79612 Blast Management Plan Final(1)

Environmental Management System Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd

BLAST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Prepared by

SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd

Doc No: Blast Management Plan Doc Owner: Environmental Advisor – Integra Coal Operations

Blast Management Plan

Document Owner Issue Number Date Next Review Date PageEnvironmental Advisor 001 08/04/2011 08/04/2014 2 of 52

Revision Issue Date Originator Reviewed Approved

10-5202-R3 Draft 1

23 March 2010 Ryan Wakeling (SLR Consulting)

Mark Blake (SLR Consulting)

10-5202-R3 Draft 2

22 April 2010 Ryan Wakeling (SLR Consulting)


10-5202-R3 Draft 3

January 2011 Ryan Wakeling (SLR Consulting)


10-5202-R3 Draft 4

January 2011 Kay Oxley (RW Corkery)

10-5202-R3 Draft 5

March 2011 Ryan Wakeling (SLR Consulting)

10-5202-R3 Draft 6

April 2011 Kay Oxley (RW Corkery)



Table of Contents

1. Introduction ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 2. Background ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

2.1 Project summary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 2.2 Proposed Works ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 2.3 Sensitive Receivers ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6

3. Scope ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 4. Management Plan Requirements ------------------------------------------------------- 10

4.1 Project Approval --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 4.2 Environment Protection Licence ------------------------------------------------------- 13 4.3 Statement of Commitments ------------------------------------------------------------- 13 4.4 Dangerous Goods Licence -------------------------------------------------------------- 15 4.5 Environmental Policy --------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 4.6 Blast Criteria -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 4.7 Management Strategies ------------------------------------------------------------------ 16

4.7.1 Blast Design-----------------------------------------------------------------------------16 4.7.2 Management of Fumes ---------------------------------------------------------------16 4.7.3 Blasting Hours and Frequency -----------------------------------------------------17 4.7.4 Public Notification ----------------------------------------------------------------------17 4.7.5 Property Inspections and Investigations -----------------------------------------17

4.8 Blasting Adjacent to Railway Lines ---------------------------------------------------- 18 4.9 Blasting Adjacent to Roads -------------------------------------------------------------- 18

4.9.1 Blast Notification Boards -------------------------------------------------------------18 4.9.2 Temporary Road Closures ----------------------------------------------------------19 4.9.3 Notification of Road Closures -------------------------------------------------------19 4.9.4 Flyrock Removal and Road Maintenance ---------------------------------------19

4.10 Other Public Infrastructure --------------------------------------------------------------- 19 4.11 Blast Protocol ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

4.11.1 Blast Management Protocol ---------------------------------------------------------19 4.11.2 Review of Monitoring Data ----------------------------------------------------------20 4.11.3 Reporting and Notification of Blast Monitoring Results -----------------------20

4.12 Safety ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 4.13 Blasting Controls --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 4.14 Blast Emission Site Laws ---------------------------------------------------------------- 22 4.15 Managing Airblast ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 4.16 Managing Ground Vibration ------------------------------------------------------------- 23 4.17 Managing Flyrock -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 4.18 Managing Cumulative Impacts from Blasting --------------------------------------- 24 4.19 Blast Impact Predictions and Blast Design Review -------------------------------- 24 4.20 Meteorological Assessment ------------------------------------------------------------- 24



4.21 Monitoring Requirements ---------------------------------------------------------------- 25

4.21.1 General Procedure --------------------------------------------------------------------25 4.21.2 Blast Monitoring Locations ----------------------------------------------------------25 4.21.3 Blast Monitoring Equipment ---------------------------------------------------------26 4.21.4 Blast Monitoring Trigger Levels ----------------------------------------------------26 4.21.5 Post Blast --------------------------------------------------------------------------------26 4.21.6 Meteorological Monitoring -----------------------------------------------------------27 4.21.7 Mobile Blast Monitoring System----------------------------------------------------27 4.21.8 Trigger Levels --------------------------------------------------------------------------27 4.21.9 Pre-Check -------------------------------------------------------------------------------27 4.21.10 Field Set-Up -----------------------------------------------------------------------------27 4.21.11 Pre Blast Checklist --------------------------------------------------------------------28 4.21.12 Post Blast (in the field) ---------------------------------------------------------------28 4.21.13 Post Blast (at the office) --------------------------------------------------------------28

4.22 Non Compliance and Corrective Action ---------------------------------------------- 28 4.23 Complaint Handling ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 4.24 Community Consultation ----------------------------------------------------------------- 30

5. Roles and Responsibilities ---------------------------------------------------------------- 31 6. Review ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32 7. References and Associated Documentation ----------------------------------------- 32 8. Glossary --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33 9. Appendices ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35

Appendix A1 Open Cut Project Area .............................................................................. 37 Appendix A2 Open Cut Extension Area .......................................................................... 39 Appendix A3 Land Ownership Plan ................................................................................ 41 Appendix A4 Receptor Plan ........................................................................................... 43 Appendix A5 Noise Assessment Groups ........................................................................ 45 Appendix B Blasting Site Laws ..................................................................................... 43 Appendix C Blast Monitoring Locations ........................................................................ 49



1. Introduction

SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd has been commissioned by R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited on behalf of Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd (Integra), to prepare a Blast Management Plan for the Western Extension of the Integra Open Cut Project, located approximately 10km northwest of Singleton, NSW.

Integra is the management company responsible for the operations at the Integra Open Cut Project which includes the Integra Open Cut (formerly known as the Camberwell Coal Mine and incorporating the North and South Pits), the Integra North Open Cut (formerly known as the Glennies Creek Open Cut) and the recently approved north westerly extension of the existing South Pit (Western Extension). This document only refers to the management and monitoring of blasting activities within the Western Extension, existing South Pit and North Open Cut as there will be no more blasting activities occurring within the existing North Pit. This document will replace the North Open Cut Blast Management Plan.

2. Background

2.1 PROJECT SUMMARY

The Western Extension Project Area is located approximately 10km northwest of Singleton, NSW. The Project Area location is shown in Appendix A1.

The Western Extension area is bounded by the New England Highway and Rix’s Creek Coal Mine to the south and southwest, Glennies Creek to the west, Middle Falbrook and Stony Creek Roads to the north and the existing South Pit to the east, as shown in Appendix A2.

2.2 PROPOSED WORKS

In the order of 12 million bank (insitu) cubic metres (Mbcm) to 26Mbcm of overburden/interburden will be extracted annually from the Western Extension requiring an average of six blasts per week.

In general, all overburden and interburden requires blasting (including interburden plies to a thickness of 0.7m) due to the hard nature of the rock and the Occupational, Health and Safety (OH&S) issues associated with ripping by bulldozers. These thin partings blasts are generally small in area, occur in several locations within the pit and would require multiple shot areas to be fired as one shot to produce sufficient blasted material to maintain ROM coal production at the required levels while also meeting the consented blasting frequency limit of one blast per day.

Based on the former South Pit operations, the indicative blast design parameters for the overburden blasts within the Western Extension are presented in Table 1. However, each blast will be designed to ensure that the relevant project-specific blast assessment criteria are met at the surrounding residences. Consequently, the blast design parameters presented in Table 1 are indicative only.



Table 1 Indicative Overburden Blast Design Parameters

Parameter Quantity or Range

Blasthole Diameter 127mm to 229mm

Blasthole Depth 2m to 20m

Blasthole Burden x Spacing 4m x 4m to 6m x 8m

Depth of Stemming 1.5m to 4m

Bulk Explosive Type ANFO and/or HANFO and/or slurry

Powder Factor 0.47kg/bcm to 0.88kg/bcm

Maximum Instantaneous Charge (MIC) 30kg to 850kg

Maximum Charge per Hole 15kg to 850kg

Initiation System Nonel or Electronic

The blasting process has the potential to generate fumes from incomplete combustion of the chemical explosives, and as such, weather conditions (primarily wind speed and direction) should be incorporated into the blast design to reduce the affects of fume impacts on neighbours and the environment. In addition, the use of aggregate as the stemming material (not drill dust) will help fully contain the explosive within the blasthole, thereby minimising the impact of excess fumes.

2.3 SENSITIVE RECEIVERS

The Land Ownership Plan of the area surrounding the Western Extension area is attached as Appendix A3.

The surrounding potentially affected non-mine owned residences within 2km of the Western Extension at the time of writing this plan are identified in Table 2. All potentially affected non-mine owned residences are shown on the Receptor Plan attached as Appendix A4.

The surrounding potentially affected mine owned residences (including those owned by the Integra or its associated companies) at the time of writing this plan within 2km of the Western Extension are identified in Table 3 with all potentially affected mine owned residences shown on the Receptor Location Plan attached in Appendix A4.



Table 2 Surrounding Potentially Affected Non-Mine Owned Residences

Residence Reference (Refer Appendix A3)

Landowner’s Name Residence Coordinates1 Near Point to Open Cut Mining Pits (km)

East (m)

North (m)

Elevation (mAHD)

18 W & G Cooper 328404 6405153 119 2.4

19 S Andrews 328477 6405926 100 1.9

20 A Garvie 328323 6406161 97 1.7

21 S Andrews 328521 6406158 99 1.8

22 S Andrews 328701 6406549 115 1.9

23 R & K Bell 328273 6406899 110 1.4

24 G Lambkin 328949 6407262 97 2.1

31 D Kacunic & C Jensen 328580 6408315 110 2.1

32 TBC 328378 6407875 95 1.7

34 T & G Breen 327852 6408123 101 1.5

35 R & W Gardner 327234 6408320 83 1.2

36 D Baker 327959 6409108 110 2.3

43 Rachael Crawford 327025 6409078 93 1.9

44 G & K Cheetham 326501 6408277 81 1.1

47 B & R Cherry 325946 6407965 90 1.0

48 G & K Cheetham 326121 6408190 80 1.1

49 G & K Cheetham 326016 6408284 80 1.2

50 D & M Bridge 326289 6409093 99 1.9

51 M & S Boyce 326338 6409236 98 2.1

52 B & J Moran 326270 6409346 95 2.2

62 D Moran 325601 6409048 94 2.1

63 J & M Moore 325370 6408508 78 1.6

64 W & A Gardner 325055 6408133 78 1.3

66 P Hedges 324841 6409154 96 2.4

67 G M Watson 324678 6408969 110 2.2

68 S J McInerney 324703 6408777 105 2.0

80 G Donnellan 323284 6407998 80 2.1

87 B & R Richards 322109 6405876 86 1.5

96 S J Roberton 320588 6405663 78 2.4

105 J & G McInerney 320988 6405748 72 2.2

106 B & R Richards 321520 6405033 82 1.3

110 G J Hall 321897 6404243 98 0.5

111 T Burgess 321417 6404001 120 1.0

112 S & C Ernst 321120 6404550 74 1.4

118 B & R Richards 320470 6405312 90 2.3

120 M & J Chisholm 320519 6405283 90 2.2



Table 2 (cont) Surrounding Potentially Affected Non-Mine Owned Residences



East (m)

North (m)

Elevation (mAHD)

121 A Nowland; E Moore; J Dunn 320417 6405003 75 2.2

123 C Standing 320196 6405074 65 2.4

125 R M Lethbridge 320414 6404954 75 2.2

126 R & C Bailey 320187 6404989 65 2.4

129 N & M Smiles 320623 6404174 83 1.8

153 “Dulwich” R & D Hall 323690 6405346 95 0.2

154 M & M Beasley 320793 6404865 79 1.8

156 R Ninness 320631 6405121 90 2.1

157 K & D Miller 320568 6405131 87 2.1

159 M Peachey 320458 6405213 86 2.2

161 V Lopes 320629 6405744 77 2.4

Note 1: Coordinates are presented in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid coordinates using reference Map Grid of Australia 1994 (MGA94).

Table 3 Surrounding Potentially Affected Mine Owned Residences



East (m)

North (m)

Elevation (mAHD)

33 Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd 324031 6407105 98 1.1

37 VALE P/L and others 327559 6409125 90 2.1




70 RHA Pastoral Co Pty Ltd 323492 6406828 112 1.0

71 Xstrata Mt Owen Pty Ltd 324391 6408416 117 1.8



74 Enex Ravensworth PTY Limited 323405 6407862 104 2.0

75 Hunter Valley Coal Corporation PTY Limited 323212 6407709 100 1.9




Table 3 (cont) Surrounding Potentially Affected Mine Owned Residences



East (m)

North (m)

Elevation (mAHD)




81 Glendell Tenements Pty Ltd 323212 6407709 75 1.9






97 Ashton Coal Mines Ltd 320581 6405642 80 2.4

















170 Glendell Tenements Pty Ltd

321981 6406668 81 2.0

Note 1: Coordinates are presented in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid coordinates using reference Map Grid of Australia 1994 (MGA94).



3. Scope

This Blast Management Plan, incorporating the requirement for a Blast Monitoring Program and Impact Management Plan, has been prepared in accordance with relevant legislation, Project Approval conditions, Environmental Performance Condition 19, relevant standards and guidelines, and is consistent with the Environmental Assessment (EA) report (2009) and subsequent refinements as presented in the Submissions Report dated March 2010. The objectives of this Plan are:

To implement blasting/vibration management measures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and conditions of consent.

To ensure that blast/vibration from operations does not adversely impact surrounding residents

Safe area is evacuated around all blasts including roads and railway.

To monitor all blasts.

No damage occurs to people, property, livestock, powerlines or other infrastructure.

Respond to any complaints in a timely and professional manner.

4. Management Plan Requirements

4.1 PROJECT APPROVAL

The Open Cut Project Approval requires compliance with the airblast overpressure and ground vibration levels at any residence(s) situated on privately owned land. The Project Approval also sets out permissible blasting hours, blasting frequency and operating conditions. Schedule 3 Conditions 11 to 19 of the Project Approval state that: BLASTING CRITERIA 11. The proponent shall ensure that the blasting on site does not cause exceedances of the

criteria in Table 9. Table 9 Blasting Criteria

Receiver Airblast Overpressure(dB(Lin Peak))

Ground Vibration (ppv(mm/s))

Allowable Exceedance

Residence on privately-owned land

115 5 5% of the total number of blasts over a period of 12 months

120 10 0%

Main Northern Railway culverts and bridges

- 25 0%

All public infrastructure - 50 0%



However, these criteria do not apply if the Proponent has a written agreement with the relevant landowner or infrastructure owner to exceed the criteria, and the Proponent has advised the Department in writing of the terms of this agreement. BLASTING HOURS 12. The Proponent shall only carry out blasting on site between 9am and 5pm Monday to

Saturday inclusive. No blasting is allowed on Sundays, public holidays, or at any other time without the written approval of the Director-General.

BLASTING FREQUENCY 13. The Proponent shall not carry out more than:

a. 1 blast a day in the northern mining area unless an additional blast is required following a blast misfire;

b. 2 blasts a day if in the existing Camberwell south pit, and then 1 blast a day when the mining moves from this pit into the western mining area unless an additional blast is required following a blast misfire; and

c. 10 blasts a week on site, averaged over any 12 month period. PROPERTY INSPECTIONS 14. If the Proponent receives a written request from the owner of any privately-owned land

within 2 kilometres of the approved open cut mining pits on site for a property inspection to establish the baseline condition of any buildings and/or structures on his/her land, or to have a previous property inspection report updated, then within 2 months of receiving this request the proponent shall:

a. Commission a suitably qualified, experienced and independent person, whose appointment has been approved by the Director-General to:

establish the baseline condition of the buildings and/or structures on the land or update the previous property inspection report; and

identify any measures that should be implemented to minimise the potential blasting impacts of the projects on these buildings and/or structures; and

give the landowner a copy of the new or updated inspection report. PROPERTY INVESTIGATIONS 15. If any landowner of privately-owned land within 2 kilometres of any approved open cut

mining pit on site claims that the buildings and/or structures on his/her land have been damaged as a result of blasting on site, then within 2 months of receiving this request the Proponent shall:

a. Commission a suitably qualified, experienced and independent person, whose appointment has been approved by the Director-General, to investigate the claim; and

b. Give the landowner a copy of the investigation report.



If this independent property investigation confirms the landowner’s claim, and both parties agree with these findings, then the Proponent shall repair the damages to the satisfaction of the Director-General. If the Proponent or landowner disagrees with the findings of the independent property investigation, then either party may refer the matter to the Director-General for resolution.

OPERATING CONDITIONS 16. The Proponent shall:

a. implement best blasting practice on site to:

protect the safety of people and livestock in the surrounding area;

protect private or public property in the surrounding area;

minimise the dust and fume emissions of blasting; and b. co-ordinate the blasting on site with the blasting at nearby mines to minimise the

cumulative blasting impacts of the mines; c. operate a suitable system to enable the public to get up-to-date information on the

proposed blasting schedule on site, to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

17. The Proponent shall not undertake blasting within 500 metres of:

a. Middle Falbrook Road or Stony Creek Road without the approval of Council; b. the New England Highway without the approval of the RTA; and c. the Northern Railway without the approval of the ARTC.

18. The Proponent shall not carry out blasting in the northern or western mining areas that is

within 500 metres of any privately-owned land or land not owned by the Proponent unless: a. the Proponent has a written agreement with the relevant landowner to allow blasting

to be carried out closer to the land, and the Proponent has advised the Department in writing of the terms of this agreement; or

b. the Proponent has:

demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director-general that the blasting can be carried out without compromising the safety of the people or livestock on the land, or damage the buildings and/or structures on the land; and

updated the Blast Management Plan to include the specific measures that would be implemented while blasting is being carried out within 500 metres of the land.

BLAST MANAGEMENT PLAN 19. The Proponent shall prepare and implement a Blast Management Plan for the open cut

mining operations on site to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This plan must: a. be prepared in consultation with DECCW, and submitted to the Director-General for

approval by the end of March 2011; b. describe the blast mitigation measures that would be implemented to ensure

compliance with the relevant condition of this approval;; c. describe the measures that would be implemented to ensure that the public can get

up-to-date information on the proposed blasting schedule on site;



d. include a blast monitoring program to evaluate the performance of the project; and e. include a protocol that has been prepared in consultation with the owners of the

nearby mines for minimising and managing the cumulative blasting impacts of the mines.

4.2 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION LICENCE

The DECCW has set down guidelines for blasting based on human comfort levels. The guidelines have been adapted from the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) Guidelines Technical Basis for Guidelines to Minimise Annoyance due to Blasting Overpressure and Ground Vibration (1990) and are incorporated into the Environment Protection Licence. Integra, under Camberwell Coal Pty Ltd, holds Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) No. 3390 for the area covered by the Western Extension. Environment Protection Licences are administered by the DECCW. Condition L7 of the EPL states: L7.1 The ground vibration peak particle velocity from blasting operations carried out in or on

the premises must not: a. exceed 5mm/second for more than 5% of the total number of blasts carried out on

the premises within the 12 months annual reporting period; and b. exceed 10mm/second at any time at any residence or noise sensitive location (such

as a school or hospital) that is not owned by the licensee or subject of a private agreement between the owner of the residence or noise sensitive location and the licensee as to an alternative ground vibration level.

L7.2 The overpressure level from blasting operations carried out in or on the premises must not: a. exceed 115 dB(L) for more than 5% of the total number of blasts carried out on the

premises within the 12 months annual reporting period; and b. exceed 120 dB(L) at any time at any residence or noise sensitive location (such as a

school or hospital) that is not owned by the licensee or subject of a private agreement between the owner of the residence or noise sensitive location and the licensee as to an alternative overpressure level.

L7.3 Blasting in or on the premises must only be carried out between 09:00 hours and 17:00 hours, Monday to Saturday. Blasting in or on the premises must not take place on Sundays or Public Holidays without the prior approval of the EPA.

4.3 STATEMENT OF COMMITMENTS

Appendix 10 of the Open Cut Project Approval presents the Statement of Commitments which Integra will implement as a minimum. The commitments which are relevant to blasting operations are presented in Table 4.



Table 4 Statement of Commitments

Item Mitigation Measure and Commitment Implementation

G7 Consider negotiated agreements with land owners where exceedances of the project specific criteria are substantiated by monitoring.

Continuous during operations

G8 Continued implementation of the existing Explosive Hazard Management Plan to ensure the safety of employees and the public during explosives handling and blasting operations.


G9 Restrict blasting to between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Saturday, unless blasts outside this time are required for misfire re-blast, emergency or safety reasons.


G10

Blast design and implementations to be undertaken by a suitably qualified blast engineer and/or experienced shot-firer to ensure ANZEC Guidelines are met at all non-project related residences surrounding the Open Cut Project Area.


G11 Refine blast mitigation measures and operating procedures as required, based on monitoring results.


G12 Provide notification on the morning prior to a blast of blast time to local residents and others who request to be included on the notification list.


G13 Use aggregate as the stemming material (not drill dust) in order to fully contain the explosive within the blasthole.


G14

In the case of the Part Pit Extent (i.e. Integra is unable to acquire Residence 153 or negotiate an agreement with the owner), blasting will not be undertaken within a 500m Exclusion Zone surrounding the “Dulwich” residence and 200m from the property boundary until such time that it can demonstrate to the Director-General that blasting can be undertaken without an unacceptable risk to the resident, residents their stock or residence.


Further to the Consent Conditions presented above, Chapter 17 Statement of Commitments of the Environmental Assessment for the Open Cut Project (which incorporates the Western Extension and North Open Cut) states, in relation to blasting, that Integra will:

refine on-site noise (blasting) mitigation measures and operating procedures, i.e. based upon monitoring results;

initiate regular discussions with potentially affected residents to proactively identify noise-related (including blasting) issues of concern;

consider negotiated agreements with landowners where exceedances of the project specific criteria are substantiated by monitoring;

continue the implementation of the existing Explosive Hazard Management Plan in order to ensure the safety of employees and the public during explosives handling and blasting operations;

restrict blasting to between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Saturday (EST), unless blasts outside this time are required for a misfire re-blast, emergency or safety reasons;

use suitable aggregate as the stemming material (not drill dust) in order to fully contain the explosives within the blasthole;



have blast design and implementation undertaken by a suitably qualified blasting engineer and/or experienced shot-firer to ensure that the ANZECC Guidelines are complied with at all non-project related residences surrounding the Open Cut Project area;

refine the blast mitigation measures and operating procedures as required, based on the monitoring results; and

provide notification on the morning prior to a blast of the blast times to residents within 2km of the operation and others who request to be included on the telephone notification list.

4.4 DANGEROUS GOODS LICENCE

All statutory requirements regarding the storage and transport of any dangerous goods used for blasting will be met. This includes the storage of boosters, cord and detonators in custom made magazines. All relevant authorities will be notified regarding the status of any dangerous goods used for blasting. Bulk explosive components will be stored, with the location and management of the storage compounds complying with relevant legislation, and all necessary approvals obtained.

4.5 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Vale has, and is committed to, an Environmental Policy which states:

At Vale in Australia, we are committed to acting in an environmentally responsible manner.

We will integrate environmental matters into our corporate and operational activities by:

Complying with legislative requirements

Communicating effectively with stakeholders

Committing to the reduction of environmental impacts

We are all responsible of the effective application of this policy.

4.6 BLAST CRITERIA

The airblast and ground vibration criteria for the Integra Mine Complex, as documented in Schedule 3, Condition 11 of the Project Approval and Condition L7 of the Project’s Environment Protection Licence, are presented in Table 5. The monitoring locations for all blasts initiated within the Integra Mine Complex are discussed in Section 4.19.2.



Table 5 Airblast Overpressure and Ground Vibration Impact Assessment Criteria

Receiver Airblast Overpressure(dB(Lin Peak))

Ground Vibration (ppv(mm/s))

Allowable Exceedance

Residence on privately-owned land

115 5 5% of the total number of blasts over a period of 12 months

120 10 0%

Main Northern Railway culverts and bridges

- 25 0%

All public infrastructure - 50 0%

4.7 MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

4.7.1 Blast Design

The following blast design parameters and practices will be implemented where practical or possible.

Direction of detonator initiation away from nearby residences, wherever possible.

Orientation of all blast faces away from nearest receiver(s), where possible.

Explosive columns will be initiated from the bottom, where applicable, apart from decked blastholes which will be initiated from the top of the column to avoid excessive ground vibration.

Use of up to 270mm diameter blastholes.

Stemming depth 1.5m (minimum) where appropriate, but will depend on bench height and material type.

Bench heights of generally between 1.4m and 50m

Front row burden 4m (minimum) with a minimum of 6m on bench heights greater than 10m.

Spacing 4m (minimum) except where shallow hard material is present, then spacing may be as low as 2m.

4.7.2 Management of Fumes

The blasting process has the potential to generate both nontoxic and toxic fumes (primarily carbon monoxide (CO) and the oxides of nitrogen (NOx)). In order to minimise the excess production of fumes, the following procedures will be implemented:

the Drill and Blast Coordinator will ensure the use of the correct explosive type for strata formation as per suppliers recommendations;

aggregate will be used as the stemming material (not drill dust) in order to fully contain the explosive within the blasthole;

wet boreholes will be loaded with water resistant explosives;

explosives which are beyond the manufacturers recommended shelf life or are visibly deteriorated will not be used.

Weather conditions immediately prior to the blast will be assessed and carried out as per Section 4.20, and blast plans and/or timing altered where necessary.



4.7.3 Blasting Hours and Frequency

Blasting is to be restricted to the hours between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Saturday (EST) inclusive. No blasting will be conducted on Sundays, public holidays or at any other time without the written approval of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW).

In addition, blasting is restricted to: one blast a day in the northern mining area unless an additional blast is required

following a blast misfire;

two blasts a day if in the existing South Pit, and then one blast a day when the mining moves from this pit into the western mining area unless an additional blast is required following a blast misfire; and

10 blasts a week on site, averaged over any 12 month period.

Underground.

4.7.4 Public Notification

Integra will notify all landowners/residents within a 2km radius of the planned blasting activity of their entitlement to receive a pre-blast notification for the Western Extension. Those landowners/residents responding in the affirmative will be included in the existing automated system for the North Open Cut which will provide details of the next blast date, time and any road closures. The nature of the notification system will be determined in consultation with each resident/landowner.

Integra will also operate their Blasting Hotline (1800 505 361) which will include an automated SMS and/or email message identifying the next blast time and any local road closures, generally on the day before the blast. This same information will be provided on Integra's website (www.Valeaustralia.com.au/Integra/index.php) as well as on the blast notification boards (see Section 4.10.1).

The blasting hotline number will be advertised in the local newspaper at least four times per year.

4.7.5 Property Inspections and Investigations

As a requirement of Project Approval Schedule 3, Condition 14, all non mine owned residences within a 2km radius of the Project will be advised in writing of their entitlement to a property inspection prior to the commencement of blasting activities. The current land ownership status and residences around the Project Site are shown in Appendix A3 and Appendix A4.

In the event that a written request is made by any of the landowners / residents contacted, Integra will:

Identify a suitably qualified company(s) to undertake the inspection and forward details of the preferred company’s qualifications and experience to the Director-General of the Department of Planning (DoP) for approval.

Commission the approved company(s) to inspect the condition of any building or structure on the land and recommend measures to mitigate any potential blasting impacts as a consequence of blasting within the Project.

Provide a copy of the inspection report complete with photographic record to the relevant landowner/resident.



The inspection and report will be completed within 2 months of receiving the written request for the property inspection or prior to commencing blasting operations within the Project, if the request is received at least three months before the first blast in the Project.

As a requirement of the Project Approval Schedule 3, Condition 15, if a non-mine owned residences within a 2km radius of the Project claims that the buildings and/or structures on his/her land have been damaged as a result of blasting on site, Integra will:

Identify a suitably qualified company (ies) to undertake an investigation of the claim and forward details of the preferred company’s qualifications and experience to the Director-General of the Department of Planning (DoP) for approval.

Commission the approved company (ies) to investigate the claim of damage as a consequence of blasting within the Project.

Provide a copy of the investigation report to the relevant landowner/resident.

The investigative report will be completed within 2 months of receiving the damage claim. Should the investigation report confirm the landowner’s claim, and both parties agree with these findings, Integra will repair damages to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

4.8 BLASTING ADJACENT TO RAILWAY LINES

Prior to any blasting event within 200m of the Main Northern Railway Line, approval must be obtained from the ARTC and a short notice rail possession obtained in accordance with PRO-2029.

Blasting will be planned for suitable traffic free windows on the rail line. The Broadmeadow Traffic Control Office will be contacted immediately prior to the blast to ensure the line is clear. The rail corridor will be inspected to ensure no personnel are on railway land within the blast danger zone.

After the blast has been fired, inspections of the track will be made for flyrock.

4.9 BLASTING ADJACENT TO ROADS

4.9.1 Blast Notification Boards

Subject to the approval of Singleton Shire Council, a Blast Notification Board will be erected at a salient location along Middle Falbrook Road nominating the date and time of the next blast, together with the timing and duration of any planned road closure.

The North Open Cut Blast Notification Board on Stony Creek Road will continue to be updated with blasting notification of blasts in the North Open Cut; including nominating the date and time of the next blast, together with the timing and duration of any planned road closure as per Integra’s PRO_2072.

Both Blast Notification Boards will be updated regularly and will also identify the date and time of the most recent board update.



4.9.2 Temporary Road Closures

Prior to any blasting within 500m of a public road, agreement must be reached with Singleton Shire Council, and temporary road closures arranged, where necessary. Prior to any blasting within 500m of Stony Creek Road, mandatory road closures will be arranged. Road closures will remain in place until advised by the shot firer (typically 5 minutes). Designated mine personnel who have received RTA approved traffic controller training will manage traffic flows during these closures. All temporary road closures will be scheduled. Affected public roads will be closed to traffic approximately 5 minutes prior to any blast. The traffic controllers will remain in radio contact with the mine throughout the closure period to enable cessation of the blast in the case of an emergency.

4.9.3 Notification of Road Closures

Notice of temporary road closures will be provided via the posting of signs on affected public roads at least 1 day prior to blasting. All relevant emergency services if required will be contacted by email or telephone of the temporary road closure within four hours of a planned blast time. Advice of road closures will also be provided on the blasting hotline.

4.9.4 Flyrock Removal and Road Maintenance

All blasts will be visually inspected and monitored in order to determine whether any flyrock has been generated. If it appears possible that flyrock may have landed on affected public roads after a blast event, then prior to reopening the road, the traffic controllers will undertake a visual inspection of the road to ensure that it is safe for traffic to proceed. In the event that flyrock has impacted upon the road, traffic controllers will immediately notify the Mining Superintendent who will initiate a clean up and repair response with the hand removal of any rock. Traffic controllers will continue to keep the road closed until authorised to re-open the road by the appropriate Integra Coal representative...

Notification will also be made to the relevant agencies in accordance with clause 16(1)(j) of the Coal Mines (Open Cut)Regulation, 1999 for flyrock incidents.

4.10 OTHER PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Any public infrastructure, such as power transmission lines and fibre optic telephone cables, will be accurately located prior to any blasting in the vicinity and the infrastructure owners consulted on the most appropriate management strategies.

4.11 BLAST PROTOCOL

4.11.1 Blast Management Protocol

In addition to the blast monitoring procedures identified in Section 4.19, Integra will ensure that the explosive and associated shot-firing practices are conducted in accordance with the Explosives Act 2003 and Explosives Regulation 2005. Each blast will be managed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Coal Mines Health and Safety Act 2002 and Coal Mines Health and Safety Regulation 2006.



Each blast will be initiated and managed in accordance with the following protocol.

On completion of loading the blast area, the Drill and Blast Supervisor (or the nominated shot-firer) will confirm that the blast has been prepared in accordance with the associated blast design.

Prior to blast initiation, the Drill and Blast Supervisor (or the nominated shot-firer) will confirm that public notification has been undertaken.

In the event that the closure of a public road is required, the shot-firer will confirm that the road has been closed with sentries stationed on the public road All road closures will be managed in accordance with a Road Closure Management Plan for the mine. If the sentries are unable to be contacted, the blast initiation will be delayed or postponed.

Communications between the shot-firer and the sentries stationed on the closed road will remain open such that the blast can be delayed in order to allow emergency services vehicles on the closed road.

Upon confirmation of road closure, the blast will be initiated.

4.11.2 Review of Monitoring Data

Following the initiation of each blast, the Environmental Advisor (or other nominated personnel) will review the blast results for each monitoring location and confirm compliance or exceedance of the airblast or ground vibration criteria (see Table 5), with reporting and notification to be undertaken in accordance with the requirements identified below.

4.11.3 Reporting and Notification of Blast Monitoring Results

Results from all blast monitoring events, whether compliant with the criteria nominated in Section 4.6 or not, will be recorded as follows.

The Drill and Blast Coordinator (or engineer) will record the event data.

The Environmental Advisor will collate all event data on a monthly basis for inclusion in a monthly report.

The Drill and Blast Engineer and Environmental Advisor will receive the event data for automatically and manually triggered blasting events via SMS or email. If previously requested, the landowner/resident at each monitoring location will be provided with a copy of the subject monitoring location blast report confirming compliance or otherwise with the nominated criteria.

The Drill and Blast Coordinator (or their delegate) will retain all blast reports (for a minimum of four years) and prepare a monthly summary of all blast activity conducted. Blasting activities along with the monitoring results will be provided to the Community Consultative Committee (CCC) for the Project and discussed at the bi-annual CCC meeting, as well as being uploaded onto the Integra website at least quarterly. An annual summary of the blast monitoring results will be compiled and submitted to the DECCW within the Annual Return for the Environment Protection Licence associated with the Project and presented in the Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR).

Non-compliant blast monitoring events will be managed in accordance with the procedures specified in Section 4.22.



4.12 SAFETY

The safety focus of this protocol is to ensure that people, property, livestock and infrastructure are protected. Key features of this protocol are as follows:

The minimum perimeter distance for personnel (including Shotfirers) shall be 300 metres of the blast area perimeter or 500 metres in direct line of fire (Free Face) or 150 metres from a Pre Split or as required by the specific site procedures/rules.

Pre-blast inspections will be undertaken to ensure that no persons, property or livestock are at risk from blasting.

Sentries will be posted at all access points to ensure that there is no possible access to the blasting exclusion zone.

No blasting will occur within 500m of privately owned property without consultation with the relevant landholders/residents to the satisfaction of the DoP.

Prior to carrying out any blasting within 500m from a railway, Integra will obtain a short notice rail possession in accordance with Integra’s PRO – 2029.

Notification of blasting times will be provided to the closest private residences on request.

Misfires will be managed in a safe manner consistent with the requirements of the Coal Mines Health and Safety Act, 2006 and in accordance with Integra’s PRO_2034.Visual monitoring and video records will occur for blasts, where appropriate.

4.13 BLASTING CONTROLS

Detailed design will be undertaken for each blast in order to maximise the blast efficiency, minimise the dust, fumes, airblast and ground vibration, and to ensure compliance with site specific blasting conditions.

In order to minimise the potential for exceedance of the relevant criteria, blast management procedures will be implemented, including:

Training all relevant personnel on environmental obligations and the safe handling of explosives.

Designing blasts to ensure that the approved vibration and airblast limits will not be exceeded and that there will be no damage to life or property from flyrock, including consideration of wind speed, direction and other meteorological factors prior to blasting to minimise impacts on neighbours. These meteorological factors may be refined in the future based on best practice.

Notification of blasting times to private residents within 2km of the Project on request and the maintenance of a freecall Blasting Information Line.

Use of adequate stemming, a delay detonation system, and careful drilling and blasthole loading to ensure that the required blast design will be implemented.

Assessment of the wind speed and direction immediately prior to each blast in order to minimise the potential for dust and fume emissions from blasting to adversely impact on neighbouring private residencies.

Monitoring of blasts at the closest private residences in order to determine whether ground vibration and airblast results are within approved limits..

Review of the blast monitoring results and modification of the blast design, if necessary.



Documentation of the date and time of the blast, location of blastholes and quantity of explosive used in each blast, including the maximum instantaneous charge (MIC).

Periodic review of blast management practices to evaluate performance and identify responsive action, if required.

4.14 BLAST EMISSION SITE LAWS

The site blast emission model used to predict the vibration and overpressure results of blasts has been developed and continually improved with assistance from Terrock Pty Ltd. The model that Terrock have developed has captured actual blast information from 2004 to date and uses this to continually update the site ‘K-factor’ which is integral in accurately calculating vibration and overpressure predictions. This ‘K-factor’ is the most important component in the standard vibration and overpressure predictive equasions outlilned below.

Ground Vibration

v = Peak Particle Velocity

R = Distance from blast to monitor

W = Maximum Charge Weight

Values of K and n are calculated using actual blast information and are site specific. The K-factor varies depending on a number of factors including strata type, whereas n, if known, generally stays constant. It is accepted industry practice to assume n = -1.6 (conservative) if no other information is available.

Overpressure

R = Distance from blast to monitor

W = Maximum Charge Weight

Values of K and c are calculated using actual blast information and are site specific. It is accepted industry practice and recommended by Orica Mining Services to assume K = 165 and n = 24 (conservative) if no other information is available.

Site laws will continue to be updated and refined by Integra Coal based on monitoring results using the Terrock predictive model.



4.15 MANAGING AIRBLAST

Blast design procedures will be implemented with the objective of maintaining the level of airblast at the closest residences below 115dB Linear, in accordance with Schedule 3, Condition 11 of the Project Approval while attaining an adequate level of fragmentation. Condition 11 also states that the blast emissions criteria may be exceeded for up to 5% of the total number of blasts over a period of 12 months, with a maximum permitted airblast overpressure level of 120dBLinear.

Compliance with the general consent condition of 115dBLinear airblast overpressure may be achieved by initiating the blast in the direction away from the closest receiver location, where possible, and by using an MIC determined in accordance with the airblast site law and the distance to the closest receiver.

4.16 MANAGING GROUND VIBRATION

As with airblast, blast design procedures will be implemented with the objective of maintaining the level of ground vibration at the closest residences below 5mm/s, in accordance with Schedule 3, Condition 11 of the Project Approval while attaining an adequate level of fragmentation. Condition 11 also states that the blast emissions criteria may be exceeded for up to 5% of the total number of blasts over a period of 12 months, with a maximum permitted ground vibration level of 10mm/s.

Compliance with the general consent condition of 5mm/s ground vibration may be achieved by using an MIC determined in accordance with the blast vibration site law established for the Project.

4.17 MANAGING FLYROCK

There are generally two main areas within the blast from which flyrock have the potential to be produced. These are at the blasthole collar (where the stemming length has not been optimised and the explosive column is too close to the upper surface of the rock mass creating crater effects - rifling) and at the face of the blast (where there could be less than optimum burden on a blasthole whereby the explosives gases are able to vent to the atmosphere - blowouts, producing flyrock).

The front row blastholes will be surveyed in order to identify any areas of less than optimum burden in order that, if required, inert material (rather than explosives) can be placed at this location in the blasthole. Consequently, in relation to flyrock ejection, the latter situation will not occur.

In terms of collar ejection, the stemming length of between 0.9m and 5m, depending on the blasthole diameter and hole depth, has been selected in order to totally contain the explosives and separate them from the collar of the blasthole.

As well, suitable (interlocking) aggregate will be used as the stemming material (not drill dust) in order to contain the explosives within the blasthole.

Following each blast, the shot-firer will inspect the area surrounding the blast site for flyrock distribution to the front, rear and both sides of the blast site and record observations.



Terrock Consulting Engineers (Terrock) have produced a calibrated flyrock model for the Project site to predict and assist in controlling flyrock from the Project operations. The flyrock model has also been used to produce a flyrock risk assessment, the findings of which are presented in Terrock report “Integra Coal, Camberwell - Addressing ARTC Concerns about Blasting Adjacent to the Main Northern Railway” dated 19 June 2008 and in the subsequent letter entitled “Camberwell Mine - Blasting and ARTC Property - Additional Information” dated 17 September 2008. The risk assessment found that flyrock can be “controlled by adequate explosives confinement” to within 50m of the blast.

If blasting material or blasting practices alter from those considered in Terrock’s risk assessments, Terrock will be consulted to confirm that the risk of flyrock remains within acceptable limits.

4.18 MANAGING CUMULATIVE IMPACTS FROM BLASTING

In order to minimise the occurrence of simultaneous blasting from surrounding mines, prior to initiating a blast within the Project both Ashton Mine and Rix’s Creek Mine will be contacted to determine their blasting times. In the event that proposed blasting times at other mine sites clash with the time proposed by Integra, the operations involved will, where possible, attempt to not make the blasting times clash. However this may not always be possible due to operational factors or weather.

4.19 BLAST IMPACT PREDICTIONS AND BLAST DESIGN REVIEW

Prediction of the levels of airblast and ground vibration will be conducted prior to each blast by the blast engineer in order to determine the likely impact at the critical receiver locations. The airblast and ground vibration site laws will be updated on a regular basis to reflect the blast results obtained.

4.20 METEOROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Meteorological data will be evaluated prior to blasting, and as close as practical to the time of blasting. The expected weather conditions and their effect on the airblast level (as well as dust and fumes) generated by blasting will be considered and blast plans and/or timing altered, if necessary. Meteorological conditions that will be considered are:

Prevailing winds including their direction and velocity.

Time of day.

Seasonal effects on weather patterns.

Cloud cover.

Blasting will be avoided, where possible, under the following meteorological conditions: When winds are blowing from the blast site to the nearest receiver at a strength

(>10m/s) likely to enhance blasting impacts.

When there is heavy low-level cloud.

The above meteorological trigger may be amended based on best practice or on the basis of blast monitoring.



4.21 MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

All aspects of blast monitoring will be undertaken in accordance with Australian Standard AS 2187.2008- Storage, Transport and Use - Use of Explosives, an electronic copy of which will be retained at the site office.

4.21.1 General Procedure

The Program of Monitoring will be developed with reference to the procedures described in AS 2187.2-2008, “Explosives - Storage, Transport and Use” and with reference to ANZECC’s “Technical Basis for Guidelines to Minimise Annoyance due to Blasting Overpressure and Ground Vibration”, September 1990.

The blast emissions will be quantified for all blast events conducted at the project site.

In the event that the mine’s blast monitoring equipment is unavailable for service, due to installation or calibration requirements throughout the monitoring program, then blast emissions will be monitored by alternative calibrated instrumentation.

4.21.2 Blast Monitoring Locations

Table 6 identifies the proposed blast monitoring locations and the approximate minimum distance between each nominated monitoring location and the boundary of the Open Cut limits. These blast monitoring locations are also shown in Appendix C. The locations were chosen to reflect the closest or potentially most affected residences. Monitoring at each of these residences will be subject to landholder agreement. If such agreement cannot be obtained, or if the residence becomes Project-related, monitoring may be undertaken at another nearby residence, if appropriate.

Table 6 Blast Monitoring Locations

Residence Approximate Minimum Distance to Open Cut Limit

Direction from Western Extension

16 Lambkin (A Lambkin) 2800m E

153 “Dulwich” (R & D Hall) 500m1 N

47 Cherry (B & R Cherry) 1,000m NNE

73 Xstrata Mt Owen (ex Noble) 1500m N

32 Langdon 1600m NE

106 Watling 1500 NW

110 Hall (111, 112 alternative) 1000m W

Tailings Dam 2 1000m ENE

Possum Skin Dam ~500m NNE

Note 1: As per Item G14 of Integra’s Statement of Commitments, in the case of the Part Pit Extent, blasting will not be undertaken within a 500m of any privately-owned land until such time that it can demonstrate to the Director-General that blasting can be undertaken without an unacceptable risk to the residents, their stock, residence and buildings.

Blast monitoring will be undertaken at all sites for all blasts over the life of open cut mining. In addition to monitoring, the airblast and ground vibration levels from each blast at the locations nominated in Table 6, Integra will also:



Observe flyrock/blast rock distribution for each blast.

Observe the movement of dust and fume clouds for each blast.

Video each blast to assist in the interpretation of results. All videos are archived for future reference.

4.21.3 Blast Monitoring Equipment

A network of permanently positioned blast monitoring units will be used at the monitoring locations identified in Table 6 (and presented in Appendix C) to monitor airblast (dBL) and peak particle velocity (PPV) ground vibration in a longitudinal, vertical and transverse direction (mm/s). All equipment for the measurement of airblast will have a lower cut-off frequency of 2Hz. Only calibrated monitors will be used for blast monitoring with copies of calibration certificates or other means of verification available for inspection. The date of the last calibration will be recorded on each monitor.

4.21.4 Blast Monitoring Trigger Levels

The current blast monitoring system used has a loop of the last 168ours data (a continuous waveform), and continuously records both ground vibration and airblast overpressure from all sources. The system is a ‘managed system’ and is actually controlled remotely for monitoring and interrogation purposes. The monitoring stations continuously report into the remote control room every 30 seconds to a large monitoring screen, so that a ‘failure to report’ can be quickly investigated on line. Each monitoring station has directional triangulation and a GPS unit and is connected to Google Earth such that the arrival time of a signal from the Early Warning Unit (EWU) to the monitoring station is accurately calculated to enable the exact time of the blast to be viewed as a waveform. The units are usually set to trigger at 0.2mm/sec, but if a trigger fails to occur after a blast, the loop can be remotely interrogated to reveal the captured results at the nominated time of the blast. (There is a later version of the V6 which now has at least 1 week of data stored in a loop). The Blast Monitoring System trigger levels can generally be set via a modem. This system can also be used for the uploading of event data and for automated notification via SMS or email to the nominated parties of the measured blast emission levels, or for manual data retrieval by Integra staff. The system allows for the capture of all initiated blasts, including misfires.

4.21.5 Post Blast

Data for blasting events will be retrieved and an electronic copy will be saved in a dedicated blasting results folder on Integra’s server.



4.21.6 Meteorological Monitoring

An automatic anemometer and wind vane station are located adjacent to the mine access road at an exposed location which provides an accurate representation of wind propagation conditions in relation to blast emissions throughout the Open Cut Project area. The automatic station has been programmed as a minimum, to continuously record the meteorological parameters described in Section 4.20.

4.21.7 Mobile Blast Monitoring System

As noted in Section 4.21.3, blast emissions monitoring will be routinely undertaken using permanent monitors. However, in the event of a system or monitor failure or in the event additional monitoring is to be undertaken in response to resident concerns or complaints, mobile monitors will be used and the following procedures employed.

4.21.8 Trigger Levels

Instrument trigger levels on mobile monitors will be selected to minimise the potential for false initiation of the recording sequence.

4.21.9 Pre-Check

Prior to any mobile blast monitor being placed in the field, the following aspects will be verified for each instrument.

Battery is charged.

Date and time are correct.

Trigger levels have been correctly set and the monitor is triggering.

The monitoring location is marked on the carry case.

The recording time is correctly set to reflect the distance from the blast site to the subject monitoring location to ensure the period of recording for airblast once the monitor is triggered.

Table 7 identifies the distance range between the blast site and the monitor, the appropriate duration of airblast recording.

Table 7 Monitor Settings and Airblast Overpressure Recording Times

Setting Near Field Mid Field Far Field

Distance from Monitor to Blast <300m 300m - 1000m >1000m

Recording Time (sec) 4 8 20

4.21.10 Field Set-Up

Each mobile blast monitor will be set up at a pre-selected location, between 3.5m and 30m from the residence or building to be monitored. The monitor set-up procedure will involve the following steps.

Insert the soil spike into the ground and level the geophone.



Set up the microphone.

Connect the microphone and geophone to the monitor.

Turn the power on. Powering up the monitor initiates a self check culminating in advice that the instrument is functioning properly.

Press “start”. Following a countdown sequence, the monitor moves into a “standby mode” awaiting triggering.

4.21.11 Pre Blast Checklist

Prior to initiation, a mine “Blast Checklist” form which includes verification that the monitors are in place and records salient weather data, e.g. wind speed and direction, cloud cover and the presence of an inversion will be completed.

4.21.12 Post Blast (in the field)

Following the completion of each blast, the following activities will be undertaken prior to the mobile monitor being returned to the office for data downloading.

Press the “stop” button.

Turn the power off.

Disconnect the microphone and geophone

Remove the soil spike.

Pack up the instrument.

4.21.13 Post Blast (at the office)

On the return of each mobile blast monitor to the office, the responsible person will undertake the following.

Retrieve/download the data.

Review the data and delete any data pertaining to false triggers, i.e. triggers before and/or after the blast initiation time.

Record the relevant data relating to the blast design, blast pattern, hole spacing, number of rows, number of blastholes, blasthole diameter, stemming, MIC, explosives type and weight, delay type (interval and duration (ms)) and any relevant comments or observations. This information will be retained on the Mine Site files.

Place the monitor battery on charge to await the next blast.

4.22 NON COMPLIANCE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION

In the event that the monitoring results from a blast identify an exceedance of the airblast overpressure and/or ground vibration criteria (see Table 5) at any blast monitoring location, Integra will, within 24 hours of the blast, report the incident to the DoP and the DECCW and will initiate investigations as to the cause. Within 14 days of providing this notification, Integra will provide the DoP and DECCW with a written report:



Identifying the date, time and degree of the exceedance.

Identifying the cause or likely cause of the exceedance.

Describing the actions taken in relation to the exceedance.

Identifying any measures being undertaken to minimise the risk of future exceedance of blasting criteria.

In addition, the affected landowner(s) / resident(s) will be notified of the exceedance, provided with an initial explanation as to the cause and a follow-up report similar (or identical) to that provided to the DoP and DECCW. In the AEMR for the mine, Integra will make specific reference to any exceedance of the blast emissions criteria and to actions taken to minimise the risk of future exceedance of the criteria.

4.23 COMPLAINT HANDLING

Any general complaint received relating to any blast will be managed in accordance with the following.

Details of the complainant and complaint will be recorded in the complaints log.

Integra representatives will liaise with the complainant to identify the nature and source of the issue and provide supplementary information for the log.

Investigations will be initiated to verify or otherwise the basis of the complaint.

Results of the investigation will be provided to the complainant together with advice as to any changed blast management practices to be implemented as a consequence of the investigation.

Should a complaint be received from any landowner of privately-owned land within 2 kilometres of the mining area, which claims that buildings and/or structures on his/her land have been damaged as a result of blasting within the Project, Integra will adopt the following protocol.

Details of the complainant’s address and type of damage will be recorded as described above.

Compile and review the results from the nearest blast monitoring location. Within 3 months of receiving the complaint, Integra will commission a suitably qualified, experienced and independent person, whose appointment has been approved by the Director-General of the DoP to investigate the claim. Details collected at the time of the complaint and the compiled blast monitoring reports and pre blast checklist will be provided to the assessor.

If this independent property investigation confirms that the damage was a direct result of the blasting activities within the Open Cut Project, and the property owner agrees with the findings, then Integra will arrange for the repair of the damage to the satisfaction of the Director-General of the DoP.

In the event that the findings of the independent property investigation are disputed (either by Integra or the property owner) and resolution cannot be achieved, the matter will be referred to the Director-General for resolution in accordance with the Independent Dispute Resolution Process identified in Schedule 3, Condition 15 of the Project Approval.



4.24 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

Community consultation will, if required, include the following:

Contacting all affected landowners/residents within 2km of a blasting event by telephone on the day before a blast, indicating the expected time of firing.

Wherever possible, the blasts will be conducted at the same (nominated) time of day.

Recording and managing any complaints.

These and other elements of the community consultation will be addressed under the relevant procedures for the subject works.



5. Roles and Responsibilities

Role Responsibilities Operations Manager Must ensure adequate resources are available to enable

implementation of this plan. Manager of Mining Engineering

The Manager of Mining Engineering is accountable for the overall environmental performance of the Integra Coal Operations, including the outcomes of this plan.

Superintendents Drill and Blast Engineer

Accountable for ensuring all employees in the respective areas are committed to and implement the requirements of blast management at Integra as defined in this procedure.

Ensure the Blast Management Protocol (Section 4.11.1) is followed for each blast.

Ensure approved hours of operation (for blasting) are adhered to. Ensure appropriate blasting controls are in place. Review and analyse blast monitoring data. Complete monthly blast monitoring reports and provide these to the

Environmental Advisor. Conduct a review every 3 years of the Plan. Ensure that blasting is undertaken in accordance with current approved

plans and procedures and relevant Australian Standards. Advise on Best Blast Management Practice mitigation techniques for

the Open Cut Project. Analyse the blast and relevant weather monitoring data following each

blast in order to identify any false triggers and potential causes for any elevated vibration/airblast overpressure levels.

Environmental Advisor or Contracted Agent

Provide a blast monitoring report to the residents indicating the blast monitoring locations (if requested or if exceedance occurs).

Provide blast monitoring reports to CCC and upload on to the Integra website quarterly.

Accurately report the blast monitoring data in the AEMR and Annual Return.

Notify the DoP, DECCW and affected landowner(s)/resident(s) within 24 hours of any exceedance of criteria and provide a written response within 6 days of notification.

Conduct a review every 3 years of the Plan. Analyse the blast and relevant weather monitoring data following each

blast in order to identify any false triggers and potential causes for any elevated vibration/airblast overpressure levels.

Complete the blast monitoring in accordance with this Blast Monitoring Program.

Shot Firer Responsible for preparing, charging and firing explosives. After the Dill and Blast Supervisor is satisfied a blast has been suitably

prepared and is ready for detonation, responsibility will be handed over to the Shot Firer and all personnel will follow their direction until the shot has been fired and cleared. At this time the Shot Firer will hand responsibility back over to the Drill and Blast Supervisor.



6. Review

An internal audit and review of this document will occur in the first quarter of each year or during the preparation of the Integra Project AEMR and EPA Annual Return, or if changes to the operation occur which significantly increase the risk of airblast or ground vibration exceedances, or flyrock or fume generation. The program will only be updated where inadequacies are identified. Changes to the monitoring program other than those specifically identified in this document will not be implemented without prior consultation and agreement with the DECCW and approved by the Director-General of the DoP. In accordance with Schedule 5, Condition 8 of the Project Approval, this document will be independently reviewed by the end of December 2011, and every 3 years thereafter, unless the Director-General directs otherwise. The independent review will be undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced team of experts who have been endorsed by the Director-General. Within 6 weeks of the independent review, a copy of the audit report will be submitted to the Director-General together with Integra’s response to any recommendations.

7. References and Associated Documentation

Project Approvals for the Integra Underground Project and the Integra Open Cut Project, Application Numbers 08_0101 and 08_0102 dated 26 November 2010.

Environment Protection Licence, Integra Coal Complex, Licence Number 3390 Review Due Date 27 November 2014.

The Protection of the Environment Operations Act, 1997 (PoEO Act) administered by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW).

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (EP&A Act) administered by the Department of Planning (DoP).

Explosives Act, 2003 administered by WorkCover and Industry and Investment NSW - Mineral Resources (I&I - MR).

Coal Mines (Open Cut) Regulation, 1999 administered by I&I - MR.

Technical Basis for Guidelines to Minimise Annoyance due to Blasting Overpressure and Ground Vibration (1990) administered by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC).

Australia Standard AS 2187-2006 “Explosives – Storage and use, Part 2: Use of explosives”.



8. Glossary

Term Description

Airblast A sub-audible compression wave transmitted through the air.

Blasthole A hole which is charged with explosives for blasting purposes.

Charge An explosive charge.

Collar The open end of a blasthole.

DECCW The NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.

Detonation An explosive process of a very high speed involving a sustained shock wave in the charge.

Detonator A capsule or case which contains a sensitive powerful explosive used for initiating other explosives.

DoP The NSW Department of Planning.

Fly-Rock Rock which is thrown an excessive distance from the blast site.

Over-Pressure The air pressure pulse emitted during blasting or similar events (see Airblast).

Spacing The linear distance between the collars of blastholes in the same row.

Stemming Drill cuttings, angular crushed rock, sand etc. used to fill up blastholes after they have been charged.

Vibration Cyclic or transient motion which may be generated during blasting. Vibration associated with blasting is generally measured in terms of peak particle velocity in mm/s.



This page has intentionally been left blank



9. Appendices

Appendix A1 – Open Cut Project Area

Appendix A2 – Open Cut Extension Area

Appendix A3 – Land Ownership Plan

Appendix A4 – Receptor Plan

Appendix A5 – Noise Assessment Groups

Appendix B – Blasting Site Laws

Appendix C – Blast Monitoring Locations



This page has intentionally been left blank



Appendix A1 Open Cut Project Area



Appendix A2 Open Cut Extension

Area



Appendix A3 Land Ownership Plan



Appendix A4 Receptor Plan



Appendix A5 Noise Assessment

Groups



Appendix B Blasting Site Laws



This page has been intentionally left blank



Appendix C Blast Monitoring

Locations

79612 Blast Management Plan Final(1)

Documents

Transcript of 79612 Blast Management Plan Final(1)