Two Boys Underground Project:

Mining Proposal

(Addendum to Reg ID: 15749)

Version 1, Revision 3

29 January 2021

Reg ID: 92780

Version Revision Author Reviewer Date

1 3 A. Ruschmann D. Harper 29/01/2021

Company: Avoca Mining Pty Ltd (100% owned by Karora Resources Pty Ltd) Mining Tenements M15/231, M15/348, M15/610 and M15/748 EGS Code: S0223024 (Higginsville Environmental Group Site) Project Code J00152 (Higginsville) Registered office: 6 Outram Street, West Perth, WA 6005 Company Contact Details: Postal: PO Box 1250 WEST PERTH WA 6872 Phone: 9039 6030

Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

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2020 Mining Proposal Checklist

Q No Mining Proposal (MP) Checklist Y/N/ Comments Changes Section/ Summary NA from Page previous No. Version (Y/N)

Has the checklist been endorsed by a Y Y Environmental tenement holder(s) or a senior Manager 1 representative authorised by the tenement holder(s), such as a Registered Manager or Company Director? 2 Are you the tenement holder of all Y Y Avoca Mining tenements associated with the Mining Pty Ltd wholly Proposal /group site? owned Mining Proposals which have not been subsidiary of submitted by the tenement holder must Karora include an authorisation from the Resources tenement holder or an explanation of the Pty Ltd company linkage to the tenement holder (e.g. for subsidiary companies). 3 For tenements with multiple tenement N/A holders, have all of the other holders consented to this proposal being submitted? Mining Proposals which have not been submitted by the tenement holder must include an authorisation from the tenement holder or an explanation of the company linkage to the tenement holder (e.g. for subsidiary companies). 4 Have contact details for questions on the Y Y Mining Proposal been provided? 5 Are all mining operations within granted Y Y tenement boundaries or does this Mining Proposal support a lease application? 6 Is this the first Mining Proposal submitted for N Version 1 under these tenements? 2020 guidelines If No, the version number of the revised for Two Boys Mining Proposal must be stated on the cover underground and a summary of changes included operations

7 Have all tenement conditions been reviewed Y Karora has to ensure activities proposed in the Mining reviewed Proposal are in compliance? compliance with tenement conditions

8 Has a Mine Closure Plan been provided? Y N Higginsville Mine It is a requirement that every mining Closure Plan proposal include a mine closure plan. (Reg ID 61112)

Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Q No Mining Proposal (MP) Checklist Y/N/ Comments Changes Section/ Summary NA from Page previous No. Version (Y/N)

PUBLIC AVAILABILITY 9 Are you aware that this Mining Proposal is Y publicly available? 10 Is there any information in this Mining N Proposal that should not be publicly available? If Yes, refer to Appendix B, section 7 of the guidelines for more information. Note: A non-confidential version of all mining proposals will be made available to the public 11 If ‘Yes’ to Q10, has confidential information N/A been submitted in a separate document?

MINING PROPOSAL DETAILS 12 Does the Mining Proposal cover page Y include:  Environmental Group Site name  Environmental Group Site code  company name (including telephone numbers and email addresses)  contact details  version number  date of submission.

13 Has information regarding the Environmental Y Y Section 2; Table Group Site (EGS) been provided in 1 accordance with the requirements of Appendix G of the guidelines?

14 Has a disturbance table been provided in Y Y accordance with the requirements of Appendix G of the guidelines? 15 Has spatial data for all Mine Activity Types Y Y Disturbance been provided in accordance with the envelope specified properties and allowances? 16 Has a site plan, consistent with all spatial Y Y data and activity details, been provided?

The site plan must show existing and proposed activities and other relevant information including tenement boundaries and other land tenure (e.g. Reserves and pastoral lease boundaries). 17 Do you have and maintain an Environmental Y N Appendix K & L Management System?

Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Q No Mining Proposal (MP) Checklist Y/N/ Comments Changes Section/ Summary NA from Page previous No. Version (Y/N)

ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 18 Does the Mining Proposal include a list of all Y Full list N relevant environmental approvals that have provided been sought or are required before the proposal may be implemented? 19 Does the Mining Proposal trigger any criteria N N for referral to the EPA within the DMP/EPA Memorandum of Understanding? 20 Has the Mining Proposal been referred to N N the EPA? If Yes, indicate date of referral in comments 21 Has the proposal been deemed to not N N warrant formal assessment under Part IV of the EP Act, is currently under assessment by the EPA, or has been approved via a Ministerial Statement? If Yes, ensure details of Ministerial Statement, assessment level and/or assessment number are provided within the Mining Proposal 22 Is a clearing permit required? If ‘No’ then Y Y CPS 8152/3 explain why in space below issued 23 If ‘Yes’ at Q22 then has a clearing permit Y Y CPS 8152/3 been applied for? issued 24 Is the Mining Proposal located on reserve Y N Crown Reserve land? If “Yes” state reserve types 10305 (Common)

25 Is the Mining Proposal wholly or partially N N within Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) managed areas? 26 If ‘Yes’ at Q25 has DPaW been consulted? N/A

27 Will any threatened or protected flora and/or N N fauna be impacted by this proposal? 28 Have the DAA/DPC ‘Aboriginal Heritage Due Y N Heritage survey Diligence Guidelines’ been used to identify completed. the risk of impacts to aboriginal heritage Appendix I – sites? AHIS results 29 If any aboriginal heritage sites will be N/A impacted, has appropriate consent been sought under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972?

Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Q No Mining Proposal (MP) Checklist Y/N/ Comments Changes Section/ Summary NA from Page previous No. Version (Y/N)

30 Does the Mining Proposal include a tailings N TSF is N Operation of storage facility? located at TSF2-4 Mining Proposals that include tailings HGO; 1.5 approved by storage facilities must include the relevant km north of Reg ID 89038 design reports outlined in the Guide to the Two Boys. preparation of a design report for tailings storage facilities (TSFs), August 2015.

31 Does the Mining Proposal include the Y Small N backfilling of mine voids? quantities If Yes, the Mining Proposal must include a to be Sterilisation Report. backfilled undergroun d.

32 Is the mining proposal located on pre-1899 N N Crown Grant lands? (not subject to the Mining Act) 33 Has the construction of an airstrip been N N proposed? If Yes, indicate the date when Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Airservices Australia and the Local Government Authority were advised (in writing) of the proposal to construct an airstrip.

Corporate endorsement:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge, the information contained within this Mining Proposal and checklist is true and correct and addresses all the requirements of the 2020 Statutory Guidelines for Mining Proposals in approved by the Director General of Mines.

Name: Alexander Ruschmann Signed:

Position: Environmental Manager Date: 29/01/2021

(NB: The corporate endorsement must be given by tenement holder(s) or a senior representative authorised by the tenement holder(s), such as a Registered Manager or Company Director.)

Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Contents

INTRODUCTION ...... 1 ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP SITE DETAILS ...... 3 PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION ...... 4 Mining Operations ...... 4 Boxcut & Portal Development...... 5 Mine Development ...... 6 Mine Methodology ...... 8 Blasting ...... 8 Ventilation ...... 12 Waste Rock Management ...... 12 Material Balance ...... 13 Mine Dewatering...... 13 Ore Processing & Tailings Storage ...... 14 Infrastructure Corridors and Transportation ...... 14 Topsoil / Mulch Stockpiles ...... 15 Abandonment Bund ...... 15 Support Facilities ...... 16 Workforce ...... 16 ACTIVITY DETAILS ...... 17 Spatial Information ...... 17 Activity & Disturbance Details ...... 17 Key Mine Activities ...... 19 Mining Void ...... 19 Waste Rock Dump ...... 20 Disturbance Envelope ...... 21 Site Plans ...... 21 ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK ...... 24 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ...... 25 Stakeholder Engagement Strategy ...... 25 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL DATA ...... 27 Climate ...... 27 Landscape...... 30 Soils ...... 30 Biodiversity, Flora, Fauna and Ecosystem ...... 31 Vegetation and Flora ...... 31 Fauna ...... 32 Hydrology ...... 35 Surface Water ...... 35 Surface Water Management ...... 36 Groundwater ...... 38 Groundwater Management...... 40 Material Characterisation ...... 41 Regional Geology ...... 41 Local Geology ...... 41 Subsurface Materials Characterisation ...... 44 Environmental Threats and Other Factors ...... 46 Introduced Species ...... 46 Contamination Sources ...... 46 Air Quality and Noise ...... 47 Fire ...... 47

Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Cultural Heritage ...... 48 Land Use ...... 48 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESMENT ...... 51 Risk Assessment Criteria ...... 52 ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES, PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND MONITORING ...... 65 Environmental Outcomes and Performance Criteria ...... 65 Environmental Reporting ...... 69 Incidents ...... 69 Internal Reporting ...... 69 External Reporting ...... 69 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ...... 70 Environmental Policy and Objectives ...... 70 Environmental Planning ...... 70 Implementation and Operation ...... 70 Measurement and Evaluation ...... 71 Management Review ...... 71 Mine Closure ...... 72 Post Mining Land Use ...... 72 Rehabilitation ...... 72 Strategic Framework for Mine Closure ...... 73 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 74

List of Figures Figure 1: Project location map ...... 2 Figure 2: Karora Resources Corporate Structure ...... 4 Figure 3: Two Boys boxcut design ...... 6 Figure 4: Typical underground level development and infrastructure ...... 7 Figure 5: Two Boys Underground Mining Method ...... 9 Figure 6: Isometric View of Two Boys Underground Project ...... 10 Figure 7: Example of Underground Stope Mining ...... 11 Figure 8: Schematic of ventilation system ...... 12 Figure 9: Standard Abandonment bund design ...... 16 Figure 10: Disturbance Envelope ...... 22 Figure 11: Indicative Two Boys Site Layout Plan ...... 23 Figure 12: Climate Data ...... 29 Figure 13: Local Geology ...... 43 Figure 14: Tengraph "unnamed road reserve" ...... 50 Figure 15: Risk Management Framework ...... 51

Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

List of Tables Table 1: Environmental Group Site Details ...... 3 Table 2: Contact Details ...... 3 Table 3: Two Boys Underground Project Materials Balance ...... 13 Table 4: Mine Activity Details ...... 18 Table 5: Mining Voids – Detailed Activity Table ...... 19 Table 6: Waste Rock Dumps – Detailed Activity Table ...... 20 Table 7: Environmental Legislative Framework ...... 24 Table 8: Stakeholder Engagement Methods ...... 26 Table 9: Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism ...... 26 Table 10: General Fauna Assessment Findings ...... 34 Table 11: ARI Flood Summary for Two Boys ...... 36 Table 12: Groundwater Quality ...... 40 Table 13: Environmental Objectives ...... 52 Table 14: Likelihood Categories ...... 53 Table 15: Consequence Categories ...... 53 Table 16: Risk Rating Matrix ...... 54 Table 17: Risk Assessment ...... 55 Table 18: Environmental Outcomes, Performance Criteria and Monitoring ...... 66 Table 19: Outcomes Regulated by Other Agencies ...... 67

List of Appendices Appendix A – Mining Tenement Summary Reports Appendix B – HGO Stakeholder Engagement Register Appendix C – NVS (2015) Flora Survey Report for Fairplay Expansion Appendix D – GHD (2010) Higginsville Biological Survey Appendix E – Terrestrial Ecosystems (2015) Fauna Survey Report for Fairplay Expansion Appendix F – Rockwater (2020) Two Boys Surface Water Assessment Appendix G – Rockwater (2020) Two Boys Dewatering Assessment Appendix H – Aquarius & Two Boys Materials Characterisation Report (2021) Appendix I – AHIS search results Appendix J – Shire of Coolgardie – Consent for Road Reserves Appendix K – HGO Environmental Management System Manual Appendix L – Karora Environmental Policy Appendix M – Higginsville Mine Closure Plan

Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

INTRODUCTION

Higginsville Gold Operations (HGO) is located 110 km south of Kalgoorlie and 55 km north of Norseman in the Goldfields region of Western Australia. HGO is owned by Karora Resources Pty Ltd and operated by the wholly owned subsidiary Avoca Mining Pty Ltd. Mining tenements for the HGO are located mainly adjacent to the Goldfields-Esperance Highway over a north-south distance of about 105 km, stretching from about 25 km south to about 80 km north of Norseman (Figure 1). The project consists of a number of operational and closed open-cut pits and underground mines. Ore sourced from the Beta Hunt underground mine is supplemented with ore from the Baloo, Fairplay North and Hidden Secret open-cut pits. The ore is treated at the 1.5 Mtpa processing and deposited into Vine in-pit TSF. The process involves crushing, milling, leaching and absorption, as well as tailings disposal and gold recovery. Once the Vine in-pit TSF has reached capacity the tailings will be disposed into TSF 2-4. The processing of gold bearing ore and tailings deposition is authorised under Premises Licence L9155/2018/1. Water sourced from Chalice pit is authorised under the Licence to Take Water GWL 160795(6) and used for processing and dust suppression.

The mining of the Two Boys high grade gold deposit commenced in 1997 with an excavation of a boxcut. A portal was cut in March 1997 with underground development commencing April 1997. Due to the flat dipping nature of the deposit stoping was predominantly by handheld or airleg mining with the use of electric/air scrapers. Decline and lateral development was undertaken by Two Boom jumbo with broken ore loaded and trucked using conventional underground loaders and trucks. Mining operations ceased in May 1998 with total reported extraction of 186,455t at 14.01 g/t Au. Gold was processed through the Greenfields treatment plant in Western Australia.

The Two Boys boxcut is situated approximately 500 m north of the Fairplay mining region. The clearing for the proposed infrastructure is authorised by the Permit to Clear Native Vegetation CPS 8152/3. Groundwater abstraction is authorised by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation on M 15/231 and M 15/348 under the Higginsville Groundwater Licence GWL160795(6).

Underground mining of the Two Boys deposit is essential for ensuring that the Higginsville Gold Operations can continue to operate. The full list of disturbance activities on associated tenements for which Karora is seeking approval is provided in more detail in Section 4.

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Figure 1: Project location map

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP SITE DETAILS

Environmental Group Site (EGS) details for the Two Boys Underground Project are provided in Table 1. The first Mining Proposal (Reg ID 15749) to mine the Two Boys underground was approved 16 January 1997. This proposal seeks to recommence mining of the Two Boys underground to extend mine workings onto tenement M 15/348 and construct a new waste dump on M 15/610. Key contact details for Karora are provided in Table 2. Karora’s corporate structure is present in Figure 2. Tenement summary reports have been included in Appendix A.

Table 1: Environmental Group Site Details

SITE DETAILS

EGS Name Higginsville Environmental Group Site EGS Code S0223024 Mine Status Operational Mining Operation Recommissioning of Two Boys box-cut and underground mine Commodity Mined Gold Project Commencement date January 2021 Estimated Life of Mine 18 – 24 Months Tenement Details Tenement Tenement Holder M15/231 Avoca Mining Pty Ltd M15/348 Avoca Mining Pty Ltd M15/610 Avoca Mining Pty Ltd M15/748 Avoca Mining Pty Ltd

Table 2: Contact Details

Don Harper Alexander Ruschmann General Manager Environmental Manager Avoca Mining Pty Ltd ACN: 108 547 217 Register office: 6 Outram Street, West Perth, WA 6005 Postal: PO Box 1250 West Perth, WA 6872 0408 956 127 0455 570 877

[email protected] [email protected]

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Figure 2: Karora Resources Corporate Structure

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION

Mining Operations

The mining of the Two Boys high grade gold deposit commenced in 1997 with an excavation of a boxcut. A portal was cut in March 1997 with underground development commencing April 1997. Due to the flat dipping nature of the deposit stoping was predominantly by handheld or airleg mining with the use of electric/air scrapers. Decline and lateral development was undertaken by Two Boom jumbo with broken ore loaded and trucked using conventional underground loaders and trucks. Mining operations ceased in May 1998 with total reported extraction of 186,455t at 14.01 g/t Au. Gold was processed through the Greenfields treatment plant in Western Australia.

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

This proposal outlines a similar approach to mining of the Two Boys deposit as undertaken in 1997. Decline and lateral ore development will be undertaken using a Two Boom Jumbo drilling machine. Stoping will be predominantly done by handheld airleg machines drilling production holes and using ANFO explosives for blasting.

Primary ventilation will be through an existing 2.5m raise bore connected between the existing underground workings and the surface. Secondary ventilation will deliver good air flow to the working faces using conventional 110kw ventilation fans.

Geotechnical pillars will be left in place to ensure support and roof stability. It is envisaged all mechanized mining will be undertaken by Karora personnel. Airleg stoping will be outsourced to an experienced underground mining contractor. Karora will be responsible for all supervision, engineering, geological and technical support to the operations. It is anticipated that Karora will maintain its own underground mining fleet utilizing the existing surface infrastructure and support facilities located at the Higginsville operations.

The Two Boys Underground Mine has an estimated mine life of 2.5 years. Mining is planned to reach a designed depth of 235 m below ground with future exploration success this depth may be extended with further development. The mine will produce approximately 285,000 ore tonnes at an estimated grade of 3.05 g/t. Dewatering the existing underground workings will be used for the processing of ore at the Higginsville plant. Mine dewatering during operations will be used for dust suppression with surplus water disposed into Fairplay pit. piped and delivered to the Higginsville processing plant.

On completion of dewatering high-grade stope ore will be accessed by the end of Q1 2021. Ore will be hauled to the Higginsville ROM pad approximately 1.2km north by 50t capacity underground articulated dump trucks.

All ore will be processed using conventional Carbon In Leach (CIL) processing at a rate of up to 185 tonnes per hour, with tailings to be deposited at the existing HGO Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF2-4) (approved under Reg ID 89038).

Boxcut & Portal Development

The Two Boys underground mine will be accessed via an existing box cut Figure 3 and Figure 4 with a portal located at the base of the boxcut. The boxcut design parameters are as follows:

• Box cut wall batter angles of 45 degrees until the second berm, 65 degrees following the final berm.

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

• Height between berms will not exceed 20m to the base of the pit with a minimum berm width of 4 m; and • Main ramp at 10 m width • Main ramp gradient 1 in 7 down

The existing portal entry is in very good condition. It is envisaged only superficial ground support may be required.

Figure 3: Two Boys boxcut design

Mine Development

Existing Decline development was completed at 5.5 mH x 5.5 mW. Existing ore drive development drives were shanty backed at 4.5 mW x 4 mH and averaged 10 m vertically apart. Historical mining operations were carried out over a vertical interval of 120 m from the top of the West Lode at the 940 mRL to the base of the Main lode at 820 mRL. It is anticipated that the Two Boys decline and existing ore drives to be extended from the existing underground workings. The decline size will be slightly reduced 5.2 mW x 5.5 mH with a semi arched profile and designed at 1:7 down. The

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1 existing and new extended Two Boys decline will act as the central fresh air intake for the mine and mobile vehicle access. Two Boys underground development will utilise multiple drive sizes:

• Decline – 5.2 mW x 5.5 mH Arch; • Crosscuts and stockpiles – 5 mW x 5mH • Ore drives (shanty back profile) - 4.2 mW x 4.5 mH • Return air drive and escape way drive – 4.0 mW x 4.5 mH Arch; • Return airway – 2.5 m diameter; and • Escapeway – 1.5m x 1.5m with ladderways installed An existing escapeway through the old development is in place. The underground crew will develop new escapeways as the mine extends deeper. The primary ventilation circuit will not be accessed under normal circumstances, apart from routine inspections of the circuit and associated excavations. The primary fans will be located underground in bulkhead. A typical plan view of the underground mine layout is presented in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Typical underground level development and infrastructure

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Mine Methodology

The proposed mining method is airleg breast stoping, similar to a room and pillar due to the flat dipping nature of the orebodies with dips ranging from 15 to 34 degrees Figure 5. Breast stoping is a common method of airleg mining used in near-horizontal ore bodies where mechanized equipment are unable to access. A production rate of between 10,000t to 15,000t per month is expected.

Orebody thickness is typically relatively narrow, ranging from 1.5 m to 2.5 m. Conventional jumbo drill and blast methods will be used to establish the decline and lateral development. Escapeways rises will be developed using airleg and ladderway ways installed. There is an existing ventilation return raise that will used as part of the exhaust network. Exhaust airways will be developed using an airleg rise to create a slot. The slot will be stripped out to the final airway dimensions using long-hole drilling and blasting techniques.

Ore drive development in the orebody will be a minimum of 4.2 mW x 4.5 mH following a shanty back profile. The development drives will be established along the strike of the orebody. It is expected that the airleg stope lengths will be minimum of 10 m or as dictated by grade and production requirements.

When the entire airleg stope panel has been mined out, some pillars will be left before establishing the next airleg stope panel along the ore drive, as shown in Figure 6.

Breast stoping requires airlegs for drilling and scrapers for mucking ore due to shallow dip of the ore. Blasted ore will be scraped and loaded to a stockpile on the level access, where it is later loaded onto dump trucks for haulage to the ROM.

Blasting

Once airleg drill holes have been drilled, holes are loaded with explosives (ANFO) and blasted. Once an airleg stope stripping cut is blasted, the broken material is removed from the airleg stopes using a scraper to the level where it is picked up using underground loaders.

The existing Higginsville surface magazine located at the Poseidon pit will be used for explosive storage. The current explosive storage license has sufficient capacity for all mining activities at Higginsville (ETS002549).

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Figure 5: Two Boys Underground Mining Method

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Figure 6: Isometric View of Two Boys Underground Project

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Figure 7: Example of Underground Stope Mining

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Ventilation

The primary fresh air intake will be via the Two Boys portal to underground working areas. The return airway will be from existing ventilation raises. Two Boys underground mine will have two ventilation systems where both systems will have the same primary intake airflow but different exhaust airflow (Figure 8). Ventilation brattices and regulators will control the two ventilation networks.

Development headings will be ventilated using a two 55 kW fans. Three 90 kW low-pressure high- volume fans will be located in a bulkhead underground to provide approximately 80 m³/s of airflow to meet the statutory requirements described by the Mine Safety Regulations.

Figure 8: Schematic of ventilation system

Waste Rock Management

Two Boys underground is expected to produce approximately 167,600 tonnes of waste. Most of the waste rock encountered will be hauled to the surface for disposal on the proposed Two Boys waste dump. Due to the flat dipping nature of the orebody, backfilling opportunities underground are limited. Sterilisation drilling did not identify any gold bearing ore and the proposed location for

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1 the Two Boys waste dump is suitable. The waste basalt is a source of competent material and will ensure the Two Boys waste rock dump's stability. Karora has identified an opportunity to cap the existing Fairplay East in-pit TSF with the fresh basalt waste to be retrieved from the Two Boys and Aquarius underground mines. Karora will commission a geotechnical specialist to review the in-pit TSF and required rehabilitation works prior to undertaking any backfilling of the landform.

Material Balance

A materials balance for the project is presented in Table 15 below.

Table 3: Two Boys Underground Project Materials Balance

Material Material Type tonnes Comments

UG Ore 285,549

UG Waste 167,600

Material with significant AMD potential Nil All waste is non-acid forming

Mine Dewatering

The existing underground development is currently flooded to about 43 m below surface. It is anticipated that dewatering activities will need to be advanced before rehabilitation of the existing decline can commence. Historically, groundwater inflow into the Two Boys underground mine was minimal, with pumping required mainly to remove water introduced by the mining operations. Initial groundwater was encountered on the 926 level and subsided to a minor amount, commonly seen to come from the lode's footwall contact. Water inflow at Two Boys is expected to be minimal based on historical evidence.

The underground workings have been flooded predominantly by surface water inflows from rainfall. This high quality water will be pumped to the raw water pond at the Higginsville processing plant and used for the processing of ore. Subsequent water inflows during mining will be used for mine dust suppression or disposed into Fairplay pit. Both water disposal options were previously approved by mining proposals (Reg ID 15749 and 16022).

Underground pump stations will be located at strategic areas throughout the underground mine. These have been designed to withstand predicted groundwater volumes and the water generated

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1 from mine drilling equipment, dust suppression and watering down activities. Underground pumps will be staged and the final pump station will pump water initially to the processing plant. The water inflow is expected to reduce once the existing void has been dewatered. After which, any excess water not used for dust suppression may be disposed into Fairplay pit.

Direct rainfall and potential runoff from surrounding landforms can impact the Two Boys box cut, entering into the underground mine via the decline. Box cut crest bunds, and the abandonment bund will be constructed to prevent such occurrence. A flood levee will also be required that will be tied into the abandonment bund where possible.

Groundwater abstraction is authorised by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation on M 15/231 and M 15/348 under the Higginsville Groundwater Licence GWL160795(6).

Ore Processing & Tailings Storage

Ore will be processed at the existing approved HGO treatment plant. Ore is processed using the Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) / Carbon-in-pulp method. The tailings will be deposited into the approved TSF 2-4 (Reg ID 89038). Tailings are currently deposited into Vine in-pit TSF that will reach capacity by early 2021. The tailings storage facilities are managed in accordance with the operating manuals and Premises Licence conditions.

Infrastructure Corridors and Transportation

Access to Two Boys will be obtained via the existing haul road network at Higginsville. The disturbance envelope associated with the haul roads intersect, M 15/231, M 15/348, M 15/610 and M 15/748. The haul road extension required to reach the proposed waste dump will be approximately 30 metres wide and stretches for a distance of 200 m. New access roads for light vehicles will be required within the area between associated infrastructure.

All transport access corridors will be constructed within the approved buffer for the native vegetation clearing permit (CPS 8152/3). Roads and tracks will be no wider than that required to allow for the movements of vehicles within operational areas.

Roads and tracks will be cambered to allow water to drain, with the camber adjusted in accordance with topography and any encountered areas of pooling. During clearing, topsoil will be set aside for later use in rehabilitation. Ongoing maintenance work will be undertaken as required to ensure surface drainage and runoff continues as established.

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Topsoil / Mulch Stockpiles

Topsoil will be harvested to a depth of 200 mm where possible from the waste dump and haul road extension for use in rehabilitation. It is estimated that up to 9,000 m3 of topsoil will be recovered for rehabilitation. Topsoil and mulch will be re-spread during final land rehabilitation at an average depth of 100 - 200 mm. The quantity of topsoil recovered will be sufficient for the rehabilitation of the project disturbance. The fresh basalt waste will also be used to provide stability to the final waste dump landform.

The topsoil stockpile will be placed on the southern margin of the waste dump where it is protected from surface water flows following rainfall. Topsoil will be stockpiled to a height of 2 m. Topsoil stockpiles will be physically separated from areas where saline water is used for dust suppression.

Abandonment Bund

An abandonment bund will be constructed around the Two Boys boxcut as depicted in Figure 3 and the proposed site layout plan. The abandonment bund will comply with the minimum regulatory requirements as shown below in Figure 9. The abandonment bund, on the northern margin, will be built as part of the flood levee to protect the boxcut from potential large floods. The oxide waste from the development of the Aquarius boxcut will be used to construct the levee with a nominal height of 1.3 m then covered with fresh basalt waste to raise the bund to a minimum height of 1.5 m to fulfill recommendations in the surface water investigation by Rockwater. More information in regards to the flood protection levee and abandonment bund are provided within the surface water management section of this mining proposal.

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Figure 9: Standard Abandonment bund design

Support Facilities

An onsite workshop is required to support the Two Boys underground project. The existing underground administration buildings and workshops based at Higginsville will be utilised for the servicing of heavy machinery. The onsite buildings are required to provide an office work area for technical and administrative staff. The office area includes amenities such as crib rooms, a first aid room and ablution blocks. No clearing will be required.

Workforce

The Two Boys underground project will be operated in synergy with the Aquarius underground project. Two Boys will require an additional 10 machine operators and the existing operational and technical personnel for Aquarius will be utilised for the project.

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

ACTIVITY DETAILS

This Mining Proposal requests approval to extend the existing underground workings at Two Boys into mining tenement M 15/348 and for the construction of the proposed Two Boys waste dump (Class 2). Associated infrastructure includes haul roads, flood levee, dewatering infrastructure, borefield, buildings, laydown, topsoil stockpile and abandonment bund. Ore will be hauled directly to the existing ROM for the Higginsville processing plant. Any low-grade material will also be stockpile on the Higginsville ROM.

Spatial Information

Digital spatial data for the approved disturbance envelope is included as part of this Mining Proposal submission. Spatial files with the following properties are provided:

 Format: ESRI Shapefile  Geometry Type: Polygon  Coordinate System: GCS GDA 1994 (Geographic)  Datum: GDA 1994 (Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994).

Activity & Disturbance Details

Mine activity types are listed in Table 4 according to the standard list of Mine Activity Types, based on the rehabilitation liability categories in Schedule 1 of the Mining Rehabilitation Fund Regulations 2013. Mine Activity Types are categorised as a Key Mine Activity or a Miscellaneous Mine Activity. Miscellaneous Mine Activities are listed to capture the total area required only, with actual disturbance provided during the post-approval Annual Environmental Report (AER) and Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) reporting processes. Disturbance data for each Key Mine Activity reference is listed in Table 4 and required further information is provided within the Key Mine Activities Tables detailed in Section 4.3.

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Table 4: Mine Activity Details

MINING PROPOSAL SUBMISSION ACTIVITY DETAILS EGS Name: Higginsville Environmental Group Site EGS Code: S0223024 Summary of Mine Activities approval sought under this Proposal: This Mining Proposal requests approval to extend the Two Boys underground workings into M 15/348 to an approximate depth of 235 m. Associated infrastructure includes haul roads, flood levee, dewatering infrastructure, borefield, buildings, laydown, topsoil stockpile and abandonment bund.

Current Area Total Current New Total Mine Activity Proposed Tenement Activity Category of Activity Approved Area Approved Reference Change (ha) (ha) (ha) Area (ha) Key Mine Activity Mining Void (depth Higginsville greater than 5m Boxcut Two 1.40 1.40 0.40 1.80 below groundwater) Boys ID 286 Key Mine Activity Area 0 0 0 0 Miscellaneous Mine Activity Abandonment Abandonment bund bund Two Boys M15/231 Diversion Drain Flood Levee Transport or Haul Road Infrastructure Service Two Boys ID Corridor 287 Laydown Laydown or Two Boys ID Hardstand 284 Miscellaneous Mine Activity Area 9.39 9.39 2.5 11.89 Total Tenement Activity Area 10.79 10.79 2.90 13.69 Key Mine Activity Nil Key Mine Activity Area 0 0 0 0 Miscellaneous Mine Activity Abandonment M15/348 Abandonment bund bund Two Boys Diversion Drain Flood Levee Miscellaneous Mine Activity Area 0 0 1.0 1.0 Total Tenement Activity Area 0 0 1.0 1.0 Key Mine Activity Waste Dump or Two Boys overburden stockpile 0 0 5.0 5.0 Waste Dump (Class 2) M15/610 Key Mine Activity Area 0 0 5.0 5.0 Miscellaneous Mine Activity Laydown or Two Boys

Hardstand Laydown

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1

Current Area Total Current New Total Mine Activity Proposed Tenement Activity Category of Activity Approved Area Approved Reference Change (ha) (ha) (ha) Area (ha) Transport or Haul Road / Infrastructure Service Access road Corridor Topsoil/Mulch Topsoil Stockpile Stockpile Miscellaneous Mine Activity Area 0 0 1.20 1.20 Total Tenement Activity Area 0 0 6.20 6.20 Key Mine Activity Nil Key Mine Activity Area 0 0 0 0 Miscellaneous Mine Activity M15/748 Transport or Two Boys Infrastructure Service Haul Road Corridor Miscellaneous Mine Activity Area 0 0 0.50 0.50 Total Tenement Activity Area 0 0 0.50 0.50 TOTAL MINE ACTIVITY AREA 10.79 10.79 10.60 21.39

Key Mine Activities

Further required information on key mining activities are detailed in the section below within the key mine activity Table 5 and Table 6.

Mining Void Table 5: Mining Voids – Detailed Activity Table

Mining void (depth greater than 5m – below groundwater) Mine Activity Reference Two Boys Boxcut (approved Reg ID: 15749) Area 1.80 ha Area per tenement M15/231: 1.80 ha Design Open cut to a maximum depth of approximately 45 m. Underground workings to a depth of approximately 235 m.

Material Fibrous minerals ☐ Yes Characteristics ☒ No

Radioactive minerals ☐ Yes ☒ No

Materials capable of generating ☐ Yes acid and metalliferous drainage, ☒ No

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including neutral drainage and saline drainage, within pit walls or underground workings

Highly erodible material that is ☐ Yes capable of compromising the ☒ No long-term stability of the pit or underground workings

Waste Rock Dump

Table 6: Waste Rock Dumps – Detailed Activity Table

Waste dump or overburden stockpile (class 1) Mine Activity Reference Two Boys Waste Dump Area 5.00 ha Area per tenement M15/610: 5.00 ha Design Maximum height of 15 m Maximum slope angle of 140 Crest bund Backward sloping to centre of landform Seeding & contour ripping Material Characteristics Fibrous minerals ☐ Yes ☒ No Radioactive material ☐ Yes ☒ No Materials capable of generating ☐ Yes acid and/or metalliferous ☒ No drainage, including neutral drainage and saline drainage Highly erodible material that is ☐ Yes capable of compromising the ☒ No structure of the waste dump

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Disturbance Envelope

In 2020, Karora applied to amalgamate the five existing clearing permits at Higginsville into a single native vegetation clearing permit. The native vegetation clearing permit was approved by DMIRS on 20 August 2020. The disturbance envelope for the Two Boys Underground project lies wholly within the permitted clearing buffer under the approved native vegetation clearing permit CPS 8153/3. The disturbance envelope for the project is shown in Figure 10. The disturbance envelope includes the associated infrastructure Higginsville Mill ROM pad, haul roads and the underground contractor yard, office and workshop.

Site Plans

Indicative site plans showing all proposed disturbance activities and tenements associated with the project are provided in Figure 11.

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Figure 10: Disturbance Envelope

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Figure 11: Indicative Two Boys Site Layout Plan

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ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

The legislative framework for environmental approvals and statutory requirements that affect the management of environmental impacts associated with the Two Boys Project is summarised in Table 7.

Table 7: Environmental Legislative Framework

Legislation Environmental Factor Approval / Requirement Mining Act 1978 (DMIRS) Biodiversity/Flora/Fauna/Ecosystem Approval to conduct mining Water Resources activities for the development of Landforms the Two Boys Project. Mine Closure Environmental Protection Biodiversity/Flora/Fauna/Ecosystem CPS 8152/3 has been approved Act 1986, Part V Division and covers the greater area of 2- Clearing of native Higginsville mine. vegetation (DWER) Rights in Water and Water Resources Karora currently holds approval Irrigation Act 1914 to take 3.15 GL from the (DWER) Goldfields Combined - Fractured Rock West – Fractured Rock GWL160795(6) for dewatering and dust suppression. Environmental Protection Water Resources L9155/2018/1 authorises mine Act 1986, Part V Division 3 dewatering at the Higginsville - Prescribed premises, project. works approvals and licences (DWER)

Environmental Protection Biodiversity/Flora/Fauna/Ecosystem No presence of threatened or and Biodiversity priority flora and no threatened Conservation Act 1999 or priority ecological communities. Aboriginal Heritage Act Aboriginal Heritage Ngadju Native Title Aboriginal 1972 (DPLH) Corporation have completed heritage surveys for Higginsville. Karora holds a Heritage Agreement with RNTBC.

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Legislation Environmental Factor Approval / Requirement Dangerous Goods Safety Approval to store dangerous Act 2004 (DMIRS) goods within Western Australia:  Licence number DGS022219 for storage of 110kL Diesel Fuel (combustible liquid).

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Stakeholder engagement is identified by Karora as one of the key strategies required to achieve its environmental objectives, through the commitment to ‘Communicate and consult with all stakeholders’ included in the company’s Environmental Policy Statement (Appendix B).

Stakeholder Engagement Strategy

Stakeholder engagement has been undertaken for mining activities associated with the development of the greater Higginsville Gold Operations project area. The stakeholder engagement process requires identification of, and consultation with, relevant stakeholders throughout the life of a project to enable effective communication of information regarding mining activity and provide an opportunity for stakeholder feedback so that agreed environmental expectations can be established.

The identification of relevant Stakeholders is based on determining all interested and affected parties as specified in the Guideline for Mining Proposals in Western Australia (DMP 2016), which may include:

 All decision-making authorities and any other relevant State or Commonwealth government departments and local government authorities;  Any person or organisation whose functions, interests or activities may be affected by the activities carried out under the Mining Proposal (eg. environmental non-government organisations, local Indigenous people and the local community); and  Any other person or organisation that the proponent considers relevant.

Stakeholder engagement is a continuous process that commences at the planning phase and continues to relinquishment. A range of methods may be used to facilitate consultation and capture input from its stakeholders (Table 8 and Table 9). Due to the number of mining operations in the region some stakeholders may suffer from engagement fatigue, therefore the specific approach adopted is based on individual stakeholder feedback.

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Stakeholder communication occurs regularly to provide information and updates regarding mining activity and facilitate stakeholder feedback or concerns, with a record of consultation entered into a Stakeholder Engagement Register (see Appendix B). Karora has engaged key stakeholders including the local shire, regulatory agencies and relevant native title claimants.

Table 8: Stakeholder Engagement Methods

Purpose Method Inform Website, mail outs, media releases Consult Discussion groups, face to face meeting Collaborate Workshops/discussion groups, reference groups, community consultation committees Empower Site visit, open days, phone call, committee liaison committees

Table 9: Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism

Engagement Mechanism

Stakeholder Risk / Issues General Phone Calls / Meetings / Website Based Consultation Emails / Briefings / Updates Engagement Letters * Face to Face DMIRS AH ✔ ✔ DWER AH ✔ ✔ DBCA AH ✔ ✔ DoH AH ✔ Local Shire AH AH ✔ ✔ Traditional Owners AH AH ✔ ✔ ✔ Registered Native ✔ ✔ ✔ Title Groups Pastoralists AH AH ✔ ✔ ✔ Other Mine Sites AH ✔ ✔ Other Community and AH ✔ ✔ ✔ Special Interest Groups A: Annual, Q: Quarterly, AH: Ad-hoc or as required *Methods selected will be influenced by the issue to be discussed

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BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

Baseline environmental data has been collected and analysed to understand the physical and biological environment that may be impacted by mining activities associated with development of the Two Boys Underground project. Understanding the existing environmental conditions enables environmental risks to be identified so that potential impacts can be managed.

This section provides details of the baseline data collected to establish the environmental setting of the project area in the risk management process. Where technical reports have been used or cited, relevant information has been summarised and interpreted to assist risk identification and management. All technical reports have been attached as appendices. Environmental baseline data covers the following environmental aspects:

 Climate;  Landscape and soils;  Biodiversity, flora, fauna and ecosystem;  Surface and ground water hydrogeology;  Materials characterisation; and  Environmental threats and other factors.

Where environmental aspects are considered to be particularly pertinent to the risk assessment, a summary table that includes the key points and the implications for risk assessment has been included.

Climate

The Higginsville Gold Mine is located in the Coolgardie Region of Western Australia, which has a semi-arid (dry) warm Mediterranean climate. The regions climate has been described in more detail by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) using three different methods. The methods, timescales and climate descriptions are detailed below:

 Hot dry summer, cold winter based on temperature and humidity data (1961 to 1990);  Grassland - warm (persistently dry) based on the Köppen classification system of native vegetation distribution, with seasonal temperature and precipitation data (1961 to 1990); and

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 Winter - wet winter and low summer rainfall based on the difference between summer and winter rainfall using the median annual rainfall over a 100-year period (1900 to 1999) and seasonal incidence.

The nearest weather recording station is the Norseman Aero WA (site 012009), which is located approximately 51.6km south of the Project area. Climate data has been recorded at Norseman since 1897, from monitoring site number 012065 (Norseman) until September 2012 and at monitoring site number 012009 (Norseman Aero) since 1999, which is located 3 km from the original site. Climate data (obtained via the BoM website) for temperature, rainfall and wind from these monitoring sites is provided in Figure 12.

Evaporation data is not available for Norseman so has been sourced from BoM monitoring site No. 012038 (Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport) located approximately 110 km from the Higginsville monitoring site. The annual mean daily evaporation at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport (1966 to 2016) is 7.2mm, ranging from 2.6mm (June) to 12.5mm (January).

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Figure 12: Climate Data

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Landscape

Higginsville Gold Mine is located within the Eastern Goldfields subregion of the Coolgardie Bioregion according to the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) classification system established to identify geographically distinct areas of Australia with common characteristics regarding geology, landform patterns, climate, vegetation and fauna.

The Coolgardie bioregion covers an area of 129,117km2 and correlates largely to the Coolgardie Botanical District defined by Beard (1990) and is described broadly as lying within the interzone between mulga/spinifex country and eucalypt environments (ANRA 2008). The Eastern Goldfields sub-region is summarised as supporting diverse Eucalypt woodlands on low greenstone hills, valley floors, broad plains and salt lake surrounds; samphire shrublands on saline valley floors and Mallees, Acacia thickets and shrub-heaths on sandplains, playas, laterite areas and granite outcrops (Thackway and Cresswell 1995).

The Two Boys Underground project is situated on gently undulating Eucalypt woodland approximately 7 km to the west of Lake Cowan salt flat. Lake Cowan is one of the larger lakes in the Goldfields bioregion, with an area of approximately 1,145 km2. Lake Cowan is not recognised regionally, nationally or internationally as a wetland of conservation significance.

Soils

The project lies within the Kambalda Soil-Landscape System which comprises flat to undulating plains, hills and ranges on greenstone and granite rocks of the Yilgarn Craton, with intervening salt lake chains. Soils of this land system are principally brown calcareous earths and are poorly developed over the gold bearing greenstone belts (Beard 1990). Saline and sub-saline soils are common adjacent to drainage channels and salt lakes. The Two Boys boxcut and waste dump are located on gently undulating woodland with an elevation of about 314 mRL.

Soils in the goldfields region are typically alkaline with a pH range of 7 to 9, low soil fertility and electrical conductivity of 14 mS/cm, indicating moderate soil salinity.

Soils in the Two Boys and Fairplay area are characterised by red loamy earths and calcareous loamy earths on the plains, calcareous shallow loams and stony soils on low hills. Soil fertility is generally low and soil salinity is locally typical of the area.

The Fairplay west and east waste dumps were initially constructed in the late 1990’s and exhibit good recruitment of native vegetation where topsoil was applied to the surface of landforms. The

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1 topsoil on historic landforms has not been dispersive and with the addition of a site specific native seedmix is expected to provide good conditions for the recruitment of native species. No inhibitive factors due to the topsoil have been observed on the historic landforms. The proposed project disturbance is relatively small compared to the existing disturbance at Fairplay. Fresh basalt waste rock from the Two Boys underground will also aid the stability of the waste dump surface.

Biodiversity, Flora, Fauna and Ecosystem

NVS (2015) completed a Level 1 flora and vegetation survey over the Fairplay mining area located immediately to the south of Two Boys and also included the footprint of the proposed Two Boys waste dump and haul road (Appendix C). GHD (2010) also conducted a desktop biological assessment and broad scale vegetation mapping over the area and included the Two Boys Underground project (Appendix D). All disturbance proposed within this mining proposal is located within the permitted clearing area under the Native Vegetation Clearing Permit (CPS 8152/3). Vegetation mapping defines the area as woodland of Eucalyptus salmonophloia and E. salubris with scattered midstorey of Melaleuca sheathiana over scoparia, Cratystylis conocephala and Maireana sedifolia on loamy plains (GHD, 2010). This classification was supported by the Level 1 flora and vegetation survey that defines the disturbance area as Eucalyptus salmonophloia woodland (NVS, 2015).

It must be noted that the project area is within the Great Western Woodland which is an area of special interest to the Wilderness Society and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA – Parks and Wildlife Division) as it is the largest and healthiest temperate woodland environment remaining on the planet (Terrestrial Ecosystems, 2015). However, the project area and immediate surrounds (the Higginsville Mining Area) is a precinct that has been subject to significant levels of historic mining and exploration disturbance, and is not a good representative example of an intact woodland environment. The vegetation groups identified within the disturbance area are all well represented at a local shire, bioregion and state level.

Vegetation and Flora No Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA’s), Threatened of Priority Ecological Communities, Threatened Flora species, or unique vegetation communities are known from the local area, and none were recorded during surveys of the Project area. The flora species Diocirea acutifolia (P3) occurs in vicinity to the project area. Diocirea acutifolia is both widespread and in large numbers throughout the local and regional area, and is well documented by previous flora surveys. It has been recorded extensively and in large populations by NVS in various surveys. NVS has recorded

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> 40,000 in numerous populations in the HGO area. The recently approved native vegetation clearing permit (CPS 8152/2) covers the wider area in which Diocirea acutifolia occurs and does not state any conditions in regards to this species or any other priority species. No impacts are expected to this species due to clearing operations at Aquarius.

All vegetation types are common, widespread and well represented in the Eastern Goldfields subregion. Three weed species have been identified occurring within the area; Carrichtera annua (Ward’s Weed) Centaurea melitensis (Maltese Cockspur) and Sonchus oleraceus (Milk Weed). None of these species are listed as declared plants by DAFWA (2020).

An application to amend the existing Native Vegetation Clearing Permit (CPS 8152/2) was lodged on 29 May 2020. The amendment requested all existing permits for Higginsville to be amalgamated into one permit. CPS 8152/3 was granted on 20 August 2020. The proposed disturbance activities for the Two Boys Underground project fall wholly within the clearing permit boundary of CPS 8152/3.

Summary of Baseline Data and Implications For Risk Assessment o No ESA’s, TEC’s, Threatened Flora or unique or restricted vegetation communities occur within the disturbance envelope o Three weed species have been recorded within the Project Area o The disturbance

Technical Reports Cited o NVS (2015) Level 1 Flora and Vegetation Survey of the Proposed Fairplay Pit and Waste Landform Expansion and Development Higginsville (Appendix C) o GHD (2010) Report for Higginsville Project Area; Desktop Biological Assessment and Broad Scale Vegetation Mapping, February 2010 (Appendix D)

Fauna A Level 1 Vertebrate Fauna survey of the Fairplay pit and waste dump expansion was completed by Terrestrial Ecosystems in 2015 (Appendix E). The survey also covered the proposed footprint of the Two Boys waste dump and haul road. The area was also covered by the GHD biological assessment of the Higginsville area (see Appendix D) and no species of conservation significance were identified as being at risk from mining activities in the area. The Level 1 survey was considered adequate given the extensive amount of available survey data and abundance of similar habitat in adjacent areas. This is supported by the risk assessment undertaken for the

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1 amalgamation of the Higginsville Native Vegetation Clearing Permits when CPS 8152/3 was granted.

The fauna survey area mirrored that of the NVS flora survey area for Fairplay. During a reconnaissance survey of the Project area, a habitat assessment was completed which identified the presence of only one broad habitat type:

 Mixed Eucalypt woodland over mixed sclerophyll shrubland with sparse understorey.

The condition of the abovementioned habitat varied with most of the project area in poor to good condition. There were no areas which had high quality fauna habitat. This was due to disturbance caused by historical development activity (i.e. mining, tracks and exploration).

Fauna assemblages occurring or likely to occur in the local area can be divided into four main groups; Amphibians, Birds (avian), Reptiles and Mammals. Table 10 provides a justification for this assertion. A full analysis for individual species is discussed below.

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Table 10: General Fauna Assessment Findings

Fauna Assemblage Fauna Assessment Findings Amphibians Amphibians typically found in eucalypt woodlands in the Goldfields are listed in Table 4. All the Limnodynastidae species are burrowing frogs and only come to the surface to feed and breed after substantial rain. Pseudophryne occidentalis finds shelter under rocks and in crevices during the dry periods and enters temporary ponds to breed after major rainfall events and P. pseudinsignifera is an aquatic species and would only be found around permanent water sources. All species have a wide-spread distribution and are abundant. Reptiles Reptile species richness in the project area will be comparable with similar eucalypt woodlands elsewhere in the bioregion. The list provided in Appendix A of the report represents species likely to be found over a large area of diverse habitat types. Eucalypt woodlands would typically support up to 40 species of reptiles, but many of these would be in low abundance (see Table 5). There is a very low possibility that the Carpet Python was present in the project area, although they were not seen during the fauna habitat assessment or recorded in recent assessments. Birds Avian species richness in the Goldfields is influenced by rainfall and is generally higher in woodlands compared with chenopod shrublands and more sparsely vegetated areas. Eucalypt woodlands would typically support up to 50-70 species of birds, but many of these would be in very low numbers (see Appendix A of report). Birds typically move from an area once vegetation clearing commences, so the impact is relatively low if the area is small. However, eggs and chicks in nests are often lost during the clearing process. The Malleefowl is the most significant species that could be impacted by the proposed mining development, however, the habitat is not ideal and no evidence was found to suggest that they are present. Mammals Mammal abundance in the semi-arid areas varies seasonably and from year-to-year depending on the available resources and previous rainfall. Small mammals that retreat to burrows and logs during the day are often lost during the clearing process. None of the mammals potentially found in the project area are of conservation significance and the loss of small mammals during vegetation clearing is unlikely to be significant in a bioregional context.

Fauna habitat types represented in the project area are abundant and in very good condition in adjacent areas. Therefore, the fauna assemblage that is present in the project area will also be present and abundant in the adjacent areas. The available fauna survey data provides a good indication of the vertebrate fauna that are potentially in the project area.

The listed avian species of conservation significance potentially seen in the project area are the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Western Rosella, Peregrine Falcon, Crested Bellbird, Shy Heathwren, Bush Stone-curlew, Australian Bustard and the Malleefowl and the migratory Rainbow Bee-eater, Fork-tailed Swift, Great Egret and Cattle Egret. All of these avian species are mobile and will readily move to adjacent areas if disturbed. The only potential impact would be clearing a tree or nest that contained eggs or chicks (e.g. Western Rosella, Crested Bellbird, Shy Heathwren), and the likelihood of this happening is assessed as low.

There is a very low possibility that the area supports Carpet Pythons and Southern Death Adders. Carpet Pythons are scarce in the ‘Great Western Woodlands’ with some documented and isolated

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1 populations further to the south around the Lake Johnstone project area, east of Widgiemooltha and north and east of Kalgoorlie. The Southern Death Adder is a very cryptic species and seldom recorded during surveys when they are present. Given their current known distribution and the low probability of them being present in the project area, any potential impacts are likely to be very low in a bioregional context.

There are no known mammals of conservation significance likely to be found within the Project area.

The vegetation to be impacted by clearing and mining activities does not currently provide any important linkages or corridors essential for the movement of local fauna species throughout the local area or region, therefore the removal/disturbance of native vegetation within the disturbance envelope is unlikely to prohibit the future movement fauna.

Summary Of Baseline Data And Implications For Risk Assessment o No local fauna species (including species of conservation significance) are likely to be significantly impacted by clearing or mining operations. o No unique or restricted habitats have been identified in the Project area. o The habitats found within the Project area are abundant and in good condition in adjacent areas. o The vegetation to be impacted does not provide important linkage or corridor habitat.

Technical Reports Cited o Terrestrial Ecosystems (2015) Level 1 Vertebrate Fauna Risk Assessment for the Fairplay Pit and Waste Landform Expansion and Development (Appendix E) o GHD (2010) Report for Higginsville Project Area; Desktop Biological Assessment and Broad Scale Vegetation Mapping, February 2010 (Appendix D)

Hydrology

Surface Water Rockwater completed a detailed surface water assessment for the Two Boys Boxcut. The following information is taken from the report prepared by Rockwater (Appendix F). The hydrological analyses for catchment areas included the estimation of peak flows at incremental ARI events up to a Probable Maximum Flood (1:2,000-year event). The proposed Two Boys boxcut lies 600 m immediately north of the Fairplay pits. There are no defined drainage channels in vicinity to the boxcut and local drainage flows towards Lake Cowan. The majority of runoff in the project area likely occurs as wide sheet flow following heavy rainfall events. One small sub-

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1 catchments with a length of 0.7 km with an estimated area of 1.16 km2 was identified that could impact the boxcut.

Flows from the Catchment A approach the northern edge of the proposed boxcut. Flows from Catchment A were therefore analysed to assess the extent to which the 1-in-100-year ARI and PMF flow could impact the boxcut. The estimate velocity of flood water is low given the short catchment length and relatively wide nature of the drainage channels (Table 11). Therefore, scour protection along the flood levee has not been recommended.

Table 11: ARI Flood Summary for Two Boys

Flood Level Extent of Flood Flow Elevation Depth Velocity Flood Catchment event (m3/s) (m AHD) (mm) (m/s) Level (m) 100-yr 10 314.15 25 0.53 120 A PMF 17 314.22 32 0.62 139

Peak flows in Catchment A were analysed to assess whether they could adversely impact the proposed boxcut and associated infrastructure, and also to provide data for the conceptual design of flood protection structures.

The locations of the flow path that could impact the boxcut was identified from aerial photography and the 1 m contour plan. Hydraulic analyses were conducted at critical locations along the flow path to assess the flood risk for the Two Boys mining area. The width, depth and velocity of flows along the drainages were estimated at the cross-sections from which stage-discharge and stage- velocity relationships were calculated using Manning’s equation.

An examination of the proposed Two Boys mine infrastructure and the contour plan suggest that there are no significant creeks or flow paths that are likely to discharge into the boxcut to cause serious flooding problems. There is only one small catchment directly north of the proposed boxcut that has the potential to discharge flood flows into the boxcut. As these flood waters would directly intersect the boxcut, a protective levee is recommended to protect the boxcut and divert flows around it. The results of the hydraulic analyses and details of the recommended protective structures are presented below.

Surface Water Management Rockwater (2020a) have recommended that a protective flood levee be built to divert the flow of surface water from entering the Two Boys boxcut. Oxide waste from the development of the

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Aquarius boxcut will be used to construct a 1.3 m protective levee as depicted in the site plan (Figure 11). The levee will then be covered with competent fresh rock basalt waste to meet the industry guidelines for abandonment bunds where the levee interacts with the location of the abandonment bund. Rockwater recommended that armouring of the flood levee is not required given the low modelled flow velocity. Therefore, armouring will only be placed on the levee where it acts as the abandonment bund.

The short haul road to be constructed to the south of the Boxcut to join the proposed Two Boys waste dump will not require any additional protection measures. The proposed Two Boys waste dump will not require rock armouring as it is located on a drainage divide and protected by the Fairplay West waste dump that is immediately situated to the west. Surface water management measures for runoff will be considered in field taking into account local topography for the waste dump and boxcut to mitigate sediment release into the environment. The following management measures will be implemented (and have been included in the risk assessment) to manage sediment release from disturbed areas:

 V-drains and/or sumps are incorporated into road design

 Toe drains and/or sumps are installed around hardstand areas

Summary of baseline data and implications for risk assessment o There are no major river systems in the area o It is unlikely that a large rainfall event would flood the Two Boys Boxcut. As a protective measure, a flood abandonment bund will be constructed to the north of the abandonment bund.

Technical Reports/Studies Cited o Rockwater (2020) Surface Water Assessment: Two Boys Boxcut, Higginsville (Appendix F)

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Groundwater The main aquifer systems in the region are encountered within weathered and/or fractured bedrock, palaeochannel sands, eolian and lacustrine deposits. Within the bedrock, groundwater occurs in transitional rocks near the base of weathering, mineralised shear zones, and fracture systems associated with local and regional structures. This aquifer varies in extent and hydraulic properties, depending on structural integrity, degree of weathering, bedrock depth and lithology.

Groundwater recharge is very low in the region, as most of the rainfall either evaporates or is used by vegetation. Only a small proportion of rainfall (<1% of annual precipitation totals) runs off into claypans and salt lakes. Direct recharge take place principally in bedrock outcrops and in sandplains areas. Groundwater flows towards the salt lakes under low hydraulic gradients, from where it discharges mainly by evaporation.

The Two Boys Deposit, located within the corridor of gold deposits extending south from Poseidon Pit, known as the “Line of Lode Deposits”. The Line of Lode Deposits have been mined since the 1930s, since when they have produced about 1.5 Moz of gold (Figure 13). Rockwater completed a detailed dewatering assessment for mining of the Two Boys gold deposit. The following information is taken from the report prepared by Rockwater (Appendix G). Rockwater completed a hydrogeological review and inspected the lithological logs and cross-sections supplied by Karora, a simple groundwater model was constructed to predict the rates of dewatering that will be required when the Two Boys Pit is mined to 224 mAHD. The modelling was conducted on the basis that Karora would mine the Two Boys deposit as an open pit.

The bedrock pits and underground mines in vicinity to Two Boys only require minor dewatering. No records have been located regarding dewatering of the Two Boys decline and deeper part of the underground workings, but the initial shallower part of the workings accessed by shafts is reported to have produced about 80 kL/d (0.9 L/s). This is slightly higher than the Poseidon South Pit, located along-strike from Two Boys, which produced about 500 kL/month (0.2 L/s) during the latter stages of mining (Morgan and Assoc., 1994). Furthermore, Poseidon South Pit was mined to a depth of about 140 mbgl (105 m below the water table) and contains only a very small pit lake at its base, which indicates the rate of inflow from the surrounding rocks (and their permeability) is very low. Recent RC drilling produced little or no water and intersected very little fractured bedrock, and an inspection of photos of diamond core from below the water table by Rockwater identified very few fractures. Although not tested, the permeability of Two Boys Deposit is expected to be very low.

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The predicted inflow rates for an open pit would be much higher than that of underground mining operations due to exposing a much larger surface area than tunneling underground. The modelling indicated that initial inflows may be as high as 3.2 L/s but predicted the likely rate of dewatering at the end of mining would be 1.7 L/s. The existing underground workings have flooded to a depth of approximately 43 mbgl. The water quality of the flooded underground workings is hypersaline and presented in Table 12. The salinity is slightly less than that of the surrounding groundwater and is suitable for use in the processing plant. These underground workings will require dewatering prior to the rehabilitation of the existing underground network. Once the existing underground workings have been dewatered, in predicted inflow rates are likely to be considerable less than 1 L/s.

The maximum radial extent of drawdown at the end of mining of Two Boys is predicted to be within 60 m of the open pit operations. Given Two Boys will now be mined using underground methods the radial extent of drawdown is expected to be even less. There are no other groundwater users in the area that could be affected by dewatering of the proposed Two Boys underground, owing to the very low permeability of the mafic country rock.

Summary of baseline data and implications for risk assessment o Groundwater levels at Two Boys are at a depth of about 43 mbgl. o Groundwater from the Two Boys underground and surrounding area is saline, with a salinity of 33,000 mg/L TDS or greater. o No groundwater production bores are located in vicinity of the underground. o No groundwater users are likely to be impacted by dewatering activities. o No GDEs are known from the local area. o Dewatering impacts will be assessed and managed in accordance with DWER licence conditions.

Technical Reports/Studies Cited o Rockwater (2020b) Two Boys Gold Deposit: Results of Pit Dewatering Modelling (Appendix G)

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Table 12: Groundwater Quality

Two Boys Bore Units Underground Date 17/12/2019 SWL m 43.00 pH** pH Units 7.5 Conductivity µS/cm 46000 Total Dissolved Solids mg/L 33000 Carbonate as CO3 mg/L <1 Bicarbonate as HCO3 mg/L 460 Aluminium µg/L <50 Arsenic µg/L <10 Barium µg/L 150 Beryllium µg/L <10 Boron µg/L 5900 Cadmium µg/L <1 Calcium mg/L 750 Chloride mg/L 18000 Chromium µg/L <10 Cobalt µg/L 11 Copper µg/L <10 Iron µg/L <50 Lead µg/L <10 Magnesium mg/L 1500 Manganese µg/L 1200 Mercury mg/L <0.00005 Molybdenum µg/L <10 Nickel µg/L 24 Potassium mg/L 61 Selenium µg/L <10 Silicon mg/L 9.2 Sodium mg/L 8200 Strontium µg/L 4100 Sulfate mg/L 2400 Thallium µg/L <10 Vanadium µg/L <10 Zinc µg/L 79

Groundwater Management The initial dewatering of the Two Boys existing underground workings will be pumped to the raw water pond and used for the processing of ore at the Higginsville plant. The use of mine dewater from Two Boys at the Higginsville processing plant was approved under the original NOI for Two

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Boys (Reg ID 15749). Subsequent dewatering during mining operations will be used for dust suppression for mining activities at Higginsville. The dewatering assessments indicates that the volume of water produced will not be in excess of dust suppression requirements. In the event that dewatering requirements exceed that predicted in the assessment, any excess dewater will be pumped into Fairplay pit. The disposal of dewater from the Two Boys underground was approved under the original NOI for mining of Two Boys (Reg ID: 16022). Pipelines will be placed within a bunded corridor with scour sumps to contain saline water in the event of a spill due to rupturing of the pipeline.

Dewatering and groundwater monitoring activities will be conducted in accordance with the DWER Licence to Take Water GWL160795(6). There are no water supply bores within the area adjacent to the Two Boys underground mine where minor drawdown may occur. As a result, no groundwater users are likely to be impacted by the proposed mine dewatering. In addition to this, there are no known groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs) within the local area.

Material Characterisation

Regional Geology Higginsville is situated in the Kalgoorlie Province, which is on the central eastern portion of the Yilgarn Craton. The province consists of Archaean greenstone basement rocks with a north- south strike and a steep westerly dip. This is overlain with granitic rocks and greenstone of the Yilgarn Craton that have been extensively weathered and laterised. Undulating plains containing hills, sand plains and salt lakes overlie the bedrock Superficial deposits are typically made up of colluvial and alluvial sediments.

A concentration of greenstone belts exists between Norseman and Kalgoorlie. The greenstones contain a mixed assemblage of metamorphosed mafic to ultramafic volcanic rocks (including basalt, amphibolite, dolerite and gabbro), felsic volcanic rocks, and metasedimentary rocks (including cherts and banded iron formations).

The Higginsville area is dominated by a 5km wide belt of metamorphosed high-Mg basalt and minor metakomatiite flows with doleritic and gabbroic intrusions.

Local Geology

Karora is planning to recommission and extend the existing underground mine at Two Boys, located in the middle of a corridor of gold deposits extending south from Poseidon Pit, known as the “Line of Lode Deposits” (Figure 13). The Line of Lode Deposits have been mined since the

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1930s, since when they have produced about 1.5 Moz of gold. The Two Boys Deposit occurs within a narrow zone of basalt, bounded by the Poseidon Thrust to the east, and another structure, known as Thrust A, to the west Gold mineralisation occurs within biotitic shears and laminated quartz veins, which are up to 3 m thick. The gold reefs are generally flat-lying; with localised steeper dips such as occur in the main pit area.

Higginsville lies to the west of the Zulieka Shear, at the southern end of the Norseman to Wiluna Greenstone Belt. The regional bedrock comprises a north-northwest-trending sequence of fault- bounded and thrust-repeated basalt, komatiite and interflow clastic sediment, which has been metamorphosed to upper greenschist facies and intruded by dolerite and gabbro dykes.

The Two Boys Deposit occurs within a narrow zone of basalt, bounded by the Poseidon Thrust to the east, and another structure, known as Thrust A, to the west. The Poseidon Thrust dips at about 45o to the east and is overlain by fine-grained metasediments. The thrust and overlying metasediments occur in the hanging wall of the deposit and will not be intersected by the underground workings.

The following section is taken from the Notice of Intent to Mine Two Boys Project (Reg ID 15749). The tenement geology consists of a series of alternating high magnesium basalts, basalts, dolerites, gabbros and minor sediment. The sequence is underlain by a north west striking quartz gabbro which occurs in the south west corner of M 15/231. The north north-west strike and sub- vertical dip of the sequence has been interpreted from drill intercepts of a narrow but extensive chert horizon.

The sequence is cut low angle shear zones, striking east-west and dipping approximately 27º to the north north-east. The Two Boys Reef which hosts the Two Boys deposit is an interlayed quartz and carbonate vein which occurs within a low angle sheer. The surface expression of this reef can be traced for over 300 m and displays thickness up to 3 m.

The Two Boys deposit is covered by a lateritic weathering profile which can be up to 50 m in depth. The upper zone of 2-3 m consists of intensely ferruginised clays and calcareous soils. This overlies a thick mottled zone to about 40 m depth. A narrow poorly developed pallid zone of 2-3 m thickness is observed in most drill holes. This overlies a weathered bedrock zone of variable thickness.

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Figure 13: Local Geology

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Subsurface Materials Characterisation Assessment and analysis of the waste material sampled has evaluated the potential for acid, neutral, and metalliferous drainage to form in various waste materials, the potential for waste material examined to be dispersive; and classified waste types based on their potential to generate AMD according to guidelines published by the Federal Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources (DITR, 2007).

The Paringa Basalt is the main host of the mineralisation in Corona lode that will be mined at Two Boys. Paringa Basalt is the host rock within numerous deposits previously mined at Higginsville and includes Poseidon pit and underground, Two Boys underground, Fairplay pits, Vine pit and the recently approved pits Hidden Secret and Mousehollow. The waste characterisation technical report for Eundynie is attached as Appendix H.

Karora completed a waste characterisation program to confirm the pervious findings for Paringa Basalt at Two Boys. Twelve composite samples taken from oxide transitional and fresh rock waste were analysed to determine the risk of acid, neutral and metalliferous drainage from mine waste. Waste characterisation was also undertaken at Aquarius that is positioned only 1.4 km south of Two Boys and located within the same geological sequence and consists of identical geological units. In addition, the elemental composition, leaching potential for environmental significant metals and metalloids, and exchangeable cations (calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) were also determined. The waste rock was analysed by SGS Environmental Services (Nata approved laboratory). The technical report is appended as Appendix H and the results displayed a strong correlation to Paringa Basalt previously mined at Higginsville.

The sulphur content in waste rock at Two Boys, determined by Chromium Reducible Sulfur, is well below the threshold of 0.3%. The highest total Sulphur value recorded in fresh rock basalt was only 0.20% w/w that indicates no further acid base accounting is required. Nonetheless, Karora performed acid base accounting tests on the Two Boys waste rock samples. All samples after complete oxidation returned a pH ≥4.5 with a mean in fresh rock waste of pH 8.4. The net acid production potential for all fresh rock samples was negative. The fresh rock waste to be mined at Two Boys was classified as non-acid forming. The waste characterisation at Aquarius for fresh rock also showed the Paringa Basalt is non-acid forming and was classified as acid consuming.

Karora does not anticipate that the waste mined from Two Boys would be acid forming and the risk of acid mine drainage is considered very low. This conclusion is consistent with guidance

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Karora Resources Two Boys Underground Mining Proposal, Version 1 presented in the Leading Practice Handbook for the Mining Industry: Preventing Acid and Metalliferous Drainage. No further acid base accounting or investigation was required after review of the results for the ‘Analysis Concept’. The very low mean concentration of sulfur in the waste samples poses no or only very little risk for acid mine drainage.

Any leachate generated from the fresh mine waste will be circum-neutral to moderately alkaline.

The pH (CaCl2) for fresh rock waste at Two Boys was 8.3 and Aquarius ranged between pH 7.2 – 8.5. The mean concentration of all metals in leachate for fresh rock at Two Boys and Aquarius was well below the limit for use as irrigation water in primary industries and recommended in the ANZECC guidelines. The risk of metalliferous drainage is considered to be very low given that the mean concentration of all environmental significant metals in leachate were within limits for use as irrigation water in primary industries as described in the ANZECC guideline.

The predicted alkaline seepage, if present, will reduce the mobility of environmentally significant metals and the risk of metalliferous drainage is considered low. It must be noted that the saline to hypersaline groundwater around Higginsville is not suitable for livestock watering. The low water- solubility of the metal and metalloid elements was in part attributed to the alkaline nature of the leachate. The risk of metalliferous drainage from mine waste at Two Boys is considered to be very unlikely in arid to semi-arid environments and supported by the pH of leachate that was moderately to strongly alkaline.

Materials characterisation at Two Boys showed that leachate from oxide waste would be acidic and the concentration of chromium in transitional waste was slightly elevated compared with the limtis for irrigation water used in primary industries as described in the ANZECC guideline. The boxcut at Two Boys was established in the 1990’s and no oxide or transitional waste will be mined at Two Boys. If the oxide or transitional waste at Two Boys was to be mined, Karora will undertake further waste characterisation for metalliferous drainage to determine if management measures such as encapsulation within the waste rock dump are required. Karora commits to undertaking further materials characterisation if unexpected lithologies are encountered during mining.

Summary of baseline data and implications for risk assessment o All fresh rock waste characterisation samples were classified as non-acid forming. o The potential for metalliferous drainage under circum-neutral and alkaline conditions is low.

Technical Reports/Studies Cited o Karora (2021) Aquarius & Two Boys Underground Waste Characterisation Assessment Report (Appendix H)

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Environmental Threats and Other Factors

Environmental threats associated with development of the Project area include introduced species, dangerous goods and hazardous substances, air quality, environmental noise and fire. The risk of these potential threats having a detrimental impact on the environment is considered minimal with appropriate management processes in place.

Introduced Species Mining activities and operations have the potential to introduce weeds and increase feral animal activity in the area. NVS (2015) identified three introduced (weed) species within the Fairplay Project area, none of which are listed as declared plants by DAFWA. NVS (2019) did not identify any weed species at Eundynie.

A number of introduced animals including the house mouse (Mus musculus), wild dog (Canis lupus), feral cat (Felis catus) and goat (Capra hircus) are known to be established in the local area (Terrestrial Ecosystems 2015).

Existing and potential introduced species will be managed through implementation of the Environmental Management System (EMS) which includes provisions for the treatment of these risks, including:

 Programs for introduced species detection and eradication;  Weed hygiene measures for plant and equipment including cleaning, inspection and controlled access;  Avoiding the use of material from weed affected areas;  Stockpile weed infected topsoil separate from ‘clean’ topsoil; and  Procedures and training on introduced species management.

Contamination Sources Activities at Higginsville have the potential to cause environmental harm though contamination associated with the use of dangerous goods and hazardous substances, including hydrocarbons. The potential impact is considered minimal with appropriate management processes in place.

Dangerous goods and hazardous substances will be managed through implementation of the EMS which includes provisions for the treatment of these risks, including:

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 Design and operational requirements for storage and handling of Dangerous goods and hazardous substances in accordance with the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 and other applicable legislation;  Containment bunds or similar methods of preventing uncontrolled release;  Spill recovery equipment;  Bioremediation facility for contaminated soils;  Facility inspections and maintenance;  Wastewater management; and  Procedures and training on dangerous goods and hazardous substances management.

Air Quality and Noise Mining activities have the potential to impact air quality through the generation of dust, noise and air emissions. The potential impact from the Project is considered minimal with suitable management processes in place.

The risk of air quality impacts as a result of mining activity associated with the development of the Two Boys resource will be managed through implementation of the EMS which includes provisions for the treatment of these risks, including:

 Dust controlled through the application of groundwater for dust suppression in accordance with the Licence to Take Water issued under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914;  Air and noise emissions controlled through design, maintenance and operation of plant and equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications;  Air emissions quantities will be estimated or measured and reported as part of the National Pollution Inventory (NPI) and National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 requirements;  Noise emissions will comply with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997. As the nearest residences are located approximately 45kms at Widgiemooltha there are no noise sensitive premises in the area that may be impacted by noise emissions; and  Procedures and training on dust, noise, and air quality management.

Fire Bushfires in the region are likely to occur throughout the November to March period, largely as a result of thunderstorm activity. Fires can result in risks to people, property, livestock and biodiversity. The most likely source of fire from the operation is from vehicle movements.

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The risk of a fire occurring because of mining activity associated with the development of the Two Boys resource will be managed through implementation of the EMS which includes provisions for the treatment of fire risks, including:

 Design and operational requirements for storage and handling of Dangerous goods and hazardous substances in accordance with the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 and other applicable legislation;  Vehicles and equipment in serviceable condition with required emissions systems and fitted with fire extinguishers;  Maintaining firebreaks around areas deemed to be of high risk;  Fire management and emergency response plan prepared in consultation with appropriate authorities;  Availability of equipment with firefighting capabilities and personnel trained in the use of that equipment; and  Procedures and training on fire awareness and response.

Cultural Heritage The Aboriginal Heritage Inquiry System (AHIS) database contains no records of Registered Aboriginal Sites on Mining Tenements M 15/231, M 15/348, M 15/610 and M 15/748. The results of the AHIS database are presented in Appendix I. The proposed operations occur adjacent to heavy disturbed land by mining operations. No sites of significance have been identified that could be impacted by the operations of this mining proposal.

Extensive heritage surveys have been undertaken at Higginsville that included the project area. Karora Resources maintains a strong working relationship with the traditional owners and holds a Heritage Agreement with the Ngadju Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (RNTBC). Karora Resources promotes employment opportunities with RNTBC and the community of Norseman and Kambalda.

Land Use The Two Boys underground mine resource is located on Common Reserve (R 10305) in the Shire of Coolgardie. Karora has established a good relationship with the Shire of Coolgardie through previous consultation regarding HGO developments and is committed to ongoing stakeholder engagement. Previous consultation revealed that there are no shire roads. The Shire has advised that mining activities are consistent with the current planning scheme. The nearest pastoral lease

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(Madoonia Downs Station) is located over 8 km to the north of the Two Boys Project and 10 km east where it is separate by Lake Cowan.

Recently, road reserves have ‘appeared’ in Tengraph that dissect our facilities (Figure 14). The roads radiate out in a north-eastern and south-eastern direction and are likely linked to Eundynie Road. These roads have never been considered during the assessment of historic or recent mining approvals. The Shire has provided letters stating that the roads are private roads not managed by the Shire and have no objection to mining activities within the reserves (Appendix J). Furthermore, L 15/382 was recently granted by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety on 27 September 2018 and tenement conditions make no reference to the existence of road reserves. Karora is of the firm belief that the road reserves depicted in Tengraph are erroneous and do not represent authorised road reserves. The roads depicted do not service any existing public or private infrastructure.

Communications with the Shire clearly state that if the road exists it is a private road. The road is not an asset of the Shire nor does it contain any infrastructure to be considered an asset of the Shire. The Shire does not have any objections to mining activities within the boundary of the road reserve depicted below. If stakeholder engagement for closure identifies that the road is required at time of closure it will be reinstated to run south of the proposed infrastructure.

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Figure 14: Tengraph "unnamed road reserve"

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ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESMENT

Environmental risk management for the development of the Two Boys resource is based on assessment of risk consistent with the Guideline for Mining Proposals in Western Australia requirements (DMP 2016). The risk management framework adopted is based on the Australian Standard AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management shown in Figure 15. This framework allows for the identification of environmental risks and potential impacts arising from proposed activities, and the management measures to be implemented so that the prescribed environmental objectives listed in Table 13 can be met. It must be noted that aspects relating to PAF and the construction of the WRD are currently considered to be of moderate risk once mitigation measures have been applied. However, Karora anticipates that further assessment information obtained via expert closure reports will close information gaps and reduce potential environmental risk.

Figure 15: Risk Management Framework

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Table 13: Environmental Objectives

Environmental Factor Objective

Biodiversity/Flora/Faun To maintain representation, diversity, viability and ecological function at a/Ecosystem the species, population and community level.

Water Resources To maintain the hydrological regimes, quality and quantity of groundwater and surface water to the extent that existing and potential uses, including ecosystem maintenance, are protected.

Landforms Mining will not result in appreciable land degradation or the contamination or pollution of the land.

Mine Closure Mines are closed in a manner to make them (physically) safe to humans and animals, (geo-technically) stable, (geo-chemically) non-polluting/non- contaminating, and capable of sustaining an agreed post-mining land use, and without unacceptable liability to the State.

Risk Assessment Criteria

The methodology used in this risk assessment seeks to quantify risk using a combination of likelihood and consequence. Likelihood is rated on a scale from A to E and range from ‘Rare’ to ‘Almost Certain’ (Table 14). Consequence is determined using a scale from 1 to 5, with consequences ranging from ‘Very Low’ to ‘Catastrophic’ (Table 15). The likelihood and consequences are rated for both the inherent risks (i.e. before the application of risk mitigation measures) and residual risks (i.e. after consideration of the change in likelihood and/or consequence that the risk mitigation measures). Once a consequence and likelihood have been determined for a specific aspect or activity, the risk rating matrix (Table 16) calculates a risk rating.

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Table 14: Likelihood Categories

Level Descriptor Description

Almost A The event is expected to occur in most circumstances certain

B Likely The event will probably occur in most circumstances

C Possible The event may occur at some time

The event has not occurred in our company, but has occurred within the D Unlikely industry as a whole on a number of occasions

Event has not been known to occur in our company, but has been known to E Rare occur infrequently within the industry and is only likely to occur in exceptional circumstances

Table 15: Consequence Categories

Environmental Biodiversity/Flora/ Water Resources Landforms Mine Closure Factor Fauna/Ecosystem

Very Low 1 Alteration or Low impact to isolated Negligible impact to Site is safe, stable and disturbance to an area without affecting isolated areas. non-polluting, and post isolated area that is any use of the water. mining land use is not unlikely to affect the adversely affected. habitat, species or ecosystem.

Minor 2 Alteration or Contained low impact Contained low impact, The site is safe, all disturbance to less than with negligible effect on not impacting on any major landforms are 5% of a habitat, species the use of the water. environmental value. stable, and any stability or ecosystem resulting or pollution issues are in a minor, recoverable contained and require impact. no residual management. Post- mining land use is not adversely affected.

Moderate 3 Alteration or Uncontained impact Uncontained impact, The site is safe, and disturbance to 5-30% of that will materially able to be rectified in any stability or pollution a habitat, species or affect the use of the short-term without issues require minor, ecosystem resulting in a water, but able to be causing pollution or ongoing maintenance moderate, recoverable rectified in the short- contamination. by end land user. impact. term.

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Environmental Biodiversity/Flora/ Water Resources Landforms Mine Closure Factor Fauna/Ecosystem

Major 4 Alteration or Extensive hazardous Extensive hazardous The site cannot be disturbance to 30-70% impact requiring long- impact requiring long- considered safe, stable of a habitat, species or term rectification. term rectification. or non-polluting without ecosystem resulting in a long-term management major, recoverable or intervention. Agreed impact. end land-use cannot proceed without ongoing management.

Catastrophic 5 Alteration or Uncontained hazardous Uncontained hazardous The site is unsafe, disturbance to more impact with residual impact with residual unstable and/or causing than 70% of a habitat, effect. effect. pollution or species or ecosystem contamination that will resulting in an extinction cause an ongoing or permanent changes, residual affect. The recovery if possible post-mining land use greater than 10 years. cannot be achieved.

Table 16: Risk Rating Matrix

Very Low (1) Minor (2) Moderate (3) Major (4) Catastrophic (5)

Almost M H16 E20 E23 E25 certain (A)

Likely (B) M H12 H17 E21 E24

Possible (C) L4 M8 H13 E18 E22

Unlikely (D) L2 L5 M9 H14 E19

Rare (E) L1 L3 M6 M10 H15

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Table 17: Risk Assessment

Component/Aspect Phase Pathway & Potential Environmental Impacts L C IR Control / Treatment (Existing / Proposed) L C RR Biodiversity/Flora/Fauna/Ecosystem Construction Dust emissions due to land clearing, earthworks, movement of vehicles, D 2 L5  Land disturbance will be kept to the minimum necessary for development E 2 L3 Operations stockpiling and transport of friable materials and building of infrastructure of the project. Closure resulting in reduced vegetation health and condition.  Watering of unsealed trafficable areas to reduce dust.  During high winds, topsoil stripping and spreading activities will be restricted if dust cannot be adequately controlled.  Vehicle traffic will be confined to defined roads and tracks  Disturbed areas will be rehabilitated upon completion of mining activities or progressively when not required for operations.  Occupational hygiene requirements for dust will be complied with in operational areas. Operations Dust from transfer of ore from trucks to ROM pad resulting in reduced D 2 L5  Dust will be managed by watering unsealed roads with a water cart or E 2 L3 vegetation health and condition. with fixed sprays.  Dust minimisation measures will be implemented for the ROM pad using water carts and fixed sprays.  Sprays will be fitted to the tipping area of the crusher to ensure ore remains moist during tipping and crushing activities.  A dust collector will be installed and operated on the crusher discharge conveyor. Introduction and/or increase spread of weed species such as Carrichtera C 2 M8  Weed management measures will be implemented as per existing D 2 L5 annua (Ward’s Weed) Centaurea melitensis (Maltese Cockspur) and Karora procedures and will include survey, recording, documenting and Sonchus oleraceus (Milk Weed) within the Fairplay mining region from monitoring existing weed populations; conducting weed hygiene Terrestrial Flora and project activities resulting in a reduction in native vegetation measures on all vehicles (inspections of all equipment entering site); Vegetation Construction health/condition and an overall loss in biodiversity. Operations removing and disposing of waste/soil infested with weeds; avoiding Care and and/or minimising clearing. Maintenance  Regular inspection of active mining areas for the presence of known Closure weed species.  Provide awareness training and education to employees and contractors.  If required, advice sought from DBCA’s DPaW division for the control of weed populations. Erosion of mine waste landforms resulting in sediment discharge and C 2 M8  Landforms will be designed, constructed and rehabilitated to create a D 2 L5 smothering of plants. safe, stable, non-polluting landform. Operations  Crest and toe bunds will be incorporated into WRD design to prevent Closure Care and erosion into the landscape. Maintenance  Toe drains or sumps around hardstand areas to minimise sediment wash.  Bunds are armoured with the most competent material available. Construction Altered fire regime impacting vegetation health and condition. D 3 M9  Firefighting equipment will be located on site and emergency personnel E 2 L3 Operations will be trained in fire response.  Lightning protection equipment will be installed as part of project design where necessary.  A Hot Work Permit system will be developed and implemented.  All machinery and vehicles undertaking clearing activities will be fitted with firefighting equipment.

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Component/Aspect Phase Pathway & Potential Environmental Impacts L C IR Control / Treatment (Existing / Proposed) L C RR Operations Exposure of saline/dispersive or deleterious materials from constructed C 2 M8  Waste characterisation results will be used to inform waste disposal E 2 L3 Closure landforms resulting in decline in health of surrounding vegetation. schedule, storage and handling.  Recommendations from mine closure experts on landform design implemented.  Undertake materials characterisation if unexpected geological units are identified during mining. Operations Generation of metalliferous or acid mine drainage from constructed C 2 M8  Undertake materials characterisation if unexpected geological units are D 2 L5 Closure landforms resulting in decline in health of surrounding vegetation which identified during mining. result in environmental outcomes not being met. Construction Light and noise pollution disrupting nocturnal activities of native fauna. D 2 L5  Lights will be strategically placed and designed to shine towards E 2 L3 Operations operational areas and minimise light spill to the environment.  Equipment design will specify compliance with Australian Standard noise limits. Construction Altered fire regime impacting native fauna habitat. C 2 M8  Firefighting equipment will be located on site and emergency personnel E 2 L5 Operations will be trained in fire response.  Lightning protection equipment will be installed as part of project design where necessary.  Vehicles will not be permitted to leave access tracks or cleared areas.  A Hot Work Permit system will be developed and implemented.  All machinery and vehicles undertaking clearing activities will be fitted with firefighting equipment.  Avoca Mining will work with the pastoralist, Traditional Owners and DFES to undertake prescribed burns and install and maintain firebreaks if required so that potential environmental damage from extreme and out of control wildfires is minimised and infrastructure and the community are protected throughout the life of the project. Fauna entrapment leading to injury or death. C 2 M8  Open holes, trenches, the refuse impoundment, and any water holding D 2 L5 Terrestrial Fauna Construction Operations facilities are inspected daily. Care and  Areas identified as being potential fauna traps will have matting installed Maintenance to allow fauna egress. Vehicle interactions with local fauna species along access tracks and C 2 M8 D 2 L5 Construction  All staff complete a site induction that includes driving on site and haul roads resulting in injury or death of animals. Operations environmental awareness. Care and  Speed restrictions are implemented and all vehicles adhere to dedicated Maintenance speed limits on access tracks and haul roads. Closure  All fauna strikes are reported to the Karora Environmental department. Construction Dust emissions due to land clearing, earthworks, movement of vehicles, D 2 L5  Land disturbance will be kept to the minimum necessary for development E 2 L3 Operations concrete batching, stockpiling and transport of friable materials and of the project. Closure building of infrastructure resulting in reduced fauna health and condition.  During high winds, topsoil stripping and spreading activities will be restricted if dust cannot be adequately controlled.  Vehicle traffic will be confined to defined roads and tracks.  Disturbed areas will be rehabilitated upon completion of mining activities or where progressively able to do so.  Dust control measures will be implemented.  Occupational hygiene requirements for dust will be complied with in operational areas.

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Component/Aspect Phase Pathway & Potential Environmental Impacts L C IR Control / Treatment (Existing / Proposed) L C RR Operations Dust from transfer of ore from trucks to ROM pad resulting in reduced D 2 L5  Dust will be managed by watering unsealed roads with a water cart or E 2 L3 fauna health and condition. with fixed sprays.  Dust minimisation measures will be implemented for the ROM pad using water carts and fixed sprays.  Sprays will be fitted to the tipping area of the crusher to ensure ore remains moist during tipping and crushing activities if excessive dust becomes a nuisance.  A dust collector will be installed and operated on the crusher discharge conveyor. Construction Construction and earthwork activities resulting in a reduction in amenity D 2 L5  All vehicles and plant equipment will be regularly maintained to ensure E 2 L3 for fauna located close to the project area. they are operating efficiently and are not unduly noisy.  The processing plant will include sound attenuating measures as appropriate.  Noise compressors will be housed in a sound attenuating enclosure.  The site induction will provide information on the requirements for and appropriate use of PPE associated with noise prevention and /or minimisation. Operations Long term exposure of putrescible wastes leading to increase in feral C 1 L4  Putrescible and industrial wastes will be disposed off-site or at the main E 1 L1 animal/vermin. landfill site at Higginsville.  Waste will be covered a minimum of once fortnightly. Construction Unauthorised driving off designated roads and tracks resulting in soil D 2 L5  Vehicle movements restricted to authorised roads and tracks. E 2 L3 Operations compaction leading to poor conditions for vegetation establishment.  Project induction to contain information about not driving out of Care and designated areas. Maintenance Closure Construction Contamination of soil resources by hydrocarbon spills from fuel storage, C 2 M8  Where field servicing and refuelling must occur, field personnel will adopt D 2 L5 Operations mobile equipment and power generation. procedures to limit the likelihood of significant hydrocarbon releases i.e. use hydrocarbon collections systems, auto cut-offs for refilling, ensure work occurs well away from water collection areas.  Minor spillage occurring as a result of accidents or breakdowns will be addressed by communicating, controlling, containing and cleaning up the spill and reported through the incident report procedure. Land  Hydrocarbon contaminated soils will be disposed and treated at the site Disturbance/Degradation bioremediation facility.  Spill kits will be located at strategic locations throughout the project area and employees trained in their use.  All personal will be educated and made aware of internal spill management procedures and the location of all bioremediation facilities.  All spills must be internally reported.  The fuel facility will be equipped with overfill detection systems and be bunded to prevent leaks.  All hydrocarbon and chemical storages will be designed and constructed in accordance with Australian Standards AS1940 and AS1692. Construction Contamination of soil resources by process reagents and/or materials C 2 M8  All chemical storage will be designed and constructed in accordance with D 2 L5 Operations used and stored on site. Australian Standards AS1940 and AS1692.

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Component/Aspect Phase Pathway & Potential Environmental Impacts L C IR Control / Treatment (Existing / Proposed) L C RR Construction Poor surface water management leads to erosion of WRD resulting in C 3 H13  Constructed waste dumps to include; a crest bund, toe drain, armouring D 3 M9 Operations dispersal of materials into native vegetation, leading to death or decline and be sloped backwards towards the centre of the landform. Care and of riparian vegetation.  Toe drain to capture water and sediment runoff. Maintenance Closure  The Two Boys WRD will be constructed with batters at 14⁰. The crest bund will reduce runoff and a toe drain (if required) will capture sedimentation.  ARI and PMP events are considered in construction of landforms.  Toe drains or sumps to manage surface water flows and erosion around hardstand and haul road areas.  Bunds are armoured with the most competent material available. Poor drainage management along haul road route and land-based D 2 L5  Natural drainage contours will be maintained where possible. E 2 L3 infrastructure resulting in water logged soils with long-term impacts on  Implementation of drainage diversion will occur around required Construction soil structure and rehabilitation success. Operations infrastructure as per engineered designs. Care and  Operational surface water management plan will be implemented if Maintenance required. Closure  Culverts are installed at low lying areas or drainage lines crossings.  V-drains are incorporated into road design. Construction Land disturbance resulting in vegetation and habitat loss outside the C 2 M8  Land disturbance will be kept to the minimum necessary for development D 2 L5 Operations development envelope. of the project and will remain within the development envelope.  An internal clearing / surface disturbance procedures will be used and areas of disturbance will be clearly marked out prior to ground disturbing activities.  A procedure will be implemented to record the amount of clearing undertaken and report the cumulative total in the Annual Environmental Report.  Vehicles and mining equipment will keep to designated tracks and roads.  Vegetation and topsoil will be left in situ for as long as possible.  Clearing of vegetation will be done progressively over the project life.  The site induction program will provide information on ground disturbance requests and authorisation procedures.  All disturbance operations will be supervised. Construction Additional/unapproved disturbance resulting in loss of native vegetation C 2 M8  Internal clearing / surface disturbance procedures will be implemented. D 2 L5 Operations that is not approved as part of the MP or clearing permit leading to a  All conditions of clearing permits obtained under the Environmental reduction in available flora/fauna habitat Protection Act 1986 will be adhered to and clearing will be restricted to the approved clearing permit envelope.  Clearing operators will be supervised.  All employees will be inducted so as to be made aware of clearing restrictions and internal requirements for all proposed surface disturbance.  Any incidence of unauthorised/unapproved disturbance/clearing will be reported (internally and externally) and areas of vegetation cleared will be rehabilitated immediately.

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Component/Aspect Phase Pathway & Potential Environmental Impacts L C IR Control / Treatment (Existing / Proposed) L C RR Construction Damage to soil structure and viability of topsoil during stripping or C 3 H13  Avoid topsoil stripping in very windy or waterlogged conditions. C 3 M9 storage leading to reduced rehabilitation success.  Implementation of site procedure for topsoil management. Loss or damage to topsoil resulting in insufficient growth medium  Topsoil stockpiles will be stockpiled in nominated stockpiles areas and required to support vegetation and complete successful rehabilitation. Loss or damage to topsoil resulting in dust generation. all employees will be made aware of their location.  Topsoil stockpiles will be located adjacent to and within the footprint of disturbance.  The stockpiles will be located away from concentrated surface water flow.  Topsoil stockpiles will be clearly signed to ensure no inadvertent disturbance.  Topsoil stockpiles along the haul road route will be protected by v-drains and located outside the range of water cart spray. Construction Areas of cleared vegetation are left open resulting in an increased D 2 L5  All employees will be inducted so as to be aware of clearing E 2 L3 potential for surface water and wind erosion. requirements and restrictions.  EP Act clearing permit conditions relating to staged clearing will be implemented.  Any incidence of unauthorised/unapproved clearing will be reported (internally and externally) and areas of vegetation cleared will be rehabilitated immediately.  Clearing operators review and sign onto the internal clearing permit and will be supervised. Construction Establishment and or spread of weeds and pathogens within topsoil D 2 L5  Follow weed management procedure (i.e. clean down and clean E 2 L3 Operations resulting in reduced seed bank, soil viability and suitable growth medium, machinery prior to entry to site). Closure required in order to establish vegetation and meet closure objectives.  All machinery involved in land disturbance operations will be inspected and cleaned prior to arrival to site.  Environmental staff will be trained in the identification of local weed species and will conduct regular weed control activities, especially in areas adjacent to topsoil stockpiles. Water Resources Construction Contamination of surface water resources by hydrocarbon spills from D 2 L5  Where practical heavy and light vehicle maintenance will be undertaken E 2 L3 Operations mobile equipment. in designated workshop areas located on concrete pads constructed so that they drain to an oil water separator system.  Where field servicing and refuelling must occur, field personnel will adopt procedures to limit the likelihood of significant hydrocarbon releases i.e. use hydrocarbon collections systems, auto cut-offs for refilling, ensure work occurs well away from water collection areas.  Minor spillage occurring as a result of accidents or breakdowns will be addressed by communicating, controlling, containing and cleaning up the Surface Water spill and reported through the incident report procedure.  Hydrocarbon contaminated soils will be disposed and treated at the site bioremediation facility.  Spill kits will be located at strategic locations throughout the project area and employees trained in their use.  Heavy and light vehicles will be washed down in a purpose built wash down facility. Sediment from the washdown pad will be collected in a lined sump and washdown water treated via a process to separate solids and hydrocarbons from water.

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Component/Aspect Phase Pathway & Potential Environmental Impacts L C IR Control / Treatment (Existing / Proposed) L C RR Contamination of surface water resources by hydrocarbon spills from fuel D 2 L5  The fuel facility will be equipped with overfill detection systems and be E 2 L3 storage facility leaks and failure. bunded to prevent leaks.  Spill kits will be located at strategic locations throughout the project area and employees trained in their use. Construction  Hydrocarbon contaminated materials to be removed from site or Operations disposed and treated at the site bioremediation facility. Care and  All hydrocarbon and chemical storages will be designed and constructed Maintenance in accordance with Australian Standards AS1940 and AS1692.  Hardstand areas will surround refuelling stations.  SDS and any other relevant environmental and safety guidelines will be maintained.  Absorbent mats will be used under machinery which is likely to leak oil. Increased sediment load from ephemeral runoff due to ground D 2 L5  Land disturbance will be kept to the minimum necessary for development E 2 L3 disturbance and construction of mine infrastructure and landforms of the project. reduces surface water quality.  Disturbed areas will be rehabilitated upon completion of mining activities or progressively wherever possible  Sediment traps will be constructed around the base of waste rock Construction dumps. Operations  Surface water runoff is management/controlled around land-based WRD. Care and  Surface water runoff from Lake based WRD is directed towards the Maintenance nearby pit where possible. Closure  Future sampling of lake sediments will include locations outside impact areas (i.e. reference sites outside the pit shell) to better understand prevailing conditions.  Toe drains or containment bunds are installed around all hardstand areas and the causeway.  Bunds are armoured with the most competent material available. Flood damage due to changed surface water flow patterns. D 2 L5  Natural drainage contours will be maintained where possible. E 2 L3  Operational surface water management plan will be implemented if required.  Roads and access tracks will be constructed with appropriate surface Construction water drainage structures to minimise impacts on surface water flows. Operations  A diversion bund will be constructed to the north of the Two Boys Boxcut Care and to prevent surface water runoff from entering active mining areas. Maintenance  Where necessary, suitable floodways, drains and culverts will be installed to transfer flow past infrastructure and return it to its natural flow path.  Culverts or water crossings will be installed when crossing watercourses to prevent impediment of flow. Contamination of surface water resources from general litter. D 1 L5  The site induction will provide information on waste disposal and E 1 L1 recycling.  Waste receptacles (rubbish bins) will have lids secured. Construction  Domestic wastes will be disposed of into a purpose built landfill offsite. Operations  Recyclable wastes will be collected in a laydown area and transported Care and offsite for recycling. Maintenance  Packaging wastes associated with reagents will be minimised through bulk buying and returning empty containers to suppliers where possible.  No hydrocarbons and/or chemicals will be disposed of into the landfill facility.

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Component/Aspect Phase Pathway & Potential Environmental Impacts L C IR Control / Treatment (Existing / Proposed) L C RR Operations Disruption of surface water drainage along roadsides resulting in ponding D 2 L5  Where necessary, soil erosion control banks will be constructed where E 2 L3 Closure of surface water and an increase in sedimentation. excess runoff may concentrate and there is a potential for soil erosion.  V-drains are incorporated into road design. Spillage, leakage and seepage of hydrocarbons used and stored on site C 2 M8  Minor spillage occurring as a result of accidents or breakdowns will be D 2 L5 results in contamination of groundwater resources. addressed and reported through the incident report procedure.  Hydrocarbon contaminated materials to be removed from site or disposed and treated at the site bioremediation facility.  Spill kits will be located at strategic locations throughout the project area and employees trained in their use.  Fuel bowsers and fuel delivery inlets will be located on concrete or HDPE-lined pads to contain any drips and spills. The pads will drain to a sump to allow removal of collected material.  All hydrocarbon and chemical storage will be designed and constructed in accordance with Australian Standards AS1940 and AS1692. Construction Operations  Transformer stations will be in bunded areas which meet the Care and requirements of Australia Standards AS1940, AS 2067 and AS 3007. Maintenance  Use absorbent materials under machinery which is likely to leak oil.  Regular inspections of workshop facilities. Store all hydrocarbons and chemical reagents in appropriately bunded areas.  All washdown water/spillages generated from the power station will be channelled to a triple oil/water interceptor.  Install sumps to contain spills.  Used oils and hydrocarbon affected material (oily rags, filters, etc.) will Groundwater be collected and transported offsite to a licensed recycling facility.  Any spills of hydrocarbons/chemicals which are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm will be reported to the DWER in accordance with Section 72 of the EP Act. Operations Tailings reactions result in excess metalloids or becoming more soluble D 3 M9  Tailings are maintained at alkaline conditions to avoid leaching of E 3 M6 Closure and entering the groundwater table via seepage. metalloids.  Monthly groundwater quality monitoring of TSF monitoring bores.  Tailings tested during operations.  Problem materials treated prior to leaving processing plant.  TSF operated in accordance with tenement and DWER licence conditions. Operations Contamination of groundwater resources by chemicals and hydrocarbons D 2 L5  All chemical storages will be designed and constructed in accordance E 2 L3 used and stored on site. with Australian Standards AS1940 and AS1692. Operations Incorrect placement and management of waste rock on landforms D 3 M9  Waste dump design incorporates results of materials characterisation E 3 M6 Closure resulting in unstable landforms which will not meet closure criteria. studies.  Adhere to final PAF management plan.  Waste movements incorporated into mine plans and PAF materials marked out in the field by onsite geologists.  Annual review of constructed landforms in terms of geotechnical stability and compliance with design requirements.  Landforms are located outside the zone of pit instability. Operations Higher than predicted groundwater inflows into the underground mine D 2 L5  Records of historic mining have informed the predicted dewatering rate. E 2 L3 resulting in flooding  Fairplay main pit is approved for the disposal of dewater from mining the Two Boys underground, if dewatering rates exceed mine dust suppression requirements.

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Component/Aspect Phase Pathway & Potential Environmental Impacts L C IR Control / Treatment (Existing / Proposed) L C RR Mine Closure / Rehabilitation Closure Wind and water erosion of landforms creating unstable constructed C 3 H13  Appropriate landform investigations are implemented throughout the life D 3 M9 landforms or a landform that are prone to rilling, tunnelling or general of the project. erosion.  WRDs and sediment containment areas are fully enclosed by a perimeter bund. Waste dump max height and slopes angles are reduced to prevent erosion.  Competent material is used in construction of landforms intended to last in perpetuity.  ARI and PMP events are considered in construction of remaining landforms. Closure Ineffective establishment of vegetation and habitat resulting in reduced C 3 H13  Progressive rehabilitation will be undertaken where practicable in D 3 M9 ecosystem function. accordance with accepted industry best practice.  Disturbed areas will be ripped on the contour where appropriate to remove compaction, improve soil structure and improve infiltration capacity.  Stockpiled topsoil and vegetation will be respread over rehabilitated areas to act as a seed source, to protect the soil from erosion and provide habitat for fauna.  Local provenance seed will be used where necessary to rehabilitate disturbed areas.  Monitoring will be implemented once areas are rehabilitated to ensure progression towards completion criteria.  Monitoring will be carried out on a regular basis to assess the success of revegetation in rehabilitated areas. Mine Closure /  Ongoing development of monitoring methodology and rehabilitation Rehabilitation techniques will occur during the life of the project.  Development and submission of triennial revisions of the Mine Closure Plan.  Undertake and/or conduct trials to increase rehabilitation knowledge and explore alternative options that may be used to achieve improved rehabilitation outcomes. Closure Inadequate remediation of hydrocarbons and chemicals spills resulting in C 2 M8  Where field servicing and refuelling must occur, field personnel will adopt D 2 L5 contaminated sites persisting into closure. procedures to limit the likelihood of significant hydrocarbon releases i.e. use hydrocarbon collections systems, auto cut-offs for refilling, ensure work occurs well away from water collection areas.  Minor spillage occurring as a result of accidents or breakdowns will be addressed by communicating, controlling, containing and cleaning up the spill and reported through the incident report procedure.  Spill kits will be located at strategic locations throughout the project area and employees trained in their use. Operations Incorrect placement and management of waste rock resulting in land C 2 M8  Waste dump design incorporates results of materials characterisation D 2 L5 Closure and/or surface water contamination studies.  Adhere to final PAF management plan.  Waste movements incorporated into mine plans and PAF materials marked out in the field by onsite geologists.  Two Boys WRD constructed to include; a crest bund and batters at ≤ 14⁰. The WRD will be self-armoured as the majority of waste disposed from undergound below a depth of 50 m is fresh rock.  Sediment containment areas include containment bunds and toe drains

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Component/Aspect Phase Pathway & Potential Environmental Impacts L C IR Control / Treatment (Existing / Proposed) L C RR Closure Post-mining landforms are inconsistent with surroundings leading to poor C 2 M8  Continued liaison with stakeholders regarding specific requirements for D 2 L5 visual amenity closure.  Development and submission of triennial revisions of the Mine Closure Plan. Closure Wind and water erosion of operational and rehabilitation areas results in C 2 M8  Progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas. D 2 L5 loss of soil resources, adverse impacts to rehabilitation and thus  Surface water flows diverted around operational areas. preventing achievement of closure criteria  Rehabilitated areas reshaped to match surrounding landscape and reinstate natural drainage.  Surface water management incorporated into rehabilitation designs.  Water applied to bare surfaces on as need basis to minimise wind erosion. Construction Inadequate handling and storage of topsoil resulting in a reduction in D 3 M9  Vegetation and topsoil will be left in situ for as long as possible to avoid E 3 M6 Operations topsoil/growth media viability for rehabilitation double-handling. Closure  Avoid topsoil stripping in extreme wet conditions.  Clearing of vegetation will be done progressively over the project life.  Laterite, gravelly loam, and other growth media and topsoil will be stockpiled for use in rehabilitation.  Topsoil will be pre-stripped up to at a nominal depth of 100-200 mm from disturbance areas and stored separately in stockpiles not to exceed 2 m.  Topsoil and growth media stockpiles will be located away from drainage areas, hypersaline water and areas that may generate dust.  The site induction program will provide information on ground disturbance requests and authorisation procedures.  A procedure has been implemented to record the amount of clearing and recovered growth medium and report the cumulative total in the Annual Environmental Report. Operations Spread of existing weeds to other areas resulting in reduction of D 2 L5  Use of topsoil from weed infested areas from where it was sourced. E 2 L3 Closure germination and growth of required native species and failure to meet  Infested topsoil will be stored separately. closure objectives.  Signs erected on topsoil sourced from weed areas and recording on site plan.  Follow machinery hygiene guidelines to minimise weed spread.  Regularly check areas for weed establishment.  Weed inspections. Operations Insufficient competent materials are available for rehabilitation to form D 2 L5  The Two Boys waste dump has been designed to a maximum E 2 L3 Closure stable landforms. embankment slope of 14º to increase landform stability. No armouring of the waste dump is required.  Fresh rock basalt waste from Two Boys will be the used in the construction of the Two Boys waste dump. General (Management, Stakeholder, Planning, other risks) Construction Dust emissions affecting air quality D 2 L5  During high winds, topsoil stripping and spreading activities will be E 2 L3 Operations restricted if dust cannot be adequately controlled.  Vehicle traffic will be confined to defined roads and tracks.  Dust will be managed by watering unsealed roads with a water cart or fixed sprays. Air Quality  Vehicles will be required to travel at safe operating speeds on unsealed roads and will be restricted from accessing rehabilitated surfaces except for management purposes.  Dust minimisation measures will be implemented for the ROM pads using water carts and/or fixed sprays.

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Component/Aspect Phase Pathway & Potential Environmental Impacts L C IR Control / Treatment (Existing / Proposed) L C RR  Occupational hygiene requirements for dust will be complied with in operational areas.  Daily inspections of site will be undertaken, if dust generation from stockpiles are identified as an issue, remedial actions will be identified and implemented. Operations Noise pollution resulting in adverse impacts to nearby residents and D 2 L5  All mining operations will comply with the occupational noise standards. E 2 L3 fauna. Construction Damage to public road resulting in deterioration in road surface and D 2 L5  Agreement in place with Shire with respect to road maintenance. E 2 L3 Operations public complaints.  Avoidance of public roads where possible. Closure Operations Dewatering rate is higher than expected D 2 L5  Ongoing review of hydrological data from previous mining operations E 2 L3 leading to mine void flooding. and current hydrological studies has been undertaken to determine dewatering strategy and development of the site water balance.  Allow provision for dewatering bores if required.  Inspections of dewatering sumps. Construction Bushfire resulting in safety risks, impacts to vegetation, wildlife, dwellings C 3 H13  Firebreaks will be constructed and maintained. Staff education on fire D 3 M9 Operation and equipment. prevention techniques (inductions). General Care and  Communication Plan developed with DPaW to address communication maintenance Decommissioning points and machinery to be used in event of fire. Construction Fire resulting from Project operations leading to vegetation, pasture and D 3 M9  Firebreaks constructed and maintained around boundary fence as E 3 M6 Operations infrastructure damage. required by Shire by-laws. Closure  Staff education on fire prevention techniques (inductions) and fire response training for personnel Construction Environmental monitoring data not collected or poor quality data D 3 M9  All monitoring requirements will be well documented and carried out on a E 3 M6 Operation collected preventing the identification of environmental impacts routine basis. Care and  Monitoring will be undertaken in accordance with the DWER Licence and maintenance Decommissioning relevant Australian Standards. Closure  Monitoring will be conducted by suitably trained personnel.

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ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES, PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND MONITORING

The environmental factors that may be impacted by the development of the Two Boys deposit have been identified through the risk assessment process. Environmental factors assessed as moderate to high risk, pre-treatment have been assigned specific environmental outcomes to establish the acceptable level of impact that must not be exceeded or a level of performance to be met. Each environmental outcome has set performance criteria to enable the outcomes to be measured and to define limits for monitoring and environmental reporting.

The environmental performance of the project will be assessed against performance criteria and exceedances and/or incidents which cause or have the potential to cause significant environmental harm will be reported to DMIRS in accordance with specified timeframes.

Environmental Outcomes and Performance Criteria

The defined environmental outcomes, performance criteria and proposed monitoring for the development of the Two Boys underground mine are provided in Table 18.

The environmental outcomes have been developed to be proportionate to the potential risk, site specific, realistic and consistent with DMIRS environmental objectives. The environmental performance criteria proposed is outcome-based where suitable to allow for an adaptive and flexible approach to environmental management. Monitoring requirements for each performance criteria have been designed to be sensitive to early changes in the environmental conditions on site, so that corrective or contingency actions can be implemented in a timely manner.

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Table 18: Environmental Outcomes, Performance Criteria and Monitoring

Environmental DMIRS objective Environmental Risk / Risk Pathway(s) Environmental Outcome Performance Criteria Monitoring factor Biodiversity / To maintain representation,  Introduction and/or increase spread of  Weed populations and diversity  No new weed species are identified within  Annual weed survey (or following Flora / Fauna / diversity, viability and weed species from project activities does not increase as a result of disturbed areas on site. large rainfall events), inspections Ecosystem ecological function at the resulting in a reduction in native operations.  Reference sites are established in the local or monitoring to determine weed species, population and vegetation health and condition due to area (10 km radius) within similar or species, weed locations and community level. competition for natural resources. representative vegetation types. weed densities in disturbed and  Known weed species are identified and control undisturbed areas. measures are implemented.  At least two inspections during  Nil establishment of Declared Pest species. operations of cleared and rehabilitated areas to assess weed establishment.

 Ground disturbance activities results in  Ground disturbance and clearing  No clearing outside of disturbance envelope.  Post clearing survey completed in loss of native vegetation and reduction is limited to the approved  The approved disturbance enveloped aligns accordance with Surface in availability of habitat for local flora and disturbance envelope. with approved EP Act clearing permit Disturbance Procedures. fauna species. envelope.  Incident reporting and  Unauthorised/unapproved clearing or  Clearing restricted to approved limits (ha). investigation of any unauthorised ground disturbance of native vegetation  All clearing is conducted in accordance with clearing. (including non-permitted off road driving) approved Native Vegetation Clearing Permit  Annual Native Vegetation results in adverse impacts to flora and CPS 8152/3 or is conducted under a valid Clearing Permit Reports. fauna species of conservation exemption. significance or removes habitats on which these species depends. Land Mining will not result in  Hydrocarbon/chemical spills resulting in  The storage and use of materials  All hydrocarbon/chemical spills are contained  Weekly workplace inspections. Degradation / appreciable land contamination to land and water and chemicals does not result in and remediated within 24 hours of the spill  Monthly environmental Landforms degradation or the contamination to the receiving occurring. compliance workplace inspection contamination or pollution environment.  All spills are reported and investigated. during operations. of soils.  Report all spills with the potential to cause  Regular review of environmental environmental harm to DWER via N1 incident register and results notification form or Section 72 of the reported in AER. Environmental Protection Act 1986 for severe spills  Sediment release from constructed  Sedimentation levels do not  Final WRD design incorporates sediment  Monthly visual inspection of landforms adversely impacts vegetation substantially increase as a result control/capture structures (i.e. crest and toe drainage lines, wetlands and un- health, drainage systems or wetlands, of operational or construction bund). cleared areas of vegetation for and results in an overall loss of activities.  Surface water runoff from rainfall events is elevated sediment loads. biodiversity. controlled by diversion drains and/or sumps.  Survey pickups are utilised to document waste dump construction as per design.  Initial materials characterisation  No metalliferous drainage results  No mining of oxide and transitional waste at  Mine plan will not schedule indicates oxide and transitional waste from mining of oxide and Two Boys. mining of oxide and transitional has potential to release acidic and transitional materials at Two waste. metalliferous mine drainage. Boys.  Survey pickups demonstrate that oxide and transitional waste has not been mined.

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Environmental DMIRS objective Environmental Risk / Risk Pathway(s) Environmental Outcome Performance Criteria Monitoring factor Mines are closed in a  Damage to soil structure and viability of  Topsoil resources are managed,  Internal topsoil management procedures are  Quarterly reconciliation of manner to make them topsoil during stripping, storage or protected and suitable for use in implemented. proposed topsoil recovery (physically) safe to humans handling during operations results in rehabilitation activities.  No topsoil stockpiles impacted by operational volumes and actual volumes and animals, reduced likelihood of rehabilitation activities (i.e. application of saline water, recovered, which includes a (geotechnically) stable, success. waste rock placement, etc) during operations. survey pick up of topsoil (geochemically) non-  Less than 20% of topsoil is double handled locations. polluting/non- prior to use during any 3-yr period.  Quarterly audit of topsoil stockpile contaminating, and capable against site storage specification of sustaining an agreed and general condition. post-mining land use  Incorrect placement and management of  Waste rock is managed, handled  Identified problematic materials (PAF, sodic,  Erosion monitoring of WRD. without unacceptable waste rock during operations. and stored in order to construct dispersive soils) are segregated, demarcated,  Adherence to waste dump liability to the State. landforms that are safe, stable stored and managed throughout operations. management plan. and non-polluting.  A detailed materials balance is completed  Visual inspections and marking of during operations. stored materials.  Samples of mined waste rock and ore are  Frequent liaison with operational collected and analysed throughout operations staff to ensure awareness of if unexpected lithology is encountered. waste management measures.  Final Fairplay East WRD incorporates the  Daily inspection of mining bench following design features: by geologist for unexpected - Addition of competent rock in growth geological units. Further materials medium characterisation to be undertaken - Achieves a maximum height of 20 metres if unexpected geological units are (above lowest natural ground level) identified. - Maximum slope angles of 140 - Includes a crest bund - WRD is water holding, directed to center of landform All post closure risks to the environment Refer to MCP Refer to MCP Refer to MCP

Table 19: Outcomes Regulated by Other Agencies

REGULATED BY OTHER AGENCIES Environmental DMIRS objective Environmental Risk / Risk Pathway(s) Environmental Outcome Performance Criteria Monitoring factor Biodiversity / To maintain representation,  Unauthorised or unapproved clearing or  Only authorised clearing of native  All clearing is conducted in accordance with  Inspection and survey of Flora / Fauna / diversity, viability and disturbance to native vegetation vegetation occurs during all an approved Native Vegetation Clearing approved cleared areas prior to clearing. Ecosystem ecological function at the resulting in impacts to flora, fauna and stages of the project* Permit (NVCP) or conducted under a valid species, population and ecosystems exemption  Survey of cleared areas following community level.  Compliance with Environmental Protection clearing Act 1986 (Environmental Protection - Clearing Regulations 2004)  Entrapment of fauna species leading to  No significant impacts to native  Any injuries or deaths to local fauna species  Monthly review of Environmental injury or death terrestrial fauna as a result of the of conservation significance are reported to incident register. project.# DBCA.  Daily inspections of mine features likely to trap fauna.

Water To maintain the  Release of saline water during  No significant adverse impacts to  Adherence to DWER Works Approval and  Groundwater and surface water Resources hydrological regimes and dewatering activities resulting in a Lake Cowan occurs as a result of Licence conditions monitoring conducted in quality of groundwater and decline or condition of vegetation health mine dewatering activities.^ accordance with GWL160795(6) surface water so that and water quality. and Premises Licence L9155. existing and potential uses,  Daily visual inspections. including ecosystem maintenance, are protected.

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REGULATED BY OTHER AGENCIES Environmental DMIRS objective Environmental Risk / Risk Pathway(s) Environmental Outcome Performance Criteria Monitoring factor Land Degradation Mining will not  Hydrocarbon and chemical spill and/or The use of materials and chemicals  Adherence to DWER Works Approval and  Environmental incident register. / Landforms result in appreciable leak resulting in contamination of the does not result in contamination to Licence conditions and report land degradation or surrounding environment the receiving environment.^ discharges/spills likely to cause pollution or environmental harm in accordance with the contamination Section 72 of the Environmental Protection or pollution of soils Act 1986. * Note: Under its delegated responsibility, DMIRS investigates incidences of non-compliance associated with mining (minerals) related activities. DMIRS works cooperatively with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and applies enforcement actions consistent with DWER’s Enforcement and Prosecution Policy. Any prosecution actions for unlawful clearing will be undertaken by DWER. ^Note: Regulated by another agency during operations. DMIRS is the lead agency responsible for rehabilitation and closure (post mining) and completion criteria has been developed in the MCP to address DMIRS closure objectives. #Note: Listed fauna species are offered protected under the Wildlife Protection act 1950 or EPBC Act 1999, which is administered and enforced by DBCA and DoEE respectively.

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Environmental Reporting

Karora will report against the environmental outcomes identified for the Two Boys project to enable DMIRS to verify that an unacceptable level of impact has not occurred on the environment.

Incidents Karora will notify DMIRS of any reportable incident within 24 hours of detection. A reportable incident is classified as:

 an incident that breaches performance criteria of the approved Mining Proposal; and  an incident arising from mining activity that has caused, or has the potential to cause, environmental harm.

An investigation report outlining the details of the incident, cause, impact on the environment and remedial actions taken will be submitted to DMIRS. The timeframe for submission of the report will be agreed with DMIRS following the initial notification.

Internal Reporting Karora internal reporting includes: daily reports, weekly reports and monthly reports, which incorporate environmental reporting. The annual budget determination process and project review meetings also provide a forum for environmental issues to be raised and documented.

External Reporting Monitoring results and incidents are reported to DMIRS through submission of an Annual Environmental Report (AER) in accordance with DMIRS requirements.

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Karora’s Environmental Management System Manual (EMSM) is a structured system designed to help manage environmental impacts and improve environmental performance. The EMSM uses a risk management process to identify, prioritise and manage environmental risks and provides a methodical approach to planning, implementing and reviewing environmental management requirements aimed at continuous improvement (see Appendix K).

Karora’s EMS consists of these key elements:

 Environmental Policy and Objectives  Environmental Planning  Implementation and Operation  Measurement and Evaluation  Management Review.  Continuous Improvement

Environmental Policy and Objectives

Karora’s Environmental Policy Statement (Appendix L) is a commitment by Corporate Management to sound environmental practices and the minimisation of environmental impact from operations. The Environmental Policy Statement is the foundation of the EMS and provides the framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets.

Environmental Planning

Karora’s Environmental Management System planning element consists of:

 Environmental Aspects and Impacts  Legal and Other Requirements  Objectives and Targets  Environmental Management Program / Plan

Implementation and Operation

Karora’s Environmental Management System Implementation and Operation element consists of:

 Structure and responsibility;  Training and Awareness;

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 Communication;  EMS Documentation and Document Control;  Operational Control and Operating Procedures; and  Emergency preparedness and response.

Measurement and Evaluation

Karora’s Environmental Management System Measurement and Evaluation element consists of:

 Monitoring, measuring and reporting;  Cause identification and evaluation;  Preventive and Corrective action implementation; and  Recording and Auditing.

Management Review

Management review will be completed to assess the effectiveness of the EMS and make any modifications required to ensure compliance is maintained and continual improvement of the EMS.

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Mine Closure

Post Mining Land Use

Given that the underlying land tenure is Common Reserve, the proposed post mining land use will be to return the lease area to Common Reserve. In order to achieve this, disturbed areas will be rehabilitated so that they are safe, stable, self-sustaining and non-polluting.

Post mining land use has been discussed with relevant stakeholders and no objections have been noted. Final post mining land use agreement will be documented and included in the MCP prior to the development of final completion criteria.

Karora anticipates that the post mining land use will be Common Reserve in accordance with the current underlying land tenure. Retention of any infrastructure (i.e. access roads, pipeline, etc.) following the completion of operational mining and monitoring activities, will be determined in consultation with the local shire.

Rehabilitation

Completion criteria has been developed and included in the approved Mine Closure Plan (Reg ID 61112) “Higginsville Gold Operation: Higginsville Mine Closure Plan”. The last approved mine closure plan is attached as Appendix M. The triennial revision of the closure plan was submitted to DMIRS for assessment in early August 2020. Karora acknowledges that the completion criteria contained within the approved MCP is not considered to be final by the Department and that the completion criteria are to be continually refined as the mine approaches closure in order to achieve rehabilitation and closure objectives. Karora will use information obtained from trials, research and monitoring data to refine and update existing completion criteria: Karora will specifically address comments received from DMIRS on closure and will develop separate closure objectives and completion criteria for regional areas at Higginsville.

The primary objective for closure is that mines are closed in a manner to make them (physically) safe to humans and animals, (geo-technically) stable, (geo-chemically) non-polluting/non- contaminating, and capable of sustaining an agreed post-mining land use, and without unacceptable liability to the State. The closure plan will be continually refined during operations as the project nears completion and contain a detailed rehabilitation implementation plan.

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The approved Mine Closure Plan outlines detailed closure objectives, criteria and activities for the following specific areas:

 Open Pits/Underground Voids  Waste Rock Dumps  Process Plant  Workshops  Administration Areas  Haulage and Access Roads  Dewatering Pipelines, Water Supply Pipelines & Monitoring Bores

Strategic Framework for Mine Closure

Karora has considered the Australian and New Zealand Minerals and Energy Council (ANZMEC) and the Minerals Council of Australia objectives when developing a strategic framework for mine closure and decommissioning. Karora is committed to reviewing and implementing current best practice standards on all proposed landforms (where practicable), as well as maintaining legacy landforms so that no significant harm occurs to the environment. Karora will also ensure that all remaining landforms do not pose any unacceptable safety risks to the community.

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