DOCSLIB.ORG

Hg 9 D R O 2003 G E S Ol Ie Og Ser Ical Record

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Hg 9 D R O 2003 G E S Ol Ie Og Ser Ical Record MINE VOID WATER RESOURCE ISSUES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA H Y HG 9 D R O 2003 G E S OL IE OG SER ICAL RECORD Water and Rivers Commission MINE VOID WATER RESOURCE ISSUES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA by S. L. JOHNSON AND A. H. WRIGHT Water and Rivers Commisson Resource Science Division WATER AND RIVERS COMMISSION HYDROGEOLOGICAL RECORD SERIES REPORT NO. HG 9 2003 Recommended reference JOHNSON, S.L and WRIGHT, A.H., 2003, Mine void water resource issues in Western Australia: Western Australia, Water and Rivers Commission, Hydrogeological Record Series, Report HG 9, 93p. Copies available from: Resource Science Division Water and Rivers Commission 3 Plain Street EAST PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6004 Telephone (08) 9278 0300 Facsimile (08) 9278 0586 We welcome your feedback: A publication feedback form can be found http://www.wrc.wa.gov.au/public/feedback/ ISBN 1-920687-91-2 ISSN 1329-542X April 2003 Cover Photograph: Abandoned opencut mine at Mt Magnet gold operations (Case Study 10) containing a pit lake of brackish groundwater. Acknowledgments This report is based exclusively on the draft report The Pilbara Iron Ore Environmental Committee titled ‘Impact of mine voids on the groundwater (PIEC) should be acknowledged for the preparation resources in WA’. After discussions with of the information paper on ‘Mining below the stakeholders, it was decided that the draft report watertable in the Pilbara’. That paper was the first required condensing and editing before publication. attempt by Government to outline the environmental issues associated with mining below the watertable, The authors would like to thank staff from the mining and the potential impacts that require addressing companies who contributed advice and information during the environmental impact assessment process. used in the preparation of this report. Most of the Special thanks are due to Golder Associates, information used is from mining company literature particularly John Waterhouse, for providing most of provided by BHP Iron Ore, Centaur Mining, the technical content in the information paper. Hamersley Iron, Hope Downs Management Services, Iluka Resources, Mt Magnet Gold, Placer (Granny Groundwater consultants, on behalf of mining Smith), Plutonic Resources, Straits Resources and companies, have completed hundreds of WMC Resources. It should be noted that all hydrogeological reports throughout the State dealing interpretations and opinions in the report are those of with groundwater investigations, monitoring and the authors and may not reflect those of the predictive modelling for mine closure. The authors respective mining companies. would like to recognise the tremendous contribution and volume of information that the various The support and assistance of the Environmental groundwater consultants have generated. Branch within the Department of Industry and Resources, and in particular of Bill Biggs, was Many people assisted in the successful completion of crucial in the development and initiation of this this study and all who contributed are thanked for project. their efforts. Special thanks to Kerryn Prosser for her efforts in figure compilation. Contents Executive Summary 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................1 1.1 Background.....................................................................................................................1 1.2 Scope and purpose ..........................................................................................................4 2 The mine void issue ........................................................................................5 2.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................5 2.2 Hydrochemical evolution of pit lakes ..................................................................................5 2.2.1 Salinisation .............................................................................................................6 2.2.2 Acidification............................................................................................................6 2.3 Types of mine voids..........................................................................................................9 2.4 Environmental consequence of mine voids.........................................................................10 2.4.1 Reducing the beneficial use of water resources..........................................................10 2.4.2 Extent of environmental impacts...............................................................................10 2.4.3 The time factor ......................................................................................................10 2.4.4 Cumulative impacts ................................................................................................11 2.4.5 Health and safety issues .........................................................................................11 2.4.6 Environmental disturbance ......................................................................................11 3 Regional characterisation of mine voids ..........................................................12 3.1 Kimberley......................................................................................................................14 3.2 Canning........................................................................................................................14 3.3 Pilbara..........................................................................................................................15 3.4 Carnarvon.....................................................................................................................15 3.5 Ashburton .....................................................................................................................16 3.6 Murchison–Northern Goldfields .......................................................................................16 3.7 Goldfields .....................................................................................................................17 3.8 Desert...........................................................................................................................17 3.9 Southwest......................................................................................................................17 4 Post-mining options with mine voids ...............................................................19 4.1 Open void.....................................................................................................................19 4.2 Mining-waste storage .....................................................................................................19 4.2.1 Waste-rock storage ................................................................................................20 4.2.2 Tailings storage .....................................................................................................20 4.3 Water storage................................................................................................................20 4.3.1 Storage of dewatering discharge .............................................................................20 4.3.2 Diversion and capture of surface water ....................................................................21 5 Mine voids and the mine approval process......................................................22 5.1 Current regulatory framework..........................................................................................22 5.1.1 Mining Act 1978 ...................................................................................................22 5.1.2 Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914...................................................................22 5.1.3 Environmental Protection Act 1986 ..........................................................................22 5.2 Current approval process ................................................................................................22 5.3 Mine closure considerations ............................................................................................23 6 The way forward with mine voids and pit lakes ...............................................25 6.1 Final void management...................................................................................................25 6.2 Considerations in guideline development ..........................................................................25 6.3 Groundwater information requirements.............................................................................26 6.3.1 Before mining........................................................................................................26 6.3.2 Commencement of mining.......................................................................................27 6.3.3 Cessation of mining ...............................................................................................28 7 Conclusions .................................................................................................29 8 References ...................................................................................................30 Figures 1. Mine voids — an integral part of both mining operations and rehabilitation..............................2 2. Distribution of mine voids in Western Australia.......................................................................3 3. Chemical
Load more

Recommended publications
  • September Shire of Roebourne Local Planning Strategy Evidential Analysis Paper: (Major Industry Projects)
    September Shire of Roebourne Local Planning Strategy Evidential Analysis Paper: (Major Industry Projects) Shire of Roebourne – Economic Development Strategy Preliminary Paper Version Control Document History and Status Status Issued To Qty Date Reviewed Approved Draft MP 1 23/4/13 Report Details Name: Author: Client: Name of doc: Doc version: Project number: P85029 SM Shire of Shire of Roebourne Electronic Draft 85029 MPD Roebourne – Local Planning P1263 SM Strategy 3103 PS Disclaimer: If you are a party other than the Shire of Roebourne, MacroPlan Dimasi: owes you no duty (whether in contract or in tort or under statute or otherwise) with respect to or in connection with the attached report or any part thereof; and will have no liability to you for any loss or damage suffered or costs incurred by you or any other person arising out of or in connection with the provision to you of the attached report or any part thereof, however the loss or damage is caused, including, but not limited to, as a result of negligence. If you are a party other than the Shire of Roebourne and you choose to rely upon the attached report or any part thereof, you do so entirely at your own risk. The responsibility for determining the adequacy or otherwise of our terms of reference is that of the Shire of Roebourne. The findings and recommendations in this report are given in good faith but, in the preparation of this report, we have relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, the accuracy, reliability and completeness of the information made available to us in the course of our work, and have not sought to establish the reliability of the information by reference to other evidence.
    [Show full text]
  • Mineral Facilities of Asia and the Pacific," 2007 (Open-File Report 2010-1254)
    Table1.—Attribute data for the map "Mineral Facilities of Asia and the Pacific," 2007 (Open-File Report 2010-1254). [The United States Geological Survey (USGS) surveys international mineral industries to generate statistics on the global production, distribution, and resources of industrial minerals. This directory highlights the economically significant mineral facilities of Asia and the Pacific. Distribution of these facilities is shown on the accompanying map. Each record represents one commodity and one facility type for a single location. Facility types include mines, oil and gas fields, and processing plants such as refineries, smelters, and mills. Facility identification numbers (“Position”) are ordered alphabetically by country, followed by commodity, and then by capacity (descending). The “Year” field establishes the year for which the data were reported in Minerals Yearbook, Volume III – Area Reports: Mineral Industries of Asia and the Pacific. In the “DMS Latitiude” and “DMS Longitude” fields, coordinates are provided in degree-minute-second (DMS) format; “DD Latitude” and “DD Longitude” provide coordinates in decimal degrees (DD). Data were converted from DMS to DD. Coordinates reflect the most precise data available. Where necessary, coordinates are estimated using the nearest city or other administrative district.“Status” indicates the most recent operating status of the facility. Closed facilities are excluded from this report. In the “Notes” field, combined annual capacity represents the total of more facilities, plus additional
    [Show full text]
  • Of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. EPA
    FORM REFERRAL Referral of a Proposal by the Proponent to the Environmental Protection Authority under PROPONENT Section 38(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. EPA PURPOSE OF THIS FORM Section 38(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act) provides that where a development proposal is likely to have a significant effect on the environment, a proponent may refer the proposal to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for a decision on whether or not it requires assessment under the EP Act. This form sets out the information requirements for the referral of a proposal by a proponent. Proponents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the EPA’s General Guide on Referral of Proposals [see Environmental Impact Assessment/Referral of Proposals and Schemes] before completing this form. A referral under section 38(1) of the EP Act by a proponent to the EPA must be made on this form. A request to the EPA for a declaration under section 39B (derived proposal) must be made on this form. This form will be treated as a referral provided all information required by Part A has been included and all information requested by Part B has been provided to the extent that it is pertinent to the proposal being referred. Referral documents are to be submitted in two formats – hard copy and electronic copy. The electronic copy of the referral will be provided for public comment for a period of 7 days, prior to the EPA making its decision on whether or not to assess the proposal. CHECKLIST Before you submit this form, please check that you have: Yes No Completed all the questions in Part A (essential).
    [Show full text]
  • Engineering & Mining Journal
    Know-How | Performance | Reliability With MineView® and SmartFlow® Becker Mining Systems offers two comprehensive and scalable data management solutions for your Digital Mine. MineView® is a powerful state-of-the-art 3D SCADA system, that analyses incoming data from various mine equipment and visualises it in a 3D mine model. SmartFlow® takes Tagging & Tracking to a new level: collected asset data is centrally processed and smart software analytics allow for process optimization and improved safety. MINEVIEW BECKER MINING SYSTEMS AG We have been at the forefront of technology in Energy Distribution, Automation, Communication, Transportation and Roof Support since 1964. Together with our customers we create and deliver highest quality solutions and services to make operations run more profi tably, reliably and safely. For more information go to www.becker-mining.com/digitalmine Becker Mining is a trademark of Becker Mining Systems AG. © 2018 Becker Mining Systems AG or one of its affi liates. DECEMBER 2018 • VOL 219 • NUMBER 12 FEATURES China’s Miners Promote New Era of Openness and Cooperation Major reforms within the mining sector and the government will foster green mines at home and greater investment abroad ....................................42 Defeating the Deleterious Whether at the head of a circuit or scavenging tailings, today’s flotation innovations address challenges presented by declining grades, rising costs and aging plants ..................................................................................52 Staying on Top of
    [Show full text]
  • Olympic Dam Desalination Plan Asset Management Plan
    Application for a Drinking Water Services Licence Licence Summary Western Australia Iron Ore Newman For publication December 2020 Page 1 of 11 ERA Water Services Licence Application Summary Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION 3 2.0 APPLICATION INFORMATION – NEW WATER LICENCE 4 2.1 Applicant Details 4 2.2 Proposed Licence Services 5 3.0 CORPORATE INFORMATION 5 4.0 FINANCIAL 6 5.0 TECHNICAL INFORMATION 6 5.1 Location and Supply Area 6 5.2 Drinking Water Assets 8 5.3 Asset Management System 8 5.4 Drinking Water Quality Management Plan 9 5.5 Customer Contracts and Services Information 9 5.6 Water Ombudsman 9 5.7 Additional Regulatory Approvals and other Regulatory Requirements 9 5.8 Relevant Experience of the Applicant 9 6.0 PUBLIC INTEREST CONSIDERATIONS 10 6.1 Environmental Considerations 10 6.1.1 Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914: Ground Water Abstraction Licence 10 6.2 Public Health Considerations 10 6.2.1 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 10 6.2.2 Drinking Water Source Protection Plan 11 6.2.3 Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting 11 6.2.4 Health Act 1911: Poisons Permit 11 BHP Western Australia Iron Ore Page 2 of 11 ERA Water Services Licence Application Summary 1.0 INTRODUCTION Prior to normalisation of Newman in 1990, water supply, power, sewerage and municipal services (roads, drainage, garbage collection etc.) were provided by the mining company BHP, in accordance with Iron Ore (Mount Newman) Agreement Act 1964 (WA). Historically, Newman has provided accommodation for employees and families of BHP Billiton, as well as contracting companies and service providers that supported BHP's capacity to service its mining operations in the Newman area.
    [Show full text]
  • The Mineral Industry of Australia in 2008
    2008 Minerals Yearbook AUSTRALIA U.S. Department of the Interior August 2010 U.S. Geological Survey THE MINERAL INDUS T RY OF AUS T RALIA By Pui-Kwan Tse Australia was one of the world’s leading mineral producing and the Brockman iron project in the Pilbara region of Western countries and ranked among the top 10 countries in the world Australia (Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource in the production of bauxite, coal, cobalt, copper, gem and Economics, 2009a). near-gem diamond, gold, iron ore, lithium, manganese ore, tantalum, and uranium. Since mid-2008, the global financial Minerals in the National Economy crisis had sharply weakened world economic activities, and the slowdown had been particularly pronounced in the developed Australia’s mining sector contributed more than $105 billion countries in the West. Emerging Asian economies were also to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), or 7.7% of the adversely affected by the sharply weaker demand for exports GDP during fiscal year 2007-08. In 2008, the mining sector and tighter credit conditions. After a period of strong expansion, employed 173,900 people who worked directly in mining and an Australia’s economic growth decreased by 0.5% in the final additional 200,000 who were involved in supporting the mining quarter of 2008. Overall, Australia’s economy grew at a rate activities. Expectations of sustained levels of global demand for of 2.4% during 2008. During the past several years, owing to minerals led to increased production of minerals and metals in anticipated higher prices of mineral commodities in the world Australia, and the mineral industry was expected to continue markets, Australia’s mineral commodity output capacities to be a major contributor to the Australian economy in the next expanded rapidly.
    [Show full text]
  • The Mineral Industry of Australia in 2007
    2007 Minerals Yearbook AUSTRALIA U.S. Department of the Interior December 2009 U.S. Geological Survey THE MINERAL INDUS T RY OF AUS T RALIA By Pui-Kwan Tse Australia was one of the world’s leading mineral producing Constitution belong to the States and Territories. All powers that countries and ranked among the top 10 countries in the world in relate to mineral resources and their production belong to the the production of bauxite, coal, cobalt, copper, gem and near- States and Territories. Except for the Australian Capital Territory gem diamond, gold, iron ore, lithium, manganese ore, tantalum, (that is, the capital city Canberra and its environs), all Australian and uranium. Reflecting an increase in world demand for States and Territories have identified mineral resources and mineral commodities, the Australian economy grew at a rate of established mineral industries. 3.9% during 2007. Owing to anticipated higher prices of mineral The Mineral Council of Australia (MCA) urged the Federal commodities in the world markets, the Australian economy Government to establish a nationwide project approval process continued expanding and, as a result, surplus productive that would be consistent across all jurisdictions to reduce capacity was expected in the future. Owing to an increase in regulatory burdens that were affecting the mineral sector. In domestic demand and a tightening in the labor market, the addition, 10 principal statutes govern occupational health and consumer price index increased by 4.2% in 2007. safety in Australia, and, according to the MCA, this multilayer Australia’s total mineral exploration spending, excluding regulatory regime imposes a significant administrative burden petroleum, was $1,751.9 million (A$2,061.1 million) in 2007.
    [Show full text]
  • Hamersley HMS Pty Limited Baby Hope Mine Closure Plan
    Hamersley HMS Pty Limited Baby Hope Mine Closure Plan Mineral Field 47 – West Pilbara FDMS No. RTIO-HSE-0245210 17 August 2015 Contact details: Kirsty Beckett Hamersley HMS Pty Limited 152 – 158 St Georges Terrace, Perth GPO Box A42, Perth, WA 6837 T: +61 8 6213 0468 [email protected] http://www.riotinto.com Baby Hope Mine Closure Plan August 2015 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Overview Hope Downs 1 South West Marra Mamba deposit (Baby Hope) comprises a series of open cut iron ore pits located immediately to the south of the existing Hope Downs 1 mining operations (HD1). The deposit is located in the eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 75 km north-west of Newman and will be developed using conventional drill-and-blast and load-and-haul mining methods. Ore will be processed at HD1. HD1 and Baby Hope are managed by Hamersley HMS Pty Limited (Hamersley HMS), which is a member of the Rio Tinto group (Rio Tinto). Scope This closure plan has been prepared to support the Baby Hope Area referral under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act). This closure plan is designed to address the closure requirements for the Baby Hope deposit and associated infrastructure. Closure is assumed to include progressive rehabilitation that will occur throughout the life of the mine. The goal of mine closure is to relinquish the site to the Government. This closure plan has been developed to meet the requirements of the joint Office of the Environmental Protection Authority / Department of Mines and Petroleum Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans (2015) 1 (Closure Guidelines).
    [Show full text]
  • Notice of Meeting for Approval of the Proposed Transaction with BBIG
    30 January 2020 ASX ANNOUNCEMENT Notice of Meeting for approval of the Proposed Transaction with BBIG Flinders Mines Limited (ASX:FMS) (Flinders) is pleased to announce the release of the attached notice of meeting, including an explanatory memorandum and independent expert's report (Notice of Meeting) in respect of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to consider the proposed transaction with BBI Group Pty Ltd (BBIG) to form an incorporated joint venture for the development of Flinders' Pilbara Iron Ore Project (PIOP), as announced on 28 November 2019 (Proposed Transaction). The Proposed Transaction represents the outcome of extensive commercial negotiations conducted by the Company’s independent PIOP Infrastructure Committee with BBIG to provide an infrastructure solution, facilitate the development of the PIOP and provide a pathway to market. Vote in favour of the Proposed Transaction The Independent Flinders Directors (Neil Warburton, The Hon. Cheryl Edwardes AM and James Gurry) unanimously recommend that Flinders shareholders vote in favour of the Proposed Transaction in the absence of a superior proposal. The Independent Flinders Directors appointed Grant Samuel as independent expert to consider and provide an opinion on the Proposed Transaction. The independent expert has concluded that the Proposed Transaction is fair and reasonable to non-associated Flinders shareholders, i.e. those shareholders other than TIO (NZ) Pty Ltd (TIO), Flinders’ largest shareholder and also a shareholder of BBIG. TIO will also be excluded from voting in favour of the Proposed Transaction. Ms Edwardes, Deputy Chair and Chair of Flinders’ PIOP Infrastructure Committee, said: “I am very pleased with the outcome of the negotiations with BBIG.
    [Show full text]
  • 2004 Annual Report
    BARRICK GOLD CORPORATION BARRICK Annual Report Annual 2004 2004 Annual Report Annual Barrick is one of the world’s largest gold mining companies, with operating and development properties in the US, Canada, Australia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Tanzania. What’s next: Growth. Our vision is to be the world’s best gold mining company Building Mines. Building Value. by fi nding, developing and producing quality reserves in a profi table and socially responsible manner. Barrick shares are traded on the Toronto, New York, London and Swiss stock exchanges and the Paris Bourse. You can contact us toll-free within Canada and the United States: 800-720-7415 email us at: [email protected] BARRICK GOLD BARRICK visit our investor relations website: www.barrick.com TT39748-BAR39748-BAR CoverCover andand Spine.inddSpine.indd 1 33/16/05/16/05 11:01:59:01:59 PMPM Delivering Growth. Building Mines Ltd. ada, Barrick’s pipeline of gold development projects is unrivaled in size, quality, and immediacy. Three new mines will be in production in 2005, Cannting: of Bowne another in early 2006, with two more to follow in subsequent years. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report 2004, including any information as to our future financial or operating performance, constitutes “forward-looking statements”. All statements, Building Value other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “contemplate”, “target”, “plan”, “intends”, “continue”, “budget”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “schedule” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us, are Barrick is targeting a 12% compound annual growth rate in inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.
    [Show full text]
  • 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining in 2018 for Another Year
    2018 #WIMADVOCATE # WIMINSPIRE #WIMADVOCATE # WIMINSPIRE www.womeninmining.org.uk CONTENTS BMO Foreword 1 About Women in Mining 2 Women in Mining Foreword 3 Biographies 5 2013 Edition 116 2015 Edition 117 Women in Mining Board and Committees 119 Disclaimer 124 BMO FOREWORD Jeff Couch, Lisa Schlegel, Head of Investment and Vice President, Investment Corporate Banking, Europe and Corporate Banking BMO is honoured to introduce the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining in 2018 for another year. We are very pleased to see the continuation of this publication showcasing a great variety of inspiring women with interesting careers in the Metals & Mining sector. As the marketplace becomes increasingly challenging, diversity is key to the success of any business. While this publication represents a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the success stories of numerous female role models currently in the sector, we must also remember the sector continues to face diversity shortcomings. A need for more gender balanced representation at the board and senior management level provides just one example where the sector needs to lead from the front. Given that the Global Metals & Mining sector is core to BMO, we are pleased to champion diversity further – on a sector-specific level. BMO continues to be passionate about diversity, which is a priority reinforced by our senior leadership team – including our recently appointed BMO Capital Markets CEO Dan Barclay. For the 4th consecutive year, BMO is sponsoring a scholarship at Imperial College London specifically to encourage the next generation of women to pursue Mining and Energy finance. We were excited by our recent hire of one of our scholarship holders into the London office of our Global Metals & Mining team.
    [Show full text]
  • Pilbara News
    Pilbara News Issue 2 2019 Making a difference in the Pilbara. In this Issue Improving safety at Mt Whaleback Page 2 What’s new in Newman Page 3 Initiating Innovation Page 7 Update from South Flank Page 18 1 Improving the safety of our Tailings Storage Facilities A message from Scott Barber, General Manager of Newman Operations We have very recently created a Our global tailings dams facilities We have established a team of new team dedicated to improving – including Whaleback in Western internal and external subject matter the safety of our Whaleback Tailings Australia – have been thoroughly experts on the Whaleback tailings Storage Facility. assessed and meet international dam and over the coming months at safety standards. Whaleback, we will be implementing Since the failure of the Fundão tailings a comprehensive program of dam at Samarco in 2015, BHP has We are very confident that we have improvements to build on the existing significantly increased the rigour of the right controls and processes in controls in place at the site. its assessment and management of its place to ensure the ongoing integrity global tailings facilities. of the tailings dam - but we want to do more, and act with even greater care Our team is committed to safety Our Company is committed to an and attention to further mitigate risks across all our operations from ongoing process of continuous at our sites, and keep our employees our mine sites, offices and the improvement, and the recent and communities safe. tragedy at Vale’s iron ore operations communities we operate in.
    [Show full text]