ABM RESOURCES NL MINING MANAGEMENT PLAN · ABM Resources NL (ABM) is a publicly listed company...

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ABM RESOURCES NL

MINING MANAGEMENT PLAN

North Arunta Exploration Project

2016/17 Reporting Year

December 2016

Authorisation Number: 0835-01

ABM Resources NL North Arunta MMP December 2016

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DOCUMENT SUMMARY

PROJECT OWNER & LICENSEE

ABM Resources NL 1/141 Broadway NEDLANDS WA 6009 ABN: 58 009 127 020

CONTACT DETAILS

Perth Office: Phone: 08 9423 9777 Fax: 08 9423 9733

OPERATIONS North Arunta Exploration Project NORTH ARUNTA NT

LICENCE TENEMENTS

EL26825, EL28515, EL28727, EL28748, EL29723, EL29724, EL29725, EL29896, EL30470, EL30507, EL30637, EL8766, EL23880, EL23883, EL23884, EL23885, EL23886, EL25031, EL25033, EL25034, EL25035, EL25041, EL25042, EL25044, EL23655, EL23888, EL28083

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The North Arunta Project is located approximately 400km north west of Alice Springs in an area bounded to the north by Warrabri Community just off the Stuart Highway, southeast to Ti Tree Crossing and southwest to the Granites via Yuendumu. In December 2015 ABM lodged their annual North Arunta MMP, proposing low impact reconnaissance and detailed mapping and rock sampling at selected targets, with no disturbance. In May 2016, ABM lodged an amendment to this MMP proposing drilling on EL23888 at Reynolds Range. The DPIR requested a revised MMP be lodged to include the proposed activities; this revised MMP was lodged in June 2016. This MMP has since been accepted (Appendix 1) and ABM responses to DPIR‘s request for further information are provided in Appendix 2. No activities have occurred at North Arunta over the reporting period, and it is requested that proposed activities outlined in the revised June 2016 MMP are carried over to this current MMP.

AUTHORISED ACTIVITIES (0835-01)

20 RC/AC drill holes, clearing of 0.8ha for drill pads, 20 sumps (360m3), 3km (0.9ha) of tracks and 0.25ha for camp area. Total clearing: 1.9ha. Approved under June 2016 Revised MMP.

REPORTING PERIOD

Reporting on activities from 18 December 2015 – 18 December 2016 as well as proposed activities for period until 18 December 2017. Report submitted by 18 December 2016.

DISTRIBUTION Dept. of Primary Industries and Resources (DPIR) Darwin – [email protected] and ABM Website as Public Report

STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS

In the preparation of this report, Woolard Consulting Pty Ltd (WCPL) and Wells Environmental (“the Consultants”) have relied on data, plans and other information provided by ABM Resources. Except as otherwise stated in the Report, the Consultants have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the information or undertaken any test work or site inspection. WCPL and Wells Environmental will not be liable in relation to incorrect conclusions or recommendations should any data or information, be incorrect, misrepresented or otherwise not fully disclosed to the Consultants. Within the limitations imposed by the commission, the assessment of the site and preparation of the report have been undertaken in accordance with generally accepted practices using a degree of care ordinarily exercised by professional Resource Consultants. No other warranty, expressed or implied is made.


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DOCUMENT STATUS

I Alwin van Roij (name of approving person) Senior Exploration Geologist (position title) declare that to the best of my knowledge the information contained in this mining management plan is true and correct and commit to undertake the works detailed in this plan in accordance with all the relevant Local, Northern Territory and Commonwealth Government legislation.

SIGNATURE:

DATE: 14/12/2016


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CONTENTS

DOCUMENT SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 2 DOCUMENT STATUS ........................................................................................................................... 3 AMENDMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 5 1.0 OPERATOR DETAILS ............................................................................................................... 6

1.1 Organisational Structure / Chart .............................................................................................. 7 1.2 Workforce ................................................................................................................................. 8

2.0 IDENTIFIED STAKEHLDERS AND CONSULTATION ............................................................. 8 3.0 PROJECT DETAILS .................................................................................................................. 9

3.1 Map of Site Location and Layout ........................................................................................... 10 3.2 Previous Activities and Current Status ................................................................................... 13 3.3 Proposed Activities ................................................................................................................ 13

4.0 CURRENT PROJECT SITE CONDITIONS ............................................................................. 18 4.1 Geology .................................................................................................................................. 18 4.2 Hydrology ............................................................................................................................... 19 4.3 Flora ....................................................................................................................................... 19

4.3.1 Weeds ............................................................................................................................. 20 4.4 Fauna ..................................................................................................................................... 20 4.5 Historical, Aboriginal and Heritage Sites ................................................................................ 21 4.6 Land Use ................................................................................................................................ 21

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM /PLAN ........................................................... 24 5.1 Environmental Policy and Responsibilities ............................................................................ 24 5.2 Statutory and Non-Statutory Requirements ........................................................................... 26 5.3 Induction and Training ........................................................................................................... 27 5.4 Identification of Environmental Aspects and Impacts ............................................................ 27

5.4.1 Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 28 5.4.2 Risk Assessment Methods ............................................................................................. 28 5.4.3 Risk Assessment Results ............................................................................................... 30

5.5 Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting .................................................................... 34 5.6 Environmental Audits and Inspections and Monitoring .......................................................... 34 5.7 Environmental Performance .................................................................................................. 34

6.0 EXPLORATION REHABILITATION ........................................................................................ 35 6.1 Post-Exploration Land Use and Remediation Objectives ...................................................... 35

6.1.1 Final Land Use ................................................................................................................ 35 6.1.2 Remediation Objectives .................................................................................................. 35

6.2 Drilling Rehabilitation ............................................................................................................. 38 6.3 Rehabilitation of Tracks ......................................................................................................... 38 6.4 Rehabilitation of Costeans ..................................................................................................... 39 6.5 Rehabilitation Monitoring and Maintenance ........................................................................... 40 6.6 Costing of Closure Activities .................................................................................................. 40

7.0 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES .............................................................................................. 41 APPENDICES ...................................................................................................................................... 42 APPENDIX 1: DPIR ACCEPTANCE AND COMMENTS ON JUNE 2016 REVISED MMP ................ 42 APPENDIX 2: ABM RESPONSES TO DPIR COMMENTS ON JUNE 2016 REVISED MMP ............ 42 APPENDIX 3: PASTORAL STATION CORRESPONDENCE ............................................................ 42 APPENDIX 4: APPLICATION FOR AMENDED AUTHORISATION ................................................... 42 APPENDIX 5: NORTH ARUNTA REHABILITATION REPORT ......................................................... 42 APPENDIX 6: NORTH ARUNTA LIABILITIES AUDIT ....................................................................... 42 APPENDIX 7: AAPA REGISTER OF SACRED SITES SEARCH RESULTS ..................................... 42 APPENDIX 8: EXPLORATION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ..................................... 42 APPENDIX 9: THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES IDENTIFICATION ................................................. 42 APPENDIX 10: THREATENED FLORA SPECIES IDENTIFICATION ............................................... 42 APPENDIX 11: PERFORMANCE AGAINST COMMITMENTS .......................................................... 42 APPENDIX 12: COSTING OF CLOSURE ACTIVITIES ...................................................................... 42 APPENDIX 13: NORTH ARUNTA SECURITY CALCULATION ......................................................... 42 APPENDIX 14: WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................... 42

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: ABM Exploration Management Structure ................................................................................ 7 Figure 2: North Arunta Location Map ................................................................................................... 11 Figure 3: Site access to each project area at North Arunta, using existing tracks (red) ....................... 12 Figure 4: Proposed cleared track (in pink) at Reward target on EL23888 ........................................... 16 Figure 5: Sites of Botanical/Conservation Significance and Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA) within the North Arunta project area. .............................................................................................................. 23 Figure 6: ABM's Community and Environmental Policy ....................................................................... 25 Figure 7: Existing tracks at each project area with ABM cleared tracks – open (blue) and rehabilitated (green) .................................................................................................................................................. 39

AMENDMENTS

Section Amendment

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1.0 OPERATOR DETAILS

Operator Name: ABM Resources NL

Key Contact Person/s:

Gillian McBain or Alwin Van Roij

Postal Address:

Level 1, 141 Broadway NEDLANDS WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6009

Street Address:

Level 1, 141 Broadway NEDLANDS WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6009

Phone: +61 8 9423 9777

Fax: +61 8 9423 9733

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

ABM Resources NL (ABM) is a publicly listed company (Australian Securities Exchange code: ABU), currently exploring granted exploration licences throughout Central and Northern Australia. ABM’s tenement holding covers over 30,000 km² in the Tanami-Arunta and Central Australia regions. Key Personnel/Contacts Mr Matt Briggs Managing Director [email protected] Mr Alwin Van Roij Senior Exploration Geologist [email protected] Ms Jutta Zimmermann CFO /Company Secretary [email protected] Ms Gill McBain Land Manager [email protected]


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1.1 Organisational Structure / Chart

Figure 1: ABM Exploration Management Structure

Managing Director

Chief Geoscientist

Snr. Exploration Geologist

Exploration Geologist

Project Geologist

Graduate Geologist

Field Assistant

North Arunta MMP December 2016 Auth No. 0835-01

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1.2 Workforce

Currently ABM employs technical staff (including geologists) within the exploration department primarily out of Perth, and non-technical staff from various locations, including local indigenous personnel. The majority of personnel will be on a two and one field roster, with some personnel working from the office and undertaking regular field visits. Typically the exploration team will consist of eight or nine ABM personnel including the chief geoscientist, senior exploration geologist, project geologists, a graduate geologist and two field assistants. ABM will contract a suitable drilling company to undertake the drilling programs on a campaign basis. This company will typically have one driller and two offsiders onsite at any one time.

2.0 IDENTIFIED STAKEHLDERS AND CONSULTATION

ABM has identified the following interested parties in addition to company shareholders:

Traditional Owners via the Central Land Council;

ABM Employees;

ABM Contractors and suppliers;

Pastoralists; and

Government Departments – Department of Primary Industry and Resources(DPIR, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), NT Work Safe and Department of Health (DOH)

There are four forms of stakeholder engagement strategies that ABM employs;

1. Formal engagement with Traditional Owners – through the CLC; 2. Informal engagement with Traditional Owners – occasional contact through field visitors,

employees and colleagues; 3. Engagement with the Northern Territory Government; and 4. Formal and informal engagement with pastoralists, local communities, businesses and

Territory businesses. Proposed activities for this MMP include EL23888, which is wholly located on the Coniston Station pastoral lease. The pastoral lease owners have received a copy of the proposed work program and have given consent for ABM to conduct the proposed works outlined in Table 1. The proposed work has been discussed with Coniston station owner and manager Jacquie Lines. Discussions included any possible issues around mustering times, water use and access. No concerns were raised. A request was made to use station equipment for any remedial track work and pad clearing required, which is in ABM’s best interest. See Appendix 3 for email correspondence. Once DPIR approval is in place to conduct the works, ABM will contact Coniston Station again to finalise timeframes and to organise a field visit to discuss required earthworks prior to the drill rig mobilising to the area.


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Two way communication has predominantly been over the telephone, although email communication has also been utilized. ABM plans to communicate in means most suitable to Coniston Station, which is typically via telephone conversation. However, any significant agreements will be confirmed via email or in writing.

3.0 PROJECT DETAILS

The North Arunta Project consists of 27 granted exploration tenements which are summarised within Table 1. The current Authorisation 0835-01 was issued in respect of 35 of the granted tenements and ABM seeks to remove 8 tenements (Bonita and Walkeley Projects) from this Authorisation. A number of tenements in the Barrow Creek project have also been reduced in size. An application to amend Authorisation 0835-01 is included with this MMP as Appendix 4. Table 1: North Arunta granted exploration licences Sub Project Title Number Registered Holder Grant Expiry Blocks Barrow Creek EL26825 #2 ABM Resources NL 27-Jan-09 26-Jan-17 130 EL28515 ABM Resources NL 03-Oct-11 02-Oct-17 9 EL28727 ABM Resources NL 03-Oct-11 02-Oct-17 28 EL28748 ABM Resources NL 31-Oct-11 30-Oct-17 71 EL29723 ABM Resources NL 17-May-13 16-May-19 83 EL29724 ABM Resources NL 17-May-13 16-May-19 49 EL29725 ABM Resources NL 17-May-13 16-May-19 72 EL29896 #2 ABM Resources NL 27-Jan-09 26-Jan-17 47 EL30470 ABM Resources NL 31-Jul-15 30-Jul-21 141 EL30507 ABM Resources NL 08-Jun-15 07-Jun-21 4 EL30637 ABM Resources NL 08-Jun-15 07-Jun-21 79 Bonita EL23926 ABM Resources NL 11-Apr-12 10-Apr-18 160 EL23927 ABM Resources NL 16-Mar-12 15-Mar-18 173 EL29367 ABM Resources NL 16-Mar-12 15-Mar-18 138 EL29368 ABM Resources NL 11-Apr-12 10-Apr-18 229 Lander River EL8766 #1 ABM Resources NL 10-Oct-06 09-Oct-16 88 EL23880 #1 ABM Resources NL 10-Oct-06 09-Oct-16 5 EL23883 #1 ABM Resources NL 10-Oct-06 09-Oct-16 18 EL23884 #1 ABM Resources NL 10-Oct-06 09-Oct-16 72

Project Name: North Arunta Project – Authorisation Number 0835-01

Location:

The North Arunta Project is located approximately 400km north west of Alice Springs and an area bounded to the north by Warrabri Community just off the Stuart Highway, southeast to Ti Tree Crossing and southwest to the Granites via Yuendumu, this area is identified in Figure 2.

Site Access: Access is via the Stuart Highway and/or Tanami Road, then by graded roads via Yuendumu, Ti Tree, Willowra, or Barrow Creek to the project areas.

Mining Interest/s:

The North Arunta Project is separated into three sub projects - Barrow Creek, Lander River, and Reynolds Range.

Title holder/s: ABM Resources NL


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EL23885 #1 ABM Resources NL 10-Oct-06 09-Oct-16 134 EL23886 #1 ABM Resources NL 10-Oct-06 09-Oct-16 101 EL25031 ABM Resources NL 20-Dec-13 19-Dec-19 8 EL25033 ABM Resources NL 20-Dec-13 19-Dec-19 12 EL25034 ABM Resources NL 20-Dec-13 19-Dec-19 8 EL25035 ABM Resources NL 20-Dec-13 19-Dec-19 17 EL25041 ABM Resources NL 20-Dec-13 19-Dec-19 4 EL25042 ABM Resources NL 20-Dec-13 19-Dec-19 38 EL25044 ABM Resources NL 20-Dec-13 19-Dec-19 15 Reynolds Range

EL23655 ABM Resources NL/

Select Resources Pty Ltd 12-Jun-03 11-Jun-17 43

EL23888 ABM Resources NL 12-Aug-04 11-Aug-16 56 EL28083 #2 ABM Resources NL 31-Jan-11 30-Jan-17 37 Walkeley EL22554 ABM Resources NL 03-Jan-14 02-Jan-20 245 EL22555 ABM Resources NL 03-Jan-14 02-Jan-20 245 EL30153 ABM Resources NL 03-Jan-14 02-Jan-20 200 EL30155 ABM Resources NL 03-Jan-14 02-Jan-20 247 #1 Application for renewal pending #2 Application for renewal to be lodged

3.1 Map of Site Location and Layout

The North Arunta project area is located approximately 400km north west of Alice Springs, and access is via the Stuart Highway or the Tanami Road. The North Arunta project is separated into three sub projects; Barrow Creek, Lander River and Reynolds Range as illustrated in Figure 2. The Barrow Creek project tenements are centred approximately 20km north and 35km west of the community of Barrow Creek. Access is from Alice Springs, north via the Stuart Highway, and then various tracks to the east and west of the Stuart Highway. The Lander River project access is made via the Stuart Highway and along 100km of station tracks, or via Willowra from where the project is another 40km north. The Reynolds Range sub project is 180km north west of Alice Springs and is accessed via the Stuart Highway (between Alice Springs and Ti Tree) via a number of existing station tracks to the west. For Site Access routes to each project, see Figure 3.


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Figure 2: North Arunta Location Map


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Figure 3: Site access to each project area at North Arunta, using existing tracks (red)


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3.2 Previous Activities and Current Status Historical Mining/Exploration

ABM acquired the North Arunta project in 2009 and submitted an MMP (Authorisation 0562-02) in 2010 outlining its proposed drill program. The only drilling completed by ABM in 2010 was a total of 8 drill holes (1 diamond drill hole, 3 RC diamond drill holes and 4 RC drill holes) around the Sabre, Assegai, Falchion and Yataghan prospects on EL23888. In 2011, ABM submitted a second MMP (Authorisation Number 0562-02) where 15 RC drill holes were drilled at the Kroda prospect on EL26825 and EL29896. During 2012, ABM submitted its third MMP, (Authorisation Number 0562-04) proposing additional drill holes in the North Arunta region. Only 8 RC drill holes were completed at the Emma prospect on EL26825 (1 RC drill hole was abandoned and redrilled making a total of 9 drill holes). Authorisation No 0562 was issued in respect of all of ABM’s Northern Territory tenure covering three separate project areas. Following a request from DME Mining Compliance, ABM prepared three separate MMPs and applications for Authorisations in respect of the three distinct project areas. In 2013, ABM submitted the fourth annual MMP for North Arunta under Authorisation Number 0835-01. The new MMP proposed a smaller drilling program than 2012, however due to other exploration priorities, no drilling occurred at North Arunta during 2013. Any outstanding liabilities under Authorisation No. 0562-04 were incorporated into Authorisation No. 0835-01. A total of 32 drill holes were drilled by ABM at North Arunta between 2010 and 2012 on EL26825, EL29896 and EL23888. All 32 drill holes have been rehabilitated by ABM. The details and locations of these drill holes were lodged in the North Arunta Rehabilitation Report with the June 2016 Revised MMP (Appendix 5 of this MMP). This rehab report contains coordinates and spatial files for all disturbances at North Arunta and is updated each year and lodged with the MMP. Since no rehabilitation or activities were conducted over the reporting year, no changes have been made to the rehabilitation report. A liabilities audit (rehabilitation register) is provided in Appendix 6. This document identifies all disturbances conducted across North Arunta, and all of these disturbances identified in this audit have been rehabilitated. No exploration activities occurred during the December 2014 – December 2015 reporting period except for a brief site visit in March 2015 to conduct minimal reconnaissance work. In November 2015, ABM lodged the fifth annual MMP for North Arunta for the period December 2015 – December 2016. Initially no exploration activities were proposed for the year except for reconnaissance work. However in May 2016 ABM lodged an amendment to the MMP proposing 20 RC or AC drill holes at the Reward prospect on EL23888 within the Reynolds Range sub project. It was requested by the DME that a revised MMP be submitted which included the proposed activities from the May 2016 amendment. A revised 6th MMP was lodged in June 2016. This document will be ABM’s 7th North Arunta MMP reporting on activities conducted during December 2015 – 2016, of which no activities were undertaken and outlining proposed activities for the period December 2016 – December 2017.

3.3 Proposed Activities

Due to other exploration priorities, ABM were unable to conduct activities at North Arunta over the reporting period – therefore, ABM request the approved activities described in the previously approved MMP is transferred forward to this current MMP. No changes/additions have been made to described activities in the previous MMP lodged in June 2016. ABM is proposing low impact reconnaissance and detailed mapping and rock sampling at selected targets. The aim of this program is to generate drill targets at the best prospects for future follow up work, by either ABM or a potential joint venture partner. The program will involve minimal disturbance as existing tracks will be used and small fly camps in close proximity to prospects selected for mapping and rock sampling are to be established.


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Low impact reconnaissance and detailed mapping and rock sampling will take place under previous CLC sacred site clearance requirements and focus around existing prospects where previous work has been completed on the Barrow Creek, Lander River and Reynolds Range projects (Figure 4) and specifically focusing on the tenements listed in Table 2. Locations of fly camps are currently not known and will depend on the amount of work at each site, and the suitability of the terrain. It is likely that fly camps will be in the vicinity of existing prospects, where there are typically numerous locations of less dense vegetation suitable for a low impact fly camp. A fly camp encompasses two or three light vehicles and one or two trailers (for fuel, water and supplies). Typically, no clearing is required for vehicle access as old drill lines or remote tracks can be used. Some hand clearing of vegetation may be required to erect up to 5 tents for the duration of the stay. In addition to the above low impact reconnaissance work, ABM is proposing:

1. 20 RC or AC drill holes at a maximum depth of 150m at the Reward prospect on EL23888 within the Reynolds Range sub project. Associated with these drill holes are drill pads, drill sumps and a small cleared area for a temporary camp (Figure 4).

2. 3km of track clearing to enable access to the proposed drill target area. The track will be approximately 3m wide (Figure 4).

Reward is a historic Cu-Pb working with a shallow shaft that was worked in the 1940s-50s and is located on the Reynolds Range trend, a retrograde shear zone trending for over 100km with areas of anomalism noted throughout. Little to no modern exploration exists at the prospect, although several holes were drilled in 1988. These were drilled to a max depth of 27m and fell short of intersecting mineralisation observed at surface. Even with this being so, good initial results were recorded in the drilling, indicating the potential for a wider zone of mineralisation than historically recognised. Additionally, ABM has visited the site and collected encouraging surface samples. An EM survey conducted by ABM highlighted a conductor target approximately 300m along strike from the current known mineralisation, indicating the potential for massive sulphide mineralisation along strike at depth. A total of 20 drill holes are planned at the Reward prospect (see Figure 4). These are designed to:

- Test the depth and strike extents of mineralisation present at the site of historic workings. - Test the EM anomaly further along strike of the historic workings.

The proposed area in which the activities are to be conducted do not contain any sacred or archaeological sites based on on-ground surveys. Within this proposed area ABM will ensure that the drill pads and tracks will be maintained at the dimensions specified below and minimised where practicable. As the Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with Central Land Council (CLC) prohibits the release of sacred site survey results, ABM is unable to provide the survey data. If this information is required, the DPIR will need to consult directly with the CLC. Access to the proposed drill sites will use existing access roads; some remedial work may be necessary. The drilling programme will be conducted by a drill contractor (to be nominated), utilising a truck-mounted drilling rig, plus support truck and light vehicle. The holes will be drilled by an RC or Aircore / slimline RC rig. An ABM field crew will utilise 2 light vehicles, and one truck and earthmoving equipment for initial pad clearing and support. Drill pad construction will be kept to a minimum, and is typically around 20m x 20m to comply with safety protocols and allow the placement of samples. ABM will largely be drilling shallow holes and, as such, doesn’t expect to encounter significant water, however an allowance for sumps has been made so groundwater can be contained if necessary.


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ABM will aim to keep sump creation to a minimum disturbance. From historic and previous ABM drilling data from nearby prospects, groundwater is not expected to a depth of at least 80m, which means only a few sumps may actually be required. The specific procedure for drilling is as follows:

1. Survey and mark out proposed clearing area. 2. Clear vegetation from the top of the working area using the flat blade of a loader and stockpile

to one side of the working area. 3. Dig sumps, if required; stockpiling topsoil separate along the side of the sump. 4. Disturbance of top soil on the drill pad will be minimised by planning best entry and exit points

for the drill rig and support vehicles. 5. Drill holes, immediately plug and back-fill holes once completed. 6. Log and remove drill chips from site for analysis and storage 7. Metre samples are placed in rows on the drill pads (no green bags used) 8. Any drill spoil will be placed down drill hole or in sumps. 9. Fill sumps after being dried out; placing top soil over disturbed area 10. Place stockpiled vegetation over pad. 11. Rip the working area.

Based on previous drilling results it is considered unlikely that significant groundwater will be intersected during the proposed program. If groundwater is intersected appropriate hydrogeological details will be recorded and if necessary, hole completion will be undertaken in accordance with DPIR Advisory Note AA7-008 and 029 (2007). Drilling at Reward will be conducted using a small mobile camp setup which ABM has used successfully in previous years. This will entail a small laydown area for consumables, a number of tents, and two caravans (one from ABM and one from the drilling contractor). Minor clearing may be required to comply with safety protocols, but will be kept to a minimum by selecting camping locations naturally void of significant vegetation. The camp will be located close to the proposed drilling and on existing tracks, to avoid additional clearing requirements. The small mobile camp will cover an area no greater than 0.25 hectares (50mx50m), similar to that used by ABM previously in the Tanami. Up to 4 ABM staff and 4 drill crew contractors may be required on site. Additional infrastructure will be kept to a minimum and include;

Grey water from the laundry, showers and caravan kitchen will be channelled to a small evaporation pond.

A leach drain for the containment of septic waste produced from the portable toilet will be dug, and compacted and reburied on leaving the area.

Rubbish disposal: Food scraps and combustible waste will be burnt in a burn-pit (10x10m (0.01Ha footprint)) located near the mobile camp, and only lit after consideration of wind direction and any local fire bans in place. Recyclables such as aluminium cans and glass will be removed to Wilsons Camp for disposal or sent to local recycling facilities in Alice Springs. Hazardous materials such as batteries will be collected and transported to Wilsons Camp for later transportation to Alice Springs at the end of the field season for disposal in an appropriate manner.

The mobile camp site will be removed and area rehabilitated after the drilling program is complete, in accordance with ABM’s Environmental Management Plan. The drilling will be conducted on a campaign basis and fuel and water requirements will be met by trucking supplies from either Alice Springs or ABM’s Wilsons camp.


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Figure 4: Proposed cleared track (in pink) at Reward target on EL23888


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Table 2: Proposed exploration activities within North Arunta Project

Mining Interests (i.e. titles) EL23888 EL29896 EL23885 EL23883

What time of the year will exploration occur?

April -November

April – November

April – November

April - November

How long is exploration expected to occur?

3-4 weeks 2 weeks 2 weeks 2 weeks

Type of drilling (i.e. RAB, RC, Diamond, aircore)

Slimline RC or Aircore

N/A N/A N/A

Target commodity Gold, Copper, Lead

Gold / Base metals

Gold / Base metals

Gold / Base metals

Is drilling likely to encounter radioactive material?

No N/A N/A N/A

Number of proposed drill holes 20 N/A N/A N/A

Maximum depth of holes 150 N/A N/A N/A

Number of drill pads (Length: 20x Width: 20m)

20 (0.8ha) N/A N/A N/A

Is drilling likely to encounter groundwater? (Y, N, unsure)

Unsure N/A N/A N/A

Number of sumps (Length: 3m x Width: 3m x Depth: 2m)

20 (360m3)(only if required)

N/A N/A N/A

Length of line / track clearing (Kilometres: 3x Width: 3m)

3km (0.9ha) N/A N/A N/A

Number of costeans (Length: x Width: x Depth: m)

0 N/A N/A N/A

Total bulk sample (tonnes) (Length: x Width: x Depth: m)

0 N/A N/A N/A

Will topsoil be removed for rehabilitation purposes?

Yes – topsoil will be stockpiled adjacent to sumps and used to rehabilitate sumps

N/A N/A N/A

Previous disturbance yet to be rehabilitated on title (ha) if known

Nil Nil Nil Nil

Camp (Length: 50x Width:50m)

0.25ha Fly camp Fly camp Fly camp

Total area disturbed (hectares) 1.9ha 0ha 0ha 0ha


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4.0 CURRENT PROJECT SITE CONDITIONS

4.1 Geology The Tanami bioregion which includes the Lander River and a small portion of the Barrow Creek subprojects of the North Arunta project comprises mainly red Quaternary sandplains overlying Permian and Proterozoic strata which are exposed locally as hills and ranges. Alluvial and lacustrine calcareous deposits occur throughout. In the north they are associated with Sturt Creek drainage, and support Chrysopogon and Iseilema short-grasslands often as savannas with River Gum. The Burt Plain bioregion (Figure 2) which includes the Barrow Creek and Reynolds Range regions of the North Arunta project consists of four broad geologies, namely:

Cenozoic Sediments; Residual/Regolith; Cover Successions; and Crystalline Basement

The Burt Plain Bioregion is dominated by undulating stepped plains which are interrupted by major drainage lines and associated terraces and levees, and sporadic hills and rocky ranges (White et al., 2000b). Earthy, alluvial soils predominate (Duguid et al., 2005). The plains consist generally of red earths; however earthy sands and red siliceous sands also occur extensively across the bioregion. Aerial radiometrics for the bioregion highlight variations in the concentration of three radioactive elements potassium (K), thorium (Th) and uranium (U), reflecting variations in soil mineralogy and chemical weathering (Neave et. al, 2006). The Tanami bioregion is divided into three subregions (Figure 2). The oldest exposed basement in Central Australia comprises metamorphic and igneous rocks of the Arunta Inlier (Haines et al., 1991). Rocks of the Arunta Inlier are interpreted as being at least partly correlative with sedimentary and volcanic sequences of the adjacent Tennant Creek and Granites -Tanami Inliers. The Arunta Inlier (Early-Middle Proterozoic) is characterised by metamorphosed sedimentary and igneous rocks of low to medium pressure facies. Deformation and regional metamorphism to upper greenschist facies took place between 1810-1750 Ma (Black, 1981). Shaw and Stewart (1975) established three broad stratigraphic subdivisions based on facies assemblages and lithological correlations. From oldest to youngest, these subdivisions are named Division 1, 2 and 3. Using this model defined by Shaw and Stewart (1975), the orthogneiss east of Osborne Range, the calc-silicate rocks west of Crawford Range and the Bullion Schist would be included in Division 2, and the Ledan Schist in Division 3 of the Arunta Inlier. Unconformably overlying these rocks are the Hatches Creek Group sediments and volcanics. Blake et al. (1987) formally subdivided the Group into the Ooradidgee, Wauchope and Hanlon Subgroups, comprising a total of 20 Formations and two Members. The Hatches Creek Group is a folded sequence of shallow-water sediments with interbedded volcanic units which reach thicknesses of at least 10,000 metres. The sediments include ridge-forming quartzites, felspathic, lithic and minor conglomeratic arenites and friable arenite, siltstone, shale and carbonate. The Ooradidgee Subgroup consists mainly of fluvial sediments and sub-aerial volcanics which partly interfinger. The Wauchope Subgroup is characterised by large volumes of volcanics and sediments probably both marine and fluvial in origin. The Hanlon Subgroup may be entirely marine and lacks volcanics (Blake et al., 1987).


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Sedimentation associated with the Georgina Basin commenced during the Late Proterozoic with the Amesbury Quartzite and was terminated during the Early Devonian after deposition of the Dulcie Sandstone. The Georgina Basin sequence was mildly affected by the Carboniferous Alice Springs Orogeny. A long erosional period followed with subsequent deep weathering during the Tertiary produced silcrete and ferricrete horizons. A veneer of Quaternary sands and soils overlays much of the area, except where recent and active alluvial sedimentation is present.

4.2 Hydrology

No large areas of permanent surface water are located in the North Arunta region. Seasonal creeks and rivers, and ephemeral swamps exist over parts of the project area with small pockets of longer lasting water existing in rocky mountainous terrain. The Lander River and Hanson River form the major drainages in the region, The Lander River lies to the west and the Hanson River to the east. Both arise in the Reynolds and Anmatjira Ranges area with the Lander River flowing north then to the northwest to Lake Surprise and then on until it eventually peters out. The Hanson River flows more or less north adjacent to the Stuart Highway, veering northwest then north to eventually peter out outside the tenement area. Both rivers have extensive areas of floodplain and swamp. There is little potable water in the area of the tenements. Groundwater flows generally follow the direction of flow of the surface water drainages. Some ground water <1,000 mg/L salinity can be found in the western Davenport Plains area to the north of the tenements, and some (not all areas) in the Ti Tree Basin on the western side of the Stuart Highway near Ti Tree. Water tends to be scant and of low quality over much of the region e.g. Anningerie Station, Stirling Station, and Ennugan mountains. There is potential for reasonable quality groundwater along the Hanson River. If groundwater is encountered during the exploration program, appropriate records of relevant hydrogeological parameters will be documented.

4.3 Flora

The North Arunta exploration tenements fall mostly within the Tanami bioregion with some of the north-eastern and southern tenements falling within the Burt Plain bioregion (Figure 2). The Burt Plain bioregion is characterised by plains of Acacia shrubland, tussock and hummock grasslands and Acacia and Eucalyptus woodlands, as well as developed mulga woodlands. There are three plant taxa endemic to the Burt Plain bioregion (Ipomoea sp. Stirling (P.K. Latz 10408), Ptilotus aristatus var. exilis and Ptilotus aristatus var. stenophyllus) (Department of Land Resource Management (DLRM), 2015). The northern tenements (Lander River) of the North Arunta project form part of the Tanami bioregion. In these areas the red Quaternery sandplains support mixed shrub steppes of Hakea suberea, desert bloodwoods, acacias and grevilleas over Triodia pungens hummock grasslands. Acacia shrublands over hummock grass communities occur on the ranges. Three endemic acacia species occur in this bioregion: Acacia abbreviata, A. crassifructa and A. sp. (Tanami A91044). There is little information about the status of these species, but all are likely to have been detrimentally affected by changed fire regimes (DLRM, 2015). Desert bloodwoods (of Aboriginal cultural significance) are widespread over the North Arunta region, ABM personnel have been trained to identify these species and leave them undisturbed. Fire regimes have changed substantially over the last century, following less intricate Aboriginal management over large areas, leading to broad-scale changes in many vegetation communities. Some weeds are also increasing, with at least localised impacts of buffel grass and Parkinsonia (DLRM, 2015).


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4.3.1 Weeds Fifteen declared weeds currently listed under the Northern Territory Weeds Management Act 2001 are known to occur in the Burt Plain Bioregion (DLRM, 2015). Two of these taxa are Class A declared weeds (Patterson’s Curse Echium plantagineum and Mesquite Prosopis pallida) which means they are to be eradicated in the Northern Territory. Twelve taxa listed in Table 3 are currently Class B declared weeds which means their growth and spread is to be controlled, while one other taxon (Native Thornapple Datura leichhardtii) is a Class C declared weed only. All Class A and B declared weed taxa are also Class C declared weeds which means they are not to be introduced to the Northern Territory. Parkinsonia Parkinsonia aculeata, Mesquite Prosopis pallida and Athel Pine Tamarix aphylla are all weeds of national significance, and as such, have a national strategic plan for their control (Neave, et al., 2006). Table 3: Declared Weeds in Burt Plain Bioregion

In the Tanami Bioregion, six declared weeds are known to occur in the region (two of which occur in the Burt Plain bioregion – Athel pine and Parkinsonia). Additionally, the Bellyache Bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) is a Class A declared weed, while Sida (Sida spp.), Rubber bush (Calatropis procera) and Hyptis (Hyptis suaveolensare) Class B declared weeds. ABM exploration personnel will ensure that weed hygiene procedures are implemented during exploration activities, this includes inspecting all gear and equipment for weeds and seeds before moving into a new area and washing down equipment if caked in mud or weeds and seeds are potentially present.

4.4 Fauna The Tanami bioregion sand plains support threatened species including bilby, marsupial mole and mulgara. Most of the bioregion is generally in good condition, with little intensive use. However, feral predators (foxes, cats) and other factors have caused the regional extinction of 13 mammal species (including central rock-rat and mala), and the decline of many other mammals (DLRM, 2015). In the Burt Plain Bioregion, 11 fauna species are currently listed as threatened at the National and/or Territory level, including the southern marsupial mole (Endangered at the Federal level); great desert skink, red goshawk, princess parrot, bilby and black-footed rock-wallaby (Vulnerable at the Federal level); common brushtail possum and mulgara (Endangered at the NT level); bustard, emu and painted snipe (Vulnerable at the NT level). From a national perspective there are no extant vertebrate species that are endemic to the bioregion. Predation, changed fire regimes, livestock grazing, feral animals and weeds are all posing threats to the above threatened species (DLRM, 2015).


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ABM will ensure that areas proposed to be cleared for tracks and drilling are inspected for burrows prior to vegetation clearing. These surveys will determine the likely presence and density within the given area. If any sign of habitation of bilby or mulgara are detected within proposed areas of disturbance, ABM will not disturb the habitat and will look for alternative ways to complete the exploration program.

4.5 Historical, Aboriginal and Heritage Sites

Prior to commencing proposed work, ABM acquires updates of recorded/registered sacred sites for each tenement from the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) to ensure any recorded sites are included within ABM’s database (see Appendix 7 for search results). The Heritage Branch of the Department of Lands Planning and Environment will also be consulted to determine the presence of heritage sites. The Central Land Council (CLC) conducts anthropological/cultural heritage surveys for each tenement based on the impact/intensity of planned exploration, the CLC subsequently notifies ABM of any Sacred Sites that are within or nearby a work area. These Sacred Sites are of significant cultural importance and are to remain confidential. Under the provisions of both Deeds for Exploration and Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA), should any areas of possible Aboriginal significance be found which are not recorded, ABM is required to avoid disturbing the feature and advise the CLC of the nature / location of the site. Sacred Site Clearances will be performed before any new disturbance occurs to a tenement within the North Arunta project. These clearances will include the areas to be soil sampled, drilled or disturbed in any way. All sacred sites already identified have been recorded by qualified anthropologists and any new areas of aboriginal significance will also be recorded. Public circulation of sacred site information is forbidden under ABM’s agreements with the CLC. If this information is required the DPIR must consult directly with the CLC.

4.6 Land Use

Land use in the North Arunta region is mostly pastoralism. The Aboriginal Traditional Owners for the project area are the Warlpiri, Amatjerre and Pintupi/Luritja. The Walkeley, Bonita and Lander River sub projects are located on Aboriginal Land which is held as inalienable freehold title under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976 (ALRA 1976). The Barrow Creek and Reynolds Range sub projects lie on Pastoral Land where Aboriginal rights and interests in land are recognised under the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 (NTA 1993). ABM recognises and respects the rights of the Traditional Owners, therefore before any activity is carried out on-ground ABM consults with and submits work programs to the CLC for Sacred Site Clearances and approval. Also, ABM Mining Management Plans are sent to the CLC for their overview and instruction. The CLC is made aware of our intention to carry out exploration activities. Parts of the North Arunta tenements fall within Sites of Botanical Significance (Figure 5), the Osborne and Crawford Ranges are of ‘national’ significance while the Watt Range Floodouts and Fringing Sandplains are of ‘bioregional’ significance (NT DLRM, 2015). Proposed exploration activities for EL29896 include only reconnaissance works and therefore very minimal disturbance will occur on the SOBS.


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There are six protected areas managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service that are within the boundary of the Burt Plain Bioregion:

• Anna’s Reservoir Conservation Reserve (84.96 hectares); • Barrow Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve (0.85 hectares); • Central Mount Stuart Historical Reserve (0.26 hectares);

• Dulcie Ranges National Park (19,090.89 hectares); • Native Gap Conservation Reserve (11.43 hectares); and • Ryan Well Historical Reserve (2.39 hectares).

Within the Tanami Bioregion there exists two major Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA), the Southern Tanami and the Northern Tanami, see Figure 5.


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Figure 5: Sites of Botanical/Conservation Significance and Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA) within the North Arunta project area.


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5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM /PLAN

ABM’s environmental management framework is shaped by:

ABM’s draft Environmental Management System (EMS), a three tiered system with Corporate Policies (Community and Environment Policy, Figure 6), at the highest level, setting out the goals of the system. The second tier comprises the EMS, determining how the system should run, which is outlined in detail in the Environmental Performance and Management Standards. Finally, the third tier comprises the Specific Management Plans which details precisely how ABM achieves their environmental standards and goals.

ABM’s exploration Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is a controlled document under ABM’s EMS and is one of a number of ABM’s Specific Management Plans.

ABM’s EMP was developed to ensure that appropriate environmental practices are identified and implemented during the various stages of an exploration project. The EMP is a working document that is periodically reviewed and amended throughout the project life to reflect changing environmental conditions. The EMP provides Specific Management Plans for various aspects of exploration activities, e.g. water, hazardous substances, weeds, air quality/noise, fire, waste (mineral and non-mineral) and ground disturbance.

See Appendix 8: Environmental Management Plan for more details.

5.1 Environmental Policy and Responsibilities ABM recognises its responsibility to conduct its operations in an environmentally responsible manner. The Company is committed to environmentally acceptable and sustainable activities, to be achieved through consultation with the various regulatory bodies, the community and other stakeholders. ABM’s Environment Policy is detailed below.

ABM, its employees and contractors are collectively accountable for preservation of the natural environment and minimisation of any impact their activity may have on the surrounds of the locations in which the Company has a presence. The responsible person for implementing environmental management is the Senior Geologist.

It is ABM policy that its personnel shall tread lightly when undertaking its exploration activity, and are committed to maintaining a regard for all others who depend upon the preservation of the surrounding environment. It will ensure all personnel maintain an awareness of rehabilitation obligations. For ABM’s Community and Environment policy statement, see Figure 6.


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Figure 6: ABM's Community and Environmental Policy


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5.2 Statutory and Non-Statutory Requirements

Legislation relevant to the exploration is listed in Table 4 below:

Table 4: Primary legislation applicable to the North Arunta Project Area

Legislation Comment

NT Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976 Deed for Exploration with the Central Land Council (CLC) in respect of tenements on ALRA land.

NT Aboriginal Land Act 1980 Requirement for permits for entry onto Aboriginal Land

NT Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989

Duty to report and protect Aboriginal archaeological and historic sites

NT Heritage Act 2012 Duty to report and protect places and objects of historical and archaeological significance

NT Mineral Titles Act 2010 Exploration Licences granted under the terms and conditions of the Mining Act and as amended

NT Mining Management Act 2011 Authorisation issued for ground disturbing activities

Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993

Indigenous Land Use Agreement with Central Land Council in respect of tenements on Pastoral Land

NT Weeds Management Act 2001 Responsibility to prevent the spread noxious weeds

NT Work Health and safety (NUL) Act 2011

An act to promote health and safety in the workplace

Commonwealth Environment Biodiversity Protection Act (1999)

The EPBC Act focuses Australian Government interests on the protection of matters of national environmental significance, with the states and territories having responsibility for matters of state and local significance.

NT Soil Conservation and Land Utilization Act (1969)

An Act to make provision for the prevention of soil erosion and for the conservation and reclamation of soil.

Territory Parks, and Wildlife Conservation Act (1977)

Provides for the declaration of land, including the sea above any part of the sea bed of the Territory, to be a sanctuary. The Act also provides for the protection of animals and plants; and the preparation of plans of managements for parks and reserves.

The North Arunta tenements are subject to a number of Deeds for Exploration and Indigenous Land Use Agreements with the CLC on behalf of the Traditional Owners. Environmental Initiatives

ABM will commit to the following initiatives:

Where practicable utilise the assistance of local indigenous personnel to assist in controlled

burning, locating and monitoring threatened species, rare flora and weeds.

Supporting current Tanami Biodiversity Studies


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5.3 Induction and Training

All new employees, contractors and visitors to ABM sites are inducted using an Induction Checklist. Adherence to Company environmental policies and procedures is required and best practice is also emphasised with respect to requirements of both Deeds for Exploration and ILUAs administered by the CLC.

The induction includes the following items:

ABMs Environmental Policy and Commitments;

Relevant legislation and discussion of the consequences of breaching legislative requirements;

Significant flora and fauna of the Tanami region; the following handouts will be provided

o MMP Appendix 9: Threatened Fauna Species of the Northern Territory

o MMP Appendix 10: Threatened Flora Species of the Northern Territory

o EMP Appendix 5: Species Identification

Flora and vegetation management;

Storage and handling requirements for chemicals, fuels and other potentially polluting substances;

Waste disposal requirements;

Spill management procedures; and

Environmental incident reporting procedures.

Employees and contractors entering reserves or areas of significance will be briefed prior to commencing work to outline other specific environmental issues and special requirements. A requirement for operation of vehicles and equipment, including the need to keep to cleared tracks and nominated routes, is included in the induction.

Awareness programs are undertaken as part of the ABM projects, and include all exploration personnel. In addition, daily planning meetings are held where specific issues can be raised and information passed on to employees and contractors.

5.4 Identification of Environmental Aspects and Impacts A list of the environmental aspects and impacts identified for the project are provided below in Table 5. An assessment of the risk of each of these aspects/impacts is provided in Section 4.6.3 and the associated Environmental Management Plan is provided in Appendix 8.

Table 5: Aspects and potential impacts associated with proposed activities

Aspect Potential Impact/Hazard

Storage & handling of hazardous materials (e.g. hydrocarbons).

Spill or leak to environment with potential to contaminate downstream surface and/or ground waters.


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Aspect Potential Impact/Hazard

Operation of vehicles, plant and equipment.

Degradation in air quality, including generation of excessive dust.

Disturbance to fauna and/or people associated with excessive noise and vibration.

Injury to fauna

Clearing of native vegetation and/or soil disturbance.

Loss of key native vegetation habitats and/or direct mortality of terrestrial venerable species (e.g. Bilby, Australian Bustard).

Poorly managed clearing practices and site hygiene practices, leading to incursion by weeds.

Soil erosion and sedimentation.

Disposal of putrescible and general waste.

Poorly managed site landfills attract and encourages feral animals.

Contamination to land and water.

Lighting of fires (accidental/intentional).

Removal of native vegetation and direct mortality of significant terrestrial fauna species. Loss or impact to human health and/or infrastructure.

Rehabilitation activities. Poorly designed and implemented rehabilitation can lead to erosion, sedimentation and weed establishment.

5.4.1 Risk Assessment

This risk assessment describes the process and presents results of the assessment of the risks associated with identified aspects and potential impacts of ABM’s activities. It is designed to identify the potential hazards that affect human health, the socio-cultural environment, and the natural environment. The approach is systematic and congruous with international best practice standard methodologies including;

AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009: Risk management – Principles and Guidelines (Standard)

HB 203:2006: Environmental risk management – Principles and process (Guide)

HB 158:2010: Delivering assurance based on ISO 31000:2009 – Risk management – Principles and Guidelines (Guide)

5.4.2 Risk Assessment Methods Risk is defined as the chance of something happening that will have an impact on objectives. The first step in the risk assessment process was to identify the hazards (defined as anything that will cause harm and can affect meeting of outcomes and objectives). Each hazard was analysed for likelihood and consequence and a risk ranking was developed for the inherent value. Management


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programs were considered for each hazard and a new likelihood, consequence and risk ranking (now the residual risk) was defined.

The ranking for event consequence is shown in Table 6. The likelihood of an event occurring provides a measure of the known or anticipated frequency of occurrences (Table 7). Combining likelihood with consequence provides guidance on risk levels of each aspect and enables ranking of priorities (Table 8).

Table 6: Consequence Ranking

Consequence

1 Insignificant No measurable impact on the environment. No injuries. Low-nil financial loss.

2 Minor

Minor, temporary environmental impact. No publicity likely and no stakeholder concerns. First aid treatment required. Medium-low financial loss.

3 Moderate

Substantial temporary or permanent minor, localised environmental damage. Stakeholder enquires (this may include government, unions or public). Medical attention required. High-medium financial loss.

4 Major

Substantial or permanent environmental damage. Prosecution possible. Loss of company credibility and high stakeholder interest. Permanent injuries. High financial loss.

5 Catastrophic

Widespread severe and permanent Environmental damage. Major stakeholder and media interest. Prosecution likely. Permanent injury or death. Extreme financial loss.


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Table 7: Qualitative measures of likelihood

Probability/Likelihood Likelihood Criteria

A Rare: Practically impossible, will only occur in exceptional circumstances. Has never occurred in the industry.

0-1%

B Unlikely: Could occur at some time but highly unlikely. Has occurred in the industry previously.

1-10%

C Moderate: Might occur at some time. Has occurred in associated companies previously.

11-50%

D Likely: Known to occur or will probably occur in most circumstances. Has occurred several times/year in associated companies.

51-90%

E Almost Certain:

Common or repeating occurrence. Is expected to occur several times/year in any associated business.

91-100%

Table 8: Risk rankings from combined consequence to likelihood

Consequence

Lik

elih

oo

d

1 2 3 4 5

A 1 3 6 10 15

B 2 5 9 14 19

C 4 8 13 18 22

D 7 12 17 21 24

E 11 16 20 23 25

Where; Red = extreme risk intolerable Orange = high risk intolerable or tolerable Yellow = medium risk tolerable or acceptable Green = low risk acceptable

5.4.3 Risk Assessment Results The results of an assessment of the risks associated with the identified environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with the project are summarised in Table 9 below, including residual risk, taking into account proposed management / mitigation measures. Risk mitigation measures are outlined in more detail in Section 2.4 of the Environmental Management Plan (Appendix 8).


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Table 9: Risk Assessment Matrix

Subject Aspect Potential Impact/Hazard

Inherent Risk (C=Consequence;

L=Likelihood; RS=Risk Score)

Management/Mitigation Measures

Residual Risk (C=Consequence;

L=Likelihood; RR=Residual

Risk)

C L RS C L RR

Surface and Groundwater

Storage & handling of hazardous materials (e.g. hydrocarbons)

Spill or leak to environment with potential to contaminate downstream surface and/or groundwaters.

4 C 18

Appropriate storage and handling of hazardous materials and monitoring of storage facilities, in accordance with Australian Standards.

Adequate training (e.g. inductions).

Refer to EMP

3 B 9

Air Quality & Noise/ Vibration

Operation of vehicles, plant and equipment (e.g. generators, drill rigs)

Degradation in air quality, including generation of excessive dust.

2 C 8

Maintenance of equipment to minimise air and noise emissions as far as possible.

Avoid activities generating excessive dust.

Refer to EMP

2 B 5

Disturbance to fauna and/or people associated with excessive noise and vibration.

2 C 8

Maintenance of equipment to minimise air emissions as far as possible.

Refer to EMP 2 B 5

Injury to fauna 3 B 9 Preclearance surveys, personnel trained to identify threatened species burrows and to avoid these areas where possible 3 A 6

Ground Disturbance

Clearing of native vegetation and vehicle access

Loss of key plant species/habitats and/or direct mortality of terrestrial venerable species (Bilby, Mulgara)

3 B 9

Personnel trained in identification of bilby / mulgara. If burrows are spotted avoidance of these areas

Avoid clearing areas with Desert Walnut, Bloodwood and mature trees >2m in height.

Refer to EMP

3 A 6


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Risk)

C L RS C L RR

Poorly managed clearing practices and site hygiene practices, leading to incursion by weeds

3 C 13

Vehicles are to be washed down prior to mobilising

Communicate advice on weed identification and treatment

Avoid areas of known weed infestation

Refer to EMP

3 B 9

Soil erosion & sedimentation 3 C 13

Use appropriate clearing techniques to minimise soil disturbance.

Avoid clearing areas with erodible soils.

Refer to EMP

3 A 6

Management of Waste & Hazardous Goods

Disposal of putrescible and general waste

Poorly managed site encourages use by native/introduced fauna

3 B 9

To dissuade dingoes and other scavengers from entering camps, food scraps are to be burnt, standing water is to be avoided and feeding and encouragement of any fauna is not permitted.

Refer to EMP

2 B 5

Contamination to land 2 B 5

All non-biodegradable to be relocated at an approved waste disposal site

Certain waste materials (i.e. cardboard, food scraps) will be burnt on site.

Refer to EMP

2 A 3

Fire

Lighting of fires (accidental/intentional)

Destruction of native vegetation and direct mortality of significant terrestrial fauna species. Loss or impact to human health and/or infrastructure.

4 C 18

Personnel are strictly banned from lighting fires except under controlled conditions

If fire threatens camp or work site and evacuation is not an option, and it appears probable/highly likely that the fire will approach the site, back-burning to reduce the amount of vegetation (fuel) in the immediate vicinity of the site is permitted under strict circumstances.

Refer to EMP

2 C 8


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Risk)

C L RS C L RR

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation activities

Poorly designed and implemented rehabilitation. Can lead to erosion and sedimentation and weed establishment

3 B 9

Backfill of trenches using waste material

Monitoring and remedial works, if required

Protection of open trenches to prevent access by animals/personnel.

Refer to Section 5 Exploration Rehabilitation

2 B 5


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5.5 Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting

Exploration employees and contractors are required to report all environmental incidents. These include, but are not limited to:

Spills of hydrocarbons, chemicals any other potentially toxic substance greater than 1 litre;

Significant discharge of saline water;

Injury to, or deaths of, native fauna caused by exploration activity (including light vehicles); and

Wildfires caused by ABM.

In addition to reporting any wildlife deaths, field personnel are asked to photograph the animal to assist in species identification.

All significant environmental incidents will be assessed on their severity using the DPIR’s matrix guide, incidents that are rated as Class 2 or above according to the matrix will be reported to the Chief Executive Officer of the DPIR. An incident register is kept and maintained as required under the Mining Management Act 2001, all reported incidents for the reporting period applicable to this document shall be noted in successive MMP’s.

Refer to Appendix 8, ABM’s EMP, for specific procedures in the event of an environmental emergency (hydrocarbon spill, wildfire, etc).

No incidents were reported during the reporting period.

5.6 Environmental Audits and Inspections and Monitoring

An inspection of all sites and rehabilitated areas is carried out by field staff following completion of works or rehabilitation program. A written report (pro-forma) is to be completed and accompanied by photographic records; these forms are provided in Appendix 3 and 4 of the Exploration Environmental Management Plan.

5.7 Environmental Performance

ABM will strive to maintain a level of environmental performance that generates the lowest environmental impacts at work sites. Environmental performance will be monitored by keeping updated registers of environmental risk assessments, inspections and incidents as they occur. ABM’s environmental performance will be continually assessed by reviewing the environmental commitments made in previous MMPs, see Appendix 11 for ABM’s performance against commitments.


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6.0 EXPLORATION REHABILITATION

6.1 Post-Exploration Land Use and Remediation Objectives

6.1.1 Final Land Use

A Deed for Exploration is in place to govern final land use, this was determined after consultation with the Central Land Council on behalf of the Traditional Land Owners. As this MMP only covers exploration activities, final land use will be in accordance with the Aboriginal Land upon which the tenements are located and in accordance to the current DPIR exploration rehabilitation guidelines. Accordingly, as exploration is generally transient the overall objective of ABM is to return the exploration area to a similar landscape and ecosystem to what was the pre-existing land use. The rehabilitation strategy will remain flexible and can be amended as new rehabilitation techniques and environmental investigations progress.

6.1.2 Remediation Objectives

ABM will follow the following general remediation goals, with specific remediation objectives, closure criteria and strategies to address the criteria provided in Table 10:

Achieve compatibility with agreed post-exploration land use; Ensure the health and well-being of people and fauna; Remove all infrastructure and any removable waste from the site; Create safe, stable, non-polluting and sustainable landforms; Support the establishment of vegetation that is self-sustaining, including the local predicted fire

regime; Undertake progressive rehabilitation of available exploration disturbed areas; Maintain water quality and flows in waterways; Ensure costeans are safely bunded or backfilled; Securely plug drill holes.


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Table 10: Rehabilitation goals, objectives and closure criteria

Rehabilitation Goal Rehabilitation Objective Schedule (Timing) Closure Criteria Actions to Address Criteria

Compatibility with agreed post-exploration land use – i.e stable and revegetated post disturbances

All drill holes plugged/capped and stable/safe prior to end of drilling program

Collar temporary capped at the completion of each hole Rehabilitation of the drill holes will be undertaken after downhole geophysics is completed and chemical assays returned and no longer than 6 months after drill hole completion.

Documented agreement regarding end use of land with the DPIR and other relevant stakeholders. Peg removed. Collar cut and hole plugged with plastic cone 400mm below ground level, backfilled, and mounded with soil Drill spoils returned to drill hole and remaining inert material respread on drill site or placed in bottom of the sump

Ongoing consultation with DPIR, Traditional Owners and the local community will be undertaken to determine their wishes for post-exploration land use. Disturbed areas will be rehabilitated and returned to native vegetation unless an alternative end use is agreed upon. Inspection of holes to be undertaken at end of a wet to ensure no hole plug failures and in subsequent years to monitor site stability. Before, immediately after, and subsequent year photos to be taken. All rubbish removed.

Drill sites to be returned to original contour and to blend in with surrounding environment

No longer than 6 months after drilling program completed

Drill pads to be re-contoured to match surrounding topography Topsoil to be respread over cleared areas

Inspection of drill sites to be undertaken at end of a wet season to monitor site stability, erosion, weeds and natural vegetation regrowth Before, immediately after, and subsequent year photos to be taken.

All sumps backfilled and contoured to surrounding environment and safe/stable


Sumps backfilled Sumps to be re-contoured to match surrounding topography Topsoil respread Level of erosion comparable with background levels for the area.

Inspection of drill sites to be undertaken at end of a wet season to monitor site stability, erosion, weeds and natural vegetation regrowth Before, immediately after, and subsequent year photos to be taken.

Vegetation type and density of species similar to that found on the site prior to


Retain and stockpile topsoil during clearing

Inspection of drill sites to be undertaken at end of a wet season to monitor site stability, erosion, weeds and natural


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exploration Topsoil respread over cleared areas Vegetation cover to minimise erosion.

vegetation regrowth Minimise the spread of weeds.

Tracks/gridlines to be returned to original contour and non-eroding


Windrows and cleared vegetation to be smoothed back over the track, bunds placed across the track to prevent erosion to and track to be cross-ripped or scarified

Inspection of drill sites to be undertaken at end of a wet season to monitor site stability and erosion. Before, immediately after, and subsequent year photos to be taken Ongoing consultation with DPIR, Traditional Owners and the local community will be undertaken to determine their wishes for post-exploration land use.

Ensure health and well-being of people and fauna.

Residual toxic material, such as chemicals and fuel to be removed from drill sites.

At completion of drill program. No exposure to toxic materials. All chemicals and fuels will be removed from the site.

Infrastructure and non-mineral waste removal.

No equipment, facilities, infrastructure or rubbish to remain at drill site.

At completion of drill program. Removal of equipment and facilities unless they are to remain for an agreed future use. Site returned to a state equal or better than that found pre-exploration

Existing infrastructure and equipment and non-biodegradable rubbish removed.


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6.2 Drilling Rehabilitation When drilling is undertaken ABM’s procedure is for all pads and sumps, including drilling samples will be rehabilitated upon completion. However, if for some reason selected drill holes are to remain open, they will be temporarily collar capped. Permission will be sought and these holes will be safely managed and monitored while they remain open. The general rehabilitation process will follow the following steps:

1. Remove all rubbish. Place any excess cuttings down the hole 2. Rip pads with backhoe. 3. Fill in the sumps. Subsurface cap the drill hole and mound to shed runoff. 4. Place any excess material generated by pad preparation over the cleared area to allow and

rake neatly. 5. Rip any entry tracks. 6. Block entry with a natural barrier. 7. Photograph and record GPS location.

If drill holes intercept significant groundwater the following measures will be taken: Interception of a single confined aquifer:

the main objective in sealing holes in a single confined aquifer is to contain water in the aquifer holes will be plugged with grout across the aquifer confining bed interface for a thickness of

about 4m (2m above the interface and 2m below), then cut and plug hole.

Interception of unconfined/multiple aquifers: the objective is be to seal aquifers to prevent inter-aquifer flow Grout plugs will be positioned at the interfaces between aquifers and the overlying confining

beds. The grout should be at least 4m thick, with 2m above and 2m below the interface Shallow holes will be backfilled from the bottom back to the surface with grout.

The timing for rehabilitation will be after all sampling has been completed and results verified as valid. In some cases, rehabilitation will be advantageous prior to moving to a different drilling location to reduce further disturbance. Subject to approvals and practicality associated with completion, rehabilitation of any new drill holes will be completed within a 12 month period as per the EMP.

6.3 Rehabilitation of Tracks

Rehabilitation of tracks and roads is undertaken when exploration in the area is completed, unless Traditional Owners or Pastoralists request the tracks and/or roads are to remain. Within the bounds of the North Arunta project Traditional Owners use many tracks as hunting access. In this case consent from the Pastoralist or CLC on behalf the Traditional Owners will be provided to DPIR. Rehabilitation of tracks and roads will involve ripping the ground surface to reduce the effects of compaction and ensuring that there are no windrows present. If there is evidence of a risk of erosion, contour bunds will be installed to divert run-off away from the former track/road. However, past experience by ABM indicates that simply ripping the track surface is sufficient, as native vegetation quickly re-establishes following rainfall.

ABM aims to utilise or re-establish existing tracks prior to clearing new access wherever possible. Track clearing with the purpose of accessing a prospect has only occurred at the now relinquished Bonita Project (EL23926 and EL29368), and to obtain access to ABMs Tulsa target (EL26825).


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Other cleared tracks comprise drill site access and drill lines to Kroda 1, Kroda 3 and Emma drill targets (EL29896 and EL26825).

Figure 7: Existing tracks at each project area with ABM cleared tracks – open (blue) and rehabilitated (green)

6.4 Rehabilitation of Costeans

In areas where costeans or trenches are created, they will be rehabilitated when exploration in that particular area is completed. This will involve backfilling the costean, covering with topsoil and ripping. If for any reason the trench needs to stay un-rehabilitated for some time, a bund will be placed around the trench and fauna egress at both ends of the costean will be constructed.


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6.5 Rehabilitation Monitoring and Maintenance

Monitoring is essential to determine whether the rehabilitation program is achieving its goals. During rehabilitation establishment, relevant information will be documented in detail. This serves the dual purposes of enabling analysis of rehabilitation success and the information can also be used as an auditable checklist to confirm to regulators and stakeholders that agreed commitments have been met.

Monitoring techniques developed by ABM will be utilised for future drilling, including some tracks which may include annual photo-point monitoring to assess regrowth. Once rehabilitation has been completed, the sites will be monitored during the following field season. Photo control points will be setup prior to the commencement of work, before, during and after photos will be taken.

A monitoring and assessment report will enable; a) Classification and quantification of rehabilitation status b) Comment on progress with rehabilitation, forecast trajectories and succession trends and

highlight any alterations which need to feedback into management interventions c) Enhanced appreciation of the complexity, requirements and criteria delimiting successful

rehabilitation for the local context; and d) Assessment against completion criteria

In the event that monitoring shows that rehabilitation is not meeting the success or completion criteria, ABM will modify the rehabilitation program. Specifically, where monitoring has identified development of erosion, weed invasion, or failure of revegetation, maintenance activities will be implemented to ensure that rehabilitation progresses effectively.

6.6 Costing of Closure Activities *See Appendix 12 and 13.


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7.0 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

ABM will endeavor to ensure that any impact upon the environment by exploration activities is always minimized and disturbed areas are rehabilitated to a point where the land is restored as near as possible to its pre-disturbed condition. Table 11 below lists a number of proposed improvements to environmental management issues and how/when these will be achieved. Table 11: ABM's proposed improvements to Environmental Management Issues.

Proposed Improvement to Environmental Management Issues

Measurable Outcome Timeframe Personnel Responsible

Move away from the use of green sample bags to laying drill spoils on the grounds and when needed biodegradable white sample bags.

No use of green sample bags

End of 2015 (achieved)

ABM Exploration Team

Use of low sulphur diesel fuel for equipment on site

All operational equipment onsite to only use low sulphur diesel

Beginning of 2015 (achieved)

ABM Exploration Team

Reduction in use of water usage at mobile camps by reusing/conserving water

Less than 4000 litres used at mobile camps on average per program

Continual ABM Exploration Team

Future use of manufactured bunds to protect from spills in the field

Replace un-bunded pallets with bunded pallets for hydrocarbon and chemical storage


Rehabilitate disturbed areas in proposed timeframe (within 18 months after disturbance)

Complete rehabilitation by due dates set for rehabilitating disturbed areas



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APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: DPIR ACCEPTANCE AND COMMENTS ON JUNE 2016 REVISED MMP

APPENDIX 2: ABM RESPONSES TO DPIR COMMENTS ON JUNE 2016 REVISED MMP

APPENDIX 3: PASTORAL STATION CORRESPONDENCE

APPENDIX 4: APPLICATION FOR AMENDED AUTHORISATION

APPENDIX 5: NORTH ARUNTA REHABILITATION REPORT

APPENDIX 6: NORTH ARUNTA LIABILITIES AUDIT

APPENDIX 7: AAPA REGISTER OF SACRED SITES SEARCH RESULTS

APPENDIX 8: EXPLORATION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

APPENDIX 9: THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES IDENTIFICATION

APPENDIX 10: THREATENED FLORA SPECIES IDENTIFICATION

APPENDIX 11: PERFORMANCE AGAINST COMMITMENTS

APPENDIX 12: COSTING OF CLOSURE ACTIVITIES

APPENDIX 13: NORTH ARUNTA SECURITY CALCULATION

APPENDIX 14: WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN

ABM RESOURCES NL MINING MANAGEMENT PLAN · ABM Resources NL (ABM) is a publicly listed company...

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