Tomingley Gold Mine Environmental Assessment

ABN: 53 149 040 371

Tomingley Gold Mine

Environmental Assessment

Project Approval No. 09_0155

Modification 3

Prepared by:

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED

November 2015

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ABN: 53 149 040 371

Tomingley Gold Mine

Environmental Assessment

Project Approval No. 09_0155

Modification 3

Prepared for: Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Ltd Telephone: (08) 92275677 ABN: 53 149 040 371 Fax: (08) 9227 8178 Tomingley West ROAD Email: [email protected] TOMINGLEY NSW 2869 PO BOX 59 PEAK HILL NSW 2869 Prepared by: R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited Geological & Environmental Consultants ABN: 31 002 033 712

Brooklyn Office: Orange Office: Brisbane Office: 1st Floor, 12 Dangar Road 62 Hill Street Suite 5, Building 3 PO Box 239 ORANGE NSW 2800 Pine Rivers Office Park BROOKLYN NSW 2083 205 Leitchs Road BRENDALE QLD 4500 Telephone: (02) 9985 8511 Telephone: (02) 6362 5411 Telephone: (07) 3205 5400 Facsimile: (02) 6361 3622 Facsimile: (02) 6361 3622 Facsimile: (02) 6361 3622 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Ref No. 616/25 November 2015

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TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 Tomingley Gold Mine Report No. 616/25

This Copyright is included for the protection of this document

All intellectual property and copyright reserved.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, 1968, no part of this report may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or adapted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine CONTENTS Page

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ...... IX

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... XI

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 SCOPE ...... 1 1.2 FORMAT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ...... 4 1.3 APPLICANT AND MINE SITE ...... 5 1.3.1 The Applicant ...... 5 1.3.2 The Mine Site ...... 5 1.4 BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED MODIFICATION ...... 6 1.4.1 Existing Approvals, Licences and Leases...... 6 1.4.2 Approved Activities ...... 6 1.4.3 Project Status ...... 7 1.4.4 Environmental Performance ...... 8 1.5 MANAGEMENT OF INVESTIGATIONS ...... 14

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED MODIFICATION ...... 16 2.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 16 2.1.1 Objectives of the Modification ...... 16 2.1.2 Overview of the Modification ...... 16 2.1.3 Modifications Required...... 17 2.2 MODIFIED MINING OPERATIONS ...... 17 2.2.1 Proposed Caloma Open Cut Cutback ...... 17 2.2.2 Proposed Caloma Two Open Cut ...... 22 2.2.3 Proposed Mining of Caloma Underground Resources ...... 23 2.2.4 Modified Access to Wyoming One Underground ...... 27 2.2.5 Exploration of Wyoming Three Underground Resource ...... 28 2.2.6 Mining Equipment ...... 30 2.2.7 Production Schedule and Mine Life ...... 31 2.2.8 Resource Sterilisation Considerations ...... 31 2.3 MODIFIED WASTE ROCK MANAGEMENT ...... 33 2.3.1 Waste Rock Characteristics ...... 33 2.3.2 Extension of Waste Rock Emplacement 3 ...... 33 2.3.3 Backfill of Wyoming Three Open Cut ...... 35 2.4 MODIFIED RESIDUE STORAGE FACILITY (DOWNSTREAM LIFT) ...... 36 2.4.1 Need for the Modification ...... 36 2.4.2 Modified RSF Design and Construction ...... 36 2.4.3 Operation ...... 38 2.5 MODIFIED WATER MANAGEMENT ...... 38 2.5.1 Need for the Modification ...... 38 2.5.2 Central Clean Water Drainage Channel Design ...... 38 2.5.3 WRE 3 Dirty Water Drain ...... 39 2.5.4 Other Modifications ...... 40

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TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 Tomingley Gold Mine Report No. 616/25 CONTENTS Page 2.5.5 Site Water Balance ...... 41 2.6 MODIFIED SOIL MANAGEMENT...... 42 2.7 DECOMMISSIONING AND REHABILITATION ...... 42 2.7.1 Rehabilitation Objectives ...... 42 2.7.2 Final Landform and Land Use ...... 43 2.7.3 Rehabilitation Methods and Procedures ...... 43 2.8 BIODIVERSITY OFFSET STRATEGY ...... 48 2.9 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND REJECTED ...... 50 2.9.1 Introduction ...... 50 2.9.2 Underground Mine Access and Design ...... 51 2.9.3 Waste Rock Management ...... 52 2.9.4 Water Management ...... 52

3. ISSUE IDENTIFICATION AND PRIORITISATION ...... 54 3.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 54 3.2 ISSUE IDENTIFICATION ...... 54 3.2.1 Consultation ...... 54 3.2.2 Review of Planning Issues ...... 62 3.2.3 Environmental Performance ...... 64 3.2.4 Modified Disturbance Footprint ...... 65 3.2.5 Summary ...... 65 3.3 ISSUE PRIORITISATION AND COVERAGE ...... 66 3.3.1 Introduction ...... 66 3.3.2 Noise ...... 66 3.3.3 Blasting ...... 67 3.3.4 Air Quality ...... 67 3.3.5 Surface Water Resources ...... 68 3.3.6 Groundwater Resources ...... 68 3.3.7 Biodiversity ...... 69 3.3.8 Cultural Heritage ...... 69 3.3.9 Visual Amenity ...... 69 3.3.10 Final Landform and Final Land Use ...... 72 3.3.11 Other Environmental Issues ...... 72 3.3.12 Summary of Assessment Priority ...... 73

4. ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ...... 74 4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 74 4.2 NOISE ...... 74 4.2.1 Introduction ...... 74 4.2.2 Local Setting ...... 74 4.2.3 Design Features, Operational Controls, Management and Mitigation Measures ... 76 4.2.4 Assessment Methodology ...... 77 4.2.5 Assessment of Impact ...... 78 4.2.6 Conclusion ...... 82 4.3 WATER RESOURCES ...... 84 iv

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine CONTENTS Page 4.3.1 Introduction ...... 84 4.3.2 Local Setting ...... 85 4.3.3 Water Management Strategies ...... 87 4.3.4 Assessment of Impact ...... 93 4.4 AIR QUALITY ...... 98 4.4.1 Introduction ...... 98 4.4.2 Local Setting ...... 98 4.4.3 Design Features, Operational Controls and Management Measures ...... 100 4.4.4 Assessment Methodology ...... 101 4.4.5 Assessment of Impact ...... 101 4.5 REHABILITATION, FINAL LANDFORM AND LAND USE ...... 103 4.5.1 Introduction ...... 103 4.5.2 Performance Evaluation against Rehabilitation Objectives and Completion Criteria ...... 103 4.5.3 Assessment of Impact ...... 104 4.6 BIODIVERSITY ...... 106 4.6.1 Introduction ...... 106 4.6.2 Local Setting ...... 106 4.6.3 Proposed Modified Impacts ...... 108 4.6.4 Biodiversity Management Measures ...... 108 4.6.5 Assessment of Impact ...... 111 4.7 VISUAL AMENITY ...... 112 4.7.1 Introduction ...... 112 4.7.2 Design Features, Operational Controls and Mitigation Measures ...... 112 4.7.3 Assessment of Impact ...... 113 4.8 BLASTING (AIR OVERPRESSURE AND VIBRATION) ...... 113 5. UPDATED STATEMENT OF COMMITMENTS ...... 115 6. EVALUATION AND JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROPOSED MODIFICATION ...... 122 6.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 122 6.2 ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ...... 122 6.2.1 Introduction ...... 122 6.2.2 The Precautionary Principle ...... 122 6.2.3 Social Equity ...... 126 6.2.4 Conservation of Biological Diversity and Ecological Integrity ...... 126 6.2.5 Improved Valuation and Pricing of Environmental Resources...... 126 6.2.6 Conclusion ...... 127 6.3 JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT ...... 127 6.3.1 Introduction ...... 127 6.3.2 Biophysical Considerations ...... 127 6.3.3 Socio-economic Considerations ...... 128 6.3.4 Consequence of Not Proceeding ...... 129 6.3.5 Conclusion ...... 129 7. REFERENCE ...... 130

TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 Tomingley Gold Mine Report No. 616/25 CONTENTS Page APPENDICES Appendix 1 Environmental Assessment Requirements ...... A1-1 Appendix 2 Noise and Blasting Assessment...... A2-1 Appendix 3 Water Resources Assessment ...... A3-1 Appendix 4 Air Quality Impact Assessment ...... A4-1 Appendix 5 Site Specific Procedure – Dust Control ...... A5-1 Appendix 6 Review of Biodiversity Impacts ...... A6-1 Appendix 7 Conservation Property Vegetation Plan and Registration on Title...... A7-1 Appendix 8 Revised Statement of Commitments ...... A8-1

FIGURES Figure 1 Locality Plan and Mineral Authorities ...... 2 Figure 2 Approved Mine Site Layout ...... 3 Figure 3 Mine Noise Compliance Monitoring ...... 9 Figure 4 Modified Mine Operations ...... 18 Figure 5 Proposed Caloma Open Cuts and WRE 3 Modifications ...... 21 Figure 6 Isometric View Of Caloma Underground Development (Looking Northeast) ...... 24 Figure 7 Isometric View Of Caloma And Wyoming Underground Development And Mining (Looking Northwest) ...... 28 Figure 8 Isometric View Of The Wyoming 3 Underground Exploration Area Looking Southeast ..... 29 Figure 9 Indicative Mining Sequence ...... 32 Figure 10 Waste Rock Emplacement Construction ...... 35 Figure 11 Upstream RSF Lift – Typical Cross-section ...... 37 Figure 12 Modified Caloma Central Drainage Cross-Section ...... 39 Figure 13 Indicative Final Landform and Land Use ...... 44 Figure 14 Waste Rock Emplacement Batter Rehabilitation ...... 45 Figure 15 Approved Biodiversity Offset Strategy ...... 49 Figure 16 Vegetation Communities ...... 70 Figure 17 Cultural Heritage of the Mine Site ...... 71 Figure 18 Local Hydrology ...... 86 Figure 19 Registered Groundwater Bores...... 88 Figure 20 Proposed Surface Water Management Features ...... 90

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine CONTENTS Page TABLES Table 1 Approvals, Licences and Leases ...... 6 Table 2 Mine Production Figures ...... 7 Table 3 Underground Excavation Profile Summary ...... 25 Table 4 Indicative Mining Fleet ...... 30 Table 5 Indicative Production Schedule ...... 32 Table 6 Approved and Proposed Sediment Basin Capacities ...... 40 Table 7 Predicted Annual Water Balance ...... 41 Table 8 Revised Biodiversity Offset Strategy ...... 50 Table 9 Key Issues for Consideration - DPE ...... 55 Table 10 Key Issues for Consideration – DPI-Water ...... 59 Table 11 Key Issues for Consideration - DRE ...... 60 Table 12 Application of Mining SEPP ...... 63 Table 13 Noise Criteria ...... 75 Table 14 Noise Level Predictions – Scenario 2 ...... 79 Table 15 Noise Level Predictions – Scenario 3 ...... 80 Table 16 Noise Level Predictions – Scenario 4 ...... 81 Table 17 Maximum Noise Level Predictions ...... 83 Table 18 Predicted Groundwater In-flows...... 95 Table 19 Predicted Annual Groundwater In-flows ...... 95 Table 20 Predicted Radius of Drawdown...... 96 Table 21 Air Quality Criteria ...... 99 Table 22 Compared Air Emissions ...... 99 Table 23 Comparative TSP Emissions ...... 101 Table 24 Selected Rehabilitation Performance Indicators ...... 104 Table 25 Biodiversity Offset Requirements ...... 111 Table 26 Updated Statement of Commitments ...... 115

PLATES Plate 1 Failure in the western wall looking to the southeast ...... 20 Plate 2 Failure in the northwestern wall looking to the west ...... 20 Plate 3 Caloma 1 Open Cut Stabilised Cutback ...... 20 Plate 4 Minor Instability in Caloma 1 Open Cut Following MOD 2 Cutback ...... 20 Plate 5 Vegetation Regrowth within the Peak Hill Gold Mine Open Cut ...... 47

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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

AHD Australian Height Datum AIP Aquifer Interference Policy ARI Annual Recurrence Interval Cal Caloma (resource area) CCC Community Consultative Committee DPE Department of Planning & Environment DPI-Water Department of Primary Industries – Office of Water DRE Division of Resources & Energy EPA Environment Protection Authority EP&A Act Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 EPL Environment Protection Licence ESCP Erosion and Sediment Control Plan GHD GHD Pty Ltd LEP Local Environment Plan LLS NSW Local Land Services MAC Muller Acoustic Consulting ML Mining Lease MOD Modification MOP Mining Operations Plan NSS Noise and Sound Services OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage PA Project Approval PEL Pacific Environment Limited POEO Act Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 PSM Pells Sullivan Meynink PVP Property Vegetation Plan RSF Residue Storage Facility ROM run-of-mine RWC R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited SB Sediment Basin SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy TGO Tomingley Gold Operations UG Underground WAL Water Access Licence WRE Waste Rock Emplacement Wyo Wyoming (resource area)

TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 Tomingley Gold Mine Report No. 616/25

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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Limited operates the Tomingley Gold Mine, located on both sides of the Newell Highway immediately south of the village of Tomingley in central western NSW (refer to Figure 1). The Mine is operated under PA 09_0155, issued under delegation for the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure on 24 July 2012, and approves the processing of up to 1.5 million tonnes of ore mined from three open cuts and one underground mine. Since initial approval PA 09_0155 has been modified twice, initially in November 2013 to extend the period for upgrade to local roads, and again in April 2015 to approve a small cutback of the Caloma One Open Cut and increase the height of an amenity bund at the northern perimeter of the Mine Site.

This Environmental Assessment has been prepared to support an application for a third modification to PA 09_0155 under Section 75W of the EP&A Act (“the Proposed Modification”). The Proposed Modification seeks to modify operations at the Mine through:  a further cutback of the Caloma (Cal1) Open Cut;  establishment of an additional open cut (Caloma Two);  establishment of underground workings below the Cal1 Open Cut, including the construction of a portal and decline;  a small extension of Waste Rock Emplacement (WRE) 3;  backfill of the Wyoming Three (Wyo3) Open Cut with waste rock;  a downstream lift of the RSF; and  modifications to the Mine Site drainage and erosion and sediment control to accommodate the above changes.

Figure 4 presents the location of the proposed modifications to surface activities at the Mine.

In order to undertake a comprehensive Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Modification, those issues likely to be of greatest significance to the local environment, neighbouring landowners and the wider community were identified through:  community and government consultation;  a review of environmental planning documentation;  a review of environmental performance at the Mine; and  the experience of Mine personnel and the author of the Environmental Assessment.

It has been determined that the Proposed Modification would have minimal or no impact on many aspects of the local environment, namely: blasting and vibration; cultural heritage; traffic and transport; groundwater; soils and land capability; and hazards (such as bushfire). Environmental aspects where it was identified there could be some change in the level of impact received, and therefore where further assessment has been undertaken include: noise, water resources, air quality, final landform and land use, biodiversity and visual amenity.

TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 Tomingley Gold Mine Report No. 616/25

A summary of the outcomes of the assessment of each of these environmental aspects is as follows.

Noise The assessment of noise emissions was conducted by modelling the likely noise emissions that would be received at sensitive receivers surrounding the Mine Site under three progressive scenarios. The first of these scenarios was of current operations and has been used, through comparison to actual noise monitoring results, to calibrate the noise model. The second scenario considers operations when development of the Cal2 Open Cut commences (considered likely to be worst-case) followed by scenarios where mining is undertaken progressively deeper in the open cuts (Scenario 3) and then solely underground (Scenario 4).

The results of noise modelling indicate that even with the implementation of all reasonable and feasible noise mitigation measures, exceedances of current noise criteria (up to 3dB(A)) at receivers within the various Noise Assessment Groups surrounding the Mine Site are likely to continue. In considering these exceedances of criteria, it is noted that each of the noise affected receivers has been provided with ‘at-receiver’ architectural treatments which reduce the noise level received within the dwelling by 10dB(A) to 20dB(A). Furthermore, the scale and frequency of these exceedances is predicted to reduce over time as the mining operations are undertaken progressively deeper in the open cuts and then the underground.

Considering the predicted noise levels represent those which could be reasonably achieved following the implementation of all reasonable and feasible mitigation measures, the at-receiver mitigation already in place, and the predicted reduction in noise levels over the life of the Mine, these impacts are considered reasonable. It is therefore considered reasonable that the noise criteria of PA 09_0155 be modified to reflect the noise levels predicted by this assessment.

Water Resources Surface Water The proposed modifications to mining, waste and residue management activities would encroach upon several clean and dirty water drains, sediment basins and earthen bunds used to contain, divert and capture runoff from the Mine Site. Subsequent modifications to surface water drainage management, including the realignment of the clean and dirty water drains between the Caloma open cuts and WRE 3, realignment of the dirty water drain around the RSF and construction of additional sediment basins downslope of Cal1 and Cal2 Open Cuts are proposed and have been designed to meet the requirements of Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction Vol. 1 4th Eds (“the Blue Book”).

To further safeguard the Mine Site against discharging water which exceeds the water quality criteria of Environment Protection Licence (EPL) 20169, the water storage capacity of several existing and additional sediment basins would be increased to contain runoff generated by rainfall up to a 10-day 90th percentile event. Furthermore, an internal sediment basin dewatering system would continue to be maintained. This system allows for water to be pumped from the sediment basins to the Wyoming Central Dam and open cuts, further increasing the capacity for the sediment basins to accept and retain runoff. Based on these safeguards, a discharge from the xii

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine sediment basins would only occur under extreme rainfall conditions where in-flow rates exceed the maximum pumping rate (90L/s) over an extended period of time.

In the unlikely event of a discharge, it is expected the quality of the water would comply with salinity and pH criteria. While this water could contain elevated concentrations of total suspended sediment, the criteria of EPL 20169 is not applicable under these conditions given the rainfall exceeds the design specification of the sediment basins (designed, constructed and managed in accordance with Blue Book standards). However, it is possible that the concentration of metals in any water discharged could approach or exceed EPL 20169 criteria. While it is assessed that the significant dilution / mixing effect provided by the high volume of water likely to be flowing within the catchment would mitigate any impact associated with these discharges, further investigation into the dilution / mixing effect be completed is recommended.

Overall te modification to surface water catchments would be relatively minor (5% reduction in the clean water catchment) and therefore unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall Gundong Creek and Bogan River catchments. Furthermore, as all changes are to occur on the Mine Site, no further impacts to surrounding watercourses and associated riparian zones are anticipated.

Groundwater Assumptions used in the original calculations of groundwater in-flows and drawdown of the original Groundwater Impact Assessment have been reviewed and revised based on observed in-flows and monitoring groundwater levels. On the basis of these corrected assumptions, revised calculations of in-flow and drawdown, considering the additional and modified mining operations were completed. These calculations have confirmed that the original predictions were overly conservative and the modified mining operations would not increase either in-flow or the radius of drawdown surrounding the Mine Site beyond these original predictions.

The Proposed Modification would not lead to any reduction in groundwater availability or quality, and satisfies the Level 1 minimum impact criterion of the NSW Aquifer Interference Policy.

Air Quality A comparison of air quality monitoring and other data was completed which validated the predictions of the dispersion model previously used to predict air emissions from the Mine and establish air quality criteria. The air emissions inventory of this validated model was then updated to reflect changes to the number and type of dust emissions sources (mobile plant type and activity level), proposed activity areas, and updated emission factors and calculation methodologies, in order to provide an estimate of revised emission rates. The modified emission rates were compared to previous predictions for which compliance with the air quality criteria were predicted.

The results of the comparison between the previous and updated emission rates indicate continued compliance with air quality criteria can be achieved should the Proposed Modification be approved. xiii

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Rehabilitation, Final Landform and Land Use The Proposed Modification would require the final landform of the Mine Site to be modified. An additional void would be constructed and retained in the landscape (Cal2 Open Cut), however, this would be offset by the backfill of the Wyo3 Open Cut. The RSF would require a very minor increase in impact footprint, although this would be effectively imperceptible as it is generated by a very small lateral extension of 11m around the northern, western and southern perimeter of the RSF. The extension to WRE 3, whilst modifying the final landform, would not in fact increase the overall impact footprint of the Mine Site as this area has already been disturbed for the purpose of soil stockpiling.

Rehabilitation would be undertaken generally in accordance with the Mining Operations Plan (MOP) for the Mine, incorporating additional treatments for replaced soil and safeguards for the management of runoff (to protect against erosion). Overall, the modified landforms of the Mine Site represent extensions of those already approved and under construction and so there is no reason to believe rehabilitation cannot be successfully completed.

Two primarily land uses have been nominated for the final landform of the Mine Site. 1. Return to Agriculture The Proposed Modification would increase the total area of disturbance on the Mine Site, impacting primarily on Class 2 and 3 agricultural land. This increase in disturbance to agricultural land would be offset, however, by the proposed backfill of the Wyo3 Open Cut, which would be returned to a sustainable agricultural land use (of an area equivalent to the additional disturbance of the Cal2 Open Cut). Based on the implementation of the landform preparation, soil replacement and treatment, and revegetation strategies nominated in the MOP and this assessment, the total area of land designated for agriculture would remain equivalent to that of the currently approved Mine and should achieve an equivalent agricultural suitability (Class 2 or 3) to the pre-mining environment. 2. Passive Biodiversity Conservation No change to the methods and strategies for rehabilitation would be required for those areas of the modified final landform designated to passive biodiversity conservation. As such, the Proposed Modification would not adversely impact on the ability of the Applicant to reinstate native woodland and grassland communities in these and other areas of the Mine Site approved by PA 09_0155.

Biodiversity While the Cal2 Open Cut would require a small increase in disturbance (0.8ha) to a remnant patch of Belah / Black Oak Western Rosewood, Wilga Woodland, this community is not a listed endangered ecological community, nor considered over cleared in the catchment. The removal of this small area, which is already provided for within an established biodiversity offset strategy, would not adversely impact on any of the threatened fauna species known to occur on the Mine Site and surrounds. It is therefore concluded that the impact of this small increase in disturbance would be minimal and offset by the established Conservation PVP for the Mine. xiv

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

Visual Amenity Of the proposed modifications to mining and associated operations, the most likely to impact on local visibility would be the extension of WRE 3. However, this extension area would be obscured from most public and private vantage points by remnant vegetation at the southern edge of Tomingley and along the northern perimeter of the Mine Site, as well as by the main area of WRE 3 itself.

On the basis that the Applicant undertakes progressive rehabilitation of WRE 3 and other completed features of the Mine Site as nominated in the MOP, the additional impact on local visual amenity of this minor modification is unlikely to be significant.

Evaluation and Conclusion It is concluded that subject to the continue implementation of environmental safeguards and controls, the proposed modifications to mining operations could be undertaken without any significant increase or additional impacts on the local environment. The economic benefits generated by the Mine within the economies of Tomingley, Narromine Shire, Dubbo City, NSW and Australia, through wages, purchases of goods and services, Voluntary Planning Agreement contributions, mining rates and royalties, would be extended as the addition of the Cal2 Open Cut and CalUG increases the total resource of the Mine.

On balance, it is assessed that the Proposed Modification could be undertaken in a manner which meets relevant environmental criteria and reasonable community expectations whilst continuing to provide economic benefits to the local, regional, NSW and Australian economies.

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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

1. INTRODUCTIO N

1.1 SCOPE

This Environmental Assessment has been prepared by RW Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited on behalf of Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Ltd (the Applicant) to support the application to modify Project Approval (PA) 09_0155 for the Tomingley Gold Mine (the Proposed Modification). PA 09_0155 has been amended twice previously as follows.  Modification 1 (MOD 1) (November 2013) - to adjust a range of commitments made during the original application which were no longer appropriate.  Modification 2 (MOD 2) (April 2015) – to permit enhancement of the approved and constructed amenity bund and a cut back of the approved Caloma 1 Open Cut.

The Tomingley Gold Mine (the Mine) is located immediately to the south of the village of Tomingley in central western NSW (see Figure 1). The Mine is operated by Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alkane Resources Ltd. The Mine comprises the following approved components (Figure 2).  Three open cut mines and one underground mine.  A processing plant and associated Residue Storage Facility (RSF).  Three waste rock emplacements.  An underpass under the Newell Highway.  A range of ancillary infrastructure, including offices, amenity bunds, soil stockpiles, surface water management structures, a water supply pipeline and an electricity transmission line.

The Proposed Modification (MOD3) seeks consent to permit the following.  An additional cutback of the Caloma (Cal1) Open Cut  Establishment of the Caloma Two (Cal2) Open Cut.  Construction of a portal and decline from the Cal1 Open Cut to enable the development and mining of underground resources below the Cal1, Cal2 Open Cuts.  Extension of Waste Rock Emplacement (WRE) 3.  Backfill of the Wyoming Three (Wyo3) Open Cut with waste rock.  A downstream lift of the RSF and associated modifications to surface water drainage.  Modifications to the Central Drainage Channel, which diverts clean water runoff from north of the Mine Site between the Cal1 Open Cut and WRE 3, and the WRE 3 dirty water drain, which carries runoff from WRE 3 to a sediment basin, to allow for the Cal1 Open Cut cutback and Cal2 Open Cut development.  Minor modifications to soil management.  Incidental administrative modifications to PA 09_0155.

TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 Tomingley Gold Mine Report No. 616/25

Figure 1 Locality Plan and Mineral Authorities A4 / Colour

Dated 24/06/15 / Inserted 05/11/15

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

Figure 2 Approved Mine Site Layout A4 / Colour

Dated 30/10/15 Inserted 05/11/15

TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 Tomingley Gold Mine Report No. 616/25

The modified operations at the Mine would also include a continuation of exploration activities, both surface drilling as well as drives developed from the underground mining areas for bulk sampling of the Wyo3 underground resources.

The application to modify PA 09_0155 is to be made under Section 75W of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), in accordance with the transitional arrangements of the Act associated with the repeal of Part 3A.

The information contained in this document relates only to those components of the Mine that would be the subject of the Proposed Modification. Aspects of the Mine that would not be modified would continue to be undertaken in accordance with the following.  The conditions of PA 09_0155, including the Statement of Commitments and plans appended to the approval.  The Environmental Assessment (RWC, 2011) and associated documentation prepared to support the original application for development consent.  MOD 1 and MOD 2 applications and supporting documentation.

The information provided in this document is presented to a level of detail which adequately addresses all relevant issues associated with the Proposed Modification. Emphasis has been placed upon comprehensively addressing the key issues and limiting coverage of those issues that are not central to the determination of the project approval application.

1.2 FORMAT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

The format of the Environmental Assessment is as follows. Section 1: introduces the Proposed Modification, the Applicant and background information in relation to the current status and performance of the Mine. The section concludes with information on the structure of the document and management of investigations. Section 2: describes the Applicant’s objectives in modifying PA 09_0155 and the proposed modified activities, including the modified Mine Site layout and final landform. Section 3: describes the consultation undertaken during preparation of the Environmental Assessment, reviews a range of State and local planning issues and identifies and prioritises the environmental impacts associated with the Proposed Modification. Section 4: provides an assessment of the environmental impacts associated with the Proposed Modification. Particular focus has been placed on those aspects of the approved environmental impacts that would be changed as a result of the modification to the Caloma Open Cut and amenity bund between the Caloma Open Cut and Tomingley village. Section 6: Provides an updated Statement of Commitments to account for additional commitments included as a result of the Proposed Modification, as well as those commitments which have been superseded by operational controls or management measures documented in approved management plans.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

Section 5: provides a justification of the Proposed Modification, records the consequences of not proceeding with the Project and concludes the document. References: lists the various source documents referred to for information and data used during the preparation of the Environmental Assessment. Appendices: present the following additional information. 1. Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements. 2. A Noise Impact Assessment prepared by Muller Acoustic Consulting. 3. An Assessment of Impact on Surface and Groundwater Resources prepared by GHD Pty Ltd. 4. An analytical assessment of air quality impacts associated with the Proposed Modification provided by Pacific Environment Limited. 5. Site Specific Procedure – Dust Control, Version 1.0, January 2014. 6. A letter provided by OzArk Environmental Heritage Management Pty Limited commenting on the impact of the Proposed Modification on Mine Site biodiversity values. 7. A copy of the approved conservation Property Vegetation Plan for Mine and confirmation of registration on title provided by Local Land Services – Central West. 8. A copy of the revised Statement of Commitments, including colour coded additions and deletions, and footnotes justifying these.

1.3 APPLICANT AND MINE SITE

1.3.1 The Applicant

Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Ltd is the operator of the Mine and is a subsidiary company of Alkane Resources Ltd (Alkane). Alkane is an Australian, publicly listed mining and exploration company which has been in existence since 1969 and has approximately 6 300 shareholders. Alkane has a long term involvement and ongoing commitment to the Central West of New South Wales and has substantial investment in the people and resources of the region. Alkane developed and operated the Peak Hill Gold Mine on the outskirts of Peak Hill from 1996 to 2005 and has now largely rehabilitated that mine site. Alkane, through its subsidiary, Australian Zirconia Ltd, has received development consent for the Dubbo Zirconia Project (SSD-5251), located at Toongi, approximately 25km south of Dubbo.

1.3.2 The Mine Site

All activities associated with the Proposed Modification would be undertaken within the approved Mine Site. The relevant land associated with the approved Mine Site is identified in Table 1.1 and Figure 1.5 of RWC (2011).

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1.4 BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED MODIFICATION

1.4.1 Existing Approvals, Licences and Leases Table 1 presents the approvals, licences and leases held by the Applicant for the Mine. Table 1

Approvals, Licences and Leases

Title Legislation Regulatory Authority Project Approval 09_0155 Environmental Planning & NSW Department of Assessment (EP&A) Act 1979 Planning and Environment Environment Protection License (EPL) Protection of the Environment NSW Environment 20169 Operations (POEO) Act 1997 Protection Authority Exploration Licence 5675 Mining Act 1992 NSW Trade & Investment - Mining Lease 1684 Division of Resources and Energy Groundwater bore licences Water Act 1912 Department of Primary 80BL24528 – 80BL24532, Industries - Office of Water 80BL620426 (monitoring bores) Controlled Works Approval (western boundary diversion structure) 80CW809661 Water Supply Works and Water Use Approval 80CA719513 / WAL 35321 (Upper Bogan River Water Source – 22ML/year) Department of Primary Groundwater Works Approval Water Management Act 2000 Industries - Office of Water 80WA705442 (Lower Macquarie Zone 6 Groundwater Source) Water Access Licence WAL20270 (1 000ML/year) Water Access Licence WAL28643 (NSW Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock Aquifer) (220ML/year) Notification of Dangerous Goods Work Health & Safety Act WorkCover NSW NDG200150 (WHS) 2011 Source: Alkane Resources Ltd

1.4.2 Approved Activities

The Tomingley Gold Mine received Project Approval on 24 July 2012. The approval was subsequently modified on 7 November 2013 and 16 April 2015. Activities approved under PA 09_0155, as modified, include the following (Figure 2).  Establishment of infrastructure required for the Project, including a water supply pipeline, an underpass beneath the Newell Highway, and revegetated amenity bunds.  Extraction of waste rock and ore from thee open cut areas, namely:  Caloma (Cal1) Open Cut;  Wyoming Three (Wyo3) Open Cut; and  Wyoming One (Wyo1) Open Cut.

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 Extraction of waste rock and ore from the Wyo1 Underground.  Construction of three waste rock emplacements, namely:  WRE 1 which adjoins the RSF to the east;  WRE 2 to the north of Wyo3 Open Cut; and  WRE 3 to the east of Cal1 Open Cut.  Construction and use of various haul roads, including an underpass under the Newell Highway, and a run-of-mine (ROM) pad.  Construction and use of a processing plant and office area, incorporating a crushing and grinding circuit, a standard carbon-in-leach processing plant, site offices, workshops, ablutions facilities, stores, car parking, and associated infrastructure.  Construction and use of the RSF.  Construction of various water management features including the Eastern and Central Clean Water Drains, various dirty water drains and sediment basins, and a dewatering dam identified as the Wyoming Central Dam.  Construction and use of a water pipeline from a licensed bore located approximately 7km to the east of Narromine to the Mine Site.  Construction and use of a transformer and electrical distribution network within the Mine Site.  Relocation of pre-existing items of infrastructure, including a 22kV power line and fibre optic telecommunications cable.  Construction and use of ancillary infrastructure, including the Main Site Access Road and intersection with the Tomingley West Road, enhanced amenity bund, soil stockpiles and surface water structures.

1.4.3 Project Status

Construction of the Mine commenced in February 2013 with mining commencing in November 2013 and the plant fully commissioned in February 2014. Table 2 presents the publicly available production figures for the Mine to the end of the 2014/2015 financial year. Table 2

Mine Production Figures Financial Year Production Units 2013 / 2014 2014 / 2015 Waste mined bcm 4 635 684 5 730 661 Ore mined t 545 550 1 286 291 Grade g/t 1.42 1.66 Ore milled t 359 096 1 140 704 Head grade g/t 2.24 2.01 Recovery % 91.4 93.9 Gold poured oz 20 711 69 612 Source: Alkane Resources Ltd – June 2015 Quarterly Report

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1.4.4 Environmental Performance

1.4.4.1 Environmental Management System and Plans

The Applicant has prepared a range of Environmental Management Plans, as well as an overarching Environmental Management System, to guide day-to-day environmental management of the Mine. The following presents a complete list of management plans that have been prepared for the Mine.  Environmental Management System.  Mining Operations Plan.  Noise Management Plan.  Blast Management Plan.  Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan.  Water Management Plan.  Biodiversity Management Plan.  Conservation Property Vegetation Plan.  Cultural Heritage Management Plan.  Hazardous Materials Management Plan.  Traffic Management Plan.  Waste Management Plan.  Pollution Incident Response Management Plan.

1.4.4.2 Noise

A Noise Compliance Report was completed by Noise and Sound Services in October 2015 That document, referred to hereafter as NSS (2015) describes the results of an attended noise survey undertaken at seven residences during the evening and night over three days from 7 to 9 September 2015. That assessment identified that Mine-related noise was less than the noise criteria of PA 09_0155 at three of the seven locations (Receivers R2, R5 and R6 on Figure 3). At three of the remaining four receivers (Receivers R3, R23 and R29 on Figure 3), where traffic on the Newell Highway is a dominant noise source, mine noise was audible during lulls in highway traffic. By direct measurement, when this could be undertaken without influence of extraneous (traffic) noise, or by utilising a pause function on the noise monitor to compile a composite 15 minute sample, mine noise up to 42dB(A) at Receiver R29 and 46dB(A) at Receivers R3 and R23 was recorded. At the final receiver (R4 on Figure 3), which is not subject to significant traffic noise, mine noise was audible and direct measurement of mine noise of up to 42 dB(A) was recorded.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

Figure 3 Mine Noise Compliance Monitoring A4 / Colour

Dated 05/11/15. / Inserted 05/11/15

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In addition, the Applicant has recorded many noise-related comments or complaints since the commencement of operations. The vast majority of comments and complaints related to night- time noise, particularly associated with operation of bulldozers and sudden, sharp noises such as horns, banging or reversing alarms. In each case, the Applicant spoke with the complainant and implemented measures to minimise the adverse impacts of noise.

In light of the above, a range of noise mitigation strategies have been implemented which follow the recommendations of NSS (2015) and previous noise compliance reports of NSS before this.  Implementation of a weather forecasting system to identify periods of potentially noise enhancing conditions, e.g. night time temperature inversions, such that activities may be modified.  Use of a wheel mounted bulldozer for night time works on the elevated sections of the waste rock emplacements. In addition, a second dozer was retrofitted with teflon rollers which reduced track noise.  Construction of an enhanced noise bund. The Applicant has constructed a noise bund of 8m in height to the north of Cal1 Open Cut following the approval of PA 09_0155 MOD 2.  Residential receivers surrounding the Mine Site where mine noise is audible have been or are scheduled to be treated with noise attenuation features1. As of October 2015, all residences have either had noise attenuation treatments completed, or are scheduled for completion this year. The Applicant also implements a policy where a real time noise monitor is hired and placed at any residence complaining of mine noise. If mine noise is audible and contributing to exceedance of noise criteria, the owner is offered noise treatment of the residence.

Noise attenuation works of haul trucks has also been considered, however, was ultimately determined to be less effective and more costly when compared to noise attenuation treatments of individual residential receivers. This comparison of noise mitigation identified that the reduction in noise levels received was greater for the at-receiver treatment option, provided greater certainty of outcome (variables such as truck model, driver operation and performance, and wear and tear increase the risk of predicted noise reductions not being realised) and was more cost-effective.

Section 4.2 identifies additional noise mitigation measures to be implemented following an assessment of mine noise likely to be generated by the modified mining operations.

1 The noise treatments of residences includes the replacement of windows (awning style windows fitted with noise attenuating glass) and upgrade or installation of air conditioning to allow for windows to be closed.

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1.4.4.3 Blasting

Blasting has generally been undertaken compliant with the air overpressure and ground vibration criteria. One exceedance of air overpressure was recorded on 1 July 2014 which was reported to EPA. As a result of this exceedance, the Applicant has implemented a new internal approval process that includes more levels of sign off. This new pre-blast checklist includes the shot crew, observers and blast guards and has been effective with air overpressure generally <110dB(A). At residential receivers, ground vibration is generally <1mm/s.

1.4.4.4 Air Quality

The Applicant operates the following monitoring equipment in the vicinity of the Mine Site, including within the village of Tomingley.

 One Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance measuring PM10 continuously.  One High Volume Air Sampler measuring Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) every 6 days.  Five depositional dust gauges measuring total insoluble deposited dust.  One automated meteorological station.

The results of the air quality monitoring undertaken at the Mine is summarised as follows.  Monthly deposited dust levels were typically less that than the required annual average compliance criteria of 4g/m2/month, with five exceptions. Four exceptions, in November 2013, April 2014, May 2014 and June 2014, can be attributed to extended dry periods and winds from a predominantly southerly direction. The remaining exception, in March 2014, was most likely due to soil cultivation in a neighbouring paddock by a neighbouring landowner.

 Up until 22 October 2014 there were no exceedances of the PM10 24 hour criteria, however, following this date a number of instances where the criteria was exceeded were observed. In response to these exceedances, the Applicant implemented several key changes to dust management.  Development and implementation of the Site Specific Procedure – Dust Control (TGO, 2014). This procedure, which is provided in full as Appendix 5, identifies a range of triggers and adaptive management measures to control dust emissions. These triggers are informed by the weather forecasting system provided by WeatherZone and ensures that every shift is aware of the dust risk conditions predicted for the day and the appropriate controls (listed in the procedure) to be implemented.  The introduction of a real time dust alert system that warns key staff on site of elevated instantaneous dust levels via text message and email. The system is linked to the TEOM and managed through WeatherZone.

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 The water applied to the haul road and waste rock emplacements is dosed with a dust suppression enhancer during the summer period. The system is fully automated and doses the water carts on each fill. Since these controls were implemented TGO has not experienced an exceedance of the dust criteria.  TSP monitoring indicated that there have been four elevated recorded, related to hot, dry and windy weather. However, the annual average for TSP, 59.4µg/m3 was below the long term assessment limit of 90µg/m3.

In addition to the management measures which followed from the observed exceedances of criteria, the Applicant also implements the following measures to minimise air quality impacts surrounding the Mine Site.  Clearing and stripping activities are now operated to ensure that these are undertaken immediately prior to activities such as open cut or waste rock emplacement expansion.  Additional operating instructions are provided to the mine fleet with requirements to utilise designated running tracks, set gearing (for reduced speed) and a reduction in the number of haulage routes used at any one time.  The rate of water application for dust suppression has been increased, with approximately 150ML compared with the budgeted 60ML applied annually.  Water is now applied to blasted material to reduce the potential for dust lift-off.  Rehabilitation of exposed areas including soil stockpiles to reduce the potential for dust lift-off.

The Applicant notes despite the management measures noted above, dust-related comments or complaints are received from time to time. In each case, the Applicant contacts the complainant and either ceases work in the offending areas or implements measures to mitigate impacts and minimise dust generation.

1.4.4.5 Water

Off-site discharges of water, where water quality analysis has indicated exceedances of criteria, have occurred from the Mine. These events were reported to the EPA who prosecuted the Applicant for pollution of waters under Section 120 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act). The Applicant pled guilty to the two offences, which occurred on 7 March 2014 and 24 to 28 March 2014. A Statement of Agreed Facts (with the EPA) was presented to the court confirming that runoff containing sediment discharged from the Mine onto the road reserve and adjoining farmland. While the Statement of Agreed Facts identified that the incident caused no environmental harm, the Applicant was fined a total of $95,000 and ordered to pay EPA investigation costs and legal costs.

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Following the discharge events, a program of drain and sediment basin upgrade works were initiated and completed during 2014. No discharge exceedances from sediment basins have occurred following these upgrade works.

Seven groundwater bores were monitored between November 2012 and May 2013 to determine baseline conditions. Groundwater monitoring is conducted on a quarterly basis to compare monitoring results to baseline data. During the Review Period, groundwater levels generally experienced a slight decline over the reporting period, but remained within range of baseline data. The exception to this is GW-WYMB01, which had an average water level of 38.6m below ground level for the reporting period, compared to 52.3m for the baseline monitoring data.

Surface water and groundwater monitoring is ongoing.

1.4.4.6 Biodiversity

The Applicant implemented the requirements of the Biodiversity Management Plan during site preparation activities, with pre- and post-clearing surveys being undertaken and a qualified fauna handler present during tree felling operations. A small number of birds identified during the surveys were taken to the wildlife clinic at the Taronga Western Plans Zoo, with one death recorded.

Weed management programs for Boxthorn, as well as six monthly weed inspection programs have been undertaken.

A Conservation Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) has been established to secure a Biodiversity Offset Strategy for the Mine. The details are included within an approved Biodiversity Management Plan. Implementation of the habitat enhancement requirements of the Conservation PVP include the preparation and seeding of approximately 35ha of Applicant- owned land with species consistent with the following endangered ecological communities.  Fuzzy Box – Inland Grey Box on alluvial brown loam soils.  Inland Grey Box-Polar Box – White Cypress Pine tall woodland on red loams.

1.4.4.7 Aboriginal Heritage

Prior to the commencement of construction operations, the Applicant completed a salvage program for all identified objects of Aboriginal heritage significance in accordance with the Cultural Heritage Management Plan and in consultation with the Aboriginal community.

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1.4.4.8 Independent Environmental Audit

In accordance with Condition 8, Schedule 5 of PA 09_0155, an Independent Environmental Audit of the Mine (“the Audit”) was completed by GHD Pty Ltd in June 2015 (GHD, 2015a). The Audit considered overall environmental performance, adequacy of environmental management plans and compliance against the various conditions of:  Project Approval 09_0155.  Environment Protection Licence (EPL) 20169.  Mining Lease (ML) 1684.

The Audit identified that while the environmental performance of the Mine was generally positive, managing air emissions, noise and water remains a key challenge for the Mine. In particular, ensuring timely and effective management response to occurrences of elevated air and noise emissions, and completing the implementation of the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan are key issues to be addressed.

With respect to compliance against the various conditions of approval, licence or lease, the Audit confirmed that of the 436 conditions, operations were:  Compliant with 314 (72%);  Partially compliant with a further 46 (11%); and  Non-compliant with 18 (4%).

Of the remaining conditions, compliance was not verified for 25 and 35 were not applicable at the time of the Audit. Non-compliances were concentrated on air, noise and water management at the Mine.

The Audit confirmed that the management plans were effective tools for the management of the individual environmental aspects. As noted above, the Audit recommended that the Noise and Air Quality Management Plans be updated to provide for a formal process for identification of noise or dust enhancing conditions and subsequent modification to operations. Updates to the Biodiversity Management Plan to provide for contingency and pest management strategies were recommended. It was recommended that the implementation of erosion sediment control infrastructure, nominated by the Water Management Plan, be evaluated to assess its performance against the objectives of the Blue Book (Landcom, 2004).

1.5 MANAGEMENT OF INVESTIGATIONS

This document has been prepared by Mr Alex Irwin (B.Sc (Hons)), Senior Environmental Consultant with R.W. Corkery & Co Pty. Limited. Mr Mitchell Bland (B.Sc (Hons), MEconGeol, LLB (Hons)), Principal Environmental Consultant with the same company, undertook a peer review of the document.

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Several professional staff within Alkane Resources Ltd assisted with the preparation of this document including, but not limited to:  Mr Mark Williams (B.AppSc.(Env Hlth)) – Environment and Community Manager;  Mr Sean Buxton (B.Eng (Mining Engineering)) – Operations Manager; and  Mr Nic Earner (B.Eng (Chemical Engineering)) – Chief Operations Officer.

Strong emphasis has been placed upon a multi-disciplinary team approach to the design of the identification of key .environmental issues, development of appropriate safeguards and assessment of impacts. The following specialist assessments were commissioned by the Applicant and completed by the nominated consultancy firms.  Water resources – GHD Pty Ltd  Surface water: Lachlan Hammersley (B.Eng (environment)), Adam Wyatt (PhD, B.Eng (environment)).  Groundwater: Stuart Gray (PhD, B.Eng (environment)), Ian Gilmore (B.Eng (civil)).  Noise – Muller Acoustic Consulting. – Oliver Muller (B.Sc Resource Env. Man. & Human Geography).  Air Quality – Pacific Environment Limited. – Ms Judith Cox (B.Eng (Hons)).  Biodiversity – OzArk Environment and Heritage Management Pty Limited. – Mr Phillip Cameron (B.Sc, AssocDip AppSci).

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2. DESCRIPTION OF THE P R O P O S E D MODIFICATION

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.1.1 Objectives of the Modification

The Applicant’s objectives in developing the Mine are identified in Section 2.1.1 of RWC (2011). The Applicant’s objectives in modifying PA 09_0155 are as follows.  To ensure that the Mine remains compliant with existing conditions or commitments, unless modified by this Proposed Modification.  To maximise the recovery of the identified resource through the inclusion of additional open cut and underground mining areas.  To minimise the geotechnical instability of the walls of the Caloma Open Cut and the safety of workers and others within the open cut.  To reduce, to the maximum extent practicable, the overall environment impact of the Mine.  To minimise, to the maximum extent practicable, the impact on the local community and other stakeholders.  To ensure that the ongoing operation of the Mine can continue in a safe and reliable manner.

2.1.2 Overview of the Modification

Modifications to the approved operations at the Mine would include the following.  An additional cutback to the upper eastern wall of the Caloma Open Cut (Cal1).  Development and mining of gold-bearing ore from the Caloma Two Open Cut (Cal2) (generally as presented in RWC, 2011).  Construction of a portal against the southwestern wall of the Cal1 Open Cut to develop and mine gold-bearing ore below the Cal1 and Cal2 Open Cuts (CalUG). The decline developed from the Cal1 Open Cut portal would be continued to the west to access the already approved Wyoming One Underground (Wyo1UG).  Exploration, in the form of development drives and bulk sampling of the Wyo3 underground resources.  Extension of Waste Rock Emplacement (WRE) 3 to ‘in-fill’ the northwestern corner section where soil resources are currently stockpiled.  Backfill of the Wyoming Three Open Cut (Wyo3) with waste rock removed from the open cuts.  A downstream lift of the RSF, to increase the height by 3m, and associated modifications to surface water drainage.

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 Modifications to the Central Drainage Channel, which diverts clean water runoff from north of the Mine Site between the Cal1 Open Cut and WRE 3, and the WRE 3 dirty water drain, which carries runoff from WRE 3 to a sediment basin, to allow for the Cal1 Open Cut cutback and Cal2 Open Cut development.  Minor modifications to the management of soil resources on the Mine Site.  Minor modifications to the final landform to reflect the additional surface mining activities and extension to WRE 3.

Figure 4 presents the location of the proposed modifications to mining, waste rock placement, residue storage, water and soil management.

2.1.3 Modifications Required

The Applicant anticipates that the following modifications to PA 09_0155 will be required. The proposed additions are underlined and the proposed deletions are in strikeout. Text included in square brackets is for information only and is not proposed to be included in the modified Project Approval.

Schedule 2, Condition 7

7. This approval does not permit the construction or operation of the Caloma Two Open Cut pit. Any future proposal to undertake the Caloma Two Open Cut pit shall be shall be subject to further assessment and approval in accordance with the requirements of the EP&A Act.

Schedule 3, Condition 50 50. Within three years of the date of this approval, the Applicant shall investigate the feasibility of filling the Wyoming Three open cut pit void as part of the rehabilitation of the site, in consultation with DRE.

APPENDICES Replace the plans on pages 25, 30, 31 with updated versions.

Replace the Statement of Commitments with Table 26 of this document.

2.2 MODIFIED MINING OPERATIONS

2.2.1 Proposed Caloma Open Cut Cutback

2.2.1.1 Need for the Modification Additional ore exists in the eastern footwall of the Cal1 Open Cut and a cutback of the open cut would enable an additional 460 000t of this to be mined and processed.

TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 Tomingley Gold Mine Report No. 616/25

Figure 4 Modified Mine Operations A4 / landscape / Colour

Dated 05/11/15 / Inserted 05/11/15

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

In addition, a number of geotechnical failures in the eastern and western sections of the upper walls of Cal1 Open Cut have been identified (see Plates 1 and 2). Geotechnical consultants, Pells Sullivan Meynink (PSM), completed a geotechnical assessment of the failures and ongoing stability (PSM, 2014) and identified that the failures were the result of unanticipated hydrostatic pore pressure in the alluvium, saprolite and highly weathered waste rock that was weaker than design parameters. Following the recommendations of PSM (2014), PA 09_0155 was modified in April 2015 (MOD 2) to allow for the laying back of the upper sections of the eastern and western walls of Cal1. The cutback approved by MOD 2 has been completed (see Plate 3) and while wall stability has improved, a further cutback offers the opportunity to minimise the geotechnical instability of the pit walls (see Plate 4).

2.2.1.2 Design of the Cutback Figure 5 identifies the extent of the proposed cutback to the Cal1 Open Cut. The upper 20m to 30m, which includes the more erodible alluvium, saprolite and highly weathered material, would be laid back at the reduced 27° to 30° angle. The lower walls of the open cut, to floor level, would continuing to be developed at 60° to 70°, i.e. the same as shown on Plate 3. The cutback would increase the total impact footprint of the Cal1 Open Cut by approximately 5ha, onto to land already disturbed by mining and mining related activities. The cutback would necessitate the redesign and realignment of the Central Drainage Channel and the dirty water drain of WRE 3 (refer to Section 2.4).

2.2.1.3 Proposed Mining Method The Applicant would undertake the mining operations required to complete the cutback as described in Sections 2.4.3.3 and 2.4.3.4 of RWC (2011). In summary, friable material would be extracted using conventional free dig load and haul techniques. Where required, limited fragmentation would be implemented using drill and blast techniques. Mining operations would be undertaken using the Applicant’s existing mining fleet (refer to Section 2.2.5).

2.2.1.4 Management of Waste Rock The cutback would require the removal of an additional 2.2Mm3 of waste rock from the Cal1 Open Cut. This predominantly alluvial, saprolitic and weathered material, which has shown no evidence of acid generation confirming the analyses presented in RWC (2011), would be removed using the same methods currently implemented. In summary, the upper, more weathered material would be ripped, loaded to haul trucks by excavator and transferred to WRE 3 where it would be paddock dumped before being shaped and prepared for application of soil. As the material becomes more competent at depth, the material would be blasted before loading to trucks and transfer to WRE 3. Section 2.3 provides further detail on the construction and management of WRE 3.

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Plate 1 Failure in the western wall looking to the southeast

Plate 2 Failure in the northwestern wall looking to the west Source: PSM (2014) – Photos 5 and 8

Plate 3 Caloma 1 Open Cut Stabilised Cutback Source: E616L-020

Plate 4 Minor Instability in Caloma 1 Open Cut Following MOD 2 Cutback Source: E616L-014

Dated 1/12/14 inserted 3/12/14

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

Figure 5 Proposed Caloma Open Cuts and WRE 3 Modifications A4/colour

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2.2.2 Proposed Caloma Two Open Cut

2.2.2.1 Need for the Modification Originally proposed as part of the original development application for the Mine, further exploration has identified approximately 385,000t of gold-bearing ore mineable by open cut methods. Further over 60% of this mineable ore is classed as high grade with an average grade of 3.2g/t. Developing and mining the Cal2 resource is consistent with the NSW Division of Resources & Energy (DRE) objective to maximise the recovery of the States mineral resources. Notably, the higher grades of Cal2 are considered important in the overall production schedule of the Mine, allowing for development in other areas of the Mine.

2.2.2.2 Geology of the Caloma Two Mineralisation Stratigraphy at Cal2 has a distinctive east-west orientation in contrast to the north-north-west orientation at the adjacent Cal1 deposit. This dramatic change in trend is interpreted to be associated with parasitic folding along the major northwest trending fault which dislocates stratigraphy from Wyoming Three to Caloma Two. The mineralisation at Caloma Two is constrained by flat to moderate north dipping en echelon vein sets2. Mineralisation appears to dilate when in contact with a northern bounding volcaniclastic sediment unit. At depth there is evidence for potential reverse saddle reef like structures associated with the closure of the possible synform. Mineralisation linking Cal1 with Cal2 appears to be restricted within or adjacent to a narrow, steeply dipping volcanoclastic sediment unit.

2.2.2.3 Design of Caloma Two Open Cut The footprint of the Cal2 Open Cut would be roughly circular with an approximate diameter of 400m and area of 15ha. The maximum depth of the open cut would be approximately 100m below the natural land surface at an elevation of 270m AHD. Notably, this remains 65m above the floor elevation of the Cal1 Open Cut and 90m above the floor elevation of the Wyo1 Open Cut. Ore and waste rock material would be transported to the surface via a single haul road. Ore material would then be transported via the Cal1 Open Cut access ramps to the processing plant.

2.2.2.4 Proposed Mining Method

Mining would be undertaken in accordance with established methods at the Mine. In summary, mining would be undertaken as follows:

2 The term 'en echelon' refers to closely-spaced, parallel or subparallel, overlapping or step-like minor structural features in rock (faults, tension fractures), which lie oblique to the overall structural trend.

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Grade Control Drilling This drilling would be undertaken ahead of planned mining to more precisely define the boundary between ore, low grade ore and waste material. All grade control samples would be transported to an off-site laboratory for analysis.

Extraction of Friable Material Friable material would either be lightly fragmented using drill and blast methods and extracted using an excavator, ripped and pushed up using a bulldozer, or excavated using scrapers (subject to compliance with noise criteria). Material extracted by excavator would be loaded into haul trucks for transportation to the ROM pad, a low grade stockpile, waste rock emplacement or bund. Material excavated by scrapers would be transported to one of these destinations directly by the scraper. The Applicant anticipates that friable material will be present from the base of the subsoil to a depth of between 5m and 60m below the surface.

Drill and Blast Operations Blast holes would be drilled, using an average of three hydraulic drill rigs equipped with dust and noise suppression equipment, into the material that cannot be excavated using a bulldozer or excavator alone. Following completion of each blast, boundaries between ore and waste rock material would, if required, be identified and marked. Fragmented material would then be loaded into trucks by hydraulic excavator and transported to one of the waste rock emplacements, or the ROM pad. All drill and blast operations would be supervised by a suitably qualified and experienced blasting engineer or shot-firer.

2.2.2.5 Management of Waste Rock

The waste rock would be removed as described for the Cal1 Open Cut cutback, with the material delivered to the upper southern lifts and northern extension area of WRE 3. Section 2.3 provides further detail on the construction and management of WRE 3.

2.2.3 Proposed Mining of Caloma Underground Resources

2.2.3.1 Need for the Modification

Additional exploration undertaken since the commencement of mining has confirmed additional gold resources below the floor of the approved Cal1 and proposed Cal2 Open Cuts. Following an initial financial analysis, it was confirmed that this resource could be mined at grades exceeding cut-off grades for stoping and development (2.5g/t and 1.0g/t respectively) established by benchmarking against similar sized Australian underground mines.

On the basis that the ore can be mined economically, and on the basis that this can be undertaken without unacceptable impact on the local environment, inclusion of the CalUG to the mining operations of the Mine is consistent with DRE objective to maximise the recovery of the States mineral resources.

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2.2.3.2 Geology of the Caloma Mineralisation

The Caloma deposit is hosted within a moderately to steeply west dipping basaltic-andesite unit. Gold mineralisation is focused within a shallow to moderate west dipping sheeted vein system that approximately parallels the strike of local stratigraphy. To date nine vein sets have been identified. Each of these typically pinches and swells, both along strike and down dip, is terminated at the Cotton Formation contact in the west and tends to ‘horse-tail’ when in contact with the volcaniclastic sediments in the east.

2.2.3.3 Design of the Underground Mine

The underground resource would be accessed via a portal and decline, constructed either from the Wyo1 Open Cut (as already approved for access to the Wyo1UG), or the Cal1 Open Cut. Current design places the portal, which would be constructed within fresh, competent rock, stabilised as required using a combination of rock bolts, cable bolts, mesh and shotcrete, at an elevation of approximately 140m AHD in the southwestern section of the Cal1 Open Cut. Figure 6 provides an isometric view (from the east) of the decline and development headings from the Cal1 Portal to the separate stoping areas below Cal1 and Cal2.

The decline (blue in Figure 6) would be developed in a southerly then westerly direction, splitting into separate declines for access to the ore resources below Cal1 and Cal2 (and Wyo1). Level access drives (green on Figure 6) would be constructed from the decline to enable the various development headings, ore drives and return airways to be constructed to provide access to the stoping areas. Ore stockpiles and escapeway (cuddies) would be developed at regular intervals off the decline (brown on Figure 6).

The profile dimensions and actual profile geometry of the various underground excavations is based on equipment sizes, functions and optimal shapes for geotechnical stability and Table 3 provides an indicative summary of these dimensions.

Figure 6 ISOMETRIC VIEW OF CALOMA UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT (LOOKING NORTHEAST) Source: Alkane Resources Ltd

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

Table 3

Underground Excavation Profile Summary

Dimensions Gradient Surface Area Profile (w x h) Shape (V:H) (m2) Decline 5.0 x 5.3 arched 1:7 25.3 Level Access Drives 5.0 x 5.0 arched 1:50 22.8 Decline (Capital) Stockpiles 5.0 x 5.3 flatback 1:7 27.4 Ore Stockpiles & Escapeways 5.0 x 5.0 flatback 1:50 24.9 Development Headings, Ore Drives & 1:50 4.5 x 4.5 flatback 20.1 Return Airway Source: Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Ltd

Ventilation would be provided initially using a temporary fan located at the portal which would pump air to the decline face using flexible ventilation ducting. Return air would flow back up the decline. As the decline progresses, the temporary ventilation infrastructure would be advanced to ensure adequate ventilation in all sections of the advancing decline.

Once the decline has been advanced sufficiently, a ventilation access drive would be established near a vertical ventilation rise or shaft (red on Figure 6).

2.2.3.4 Proposed Mining Method

The proposed mining methods would be consistent with those described and approved for the WyoUG (RWC, 2011). The following provides a summary of these methods.

Portal Establishment and Infrastructure Installation Once the Portal is established and stabilised, infrastructure required for underground mining operations would be installed. This would indicatively include the following.  Underground power, including a transformer to reduce the voltage of the distributed electricity to 1 000V, suitable for use underground.  Temporary ventilation, including one or more vent fans located adjacent to the portal.  Mine water supply to provide water for underground mining operations.  A tag board and associated surface safety and communication equipment and infrastructure.  One or more air compressors.

Decline Development Once the portal has been established and the required infrastructure installed, underground development would commence. Initially, this would require development of the decline using a single heading. However, once decline development reaches the initial ore extraction level, development on multiple headings would be undertaken.

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The decline, development headings and ore drives would be developed using drill and blast methods. A jumbo, or underground drill rig, would drill a pattern of holes which would be loaded with pre-packaged bulk explosives and detonators, and the in situ material fragmented.

Fragmented material would be extracted using an underground loader or load-haul-dump (LHD) unit. The LHD unit would be used to load underground haul trucks or transport the fragmented material to a loading bay for later reclamation.

Initially, fragmented waste rock would be dumped in the Cal1 Open Cut or in the event the pit void was not available, WRE 3. Once mining operations have progressed sufficiently, some waste rock material would be placed within completed stopes to assist with the geotechnical stability of the stopes.

Fragmented ore material would be transported to the ROM pad.

Ventilation and Emergency Egress Construction of the ventilation rise would involve a raise-bore drill rig which would drill an initial pilot hole. The pilot hole would then be progressively widened from the bottom up, with the drill cuttings permitted to fall to the bottom of the hole where they would be collected from the vent drive. As the decline is developed, the ventilation rise network would be progressively extended. The ventilation rise would have a diameter of up to 3.0m and would be constructed on a bench within the Cal1 Open Cut or to surface.

In addition, an appropriate emergency egress infrastructure drive or rise, including ladderways and platforms, would be developed to a bench in the Cal1 Open Cut or to surface. Other mine services such as power and water may also be installed within the vent rise or the access decline.

Underground Stoping Operations Underground mining of ore material would be undertaken using a long hole open stoping mining method. This mining method is particularly well suited to relatively narrow, near vertical ore bodies.

During mining operations, a number of development drives would be established at approximately 20m vertical intervals within the ore zone. A series of holes would then be drilled in rings from each drive. These rings would then be sequentially loaded with explosives and the ore material blasted. The fragmented material would then be removed from the stope or open void using a LHD unit, operated by either conventional or remote methods. Between stopes, pillars (vertical) and sills (horizontal) of unmined material would be left to provide support and prevent ground collapse. In addition, a crown pillar would remain between to the top of the underground mine and the base of the open cut.

The detailed design of each stope would be determined following completion of additional orebody definition drilling during development operations to better define the boundary between classes of material. The mine design would be developed to ensure that there would be no surface subsidence within the Mine Site.

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Stope Backfilling Operations In order to ensure stability of sections of the underground mine once mining operations have been completed in those sections, some of mined-out stopes would be backfilled.

There are four different filling methods utilised which result in the mine plan using four unique mining methods:  Cemented rock fill (CRF) is associated with mining from “bottom up” and involves the placement of a cement waste rock mixture from the bottom to the top of the stope. Once the supporting structure is in place, the remainder of the stope is filled with loose rock.  Rib pillars, with some regional sill pillars made from CRF between stopes, are retained for structural support and loose rock is tipped from the top into the stope. This method is associated with mining “top down”.  Loose rock fill (LRF) contained by a rock pillar is associated with mining from “bottom up” and is placed from the bottom to the top.  Avoca mining whereby fill is placed via a footwall drive and ore is extracted via the ore drive from opposite end.

Where required, the strength of the material used during backfilling operations may be increased through the use of cement mixed with the waste rock. In addition, where required to ensure stope stability, waste rock material may be concurrently placed into one end of a stope while mining is progressing at the other end

The mining method is selected for each area after consideration of geotechnical constraints, ore width, cost and financial benefit of each method, number and location of accesses, and speed / timing of ore extraction.

2.2.4 Modified Access to Wyoming One Underground

2.2.4.1 Need for the Modification

Mining schedules are constantly reviewed and modified in response to changes in grades and other factors influencing when the various open cut and underground resources can be mined. The Applicant has identified that in order to maintain grade and production targets, delivery of high grade ore from the underground resources is required from October 2017 which is about 1 year before the Wyo1 Open Cut would be developed to the proposed level for portal development.

The development of a decline from the Cal1 Open Cut is therefore considered important to ensure production grades and schedules remain as forecasted and required. Ultimately, the establishment of a portal within the Cal1 Open Cut and extension of the decline to the Wyo1UG resource was determined to be strategically advantageous over the development of a separate portal and decline from the Wyo3 Open Cut. Section 2.8.2 reviews the consideration of this and other alternative portal and decline options.

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2.2.4.2 Design of the Modified Portal and Decline

The decline developed to access the underground resources below Cal1 and Cal2 would continue at a nominal gradient of 1:7 to the west to intersect the Wyo1UG resource at an elevation of 80m AHD (or the 1080 Level) and offset from the base pit shell. Level access drives, development headings, ore drives, escapeways and ore stockpiles, with dimensions as described in Section 2.2.2.3, would be developed to allow for stope development and mining.

Figure 7 provides an isometric view (from the southeast) of the decline, drives, development headings, ventilation rises and stopes (pink and purple of Figure 7) from the Cal1 Portal to the CalUG and WyoUG.

Figure 7 ISOMETRIC VIEW OF CALOMA AND WYOMING UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT AND MINING (LOOKING NORTHWEST) Source: Alkane Resources Ltd

2.2.4.3 Construction of the Modified Decline

Construction of the decline from the CalUG to Wyo1UG would follow as described in Section 2.2.2.4, with escapeway cuddies and ore stockpiles developed at regular intervals.

2.2.5 Exploration of Wyoming Three Underground Resource

2.2.5.1 Need for the Modification

Additional review of surface based exploration has provided further information to the Applicant on the additional gold resources that occur below the floor of the Wyo3 Open Cut. Based on current gold price and relatively optimistic mining costs, approximately 60 000t of ore gold bearing exceeds the cut-off grade requirements for economic production. However, as this gold occurs approximately 100m below the floor of the Wyo3 Open Cut, mining is uneconomic without a significant increase in the gold price or reduction in mining costs.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

With the development of underground mining at Wyo1UG, an opportunity is presented to undertake sub-surface (underground) exploration in the form of development drives and bulk sampling from the decline to the Wyo1UG. This would allow for more detailed information in relation to the size and grade of the Wyo3UG resources and allow for better planning in the event of fluctuations to the gold price resulting in the economics of the Wyo3UG improving.

On the basis of the above, and on the basis that this can be undertaken without unacceptable impact on the local environment, inclusion of exploration of Wyo3UG is consistent with DRE objective to maximise the recovery of the States mineral resources.

2.2.5.2 Design of the Underground Mine

Figure 8 provides an isometric view (from the northwest) of a development drive from the Wyo1UG and stopes (for bulk sampling) of the Wyo3UG resource. The development drive (blue in Figure 8) would be constructed from the main decline to the Wyo1UG with access drives constructed to the bulk sampling areas (brown and green in Figure 8). Ore stockpiles and escapeway (cuddies) would be developed at regular intervals off the decline (pink and brown on Figure 8).

Source: Alkane Resources Ltd Figure 8 ISOMETRIC VIEW OF THE WYOMING 3 UNDERGROUND EXPLORATION AREA LOOKING SOUTHEAST

The profile dimensions and actual profile geometry of the various underground excavations is based on equipment sizes, functions and optimal shapes for geotechnical stability as discussed in Section 2.2.3.3 and presented in Table 3.

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2.2.5.3 Proposed Exploration and Bulk Sampling Method

The proposed methods for development drive construction and bulk sampling by stoping would be as in Section 2.2.3.4.

2.2.6 Mining Equipment

Table 4 presents an overview of the indicative mining fleet that would continue to be used within the Mine Site. In addition to the equipment identified in Table 4, a number of light and other vehicles would be used during mining operations.

Table 4

Indicative Mining Fleet Page 1 of 2 Indicative Proposed Hours Equipment No Use 1 Number of Operation Major Equipment – Open Cut Mining Excavator (120t) 1 to 3 Extraction of ore material and waste rock. Excavator (85t) 1 24 hours, 7 days per week Transportation of ore material and Truck (Cat 777) Up to 8 Waste rock Major Equipment – Underground Mining Haulage of ore and waste rock within the 40t to 50t capacity 5 underground or from underground to haul truck surface. Miscellaneous underground maintenance IT 1 works. Underground logistics, explosive Normet 1 charging, tunnel maintenance. 24 hours, 7 days Load Haul Dump Unit Bogging out and moving development 2 per week (Bogger) waste and ore from stopes. Drilling blast holes for the development of Jumbo Drill 2 drives. Drilling blast holes for underground Longhole Drill 1 stopes. Light and Service Servicing and refuelling of underground 5 vehicles mining fleet.

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Table 4 (cont’d)

Indicative Mining Fleet Page 2 of 2 Indicative Proposed Hours Equipment No Use 1 Number of Operation Support Equipment Drilling blast holes. Generally 3 with Drill Rig 1 to 4 occasional campaign operation of a 4th rig. Bulldozer (D10) 1 to 3 Stripping soil, shaping of WREs, clearing Grader 1 to 3 of benches, general site maintenance 24 hours, 7 days per week Management of ROM material, loading of Front-end loader 1 haul trucks Service Truck 1 Equipment servicing and refuelling Watercart 1 to 2 Dust suppression Campaign stripping and stockpiling of soil 7:00am – 10:00pm Scraper 2 ahead of open cut development Explosives Delivery Daylight hours only 1 Explosives delivery Vehicle Diesel Generators & Pump sump, mobile lighting towers, other Variable variable Lighting Plants power supply as required Note 1: Hours of operation of some equipment may be restricted during the life of the Project. See Section 4.2 for further detailed discussion. Source: Alkane Resources Ltd

The fleet nominated in Table 4 reflect the mining fleet operating most of the time on the Mine Site and has been used for the purpose of modelling noise impacts associated with the Proposed Modification (refer to Section 4.2 & Appendix 2).

2.2.7 Production Schedule and Mine Life

Table 5 and Figure 9 present an indicative production schedule for the remaining life of the Mine (including the additional resources of CalUG and Cal2 Open Cut.

2.2.8 Resource Sterilisation Considerations

Proactive Mining Solutions was commissioned to review the economic potential of continued mining from the Wyo3 Open Cut or use of the void for other purposes. The Tomingley Gold Operations Wyoming 3 Optimisation Study (PMS, 2015) considered current economic parameters, as well as additional scenarios with gold prices up to $3,000 per ounce. Alternative economic non-mining end uses for the Wyo3 void were also considered.  Backfill using waste rock.  In-pit tailings disposal.  Water storage.

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Table 5

Indicative Production Schedule Year Ore1 (t) Waste Rock (m3) Open Cut Underground Open Cut Underground2 2016 1,600,000 0 6,910,000 0 2017 1,190,000 20,000 6,460,000 0 2018 1,175,000 150,000 2,150,000 0 2019 0 230,000 0 0 2020 0 300,000 0 0 2021 0 170,000 0 0 2022 0 0 0 0 Total 3,965,000 870,000 15,520,000 Note 1: Ore tonnage is not based on JORC reserve Note 2: Most underground waste rock to be used to backfill stope voids. A small proportion would be used to establish a laydown area adjacent to the portal Source: Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Ltd

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Wyoming 1

Open Cut

Wyoming 3

Open Cut

Caloma 1

Open Cut

Caloma 2

Open Cut

Underground

Figure 9 INDICATIVE MINING SEQUENCE

PMS (2015) also reviewed the potential for underground mining and as noted in Section 2.2.5.1, determined this to be uneconomic based on current gold price and mining costs.

The results determined that a gold price of $2,500 is required for open cut mining to be economic. Such a gold price would be unlikely over the currently scheduled life of mine.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

Of the alternative end uses for the void, PSM (2015) determined all would have some economic advantage ranked as follows.  Water storage is potentially the highest value, $5M to $10M over the life of mine generated through reduced bore costs and water purchase, but also the least tangible.  Tailings storage is also high value, equivalent to increasing revenue by up to $10M dependent on capital costs associated with void preparation. It is recognised that further environmental assessment and modification to the project approval would be required.  Backfill using waste rock would generate a cost saving of approximately $650,000. While the lowest value, this is also the lowest risk option and has the additional environmental benefits of:  removal of one void from the final landform using benign (non-polluting medium); and  avoiding the requirement for additional lifts of further lateral extensions of the waste rock emplacements.

2.3 MODIFIED WASTE ROCK MANAGEMENT

2.3.1 Waste Rock Characteristics

Development of the Cal2 Open Cut would require the removal of approximately 3.1Mm3 (6.5Mt) of waste rock. The host geology for the ore is the same as for the Cal1 Open Cut, namely oxidised rock with minimal potential for acid generation. Analyses of composite samples of waste rock from the Caloma open cuts for the original development application completed by the ALS Laboratory Group returned a negative net acid generation potential (NAGP) (RWC, 2011). There has been no evidence of acid generation from waste rock at the Mine.

2.3.2 Extension of Waste Rock Emplacement 3

2.3.2.1 Need for the Modification

The eastern cutback of the Cal1 Open Cut and development of the Cal2 Open Cut would result in additional waste rock generation at the Mine. While previous waste rock emplacement designs have accounted for additional waste rock from the Cal2 Open Cut, the Applicant has identified that additional waste rock generated by the Cal1 Open Cut cutback and Cal2 Open Cut would approximate 5 400 000m3. While the option of raising the height of the existing WREs was considered (refer to Section 2.9.3), it has been deemed preferable to ‘in-fill’ the northwestern portion of WRE 3 where soil resources are currently stockpiled.

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2.3.2.2 Waste Rock Emplacement 3 Extension Design

The ‘in-fill’ of the northern portion of WRE 3 will be undertaken in four lifts as per the existing design of WRE 3 (see Figure 5). The increased area of WRE 3 of 5.1ha would increase the storage capacity of WRE 3 by approximately 10% and provide the storage of an additional 2 000 000m3 of waste rock (4 400 000t). The extended WRE 3 would retain the same design features as currently approved, namely:  Maximum height: 40m.  Number of lifts: 4.  Lift heights: 10m.  Berm widths: 5m.  Final Slope: 1:3 (V:H) or shallower.

Waste rock additional to the capacity of would be placed as backfill within the Wyo3 (or other) Open Cut.

Water management structures, would be constructed during shaping of the emplacement to reduce the risk of erosion both during and following the mine’s operational life. In summary, these structures would comprise 5m wide berms at approximately 10m vertical intervals with slopes of approximately 1% with engineered high slope sections or ‘drop structures’ to transfer surface water from the contour banks to the dirty water management system or, following completion of rehabilitation operations, to natural drainage (see also Section 2.7.3.1).

2.3.2.3 Waste Rock Emplacement Procedures

The waste rock would be placed and profiled as is current practice (see Figure 10). The waste rock emplacements would be compacted during construction by heavy vehicles travelling across the surface of the emplacement. In order to minimise the potential for noise impacts on receivers within Tomingley and surrounding land, the following specific management practices would be implemented when placing waste rock on WRE 3.  In general, and subject to addressing safety considerations associated with the restricted area for dumping, the northern perimeter of WRE 3 would be constructed initially to maintain a 15m high acoustic barrier between the village of Tomingley to the north and waste rock placement operations. This acoustic barrier would only be constructed during the daytime, namely between 7:00am and 6:00pm.  The Applicant would relocate waste rock management activities within WRE 3 to the south should weather forecasts indicate potentially noise enhancing winds or real-time noise monitoring suggest rising noise levels within Tomingley village (refer also to Section 4.2).

Following completion of construction of the outer section of each lift, the outer face of the emplacement would be progressively shaped and covered with friable waste rock material. Approximately 50cm of subsoil and 20cm of topsoil would then be spread over the emplacement and the emplacement progressively revegetated. Rehabilitation operations are described more fully in Section 2.14.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

Figure 10 WASTE ROCK EMPLACEMENT CONSTRUCTION

2.3.3 Backfill of Wyoming Three Open Cut

2.3.3.1 Need for the Modification

The backfilling of Wyo3 would serve two important functions at the Mine. 1. It would allow for the Wyo3 impact footprint to be returned to a landform which approximates the pre-mining landform, allows for a return to the pre-mining land uses and therefore reduces the overall impact of the Mine on the environment. 2. It would reduce the total volume of waste rock which requires placement within the above ground WREs.

Also notable is that the approval of the Cal2 Open Cut was ultimately rejected as part of the original development application as a result of concerns by DRE over the number of voids to be left within the final landform. By providing for the backfilling of the Wyo3 Open Cut, there will be no net increase in the number of final voids even with the development of the Cal2 Open Cut.

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2.3.3.2 Waste Rock Characteristics

As noted in Section 2.2.2.5, the waste rock of the Wyoming and Caloma mineralisations have not displayed any acid generation.

2.3.3.3 Waste Rock Emplacement Methods

Waste rock from Wyo1 would be delivered to Wyo3 by haul trucks where a tip-head(s) would be established. With safety protocols to be developed, given the height of the face from which the waste rock would be tipped, the haul trucks would back up to the tip-head and drop the waste rock into the void.

To ensure an even distribution of waste rock within the void, the material would be periodically pushed using a dozer within the void.

2.4 MODIFIED RESIDUE STORAGE FACILITY (DOWNSTREAM LIFT)

2.4.1 Need for the Modification

As a result of the inclusion of additional resources from the Cal1 Open Cut (Cutback), the Cal2 Open Cut and CalUG, additional capacity for storage of residues generated by the processing of this ore is required.

Furthermore, consolidation of the residue discharged to the RSF has been slower than anticipated with the overall volume increased as a result of the elevated moisture retention of the residues.

The RSF has been designed and constructed to date with upstream lifts, however, the reduced consolidation of the residues has required the use of waste rock to provides a solid platform on which the upstream lifts of the RSF have been constructed. Considering this, downstream lift construction is considered a preferable method.

2.4.2 Modified RSF Design and Construction

Constructed as a downstream lift, i.e. raising the height of the RSF by placement of material on top of the outer wall as opposed to on the consolidated residues themselves, the RSF would be raised in height by 3m (to an elevation of 275.5m AHD). Figure 4 identifies the small increase in impact footprint of the RSF and Figure 11 provides a typical cross-section illustrating parameters of the proposed lift.

The outer slope of the RSF would be constructed as a single slope with an angle of 3H:1V (18°) extending the toe of the RSF by an average of 11m. This extension of the RSF toe would require the dirty water drain, perimeter access road, monitoring piezometers and Sediment Basin 2 to be modified (relocated outwards) to accommodate the extended toe.

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Figure 11 Upstream RSF Lift – Typical Cross-section A5/B&W

Construction would be undertaken as follows.

1. The perimeter infrastructure, i.e. dirty water drain, perimeter access road, Sediment Basins 2 and monitoring bores, would be reconstructed beyond the toe of the modified RSF impact footprint.

2. Waste rock would be placed against the outer wall of the RSF and pushed to create the nominated 18° slope by a bulldozer.

3. Alternatively, and where safe to do so, waste rock would be tipped from the upper surface of the Stage 2 RSF wall (at 272.5m AHD). This would require the compaction of the upper surface of the RSF wall lift, as well as the placement of additional waste rock material over the outer layer of residue to allow for the safe movement and tipping of rock from the top of the RSF. A bulldozer would then be used to profile the outer slope to create the nominated 18° slope.

4. Subsoil and topsoil would be reapplied to enable revegetation with grass species.

At this time, future lifts of the RSF, to achieve the final approved height of 280.5m AHD, would be undertaken by upstream lift methods (as described in RWC, 2011).

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2.4.3 Operation

Operation of the RSF would be as described in RWC (2011) and current MOP (TGO/RWC, 2014). In summary, residue material would be discharged into two cells, with the active discharge cell rotated on a pre-determined basis. The material would be discharged from spigots on a peripheral pipeline. The spigots would be regularly spaced around the perimeter of the each cell and the residue slurry would be discharged from six to eight spigots at any one time. The active spigots would be regularly changed to allow an even build-up of residue solids over the whole area of each cell. Each cell would have the opportunity to dry when the discharge of residue is changed to the adjacent cell. This placement procedure would allow for an appropriate residue density to be established ensuring the ongoing stability of the RSF.

2.5 MODIFIED WATER MANAGEMENT

2.5.1 Need for the Modification

The eastern cutback of Cal1 and development of Cal2 Open Cuts would extend the impact footprint of open cut mining over the existing Central Clean Water Drain and dirty water drain of WRE 3 aligned between Cal1 and WRE 3. This necessitates the redesign and realignment of these structures to ensure that:  clean water from north of the Mine Site continues to be diverted away from areas of disturbance within the Mine Site; and  dirty water runoff from WRE 3 continues to be captured and diverted to the Sediment Basin 4.

The inclusion of an additional open cut and underground development on the Mine Site also necessitates a review of the water balance for the Mine, to ensure that sufficient water will be available for on-site activities, sufficient storage will be available for dewatering of the open cut and underground operations and internal drainage structures are adequate to control potential erosion and sedimentation.

2.5.2 Central Clean Water Drainage Channel Design

Figures 4 and 5 illustrates the revised alignment of the Central Clean Water Drain to accommodate the eastern cutback of the Cal1 Open Cut and development of the Cal2 Open Cut. Figure 12 provides a representative cross-section from the open cut to the waste rock emplacement (featuring an open cut setback of 2m, safety bund, open cut perimeter road, clean water drain, drain separation levee, dirty water drain and toe of WRE 3). Design specifications for the Central Clean Water Drain would be as follows and consider flow rates and volumes generated by a 1 in 100 ARI rainfall event (GHD, 2015).  Width of channel: 10m.  Minimum height of channel: 1.3m.  Slope of channel batters: 1V:3H.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

Central Clean Water Drain

WRE 3 Dirty Water Drain Source: GHD (2015) – Figures 5-1 & 5-2 Figure 12 MODIFIED CALOMA CENTRAL DRAINAGE CROSS-SECTION

With batter slopes of 1V:3H, the batters would be lined with turf reinforced mesh and conform with the requirements of Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction, Vol. 1 & 2E (Landcom, 2004 & DECC, 2008). An increase batter slope (up to 1V:2H) would require greater reinforcement and would only be undertaken following the advice of an appropriately qualified professional, e.g. Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC). Further discussion on channel design, stabilisation and performance is provided in Section 4.3.3.

2.5.3 WRE 3 Dirty Water Drain

Figure 12 also illustrates the revised alignment and cross-section of the WRE 3 Dirty Water Drain.

To further reduce the potential for discharge of runoff from WRE 3, the design specifications for the WRE 3 Dirty Water Drain consider flow rates and volumes generated by a 1 in 20 ARI rainfall event (GHD, 2015) and are as follows.  Width of channel: 6m.  Minimum height of channel: 0.9m.  Earth levee: 1.0m.  Slope of channel batters: 1V:3H.

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With batter slopes of 1V:3H, the batters would be lined with turf reinforced mesh and conform with the requirements of Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction, Vol. 1 & 2E (Landcom, 2004 & DECC, 2008). As for the Central Clean Water Drain, an increased batter slope (up to 1V:2H) would require greater reinforcement and would only be undertaken following the advice of an appropriately qualified professional. Further discussion on channel design, stabilisation and performance is provided in Section 4.3.3.

2.5.4 Other Modifications

Two additional sediment basins would be constructed (Sediment Basins 6 and 7) on the eastern side of the Newell Highway. Sediment Basin 6 would allow for runoff from the western perimeter of the Cal1 Open Cut and perimeter bund to be diverted to the south into this new basin to be constructed immediately north of the Newell Highway underpass. Sediment Basin 7 would be constructed to the west of the Cal2 Open Cut with runoff from the Cal2 Open Cut directed to this basin. Both sediment basins would provide a water storage zone for runoff generated by rainfall up to a 10-day 90th percentile event (50.5mm)3.

The downstream lift of the RSF (see Section 2.4) would extend the toe of the facility over the existing dirty water drain discharging water to Sediment Basin 2. The drain and Sediment Basin 2 would be relocated beyond the extent of the new RSF toe.

Sediment Basins 4 and 5, which collect runoff from WRE 3 and the northern acoustic amenity bund respectively, would also be increased in size to allow for the storage of runoff generated by rainfall up to a 10-day 90th percentile event.

Table 6 presents the currently approved and proposed catchments and storage capacities of the seven sediment basins of the Mine Site.

Table 6

Approved and Proposed Sediment Basin Capacities

Sediment Existing Proposed Basin Catchment (ha) Capacity (ML) Catchment (ha) Capacity (ML) 1 103.4 20.8 103.4 20.8 2 7.7 3.0 7.7 3.01 3 84.4 7.4 84.4 7.4 4 83.6 15.5 84.0 21.6 5 17.4 1.6 23.2 6.0 6 - - 1.9 4.2 7 - - 9.1 2.3 Note 1: The capacity of Sediment Basin 2 is proposed to be increased, however, the capacity presented represents that which provides for water storage for runoff up to a 10-day 95th %ile rainfall event. Source: GHD (2015) – Table 5-1

All dirty water drains diverting runoff to the Mine sediment basins would be designed and constructed to cater for rainfall up to a 1 in 20 ARI critical duration event.

3 This is equivalent to a 5-day 95th percentile rainfall event.

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2.5.5 Site Water Balance

Considering all major surface and groundwater interactions of the Mine Site, GHD (2015) have developed a daily time step water balance model for the Mine using Goldsim (version 11.1). Table 7 summarises the annual inputs and outputs to the water balance from 2016 to 2020, incorporating the modelled surface water and ground water flows of the modified Mine (refer to Section 4.3 and GHD, 2015 – Appendix 3).

Table 7

Predicted Annual Water Balance

Volume (ML/yr) Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Inputs Catch Runoff 114 109 100 115 110 Direct rainfall 65 64 63 66 63 Borefield Extractions 830 851 696 667 741 External Water 45 49 24 19 32 Moisture in Ore 66 67 65 65 69 Groundwater Inflow 8 52 209 202 214 Total Inputs 1128 1192 1157 1134 1229 Outputs Evaporation 89 87 95 98 94 Discharge 2 1 2 1 2 Potable Water 1 1 1 1 1 Water in Residue 512 66 510 492 598 Active Area Evaporation 148 147 147 147 148 Re-wetting loss 148 150 148 147 154 Dust Suppression 249 249 249 249 250 Total Outputs 1149 1201 1152 1135 1247 Balance Change in Storage Volume -21 -9 5 -1 -18 Source: Modified after GHD (2015) – Table 5-8

The water balance predicts that reliance on water sources external to the Mine Site, namely the Woodlands Borefield and water delivered by tanker truck would decrease over the life of the Mine, as increased volumes of groundwater are encountered. As the primary source of water to the Mine, access to water from the Woodlands Borefield represents the main risk to Mine water supply. Through sensitivity assessment of the water balance, GHD (2015) has determined the maximum requirement for water from the Woodlands Borefield to be 940ML/year. This remains within the volume the Applicant is entitled to extract under a WAL for this groundwater source.

On the basis that the sediment basins are maintained with the required minimum water storage capacity (see Table 6), by transfer to the Wyoming Central Dam, other storages within process water system, or open cuts, the daily water balance model indicates discharges would only

TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 Tomingley Gold Mine Report No. 616/25 occur when rainfall exceeds a 10-day 90th percentile event. As noted in Table 7, without additional management measures discharge is predicted once or twice each year, with between 20ML and 50ML of water required to be transferred from the sediment basins each year to maintain capacity (GHD, 2015). However, as is further discussed in Section 4.3.3.1.2, the potential for discharge from the sediment basins is further reduced by active water pumping throughout periods of high rainfall. That is, weather forecasting is used to predict and prepare for periods of high rainfall, with water pumps initiated during the rainfall period which effectively increases the volume of water which can be accepted.

When water is pumped from the sediment basins to the Wyoming Central Dam, the storage volume within this structure would continue to be actively managed. Water would be pumped to one of the open cuts (currently Wyo1 Open Cut) as required to ensure discharge from the Wyoming Central Dam does not occur. An increase in the capacity of the Central Wyoming Dam is planned to reduce the requirement for discharge to the Wyo1 or other open cuts.

2.6 MODIFIED SOIL MANAGEMENT

Some minor modifications to the locations of soil stockpiles are proposed to take advantage of available areas within the Mine footprint and reduce the requirement to stack topsoil on top of subsoil as originally proposed. Figure 4 identifies the areas where it is proposed to stockpile soil which is a slight modification from that presented in RWC (2011).

The stockpiles would be managed in accordance with the existing soil stockpile management practices of the Mine which are summarised as follows.  The operation of machinery on soil stockpiles would be avoided, as far as practicable, to minimise compaction.  The soil stockpiles would have a maximum height of 5m comprising a maximum of 3m of subsoil, overlain by a maximum of 2m of topsoil.  The surface of the stockpile would be left with an even but roughened surface to assist in erosion control and seed germination and emergence.  An appropriate vegetative cover would be established on all soil stockpiles to be retained for more than 3 months.  In addition a vegetative cover, from time to time depending on the harshness of weather (e.g. wind and hot conditions) the soil stockpiles would be sprayed with an inert water based substance to enhance erosion resistance.

2.7 DECOMMISSIONING AND REHABILITATION

2.7.1 Rehabilitation Objectives

The rehabilitation objectives for the Mine are identified in the Mining Operations Plan (MOP) for the Mine (TGO/RWC, 2014). The rehabilitation objectives for the Proposed Modification would remain unchanged.

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2.7.2 Final Landform and Land Use

Figure 13 presents the proposed modified final landform. In summary, the modified final landform would comprise the following components.  An extension of the rehabilitated WRE, with outer faces of 1:3 (V:H) or less.

 A bunded and fenced open cut that would be slightly larger than the approved, partially water-filled final Caloma Open Cut.

The final land use for the enhanced amenity bund would be nature conservation, with the bund revegetated with grassland species on the side slopes and woodland species on the top, consistent with the current approved MOP.

2.7.3 Rehabilitation Methods and Procedures

2.7.3.1 Waste Rock Emplacements

Rehabilitation methods and procedures would remain consistent with the methods described in Section 2.14.6 of RWC (2011) and Section 7 of the MOP (RWC/TGO, 2014). In summary, rehabilitation of the modified WREs would comprise the following activities.  Following completion of final shaping, surface water control structure would be installed. It is noted that modified design specifications and approach to drainage will be implemented following a review of WRE drainage completed by PSM (2015).  Subsoil and topsoil stripped and stockpiled adjacent to the footprint of the bund would be respread over the surface of the bund. Gypsum would be applied to topsoil immediately following placement at a rate of approximately 10t/ha to ameliorate the sodic nature of local soils.  Straw mulch with emulsion would be spread over the soil to assist in water retention, provide additional organic material and further protect against the formation of erosion rills, gullies and tunnels.  Grass species seed would be direct seeded into the final landform and fences would be established, if required, to limit the potential for grazing by stock or other fauna to adversely impact on the establishment of the vegetation.  Seeding would also include native tree and shrub species, preferentially fast growing acacia species, to assist in reducing and rise in phreatic surface within the waste rock emplacement (which could increase the potential for tunnel erosion).  Ongoing monitoring of the success of rehabilitation would be undertaken in accordance with the procedures outlined in the MOP, and remedial action would be implemented should the progression of rehabilitation not be satisfactory. Noting the occurrence of erosion gullies and tunnel formation on the WREs of the Mine prior to and following rehabilitation, the Applicant commissioned PSM to review options for managing water and erosion on the WREs and provide recommendations for improved controls and safeguards. The Applicant intends on implementing the recommendations of this review (PSM, 2015) as follows.

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Figure 13 Indicative Final Landform and Land Use A4/B&W

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WRE Berms  A 150mm high bund will be maintained across the berm at approximately 200m intervals where batter drop-down structures are constructed.  A 100mm bund will be maintained where the berm adjoins the down-slope batter.  Berms will be formed with a 1V:10H back-slope and will not be ripped.  Longitudinal drainage of 1% will be established providing for approximately 1m fall in berm height between cross-berm bunds.  Jute mesh (or equivalent) will be placed within the longitudinal drainage channel prior to the establishment of grasses.

WRE Batters and Down-Batter Drains  Push down as illustrated by Figure 14 to provide for a final slope angle not exceeding 1V:3H. Any large boulders or rocky material observed at or near surface will be removed and depressions which could result in pooling water will be in-filled.

Source: PSM (2015) Figure 14 WASTE ROCK EMPLACEMENT BATTER REHABILITATION

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 Down-batter drains will be installed every 200m and lined with a needle punched geotextile and rip-rap material. These will line-up down the entire WRE face, i.e. will not be off-set, and the inlet will align with the longitudinal berm drainage.  The drain specifications of PSM (2015), channel width, depth and side slopes, will be reviewed with final specifications nominated in an amended MOP for the Mine.  The installation safeguards nominated by PSM (2015) for geotextile installation and rip- rap placement will be followed.  The rip-specifications are to ensure achievement of the minimum requirements of PSM (2015) and should undergo a quality assurance process which considers particle size gradation and porosity.  The down-batter drain of the lowest batter of the waste rock emplacement will discharge to the dirty water drain and then to the associated sediment basin. Only after rehabilitation is deemed complete (up to the Ecosystem and Land Use Sustainability Phase nominated in the Mining Operations Plan [MOP]) will the dirty water drain and sediment basin be decommissioned and rehabilitated in accordance with the MOP.

The specific detail on batter construction, down batter drain design and specific design modifications for the uppermost lift and upper surface of the WRE provided by PSM (2015) will be reviewed and final specifications provided in an updated MOP to be prepared following approval of this modification.

WRE Upper Surface  The top of the WRE will be profiled to drain water to a central ripped zone over an average slope of 1V:200H, i.e. water retaining.  No ripping will be undertaken within 20m of the edge to the upper surface to prevent tunnelling in the below batters. Within the unripped outer edge of the WRE, a gradient of 1% to 3% towards the centre of the WRE will be maintained to prevent the accumulation (pooling) of water within this area (which may lead to tunnel formation).

The above rehabilitation method has the potential for accumulation of water within the WRE. In accordance with PSM (2015), piezometers would be installed around the WREs to measure for the build-up of water within the WRE. In the event that this is observed, additional works will be undertaken, in accordance with the recommendations of PSM (2015) to maximise the release of water from the WRE batters.

2.7.3.2 Voids

Retained Voids The voids of the Wyo1, Cal1 and Cal2 Open Cuts would be rehabilitated in accordance with the methods described in Section 2.14.6 of RWC (2011) and Section 7 of the MOP (RWC/TGO, 2014). In summary, rehabilitation of these voids would comprise the following activities.  Approximately 12 months prior to the completion of operations within the open cut, an assessment of geotechnical stability will be undertaken to ensure the long-term stability of the open cut. In the event that the review indicates that the risk of long-term

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instability within the open cut is not acceptable, contingency measures as nominated in Section 9.2 of the MOP (RWC/TGO, 2014) will be initiated and implemented.  Following completion of mining operations within each open cut, all non-critical infrastructure will be removed.  The adequacy of the safety bund around the perimeter of the open cut will be reassessed following completion of mining operations and the bund repaired/upgraded, as required.  A 1.8m high security fence with lockable gate will be established around each open cut and signs identifying the presence of a deep excavation would be installed approximately every 50m.  The haul road access to each open cut will be blocked to prevent inadvertent or deliberate vehicular access to the open cut. The method employed will permit reopening of the open cut haul road, if required, and may include placement of a bund across the upper section of the haul road.  Where safe to do so, the upper benches of the Cal1 Open Cut, which will be laid back to a relatively shallow angle, will be spread with available soil and direct seeded with a mix of grass, shrub and tree species commensurate with local vegetation communities.  No planned revegetation of the lower benches of Cal1, Cal2 or Wyo1 voids is planned, although it is likely vegetation could re-establish on the benches of the open cuts through natural revegetation (as has occurred at the Peak Hill Gold Mine located approximately 15km to the south-southwest of the Mine Site [Plate 5]).

Plate 5 Vegetation Regrowth within the Peak Hill Gold Mine Open Cut (Ref: BobbyBurn_Rehab_20101205)

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Access to the voids would be prevented through the construction of the safety bund noted above, which would be allowed to revegetate naturally. The potential for impact on downstream waters would therefore be minimal.

Backfilled Void The Applicant intends on completely backfilling the Wyo3 void with the following providing a summary of the proposed rehabilitation methods.  As far as practicable, the upper layers of waste rock placed within the void will be weathered material, with large rocks and boulders absent, with good water holding potential. Any surface, or near surface rocks will be removed and the subsequent surface depressions filled in.  The void will be backfilled to an elevation slightly higher than the surrounding land. This is to allow for some subsidence, as well as to ensure that the final landform can be profiled to shed water.  Once backfill of the void is complete, a period of consolidation would be allowed to follow with additional fill placed within areas of subsidence. This period would continue until no further subsidence is noted.  Once consolidation is confirmed, the landform would be profiled with an outwards gradient of 1% to 3% to ensure no ponding of water occurs.  A layer of previously stockpiled subsoil (at least 500mm) topsoil (at least 200mm) would be spread over the landform in accordance with the standard practices of the Mine (and described in the MOP).  Direct seeding with a mix of grass, shrub and tree species commensurate with local vegetation communities would follow, with ongoing monitoring and maintenance undertaken in accordance with the MOP.

2.7.3.3 Other Surface Features

There are no proposed changes to the rehabilitation of other surface features of the Mine Site. Rehabilitation will be as described in the MOP.

2.8 BIODIVERSITY OFFSET STRATEGY

Condition 33, Schedule 3 of PA 09_0155 references the conservation of specific areas of vegetation, and enhancement of adjoining areas to offset disturbance associated with the Mine. Following approval of PA 09_0155, the Applicant liaised with NSW Local Land Service (LLS) and OEH with respect to the establishment of a Conservation Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) to secure the offset area. In preparing the PVP, it was identified that some of the linear components of the offset as originally proposed occurred on land not under the control of the Applicant. Other linear aspects occurred in locations which would prove difficult to manage. Through discussions involving the Applicant, their ecological consultants, LLS and OEH, the areas of conservation and enhancement were modified to that presented on Figure 15 and summarised in Table 7.

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Figure 15 Approved Biodiversity Offset Strategy A4/B&W

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Table 8

Revised Biodiversity Offset Strategy Offset Area to Remnant Extension be Conserved (Protection and Ameliorative Community Type (ha) Planting) (ha) Total Inland Grey Box – Poplar Box – White Cypress Pine tall woodland on red 26.6 28.8 55.4 loams (Benson 76) River Red Gum riverine woodland 9.9 21.9 31.8 forest (Benson 78) Fuzzy Box – Inland Grey Box on 14.5 26.3 40.8 alluvial brown loam soils (Benson 201) Poplar Box – Belah woodland on clay 2.0 0 2.0 alluvial plains (Benson 56) Belah/ Black Oak Western Rosewood, 27.0 0 27.0 Wilga Community (Benson 57) Total 80.0 77.0 157.0

The offset area illustrated by Figure 15 provides for an overall increase in the area of land conserved by 29.4ha (~23%). Of the five vegetation communities conserved, there is only a reduction in the conservation of remnant areas for Benson 78. Notably, this community has not been disturbed by the Mine. Given the proposed additional disturbance on the Mine Site all occurs on land mapped by OzArk (2011) as non-native, the offset areas nominated in Table 6 do not require further modification.

The Biodiversity Offset Strategy as presented in Table 6 has now been formalised and secured in perpetuity through a Conservation PVP under Part 4 of the Native Vegetation Act 2003 (see Appendix 7). The Conservation PVP, the signatories of which are the Applicant and the Central West branch of LLS, is held on a register under the Real Property Act 1900 (Dealing Number AJ459447 – see Appendix 7). As noted in Section 2.1.3, it is requested that Condition 33, Schedule 3 be modified to reflect the Biodiversity Offset Strategy held for the Mine.

2.9 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

2.9.1 Introduction

An analysis of any feasible alternatives to carrying out a proposed development is a required component of the Environmental Assessment. The fact that the Mine has been operating in accordance with highly prescribed design features since 2012 effectively reduces the range of alternatives that need to be considered given the knowledge and experience gained to date. The consideration of feasible alternatives to the activities proposed relate principally to:  underground mine access and design (Section 2.11.2);  waste rock management (Section 2.11.3); and  water management (Section 2.11.4).

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2.9.2 Underground Mine Access and Design

Six different underground mine options, considering various combinations of mine development and access were considered by the Applicant.

1. Mine WyoUG only, with access from a portal constructed within Wyo3 Open Cut. Additional dewatering associated with the development of the CalUG would be avoided, however, this alternative precludes the backfill of Wyo3 Open Cut with waste rock (or residue).

2. Mine WyoUG and CalUG, accessed from a portal constructed within Wyo3 Open Cut. WyoUG would be mined first followed by CalUG. This alternative enables both underground resources to be mined, restricts access to a single portal with access on the same side of the Newell Highway as the processing plant.

3. Mine WyoUG, accessed from a portal constructed within Wyo3 Open Cut, and CalUG, accessed from Cal1 Open Cut. This alternative reduces total decline development but requires the construction and maintenance of two portals.

4. Mine WyoUG and CalUG, accessed from a portal constructed within Cal1 Open Cut. WyoUG would be mined first followed by CalUG.

5. Mine WyoUG and CalUG, accessed from a portal constructed within Cal1 Open Cut. CalUG would be mined first followed by WyoUG. These alternatives are variations on that which is described as part of the Proposed Modification, with the order of development the only difference.

6. Mine WyoUG only, with access from a portal constructed within Cal1 Open Cut. The alternative would allow Wyo3 Open Cut to be backfilled with waste rock or residue.

An initial financial assessment of the six options identified that Options 2, 3 and 6 were non- viable. Of the remaining options, Option 1 has the disadvantage of preventing the use of Wyo3 for the backfilling with waste rock (or residue). While one of the other open cuts could conceivably be backfilled instead, both Wyo1 and Cal1 are planned to be active until the completion of surface mining operations and Cal2 active until at least mid-2017 (see Figure 9). At this time, the amount of waste rock remaining to be managed is much reduced (see Table 5).

The environmental impacts of Options 4 and 5 would be the same with Option 5 presenting the greatest financial advantages.

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2.9.3 Waste Rock Management

The Applicant is currently investigating the potential to use Wyo3 for the purpose of in-pit residue storage. Noting this potential, the Applicant considered the alternative of not utilising the void space within Wyo3 for waste rock placement in order to leave this open for future residue placement.

While the possibility of using Wyo3 for in-pit residue placement continues to be investigated, the alternative of not scheduling waste rock backfill was ultimately rejected for the following reasons. 1. Placement of waste rock to the Wyo3 void would not commence until 2017. This provides sufficient time for investigation (and assessment) of the in-pit residue storage option to be completed. If identified as feasible, alternative storage for waste rock would be identified at that time. 2. Backfilling the Wyo3 Open Cut increases the overall waste rock storage capacity of the Mine Site and therefore avoids the requirement for a more significant increase in the above ground WREs of the Mine. 3. The Applicant recognises the importance of minimising the retention of voids within the final landform and understands that approval of the Cal2 Open Cut could be predicated on the backfilling of an exiting approved open cut.

2.9.4 Water Management

The requirement to redesign and realign the Central Clean Water Drain, led to two alternative water management options being considered. 1. Capture and storage of clean runoff to the north of the Mine Site. 2. Reduction in the catchment flowing to the Central Clean Water Drain through northerly extension of the Eastern Drainage Channel.

Upslope Capture of Clean Water Runoff The construction of a dam on the property immediately north of the Mine Site (owned by B. Unger), with pump capability to discharge water to the south of the Mine Site, was considered. The advantage of this alternative is that by capturing and managing clean water runoff off the Mine Site, the requirement for the Central Clean Water Drain to be retained would be removed.

Initial investigation were undertaken to calculate the likely storage requirements of a dam based on a 1 in 100 ARI event. This analysis determined that storage capacity in the vicinity of 70ML would be required.

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Due to the high volume capacity, which was considered unlikely to be accepted by the land owner and likelihood of requiring a license for a capacity exceeding the Maximum Harvestable Right for the land, further assessment of pumping requirements and management have not been considered.

Reduced Central Clean Water Drain Channel Catchment The option of extending the Eastern Drainage Channel to the northern boundary of land owned by the Applicant has also been considered. An initial investigation into what affect this could have on flows to the Central Clean Water Drain determined that by reducing the catchment by 131ha (27%), the flow generated by a 1 in 100 ARI event would be reduced by about 17%. This could reduce the width of the channel required by 0.7m

The advantages of this option are considered relatively minor given:  the necessity to retain the Central Clean Water Drain would remain;  there would be added costs and potential environmental impacts associated with extending the Eastern Drainage Channel; and  the capture and diversion of additional runoff to the east of the Mine Site would reduce the catchment and availability of runoff on the Property of B. Unger to the west of the proposed Eastern Drainage Channel extension.

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3. ISSUE IDENTIFICATION AN D P R I O R I TISATION

3.1 INTRODUCTION

In order to undertake a comprehensive Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Modification, appropriate emphasis needs to be placed on those issues likely to be of greatest significance to the local environment, neighbouring landowners and the wider community.

Issue identification was completed through a combination of the following methods.  Targeted community and government consultation in order to identify environmental issues of concern or relevance.  A review of environmental planning documentation in order to identify relevant environmental constraints and/or issues.  A review of the environmental performance at the Mine in order to identify those aspects of the environment that are, have been or are likely to be affected by mining operations.  The experience of Mine personnel and the authors of this Environmental Assessment in relation to the likely impacts.

Section 3.2 provides the results of the issue identification.

On identification of those environmental issues that could be affected by the Proposed Modification, an analysis of the potential for impact on each of these has been undertaken in order to identify the priority and scale of assessment required (see Section 3.3).

3.2 ISSUE IDENTIFICATION

3.2.1 Consultation

3.2.1.1 Community Consultation

The original Environmental Assessment for the Tomingley Gold Project (RWC, 2011) documents the comprehensive community consultation program undertaken prior to the commencement of operations to identify the issues of greatest concern to the local community. Issues associated with noise, air quality, land use, social impacts and economic opportunities were common issues raised and identified as part of that consultation.

The Applicant maintains an ongoing dialogue with the local community. A Community Consultative Committee (CCC) has been established and meets quarterly. The function of the CCC is to provide a forum for the Applicant to inform the local community of ongoing or notable operations and the local community an opportunity to raise issues of concern or relevance. The most notable issues raised during CCC meetings relate to the noise generated by operations at the Mine.

Representatives of the Applicant also meet with, or correspond with by phone or email, local and other concerned stakeholders on an ad hoc basis, i.e. opportunistically or as issues are identified. Further, a community information / complaints line is maintained by the Applicant

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine with personnel available to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As complaints or requests for information are received, the Applicant responds as quickly and comprehensively as possible. Over the life of the Mine, and notably since operations within the Caloma Open Cut have commenced, concerns have been raised over the noise levels received at some receivers in Tomingley village. As discussed in Section 1.4.4.2, the Applicant has undertaken a program of at-receiver noise attenuation treatments. These have been, or are scheduled to be completed at all residences within Tomingley and surrounding the Mine Site. As also noted in Section 1.4.4.2, the Applicant investigates any complaints regarding mine noise at residences more distant from the Mine Site and if mine noise is audible and contributing to non-compliant noise levels, noise attenuation treatments will be undertaken at this receiver as well.

The Applicant has had cause to discuss specific noise attenuation measures with one resident (R4) located to the southeast of the Mine Site. Night time placement of waste rock on WRE 3 has been raised as an issue of concern and while the at-receiver treatment of this residence is effective in eliminating external noise sources from inside the residence, the Applicant continues to investigate further methods of attenuating the noise levels received external to the residence. Section 4.2 reviews methods for noise attenuation to be discussed with the resident and implemented.

3.2.1.2 Government Agency Consultation

3.2.1.2.1 Department of Planning & Environment

On 5 June 2015, Mr Mitchell Bland (of RWC) sought confirmation from the Department of Planning & Environment (DPE) that application to modify PA 09_0155 could be made under Section 75W of the EP&A Act, in accordance with the transitional arrangements associated with the repeal of Part 3A. A summary of the proposed modifications was provided along with a request for the environmental assessment requirements of the DPE.

On 2 July 2015, correspondence was received from the DPE confirming the modification would be assessed as a Section 75W modification of the EP&A Act. Formal Environmental Assessment Requirements were not issued, however, the specific advice was provided on the key areas for consideration and Table 9 identifies these along with the section(s) of the Environmental Assessment in which these are addressed.

Table 9

Key Issues for Consideration - DPE Page 1 of 3 Issue Requirements Section(s) Mine Plan I  Details on changes to mine production rates/ peak production rates, 2.2 General sequence of mining as a result of incorporating of the additional open cut pit and earlier access to underground workings. Any changes may affect prior environmental impact assessment undertaken - for examples scenarios considered for noise and air impacts (see below).  Details of life of mine production rates to confirm that the existing 2.2.7 tailings facilities, waste rock emplacements and processing facilities have sufficient capacity.  As the modification is a standalone document, rather than state that Section 4 impacts were assessed in the original EA and reference this document, sufficient detail from the original project EA will need to be included in the modification EA to describe overall project impacts.

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Table 9 (Cont’d)

Key Issues for Consideration - DPE Page 2 of 3 Issue Requirements Section(s) Mine Plan I  Details on resource definition of Caloma 2 Open Cut including 2.3.1 General assessment of geochemistry of ore/ waste rock that may affect (Cont’d) existing management practices for waste rock and tailings.  Adequate justification will be required for the level of assessment 3.3.10 undertaken for minor environmental impacts. Surface  Details of upgrades to the surface management system and design 2.5, 4.3.3.1, Water assumptions for management of dirty water, contaminated water and Appendix 3 – diversion of clean water. see Table 1  Updated mine site water balance to demonstrate that water (shortage 2.5.5, 4.3.3.1, and excess) can be appropriately managed through dry and wet Appendix 3 – sequences. It is noted that the project approval conditions require an see Table 1 annual review of the mine site water balance which can be used to inform the assessment of the proposed modification.  Provide details of Environment Protection Licence (EPL) requirements 4.3.4.1 (monitoring/discharge points) and any proposed changes required. Groundwater  It is noted that it is not intended to undertake a detailed groundwater 4.3.3.2, assessment as the Caloma 2 Open Cut was considered in the original 4.3.4.2, project assessment and other activities are within the zone of Appendix 3 – influence of approved mining operations. A qualitative groundwater see Table 1 assessment will be undertaken if the proposed Caloma 1 decline is determined to be outside the zone of influence previously assessed. You will need to consult further with NSW Office of Water on this issue and appropriateness of this approach.  Additional groundwater monitoring and groundwater model verification 4.3.4.2 has been completed as required under project approval Schedule 3 conditions 31 (Baseline Groundwater Monitoring) and 32(c)iv (Water Management Plan - verification and refinement of the groundwater model. The modification should provide details of the monitoring and verification process to inform any changes in predictions from the original EA (inclusive of Caloma 2) following model verification.  Identify / review any proposed changes to the groundwater monitoring 4.3.4.2.6 program. Noise and Air  Provide details of actual performance against predicted performance 1.4.4.2, Impacts from operations to date to inform the accuracy of model predictions in 1.4.4.4, the original EA. 4.2.2.3, 4.4.2.3  While the advice is noted that air and noise impacts from activities 4.2.4 – 4.2.6 associated with Caloma 2 Open Cut were considered in the original (and EA predictions, this was based on specific scenarios of mining Appendix 2), development. If this is proposed to be changed, then the scenarios 4.4.4 & 4.4.5 modelled will need to be reviewed to determine if they are still (and representative of mining operations over the life of the mine. If not, Appendix 4) additional noise and air modelling may be required. Further consultation on this issue should be undertaken with the EPA. Biodiversity  Confirmation that there is no clearing of extant native vegetation or 3.3.7, 3.3.8, and Heritage impacts on known Aboriginal heritage sites. 4.6.3 – 4.6.5

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Table 9 (Cont’d)

Key Issues for Consideration - DPE Page 3 of 3 Issue Requirements Section(s) Rehabilitation  A key issue raised by ORE in the original EA were concerns over the 2.7.2, 4.5 and Final final landform potentially incorporating 4 final voids. In accordance Landform with the current project approval conditions there is a requirement to minimise the total volume and depth of final voids, subject to detailed resource definition. The modification must identify options for minimising the final voids including assessment of benefits/ costs of these options. Further consultation should be undertaken on this issue with ORE during the preparation of the EA.  Options for backfilling of voids/ final landform configuration will affect 4.3.4.2.4 (and post mine life groundwater recovery/ surface water capture. These Appendix 3 – issues will need to be considered in the assessment. see Table 1)

3.2.1.2.2 Other Government Agencies On 6 July 2015, the Applicant provided a summary of the Proposed Modification to the following government agencies.  NSW Environment Protection Authority*.  Department of Primary Industries – Office of Water*.  NSW Trade & Investment – Division of Resources & Energy*.  NSW Roads & Maritime Services.  Narromine Shire Council.

The responses received from the agencies marked with an * are summarised below.

NSW Environment Protection Authority Provided on 22 July 2015, the EPA identified the following as key assessment requirements (with a statement identifying the approach taken to addressing these requirements following each). 1. The impact on noise and vibration amenity The Applicant is cognisant of the proximity of the Mine to local receivers in Tomingley village and surrounds. As discussed in Section 1.4.4.2, to mitigate elevated noise levels received at these receivers, the Applicant has undertaken a program of noise attenuation treatments at all affected receivers. The approach to mitigation of noise levels notwithstanding, the Applicant has commissioned a Noise and Blasting Assessment (NBA) by Muller Acoustic Consulting (MAC) to assess possible changes in the noise levels that would be received as a consequence of the modified operations. The NBA (MAC, 2015), which is presented in full as Appendix 2 and summarised in Section 4.2, also considers performance against previous noise impact predictions and takes the opportunity to review noise impact criteria in light of current operations, the noise attenuation measures taken and the recently released Draft Industrial Noise Guideline (EPA, 2015) (which aims to update and replace the EPA’s Industrial Noise Policy, EPA, 1999).

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2. Water management including the potential impact of water pollution on local watercourses (including water demand and management requirements) As noted in Section 1.4.4.4, since the pollution events of March 2014 during the construction phase of the Mine Site, the Mine has been operated without water pollution incident. However, considering the relatively significant changes to disturbance on the Mine Site associated with the Proposed Modification, the Applicant has engaged GH Pty Ltd (GHD) to provide design specifications for modified and additional surface water management features, an updated water balance for the Mine, recommendations on management of water on the Mine Site and an assessment of likely residual impacts assuming the implementation of these. The Water Resources Assessment (GHD, 2015), which also considers potential impacts on groundwater, is presented in full as Appendix 3 and summarised in Section 4.3. 3. The impact on groundwater, including the impact on groundwater dependent ecosystems and other water users The local groundwater of the Mine Site is highly saline and of limited beneficial use. This notwithstanding, the Applicant recognises that the additional excavation below the local groundwater table (Cal2 Open Cut and the CalUG and [possibly] Wyo3UG) could result in altered drawdown impacts and modified dewatering requirements. The Water Resource Assessment of GHD (2015) (see Appendix 3), provides an assessment of any changes in water level, availability and on other water users (including Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems). The water balance for the modified mining operations (Section 2.4.5) incorporates the modified drawdown and dewatering requirements. 4. The impact on air quality, in particular dust While the Proposed Modification includes a number of changes to the locations of dust emitting activities, these remain largely equivalent to those that have been previously assessed and which are currently undertaken. Notably, the development of the Cal2 Open Cut was considered as part of the original Air Quality Assessment for the Mine (PAEH, 2011). Noting the above, Pacific Environment Limited (PEL) was commissioned to complete an analytical assessment of the likely change in emissions resultant from the modified mining locations and sequence. This assessment (PEL, 2015) is provided in full as Appendix 4 and includes a review of historic performance and approach to managing dust on the Mine Site.

It is noted that the EPA correspondence, provided in full in Appendix 1, included an attachment which referenced the (former) Department if Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources EIS Guidelines. It is noted that the format of this Environmental Assessment follows the guidance provided by this document.

Department of Primary Industries – Office of Water Provided on 17 July 2015, the DPI-Water requested the assessment of the Proposed Modification consider a number of specific issues associated with water management. The complete correspondence of DPI-Water, including detailed assessment requirements provided as an attachment, is presented in Appendix 1.

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The Water Resources Assessment of GHD (2015) (see Appendix 3) reviews and addresses the detailed assessment requirements of DPI-Water. Table 10 includes the key assessment requirements, as identified in the main text of the DPI-Water’s correspondence, and references the section(s) of the Environmental Assessment where each is addressed. Table 10

Key Issues for Consideration – DPI-Water Assessment Requirement Section(s) It is recommended that the EIS be required to include:  Annual volumes of surface water and groundwater proposed to be taken by the 2.5.5 (and activity (including through inflow and seepage) from each surface and groundwater Appendix 3 – source as defined by the relevant water sharing plan. see Table 1)  Assessment of any volumetric water licensing requirements (including those for 4.3.4.2.2 (and ongoing water take following completion of the project). Appendix 3 – see Table 1)  The identification of an adequate and secure water supply for the life of the project. 2.5.5, Confirmation that water can be sourced from an appropriately authorised and 4.3.4.2.2 (and reliable supply. This is to include an assessment of the current market depth where Appendix 3 – water entitlement is required to be purchased. see Table 1)  A detailed and consolidated site water balance. 2.5.5 (and Appendix 3 – see Table 1)  A detailed assessment against the NSW Aquifer Interference Policy (2012) using 4.3.4.2 (and DPI Water’s assessment framework. Appendix 3 – see Table 1)  Assessment of impacts on surface and groundwater sources (both quality and 4.3.4 (and quantity), related infrastructure, adjacent licensed water users, basic landholder Appendix 3 – rights, watercourses, riparian land, and groundwater dependent ecosystems, and see Table 1) measures proposed to reduce and mitigate these impacts.  Full technical details and data of all surface and groundwater modelling, and an Appendix 3 – independent peer review. see Table 1  Proposed surface and groundwater monitoring activities and methodologies. 4.3.4.2.6 (and Appendix 3)  Proposed management and disposal of produced or incidental water. 4.3.3.2 (and Appendix 3 – see Table 1)  Details of the final landform of the site, including final void management (where 2.3.3, 2.7.2, relevant) and rehabilitation measures. 4.3.4.2.4  Assessment of any potential cumulative impacts on water resources, and any 4.3.4 (and proposed options to manage the cumulative impacts. Appendix 3 – see Table 1)  Consideration of relevant policies and guidelines. 3.2.2.2, 4.3.4.2.5  A statement of where each element of the SEARs is addressed in the EIS (i.e. in This table the form of a table).

NSW Trade & Investment – Division of Resources & Energy Provided on 23 July 2015, the standard Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) of the DRE were referenced in the preparation of the correspondence. As a consequence, much of the requested information relates to that which has either been provided

TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 Tomingley Gold Mine Report No. 616/25 and assessed as part of the original Environmental Assessment for the Mine, or included within a Mining Operations Plan (MOP) approved (most recently on 13 May 2014) by the DRE for the Mine.

Table 11 paraphrases the SEARs provided by the DRE, concentrating on the information specific to the modified operations. Where the requested information is more appropriately supplied within the MOP for the Mine, reference to the MOP is provided. A complete copy of the DRE correspondence is provided in Appendix 1.

Table 11

Key Issues for Consideration - DRE Page 1 of 3 Issue Requirements Section(s) Project … an EA should provide a comprehensive description of all aspects Section 2 Description (including the mineral extraction and mining purposes) of the project. Geology … include a brief description of the geological settling of the deposit. Of 2.2.2 importance is a description of the geology and mineralisation of the deposit itself. Resource and … include a resource/reserve statement that has been prepared in MOP Reserve accordance with the current version of the Joint Ore Reserve Committee Statement Code 2012 (JORC code) …. Life of Mine … supply a life of mine production schedule for each year of operation of 2.2.7 Production the mine and for the life of the project. Schedule  Details of run-of-mine ore, low grade ore-mineralised waste and 2.2.7 waste rock tonnage … for each year and for the life of the project, and an estimate of the saleable product produced for each year and the life of the project; and  … clearly show the proposed extent and sequence of the Figures 4 & 9 development. Mining Title … the proponent is required to hold an appropriate mining title(s). Noted The proponent must demonstrate that the proposal has sufficient title Noted over the project area … … clearly identify existing mineral titles, mineral title applications and the Figure 1 final proposed mining lease area(s) …. Description of All areas affected by the proposal should be shown in the context of the Figure 4 Existing natural and built environments. Environment, … include a comprehensive description of the following activities and Identification of their impacts: Impacts and Constraints  Mine layout and scheduling, including maximising opportunities for Figures 4 & 9, progressive final rehabilitation. …; Section 2.7  Mineral processing and handling, disposal management activities; No change, 2.4  Infrastructure facilities and storage requirements; No change  Surface and groundwater usage and management; 2.4.5, 4.3  Mine closure including rehabilitation and decommissioning activities. 2.7

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Table 11 (Cont’d)

Key Issues for Consideration - DRE Page 2 of 3 Issue Requirements Section(s) Description of  Impacts associated with the operational and post closure stages of Existing the project must also be identified in detail and control management Environment, strategies outlined. … The following are the key issues to be Identification of addressed in the EA that are likely to have a bearing on rehabilitation Impacts and and mine closure. Constraints 4.5.2 (Cont’d)  An evaluation of current rehabilitation techniques and performance against existing rehabilitation objectives and completion criteria;  An assessment and life of mine management strategy of the MOP potential for geochemical constraints to rehabilitation …;  A life of mine tailings management strategy, …; MOP  Existing and surrounding landforms (showing contours and slopes) Figure 13 and how similar characteristics can be incorporated into the post- mining final landform design. …;  Where a void is proposed to remain as part of the final landform, the assessment is to provide details in regards to the following : o A constraints and opportunities analysis of final void options, 2.2.8, 2.9.3 including backfilling, to justify that the proposed design is the most feasible and environmentally sustainable option to minimise the sterilisation of land post mining; o A preliminary geotechnical assessment to identify the likely long MOP term stability risks associated with any proposed remaining high wall(s) along with associated measures that will be required to minimise potential risks to public safety; and o Outcomes of the surface and groundwater assessments in 4.3.4.1, relation to the likely final water level in the void. …. 4.3.4.2.4  Surface water flow and flooding regimes and how these will be 4.3.4.1 (and impacted and mitigated by the project both during and after mining Appendix 3 – has ceased. …. see Table 1)  An assessment of the biological resources associated with the MOP proposed disturbance area and how they can be practically salvaged for utilisation in rehabilitation ….  The flora, fauna and ecological attributes of the disturbed area …; 4.6.5  Where an agricultural land use is proposed, the EA should … 4.5.3 Demonstrate that the landscape will be returned to the Agricultural Suitability Class that existed before mining commenced or better  Where an ecological land use is proposed, the EA should 4.5.3 demonstrate that the revegetation strategy … has been developed in consideration of the target vegetation community(s). Rehabilitation … Each of the following aspects of rehabilitation planning should be and Mine Closure addressed in the strategy: Post Mining Land Use - the proponent must identify and assess post 2.7.2 / MOP mining land use options and provide a statement of the preferred post mining land use outcome in the EA. … Rehabilitation Objectives and Domains - a set of project rehabilitation 2.7.1 / MOP objectives and completion criteria must be included that clearly define the environmental outcomes required to achieve the final land use for each domain. …

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Table 11 (Cont’d)

Key Issues for Consideration - DRE Page 3 of 3 Issue Requirements Section(s) Rehabilitation and Conceptual Final Landform Design - a drawing at an appropriate Figure 13 Mine Closure scale with final landform contours should be provided. … The plan will (Cont’d) also need to demonstrate how the rehabilitation strategy integrates with adjacent land uses. Scope of The EA is to include a detailed description of the scope of Rehabilitation / decommissioning and rehabilitation activities … . Decommissioning Monitoring and Research: Outline the proposed monitoring programs Activities that will be implemented to assess how rehabilitation is trending towards MOP the nominated land use objectives and completion criteria. … Post-closure maintenance: Describe how post-rehabilitation areas will be actively managed and maintained in accordance with the intended land use(s) ….

3.2.2 Review of Planning Issues

3.2.2.1 Introduction

A number of planning instruments apply to the operations at the Mine. These planning instruments were reviewed to identify any environmental aspects requiring consideration in the Environmental Assessment. A brief summary of the relevant State and local planning instruments, their relevance to the Proposed Modification and how these have been considered in the Environmental Assessment, is provided in the following subsections.

3.2.2.2 State Planning Issues

Application of Part 3A of the EP&A Act A modification to PA 09_0155 is required under Section 75W of the EP&A Act as the proposed establishment of the Caloma 2 Open Cut, construction of a decline from the Wyoming 3 Open Cut, extraction of additional underground resources at Wyoming 3 and additional incidental modifications would change the terms of the determination made by the Minister (clause 75W(1)(b) (repealed)). As noted in Section 3.2.1.2.1, the DPE has confirmed that an application to modify PA 09_0155 may be lodged in accordance with the transitional arrangement of the EP&A Act associated with the repeal of Part 3A. No formal Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements were deemed necessary by the DPE, however, Section 3.2.1.2.1 identifies the DPE identified matters for consideration. DPE also requested that the Applicant consult with relevant government agencies and address the matter identified by these in the Environmental Assessment (see Section 3.2.1.2.2)

Mining SEPP This SEPP was gazetted on 17 February 2007 in recognition of the importance to NSW of mining, petroleum production and extractive industries. The SEPP specifies matters requiring consideration in the assessment of any mining, petroleum production and extractive industry development as defined in NSW legislation.

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Table 12 presents a summary of the matters that the Minister or his/her delegate needs to consider when assessing a new or modified Proposed Modification (Part 3 – Clauses 12 to 17 of the SEPP) and a reference to the section(s) in this Environmental Assessment where each relevant element of the SEPP is addressed.

Table 12

Application of Mining SEPP Relevant SEPP Clause Description EA Section 12: Compatibility Consideration is given to: with other land - the existing uses and approved uses of land in the vicinity of the uses development;

- the potential impact on the preferred land uses (as considered by the 4.5 consent authority) in the vicinity of the development; and - any ways in which the development may be incompatible with any of those existing, approved or preferred land uses. The respective public benefits of the development and the existing, approved or 4.9, 6.3 preferred land uses are evaluated and compared. Measures proposed to avoid or minimise any incompatibility are considered. N/A1 14: Natural Consideration is given to ensuring that the development is undertaken in an

resource and environmentally responsible manner, including conditions to ensure: environmental - impacts on significant water resources, including surface and groundwater management 4.3 resources, are avoided or minimised; - impacts on threatened species and biodiversity are avoided or minimised; 4.6 and - greenhouse gas emissions are minimised and an assessment of the greenhouse gas emissions (including downstream emissions) of the 3.3.3 development is provided. 15: Resource The efficiency of resource recovery, including the reuse or recycling of material 2.3 recovery and minimisation of the creation of waste, is considered. 16: Transportation The following transport related issued are considered. - The transport of some or all of the materials from the site by means other than public road. - Limitation of the number of truck movements that occur on roads within 3.3.10.1 residential areas or roads near to schools. - The preparation of a code of conduct for the transport of materials on public roads. 17: Rehabilitation The rehabilitation of the land affected by the development is considered including: - the preparation of a plan that identifies the proposed end use and landform Figure 13 of the land once rehabilitated; - the appropriate management of development generated waste; 2.3 - remediation of any soil contaminated by the development; and 3.3.10.2 - the steps to be taken to ensure that the state of the land does not jeopardize public safety, while being rehabilitated or at the completion of 2.7 rehabilitation. Note 1: NR = Not relevant N/A = Not Applicable

Clause 13 is not considered relevant on the basis that the Mine has already been approved and as such the compatibility of the Mine with other mining, petroleum production or extractive industry has already been considered.

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Infrastructure SEPP The State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (Infrastructure SEPP) identifies, amongst other things, the matters to be considered in the assessment of development adjacent to particular types of infrastructure. The Proposed Modification does not seek to amend any activities in the vicinity of the classes of infrastructure identified by the Infrastructure SEPP. As a result, the Infrastructure SEPP does not apply to this modification.

SEPP 33 – Hazardous and Offensive Development State Environmental Planning Policy No. 33 – Hazardous and Offensive Development (SEPP 33) identifies that hazardous and offensive industries, and potentially hazardous and offensive industries, relate to industries that, without the implementation of appropriate impact minimisation measures would, or potentially would, pose a significant risk in relation to the locality, to human health, life or property, or to the biophysical environment.

NSW Aquifer Interference Policy The NSW Aquifer Interference Policy (AIP), finalised in September 2012, clarifies the water licencing and approval requirements for aquifer interference activities in NSW, including the taking of water from an aquifer in the course of carrying out mining. The AIP requires a water licence for the extraction of water from an aquifer, either for consumptive use or taken incidentally, e.g. groundwater inflows into a mine. Under the WM Act, a water access licence gives its holder a share of the water available for extraction from a groundwater source. Sufficient WALs must be held to cover all water taken from a water source at all stages of a mining, including closure. The AIP also requires that that potential impacts on groundwater sources, including their users and groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs), be assessed against minimal impact considerations, outlined in Table 1 of the AIP. If the predicted impacts are less than the Level 1 minimal impact considerations, then these impacts will be considered as acceptable.

3.2.2.3 Local Planning Issues

The Mine Site lies entirely within Narromine Shire Local Government Area on land zoned RU 1 – Primary Production or, for those section of the Mine Site within the Newell Highway road reserve, SP2 Infrastructure, under the Narromine Local Environment Plan 2011 (“Narromine LEP”). All land that would be disturbed in by the Proposed Modification is zoned RU1. While underground mining is not identified as permissible with consent within that, Clause 70(1)(b) of the Mining SEPP has the effect that mining is permissible with consent within the Project Site.

3.2.3 Environmental Performance

Section 1.3.4 reviews the environmental management and performance of the Mine and while the Applicant has implemented environmental controls and management to reduce impacts, complaints have been received and incidences of non-compliance with existing criteria recorded.

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Recorded complaints relate primarily to noise and dust emissions. Non-compliances have also been recorded in relation to noise, air quality and water quality criteria, indicating that these issues require particular attention in the assessment of impacts.

3.2.4 Modified Disturbance Footprint The Proposed Modification requires an increase in the total area of disturbance, both at surface and below surface. While the largest area of additional disturbance, Cal2 Open Cut, was considered in the original Environmental Assessment for the Mine, the modified disturbance footprint has the potential to impact on various features of the biophysical environment. Those features most likely to be affected, and therefore identified as issues requiring consideration, are as follows.  Mine emissions. Changes to noise and air emissions may result as a consequence of the Proposed Modification.  Terrestrial Ecology. Remnant stands of native woodland have been identified on and surrounding the Mine Site with the majority of these areas incorporated into the Conservation PVP of the Mine Biodiversity Offset Strategy. Various threatened fauna species have also been identified as utilising this and other habitats on and surrounding the Mine Site. The potential for the modified disturbance footprint of the Mine to impact on any remnant native vegetation or threatened species habitat requires consideration.  Cultural heritage. Several sites of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage significance have been identified on the Mine Site. Consideration is required as to whether the Proposed Modification would have any impact on those which remain in situ.  Water Resources. The modified surface disturbance footprint would result in changes to the clean and dirty water catchments of the Mine Site. Ensuring these changes are properly accounted for in an updated Water Management Plan, and would not result in pollution of land or waters, is an important consideration of the Proposed Modification. The modifications to sub-surface (underground) mining operations could also influence local drawdown and dewatering requirements. The implications of this on surrounding water users and the overall Mine water balance requires assessment.  Visual Amenity. Modifications to surface features of the Mine, most notably WRE 3 and the RSF could alter the visibility of the Mine from surrounding vantage points.  Rehabilitation and Final Land. As a consequence of the modified mining and associated activities, the final landform would be altered from that which is currently approved. Consideration as to how to ensure any changes to the landform (as approved) are integrated with current and intended final land uses is required.

3.2.5 Summary

On the basis of the consultation undertaken, review of planning instruments, assessment of environmental performance and consideration of changes to the biophysical environment, the environmental issues identified as requiring assessment are as follows.  Noise and vibration.  Air quality.  Surface water (including erosion and sediment management).  Groundwater.

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 Biodiversity.  Cultural heritage.  Visual amenity.  Rehabilitation, final landform and final land use. Each of these is reviewed in Section 3.3 (along with other more general environmental issues) to determine the priority of assessment and level of coverage required.

3.3 ISSUE PRIORITISATION AND COVERAGE

3.3.1 Introduction For each of the environmental issues identified (refer to Section 3.2.5), an analysis of the possible impacts was undertaken to determine the specific assessment requirements and level of priority associated with each. This analysis was undertaken in conjunction with a review of the original Environmental Assessment (RWC, 2011) prepared to support the original application for project approval to determine whether the Proposed Modification would result in any material change to the impacts assessed originally (and therefore warrant further assessment).

3.3.2 Noise

It is noted that the activities associated with the development of the Cal2 Open Cut and extension of WRE 3, while not requiring the use of any additional equipment, occur in locations with the potential to increase noise levels received to the north (Tomingley) and southeast (R4) of the Mine Site. Modified operations associated with the cutback of the Cal1 Open Cut, the backfill of the Wyo3 Open Cut and lift of the RSF are considered less likely to result in increased noise emissions due to:  the scheduling of these activities - the cutback of the Cal1 Open Cut is planned when the remaining mining fleet will be operating below surface level; or  location - WRE 2 provides an acoustic shield to the backfill activities within the Wyo3 Open Cut and the RSF is the most distant point on the Mine to most receivers. Given noise emissions from the Mine, especially during the night time, are already recognised as a significant management issue, ensuring the proposed modifications to activities can be undertaken without increasing noise emissions from the Mine is a critical consideration for this assessment. Noise is considered to be a high priority issue with further assessment to include:  a review and validation of the noise model used to predict noise emissions from the Mine;  identification of key noise mitigation measures to reduce noise levels received at surrounding residences; and  predictions of noise levels likely to be received at residences surrounding the Mine Site should the Proposed Modification be approved. The Applicant has engaged Muller Acoustic Consulting to complete a Noise Impact Assessment as nominated above.

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3.3.3 Blasting The Mine currently operates in accordance with the Blast Management Plan prepared in February 2014 (TGO, 2014). While the proposed modifications to mining operations would require blasting to establish the Caloma 2 Open Cut, the construction of a decline from the Cal1 Open Cut and the extraction of additional underground resources of Cal UG, the methods and management of blasting would remain equivalent to that which has been undertaken without incident of non-compliance since the commencement of mining in 2014. Given air overpressure and vibration as a consequence of blasting has been managed effectively since the commencement of mining (refer to Section 1.4.4.3), and no significant changes are proposed, blasting and vibration is considered to be low priority. Assessment will include a review of the Blast Management Plan and an assessment of required changes to accommodate the Proposed Modification.

3.3.4 Air Quality Similar to the review of possible noise impacts, while the Proposed Modification would not introduce any new sources of dust emissions, nor significantly change the locations of these activities, the overall sequence of activities would be modified. Notably, previous air quality assessments of the Mine (PAEH, 2011) considered development and mining from the Cal2 Open Cut and predicted compliance with air quality criteria. The above notwithstanding, it is possible that changes to the sequence of mining and other dust emitting activities could result in a change to the concentration of particulate matter (dust) received at some or all of these receivers. Therefore, while not considered likely to result in significant changes to particulate emissions from the Mine Site, the affect of the Proposed Modification on Mine Site particulate emissions requires assessment. Given airborne particulate emissions from the Mine is a source of complaint from surrounding receivers and has been exceeded air quality criteria in the past, ensuring the proposed modifications to activities can be undertaken without increasing these emissions is a critical consideration for this assessment. On the basis of the completed issue identification and prioritisation, air quality is considered to be a moderate priority issue with further assessment to include:  comparative analysis of the original predictions of particulate emissions with: o recorded deposition and concentration levels; and o the modified sequence of activities; in order to assess whether increased dust emissions are likely  a review of the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures such as those contained within the Air Quality Management Plan and Site Specific Procedure for Dust Control; and  recommendations for additional mitigation measures or operational controls. As the modified operations would not require any additional equipment to that already in operation at the Mine, the Proposed Modification would not have any influence on greenhouse gas emissions generated. On the basis of the preceding, no further assessment of greenhouse gas emissions is warranted.

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3.3.5 Surface Water Resources

As noted in Section 1.4.4.4, management of surface water on the Mine Site has required improvement since the commencement of construction in 2013. Furthermore, the proposed extension to the Cal1 Open Cut, development of the Cal2 Open Cut, extension of WRE 3 and downstream lift of the RSF would result in altered catchments requiring changes to the design, construction and management of the various features of the Mine erosion and sediment control system, e.g. diversion drains, sediment basins, grass buffer strips.

On the basis of the changes to areas of disturbance and catchments of the Mine Site, and previous non-compliance events associated with surface water discharge, surface water is considered to be of high priority. Further assessment is to include:  Review of modified catchments and design of erosion and sediment control features;  Preparation of a modified site water balance and assessment of potential for impacts associated with surplus or deficit of water on the Mine Site; and  review of the potential for impacts on the receiving environment as a result of the modified mining and associated activities.

The Applicant has engaged GHD Pty Ltd to complete a Water Resources Impact Assessment including the tasks nominated above.

3.3.6 Groundwater Resources

The Proposed Modification would result in modifications to the previously assessed mining operations to be undertaken below the groundwater table. As a consequence, dewatering requirements and associated effects on the surrounding aquifer are likely to be different to those presented in the original Environmental Assessment for the Mine (TIG, 2011).

The placement of waste rock within the Wyo3 Open Cut could also have some effect on local groundwater. These impacts could be both positive, by assisting in the recovery of groundwater levels following the cessation of mining, or negative, in the event of contaminants leaching from the waste rock to the groundwater.

While noting that local groundwater resources are of low quality with limited, if any, beneficial uses, the proposed changes to mining activities are likely to result in modified impacts to groundwater. On this basis, potential impacts on groundwater resources are considered to be of moderate priority. Further assessment is to include:  remodelling of drawdown associated with the modified mining activities;  assessment against previous predictions and likely impacts on other groundwater users; and  assessment of the likely impacts of the modified final landform on local groundwater at the cessation of mining. The Applicant has engaged GHD Pty Ltd to complete a Water Resources Impact Assessment including the tasks nominated above.

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3.3.7 Biodiversity Figure 16 illustrates the extent of the proposed modified operations in relation to native vegetation mapped on the Mine Site and surrounds (OzArk, 2011a). It is identified that the Cal2 Open Cut extends over an area of Belah / Black Oak Western Rosewood Wilga Woodland (Community 5). While the vegetation community is not listed as endangered, nor were threatened species identified within this area, the disturbance does represent a (small) increase in native vegetation clearing (a key threatening process) which could impact on available habitat for threatened fauna species identified in the local area including:  Grey-crowned babbler;  Superb parrot; and  Little pied bat. While noting that the increase in disturbance is minor, and adjoins an already highly modified environment, the potential impact on biodiversity is considered to be of low-moderate priority. Further assessment is to include:  further assessment as to the significance of the Belah / Black Oak Western Rosewood Wilga Woodland community;  review of the existing biodiversity offset and adequacy of this to offset the additional disturbance; and  assessment as to the potential for impact on threatened species. The Applicant has engaged OzArk Environment & Heritage Management Pty Ltd to review the significance of the additional clearing as nominated above.

3.3.8 Cultural Heritage Figure 17 illustrates the extent of the proposed modified operations in relation to identified sites of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage (OzArk, 2011b). The additional disturbance associated with the Proposed Modification would not result in disturbance to any of the identified sites. Furthermore, the Applicant is cognisant of its responsibilities to protect Aboriginal heritage under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and instructs its workforce accordingly. No further assessment is warranted.

3.3.9 Visual Amenity Despite the various extensions to the open cuts, waste rock emplacements, RSF and soil stockpiles, it is not anticipated that there will be any significant change to the visibility of the Mine Site when viewed from surrounding public and private vantage points. Of the proposed modifications, the most likely to be visible would be the small extension to WRE 3 and assessment of what if any change to visual amenity this would have is considered warranted. The potential impact of the Proposed Modification on visual amenity is unlikely to be noticeable to most people and therefore considered to be of low priority. Further assessment includes an analysis of how the Proposed Modification could alter the existing visibility of the Mine Site through a review of recently taken photographs.

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Figure 16 Vegetation Communities

A4 / Colour

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Figure 17 Cultural Heritage of the Mine Site A4 / Colour

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3.3.10 Final Landform and Final Land Use

As discussed in Section 2.7 and illustrated on Figure 13, the Proposed Modification would result in changes to the proposed final landform would be modified from that presented in the 2011 Environmental Assessment (RWC, 2011) and Mining Operations Plan (TGO/RWC, 2014). Most notable of the changes would be the creation of an additional open cut void (Cal2 Open Cut), however, this would be offset by the backfilling of the Wyo3 Open Cut. The preferred land uses in the vicinity of the Mine Site are agriculture and village residential (Tomingley village). As all additional disturbance associated with the Proposed Modification would be restricted to the Mine Site, and assuming the Proposed Modification can be undertaken without adverse impact on the environmental parameters influencing these land uses, e.g. noise and air quality for urban land use and water resources for agriculture, the Mine will remain compatible with these land uses. On the basis of the above, final landform and land use is considered to be of moderate priority. Further assessment is to include a review of the final landform against the rehabilitation objectives and criteria nominated in the Mining Operations Plan, along with a review as to whether this modified final landform will remain compatible with the approved final land uses and the uses of surrounding lands.

3.3.11 Other Environmental Issues

3.3.11.1 Transportation The Proposed Modification requires no change to the current transport operations and the proposed earthworks would be undertaken solely on the Mine Site. No further assessment is warranted.

3.3.11.2 Soils and Land Capability

Soil resources would be managed in accordance with approved methods and with the Mining Operations Plan for the Mine. No additional impacts on soil or land capability are anticipated.

No further assessment is warranted.

3.3.11.3 Bushfire

RWC (2011) concluded that while mining and ancillary activities associated with the Mine would increase the number and type of ignition sources in the local area, the proposed controls and safeguards and general clearing activities would ensure that the potential for fire initiation and spread on the Mine Site is minimised. The Proposed Modification would not introduce any new ignition sources nor impact on the controls in place and therefore would not have any affect on the bushfire hazard of the Mine.

No further assessment is warranted.

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3.3.11.4 Socio-Economic Setting

The Proposed Modification has the potential for minor impacts upon the socio-economic setting of the surrounding environment, primarily as a result of impacts associated with visual amenity, noise and dust emissions.

In the event that impacts associated with visual amenity, noise and dust emissions can be managed to comply with environmental criteria and reasonable community expectations, the impact on the socio-economic setting would be minimal as a result of the Proposed Modification. Impacts associated with socio-economic setting are considered to be of low priority with further assessment reviewing the residual impacts of the Proposed Modification on the biophysical environment against the continuing socio-economic benefits of the Mine on the local community and region included in Section 6.

3.3.12 Summary of Assessment Priority

Based on a review of the likely impacts associated with the identified issues, these have been ranked in order of priority. 1. Noise (high priority). 2. Surface water (high priority). 3. Groundwater (moderate priority) 4. Air quality (moderate priority). 5. Final landform and land use (moderate priority). 6. Biodiversity (low-moderate priority). 7. Visual amenity (low priority). 8. Vibration (blasting) (low priority). 9. Socio-economic setting (low priority).

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4. ASSESSMENT AND MANAG EMENT OF KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

4.1 INTRODUCTION

This section provides an assessment of the impacts associated with those features of the local environment which could potentially be affected by the Proposed Modification. The proposed design and/or operational safeguards and an assessment of the level of impact the Proposed Modification may have after implementation of these safeguards is also described.

4.2 NOISE

4.2.1 Introduction

As noted in Section 3.3.2, current mining operations are audible within Tomingley village and surrounding residential receivers with the Proposed Modification likely to alter the locations and schedule of noise emitting activities at the Mine. The Proponent has commissioned Muller Acoustic Consulting (MAC) to complete an assessment as to the effect of the modified mining operations on the noise levels likely to be received in Tomingley and other sensitive receivers.

The Noise and Blasting Assessment (MAC, 2015), a complete copy of which is provided as Appendix 2 and which is summarised in the following subsections, first validates the noise model used through comparison to recorded noise levels, then considers a variety of current and additional noise mitigation strategies, and finally models the likely noise emissions from the modified mining operations assuming the implementation of the most effective of these.

4.2.2 Local Setting

4.2.2.1 Background Noise Levels

Existing noise levels in the vicinity of the Mine Site are influenced by a range of sources including traffic on the Newell Highway and local roads, agricultural equipment, stock, wind in trees, insects and birds.

In order to characterise the local variation in noise levels, SLR (2011) identified four areas in which noise levels are likely to be similar because of the proximity of residences in each area to the various noise sources, including the Newell Highway and other roads, fauna, vegetation and topography. These four areas, referred to as noise assessment groups (NAG) for the purposes of assessing noise impacts, have been categorised as follows.  NAG A: ambient noise influenced by both local roads and Newell Highway (Residences R1, R4, R5, R6, R8, R9, R10, R11 and R12). Background noise levels (day / evening / night) (dB(A)): 30 / 30 / 30  NAG B: rural setting with minimal traffic noise influence (Residence R2). Background noise levels (day / evening / night) (dB(A)): 31 / 30 / 30

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 NAG C: ambient noise highly elevated due to Newell Highway (Residences R3, R13, R18, R19, R21, R24, R25, R26, R27, R28, R29, R33, R35 and R40). Background noise levels (day / evening / night) (dB(A)): 40 / 30 / 30  NAG D: ambient noise elevated due to Newell Highway (Residences R16, R22, R17, R23, R32 and R37). Background noise levels (day / evening / night) (dB(A)): 38 / 33 / 31

4.2.2.2 Existing Noise Criteria On the basis of the background (L90) noise levels recorded within each NAG, noise criteria for the four NAGs have been established. Higher noise criteria are also applicable to individual receivers where the modelled noise received, with the incorporation of all reasonable and feasible mitigation measures SLR (2011), was greater than 5dB(A) above background noise levels. Table 13 presents the noise criteria of PA 09_0155, as defined by Table 1 of Condition 3(3).

Table 13

Noise Criteria

Noise Assessment Day Evening Night Receivers Group LAeq(15min) LAeq(15min) LAeq(15min) LA1(1min) R1, R6 36 36 36 45 NAG A R5 37 37 37 45 All other receivers 35 35 35 45 NAG B All receivers 36 36 36 45 R3 49 38 38 45 NAG C R29 48 37 37 45 All other receivers 46 37 37 45 NAG D All receivers 43 38 38 46 All other residential 35 35 35 45 receivers

4.2.2.3 Mining Noise

As discussed in Section 1.4.4.2, despite the implementation of the noise mitigation measures nominated in SLR (2011), the Applicant has not complied with the noise criteria of Table 13 at a number of residences. Although traffic noise often made accurate measurement of mine noise difficult, noise levels of up to 42dB(A) at R4 in NAG A, 46dB(A) at R3 in NAG C and 46DB(A) at R22 in NAG D were recorded.

While these elevated night time noise levels are mitigated by the architectural noise attenuation treatments provided at noise affected residences, the measured noise levels indicates previous noise modelling may have underestimated some of the noise emitting activities of the Mine. For

TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 Tomingley Gold Mine Report No. 616/25 example, a review of real-time noise monitoring indicates that the tipping and movement of hard waste rock down the tipping face of the waste rock emplacements is likely louder than predicted in the original noise modelling.

4.2.3 Design Features, Operational Controls, Management and Mitigation Measures

The following represents a summary of the design features, operational (scheduling) controls, management and mitigation measures that are, or would be implemented to minimise the noise level received at residences and other sensitive receivers surrounding the Mine Site. Those presented in italics have been implemented following approval of PA 09_0155 and those presented in bold are additions included as a result of the Noise and Blasting Assessment of MAC (2015).  Frequency modulated reversing alarms are fitted on all mobile equipment.  The mining fleet operated at any one time would be equivalent (in total sound power level) to that presented in Table 4.  Noisier equipment would be preferentially operated in exposed locations, such as on top of the acoustic bunds or in close proximity to residences, during the daytime only and preferentially when the wind is blowing from the northwest, north or northeast.  The front-end loader would be operated on the ROM Pad behind stockpiled ore or purpose-built earth bunds maintained on the northern side of the ROM Pad.  Land preparation operations, including vegetation clearing and soil stripping, would continue to be undertaken during the daytime only.  The construction WRE 2 and 3 would be preferentially undertaken from the northern margin towards the south to create a 15m high acoustic and visual amenity bund.  Night time waste rock placement on WRE 2 would be restricted to the south of the 15m high acoustic and visual amenity bund.  A wheel mounted bulldozer would continue to be operated, in preference to a track- mounted dozer, on the upper lifts of the waste rock emplacements at night. A second bulldozer has been retrofitted with teflon rollers which reduced track noise.  An enhanced noise bund of 8m in height has been constructed to the north of Cal1 Open Cut.  Real-time noise levels would continue to be monitored at various locations surrounding the Mine Site. In accordance with the procedures of a Noise Management Plan, operations are reconfigured or equipment progressively stood down in the event of increasing noise levels or exceedances.  The Applicant would continue to use meteorological forecasting information provided by WeatherZone to identify periods of noise enhancing conditions such as inversions or noise enhancing winds. This information would continue to be used by mine management in planning activities in the short and medium term.

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 Residential receivers surrounding the Mine Site where mine noise is audible have been or are scheduled to have architectural noise attenuation treatment of the dwelling.  The Applicant would continue to implement the policy where a real time noise monitor is hired and placed at any residence complaining of mine noise. If mine noise is audible and contributing to exceedance of noise criteria, the owner is offered noise treatment of the residence.  Night time waste rock placement on WRE 3 would be restricted to the southern part of the emplacement.  Night time tipping of waste rock on WRE 3 would be by ‘short tipping’ methods4.

Should the Proposed Modification be approved, the Noise Management Plan for the Mine would be updated to include any changes to noise criteria and incorporate all the noise management measures nominated above.

4.2.4 Assessment Methodology

MAC (2015) used the Brüel and Kjær Predictor Type 7810 (Version 11.00) noise modelling software was used to assess potential noise impacts associated with the Mine for four operational scenarios. The model incorporated a three-dimensional digital terrain map providing all relevant topographic information was used in the modelling process. As considered by SLR (2011), and in accordance with the Industrial Noise Policy (INP) (EPA, 1999) noise emissions were modelled under calm and inversion (noise enhancing) conditions.

The four scenarios modelled represent the progressive development of the Mine from current operations to operating conditions when mining is by underground methods only. The scenarios are as follows.  Scenario 1: Open Cut Mining of Cal1 and Wyo3 Open Cuts. This represents the Mine as is currently operated and has been included to allow for comparison to recorded noise levels (of NSS, 2015) and calibration of the noise model.  Scenario 2: Open Cut Mining of Cal2 and Wyo1 Open Cuts. This would be representative of the most significant feature of the Proposed Modification (with respect to noise emissions) and would be inactive of noise emissions for the initial 3 to 6 months following approval.  Scenario 3: Open Cut Mining of Cal2, Cal1 and commencement of underground mining. This would be representative of operations following development of the Cal2 Open Cut to a depth of 15m to 20m below surface, other open cut mining at least 50m below

4 Short tipping involves the placement of waste rock away from the edge of the WRE slope, with the material to pushed down the slope edge during daytime operations. Long tipping allows for the waste rock to be tipped directly over the WRE slope. Short tipping reduces the period of noise of each tipping action as there would be no movement of rocks down the slope.

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surface and commencement of portal construction. This is considered to be indicative of noise emissions from the Mine from approximately 6 months following approval until open cut mining is completed.  Scenario 4: Underground mining only. This would be representative of noise levels following the completion of open cut mining, anticipated to be 3 years following approval of the Proposed Modification, and for the remaining life of the Mine

Further information on the specific locations and sound power levels of the noise sources modelled is provided by MAC (2015) (see Appendix 2).

4.2.5 Assessment of Impact

4.2.5.1 Scenario 1: Model Validation

MAC (2015) achieved relatively good calibration between the results of Scenario 1 modelling and noise monitoring results of NSS (2015). Any minor discrepancies between the results at specific receivers is likely accounted for by variability of activities and fluctuating weather conditions over the period of monitoring.

The results confirmed the noise model could provide an accurate prediction of noise levels at surrounding receivers.

4.2.5.2 Scenarios 2 to 4

Table 14 to 16 presents the results of the noise modelling for Scenarios 2 to 4.

The results illustrate that under calm conditions, and assuming the implementation of the noise management measures described in Section 4.2.3, the Mine would continue to comply with the noise criteria of PA 09_0155. However, under inversion conditions, indicative of other noise enhancing conditions, exceedances of between 1dB(A) and 3dB(A) are predicted at a number of receivers during the initial period of (surface) development of the Cal2 Open Cut. These receivers are primarily within NAG C, however, one receiver in NAG A (R4) and two in NAG D (R23 and R32) are also predicted to receive noise levels exceeding the night time noise criteria.

However, as open cut mining activities are undertaken progressively deeper within the open cuts (as represented by Scenario 3), the number of night time exceedance under inversion conditions reduces to only 1dB(A) at three receivers. On cessation of open cut mining and operation as an underground mine only, compliance with all criteria PA 09_0155 is predicted.

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Table 14

Noise Level Predictions – Scenario 2

Criteria NAG Receiver Calm Inversion Day Evening / Night R1 30 36 36 36 R4 <30 36 35 35 R5 <30 31 37 37 R6 <30 34 36 36 A R8 <30 <30 35 35 R9 <30 <30 35 35 R10 <30 32 35 35 R11 <30 31 35 35 R12 <30 <30 35 35 B R2 <30 31 36 36 R3 35 40 49 38 R13 <30 34 46 37 R19 32 37 46 37 R21 33 37 46 37 R18 33 37 46 37 R25 33 37 46 37 R26 34 37 46 37 C R27 34 38 46 37 R28 34 39 46 37 R29 35 40 48 37 R33 34 39 46 37 R35 33 37 46 37 R40 33 37 46 37 R41 33 38 46 37 R42 31 36 46 37 R16 31 36 43 38 R17 31 37 43 38 R22 33 37 43 38 D R23 33 39 43 38 R24 32 37 43 38 R32 37 39 43 38 R37 33 37 43 38 Source: Modified after MAC (2015) – Table 7 Bold indicates prediction exceeding noise criteria of PA 09_0155

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Table 15

Noise Level Predictions – Scenario 3

Criteria NAG Receiver Calm Inversion Day Evening / Night R1 <30 35 36 36 R4 <30 36 35 35 R5 <30 31 37 37 R6 <30 33 36 36 A R8 <30 <30 35 35 R9 <30 <30 35 35 R10 <30 31 35 35 R11 <30 31 35 35 R12 <30 <30 35 35 B R2 <30 31 36 36 R3 33 38 49 38 R13 <30 34 46 37 R18 31 36 46 37 R19 31 36 46 37 R21 32 36 46 37 R25 32 36 46 37 R26 31 36 46 37 C R27 32 37 46 37 R28 33 38 46 37 R29 33 38 48 37 R33 33 37 46 37 R35 32 35 46 37 R40 32 36 46 37 R41 31 37 46 37 R42 30 36 46 37 R16 30 36 43 38 R17 30 36 43 38 R22 30 36 43 38 D R23 31 38 43 38 R24 31 36 43 38 R32 34 38 43 38 R37 32 35 43 38 Source: Modified after MAC (2015) – Table 8 Bold indicates prediction exceeding noise criteria of PA 09_0155

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Table 16

Noise Level Predictions – Scenario 4

Criteria NAG Receiver Calm Inversion Day Evening / Night R1 <30 32 36 36 R4 <30 <30 35 35 R5 <30 <30 37 37 R6 <30 31 36 36 A R8 <30 <30 35 35 R9 <30 <30 35 35 R10 <30 <30 35 35 R11 <30 <30 35 35 R12 <30 <30 35 35 B R2 <30 <30 36 36 R3 30 35 49 38 R13 <30 31 46 37 R18 <30 33 46 37 R19 <30 34 46 37 R21 <30 32 46 37 R25 <30 33 46 37 R26 <30 33 46 37 C R27 <30 33 46 37 R28 <30 34 46 37 R29 30 35 48 37 R33 <30 34 46 37 R35 <30 32 46 37 R40 <30 32 46 37 R41 <30 33 46 37 R42 <30 33 46 37 R16 <30 33 43 38 R17 <30 33 43 38 R22 <30 33 43 38 D R23 30 35 43 38 R24 <30 33 43 38 R32 <30 34 43 38 R37 <30 31 43 38 Source: Modified after MAC (2015) – Table 9

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4.2.5.3 Sleep Disturbance

MAC (2015) also modelled the LAmax noise levels that could be received at receivers surrounding the Mine Site. In assessing these maximum noise levels, MAC (2015) considered a maximum noise level generated by the tipping of the harder waste rock extracted from the lower elevations of the open cuts of 125d(A). This is 5dB(A) louder than the LAmax typically attributed to this activity. Table 17 presents the modelled LAmax noise levels at receivers surrounding the Mine Site for standard and hard waste rock operating on the northern and southern sections of WRE 3.

The results of the modelling indicate that if waste rock placement is restricted to the southern part of the WRE 3 at night, maximum noise levels exceeding 45dB(A) should not be received at all but Receiver R4. The proposed restriction to short tipping operations at night on WRE 3 would further reduce the intrusiveness of any waste rock tipping noise received at Receiver R4 (and others).

4.2.6 Conclusion

The noise modelling of MAC (2015) confirms that noise levels received at residences surrounding the Mine Site exceed the existing noise criteria. The scale and distribution of these exceedances is likely to reduce over the remaining life of the Mine, however, with noise levels predicted to reduce to 35dB(A) or less, even under inversion conditions, as the Mine converts from an open cut to underground mining operation.

It is assessed that the predicted noise levels of MAC (2015) are indicative of noise levels which can realistically be achieved following the implementation of the reasonable and feasible mitigation measures summarised in Section 4.2.3. Notably, these measures combine those of the original development application, measure which have been implemented over the subsequent life of the Mine in response to recorded noise emissions and additional measures nominated following the assessment of MAC (2015). Furthermore, the exceedances are predicted only under inversion conditions (at night) which would be effectively mitigated by the at-receiver architectural treatments which have been, or are soon to be applied to all noise affected dwellings.

In light of the acoustic treatments applied to affected receivers, the implementation of all reasonable and feasible mitigation measures, and the progressive reduction in received noise levels proposed, the predicted noise levels of Table 14 should be applied as revised noise criteria. In recommending this variation to noise criteria, it is acknowledged that the EPA may progressively review and reduce the noise criteria over the life of the Mine (in line with the predicted reductions in noise levels of Scenarios 3 and 4).

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Table 17

Maximum Noise Level Predictions

Northern WRE 3 Southern WRE 3 Standard Hard Waste Standard Hard Waste NAG Receiver Waste Rock Rock Waste Rock Rock Criteria R1 38 43 <30 33 45 R4 39 44 41 46 45 R5 <30 <30 <30 33 45 R6 <30 <30 <30 30 45 A R8 <30 <30 <30 <30 45 R9 <30 31 <30 <30 45 R10 36 41 <30 30 45 R11 36 41 <30 30 45 R12 <30 32 <30 <30 45 B R2 <30 <30 <30 <30 45 R13 38 43 <30 32 45 R3 47 52 36 41 45 R18 42 47 31 36 45 R19 42 47 32 37 45 R21 43 48 32 37 45 R25 44 49 33 38 45 R26 44 49 33 38 45 C R27 45 50 34 39 45 R28 46 51 35 40 45 R29 47 52 35 40 45 R33 46 51 34 39 45 R35 43 48 32 37 45 R40 43 48 32 37 45 R41 44 49 33 38 45 R42 42 47 31 36 45 R16 36 41 30 35 46 R17 36 41 30 35 46 R22 43 48 32 37 46 D R23 43 48 32 37 46 R24 43 48 33 38 46 R32 47 52 35 40 46 R37 43 48 32 37 46 Source: Modified after MAC (2015) – Table 9 Bold indicates prediction exceeding noise criteria of PA 09_0155

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4.3 WATER RESOURCES

4.3.1 Introduction

As illustrated by Figure 4, the Proposed Modification would increase the total area of disturbance of the Mine and result in changes to the clean and dirty water catchments within the Mine Site. Accordingly, Section 3.3.5 identified that potential impacts of the Mine associated with surface water management are of high priority.

The Proposed Modification would also increase the interaction between mining operations and groundwater through the proposed inclusion of an additional open cut and underground development. As a consequence of increased dewatering requirements, there is the potential for changes to the drawdown of groundwater surrounding the Mine and consequently reduction in availability to other groundwater users. The poor (highly saline) quality of the groundwater notwithstanding, the potential impacts have been determined to be of moderate priority for assessment (refer to Section 3.3.6).

In order to assess the impact of the Proposed Modification on surface and groundwater, the Applicant has commissioned GHD Pty Ltd (GHD) to prepare a Water Resources Assessment for the Proposed Modification. This assessment (GHD, 2015), a complete copy of which is provided as Appendix 3 and which is summarised in the following subsections, provides for the following assessment.

Surface Water  A review of modified Mine Site catchments and specification of erosion and sediment control features.  Preparation of a modified site water balance and review of management options for surplus or deficit of water on the Mine Site.  An assessment as to the impact on the surrounding catchments of changes to Mine Site catchments.  An assessment of the potential for discharge from the Mine Site and impact on the receiving environment.

Groundwater  Prediction of dewatering requirements and groundwater drawdown surrounding the mining operations.  Consideration of impacts on local geochemistry.  Assessment of impacts on surrounding groundwater users, including groundwater dependent ecosystems.  Assessment against the minimum impact thresholds of the AIP.

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4.3.2 Local Setting

4.3.2.1 Local Hydrology and Mine Site Water Management System

Local Hydrology The Mine Site is located within the Gundong Creek catchment which forms part of the larger Macquarie-Bogan catchment Basin in the central west of NSW (see Figure 18). The Gundong Creek catchment, bordered to the north by Fiddlers and Tomingley Creeks and to the south by Bulldog Creek, has its headwaters in the Herveys Range approximately 12km to the east of the Mine Site and flows southwest from north of Tomingley before passing through the northwestern section of the Mine Site. The current alignment of Gundong Creek is not the natural alignment of this creek and was formed through the cutting of a channel to supply water to vegetable gardens and mineral processing operations during the 1800s. Surface water drainage within the Gundong Creek catchment (and those that surround it) is typically indistinct and ephemeral, flowing to the west and eventually merging with the Bogan River.

Mine Site Water Management System The existing surface water management system categorises water as either:  Clean: water not affected by Mine site disturbance;  Dirty: runoff from disturbed (but not contaminated) areas of the Mine Site (otherwise referred to as sediment laden); and  Process: inflows to the open cuts or underground and water which may contain runoff from areas of potential contamination, e.g. process reagents and residues. Section 4.1.1 of GHD (2015) provides a summary of the various components of the clean, dirty and process water management systems of the Mine Site.

4.3.2.2 Hydrogeology

Groundwater Occurrence There are three distinct groundwater systems within the vicinity of the Mine Site (The Impax Group, 2011)  Shallow alluvium – discrete, shallow alluvium (less than 10m to 20m deep) dissects the plains surrounding the Mine site along creek flow paths. These aquifers are believed to be recharged from rainfall infiltration. Groundwater within these systems is of relatively good quality; however yields are relatively low and dependent on rainfall.  Deep alluvium – up to 100m deep and located approximately 10km to the northwest and west of the Mine Site. Groundwater yields are believed to be low and of poor quality. These systems may have some interaction with underlying bedrock however are believed to be primarily recharged from rainfall.  Fractured rock – the area surrounding Tomingley is typically underlain by shale, siltstone and chert with several fractured rock aquifers in the vicinity of the Mine Site. Groundwater yields range from 0 to 3L/s, generally less than 1.5L/s, and water quality is poor with high salinity (EC levels up to approximately 30 000S/cm).

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Figure 18 Local Hydrology

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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine

Mining activities of the Mine Site impact on the deeper confined fractured rock aquifer which occurs within sandstone and siltstone at depth of approximately 100m below surface (~170m AHD). It has been demonstrated that there is no direct connectivity between this and the alluvial aquifers.

Based on groundwater monitoring data, the hydraulic gradient of the deep groundwater system is approximately 0.01 to the north. Adopting a hydraulic conductivity of 0.07 m/day, the deep groundwater moves to the north at a rate of approximately 0.0007 m/day or 0.3 m/year.

Groundwater Availability and Use The registered uses of the registered bores located within 10km of the Mine Site (see Figure 19) include "monitoring bore", "test bore / public supply", "test bore", "irrigation" and "stock and domestic". Based on a review of these bores undertaken by Impax (2011) and GHD (2015), it appears very few are currently used to supply water, with some abandoned and others apparently never used for the intended “public supply” purpose.

Of those currently used, the targeted groundwater source appears to be the Gundong Creek alluvium. The restricted availability of water from the deeper aquifer below the Mine Site is supported by pump tests completed by Impax (2011) in three of the bores originally sampled by Coffey (2007). This testing indicated low pumping rates (<0.25L/s) and variable recovery of standing water level.

Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems The closest high priority GDEs listed in the NSW Murray Darling Fractured Rock Groundwater Sources Water Sharing Plan are Dilladerry Spring and Hyandra Hill Spring, approximately 18.5km to the east and 28km northeast of the Mine Site respectively.

4.3.3 Water Management Strategies

4.3.3.1 Surface Water

4.3.3.1.1 Objectives

The primary objectives in managing surface water within the Mine Site are as follows.  Minimise changes to the hydrology of all catchments affected by Mine Site activities so as to minimise potential impacts on environmental (downstream) flows and downstream water users.  Minimise changes to the pre-existing runoff and infiltration regime within the Mine Site.  Ensure that Mine Site operations, in particular residue management, have a neutral or beneficial impact on surface water quality when compared to the existing (i.e. pre- development) conditions in the receiving waters.

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Figure 19 Registered Groundwater Bores

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 Ensure that the capture and use of surface water within the Mine Site remains within the Proponent’s MHRDC-related rights.  Minimise the potential for discharge of water captured within the dirty water and processing water management systems of the Mine Site.

4.3.3.1.2 Surface Water Management Design Features

The additional surface water management controls to be constructed for the purpose of managing runoff from the modified Mine Site layout are described and discussed in Sections 2.5.2 to 2.5.4. In summary, these are as follows.  The modified realignment of the Central Clean Water Drain to accommodate flows up to the 1 in 100 ARI critical duration storm event.  The modified realignment of the WRE 3 dirty water drain to accommodate flows up to the 1 in 20 ARI critical duration storm event. A 1m high bund to the west would also prevent overtopping during rainfall events exceeding the 1 in 20 design specification (to prevent overflows of dirty water into the clean water system.  The construction of two additional sediment basins (SB 6 and SB7) and associated dirty water drains to accept runoff from the Cal1 and Cal2 Open Cuts (refer to Table 6). The capacity of these sediment basins would provide for runoff generated by a 10 day 90th percentile rainfall event (50.5mm).  The increased capacity of Sediment Basins 4 and 5 (refer to Table 6) to provide for the storage and settlement of runoff up to a 10 day 90th percentile rainfall event. The remaining sediment basins (SB1, SB2 and SB3) would retain current dimensions and capacities (SB2: 10 day 90th percentile rainfall event, SB1 and SB3: 5 day 90th percentile rainfall event).

These structures, which are identified on Figure 20, would be constructed and maintained in accordance with an updated version of the Mine Water Management Plan (GHD, in prep.).

4.3.3.1.3 Surface Water Management Measures

A critical component of the management of water on the Mine Site is to prevent discharge of water from the process water management system, and minimise discharges from the dirty water management system.

Central to achieving these objectives is managing the volume of water contained in any one structures such that overtopping or discharge does not occur in the event of heavy or prolonged rainfall. The following describes the management measures that are, and would continue to be implemented on the Mine Site.

 A fix piped network is in place to dewater the sediment basins to the Wyoming Central Dam. The de-watering system is serviced by three 150mm pumps capable of pumping at 90L/s. The Applicant also has access (by hire) to up to four additional 150mm pumps capable of pumping 60L/s.

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Figure 20 Proposed Surface Water Management Features

A4 / Colour

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 Following minor to moderate rainfall events generating runoff, the accumulated water level within the Mine sediment basins is inspected and if exceeding the minimum storage requirements of Table 6, pumped to the Central Wyoming Dam, other storage within the process water system, or open cuts. This minimum storage capacity would be identified within each Sediment basin using a marker post.  During heavier or prolonged rainfall events, up to and exceeding the design rainfall event for the sediment basins, pumps would be initiated to move water from the sediment basins to the process water management system (Raw Water Dam, Process Water Dam or Central Wyoming Dam). In doing so, the effective water storage capacity of the sediment basins is increased reducing the potential for discharge.  On capacity of any of the water storages of the process water management system reaching 90% capacity, water would be discharged to an alternative storage. If there is insufficient capacity retained in other storages, the water would be discharged to one of the open cuts for temporary storage.  To reduce the potential for in-pit storage of process water, the storage capacity of the Wyoming Central Dam may be increased. It is noted that an increase in height of the dam wall would provide for an additional 20ML storage.

All other surface management measures would remain in accordance with current surface water management and documented in the Mine Water Management Plan (GHD, in prep.).

4.3.3.2 Groundwater

4.3.3.2.1 Groundwater Contamination

The principal sources of for groundwater contamination would be from hydrocarbon based fuels and other products, chemical reagents used for processing the ore and the residues placed within the RSF. The approach to managing these contaminants would not change from that which is currently followed.

Hydrocarbon and Chemical Contamination The Applicant would continue to minimise the potential for groundwater contamination as follows.  Securely storing all hydrocarbon and chemical products.  Refuelling all equipment within designated areas of the Mine Site, where practicable.  Undertaking all maintenance works involving hydrocarbons, where practicable, within designated areas of the Mine Site, such as the maintenance workshop.  Directing all water from wash-down areas and workshops to oil/water separators and containment systems.  Ensuring all hydrocarbon and chemical storage tanks are either self-bunded tanks or bunded with an impermeable surface and a capacity to contain a minimum 110% of the largest storage tank capacity.

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 Monitoring of eight shallow piezometers on or surrounding the Processing Plant and ROM Pad (refer to Figure 4-3 of GHD, 2015 – see Appendix 3) for accumulation of water and contamination.

Residue Contamination The Applicants controls and safeguards related to residue management revolve principally around the design and maintenance of the RSF.  The RSF was designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of the relevant government agencies. Key design parameters are as follows. – Construction of the RSF floor using clay material that would be compacted to achieve a permeability of less than 1x10-9m/sec. – Construction of a drainage channel at the base of the inside wall of the RSF and directly beneath the residue inflow spigots to capture the drainage that occurs at the time of residue placement. – Construction of a central decant tower fitted with submersible pumps in the centre of each residue cell to maximise water recovery from the residue. – Placement of residue uniformly around the perimeter of the residue storage facility via several slurry spigots.  Monitoring of 11 piezometers installed around the perimeter of the RSF (refer to Figure 4-3 of GHD, 2015 – see Appendix 3) and monitored for accumulation of water and contamination.

4.3.3.2.2 Groundwater Availability There are a limited number of registered groundwater bores surrounding the Mine Site, with those drawing water for beneficial uses accessing the alluvial aquifers unlikely to be affected by the Mine. This notwithstanding, the Applicant currently monitors water from six bores surrounding the Mine Site (refer to Figure 4-3 of GHD, 2015 – see Appendix 3). No significant reduction in groundwater levels has been observed, however, should a reduction in yield from the bore of another groundwater user be suspected, the result of this monitoring would be used to assess the likely influence of the Mine on this. Should the loss in yield be attributable to the Mine, replacement and/or compensatory measures would be developed in consultation with the affected landowner but may include:  deepening of the effected bore to increase the available saturated thickness;  drilling and installation of a replacement bore outside the area of drawdown impact;  construction of surface water capture and containment structures such as dams or rainwater tanks to supplement reduced groundwater source; or  transfer of groundwater drawn from a Proponent-owned bore or the void itself.

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4.3.4 Assessment of Impact

4.3.4.1 Surface Water

4.3.4.1.1 Surface Water Availability The proposed modifications to the Mine Site would remove approximately 26.5ha from the clean water catchment, primarily as a result of the development of the Cal2 Open Cut and diversion of runoff to Sediment Basin 7. This represents approximately 5% of the Gundong Creek catchment within which the Mine Site is located, and GHD (2015) estimate this would result in a reduction in annual flow volume from 306ML/yr to 296ML/yr. Given the ephemeral nature of Gundong Creek, which is unlikely to be utilised as a primary water source for downstream water users, and the relatively minor reduction in environmental flows (10ML/yr), GHD (2015) consider the reduction to negligible. Further, as the proposed modifications are located within the existing Mine Site, no further impacts to surrounding watercourses and associated riparian zones are expected.

4.3.4.1.2 Water Discharges Impacts associated with the discharge of water from the Mine Site would be largely mitigated by the effective operation of the Mine as a nil discharge site. That is, under all but the heaviest rainfall conditions, when the rate of inflow to the sediment basins exceeds the rate at which water can be pumped from the sediment basins to the process water system, there would be no discharge from the Mine Site to receiving waters. Notably, since the installation of the internal dewatering and pumping infrastructure nominated in Section 4.3.3.1.3, there have been no discharges from the Mine Site despite a number of occasions when rainfall exceeded that for which the sediment basins were designed to retain runoff. Most recently, 51.2mm of rain fell between 4 and 6 November 2015. This exceeds the 10-day 90th percentile rainfall for Dubbo of 50.5mm (and the 5-day 90th percentile rainfall of 35.6mm), conditions under which discharge from one or more of the sediment basins would be expected (see Table 7). However, by commencing pumping during the rainfall event, approximately 25ML to 30ML of water was transferred from the sediment basins to the Wyoming Central Dam and Wyo1 Open Cut within 72 hours. This prevented a discharge from occurring, as well as immediately returning capacity to the sediment basins.

4.3.4.1.3 Water Quality As noted in Section 4.3.4.1.2, under extreme rainfall conditions when inflows to the sediment basins exceed maximum pumping rates, discharge from one or more of the sediment basins may occur. Under such circumstances, impacts associated with sediment in the water are considered to be minimal given the likely high sediment loads of all waters within the catchment. On this basis, and the design and operation of the sediment basins in accordance with the Blue Book, the water quality criteria for total suspended sediment (TSS) of EPL 20169 should not apply and modification to EPL 20169 is recommended to reflect this.

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Discharges under extreme rainfall conditions are unlikely to result in water which falls outside the pH or salinity criteria of EPL 20169, given the water would be predominantly rainfall and the waste rock has not demonstrated any potential for acid or salinity generation.

It is possible that the concentration of metals in any water discharged under such extreme conditions could approach or exceed the criteria of EPL 20169 (which reflect the 95% aquatic ecosystem protection threshold of ANZECC, 2000). However, under such circumstances of high catchment flows, there is likely to be a significant dilution / mixing effect which would mitigate any impact associated with these discharges. Furthermore, it is also possible that the concentration of some of these metals naturally occurs at concentrations exceeding the criteria of EPL 20169. Therefore, while it is assessed that any discharge from the Mine Site under high rainfall conditions is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on the overall water quality of the catchment, further investigation into the dilution / mixing effect under these circumstances could be completed.

4.3.4.1.4 Downstream Hydrology, Riparian Zones and Aquatic Habitat As noted in Section 4.3.4.1.1, all modifications to surface water catchments and flow paths would occur on the Mine Site and therefore no direct impact on local watercourses, riparian zones or aquatic habitat is anticipated.

4.3.4.2 Groundwater

4.3.4.2.1 Groundwater In-flows

GHD (2015) notes that observed groundwater seepage to the Wyo3 Open Cut has been minimal and less than predicted by the original groundwater assessment of Impax (2011). This is not unexpected as Impax (2011) made the conservative assumption of unconfined saturated groundwater conditions below 60m below ground level.

With the benefit of groundwater monitoring and observations from the Mine since January 2014, GHD (2015) has refined the methodology for the calculation of groundwater flows (refer to Section 5.2.2 and Appendix B of GHD, 2015). In-flows are predicted to peak in 2017 for each open cut (excluding Wyo3 which is complete) and 2021 for each underground. Table 18 provides a comparison of the predicted groundwater in-flows of Impax (2011) and GHD (2015). The predicted peak in-flows are presented as a range by GHD (2015), based on the use of two hydraulic conductivity values (K = 0.005 and K = 0.01), but still illustrate that the modified in-flows are much less than originally predicted by Impax (2011).

4.3.4.2.2 Groundwater Licensing

Table 19 presents the predicted annual in-flow of groundwater to the mining areas based on the modified calculations of GHD (2015).

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Table 18

Predicted Groundwater In-flows

Peak In-flow (kL/day) Mining Area Impax (2011) GHD (2015) Cal1 Open Cut 173 - 1 037 161 - 279 Wyo1 Open Cut 173 - 950 177 - 320 WyoUG 259 - 1 728 293 - 543 Wyo3 Open Cut 26 - 130 31 - 53 Cal2 Open Cut - 20 - 32 CalUG - 253 - 469 Source: Modified after GHD (2015) – Table 5-5

Table 19

Predicted Annual Groundwater In-flows

Period Wyo1 Cal1 Wyo3 Cal2 CalUG WyoUG Total Scenario 1: K = 0.005 2015 – 2016 0 2.0 9.9 0 0 0 11.9 2016 – 2017 10.2 32.8 8.9 0 0 0 51.9 2017 – 2018 62.9 55.9 7.7 4.4 41.4 51.7 224.1 2018 – 2019 68.1 51.4 7.0 4.2 56.6 69.1 256.4 2019 – 2020 63.3 48.7 6.5 3.6 67.7 80.7 270.5 2020 – 2021 60.0 46.7 6.0 3.3 81.2 95.0 292.1 Scenario 2: K = 0.01 2015 – 2016 0 2.5 17.0 0 0 0 19.5 2016 – 2017 16.7 55.2 14.9 0 0 0 86.8 2017 – 2018 108.5 97.4 12.6 7.0 72.8 91.1 389.2 2018 – 2019 119.6 90.4 11.0 6.9 103.1 126.1 457.1 2019 – 2020 112.3 86.3 10.0 6.0 124.4 148.5 487.6 2020 – 2021 107.2 83.1 9.3 5.5 150.0 175.6 530.7 Source: Modified after GHD (2015) – Table 5-6

Annual groundwater in-flows to the open cut and underground mining areas is anticipated to increase from less than 20ML to end of 2015-2016, to between 290ML and 530ML in 2020- 2021. GHD (2015) notes that while the annual in-flows are predicted to be greater than predicted by Impax (2011), this reflects the inclusion of the second underground mine in the years 2019 to 2021 and over the life of the Mine, the total groundwater intercepted would be less than that predicted by Impax (2011). The Applicant currently holds a licence allocation of 220ML/year for the NSW Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock Groundwater Sources WSP (see Table 1). Additional water access entitlement would therefore be required prior to the commencement of underground mining. Availability of such access entitlements should not be problematic as GHD (2015) notes there was 73 599ML of tradeable water access entitlement in the Lachlan Fold Belt Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock Groundwater Source as at January 2012. Further, data from DoE (2015), identifies that 280ML was traded within this water source over the period March to August 2015 indicating that there is active trading within the water source similar to the volumetric requirement of the Mine (GHD, 2015).

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4.3.4.2.3 Radius of Drawdown

GHD (2015) has calculated the maximum radius of drawdown from each of the open cut and underground mining areas. Table 20 presents a comparison of the predictions of GHD (2015) with those of Impax (2011).

Table 20

Predicted Radius of Drawdown

Radius of Drawdown (m) Mining Area Impax (2011) GHD (2015) Cal1 Open Cut 1 700 – 3 900 1 450 – 2 130 Wyo1 Open Cut 1 700 – 3 900 1 500 – 2 130 WyoUG 2 300 – 5 600 1 770 – 2 500 Wyo3 Open Cut 650 – 1 450 460 – 660 Cal2 Open Cut - 570 – 810 CalUG - 1 700 – 2 400 Source: Modified after GHD (2015) – Table 5-5

Based on these predictions of drawdown from the individual mining areas, GHD (2015) report that radius of influence of the Cal2 Open Cut is within that of the other approved mining areas and therefore would have no additional influence on drawdown. The radius of influence of the Caloma Two underground extends slightly beyond the existing zone of drawdown, however, GHD (2015) note that since each mining area has been assessed individually the size of the drawdown zones are conservative and it is likely that the CalUG would not increase the zone of drawdown from the approved mining areas. Furthermore, GHD (2015) calculate that the cumulative zone of drawdown is predicted to extend up to 2 500m from the mining areas, significantly less that the 5 600m predicted by Impax (2011).

4.3.4.2.4 Water Quality

The backfilling of the Wyo3 Open Cut with waste rock could impact on the local geochemistry of the saline fractured rock water source. The following are key geochemical features of the waste rock when tested by Graeme Campbell and Associates (2011).  Low risk of acid rock drainage and saline drainage from waste regolith material.  Low risk of acid rock drainage from waste bedrock (distal zone).  Some pyrite present within waste bedrock (proximal zone) and low grade ore, with various enrichment of arsenic and antimony, although ankerite also present providing a buffering capacity. Some potentially acid forming (PAF) samples identified.

On the basis of these results, GHD (2015) suggest that the waste rock could be placed with the Wyo3 Open Cut without risk of further reduction in the quality of the groundwater. As a precaution, however, prior to waste bedrock (proximal zone) or low grade being placed into the void, appropriate geochemical testing would be undertaken to confirm the risk of impact.

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As the waste rock is replaced above the elevation of the surrounding groundwater table, allowing for a recovery of groundwater levels, the former void would no longer act as a sink for groundwater flows with the potential for restoration of the pre-mining gradient (0.3m/year to the north). Ongoing groundwater monitoring, post-mining would be undertaken (for a period to be defined) to confirm no significant changes to water quality of the surrounding aquifers. As noted in Section 4.3.2.2, there is no evidence of any connectivity between the saline fractured rock aquifer and alluvial aquifers.

4.3.4.2.5 Aquifer Interference Policy

The following presents a summary of the impacts on groundwater, as assessed by GHD (2015) and related to the Level 1 impact criterion of the AIP.

Water Table This criterion is relevant only if high priority GDEs may be impacted. Given the closest high priority GDEs are over 15km from the Mine Site, the Mine would have no impact on these and therefore meet the Level 1 impact level for this criterion.

Groundwater Pressure and Availability There are no active registered bores within the identified radius of drawdown (see Section 4.3.4.2.3). Therefore, predicted groundwater pressure impacts resulting from the Proposed Modification are less than the Level 1 minimal impact level.

Water Quality GHD (2015) consider that the risk of impact to groundwater from the backfilling of Wyo3 Open Cut would be minimal and would be less than the Level 1 impact criterion in the AIP. In particular, the beneficial use of the fractured rock water source is currently limited and it is not considered that the beneficial use category could deteriorate as a result of this emplacement.

4.3.4.2.6 Conclusion

On the basis of the modified calculations of GHD (2015), and a review of the Level 1 minimal impact criterion of the AIP, the Proposed Modification would not result in an increase in the impact of the Mine on groundwater resources from that previously predicted and approved. On the basis of the preceding assessment of groundwater impacts, no changes to the current monitoring program are considered to be necessary.

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4.4 AIR QUALITY

4.4.1 Introduction

As noted in Section 3.3.4, the proposed changes to the location and sequence of mining and other dust emitting activities could result in a change to the concentration and/or deposition of particulate matter (dust) received at receivers surrounding the Mine Site. While the Air Quality Assessment of PAEHolmes (2011), which supported the original development application for the Mine, predicted mining could be undertaken without emissions exceeding relevant criteria, some exceedances have been recorded (as discussed in Section 1.4.4.4). Pacific Environment Limited (PEL) has been engaged to review the predictions of PAEHolmes (2011) against observed air quality monitoring results and assess the potential for changes to emission levels as a result of the Proposed Modification.

The Air Quality Impact Assessment (PEL, 2015), a complete copy of which is provided as Appendix 4, and which is summarised in the following subsections, consider the previous air quality predictions, the results of ongoing air quality monitoring, as well as outlining potential impacts resulting from the Proposed Modification and any management measures proposed to be maintained and/or implemented.

4.4.2 Local Setting

4.4.2.1 Background Air Quality

Air quality guidelines and goals refer to levels of “pollutants” in the air which include both existing and operational sources. In order to fully assess impacts against all the relevant air quality guidelines and goals, it is therefore necessary to compile information or estimates on existing dust deposition levels and the existing concentrations of airborne particulates.

An assessment of available air quality data was completed by PAEH (2011) and following presents a summary of background (pre-mining) air quality.  Annual average Total Suspended particulates (TSP): 51g/m3. 3  Annual average PM10: 20g/m . 5  24 hour maximum PM10: daily varying .  Annual average dust deposition of 2g/m2/month.

4.4.2.2 Air Quality Criteria

Table 21 presents the air quality criteria which apply to the Mine (Condition 3(17) of PA 09_0155).

5 As the background 24 hour PM10 concentration would vary each day, PAEHolmes (2011) has adopted the approach that the predicted 24-hour average PM10 concentration (background and increment attributable to the Project) should not exceed 50g/m3 at the nearest residences.

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Table 21

Air Quality Criteria

Pollutant Averaging Period Criterion Total suspended particulate (TSP) matter Annual 90µg/m3 3 Particulate matter < 10 µm (PM10) Annual 30µg/m 3 Particulate matter < 10 µm (PM10) 24 hour 50µg/m Deposited dust (total) 4g/m2/month Annual 2 Deposited dust (increase) 2g/m /month

4.4.2.3 Existing Air Quality

Ongoing mining operations generate additional sources of particulate matter which increases the concentration of this in the air (PM10, PM2.5 and TSP), as well as deposition levels received at locations surrounding the Mine.

As noted in Section 1.4.4.4, these increases have generally complied with the air quality criteria of Table 21, with modifications to operations and dust management strategies implemented when elevated dust and airborne particulate matter results have been observed. A more detailed review of air quality data collected by the Mine since the commencement of mining in early 2014 is provided by PEL (2015). This review notes that with the exception of a dust gauge located on the Mine Site boundary, dust deposition levels easily comply with dust deposition criteria. Annual average PM10 and TSP concentrations have been below the relevant criteria and while a number of exceedance of 24 hour maximum PM10 criteria have been observed, these are explainable by environmental factors at the time beyond the control of the Mine.

Notably, a comparison of the observed PM10, TSP and dust deposition monitoring results (PEL, 2015) and predicted concentration of the original dispersion modelling for the Mine by PAEH (2011), confirms that the observed and predicted concentrations are equivalent (see Table 22). Table 22

Compared Air Emissions

Parameter Predicted Emissions A Observed Emissions B 20141 Dust Deposition3 2.0 – 2.2 1.2 – 2.7

PM10 21 – 25 21.6 TSP 52 – 57 59.2 20152 Dust Deposition3 2.0 – 2.2 1.2 – 2.6

PM10 21 – 25 20.4 TSP 52 – 57 51.2 Note 1: Assumes Scenario 2 of PAEH (2011) – End Year 1 of Mining Note 2: Assumes Scenario 3 of PAEH (2011) – End Year 2 of Mining Note 3: Excludes results of DDG4 which is located on the Mine Site boundary and not indicative of predicted deposition levels of PAEH (2011) at receivers. Source A: Modified after PAEH (2011) – Tables 8.2 and 8.3 Source B: Modified after PEL (2015) – Tables 3.1 to 3.3

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The comparison of predicted to observed air emissions indicates that a direct comparison between the original and proposed modified Mine can be undertaken as the original dispersion model represents an accurate reflection of actual air emissions.

4.4.2.4 Meteorological Conditions

One of the most important factors in determining the dispersion of particulate emissions from emission sources at the Mine is the frequency of different wind directions and wind speeds.

Integrating a continuous data set from a weather station maintained by the Applicant at nearby Peak Hill (15km south of the Mine) with a site-specific, synthetic meteorological data for Tomingley using The Air Pollution Model (TAPM), developed by CSIRO, the original air quality impact assessment of the Mine (PAEH, 2011) determined that:  annual winds are predominantly from the north and east with this pattern evident in all seasons to different degrees; and  the annual average wind speed is 1.8m/s and on an annual basis there are 8.9% calms.

Recent meteorological data collected from a meteorological station at the Mine confirms this original analysis is an accurate reflection of local wind conditions (PEL, 2015) and allows for comparison of estimates of air emissions between PAEH (2011) and PEL (2015) to assess the likely impact of the Proposed Modification and air quality.

4.4.3 Design Features, Operational Controls and Management Measures

The measures implemented to reduce the emissions of particulate matter from the Mine are documented in the Mine Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan. These measures are summarised below, and have been incorporated into the analysis of air emissions of the Proposed Modification (refer to Section 4.4.4 and Appendix 4).

The management measures of greatest significance to reducing the potential for and/or responding to elevated particulate emissions are as follows.  Site Specific Procedure – Dust Control (TGO, 2014). This procedure, which is provided in full as Appendix 5, identifies a range of triggers and adaptive management measures to control dust emissions. These triggers are informed by the weather forecasting system provided by WeatherZone and ensures that every shift is aware of the dust risk conditions predicted for the day and the appropriate controls (listed in the procedure) to be implemented.  The use of a real time dust alert system that warns key staff on site of elevated instantaneous dust levels via text message and email. The system is linked to the TEOM and managed through WeatherZone.  Increased application of water to haul roads and other trafficked areas (150MLpa) with dust suppression enhancer used during the summer period.  Scheduling of clearing and stripping to immediately precede extensions of mining and/or waste rock emplacement activities.  Application of water to blasted material.

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 Stabilisation of disturbed areas, including soil stockpiles, with grass or equivalent cover.  Administrative controls, in the form of operating instructions provided to the operators of mobile equipment, require the use of designated running tracks, set gearing (for reduced speed) and a reduction in the number of haulage routes used at any one time.

4.4.4 Assessment Methodology

On the basis that the dispersion model used by PAEH (2011) has been demonstrated to be an accurate predictor of actual air emissions (see Section 4.4.2.3), PEL (2015) updated the emission inventory for this dispersion model to provide an estimate of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 emission rates for the modified operations. This update was based on the following.  Comparison to original Scenario 3 of PAEH (2011) which even though noted as ‘end Year 2 mining’ still provides the best comparison for the modified operations given the proposed commencement of the Cal2 Open Cut early in 2016 (see Figure 9).  Modifications to the operating plant, type and frequency of operations, for the modified operations (when compared to Scenario 3 of PAEH, 2011).  A review of emission factors and calculation methodologies to comply with current best practice emission estimation techniques.

The modified emission rates were then compared and analysed to determine the likely effect on emissions received at surrounding sensitive receivers.

4.4.5 Assessment of Impact

Table 23 presents a comparison of the TSP emissions for the Proposed Modification against those of PAEH (2011) – Scenario 3. Table 23

Comparative TSP Emissions Page 1 of 2 TSP Emissions (kg) Mining PAEH (2011) Parameter Activity (Scenario 3) PEL (2015) Waste Rock Drilling 66,050 37,170 Management Blasting 15,775 20 Excavator loading Waste to haul truck 3,977 1,649 Hauling from Cal1 to WRE 3 69,137 22,745 Hauling from Wyo1 to WRE 1 4,749 6,203 Hauling from Wyo3 to WRE 2 15,922 310 Hauling from Cal2 to WRE 3 - 5,686 Placement on WRE 3 1,790 589 Placement on WRE 1 676 883 Placement on WRE 2 1,511 29 Placement on WRE 3 - 147 Dozers on Waste Rock 36,640 24,131

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Table 23 (Cont’d)

Comparative TSP Emissions Page 2 of 2 TSP Emissions (kg) Mining PAEH (2011) Parameter Activity (Scenario 3) PEL (2015) Ore Drilling 928 700 Management Blasting 589 0 Dozers ripping/pushing/clean-up 109,963 282,439 Excavators/FELs loading open pit ore to trucks 106,550 105,955 Hauling from Cal1 to ROM pad 12,352 9,748 Hauling from Wyo1 to ROM pad 6,575 20,604 Hauling from Wyo3 to ROM pad 5,689 266 Hauling from Cal 2 to ROM pad - 2,437 Unloading ROM to ROM stockpiles 355 353 FEL unloading ROM from stockpiles to ROM bin 355 353 Primary Crushing 24,135 24,000 Conveying to Screen Building 46 46 Unloading ore from conveyor to Screen Building 355 353 Screening 1,508 1,500 Conveying oversized material to Crushing Building 46 46 Unloading oversized ore from conveyor to Crushing 101 101 Building Secondary Crushing 68,784 68,400 Conveying oversized material to Screen Building 46 46 Conveying undersized material to Surge Bin 27 27 Unloading undersized ore from conveyor to Surge Bin 5 5 Conveying undersized material to ball mill 44 44 Unloading undersized ore from conveyor to ball mill 18 18 Rehabilitation Dozer operation 3,861 3,861 Wind Erosion WRE areas 223,730 230,901 RSF 51,824 51,824 Open cuts 198,677 225,663 ROM stockpiles 1,402 27,349 Grading Grading roads 86,264 86,264 Total 1,120,458 1,242,865 Source: Modified after PEL 92015) – Table 4.1

PEL (2015) identifies the principal cause for the projected increase in TSP emissions as due to the more than doubling of anticipated dozer hours. For a more detailed review of the TSP emission inventory, including assumption and emissions factors used, refer to PEL (2015).

A comparison of total TSP emissions indicates an approximately 11% increase in emissions as a consequence of the Proposed Modification. Considering this increase, PEL (2015) reference the observation (from numerous similar assessments) that increases in total emissions of less

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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD Report No. 616/25 Tomingley Gold Mine than 20% have a negligible impact on the ground level concentrations recorded at the assessed sensitive receptors. Therefore, based on this small increase in total TSP emissions when compared to an equivalent scenario of PAEH (2011), PEL (2011) concludes that the Proposed Modification would be unlikely to have a significant effect on emissions received at surrounding receivers nor result in exceedances of the air quality criteria for annual average PM10, TSP or dust deposition.

4.5 REHABILITATION, FINAL LANDFORM AND LAND USE

4.5.1 Introduction

Section 2.7 reviews the proposed rehabilitation of the Mine Site in light of the proposed modifications. This section considers the implications of the nominated changes to the final landform on the established rehabilitation and land use objectives approved by PA 09_0155 and consolidated within the MOP (and Rehabilitation Management Plan) for the Mine.

4.5.2 Performance Evaluation against Rehabilitation Objectives and Completion Criteria

Having commenced in January 2014, large areas of land have only recently become available for progressive rehabilitation. As a consequence, a complete evaluation of rehabilitation against the objectives and criteria of the MOP (namely Tables 14 to 16 of TGO/RWC, 2014) is not possible. The Applicant has remained cognisant of ensuring that rehabilitation planning remains central to overall mine scheduling and regularly reviews progress and plans with respect to rehabilitation.

As a result of these reviews of rehabilitation planning, the Applicant has identified that the (predominantly) alluvium and saprolite regolith material used to constructed the lower lifts of the waste rock emplacements is more dispersive and sodic than originally identified. The erosion potential, in the form of gully and tunnel formation, is consequently much higher than previously understood. This has the potential to compromise several of the rehabilitation objectives for the waste rock emplacement nominated in the MOP (Table 14 of TGO/RWC, 2014):  Stable and permanent landform established.  Soils, hydrology, and grassland / grassy woodland ecosystem with maintenance needs no greater than those of surrounding, non-mine disturbed land.  Final landform non-polluting.

Without review and modification to rehabilitation techniques on the waste rock emplacements, the achievement of critical performance criteria for the landform establishment and growth medium development phases of rehabilitation would be difficult to achieve. Table 24 reproduces the critical columns and rows of Table 16 (Measurement of Rehabilitation Performance) of the MOP.

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Table 24

Selected Rehabilitation Performance Indicators

Phase Objective Performance Performance Criteria Indicator Measure 2 – Landform Stable and permanent landform Suitable surface Surface water …… Establishment established water controls quality No identifiable installed and erosion or operating effectively sedimentation 3 – Growth Soils, hydrology, and Suitable surface Surface water ….. Medium grassland/grassy woodland water controls quality No identifiable Development ecosystem with maintenance needs installed and erosion or no greater than those of surrounding, operating effectively sedimentation non-mine disturbed land Source: Modified after TGO/RWC (2014) – Table 16

As discussed in Section 2.7.3, the Applicant has responded to identification of the heightened erosion potential of the waste rock emplacements and modified the design of drainage and other treatments to reduce the potential for erosion.

The Mine has not yet completed significant activities associated with rehabilitation phase 4 (ecosystem and land use development) to evaluate performance against revegetation and community establishment criteria.

4.5.3 Assessment of Impact

In assessing the impact of the Proposed Modification on Mine rehabilitation, final landform and land use, two critical factors have been assessed. 1. Where an agricultural land use is proposed, would the proposed modifications affect the likelihood of these areas being returned to the Agricultural Suitability Class that existed before mining commenced or better? A previous soil and land capability assessment of the Mine Site (SSM, 2011) determined the pre-mining land to be of Class 2 to 3, i.e. land suitable for regular cultivation with minor strategic works (Class 2) to intensive soil conservation measures (Class 3). 2. Where an ecological land use is proposed, would the proposed modifications affect the likelihood of these areas achieving the target vegetation community(s)? The Applicant has targeted the establishment of grassy woodland communities, with dominant canopy species being Inland Grey Box and Fuzzy Box.

Agricultural Land Use Of the areas of the final landform designated for a return to sustainable agriculture (refer to Figure 13), the only area to be altered by the Proposed Modification would be the Wyo3 Open Cut.

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On the basis that the void is completely backfilled, this would have a positive affect on the re- establishment of agricultural land by creating a contiguous area of flatter land on the western side of the Newell Highway. On the basis that any subsidence is identified and remediated prior to application of soils, there is no reason to suggest that the Proposed Modification would compromise the ability of the Applicant to achieve the rehabilitation criteria associated with the establishment of a suitable growth medium development or revegetation with suitable crop or pasture species.

Management for Biodiversity Conservation The features of the proposed final landform that would be modified by the Proposed Modification and are designated for a land use of passive biodiversity conservation are considered individually below.  Cal1 Open Cut (cutback). The cutback would have little to no influence on the approach to rehabilitation as this modification simply provides for a minor extension to the east in order to access additional ore reserves at the base of the eastern wall. Notably, no formal revegetation has been proposed for the completed open cuts, with reliance placed upon the natural encroachment from the vegetation communities established on the adjoining waste rock emplacements or remnant stands of native grassy woodland.  Cal2 Open Cut. A similar strategy to rehabilitation and revegetation would be applied to the Cal2 Open Cut (as to the other open cuts to remain as voids in the final landform). That is, no formal revegetation is proposed, rather, reliance is placed on the natural encroachment of vegetation from surrounding remnant and reinstated vegetation communities. Given the proximity of the Cal2 Open Cut to the remnant Belah Black Oak Western Rosewood Wilga Woodland community (Community 5 on Figure 16), and the Fuzzy Box Inland Grey Box grassy woodland to be established on WRE 3 (refer to Figure 13), it is considered likely that native grasses, shrubs and trees would establish within the final void over time.  WRE 3. The proposed modification is simply an extension of the waste rock emplacement already approved. On the basis of the implementation of the rehabilitation techniques described in Section 2.7.3 (and referenced again in Section 4.5.2) aimed at preventing erosion of the landform, the modification would not affect the likelihood of the Applicant successfully rehabilitating WRE 3 to achieve the rehabilitation closure criteria nominated in the MOP.  RSF (outer walls). The proposed downstream lift of the RSF would actually assist in achieving the nominated rehabilitation outcome, i.e. grassy woodland community. This would be achieved by providing for additional separation between the consolidated residue and root zone of the species included in the seed mix for revegetation. This would reduce the risk of deeper rooted species accessing the consolidated residue which could result in poisoning of vegetation.

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Overall, the proposed modifications are effectively extensions to current activities on the Mine Site and therefore, subject to the implementation of the rehabilitation procedures and strategies of the MOP, are unlikely to affect the likelihood of establishing Inland Grey Box Fuzzy Box woodland communities on the areas nominated for passive biodiversity conservation.

4.6 BIODIVERSITY

4.6.1 Introduction

As noted in Section 3.3.7, the development of the Cal2 Open Cut would result in a small (0.8ha) increase in disturbance to the Belah / Black Oak Western Rosewood Wilga Woodland (Community 5 on Figure 16). In order to ensure that this additional disturbance does not result in an unacceptable reduction in local biodiversity values, the Applicant engaged OzArk Environment & Heritage (OzArk) to review the quantum and quality of the vegetation to be disturbed and respond to the following key questions. 1. Does the vegetation community to be cleared have any specific conservation significance which would constrain the proposed disturbance? 2. Would any threatened species be further adversely affected as a result of this clearing? 3. Does the existing and approved biodiversity offset, in the form of a Conservation PVP between the Applicant and Local land Services, adequately offset the additional disturbance? 4. Are any specific management measures, other than those incorporated in the Mine Biodiversity Management Plan, required to mitigate the impact of the proposed clearing? The review of OzArk is provided in full as Appendix 6, with the following subsections summarising this assessment as well as providing contextual information on local setting and ongoing biodiversity management.

4.6.2 Local Setting

4.6.2.1 Vegetation and Threatened Flora

The Mine Site primarily (90%) occurs within the Floodplain Transition Woodlands vegetation formation, with restricted areas where elevated red gravel ridges occur more closely associated with Western Peneplain Woodlands.

Approximately 82.5% of the Mine Site had been cleared prior to the construction phase of the project as a result of European occupation, grazing and cropping. The areas of remnant native vegetation were generally associated with Crown Land paper road easements and land unsuitable for cultivation.

The dominant canopy species are Inland Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa), Fuzzy Box (Eucalyptus conica), Belah (Casuarina cristata), Western Rosewood (Alectryon oleifolius),

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White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) and Bimble Box (Eucalyptus populnea), with groundcover of generally poor diversity and structural complexity and very low levels of natural recruitment due to continuous grazing pressure from sheep.

Considering the description of vegetation communities described by the BioBanking Assessment Methodology five native vegetation communities have been mapped within the Mine Site as follows.  Community 1: Benson 76 – Inland Grey Box – Poplar Box – White Cypress Pine tall woodland on red loams (six remnants totalling 36.9ha). This community is a variant of the NSW Inland Grey Box Woodland Endangered Ecological Community (EEC).  Community 2: Benson 78 – River Red Gum riverine woodland forest (several small remnants along Gundong Creek totalling 13.1ha).  Community 3: Benson 201 – Fuzzy Box – Inland Grey Box on alluvial brown soils (five main remnants totalling 6.0ha). This community is a variant of a Fuzzy Box on alluvials EEC.  Community 4: Benson 56 – Poplar Box – Belah woodland on clay alluvial plains (one remnants totalling 4.9ha).  Community 5: Benson 57 – Belah / Black Oak Western Rosewood, Wilga Woodland (two remnants totalling 52.3ha).

The remainder of the Mine Site comprised either a small (0.7ha) area of planted Mugga Ironbarks or cleared and farmed land dominated by exotic pasture. Figure 16 identifies the mapped occurrences of these vegetation communities along with the estimated areas of disturbance required for the approved Mine (22.3 ha).

No threatened flora species have been identified or are considered likely to occur on the Mine Site (OzArk, 2011a).

4.6.2.2 Threatened Fauna

The remnant native vegetation, and cleared agricultural lands, provides habitat to a number of terrestrial and arboreal fauna. In total 134 species (123 native and 11 introduced) have been observed. Of these, seven are listed as threatened under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and/or the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), with one further species is listed as a migratory species of significance under the EPBC Act.  Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis - eastern subspecies) (Vulnerable (V) under the TSC Act);  Little Pied Bat (Chalinolobus pictatus) (V TSC Act);  Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii) (V TSC Act, V EPBC Act);  Eastern Bentwing Bat (Miniopterus (schreibersii) orianae oceanensis) (V SC Act);  Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides) (V TSC Act);

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 Spotted Harrier (Circus assimilis) (V TSC Act);  White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus) (V TSC Act); and  Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) (EPBC Act Migratory Species).

The most important habitat feature of the Mine Site to be disturbed or removed as a consequence of the Mine are hollow bearing tress as these provide roosting and nesting habitat for Grey-crowned Babbler, Little Pied Bat and Superb Parrot. The approved Mine requires the removal of approximately 400 trees, 32 of which are considered to be of high habitat value due to the presence of hollows suitable for roosting or nesting.

4.6.3 Proposed Modified Impacts

As identified on Figure 16, the Proposed Modification would increase the area of impact on Community 5 (Not an EEC) by 0.8ha. This would require the clearing of an additional 4 to 5 trees of low to moderate habitat value, i.e. with no hollows or hollows too small for roosting or nesting.

4.6.4 Biodiversity Management Measures

4.6.4.1 Introduction

Management of biodiversity at the Mine is undertaken in accordance with a Biodiversity Management Plan, most recently updated in June 2015, and follows the hierarchical approach of: 1. avoid; 2. minimise; 3. mitigate; 4. offset.

A copy of the Biodiversity Management Plan is provided as Appendix 7, with the following summarising the central and most significant features of biodiversity management.

4.6.4.2 Impact Avoidance and Minimisation

The initial disturbance footprint of the Cal2 Open Cut did not extend over Community 5. A review of the resource, and consideration of the susceptibility of the alluvium, saprolite and highly weathered waste rock which occurs in the upper 20m to 25m of the proposed open cut to slumping, requires an extension in the outer perimeter of the open cut. Further disturbance would be avoided by restricting access beyond the pit perimeter road.

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4.6.4.3 Impact Minimisation and Mitigation

The following operational safeguards, controls and management measures would continue to be followed to minimise and mitigate the unavoidable impacts associated with the increase in disturbance to native vegetation.

Native Flora Management Measures  Hollow bearing trees removed during clearing operations would continue to be used to enhance habitat complexity. These are placed within conserved remnants of native vegetation, areas to be replanted to extend these remnant and areas to be rehabilitated as native woodland. Where practical trees without hollows are used in stream or river works.  Seed collection for subsequent propagation and planting within the habitat enhancement or rehabilitation areas of the Mine Site and biodiversity offset area (refer to Section 4.6.4.4). Seeds would continue to be sourced entirely from within the Central West catchment and preferentially from the Mine Site and surrounds.  Implementation of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.  The Applicant would continue to promote of the natural regeneration of trees, shrubs and grasses within the Gundog Creek (a small man-made channel).  All clearing would continue to be undertaken only following completion of the TGO “Clearing Permit”, the template of which is attached in Appendix 2. Thus ensuring all clearing has been planned given consideration to TGO commitments prior to clearing works being undertaken.

Native Fauna Management Measures  Continued destocking of the Mine Site and Applicant owned land to encourage regeneration of native fauna habitat and occupation by native wildlife.  Enforcement of a maximum site speed limit of 40km/h to reduce the potential for road kill.  Education of all personnel as to the occurrence of nesting Grey-crowned Babblers on the Mine Site.  Engagement of a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist to inspect and supervise animal removal prior to felling of identified habitat trees. Tree felling is not undertaken during breeding season (between July to February) to reduce risk of impact to tree dependent microbats and birds, in particular the Grey-crowned babbler.

Additional management measures and procedures related to handling of animals, identification of threatened species, management and monitoring associated with cyanide containing tailings and specific habitat management for threatened species are further documented in the Biodiversity Management Plan.

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Weed Management A weed control program has been established at the Mine and focuses upon the removal of noxious weeds and reducing further weed invasion. The program identifies the noxious weeds present on the Mine Site, describes weed control strategies and identifies critical information to be recorded prior to and following weed spraying programs.

Vertebrate Pest Management Vertebrate pests that frequent the Mine Site and surrounding land include foxes, rabbits, hares and feral cats. Over abundant native herbivores, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, is also identified as a management issue although as of 2015, Eastern Grey Kangaroos are not considered a pest species.

A Site Specific Procedure is currently in development, in consultation with the Tomingley community, and will instruct the implementation of vertebrate pest monitoring, management and recording. Proximity to a township and farming properties will be considered during development of the vertebrate pest management procedure.

4.6.4.4 Biodiversity Offset Strategy

The Applicant has secured a biodiversity offset for the Mine through the preparation of a Conservation Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) under Part 4 of the Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NV Act) (see Figure 15). The Conservation PVP, signed with the Central West branch of Local Land Services, is placed on a register under the Real Property Act 1900 in accordance with Section 31(2)(b) of the NV Act.

Through the implementation of the Conservation PVP, the biodiversity offset is managed to comply with the following criteria.  The unambiguous principal objective of ongoing site management is biodiversity conservation.  Management is undertaken in accordance with a Plan of Management (the Biodiversity Management Plan).  Sufficient resourcing will be available to implement the Plan of Management over-time.  The arrangements are in-perpetuity, and conservation obligations are transparently transferred and disclosed to any new owners of the land through appropriate administrative procedures.  There are appropriate accountability mechanisms to secure the outcomes and these mechanisms cannot be altered without alternative and comparable offsetting arrangements being put in place.

The minimum offset requirements for the disturbance of the Mine were calculated by OzArk (2011a) using the BioBanking Assessment Methodology and formalised as Condition 3(33) of PA 09_0155. Table 25 identifies the minimum area of each vegetation type to be conserved and enhanced (with the actual area of the Conservation PVP included brackets).

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Table 25

Biodiversity Offset Requirements

Community Type Conserved (ha) Extension (ha) Inland Grey Box – Poplar Box – White Cypress Pine tall 21.1 (26.6) 21.5 (28.8) woodland on red loams (Benson 76) River Red Gum Riverine woodland forest (Benson 78) 13.1 ((9.9)1 13.5 (21.9) Fuzzy Box – Inland Grey Box on alluvial brown loam soils 5.0 (14.5) 26.0 (26.3) (Benson 201) Poplar Box – Belah woodland on clay alluvial plains 1.9 (2.0) 0 (Benson 56) Belah/ Black Oak Western Rosewood, Wilga Community 25.5 (27) 0 (Benson 57) TOTAL 66.6 (80.0) 61.0 (157.0) Note 1: No River Red Gum community will be disturbed with the areas of Condition 3(33) reflecting the originally proposed areas to be conserved and enhanced. Source: Condition 3(33) (Table 8) of PA 09_0155

4.6.5 Assessment of Impact

With respects to the four key questions referenced in the introduction to the section (Section 4.6.1), and the review of OzArk (see Appendix 6), the following assessment of impact on local biodiversity values is made.

1. Does the vegetation community to be cleared have any specific conservation significance which would constrain the proposed disturbance? The Belah/ Black Oak Western Rosewood, Wilga Community is not a listed EEC, nor is it considered over cleared within the Central West catchment since European settlement. It is therefore not identified as a ‘red flag’ community in accordance with the BioBanking Assessment Methodology. 2. Would any threatened species be further adversely affected as a result of this clearing? OzArk note that a number of threatened fauna species, notably Grey-crowned babbler (eastern sub-species), listed microbat species and Superb parrot have an association with this community type, either as nesting or feeding habitat. However, OzArk concludes that the additional impact (0.8ha) would not have a significant effect on the biodiversity value of the Mine Site, given the current vegetation enhancement activities being undertaken in accordance with a Biodiversity Management Plan and Conservation PVP which more than compensate for the removal of this community type. 3. Does the existing and approved biodiversity offset, in the form of a Conservation PVP between the Applicant and Local land Services, adequately offset the additional disturbance? OzArk has reviewed the existing Conservation PVP against the offsetting requirements for the Mine and concludes that the additional 0.8ha of CW105 would be more than adequately compensated for in the existing biodiversity offset area. It is noted that the Conservation PVP incorporates 1.5ha more of this community type (and 13.4ha more of all community types) than required by Condition 3(33) of PA 09_0155.

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4. Are any specific management measures, other than those incorporated in the Mine Biodiversity Management Plan, required to mitigate the impact of the proposed clearing? To ensure impacts on local biodiversity are not adversely affected by the Proposed Modification, OzArk reiterates the recommendations of previous assessments, which are now incorporated in the Biodiversity Management Plan, with specific emphasis on the completion of a pre-clearing assessment of the additional area. As recommended by OzArk, the Applicant would complete a preclearing assessment and if native fauna are observed, request further assessment and advice from OzArk or an alternative ecological consultancy.

On the basis of the above, the Proposed Modification is assessed as not having any significant (additional) impact on local biodiversity values, with the additional clearing adequately compensated for (offset) through the existing Conservation PVP.

4.7 VISUAL AMENITY

4.7.1 Introduction

As noted in Section 3.3.9, the Proposed Modification has the potential to impact upon visual amenity from vantage points surrounding the Mine Site. It should be noted that the Proposed Modification represents an extension of an existing feature of the Mine, which itself is now an established aspect of the local setting, rather than a new disturbance.

4.7.2 Design Features, Operational Controls and Mitigation Measures

The extension of WRE is the only feature of the Proposed Modification likely to result in a change to local visual amenity. The Proponent would implement the following measures to manage the impact of this modification on the visual amenity surrounding the Mine Site  Design of the outer slopes of WRE 3 with an angle no greater than 18°. This will promote the ready establishment of vegetation and reduce potential for erosion.  To minimise the period of exposure to operating equipment, the Proponent would construct the extension area of WRE 3 in the same manner as the northern section of WRE 2 (subject to this being safe to do so). That is, the outer (north facing) batter would be constructed initially, immediately profiled, respread with topsoil and sown with native pasture species. The remaining construction activities would be undertaken behind the slope of progressive lifts.  Progressive reshaping and rehabilitation of the completed outer slopes of WRE 3.  Implementation of the dust mitigation measures described in Section 4.4.3.  Selection and placement of permanent and temporary lights that:  are not directed towards, and therefore do not impact on the vision of motorists using, the Newell Highway;

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 do not point towards surrounding residences; and  minimise the ‘loom’ created by the lights.

The Proponent would also consider any reasonable request by a potentially affected resident for assistance to create a visual screen adjacent to their residence through planting of fast growing vegetation and/or landscaping, where such a screen would effectively reduce the visual impact of the Proponent’s activities during the life of the Project.

4.7.3 Assessment of Impact

Of the proposed modifications to the Mine, only the extension of WRE 3 to in-fill the areas currently designated for soil stockpiling is likely to be visible from surrounding vantage points. However, considering the remnant vegetation which remains at the southern edge of Tomingley village and along the northern boundary of the Mine Site (see Figures 14 and 16), views of this additional above ground disturbance would be obscured. Furthermore, as a relatively minor extension of a much larger feature of the modified environment, this additional area would be largely indistinguishable from the surrounding (approved) waste rock emplacement landform. Therefore, subject to the construction of the WRE 3 extension in accordance with the design specifications and management measures nominated in Section 4.7.2, this proposed modification would not have a noticeable effect on the local setting.

4.8 BLASTING (AIR OVERPRESSURE AND VIBRATION)

The monitoring records of the Applicant indicate that the implementation of the various design precautions, operational safeguards and management measures of the Mine Blast Management Plan have been effective in minimising the ground vibration and air overpressure from blasts. Ground vibration has been well below the nominated criteria of PA 09_0155 at surrounding residential receivers for all blasts and with limited exception, the air overpressure criteria of PA 09_0155 have been achieved at receivers surrounding the Mine Site (refer to Section 1.4.4.3). This record of compliance with blasting criteria reflects positively on the controls implemented by the Applicant in accordance with the Blast Management Plan.

MAC (2015) reviewed previous prediction of likely blast impacts and calculated that for blasts of MIC 68kg or less, compliance with blast criteria would likely be achieved up to a distance of 1 400m.

The record of compliance and predictions of MAC (2015) notwithstanding, the Applicant recognises that the blasts most likely to result in elevated overpressure and vibration levels are those taken close to surface and within new areas, i.e. the initial development of the Cal2 Open Cut. In recognition of this, the Applicant would initially undertake trial blasts within the Cal2 Open Cut, in accordance with the procedures of the Blast Management Plan. Blast size would be progressively increased as compliance with noise and vibration criteria is confirmed. By

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On the basis that blasting at the Mine has demonstrated compliance with air overpressure and ground vibration criteria, it is assessed that continued compliance is achievable subject to the continued implementation of the Blast Management Plan (which should be updated to reflect the modified approval and updated internal approval procedures).

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5. UPDATED STATEMENT OF COMMITMENTS

Since the completion of RWC (2010) and issue of PA 09_0155, the Applicant has prepared, implemented and in some cases updated a number of management plans with the objective of minimising and managing impacts on the local environment. As a consequence, many commitments included as Appendix 6 of PA 09_0155 are now incorporated into, and in some instances superseded by, the operational controls or management measures documented in the management plans. Furthermore, this Environmental Assessment provides for several additional commitments in relation to environmental management of the Mine. Table 26 provides an updated list of the commitments to environmental management applicable to the Mine, as currently operating and modified. Appendix 8 provides further detail on the changes made to the Statement of Commitments, incorporating strike-outs, colour coded new text and explanatory footnotes.

Table 26

Updated Statement of Commitments Page 1 of 7 Desired Outcome Action Timing 1. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGE MENT Compliance with all 1.1 Comply with all commitments recorded in Table 5.1 Continuous and as conditional (this table). required requirements in all 1.2 Comply with all conditional requirements included in Ongoing approvals, licences the: and leases.  PA 09_0155;  EPL 20169;  ML 1684; and  Groundwater licences. 1.3 Implement the following management plans; Ongoing  Mining Operations Plan (Rehabilitation Management Plan)  Cultural Heritage Management Plan  Water Management Plan  Noise Management Plan  Blast Management Plan  Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan  Biodiversity Management Plan  Traffic Management Plan  Hazardous Materials Management Plan  Pollution Incident Response Management Plan Compile relevant 1.4 Prepare monthly environmental management Monthly environmental data reports and upload to the Mine website. for publication 1.5 Incorporate relevant environmental data / Annual information in Annual Environmental Management Reports

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Table 26 (Cont’d)

Updated Statement of Commitments Page 2 of 7 Desired Outcome Action Timing 2. AREA OF ACTIVITIES All approved 2.1 Mark, and where appropriate, survey the Prior to the activities are boundaries of the areas of proposed disturbance on commencement of undertaken generally the Mine Site. the relevant activity in the location(s) 2.2 Mark, and where appropriate fence, boundaries Within 6 months of nominated on the relevant to the biodiversity offset strategy. approval of the figures shown in biodiversity offset Sections 2 and 4. strategy 3. OPERATING HOURS All operations are 3.1 Undertake all activities, where practicable, in Continuous and as undertaken within the accordance with the operating hours approved by required approved operating PA 09_0155. hours. 4. NOISE Noise generated by 4.1 Construct and maintain an acoustic and amenity Complete operational activities bund at the northern end of the Mine Site in does not exceed accordance with PA 09_0155 MOD 2. intrusiveness criteria 4.2 Implement noise mitigation and management Ongoing nor significantly measures in accordance with an approved Noise impacts on Management Plan (NMP). neighbouring landowners and/or residents. Noise generated by 4.3 Undertake noise monitoring in accordance with an As defined within the the Project is approved NMP. NMP monitored and 4.4 Implement procedures for response to real-time As required on procedures monitoring results. receipt of notification developed and 4.5 Complete annual noise compliance monitoring. Annual implemented to respond to ensure compliance is maintained. Noise complaints are 4.6 Ensure that a 24-hour complaints telephone line is Prior to the recorded and maintained and that the surrounding community is commencement of addressed in an made aware of the number. If noise-related activities on the Mine appropriate manner complaints are received. Site 4.7 Ensure that prompt action is taken to identify the Within 24 hours of nature of any complaint received and verify the receipt of complaint relevant noise levels using the real-time noise monitoring equipment. 5. SURFACE WATER Effective 5.1 Construct and maintain surface water management Ongoing management of the infrastructure of the Mine in accordance with an potential approved Water Management Plan (WMP). contamination and/or 5.2 Implement impact mitigation measures in As defined by the reduction in accordance with an approved WMP. WMP availability of surface 5.3 Undertake surface water monitoring in accordance water resources. As defined by the an approved WMP WMP

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Table 26 (Cont’d)

Updated Statement of Commitments Page 3 of 7 Desired Outcome Action Timing 5. SURFACE WATER (Cont’d) Design and construct 5.4 Ensure that all fuel and reagent storage, delivery Ongoing surface water and handling areas are appropriately sealed and management bunded and that overflow pipes are installed in a structures to prevent manner that would minimise the potential for the discharge of pollution in the event of overfilling. contaminated 5.5 Securely store all hydrocarbon and chemical Ongoing (hydrocarbon, products. cyanide, trace metals etc.) water from the 5.6 Ensure all hydrocarbon and chemical storage tanks Ongoing Mine Site are either self-bunded tanks or bunded with an impermeable surface and a capacity to contain a minimum 110% of the largest storage tank capacity. 5.7 Refuel all equipment within designated areas of the Ongoing Mine Site, where practicable.

5.8 Undertake all maintenance works involving Ongoing hydrocarbons, where practicable, within designated areas of the Mine Site such as the maintenance workshop. 5.9 Direct all water from wash-down areas and Ongoing workshops to oil/water separators and containment systems. 5.10 Construct the RSF in accordance with design specifications and have QA/QC assessment During site completed. establishment phase 5.11 Line the RSF and Raw Water Dam with compacted (prior to clay to achieve a permeability of 1 x 10-9m/s or less. commencement of 5.12 Provide for design specific freeboard within the RSF mining) and Raw Water Dam to prevent overtopping. 6. GROUNDWATER Effective 6.1 Remove water accumulating in the open cuts, Ongoing management of transfer to Dewatering Dams and use preferentially water dewatered for dust suppression activities. from the open cuts Effective 6.2 Implement impact mitigation measures in As defined by the management of the accordance with an approved Water Management Water Management potential Plan (WMP). Plan contamination and/or 6.3 Undertake the groundwater monitoring in reduction in accordance an approved WMP. availability of groundwater resources. Ensure the 6.4 Implement additional assessment, land owner As defined by the availability of notification and contingency or compensatory Water Management groundwater to measures in accordance with an approved Site Plan surrounding users is Water Management Plan. maintained.

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Table 26 (Cont’d)

Updated Statement of Commitments Page 4 of 7 Desired Outcome Action Timing

7. BIODIVERSITY Avoid, minimise, 7.1 Locate the Mine Site activities and infrastructure so Ongoing mitigate or offset as to avoid the majority of remnant native impacts (in that vegetation. Restrict disturbance of remnant native hierarchical order) on vegetation to (approximately): native vegetation  2.7ha (of 36.9ha) of Inland Grey Box – Poplar (including the two Box – White Cypress Pine tall woodland on red identified EECs), loams; native fauna (including threatened  0.9ha (of 30.9ha) of Fuzzy Box – inland Grey species) and their Box on alluvial brown loam soils; and habitat.  18.8ha (of 70.3ha) of Belah / Black Oak Western Rosewood Wilga woodland. 7.2 Implement the impact avoidance, minimisation, Ongoing mitigation and offset measures of an approved Biodiversity Offset Strategy and Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the Mine in consultation with the OEH and DPE. Offset residual 7.3 Implement the Conservation Property Vegetation In perpetuity impacts on native Plan, as agreed and signed between TGO and flora and fauna. Local Land Services – Central West. Rehabilitate 7.4 Complete rehabilitation in accordance with an Ongoing disturbed areas to approved Rehabilitation Management Plan (RMP) create a final or Mining Operations Plan (MOP). landform that maintains or improves biodiversity values of the Project Site.

8. ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Maintain Aboriginal 8.1 Implement the Cultural Heritage Management Plan Ongoing heritage values on for the Mine in consultation with OEH and DPE. site. Maintain Aboriginal 8.2 In the event the disturbance footprint changes, If the disturbance heritage values on ensure that appropriate consultation and field footprint changes site. survey is undertaken to confirm no sites or objects of Aboriginal heritage significance are impacted. 8.3 Ensure work in an area is suspended should any If a previously Aboriginal sites be uncovered. The OEH Western unidentified object or Regional Archaeologist (Dubbo Office) and local Aboriginal site is Aboriginal community will be contacted to discuss uncovered how to proceed.

9. NON ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Site activities are 9.1 Implement the Cultural Heritage Management Plan Ongoing undertaken to for the Mine in consultation with OEH and DPE. minimise impacts on non-Aboriginal heritage items.

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Table 26 (Cont’d)

Updated Statement of Commitments Page 5 of 7 Desired Outcome Action Timing

10. VISUAL AMENITY Limit the visibility of 10.1 Maintain vegetated amenity bunds in the following Ongoing operational areas locations. from nearby  Adjacent to the eastern and western boundary residences and the of the Newell Highway. Newell Highway.  To the north of the Caloma Open Cut.  To the south of the Wyoming One Open Cut.  to the north of Waste Rock Emplacement 2, 10.2 Construct and progressively rehabilitate the Waste Continuous for the Rock Emplacements in accordance with an life of the Project approved MOP (or Rehabilitation Management Plan). 10.3 Place and operate lighting on the Mine Site that: Continuous for the  are not directed towards, and therefore do not life of the Project impact on the vision of motorists using, the Newell Highway;  do not point towards surrounding residences; and  minimise the ‘loom’ created by the lights. 10.4 Provide for additional visual screening in response As required to reasonable and feasible request from surrounding land holders. 10.5 Maintain the Mine Site in a clean and tidy condition Continuous for the at all times. life of the Project 10.6 Implement commitments related to air emissions management.

11. AIR QUALITY Minimise impacts to 11.1 Undertake all surface disturbance, mining, Ongoing air quality relating to processing, transportation and other air emissions the Project. activities in accordance with an approved Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (AQGHGMP) for the Mine. Monitor and manage 11.2 Undertake air quality monitoring in accordance with As defined within the dust emissions. an approved AQGHGMP for the Mine. AQGHGMP 12. BLASTING AND VIBRATION Minimise impacts 12.1 Undertake blasting in accordance with an approved Ongoing from blasting on Blast Management Plan (BMP). surrounding 12.2 Ensure that all blasts are designed by a suitably Continuous for the receptors and qualified and experienced blasting engineer or shot- life of the Project infrastructure. firer.

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Table 26 (Cont’d)

Updated Statement of Commitments Page 6 of 7 Desired Outcome Action Timing

13. TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION Achieve safe and 13.1 Undertake all transport operations in accordance Ongoing efficient transport with an approved Traffic Management Plan (BMP). operations. 13.2 Enforce a Code of Conduct for all drivers for all During site heavy vehicles that travel to and from the Mine Site establishment regularly. The Code of Conduct will stipulate safe operations driving practices must be maintained at all times. 13.3 Investigate immediately any complaints received Continuous during and substantiated incidents acted on decisively, the life of the Project which could include the banning the offending driver(s) from the Mine Site. 13.4 Prepare an individual Traffic Control Plan for each As required over mass and over weight delivery. 14. SOILS AND LAND CAPABILITY Maintenance of soil 14.1 Strip soil material as nominated within an approved Ongoing value for MOP. rehabilitation and minimisation of soil loss through erosion. Create a final 14.2 Undertake final landform construction and Ongoing landform that is safe, rehabilitation in accordance with an approved RMP stable and is or MOP. amenable to a combination of agricultural and native flora/fauna conservation activities. 15. WASTE Manage waste 15.1 Maintain a register of the types and quantities of Ongoing appropriately on the wastes produced on the Mine Site. Mine Site. 15.2 Design and maintain storage areas to contain Ongoing spillages. 15.3 Segregate and retain recyclable and non-recyclable Ongoing waste in designated storage areas prior to removal from the Project Site. 15.4 Keep the Project Site in a clean and tidy condition. Ongoing 15.5 Ensure waste is regularly removed from the Project Ongoing Site by a licensed contractor.

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Table 26 (Cont’d)

Updated Statement of Commitments Page 7 of 7 Desired Outcome Action Timing 16. SOCIO ECONOMIC SETTING Maximise the positive 16.1 Engage the community surrounding the Project in Ongoing impacts and minimise regular dialogue in relation to the proposed and any actual or ongoing operation of the Project and maintain an perceived adverse “open door” policy for any member of the impacts on the social community who wishes to discuss any aspect of the fabric or facilities Project. available to the 16.2 Proactively and regularly consult with those Ongoing community residents most likely to be adversely impacted by surrounding the Mine the Project. Site. 16.3 Continue to support community organisations, Ongoing groups and events, as appropriate, and review any request by a community organisation for support or assistance throughout the life of the Project. 16.4 Advertise and maintain a community complaints Continuous for the telephone line. life of the Mine 16.5 Make available excess water from the water supply As feasible bores and pipeline to Narromine Shire Council for supply to the residents of Tomingley. 16.6 Ensure that infrastructure and services installed for Post-mining the Project, including the water supply bores and pipeline, electricity transmission line, appropriate buildings and hardstand areas, remain available for alternative uses following completion of the Project, provided that such uses are consistent with the final land uses identified in this document or any subsequent approval. 17. CONSULTATION Maintain ongoing 17.1 Maintain a Community Consultative Committee Within 6 months of consultation with the (CCC), including representative members of the receipt of project local community and community and Narromine Shire Council. approval Council. 17.2 Regularly brief the CCC on activities within the Mine Quarterly Site and seek feedback in relation to Project-related impacts whether real or perceived. Respond to 17.3 Maintain an environmental complaints line and Ongoing environmental register of complaints in accordance with the complaints. requirements of the Environment Protection Licence, once issued. 17.4 Respond promptly to any issue of concern or Ongoing complaint raised by the community or a government agency.

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6. EVAL U AT I O N AN D JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROPOSED MODIFICATIO N

6.1 INTRODUCTION

As a conclusion to the Environmental Assessment, the proposed modified operations of the Tomingley Gold Mine are evaluated against the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) in order to provide further guidance as to its acceptability and justified through consideration of its potential impacts on the environment and potential benefits to the local and wider community.

6.2 ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 6.2.1 Introduction Sustainable practices by industry, all levels of government and the community are recognised to be important for the future prosperity and well-being of the world. The principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) that have been recognised for over a decade were based upon meeting the needs of the current generation while conserving our ecosystems for the benefit of future generations. In order to achieve sustainable development, recognition needs to be placed upon the integration of both short-term and long-term environmental, economic, social and equitability objectives. In determining the proposed activities to modify, the Applicant has endeavoured to address each of the sustainable development principles. The following sub-sections draw together the features of the Proposed Modification that reflect the four principles of sustainable development, namely:  the precautionary principle;  the principle of social equity;  the principle of the conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity; and  the principle for the improved valuation and pricing of environmental resources.

6.2.2 The Precautionary Principle In order to satisfy this principle of ESD, emphasis must be placed on anticipation and prevention of environmental damage, rather than reacting to it. During the planning phase for the Proposed Modification, and throughout the preparation of the Environmental Assessment, the Applicant engaged specialist consultants to examine the existing environment, predict possible impacts and recommend controls, safeguards and/or mitigation measures in order to ensure that the level of impact satisfies statutory requirements or reasonable community expectations. Throughout the development of the Proposed Modification, the Applicant and its consultants have adopted an anticipatory approach to impacts by undertaking an analysis of the risks posed by activities of the Proposed Modification, an appropriate level of research and baseline investigations and environmental evaluation. The controls, safeguards and/or mitigation measures have therefore been planned with a comprehensive knowledge of the existing environment and the potential risk of environmental degradation posed by proposed modified activities.

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Examples of matters relating to the precautionary principle that were considered during the various stages of the Proposed Modification are listed below.

Identification of Project Objectives

The Proposed Modification has been designed with the principal objective of maximising the recovery of the Crowns resources while minimising any additional impacts on the local biophysical or socio-economic environment. The Applicant has demonstrated through comprehensive environmental assessment, consideration of feasible alternatives, and implementation of appropriate controls, safeguards and mitigation measures, that this objective can be achieved.

Design of Project Components

Noting the minor modifications to the impact footprint of the Mine, this assessment has demonstrated that impacts on the biophysical environment would be minor and either mitigated by management measures or offset in accordance with relevant NSW policy.

In particular, the following is noted.  The proposed modifications to the locations of mining and waste rock placement activities would be undertaken without any noticeable increase in noise and air emissions, when compared to those currently received at surrounding residences. Furthermore, the Applicant has used the assessment as an opportunity to identify additional emission controls and mitigation measures to be incorporated into the Mine Noise and Air Quality Management Plans. On the basis of the noise impact assessment, however, an increase in the noise criteria at several receivers is recommended.  The majority of the additional disturbance area, associated with the Cal2 Open Cut, occurs over cleared land. While this would involve a reduction in the area of the Mine Site available for agricultural activities at the completion of the Mine, the proposed backfilling of the Wyo3 Open Cut and return of this area to sustainable agriculture offsets this reduction.  A small area of Belah / Black Oak Western Rosewood, Wilga Woodland (0.8ha) would be cleared to allow for the development of the Cal2 Open Cut. This disturbance is offset, however, by the conservation of the same vegetation community type and community types of greater conservation significance within the existing biodiversity offset for the Mine (which exceeds the minimum requirement of PA 09_0155).  Changes to Mine layout would be imperceptible from most vantage points surrounding the Mine Site, resulting in no significant change to local visual amenity.

Integration of Safeguards and Procedures

The framework for ongoing environmental management, operational performance and rehabilitation of the Mine Site would continue to be provided by PA 09_0155 and be managed in accordance with approved management plans. The Mining Operations Plan for the Mine would be updated to reflect the Proposed Modification and would provide quantified goals for

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TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – MODIFICATION 3 Tomingley Gold Mine Report No. 616/25 rehabilitation of the Mine Site including performance criteria, monitoring methods and contingency actions to demonstrate achievement of these goals. Annual Environmental Management Reports would be prepared to report on the progress of the operation and provide an opportunity to review the effectiveness of the environmental management strategies adopted. In addition, the following safeguards and procedures would continue to be implemented at the Mine.

General Safeguards and Procedures  All on-site procedures would be regularly reviewed, particularly in light of monitoring results.

 Surface water, groundwater, noise, blasting, deposited dust, PM10 and TSP levels would be monitored in order to ensure the continued compliance with conditional requirements of PA 09_0155 of EPL 20169.

Noise and Blasting Related Safeguards and Procedures  Noise would continue to be managed in accordance with the Mine Noise Management Plan which will be reviewed and updated following the determination of the current application.  Meteorological forecasting would continue to be used to inform the planning of mining operations and any constraints which may be posed.  Real-time noise and meteorological monitoring would continue to be undertaken with feedback provided to ensure operations are managed to comply with noise criteria.  Blasting would continue to be managed in accordance with the Mine Blast Management Plan.

Surface Water Related Safeguards and Procedures  Wherever possible, areas not required for mining-related activities or not already disturbed by previous mining activities would remain vegetated to assist in minimising erosion and reducing the suspended sediment load in surface water flowing through the Mine Site.  Sediment control structures would be maintained to design capacities to ensure optimum settling rates.  An internal sediment basins dewatering system would be maintained, effectively increasing the storage capacities of the sediment basins.  Water collected in the Mine sediment basins, would be preferentially used for dust suppression.  The Mine Site would be effectively operated as a nil discharge site.

Air Quality Related Safeguards and Procedures  Vegetation clearing and soil stripping procedures would be implemented to ensure that dust emissions from these processes are minimised.

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 Dust suppressions activities would continue to be undertaken in accordance with the Mine Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan.  Meteorological forecasting would continue to be used to inform the planning of mining operations and any constraints which may be posed.  Real-time air quality and meteorological monitoring would continue to be undertaken in accordance with the Site Specific Procedures – Dust Control (see Appendix 5).

Biodiversity Related Safeguards and Procedures  Clearing of native vegetation would only be undertaken following the completion of an inspection in accordance with a Vegetation Clearance Protocol. Identification of native fauna would trigger the advice of a qualified ecologist or other suitably qualified person.  Management of flora and fauna on the Mine Site and within the approved biodiversity offset area would continue to be undertaken in accordance with the Mine Biodiversity Management Plan.

Visual Amenity Related Safeguards and Procedures  Where the use of lighting plants is required in locations visible from vantage points external to the Mine Site, lights would not shine above horizontal.  Design of the most prominent features of the Mine Site, namely the waste rock emplacements (including the extension to WRE 3), allows for revegetation by grass shrub and tree species.  Progressive rehabilitation would continue to be undertaken to mitigate the impact on the overburden emplacement when viewed from vantage points external to the Mine Site.  The Applicant would continue to respond to complaints raised in relation to visual amenity.

Rehabilitation and Subsequent Land Use

Long term adverse impacts on the local environment would be avoided through the design and rehabilitation of disturbed areas to a landform and vegetation structure equivalent to that outlined in Section 2.7 of this document.

As discussed in Section 4.5.3, the modifications proposed would not compromise the ability of the Applicant to restore areas designated for future agriculture to a Land Capability Class 2 or 3, nor prevent the establishment of native woodland and grassland communities over the remaining areas of the final landform.

Conclusion

The precautionary principle has been considered during all stages of the design and assessment of the Proposed Modification. The approach adopted, i.e. issue identification, impact identification, specialist investigations and safeguard design, provides a high degree of certainty that the Proposed Modification would not result in any major unforeseen impacts.

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6.2.3 Social Equity

Social equity embraces value concepts of justice and fairness so that the basic needs of all sectors of society are met and there is a fair distribution of costs and benefits to the community. Social equity includes for both inter-generational (between generations) and intra-generational (within generations) equity considerations.

Equity within generations requires that the economic and social benefits of the development be distributed appropriately among all members of the community. Equity between generations requires that the non-material well-being or “quality of life” of existing and future residents of the local community would be maintained throughout and beyond the life of the Mine.

As demonstrated throughout Section 4, the Proposed Modification would have little effect on those impacts of the Mine already approved. On this basis, it is not considered there would be any change to impacts on social equity of the Mine as a result of the Proposed Modification.

6.2.4 Conservation of Biological Diversity and Ecological Integrity

The protection of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological processes and systems are central goals of sustainability. It is important that developments do not threaten the integrity of the ecological system as a whole or the conservation of threatened species in the short- or long- term.

As identified in Section 3.3.7, Section 4.6 and Appendix 6, the minor increase in disturbance to remnant native vegetation:  would be to a community which is not a listed EEC nor of conservation significance (in accordance with the BioBanking Assessment methodology);  would not increase the risk of significant impact to any of the listed threatened fauna species observed on or surrounding the Mine Site; and  is adequately offset already by the established Conservation PVP, which incorporates a larger area of this and other vegetation communities of greater conservation significance than required by PA 09_0155.

Therefore, on the basis that the impact avoidance, mitigation and offset measures of the Mine Biodiversity Management Plan are implemented, the Proposed Modification would not result in any reduction in biodiversity values or ecological integrity.

6.2.5 Improved Valuation and Pricing of Environmental Resources

The issues that form the basis of this principle relate to the acceptance that the polluter pays, all resources are appropriately valued, cost-effective environmental stewardship is adopted and the adoption of user pays prices based upon the full life cycle of the costs.

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The value placed by the Applicant on environmental resources is evident in the identification of objectives, extent of site-specific research, planning and environmental safeguards and measures to be implemented to minimise additional impact to the environment on and surrounding the Mine Site. On balance, it is assessed that the Proposed Modification provides for the continued recovery of gold, while not significantly increasing impacts on the environment, and therefore this principle of ESD is achieved

6.2.6 Conclusion

The approach taken in planning for the Proposed Modification has been multi-disciplinary, involved consultation with potentially affected community and various government agencies. The emphasis has been on the application of appropriate safeguards to minimise potential environmental, social and economic impacts and it is concluded that the Mine would continue to achieve a sustainable outcome for the local and wider environment.

6.3 JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT

6.3.1 Introduction

This Environmental Assessment has been prepared to assist in the assessment of the likely environmental impacts associated with the Proposed Modification to PA 09_0155. The potential impacts have been identified and carefully assessed following consideration of the design features, operational controls and management measures currently in place or proposed.

On the basis of the assessment of each potential impact, the Proposed Modification can be justified as the residual impacts on the biophysical environment can be predicted and appropriately managed, socio-economic impacts would be generally positive and the consequences of not proceeding are considered more adverse than proceeding. Each of these factors in considered in the justification of the Proposed Modification are presented below.

6.3.2 Biophysical Considerations

While the Proposed Modification would result in an increase in the area of disturbance on the Mine Site (see Figure 4), the additional areas of disturbance are predominantly located on land previously cleared and used for agricultural activities. The increased disturbance footprint would initially reduce the area of the Mine Site available for future agricultural use. However, to offset this reduction, the Applicant would backfill the Wyo3 Open Cut and return an equivalent area of land to sustainable agriculture in the final landform.

A small area (0.8ha) of Belah / Black Oak Western Rosewood, Wilga Woodland would be disturbed by the development of the Cal2 open Cut and associated perimeter infrastructure. However, on review of the conservation significance of this vegetation community, importance

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An assessment of noise and air emissions from the Mine has confirmed that subject to the implementation of noise and air emission management measures, meteorological and emission forecasting, effective mine scheduling and planning, real-time monitoring and contingency management, the Proposed Modification should not increase the level of noise or concentration of dust received at surrounding receivers. It is noted, however, that noise levels currently received at several residences exceed existing criteria. On the basis of the implementation of all reasonable and feasible mitigation measures, including ‘at-receiver’ architectural noise attenuation treatments, and a progressive reduction in noise emissions from the Mine, it is considered reasonable that the noise criteria be increased at several receivers.

An assessment of water resources has confirmed that the proposed modifications to surface mining and other activities could be undertaken without increasing the risk of pollution to receiving land and water, subject to the construction and maintenance of new and modified surface water management controls. The resultant modification to Mine Site catchments would be very minor and of little consequence to the broader Gundong Creek and Bogan River catchments. With respect to groundwater resources, the addition of a fourth open cut (Cal2) and additional underground workings (CalUG) would not result in a reduction in the availability of groundwater resources to other groundwater users.

6.3.3 Socio-economic Considerations

On the basis that the Proposed Modification could be undertaken without increasing noise and air emissions received, and without noticeable impact to the visibility of the Mine Site, it would have little influence on the local socio-economic conditions of the village of Tomingley and surrounding region.

By incorporating additional open cut and underground resources into the Mine plan, the overall life of the Mine is likely to increase. To land owners and residents immediately surrounding the Mine Site, this could be viewed negatively as a perceived prolonging of the time over which they would be subject to the impacts of the Mine. However, it is noted that the Applicant will shortly complete a program to provide noise attenuation treatment to all house within the Tomingley village and on properties surrounding the Mine Site. Further, and as documented in Section 1.4, the Applicant has and continues to consult with local residents and implement reasonable and feasible improvements to operations to reduce noise and air emissions. It is also noted that the extended life of the Mine would largely revolve around the mining of underground resources, a period during which surface landforms would continue to be rehabilitated. Underground mining is a far less intrusive form of mining, illustrated by the difference between the predicted noise levels of Scenario 2 (surface mining of Cal2 and Wyo1 Open Cuts) and Scenario 4 (underground mining only).

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The extended life of the Mine would have a benefit to many in the local and wider community as a result of:  continued employment of local residents;  continued expenditure of Mine personnel in commercial facilities of Tomingley and other towns;  continued contribution to the Narromine Shire economy through payment of contributions (of a Voluntary Planning Agreement) and rates; and  the indirect flow-on benefits associated with the afore-mentioned injection of money stimulates.

Therefore, noting the extended life of the Mine is likely to be less intrusive on local amenity than current surface mining operations, with the economic benefits of the Mine to continue, it is considered that on balance the Proposed Modification would provide for a net socio-economic benefit.

6.3.4 Consequence of Not Proceeding

Should, the Proposed Modification not proceed, the minor and temporary impacts on the biophysical environment noted above would not eventuate. In determining this, it is noted that the continued operation of the Mine (as currently approved) is already impacting on the local biophysical environment.

However, should the Proposed Modification not proceed, there is the potential that:  the known gold resources would not be completely exploited, with these resources potentially sterilised;  the reduced ore recovery may impact on the life of mine and therefore the overall contribution of the Mine to the local, regional and state economies;  the opportunity to formalise additional noise and air mitigation measures would be lost; and  the ongoing contribution to the economies of Tomingley, Narromine Shire, Dubbo City, NSW and Australia would be curtailed.

6.3.5 Conclusion

On consideration of the above, the Proposed Modification would provide for an increase in recovery of gold resources, thereby extending the life of the Mine and the contributions made to the local, regional and NSW economies. This increase in gold recovery could be undertaken without significantly increasing the impact of the Mine on noise, air quality, biodiversity, agricultural land or water resources. On balance, therefore, the benefits of the Proposed Modification more than compensate for the minor and temporary impacts that might result.

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7. REFERENCE

Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) (2008). Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction, Vol. 2C, DECC, NSW, Sydney.

Environment Protection Authority (EPA) (2000). The NSW Industrial Noise Policy.

GHD Pty Ltd (GHD) (2015a). Tomingley Gold Operations Independent Environmental Audit Report, June 2015.

GHD Pty Ltd (GHD) (2015b). Tomingley Gold Operations Modification 3 Water Resources Assessment, November 2015.

GHD Pty Ltd (in prep.). Draft Tomingley Gold Operations Water Management Plan.

Graeme Campbell & Associates Pty Ltd (GCA) (2011). Tomingley Gold Project: Kinetic- Testing of Tailings-Solids Samples. Report to Alkane Resources Ltd, 4th April 2011.

Landcom (2004). Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction, Vol. 1 2nd eds, Landcom, NSW, Sydney.

Muller Acoustic Consulting (MAC) (2015). Noise and Blasting Assessment. Tomingley Gold Mine, Modification 3. 5 November 2015. Prepared for: RW Corkery and Co Pty Limited

Noise and Sound Services (NSS) (2015). Noise Compliance Report At:- Tomingley Gold Project Tomingley, NSW 2869. October 2015 (Report No. nss22290 – Final). Prepared at the request of: - Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Ltd.

OzArk Environmental and Heritage Management Pty Limited (OzArk) (2011a). Ecology Assessment for the Tomingley Gold Project. Volume 1, Part 4 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium.

OzArk Environmental and Heritage Management Pty Limited (OzArk) (2011b). Cultural Heritage Assessment for the Tomingley Gold Project. Volume 2, Part 5 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium.

Pacific Environment Limited (PEL) (2015). Tomingley Gold Mine Modification – Air Quality. Letter report to RW Corkery & Co. Pty Limited.

PAEHolmes (2011). Air Quality Assessment for the Tomingley Gold Project. Volume 2, Part 6 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium. Pells Sullivan Meynink (PSM) (2014). Geotechnical Assessment of the Caloma Open Cut. Pells Sullivan Meynink (PSM) (2015). Tomingley Gold Operations WRE Drainage Design (PSM2460-024R Rev1) August 2015. Proactive Mining Solutions (PMS) (2015). Tomingley Gold Operations Wyoming 3 Optimisation Study (October 2015).

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R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited (RWC) (2011). Tomingley Gold Project Environmental Assessment, November 2011. Strategic Environmental and Engineering Consultants (SEEC) (2011). Surface Water Assessment for the Tomingley Gold Project. Volume 1, Part 2 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium.

SLR Consulting (2011). – Noise and Blasting Assessment for the Tomingley Gold Project. Volume 1, Part 1 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium.

The Impax Group (2011). Groundwater Assessment for the Tomingley Gold Project. Volume 1, Part 3 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium.

Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Ltd (TGO) (2014). Site Specific Procedure – Dust Control, January 2014.

Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Ltd (TGO) / R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited (RWC) (2014). Second Mining Operations Plan for the Tomingley Gold Mine: 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2021 (incorporating a Rehabilitation Management Plan).

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