DOCSLIB.ORG

Water Resource Assessment – Water Resources of the North Eastern Southern Basins (Arafura and Ride Consulting, August 2017)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Water Resource Assessment – Water Resources of the North Eastern Southern Basins (Arafura and Ride Consulting, August 2017) Appendix 3 Water Resource Assessment – Water Resources of the North Eastern Southern Basins (Arafura and Ride Consulting, August 2017) GHD | Report for Arafura Resources Ltd ‐ Nolans Project Supplement Report, 4322529 ABSTRACT This technical water resource assessment report describes the results of water investigations and baseline water monitoring completed by Arafura Resources Ltd seeking a water supply for their proposed Nolans Rare Earth Project near Aileron, Northern Territory. Graham Ride Ride Consulting, Alice Springs [email protected] August 2017 Water Resources of the North Eastern Southern Basins Arafura Resources Limited; August 2017 Arafura Resources Ltd NE Southern Basins Water Resources Technical Report Photos showing cleanout and development of Reaphook Paleochannel production bore RC 22 (PB1) The six production bores intersected high yielding aquifers with thick sequences of sand, gravel and to the west boulders in the deep paleochannels. Note the gravel being airlifted during cleanout of RC 12 (bottom left) and gravel in the bore drain of bore RC 19 (bottom right). 1 Page File: 2017 08 25 AR NE SB WR Rpt Graham Ride 25/08/2017 10:46 AM Ride Consulting Arafura Resources Ltd NE Southern Basins Water Resources Technical Report Table of Contents Key Nolans Project Water Components ................................................................................................ 4 Project Life .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Mine Site ............................................................................................................................................. 4 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 5 2 Hydrogeology ............................................................................................................................... 10 2.1 Previous Work ...................................................................................................................... 10 2.2 Geology ................................................................................................................................. 12 2.3 Aquifers................................................................................................................................. 13 2.4 Aquifer Parameters .............................................................................................................. 14 2.5 Groundwater Monitoring ..................................................................................................... 18 2.6 Groundwater Movement ..................................................................................................... 22 2.7 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems ................................................................................. 26 2.8 Climate .................................................................................................................................. 28 2.9 Surface Water ....................................................................................................................... 30 2.10 Surface Water Monitoring ................................................................................................... 35 2.11 Groundwater Recharge .................................................................................................... 36 2.12 Groundwater Quality ........................................................................................................... 41 3 Conceptual Groundwater Model ................................................................................................. 42 4 Numerical Groundwater Model ................................................................................................... 43 6 Nolans Mine Estimated Water Demand ...................................................................................... 43 7 Mine Groundwater Supply Planned Development ..................................................................... 44 8 Conclusions ................................................................................................................................... 46 9 Recommendations ....................................................................................................................... 47 9 Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................... 48 10 Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................. 49 11 References ................................................................................................................................ 50 Abbreviations ....................................................................................................................................... 52 Glossary ................................................................................................................................................ 55 Appendices ........................................................................................................................................... 56 Appendix A Arafura Nolans Water Study Areas ......................................................................... 57 Appendix B Arafura Groundwater Monitoring Program Results ............................................... 58 Appendix C Surface Water & Monitoring Program Results ......................................................... 75 Appendix D Arafura Nolans Region Groundwater Investigations Summary 2 .............................. 79 Page File: 2017 08 25 AR NE SB WR Rpt Graham Ride 25/08/2017 10:46 AM Ride Consulting Arafura Resources Ltd NE Southern Basins Water Resources Technical Report Appendix E Climate ....................................................................................................................... 82 Appendix F Water Quality Datasets, drawings and maps. .......................................................... 85 Appendix G Hydraulic Pump Test Summaries .............................................................................. 97 Appendix H Arafura NE Southern Basins Aquifer Systems ........................................................ 101 Appendix I Arafura NE Southern Basins Borefield Development ............................................ 102 Appendix J Plates: Selected Photographs ................................................................................. 103 Appendix K Cross sections, Maps & Drawings ........................................................................... 118 Appendix L Arafura Nolans Project Bore Summaries (Spreadsheets) ....................................... 139 Appendix M Arafura Nolans Project Hydrostations .................................................................. 143 Attachments ....................................................................................................................................... 146 Arafura Digital Water Database ........................................................................................................ 146 3 Page File: 2017 08 25 AR NE SB WR Rpt Graham Ride 25/08/2017 10:46 AM Ride Consulting Arafura Resources Ltd NE Southern Basins Water Resources Technical Report Key Nolans Project Water Components Project Life Construction period 2 years Operational period 41 years Mine Site Pit open pit to be excavated to a maximum depth of about 270 m for the life-of mine case with surface area up to 140 ha Slurry transfer pipe single stage pumping slurry pipeline between the concentrator near the pit 1.2 km south to the processing plant between Old Albs stockwatering bore and the gas pipeline Borefields up to 4 borefields with multiple water production bores extracting mainly brackish quality groundwater from Reaphook Paleochannel aquifers. Groundwater pumped to centrally located water storage within the borefields then to water storages at a reverse osmosis plant for use in the processing plant, mine infrastructure construction and mine operations. One borefield with multiple water production bores extracting better quality groundwater (near potable) from low yielding Arunta Basement aquifers and adjacent Reaphook alluvial aquifers. Mine Water Demand total site raw water demand projected to be 2.7 GL/an: processing plant water 2,342 mega litres per year (ML/yr), potable water 50 ML/yr and water for beneficiation, up to 387 ML/yr Sources of Water dewatering pit during mining operations; up to five borefields in the NE Southern Basins and adjacent weathered and colluvial basement aquifers. Reuse water and possibly storm water some years Workforce Construction peak of 500 housed in a purpose-built camp Operations peak of 300 mining village east of the gas pipeline and the main processing plant Key Southern Basins Groundwater Monitoring Components Borefields Production bores: recording pumping rate (L/sec); start and finish (minutes); yield: m3/hr or L/hr or /day; EC and pH and Temperature: hourly; drawdown and recovery (WL, SWL, m); chemical water quality suite: annual or reduced if significant changes occur) Production bore observation bores: SWL (time, minutes and hours) Borefield monitoring bores: SWL (time: hours; chemical quality) Resource Resource monitoring bores: SWL and groundwater quality changes 4 Page File: 2017 08 25
Load more

Recommended publications
  • By H.D.V. PRENDERGAST a Thesis Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the Australian National University. January 1
    STRUCTURAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL RELATIONSHIPS IN AUSTRALIAN c4 GRASSES (POACEAE) • by H.D.V. PRENDERGAST A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the Australian National University. January 1987. Canberra, Australia. i STATEMENT This thesis describes my own work which included collaboration with Dr N .. E. Stone (Taxonomy Unit, R .. S .. B.S .. ), whose expertise in enzyme assays enabled me to obtain comparative information on enzyme activities reported in Chapters 3, 5 and 7; and with Mr M.. Lazarides (Australian National Herbarium, c .. s .. r .. R .. O .. ), whose as yet unpublished taxonomic views on Eragrostis form the basis of some of the discussion in Chapter 3. ii This thesis describes the results of research work carried out in the Taxonomy Unit, Research School of Biological Sciences, The Australian National University during the tenure of an A.N.U. Postgraduate Scholarship. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My time in the Taxonomy Unit has been a happy one: I could not have asked for better supervision for my project or for a more congenial atmosphere in which to work. To Dr. Paul Hattersley, for his help, advice, encouragement and friendship, I owe a lot more than can be said in just a few words: but, Paul, thanks very much! To Mr. Les Watson I owe as much for his own support and guidance, and for many discussions on things often psittacaceous as well as graminaceous! Dr. Nancy Stone was a kind teacher in many days of enzyme assays and Chris Frylink a great help and friend both in and out of the lab •• Further thanks go to Mike Lazarides (Australian National Herbarium, c.s.I.R.O.) for identifying many grass specimens and for unpublished data on infrageneric groups in Eragrostis; Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • 2009 November
    ALICE SPRINGS FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB November 2009 Newsletter Scarlet Percher ( Diplacodes haematodes ), Photo Bob Read Learn more about Central Australian wetlands from Angus Duguid and Bob Read at this month's Field Nats meeting Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month (except December and January) at 7:30 PM at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden. Visitors are welcome. Postal Address: P.O. Box 8663 Alice Springs, Northern Territory 0871 Web site : www.geocities.com/alicenats CONTENTS Meeting ..p2 Trips/Activities ..p2 From the Presidents ..p3 Bird Banding ..p3 South Side Mt Gillen ..p4 Native Gap ..p5 OLSH Land for Wildlife ..p7 Wader Watch ..p8 Gums for Galahs ..p9 Bush Stone-Curlews ..p9 MEETINGS Wednesday 11 November - "Wetland in central Australia: Where, What and When?", Angus Duguid "Hydrogeology of central Australian wetlands", Bob Read. (Christopher Palmer’s talk “Central Australian Insects” has been postponed unt il next year.) TRIPS / ACTIVITIES If you want to attend any trips 7 November Early morning walk (2-3 hours) from Flynn's Grave to please RSVP to Flagon Hill using rough vehicle tracks and then cross Trip Leader country to Sue Fraser's place on Mparntwe Drive in Stirling Heights for morning tea. Approximately 4-5 km. Meet 7am @ Flynn's Grave. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, hat and sun protection. Contact: Connie Spencer on 8952 4694. 21 November Visit to Northern Territory Natural History Museum in the Strehlow Building. Ian Archibald will talk us around the exhibits answering questions, and also show us the storerooms at the back of Witchetty’s that contain other Natural History items.
    [Show full text]
  • Aboriginal and Historic Heritage Assessment Report
    Appendix K Aboriginal and Historic Heritage Assessment Report Mount Peake Project, Northern Territory: Aboriginal & Historic Heritage Assessment Prepared by Australian Museum Consulting for TNG Limited December 2015 1301131 Australian Museum Consulting 1 William Street, Sydney NSW 2010 t 02 9320 6311 f 02 9320 6428 australianmuseum.net.au/AMC [email protected] Mount Peake Project, Northern Territory: Aboriginal & Historic Heritage Assessment Document Information 1301131 Australian Museum Consulting 2015, Mount Peake Project, Northern Territory: Citation: Aboriginal & Historic Heritage Assessment. Consultancy report to TNG Limited. Version 1: Draft Report issued December 2015 Versions: Version 2: Final Report issued December 2015 Recipient: Eddie Fry, TNG Consultant Approved by: Jennie Lindbergh, Australian Museum Consulting Senior Project Manager, Laressa Berehowyj, Australian Museum Consulting Project Officer, Primary Chris Langeluddecke, Australian Museum Consulting Project Manager, Authors Aboriginal Heritage Australian Museum Consulting II Mount Peake Project, Northern Territory: Aboriginal & Historic Heritage Assessment Executive Summary Australian Museum Consulting (AM Consulting) was commissioned by TNG Limited (TNG) to prepare an Aboriginal and Historic Heritage Assessment for a proposed mining development on the Murray Creek near Mount Peake, Northern Territory (NT), known as the Mount Peake Project (the project). This assessment is required to address potential impacts to historic and Aboriginal cultural heritage arising from
    [Show full text]
  • Download Our Visitor Guide…
    FREE MAPS L XP RE• ••E • THE RED CENTRE VISITOR GUIDE Pyndan Camel Tracks - Alice Springs www.exploreoz.com.auwww.exploreoz.com.au 1 CONTENTS PAGE ALICE SPRINGS 33 - 91 Accommodation 50 - 56 Art Culture & Museums 83 - 87 Attractions 40 - 49 Dining, Café’s & Takeaway 76 - 79 Events 74 - 75 History Walk 72 - 73 Seniors Discount offers 49 Shopping & services 80 - 82 Suggested Itinerary 64 Vehicle Hire & Auto Services 88 - 91 COOBER PEDY 8 - 15 Events 8 History Trail 13 Suggested Itinerary 15 MAPS Alice Springs CBD / Town Centre Alice Springs – South of The Gap Centre Barkly Region 110 Coober Pedy Town 10 - 11 East MacDonnell Ranges 102 - 103 Explorers Way 6 - 7 Red Centre Way 94 - 95 Regional – Central Australia Centre South East Alice Springs 29 Tennant Creek 116 - 117 West MacDonnell Ranges 94 - 100 Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park 24 Yulara Resort 22 SELF DRIVES Binns Track 101 - 105 Explorers Way 6 - 7 Outback Way 120 Red Centre Way 94 - 100 TENNANT CREEK 112 - 119 Events 115 Suggested Itinerary 113 ULURU KATA TJUTA 18 - 26 WATARRKA / KINGS CANYON 27 ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY / DISTANCE GRID 122 - 123 2 Explore The Red Centre www.exploreoz.com.au 3 TO DARWIN: 965km BARKLY EXPLORE THE THREEWAYS 186 HWY 25 COOBER PEDY TO TENNANT CREEK Barkly RED CENTRE Roadhouse Police 125 Exploring the Red Centre is your unique TENNANT CREEK 114 experience, where the colours inspire, 0 50 100 150 km Wutunugurra adventures beckon, where you seek 117 something different. DEVILS MARBLES HOTEL 18 Road - Sealed WYCLIFFE WELL Iytwelepenty Road - Unsealed Imangara 125 Track (4WD) - Davenport HWY BINNS Ranges Red Centre Way EXPLORERS National Binns Track 72 105 TRACK Mt Sonder WAY Park Outback Way 110 Explorer’s Way BARROW CREEK It won’t matter if you travel from the south heading north, or vice Accomodation Ampilatwatja versa, or even where you start your journey in the Red Centre.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 9: Biodiversity
    Arafura Resouces Ltd Nolans Environmental Impact Statement volume one 09 Biodiversity Chapter 9 Nolans Project Environmental Impact Statement 9. Biodiversity 9.1 Introduction This chapter describes the flora, vegetation and fauna present in the study area, including a description of biodiversity values at the species and ecosystem level, and in a local and regional context. This chapter also describes the potential direct and indirect impacts of the project on local and regional biodiversity, including TPWC listed threatened flora and fauna species. Mitigation measures that will be implemented in order to minimise the impact of project construction and operation area documented. Section 5.4.1 of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the preparation of an environmental impact assessment issued by the NT EPA for the Project provided the following environmental objective in relation to biodiversity: The Project will maintain the conservation status, diversity, geographic distribution and productivity of flora and fauna, at the species and ecosystem levels, through the avoidance or management of adverse impacts. This chapter addresses the biodiversity values, as required in the TOR for the project. The delegate of the Commonwealth Minister has determined that the project is a controlled action that has the potential to significantly impact listed threatened species and communities (under Sections 18 and 18A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 – EPBC Act). The project will be assessed under the Bilateral Agreement between the NT and Commonwealth governments. Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and other matters protected under the EPBC Act are discussed separately in Chapter 10. This chapter provides the environmental context and the detailed habitat information that is the background to a discussion of the impact on MNES.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity
    Arafura Resouces Ltd Nolans Environmental Impact Statement volume one 09 Biodiversity Chapter 9 Nolans Project Environmental Impact Statement 9. Biodiversity 9.1 Introduction This chapter describes the flora, vegetation and fauna present in the study area, including a description of biodiversity values at the species and ecosystem level, and in a local and regional context. This chapter also describes the potential direct and indirect impacts of the project on local and regional biodiversity, including TPWC listed threatened flora and fauna species. Mitigation measures that will be implemented in order to minimise the impact of project construction and operation area documented. Section 5.4.1 of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the preparation of an environmental impact assessment issued by the NT EPA for the Project provided the following environmental objective in relation to biodiversity: The Project will maintain the conservation status, diversity, geographic distribution and productivity of flora and fauna, at the species and ecosystem levels, through the avoidance or management of adverse impacts. This chapter addresses the biodiversity values, as required in the TOR for the project. The delegate of the Commonwealth Minister has determined that the project is a controlled action that has the potential to significantly impact listed threatened species and communities (under Sections 18 and 18A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 – EPBC Act). The project will be assessed under the Bilateral Agreement between the NT and Commonwealth governments. Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and other matters protected under the EPBC Act are discussed separately in Chapter 10. This chapter provides the environmental context and the detailed habitat information that is the background to a discussion of the impact on MNES.
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix N: Biodiversity - Fauna and Threatened Species Report
    Arafura Resouces Ltd Nolans Environmental Impact Statement volume three N Biodiversity – Fauna and Threatened Species Report Appendix N Arafura Resources Limited Nolans Project Environmental Impact Statement Appendix N: Biodiversity - Fauna and Threatened Species Report May 2016 Executive summary Introduction GHD was engaged by Arafura Resources Ltd to undertake a range of biodiversity assessments of the Nolans Rare Earths Study area. This report presents information pertaining to fauna within and surrounding the Study area. The main objective of this report is to address the biodiversity assessment requirements (fauna component) of the Terms of Reference set by the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) for assessment of the Nolans Rare Earths Project. These Terms of Reference take into account formal assessment and approval under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999, by way of the NT/Commonwealth bilateral environmental assessment process. This report describes the methods used and results obtained from desktop and field surveys spanning two main periods: late 2010 and early 2011, and mid-2015. The assessed area included the proposed mine site, processing site, accommodation facility, access roads, haul route, utilities corridor (potable water pipeline, water supply pipeline, power line corridor) and borefield area. The assessed area in 2010/11 also included a proposed haul route that has since been removed from the area of investigation. However, results from surveys in that area are discussed where relevant, because that area contained habitats that are similar to those in the current footprint. During the course of the assessments for this project, the Commonwealth Department of the Environment made changes to the threatened species lists considered under the EPBC Act.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Northern Territory Birds
    WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM SPECIAL PUBLICA TIO N No. 4 LIST OF NORTHERN TERRITORY BIRDS World List Abbreviation : Spec. Publ. W. Aust. Mus. Printed for the Western Australian Museum Board by the Government Printer, Perth, Western Austral,ia. Iss~ecl 28th February, 1967 Edited by w. D. L. RIDE and A. NEUMANN RED- WINGED PARROT Photograph by Mr. Peter Slater LIST OF NORTHERN TERRITORY BIRDS BY G. M. STORR [2]-13314 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 7 Classification ... 7 Distribution ... 8 Status, habitat and breeding season 8 Appendices 9 LIST OF BIRDS 11 BIBLIOGRAPHY 65 SPECIES CONFIRMANDAE .... 69 GAZETTEER .... 71 INDEX TO SPECIES .. 84 Introduction It has long been the desire of ornithologists to have a list of Australian birds with their known range set out with considerably more precision than in current checklists. Yet it is hard to see how such a list can be compiled until each of the states and territories has a list of its own. Several state lists have appeared in the last two decades, and the only large gaps remaining are the birds of Queensland and the Northern Territory. In choosing the second as my subject, I have undertaken much the lighter task; for the avi­ fauna of the Territory is impoverished compared to Queensland's, and its literature is far smaller. The present work is a compendium of what has been published on the occurrence, status, habitat and breeding season of Northern Territory birds, augmented with my own field notes and those of Dr. D. L. Serventy. No attempt has been made to fill the numerous gaps in the record by writing to museums and observers for information or by personally exploring un­ worked regions.
    [Show full text]
  • Native Gap Conservation Reserve
    Native Gap Conservation Reserve This Reserve is the largest of The Reserve’s sandy flat is open several small roadside parks woodland dominated by Ironwood Safety and Comfort adjacent to the Stuart Highway (Acacia estrophiolata) and • Observe park safety signs. between Alice Springs and Desert Bloodwood (Corymbia • Carry and drink plenty of water. Tennant Creek. opaca). These trees provide • Wear a shady hat, sunscreen, shade and shelter for visitors insect repellent, suitable The Reserve area is of great clothing and footwear. using the Reserve’s facilities. The importance to Aboriginal people. • Avoid strenuous activity during It is a registered sacred site understorey is generally sparse the heat of the day. Fact Sheet and the intersection of several and characterised by spinifex • Consider your health and fitness dreaming trails. The Aboriginal (Triodia spp.) and other grass when choosing a walk. name for the place is Arulta species. The Short-beaked Echidna Please Remember Atwarte (pronounced ar-all-ta (Tachyglossus aculeatus), is • Keep to designated roads and art-wa-cha) which means “back known to inhabit the sandy flats. tracks. of the shoulder – gap” (as the • All historic, cultural items and Access ridge of the Hann Range appears wildlife are protected. Native Gap Conservation Reserve when seen from the south). • Firewood collection is not is approximately 115 km north of permitted in the reserve. The first recorded use of the name Alice Springs on the western side • Fires are only permitted in “Native Gap” was by W.W. Mills of the Stuart Highway. designated firepits. in his 1872 report to Charles Todd Access is via a service track to a • Bins are not provided, please regarding construction of the nearby Telstra repeater tower on take your rubbish with you.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 1: Introduction
    Arafura Resouces Ltd Nolans Environmental Impact Statement volume one 01 Introduction Chapter 1 Nolans Project Environmental Impact Statement 1. Introduction 1.1 Overview Arafura Resources Limited (Arafura) is proposing to develop Nolans Project (the project) located approximately 135 kilometres (km) north west of Alice Springs, Northern Territory (NT) (Figure 1-1). The project is construction, mining, processing, rehabilitation and decommissioning of a rare earth (RE) mine and associated infrastructure. The project is targeting a fluorapatite mineral deposit containing REs at Nolans Bore. The Nolans site comprises the mine site, a processing site, a borefield area and accommodation village site, and interconnecting access roads and utility service corridors (Figure 1-2). Mining operations will be undertaken using conventional open pit methods (drill, blast, load and haul) at a maximum overall mining rate of ten million tonnes per annum (tpa), to produce an average one million tonnes of concentrator feed each year. Excavated ore will be fed to beneficiation circuits at the mine site. The circuits will include staged crushing, grinding, wet magnetic separation and flotation. A concentrator will produce phosphate-bearing and RE-bearing concentrate in a slurry form. The slurry will be pumped via a high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline to the processing site approximately eight kilometres to the south of the mine site. The processing site contains RE extraction processing units, a sulfuric acid plant, process residue storage facilities (RSFs), evaporation ponds, a power station and other infrastructure to support the operation. From the processing site, RE concentrate will be transported to Port of Darwin, NT and subsequently, to an offshore RE separation plant.
    [Show full text]