Trailer, dolly 10/10/2010 PMN received. Sender Doug Downs, receiver James Evans TS625 Trailer, side tipper 11/10/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans WL026 Hire Plant 12/10/2010 PMN received. Sender Chris Macco-Plamer, receiver James Evans WL027 Hire Plant 12/10/2010 PMN received. Sender Chris Macco-Plamer, receiver James Evans RM407 Compressor 13/10/2010 New Asset. RM408 Compressor 13/10/2010 New Asset. RM409 Compressor 13/10/2010 New Asset. RM410 Compressor 13/10/2010 New Asset. RM411 Compressor 13/10/2010 New Asset. RM412 Compressor 13/10/2010 New Asset. RM413 Compressor 13/10/2010 New Asset. RM414 Compressor 13/10/2010 New Asset. LT013 Tower, lighting 13/10/2010 Plant movement, project completed. GS015 Generator, power 16/10/2010 PMN received. Sender Chris Macco-Palmer, receiver James Evans ST013 Stacker 18/10/2010 PMN received. Sender Rodney Estcourt, receiver James Evans ST014 Stacker 18/10/2010 PMN received. Sender Rodney Estcourt, receiver James Evans DZ914 Dozer, track 23/10/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver James Evans LV372 Light vehicle, 4x4 23/10/2010 Location Correction. Was not showing on the DOD / site plant list. CMP TD408 Trailer, dolly 1/11/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans convertor SP002 Screen, crusher 1/11/2010 Asset Movement. Shotcrete to Cairn Hill - 1/11/2010 Estimate GS009 Generator, power 1/11/2010 PMN received. Sender Chris Macco-Palmer, receiver James Evans TS601 Trailer, side tipper 1/11/2010 Asset Movement. TF501 Trailer, flat top 1/11/2010 PMN received. Sender Matt Morris, receiver James Evans GS010 Generator, power 1/11/2010 Asset Movement. HV916 Truck, service 9/11/2010 Asset Rename. Currently setup as a service truck SP010 Hire Plant 10/11/2010 New Asset. SC019 Hire Plant 10/11/2010 New Asset. SC020 Hire Plant 10/11/2010 New Asset. TW205 Hire Plant 12/11/2010 New Asset. TD444 Hire Plant 12/11/2010 New Asset. HV763 Truck, prime 14/11/2010 Asset Movement. New Asset. Sent to Cairn Hill mover EX433 Excavator 15/11/2010 PMN received. Sender Chris Macco-Palmer, receiver James Evans RP012 Pump, Electric 16/11/2010 New Asset. Water HV764 Truck, prime 24/11/2010 New Asset. mover GS041 Generator, power 2/12/2010 New Asset. MB019 Bus, mini 2/12/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans GS042 Generator, power 2/12/2010 New Asset. GS043 Generator, power 2/12/2010 New Asset. RP010 Pump 9/12/2010 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans HV715 Truck, prime 4/01/2011 PMN recd. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver John Knight mover GS045 Generator, power 7/01/2011 Asset Rename. PW007 Pipe, water stand 9/01/2011 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans PW008 Pipe, water stand 9/01/2011 PMN received. Sender Aaron Fry, receiver James Evans GS046 Generator, power 12/01/2011 New Asset. WL312 Hire Plant 12/01/2011 New Asset.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 39
Plant Description Date Reason No. Installed PW001 Pipe, water stand 12/01/2011 Asset Movement. Sender A. Fry. Received at Cairn Hill J. Evans RC023 Compressor 14/01/2011 New Asset. GS032 Generator, power 27/01/2011 PMN recd. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver Adam Harrison TS618 Trailer, side tipper 1/02/2011 Asset Movement. to Cairn Hill TD418 Trailer, dolly 1/02/2011 Asset Movement. from Ginko to Cairn Hill convertor SC011 Crusher 1/02/2011 Asset Movement. HV725 Truck, prime 2/02/2011 PMN recd. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver James Evans. mover RC012 Compressor 10/02/2011 Asset Movement. Sender A .Fry. Receiver jeans HV604 Truck, agitator 25/02/2011 Asset Movement. Sender A .Fry. received at Cairn Hill 25/02/2011 L.Pedley HV765 Truck, prime 28/02/2011 PMN received. Sender Chris Macco-Palmer, receiver James Evans mover HV711 Truck, prime 9/03/2011 Asset Movement. Sender A.Fry Received at Cairn Hill 09/03/2010 mover L.Pedley BP002 Batch plant, 9/03/2011 Asset Movement. Sender A. Fry received L. Pedley 09/03/2011 mobile RP004 Pump 9/03/2011 Parent was moved. TF504 Trailer, side tipper 9/03/2011 Parent was moved. CN012 Container, 20' 9/03/2011 Asset Movement. Sender A.Fry / received at Cairn hill L.Pedley. GS004 Generator, power 9/03/2011 Asset Movement. sender A.Fry / Received at Cairn hill L.Pedley DZ904 Dozer, track 9/03/2011 Asset Movement. From D Kenewell, Jacinth 23/02/2011 to Cairn hill arrived 01/03/2011. received J Evans HV617 Truck, agitator 10/03/2011 Asset Movement. Sender A .Fry. Received at Cairn Hill L.Pedley 02/03/2011 SP011 Hire Plant 11/03/2011 Asset Movement. Sender D.Fellows, Received at Cairn Hill J.Evans 01/03/2011 ST005 Stacker 11/03/2011 Asset Movement. Sender A .Fry. Received at Cairn hill 01/02/2011 J. Evans LT034 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 New Asset. SC022 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 New Asset. LT035 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 New Asset. LT036 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 New Asset. LT037 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 New Asset. LT038 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 New Asset. SC023 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 New Asset. LT039 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 New Asset. LT040 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 New Asset. LT042 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 New Asset. LT043 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 New Asset. LT044 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 New Asset. LT033 Hire Plant 15/03/2011 Asset Movement. Asset incorrectly loaded against Kanmantoo, moved across to Cairn Hill. Clem Cox TL411 Trailer, low loader 16/03/2011 PMN recd. Sender Matt Morris. Receiver Craig Wadell RP013 Pump 16/03/2011 New Asset. TD447 Hire Plant, Trailer 16/03/2011 New Asset. Dolly Tri Drive LV413 Light vehicle, 4x4 24/03/2011 PMN recd. Sender Chad Harding. Receiver James Evans DR001 Drill Rig 29/03/2011 PMN recd. Sender Chad Harding. Receiver James Evans CT002 Truck, crane 1/04/2011 PMN recd. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver Adam Harrison RV601 Roller 12/04/2011 PMN recd. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver James Evans. MB020 Bus, mini 16/04/2011 PMN recd. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver Lindsey Pedley. LT049 Hire Plant 19/04/2011 New Asset. LT050 Hire Plant 19/04/2011 New Asset. GS050 Hire Plant 20/04/2011 New Asset.
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 40
Plant Description Date Reason No. Installed GS051 Hire Plant 20/04/2011 New Asset. EX440 Excavator 27/04/2011 PMN recd. Sender Shannon Trewin. Receiver Adam Harrison. RP014 Pump 4/05/2011 New Asset. LV417 Light vehicle, 4x4 8/05/2011 PMN recd. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver Adam Harrison. MG313 Grader, motor 8/05/2011 PMN recd. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver Adam Harrison. DR007 Hire Plant 30/05/2011 New Asset. DR008 Hire Plant 30/05/2011 New Asset. DR006 Drill Rig 2/06/2011 Asset Movement PMN New asset from Atlas Copco to site MB022 Bus, mini 2/06/2011 PMN Received Sender Damien Loller. Receiver TD448 Trailer, dolly 7/06/2011 PMN recd. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver Adam Harrison. TW206 Hire Plant 7/06/2011 PMN recd. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver Adam Harrison TW207 Tanker, Water 16/06/2011 Asset Rename. Continuity of numbering. TW208 Tanker, Water 16/06/2011 Asset Rename. Continuity of numbering. LV392 Light vehicle, 4x4 23/06/2011 PMN recd. Sender Aaron Fry. Receiver Lindsey Pedley DT312 Truck, dump 25/06/2011 PMN recd. Sender Shannon Trewin. Receiver Adam Harrison
Table E2: Plant Register Report – Cairn Hill (as at 31 May 2011).
Plant Description Make Model No. BP002 Batch plant, mobile Tyldens Unknown CN002 Container, Wtr Treat AustIndPmp BW4-10M3 CN007 Container, 40' Unknown Container CN012 Container, 20' Unknown Container CN018 Container, 40' Unknown Container CN019 Container, 40' Unknown Container CN020 Container, 40' Unknown Container CN021 Container, 40' Unknown Container CN022 Workshop, temporary shelter Allshlter CA x 10/12A CN031 Container, 20' SCF Container CP003 Cleaner, pressure Spitwater HP2215DEL CT002 Truck, crane Mitsubishi Fighter DR001 Drill Rig AtlasCopco ROC L8-64 MK1 DR006 Drill Rig AtlasCopco ROC L7 MII DR007 Hire Plant Sandvik DP1100 DR008 Hire Plant Tamrock DP1100 DT309 Truck, dump CAT 777D DT310 Truck, dump CAT 777D DT317 Truck, dump CAT 777D DT324 Truck, dump CAT 777D DT326 Truck, dump CAT 777D DZ904 Dozer, track CAT D9R DZ914 Dozer, track CAT D10 DZ923 Dozer, track CAT D9T EP003 Work platform Manitou 160ATJ Articulating Boom EX411 Excavator Hitachi ZX330LC-3 EX426 Excavator Hitachi EX1200-5D EX428 Excavator Hitachi EX1100-1 EX433 Excavator Hitachi EX1900-6 EX440 Excavator CAT 330C
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 41
Plant Description Make Model No. FDG001 Fridge, Mobile Coolfreeze / Waeco CF18 FDG002 Fridge Mobile Coolfreeze / Waeco CF18 FDG003 Fridge Mobile Engall MT27-G4 FDG004 Fridge Mobile Coolfreeze / Waeco CF18 FDG005 Fridge Mobile Engall M27F-G4 FDG006 Fridge Mobile Engall MT25E GS004 Generator, power Olympian GEP110 GS009 Generator, power Deutz 32KVA GS010 Generator, power Deutz 32KVA GS015 Generator, power CAT 3406TA GS032 Generator, power Olympian GEP110 GS041 Generator, power JCB G45QX GS042 Generator, power JCB G45QX GS043 Generator, power JCB G45QX GS045 Generator, power FG Wilson P55E1 GS046 Generator, power JCB G45QX GS050 Hire Plant FG Wilson P44E GS051 Hire Plant Olympian XQE60 2 GS055 Generator, power JCB G45QX HV604 Truck, agitator Kenworth T300 HV617 Truck, agitator Hino Hino Ranger HV704 Truck, prime mover Kenworth C500 HV709 Truck, prime mover Kenworth C501 HV711 Truck, prime mover Mack T318LR HV715 Truck, prime mover Kenworth C501 HV725 Truck, prime mover Kenworth C501T HV748 Truck, prime mover Nissan UD CWA46 HV753 Truck, prime mover Mack Metro Liner HV763 Truck, prime mover Kenworth C508 HV764 Truck, prime mover Kenworth C508 HV765 Truck, prime mover Kenworth C508 HV807 Truck, water Mack Metroliner HV815 Truck, water Komatsu HD465-5 HV916 Truck, service Mack Metroliner Straight Rail HV917 Truck, service Mack Granite 6 x 6 LT013 Tower, lighting Mobilight Lighting Tower LT014 Tower, lighting Mobilight M95KN15 LT015 Tower, lighting CAPS Lighting Tower LT016 Tower, lighting Mobilight M95KN15 LT023 Tower, lighting Mobilight KL3 LT033 Hire Plant Tru Blu LT6000 LT034 Hire Plant Tru Blu LT6000 LT035 Hire Plant Tru Blu LT6000 LT036 Hire Plant Tru Blu LT6000 LT037 Hire Plant Tru Blu LT6000 LT038 Hire Plant Illumintr TBPP10 LT039 Hire Plant Illumintr TBPP10 LT040 Hire Plant Illumintr TBPP10 LT041 Hire Plant Illumintr TBPP10 LT042 Hire Plant Illumintr TBPP10 LT043 Hire Plant Illumintr TBPP10
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 42
Plant Description Make Model No. LT044 Hire Plant Tru Blu LT6000 LT049 Hire Plant Illumintr TBPP10 LT050 Hire Plant Illumintr TBPP10 LV305 Light vehicle, 4x4 Toyota 70 series Landcruiser Ute LV328 Light vehicle, 4x4 Toyota 70 series Landcruiser Ute LV364 Light vehicle, 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser LV372 Light vehicle, 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser LV374 Light vehicle, 4x4 Toyota 70 series Landcruiser Ute LV381 Light vehicle, 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser LV398 Light vehicle, 4x4 Toyota 70 series Landcruiser Wag LV413 Light vehicle, 4x4 Toyota Hilux LV417 Light vehicle, 4x4 Toyota Wagon Landcruiser LV609 Light vehicle, 4x4 Toyota 70 series Landcruiser Ute MB019 Bus, mini Toyota Hiace Bus MB020 Bus, mini Toyota Coaster MB022 Bus, mini Toyota Coaster MG305 Grader, motor CAT 16H MG313 Grader, motor CAT 14H PW001 Pipe, water stand Burton Plant Dept N/A PW002 Pipe, water stand Burton Plant Dept N/A PW003 Pipe, water stand Burton Plant Dept N/A PW007 Pipe, water stand Burton Plant Dept N/A PW008 Pipe, water stand Burton Plant Dept N/A RC012 Compressor Airman PDS130S-5B2 RC023 Compressor Pilot K30 RC030 Compressor Airman PDS100S RC031 Compressor Wasp 90SB RP002 Pump Vly Irrgtn Trailer Mount RP010 Pump Flomaxx 41051ZD RP012 Pump, Electric Water AustIndPmp 7346 RP013 Pump Sykes CP100I RV601 Roller CAT PFB300F RV602 Roller CAT CS563D RV608 Roller Dynapac CA512PD SC011 Crusher Striker 1312R Track Impactor SC012 Crusher Striker 1312R HDT Track Impactor SC019 Hire Plant Striker JM1180 SC020 Hire Plant Striker CM400 SC022 Hire Plant Striker CR400 SC023 Hire Plant Striker JM1180 SM009 Trailer, drill support Modern Box Trailer SP002 Screen, crusher Scorpion 8x4 Mobile Screening Plt SP010 Hire Plant Striker SC185 SP011 Hire Plant Fintec 570 ST005 Stacker Striker 24mx1000 Radial Stacker ST013 Stacker Striker 15mx1200 Radial Stacker ST014 Stacker Striker 15mx1200 Radial Stacker ST016 Hire Plant Striker TS15 TA002 Tank, fuel Unknown Fuel Tank TD403 Trailer, dolly convertor TrnsptConn Tri-Axle Rd Train Dolly TD405 Trailer, dolly convertor TrnsptConn Tri-Axle Rd Train Dolly
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 43
Plant Description Make Model No. TD406 Trailer, dolly Boomerang 100T TD408 Trailer, dolly convertor MickMurray Dolly TD409 Trailer, dolly convertor TrnsptConn Bogie TD415 Trailer, dolly Tristar Tri-Axle Dolly TD418 Trailer, dolly convertor Tristar Tandem Bogie Dolly TD419 Trailer, dolly convertor Tristar Tri-Axle Dolly TD435 Trailer, dolly MickMurray Dolly TD436 Trailer, dolly MickMurray Dolly TD437 Trailer, dolly MickMurray Dolly TD438 Trailer, dolly MickMurray Dolly TD439 Trailer, dolly MickMurray Dolly TD440 Trailer, dolly MickMurray Dolly TD442 Trailer, dolly MickMurray Tri-Axle Dolly TD443 Trailer, dolly MickMurray Tri-Axle Dolly TD444 Hire Plant Jamieson Tndm-Axle Rd Train Dolly TD447 Hire Plant, Trailer Dolly Tri Drive Jamieson Tri-Axle Rd Train Dolly TD448 Trailer, dolly Jamieson P6 TA tandem R/T Dolly TF501 Trailer, flat top Barker Drop Deck Trailer TF504 Trailer, side tipper Krueger ST-2 Drop Side Trailer TL411 Trailer, low loader Boomerang 100t Float TS601 Trailer, side tipper Tristar S/Tipper Body & Sframe TS604 Trailer, side tipper Unknown Trailer TS610 Trailer, side tipper Unknown Trailer TS611 Trailer, side tipper Stallion Unknown TS612 Trailer, side tipper Tristar Heavy Duty Side Tippers TS615 Trailer, side tipper Tristar A' Trailer TS616 Trailer, side tipper Tristar A' Trailer TS617 Trailer, side tipper Tristar B' Trailer TS618 Trailer, side tipper Unknown Trailer TS623 Trailer, side tipper Tristar Heavy Duty Side Tippers TS624 Trailer, side tipper Tristar Heavy Duty Side Tippers TS625 Trailer, side tipper Tristar Heavy Duty Side Tippers TS640 Trailer, side tipper MickMurray 23 cubic metre TS641 Trailer, side tipper MickMurray 23 cubic metre TS642 Trailer, side tipper MickMurray 23 cubic metre TS643 Trailer, side tipper MickMurray 23 cubic metre TS644 Trailer, side tipper MickMurray 14 cubic metre TS645 Trailer, side tipper MickMurray 14 cubic metre TS652 Trailer, side tipper MickMurray Trailer TS653 Trailer, side tipper MickMurray Trailer TS654 Trailer, side tipper MickMurray Trailer TS657 Trailer, side tipper MickMurray 23 cubic metre TS658 Trailer, side tipper MickMurray 14 cubic metre TW205 Hire Plant Jamieson 25,000L TW206 Hire Plant Jamieson 25,000L TW207 Tanker, Water Jamieson Boomer Tri Axle TW208 Tanker, Water Jamieson Boomer Tri Axle WL019 Loader, wheel CAT 980H WL026 Hire Plant CAT 988H WL027 Hire Plant CAT 988H WL305 Loader, wheel CAT IT28G
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 44
Plant Description Make Model No. WL312 Hire Plant CAT IT62H WL601 Loader, wheel CAT 988F WT009 Tank, water Unknown 50,000L
Cairn Hill ML 6303 MARCR 2010-2011 Rev1 45