Cobar Management Pty Ltd · The mine continued to operate until 1997, when the operation ran into...
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COBAR MANAGEMENT PTY LTD CSA Mine Annual Environmental Management Report AEMR 2012
Transcript of Cobar Management Pty Ltd · The mine continued to operate until 1997, when the operation ran into...
COBAR MANAGEMENT PTY LTD
CSA Mine
Annual Environmental Management Report
AEMR 2012
i
Blank Page
CMPL 2012 AEMR
iii
CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 History of Operations ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Consents, Leases and Licenses ................................................................................................................. 2
Mine Contacts .................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Actions required from 2011 AEMR review ............................................................................................... 6
2 SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD .......................................... 10
2.1 Mineral Exploration ............................................................................................................................... 11
2.2 Land Preparation.................................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Construction ........................................................................................................................................... 14
2.4 Mining ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
2.5 Mineral Processing ................................................................................................................................. 21
2.6 Waste Management ................................................................................................................................. 23
2.7 Ore and Product Stockpiles .................................................................................................................... 26
2.8 Water Management ................................................................................................................................. 29
2.9 Hazardous Materials .............................................................................................................................. 39
2.10 Other Infrastructure Management ..................................................................................................... 42
3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE ........................................................ 44
3.1 Pollution Incident Response Management Plan ..................................................................................... 44
3.2 Air Pollution ........................................................................................................................................... 45
3.3 Erosion and Sedimentation ..................................................................................................................... 54
3.4 Surface Water Quality ............................................................................................................................ 55
3.5 Groundwater Quality .............................................................................................................................. 62
3.6 Groundwater Levels ................................................................................................................................ 67
3.7 Contaminated Polluted Land .................................................................................................................. 73
3.8 Threatened Flora .................................................................................................................................... 74
3.9 Threatened Fauna ................................................................................................................................... 75
3.10 Weeds ................................................................................................................................................. 77
3.11 Blasting .............................................................................................................................................. 78
3.12 Operational Noise .............................................................................................................................. 78
3.13 Visual, Stray Light ............................................................................................................................. 78
3.14 Aboriginal Heritage ........................................................................................................................... 78
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3.15 Natural and European Heritage ........................................................................................................ 79
3.16 Spontaneous Combustion ................................................................................................................... 80
3.17 Bushfire .............................................................................................................................................. 80
3.18 Mine Subsidence ................................................................................................................................ 80
3.19 Hydrocarbon Contamination ............................................................................................................. 81
3.20 Methane Drainage / Ventilation......................................................................................................... 81
3.21 Public Safety ...................................................................................................................................... 82
3.22 Other Issues and Risks ....................................................................................................................... 82
4 COMMUNITY RELATIONS .................................................................................................................. 90
4.1 Environmental Complaints ..................................................................................................................... 90
4.2 Community Liaison ................................................................................................................................. 90
5 REHABILITATION ................................................................................................................................. 95
5.1 Buildings ................................................................................................................................................. 95
5.2 Redundant Piping Removal .................................................................................................................... 95
5.3 Rehabilitation of Disturbed Land ........................................................................................................... 96
5.4 Other Infrastructure ................................................................................................................................ 97
5.5 Rehabilitation Trials and Research ........................................................................................................ 98
5.6 Further Development of the Final Rehabilitation Plan ........................................................................ 103
6 ACTIVITIES PROPOSED FOR 2013 ................................................................................................... 107
7 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................ 108
8 Plans .......................................................................................................................................................... 109
9 Appendices ............................................................................................................................................... 109
TABLES
Table 1 CMPL Mining and Exploration Leases (as at 31/12/12) .................................................................. 3
Table 2 CMPL Land Tenure (as of 31/12/12) ................................................................................................. 4
Table 3 CMPL Licences and Permits (as of 31/12/2012) ............................................................................... 4
Table 4 CSA Mine Management and Environmental Contacts .................................................................... 5
Table 5 Actions Required from the 2011 AEMR Review .............................................................................. 7
Table 6 Update on Proposed activities for the 2012 AEMR Period .............................................................. 8
Table 7 Actual and Forecast Production (dmt) (as of 31/12/2012) .............................................................. 16
Table 8 Backfill Production and Final Tailings 2012 ................................................................................... 18
Table 9 CMPL Current Mining Equipment (as of 31/12/12) ...................................................................... 19
Table 10 CSA Budget versus Actual Mine Production 2012 ....................................................................... 21
Table 11 Metal Recovery 2012 ....................................................................................................................... 22
Table 12 Reagent Consumption 2012 ............................................................................................................ 23
Table 13 Waste Collection Results (2010, 2011, 2012) ..................................................................................... 24
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Table 14 CSA Identified Topsoil Stockpiles .................................................................................................. 28
Table 15 CSA Cumulative Waste and Stockpile Production ...................................................................... 29
Table 16 Summary of Catchment Areas ....................................................................................................... 31
Table 17 CSA Mine Water Storage ............................................................................................................... 33
Table 18 CSA 2012 Water Balance ................................................................................................................ 36
Table 19 CSA Bulk Hazardous and Dangerous Goods Storage (as of 31/12/12) ....................................... 40
Table 20 Comparison of NPI Emission Sources by Activity Levels for 2010-11 and 2011-12 .................. 48
Table 21 Summary of CMPL Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2011-2012) ......... 49
Table 22 Short-Medium Term Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction Opportunities ............ 51
Table 23 Long Term Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction Opportunities ............................. 52
Table 24 Priority Management Practice Actions ......................................................................................... 53
Table 25 Adopted Guidelines .......................................................................................................................... 56
Table 26 CSA Surface Water Monitoring Results 2011 and 2012 .............................................................. 57
Table 27 CSA Piezometer Water Quality Monitoring Results 2012 ........................................................... 64
Table 28 STSF Piezometers and Trigger Depths.......................................................................................... 69
Table 29 CSA Environmental Incidents 2012 ............................................................................................... 89
Table 30 CMPL Donation Recipients 2012 ................................................................................................... 94
Table 31 LFA Rehabilitation Monitoring Results 2012 ............................................................................. 102
Table 32 Summary of Proposed Rehabilitation .......................................................................................... 105
Table 33 Maintenance Activities on Rehabilitated Land 2012 .................................................................. 106
Table 34 Proposed activities for 2013 .......................................................................................................... 107
FIGURES
Figure 1 CMPL Organisation Chart 2012 ...................................................................................................... 5
Figure 2 CSA Mine General Waste Management Performance 2012 ........................................................ 25
Figure 3 CSA Topsoil Stockpile Locations.................................................................................................... 28
Figure 4 Burrendong Dam Water Storage Level (%) and Rainfall (mm) 2012 ........................................ 30
Figure 5 Long Term Raw Water Used per Tonne Milled ............................................................................ 35
Figure 6 CSA Mine Water Balance 2012 ...................................................................................................... 38
Figure 7 2012 Cobar Mean temperatures and CSA Mine Rainfall ............................................................ 45
Figure 8 CSA Depositional Dust Monitoring Results 2012.......................................................................... 47
Figure 9 CSA Mine Total Energy Consumption (GJ) 2011-2012 ............................................................... 49
Figure 10 CSA Mine Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions (t CO2-e) 2011-2012 ........................................... 50
Figure 11 Management Practices Assessment – Level of Development ..................................................... 53
Figure 12 Surface Water Quality (pH, Pb, Cu) 2012 ................................................................................... 60
Figure 13 Surface Water Quality (SO4, Fe, Zn) 2012 .............................................................................. 61
Figure 14 Groundwater Quality Results (pH, Pb, Cu) 2012 .................................................................... 65
Figure 15 Groundwater quality results (SO4, Fe, Zn) 2012 .................................................................... 66
Figure 16 CSA Piezometer Water Levels 2012 ......................................................................................... 68
Figure 17 Cross Section of TSF Piezometer Setup ................................................................................... 71
Figure 18 CSA Mine Groundwater Levels 2012 ....................................................................................... 72
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Figure 19 CSA Contaminated Sites Register (as of 31/12/12) .................................................................. 74
Figure 20 CMPL Environmental Incidents by Type 2011 and 2012 ....................................................... 88
Figure 21 Conceptual Stages of Sustainable Ecosystem Development ................................................. 104
PLANS
1 Mine Context
2 Land Preparation and Mining Activities
3 Rehabilitation
4 Mining Plan - Vertical Section
5 Site Layout
APPENDICES
A Environmental Protection Licence 1864
B 2011 AEMR Review Meeting Minutes
C CMPL Environment and Community Policy
D CSA Air and Water Quality Monitoring Data 2012
E STSF Surveillance Report 2011
F 2012 Annual Return EPL 1864
G 2012 CSA Rehabilitation Monitoring Report
H 2012 Biodiversity Assessment
I 2012 Pollution Incident response Management Plan
ABBREVIATIONS
ANZECC Australia and New Zealand Conservation
Council
LPMA Land and Property Management Authority
ARPANSA Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear
Safety Authority
LFA Landform Function Analysis
CHF Cemented Hydraulic Fill Mt Mega Tonne
CMPL Cobar Mining Pty Ltd m Meter
CML Consolidated Mining Lease mm Milli meter
Cu Copper MOP Mining Operations Plan
CSA Cornish, Scottish, Australian Mine NATA National Association of Testing Authorities
DSC Dam Safety Committee NGER National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting
Act 2007
DSEWPC Department of Sustainability, Environment,
Water, Population and Communities
NPI National Pollutant Inventory
DRE Department of Trade and Investment,
Resources and Energy
NORM Naturally Occurring radioactive materials
DMP Derelict Mines Program NTSF North Tailings Storage Facility
DEM
DFS
Digital Elevation Model
Definitive Feasibility Studies
OEH Office of Environment and Heritage
DRE Division of Energy and Resources PJ Pentajoule
dmt Dry Metric Tonnes PET Polyethylene Terephthalate
EEO Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act PAF Potentially Acid Forming
ESAP Energy Savings Action Plan REMP Rehabilitation and Environment Management
Plan
ESS Energy Savings Scheme RC Reverse Circulation
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EPA Environment Protection Authority SWMP Site Water Management Plan
EPL Environment Protection Licence STSF South Tailings Storage Facility
EL Exploration Lease SG Specific Gravity
ft Foot TSF Tailings Storage Facility
GJ Gigajoules t Tonnes
HDPE High Density Polyethylene WRF Waste Rock Fill
KPI Key Performance Indicator wmt Wet Metric Tonne
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1 INTRODUCTION
This document has been written in line with the Guidelines to the Mining, Rehabilitation and Environmental
Management Process (MREMP)1 provided by the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Trade and
Investment, Resources and Energy (DRE) (formerly the Department of Industry and Investment).
Under the Mining Act 1992, environmental protection and rehabilitation are regulated by mining lease
conditions, including requirements for the leaseholder to prepare two main documents:
A Mining Operations Plan (MOP) which describes the manner in which the leaseholder proposes to
conduct mining, processing and rehabilitation consistent with development consent, and the conditions
imposed by the DPI and other agencies; and
An Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR) which reports on the performance of the
leaseholder and ‘fine tunes’ the MOP.
Collectively, the MREMP aims to facilitate the development of mining in NSW and to ensure all mining
operations are safe, the resources are efficiently extracted, the environment is protected and rehabilitation
achieves a stable, satisfactory outcome.
This document will be provided to the following regulatory bodies for review:
NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Resources and Energy (DRE) (formerly the Department of
Industry and Investment);
Department of primary Industries;
NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) (formerly the Department of Environment, Climate
Change and Water);
NSW Dam Safety Committee (DSC); and
Cobar Shire Council (CSC).
1.1 History of Operations
Cobar Management Pty Ltd (CMPL) operates the Cornish, Scottish and Australian (CSA) Mine located 11 km
north of Cobar in the west of NSW. Mining has occurred intermittently on the CSA leases since the discovery of
copper, lead and zinc in 1871. However, it was not until 1961 that a significant resource was proven by Broken
Hill South Pty Ltd. Medium-scale mechanised underground mining subsequently commenced in 1965. The
mine was acquired by CRA in 1980 and sold to Golden Shamrock Mines Pty Ltd (GSM) in 1993. GSM was in
turn acquired by Ashanti Gold Fields in the same year. The mine continued to operate until 1997, when the
operation ran into financial difficulties and was placed in receivership. The mine was placed on care and
maintenance on the 20th
January 1998.
Conditions for reopening the mine were negotiated with the liquidator, and concessions were obtained from the
Government, including the excision of three areas of concern from the lease: the North Tailings Dam; the
1 DRE (2006) Guidelines to the Mining, Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Process. EDG03 version 3
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subsidence hole and adjacent old spoil material; and, a major coarse rejects stockpile (Big Mt Brown). CMPL
committed to reopening the mine in February 1999 with current underground and processing operations
commencing in July 1999 following the purchase of the leases and site facilities.
CMPL, a wholly owned Australian subsidiary of Glencore Xstrata continues to operate the CSA Mine, which is
currently the highest grade Copper and second deepest mine in Australia.
1.2 Consents, Leases and Licenses
CMPL has a large number of statutory approvals and associated legal obligations that regulate mining activities
on site. The status of CMPL main statutory approvals are listed in Table 1 to Table 3.
CMPL holds Consolidated Mining Lease 5 (CML5) for the CSA Mine operations and two small mining
purposes leases 1093 and 1094 (MPL1093 and MPL1094). CML5 occupies portions of five Western Land
Leases and Crown Land including parts of the Cobar Regeneration Belt. MPL1093 and MPL1094 occupy
Crown Land. These details are shown in Plan 1. Throughout this document these leases are collectively referred
to as the CSA Mine.
During the period 1 January 2012 to the 31 December 2012, CSA Mine operated in accordance with the CSA
Mine 2007-2012 MOP.
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Table 1 CMPL Mining and Exploration Leases (as at 31/12/12)
Lease Number Details Issue Date Expiry Date
CML5 CSA mine site. Licensed for Group 1 minerals (Sb, Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe, In, Au, Ge, Co, Cd, Bi & Fe
minerals).
2/12/1993 24/6/2028
MPL1093 Mining Purposes Lease for Water Harvesting.
Not licensed for minerals. 5/2/1947 5/2/2029
MPL1094 Mining Purposes Lease for Water Harvesting.
Not licensed for minerals. 5/2/1947 5/2/2029
EL5693 Exploration Lease (CSA Regional) 20 km north
of Cobar. The lease surrounds CML5. 8/2/2002 7/2/20121
EL5983 Exploration Lease (Delta) 20 km north of Cobar
and lies wholly within EL5693. 30/8/2006 29/8/20121
EL6140 Exploration Lease (Restdown) 40 km east
southeast of Cobar. Joint Venture (JV) project with Oxley Exploration Pty Ltd.
22/10/2003 21/10/20132
EL6501 Exploration Lease (South Restdown) 40 km southeast of Cobar. JV project with Oxley
Exploration Pty Ltd.
5/1/2006 4/1/2014
EL6739
Exploration Lease (Horseshoe 2) 65 km east of
Cobar. JV project with Oxley Exploration Pty Ltd.
26/3/2011 26/3/20132
EL6223 Exploration Lease (Shuttleton) 75km south
southeast of Cobar. JV project with AuriCular Mines Pty Ltd.
5/4/2004 4/4/2014
EL6907 Exploration Lease (Mt Hope) 145 km south of Cobar. JV project with AuriCular Mines Pty Ltd.
11/10/2007 10/10/20132
EL6868 Exploration Lease (Mt Hope) 160km south of
Cobar. JV project with AuriCular Mines Pty Ltd. 6/9/2007 5/9/20132
EL6381
Exploration Lease (Captain’s Flat) 15 km south of Captain’s Flat in south-eastern NSW. JV
project with Forge Resources Ltd and Ironbark Zinc Limited.
22/2/2005 21/2/2014
EL6840
Exploration Lease (Captain’s Flat North) 17 km north of Captain’s Flat in south-eastern NSW. JV project with Forge Resources Ltd and Ironbark
Zinc Limited.
19/7/2007 19/7/20132
Notes: 1. Renewal applications have been submitted
2. Renewal applications will be submitted during 2013
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Table 2 CMPL Land Tenure (as of 31/12/12)
Property Name
Locality WLL County Parish Plan
Number Lot Number
Red Tank CSA Mine 9565 Robinson Kaloogleguy 766965 4277
Red Tank East of mine 731 Robinson Kaloogleguy 766922 6336
Red Tank Immediately south
of mine 13844 Robinson Kaloogleguy 766965 4278
Gattaca South of mine 13844 Robinson Kaloogleguy 766741 4174
Gattaca South of mine 13844 Robinson Kaloogleguy 765641 927
Mopone Northeast of
tailings facility 1009 Robinson Mullimutt 768325 5414
Terramia South and east of
tailings facility 3667 Robinson Mopone 763396 1594
Table 3 CMPL Licences and Permits (as of 31/12/2012)
Licence Details Renewal Date
EPL No. 1864 Environmental Protection License. 28 April 2014 (review date)
Bore Licence No.
85BL256081
Bore licence certification under
Section 115 of the Water Act 1912. For the purposes of Test Bores.
8 October 2013
Workcover Licence Workcover NSW Licence to store Class 002 5.1 and 11D 1.1
explosives.
8 April 2013
07-100157-001
Radiation Licence
Licence to sell/possess radiation apparatus and/or radioactive
substances or items containing radioactive substances
No. 29023 - RR761, RR1384, RR911, RR907 6 May 2013
- RR21459 5 May 2014
- RR12793 18 October 2013
- RR12484 27 April 2013
- RR8858, RR8859 28 November 2013
Bonded Asbestos Removal
Licence No. 204696
Granted by NSW WorkCover for on-site removal of bonded asbestos
only.
12 December 2014
Local Development Consent No. 31/95
CSC Permit for use of CSA Mine Site by CMPL
Granted 26 June 1998
Local Development Consent No. 2006/LDA-00009
CSC Permit for Construction and
Operation of South Tailing Dam
Extension
Granted 22 June 2006
Local Development Consent No. 2009/LDA-00035
CSC Permit for South Tailings Storage facility Wall Raise
Granted 7 April 2010
5
Mine Contacts
The management structure at the CSA Mine is displayed in the organisational chart in Figure 1. The structure
was revised during the 2012 AEMR reporting period with the appointment of a new General Mine Manager. The
CSA Mine management team and environmental contacts are listed in Table 4.
Table 4 CSA Mine Management and Environmental Contacts
Title Name Phone Email
General Manager Geoffrey Hender 6836 5111 [email protected]
Ore Processing Manager Derek Beehan 6836 5394 [email protected]
Mining Manager Aaron Nankivell 6836 5178 [email protected]
Health Safety
Environment & Training Manager
Tanya Gilbert 6836 5357 [email protected]
Finance Manger Michael Cox 6836 5124 [email protected]
Shaft Project Manager Les Kennedy 6836 5367 [email protected]
Graduate Environmental Officer
Susannah Sage 6836 5384 [email protected]
CSA Pollution Complaints
Line CSA switchboard 6836 5100 [email protected]
Figure 1 CMPL Organisation Chart 2012
Records
Management
Environmental
Ore Processing
Surface Maintenance
Tailings Dam
Project Mining
Engineers
Project Cost Controller
General Manager Geoffrey Hender
Manager Ore Processing
Derek Beehan
Manager Finance
Michael Cox
Manager Health, Safety Environment &
Training Tanya Gilbert
Manager Mining
Aaron Nankivell
Shaft Project Manager
Les Kennedy
Mining
UG Maintenance
Geology & Exploration
Technical Services
Accounts
Supply & Contracts
Health & Safety
Training
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1.3 Actions required from 2011 AEMR review
The 2011 AEMR review meeting and site inspection was held at the CSA Mine on the 3rd April 2012 and was
attended by representatives from the Western Catchment Authority, OEH, DRE, Cobar Shire Council and Peak
Gold Mine (PGM).
The 2011 AEMR review meeting minutes are provided in Appendix B. Actions arising from the meeting and the
sections of this report in which they are addressed are listed in Table 5. Table 6 provides an update on all
activities proposed for 2012 as listed in Section 6 of the 2011 AEMR.
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Table 5 Actions Required from the 2011 AEMR Review
Action Status Update and Reference
Surface Water Management CMPL to prepare and submit updated Surface Water Management Plan for the CSA Mine site (requirement from 2010 AEMR).
In Progress: Due Q1 2013 Section: 2.8.2
MOP 2013-2017 Develop and submit a MOP for 2013-2017 period for approval. The plan will be developed in accordance with existing MOP guidelines and draft REMP guidelines that are available.
Completed: December 2012
Elouera site CMPL to further investigate any requirements to manage the Eloura site and
determine if it is within the Mining Lease or CMPL owned property.
Completed: July 2012
Section: 3.15
Piping Requirements Complete a site wide audit of the current piping requirements. Remove all redundant pipes and ensure adequate bund capacity is available for all necessary pipes (such as tailings, backfill, process water, etc).
Completed: July 2012
Section: 5.2
Backfill Plant Ongoing focus on improving housekeeping in and around the Backfill Plant.
Ongoing Section: 2.10
TSF Embankment Drains Drainage to be designed and implemented on the TSF embankments to prevent erosion.
Completed: July 2012
Section: 2.8.2 & 3.22
TSF Embankments Formalise a monitoring schedule and documentation on inspections of TSF embankments for drainage, erosion, and the placement of green waste. Ensure the placement of green waste is justified and documented, and monitored.
Complete January and July
2012 Section: 2.8.5 &
3.22
TSF Rehabilitation Trial Ensure a monitoring and documentation program are in place to monitor the rehabilitation trials and vegetation growth on the tailings facility.
Completed: Aug 2012
Section: 5.5
Piezometer Data Review and improve the Piezometer Data interpretation and justification section of the AEMR Report.
Completed: Mar 2012
Section: 3.6
EPA requirements Develop and submit Pollution Incident Response Management Plan. Publish pollution monitoring data publically.
Completed: Jun 2012
Section: 3.1
Completed: October 2012 And Ongoing
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Table 6 Update on Proposed activities for the 2012 AEMR Period
Proposed Activity Priority
Ranking
Status Update
and Reference
Conduct annual TSF Surveillance Inspection by qualified Dam
Engineer. H
Completed:
January 2012
Section: 3.22
Finalise draft SWMP and submit to DRE and OEH. H
In Progress
Due: Q1 2013
Section: 2.8.2
Complete a site wide audit of the current piping requirements,
remove redundant pipes and ensure adequate bund capacity is
available for all necessary pipes.
H
Completed:
July 2012
Section: 5.2
Address design adequacies in concrete settling bund at the mill
including enlargement of the sump. H
Completed:
March 2012
Section: 2.3.1
Complete remediation works to manage the further separation
movement of concrete panels at the STSF western spillway as
recommended in the 2011 TSF Surveillance Inspection Report.
H
Completed:
July 2012
Section: 3.22
Develop and submit a MOP for the 2013 – 2017 period to DRE for
approval. H
Completed:
December 2012
Assess energy usage to determine commitments under EEO. If
triggered, CMPL will register by March 2013 and submit an
assessment plan by December 2013.
H
Completed:
October 2012
Section: 3.2.5
Investigate alternative backfilling methodologies to optimise the use
of waste rock fill underground and minimise any requirement to hoist
waste in the future.
H
In Progress
Section:
2.4.4
Investigate additional dust mitigation measures from the TSF
including: increasing the size, thickness and extent of waste rock
emplacement; and potential chemical treatments.
H
Incomplete
Rescheduled for
2013
Replace tailings thickener. H
In Progress:
October 2012
Section: 2.3.1
Complete scoping study to determine the options for introducing a
surface ore stockpile as part of the works associated with the Mill
Grinding Circuit upgrade.
H Complete:
Section: 2.3.2
Complete feasibility study on the use of paste fill in underground
operations and submit MOP amendment if required. H
In Progress
Section: 2.3.2
Implementation of new goat control contractor to improve the
management of feral goats. M
Completed:
January 2012
Section: 3.9
Consult with OEH to finalise commitments under ESAP including the
submission of a final report. M
In Progress
Section: 3.2.5
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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Proposed Activity Priority
Ranking
Status Update
and Reference
Progress rehabilitation works at the Mill, Big Mount Brown and old
Slag Pile rehabilitation sites including the spreading of topsoil and
seeding.
M In Progress
Section:5.3 & 5.5.2
Prioritise and assess the feasibility of energy efficiency projects
identified through the energy assessment and develop an action plan
for implementation.
M
Completed:
July 2012
Section: 3.2.5
Investigate requirements to manage the Eloura site and determine if
it is within the Mining Lease or CMPL owned property. M
Completed:
July 2012
Section: 3.15
Investigate the remaining 4 areas on site suspected of
contamination. Data on the nature and level of contamination of
sites will assist in progressive rehabilitation to meet performance and
closure criteria.
M In Progress
Section: 3.7
Monitor prickly pear population and assess implement control
measures where required including the possible reintroduction of
cochineal infected segments.
M
Completed:
May 2012
Section: 3.10
Address key actions identified in the energy assessment gap analysis
to further develop sustainable energy and carbon management
practices.
M Ongoing
Section 3.2.5
Continue removing remaining pile of crushed Big Mount Brown
contaminated waste material. M Ongoing
Develop an underground settling and pumping system to allow
effective reuse of recycled water underground. M
Ongoing
Section 2.8.5
Liaise with DRE Derelict Mines to further progress the potential for a
NTSF rehabilitation project. M
Completed:
October 2012
Section: 5.4.1
Work with DRE Derelict Mines to plan for the rehabilitation of the
excised Big Mount Brown area and surrounding CSA Mine disturbed
land.
M Incomplete
Section 5.4.1
Conduct educational campaigns to achieve a recycling rate
consistently greater than 30%. M
Ongoing
Section: 2.6.1
Progress works to upgrade the grinding circuit in the mill in
conjunction with the ongoing shaft extension project. M
In Progress
Section:2.3.2
Implement fox baiting program in conjunction with surrounding
landholders. L Not Required
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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2 SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD
In 2012, the production rate was unable to be maintained above 1,000,000 tonnes (t); this was a poor result for
the mine after having 3 excellent years prior to this. Prior to 2009 the previous five years production average
was 720,000 t.
In 2012, budgeted production rates were set at 1,100,000 dry metric tonnes (dmt) of ore which would produce
175,708 dmt of concentrate and 50,077 t of copper (Cu). Actual production achieved in 2012 was below target
with 938,325 dmt ore milled, 127,644 dmt concentrate produced and 34,529 t of Cu.
The primary focus of the Ore Processing department for 2012 was to modify the plant and services to an extent
where long-term production and budget throughput could be maintained consistently. To this extent a number of
major projects were undertaken and completed during the year, including;
Mill HV Upgrade completed.
Feeder impact bed replacement completed.
150ft thickener repairs. Repairs completed in January and now construction is underway on
installation on a new tails thickener ready in Q1 2013.
Flotation floor concrete removal was completed.
Powerhouse HV Upgrade completed, currently working on disposal of redundant HV switchgear.
Power factor correction Stage 1 completed and Stage 2 underway.
MCC 01 power & distribution upgrade ongoing.
Conveyor 2/3 Diverter chute installation completed.
Works undertaken to upgrade the Mill grinding circuit in conjunction with the ongoing shaft extension project
commenced in 2012 with a scheduled completion date of Q3 2014. Projects include;
The construction and installation of a new surface coarse ore stockpile;
Installation of a new grinding mill; and
Installation of overland conveyors and associated equipment.
The primary focus for the Mining Department for 2012 was achieving projected ore production at the budgeted
grade and cost. A number of projects were completed or commenced in 2012, including:
Continued No1 Shaft Extension Project;
Continued Development of the infrastructure for, and support of, the No1 Shaft Extension Project;
Upgrade of the existing surface refrigeration plant;
Power supply ring main;
Introduction of a proximity detection technology underground;
Commenced extending fibre optic capability to the bottom of the mine; and
Introduction of new filters to minimize Diesel Particulate Matter from trucking fleet.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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The key projects planned for the underground mine in 2013 and 2014 include:
Progression of the No1 Shaft Extension Project;
Development of the drives and chambers required for the No1 Shaft Extension Project including
construction of new crusher, conveyors, drives and workshops;
Changing stope void fill medium from cemented hydraulic fill (CHF) to paste fill; and
New surface to 11 Level ventilation fresh air intake shaft.
Projects completed in 2012, coupled with those to be completed in 2013, will ensure an increase in sustainability
and a reduction in major process disruptions. This will provide more positive improvements and opportunities to
the operation.
2.1 Mineral Exploration
The CSA Mine 2012 exploration activities were principally focussed on underground drilling, however, A
number of surface exploration programmes were also completed. Surface exploration activities conducted
during 2012 are summarised in the following sections.
During 2012, pre-disturbance baseline studies for all new surface exploration programs requiring ground
disturbance and an annual inspection of rehabilitated exploration programs were completed by the Environment
Team. Both programs will be continued in 2013.
2.1.1 CML5
One diamond drill hole was completed on CML5 during 2012 targeting a magnetotelluric (MT) geophysical
anomaly to the south of the existing QTS South ore body. The drill site for this hole was rehabilitated during
2012 and inspected by CSA Mine Environment personnel. It is CMPL policy to inspect exploration drill hole
sites on the completion of rehabilitation works and annually thereafter to monitor the progress and success of
rehabilitation. Further MT surveys were conducted over the CSA Mine area during 2012. Disturbance from these
surveys was minimal (small electrode pits) and rehabilitation was carried out as the surveys progressed.
2.1.2 EL5693 CSA Regional
EL5693 field work during 2012 involved the completion of the reverse circulation (RC) drilling program and the
drilling of one diamond drill hole at Kendi prospect. Rehabilitation of all 2012 drill sites was completed during
2012. Sections of some lines from the CSA Mine MT surveys extended into EL5693. As with those lines within
CML5, rehabilitation was carried out as the surveys progressed.
2.1.3 EL5983 Delta
No field work was carried out on EL5983 during 2012. Approximately 300m of RC drilling that was planned
within the lease during 2012 will now be completed during 2013.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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2.1.4 EL6140, EL6501, EL6739 (Restdown, South Restdown and Horseshoe)
No field work has been conducted by CMPL on EL6140, EL6501, or EL6739 since 2009. These leases are
subject to a farm-out arrangement with Oxley Exploration NL. Eleven RC holes were completed by Oxley
within the EL6140 during 2012. All drill sites have been rehabilitated.
A total of 2,405 soil samples were collected across the three tenements. Sample sites were rehabilitated
immediately following collection of the samples, as per standard practice.
2.1.5 EL6223 (Shuttleton)
Three diamond drill holes were completed within EL6223 during 2012 and a fourth was in progress at year’s
end. Sites for the three completed holes were rehabilitated during the year. CSAMT/ AMT surveys were also
conducted on the lease during the year. As with the MT surveys conducted on CML5, these surveys involve very
little surface disturbance and rehabilitation was carried out as the surveys progressed.
Field work planned for EL6223 during 2013 involves completion of the diamond drill hole that was in progress
at the end of 2012. Further CSAMT/ AMT surveys and limited RC drilling was carried out as part of initial
testing of anomalies highlighted during the geophysical surveys.
2.1.6 EL6907, EL6868 (Mount Hope)
Four diamond holes were drilled from three sites during 2012. All three sites were rehabilitated. Third party
environmental consultants were engaged to provide CMPL with a review of environmental factors (REF). The
purpose of the REF is to assess environmental and heritage factors for exploration within the Nombinnie State
Conservation Area. The REF is expected to be completed early in 2013. Non-invasive soil sampling and surface
geophysical surveys are planned for 2013.
2.1.7 EL6381, EL6840 (Captain’s Flat)
Drilling planned for the Captain’s Flat project during 2012 was not completed. A non-disturbing fixed loop
surface electromagnetic (EM) survey was completed during the year. Diamond drilling, RC drilling and surface
geophysics programs are planned for 2013.
Surface exploration activities for the 2013 AEMR period will cover all tenements and will include diamond and
RC drilling as well as the basic non-invasive ground geophysical surveys and soil sampling. Sites will be
rehabilitated as soon as practicable after completion of programs, in line with departmental guidelines and
CMPL policy. Rehabilitation activities will include cleaning up the site, filling sumps, ripping (where
appropriate), and capping of drill holes.
2.2 Land Preparation
CSA Mining activities continue to minimise land clearing as best practice in order to preserve the natural
vegetation and stability of the surrounding environment. Where any clearing is required, it is managed through
the CSA Mine Work Permit System. Permission to excavate is granted through this procedure to ensure that the
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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proposed area of disturbance has been checked for underground services (power and water) and approved for
vegetation clearing by the Environment Team.
This system applies to all employees and contractors at the CSA Mine and ensures considerations such as the
size of the proposed site, the stockpiling of soil and vegetation, search for any historical or cultural sites, and
drainage are all accounted for prior to approval of the works. Any actions or conditions associated with the
works are documented and signed off on the permit.
2.2.1 Topsoil
Land preparation and surface material stockpiling is assessed in all CSA Mine operations to ensure long term
storage requirements are met without further disturbance or unnecessary clearing. Approximately 29,700 m3
of
historically cleared areas at the CSA Mine have been identified as potential topsoil stockpile locations. The
majority of the areas are located in cleared areas surrounding the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), hence
minimising potential future losses due to double handling and transport during rehabilitation works.
The management of all topsoil on site is carried out in accordance with the CMPL Topsoil Management Plan
which has been developed to ensure all topsoil handling, stockpiling and use is carried out in line with Mining
Lease conditions and Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) requirements.
Permanent stockpile height restrictions exist on site, with a maximum of 3m for topsoil and 5m for waste rock
stockpiles. CSA Mine encourages the establishment of vegetation on all topsoil stockpiles to enhance soil
viability and minimise erosion losses. Cleared vegetation around project sites or surrounding areas is often
spread over the topsoil stockpile sites to assist with revegetation.
No projects requiring land clearing occurred over the 2012 AEMR period and there are no plans for any major
land clearing works in 2013.
2.2.2 Underground Waste Rock
Underground mining operations at the CSA Mine produce approximately 400,000 t of waste rock annually.
Waste rock produced is predominantly disposed of into underground voids left by stoping operations. There are
occasionally cases in which the volume of waste rock generated by development exceeds the volume of void
produced by stoping operations (generally during the development of accesses to new resources). In order to
prevent production loss from development curtailment, surface hoisting of development waste has been
permitted during such times. Material permitted for hoisting is only from areas pre-assessed for acid generation
potential. Material identified as potentially acid forming (PAF) or acid forming (AF) is not permitted for
hoisting to surface. Waste rock is either used in rehabilitation activities (for capping) or as a resource for
construction works. The temporary Waste Rock Emplacement area at the CSA Mine is currently located between
the refrigeration plant and the concentrate storage sheds.
In the event that there are insufficient voids to fill underground for the volume of the waste rock that is projected
over the next five years, the CSA Mine proposes to develop a temporary waste rock stockpile for the initial three
years. This stockpile is to be located to the north east of the main site i.e. adjacent to the “Big Mount Brown”
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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excised area. Pending the economic climate and the associated site production surface stockpiling of waste rock
will be further investigated in 2013 and 2014, as an additional temporary stockpiling area may be required.
Should this be the case then CSA Mine would liaise with the relevant regulators with the view to taking the
option on the mining lease area for the currently excised Big Mount Brown. This approach, being the preferred
option rather than seeking approval to clear an additional land area for the storage of rock. The intention is that
this would be a temporary stockpile location only, with material to be tested for Acid Mine Drainage (AMD)
potential and clean material to be used in future tailings storage construction with all remaining material to return
underground to fill empty voids at the end of the mine life (and progressively during mine life if practical).
2.2.3 Contaminated Land
Waste from the clean-up of contaminated materials, process spills and the de-silting of dirty or contaminated
catchment dams are disposed of at the South Tailings Storage Facility (STSF). During 2012, thirteen overflow
incidents involving tailings, backfill, hydrocarbons, grout, and non-hazardous chemicals were recorded at CSA
Mine. These spills resulted in a total of approximately 3,000 m3
of contaminated material being disposed of at
the STSF.
2.3 Construction
2.3.1 Construction Activities
Several construction projects were completed at the CSA Mine in 2012 including:
Tailings thickener upgrade:
Works commenced in October 2012 to construct and install a new tailings thickener. The present thickener is
structurally weak and needs increasing maintenance to ensure operability. The new thickener is 18m in diameter
and will be located to the south of the existing concentrate thickener with new bunding installed. The new
thickener has been designed to meet the demands of future production expansion throughput. Completion of this
project is scheduled for March 2013. Once the new thickener is commissioned and operating correctly the old
thickener will be removed.
Underground internal shaft extension:
Works commenced in early 2010 to extend the No. 1 Shaft by approximately 500m and to install a new winder.
These works will enable hoisting of ore and waste rock to the surface from a lower level in the mine, help deliver
fresh air to the bottom of the mine, and enable efficient transport of personnel to and from the surface.
Due to the top 250m of the underground shaft extension self-mining during the Raise Bore Operations in
December 2011 to January 2012, progress on the project was held up. Glencore accepted a project
recommendation to alter the method and take a Tandem Blind Sink (BS) approach to both sections of the
extension. The Shaft Extension Project Team & Contractor set about designing & supplying equipment,
resources and expertise for both BS arrangements for sinking from 9240m RL & 8958m RL. The project
convened an expert group of senior managers (inside Australia with conference call meetings weekly) to explore
a Ground Support Design (GSD) for sinking through the broken ground (this included overseas experts, such as
Glencore and Redpath, on an as needs basis).
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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GSD and the associated testing program was completed after approximately 29 weeks of trials & tests. Final
Ground Support Designs were presented on 10th
December 2012 and sinking commenced 19th
December 2012
on the top section from 9240m RL. Risk Assessments were also carried out during this process. The GSD for this
top broken ground section also changed the GSD for the lower 250m section. During the 2012 period, the Mine
continued to drive roadways for the project to open up multiple work sites for the contractor. Progress also
continued over 2012 on the design, manufacture and delivery of essential equipment. The upper shaft
correctional works and clean up continued. This also involved surveying of the 3 critical locations for shaft
alignment (being surface down, 9240m RL and 8958m RL. The upper shaft correctional works also included a
review of the off shaft roadways by geo-technicians and the condition of the old concrete lining for a life of 25
years.
2.3.2 Scheduled Construction Activities 2013
Several construction works and smaller infrastructure improvement upgrades are planned for 2013, these
include:
Underground Internal Shaft Extension
The Shaft Extension Project team will upgrade its resources (CSA, Contractor and consultant resources) with
additional expertise during early 2013 as the sinking process at both sites begins. The first stage will be the
setting up of the lower sink site from approximately the 1st February 2013, followed by installation of the
furniture in the upper shaft 1,000m, ongoing detailed scheduled work at multiple work sites and finalisation of
the designs for the project.
Tailings Thickener Replacement:
As discussed in Section 2.3.1, a new fit for purpose 18m diameter, high rate tailings thickener will be installed
and operational by March 2013. This will replace the existing 46m diameter thickener which requires increasing
maintenance to ensure continual operation, and presents a risk of structural failure. The bunding apron has been
laid and the walls have been poured. The thickener installation was commenced in January 2013.
Mill Grinding Circuit Upgrade
In conjunction with the No.1 shaft upgrade, the installation of a new grinding classification circuit in the mill is
planned. This will include a conveyance system (comprising of 3 overland conveyors), a 30,000t conical
stockpile with 3 subterranean feeders (2 pans and 1 apron), a new 24x22ft SAG mill, and a classification circuit.
Tender selection and Definitive Feasibility Studies (DFS) for the Mill Grinding Circuit Upgrade have
commenced in 2012. The area where the new mill will be located is being prepared at present and construction
works are planned for later in the year with a completion date of Q1-2 2014.
Backfill area
A feasibility study on the use of paste fill in underground operations was initiated in 2012 and will be further
investigated during 2013. Pending the outcome of the feasibility study, CMPL will seek to implement paste fill
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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to replace the current fill medium of Cemented Hydraulic Fill (CHF). The proposed works will involve a
significant alteration of the current plant and an associated stockpile. The project is set to begin construction in
2014 with the plant to be commissioned in the final quarter of 2015. Appropriate approvals will be sought prior
to works occurring in 2014.
2.4 Mining
2.4.1 Underground Resource Status
The current resource is estimated at 11.4 Mt with 5.9% Cu between 9275 m relative level (RL) to 8400m RL.
The 8400m RL is approximately 1900m below the surface. There is potential for further resources to exist at
depth and also within this RL range.
The current proved and probable reserves in the CSA Mine active ore bodies (QTS North and South systems)
from 9250m RL to 8400m RL stand at 6.0 Mt with 4.56% Cu. There is also potential for further reserves in
other systems, which are yet to be evaluated.
2.4.2 Production History and Production Forecast
Table 7 summarises the CSA Mine’s history from 2009 and the forecast for the next five years. Annual
production was subpar during 2012. Copper metal production for 2012 was 34,529 dmt; this is down from 2011
due to a lower head grade during 2012. Forecast mine production for the next five years is based on the shaft
extension works progressing during 2013 and finishing in 2014 allowing an increase in production.
Table 7 Actual and Forecast Production (dmt) (as of 31/12/2012)
Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Ore 1,067,927 1,067,459 1,035,000 938,325 1,100,000 1,100,000 1,100,000 1,200,000 1,300,000
Grade 5.00% 4.88% 4.33% 3.83% 4.72% 4.60% 4.82% 4.89% 4.70%
Cu Metal
53,936 50,059 56,500 34,529 50,081 48,725 51,177 56,705 58,931
Ore mined over the period 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 is between 30 – 40% greater than originally predicted in
the 2007-2012 MOP. The Grade however has been 13 – 15% lower than predicted in the MOP, with the overall
Cu metal production therefore 17% greater than MOP predictions. The increased production and lower grades
experienced over the past four years is reflected in future predictions as well as the updated CSA Mine 2013-
2017 MOP, which was completed at the end of 2012.
2.4.3 Estimated Mine Life
The short term plan is to continue mining at the current rate of approximately 1.1 Mt/a (dmt) to the 8670 level
(1600m below surface) in the QTS North and between the 9045 and 8985 levels (between 1195m and 1255m
below surface) in the QTS South. Current proved and probable reserves can sustain this rate for approximately 5
years, while there appears to be adequate resource below this depth in the QTS North and within the QTS South,
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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Eastern and Western systems to sustain the current mining rate for at least a further six years. The current
mining rate equates to approximately 50m vertical advance per year.
During 2013, work will continue on the No. 1 Shaft to extend it down to the 8740m RL which will enable
hoisting up this shaft to the surface. The key benefits of this extension are to provide a far more efficient
hoisting and ventilation system for the mine. By hoisting ore from lower levels in the mine, there will be
reduced truck haulage distances and truck fleet numbers. It is anticipated that this shaft extension will allow the
mine production rate to increase to approximately 1.4 Mt/a (dmt) for the long term. With this mine production
rate and with current resource estimates, mine life is expected to be approximately 10 years.
2.4.4 Backfilling and Tailings
The CSA Mine continues to use CHF and waste rock to fill underground openings created by production
activities. Hydraulic fill is obtained by separating a suitable fraction of tailings and adding cement as required.
The target for contained fines in hydraulic fill is no greater than 10% less than 10 microns (µm), and this is
consistently achieved or bettered.
Over 300,000t of cemented and un-cemented hydraulic fill was placed into underground voids during the 2012
period, representing 54.70% of flotation tailings produced by milling operations. In addition, approximately
254,000t of waste rock was used to supplement the hydraulic fill and to fill other voids not requiring cemented
fill. The average (± standard deviation) size of the backfill product was 4.16% (± 0.28) passing 10 microns and
the average specific gravity was 1.78 (± 0.01). Total backfill was lower during 2012 due to issues with the
underground reticulation as well as shortfalls in production ore. Backfilling is planned to be back to over
450,000t per annum in 2013. Table 8 shows the total backfill production and final tailings loads for 2012.
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Table 8 Backfill Production and Final Tailings 2012
2012
Backfill Production Final Tailings
Cemented (dmt)
Un-cemented
(dmt)
% passing
10 microns
Specific Gravity
(dmt)
%
Flotation Tailings
Jan 33,899 6,184 4.10 1.80 40,176 50.06
Feb 14,802 2,970 3.78 1.80 58,194 76.61
Mar 24,344 6,679 3.94 1.78 39,626 56.09
Apr 36,625 6,564 4.24 1.78 28,480 39.74
May 25,549 7,070 3.92 1.78 36,787 53.00
Jun 18,228 3,435 4.59 1.79 32,671 60.13
Jul 10,182 2,262 4.27 1.78 21,081 62.88
Aug 28,610 5,338 4.26 1.79 44,200 55.28
Sep 31,227 4,311 4.35 1.78 38,895 52.25
Oct 26,361 5,798 4.64 1.77 35,164 52.23
Nov 24,723 5,394 3.91 1.77 36,174 54.57
Dec 35,387 5,822 3.93 1.79 31,862 43.60
Total 309,937 61,827 4.16 1.78 443,308 54.70
2013 Estimate
495,000 <10 1.78 - 1.82
429,292 53.50
Note:
dmt = dry metric tonnes
During 2013, CMPL will continue to investigate alternative backfilling methodologies to optimise the use of
waste rock fill and minimise any requirement to hoist waste, therefore decreasing the cycle time of the stoping
sequence. See Section 2.3.2 for information on the paste fill feasibility study planned for 2013.
2.4.5 Mining Equipment
During 2012there have been no significant changes in the overall number of mining equipment used at the CSA
Mine. In 2012, CMPL added several new pieces of mining equipment to the CSA fleet as part of the site
equipment management process. This includes: 3 Atlas 6020 dump trucks; 1 JCB 714 Cement Agitator; 1
Forklift; 1 Dieci Telehandler; 2 Isuzu NPS300 Service Trucks; 2 Isuzu FVZ140; 2 Kubota R420 and 2
Roboshot Maxijet Shotcrete. There are no significant changes in the number of mining equipment on site
projected for 2013.
With the continuation of the shaft extension project throughout 2012 and into 2013 there was an increase in the
number of contractors associated with these projects, and therefore an increase in the number of contractor light
vehicles. The number of contractor light vehicles increased from 20 in 2011 to 50 in 2012.
The current status of surface and underground equipment at the CSA Mine is shown in Table 9.
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Table 9 CMPL Current Mining Equipment (as of 31/12/12)
CMPL Equipment 2011 2012 Projected
2013
Atlas Copco M2D Rocket Boomer Drill 0 0 0
Atlas Copco Simba L6C Production Drill Rig 2 2 2
Atlas Copco MT5010 Dump Truck 1 1 1
Atlas Copco MT5010 Ejector Truck 2 2 2
Caterpillar AD55B Dump Truck 2 0 0
Atlas Copco MT6020 Dump Truck 2 5 5
Caterpillar 980H Loader 1 1 1
Caterpillar IT28F Tool Carrier 0 0 0
Caterpillar IT28G Tool Carrier 2 2 2
Caterpillar 930H 2 2 2
Caterpillar 12G Grader 2 2 2
Caterpillar TH460B Telehandler 1 0 0
Caterpillar TH360 Telehandler 0 0 0
Caterpillar D25-D Cement Agitator 0 0 0
JCB 714 Cement Agitator 0 1 1
Caterpillar Elphinstone AD40 dump truck 1 1 1
Caterpillar Elphinstone R2900 Loader (LHD) 7 7 6
Coles 25 tonne Crane 0 0 0
Tadano 35 Tonne Crane 1 1 1
Forklifts 4 5 4
Isuzu FTS 800 Water Truck 1 1 1
Isuzu FSS 550 Explosives Truck 1 1 0
Isuzu FTS 800 Explosives Truck 1 1 1
Isuzu FSR 700 Stores Truck 1 1 1
Isuzu MPR300 1 0 0
Light Vehicles 47 47 47
Merlo Telehandler 1 1 1
Sandvick DD420 Jumbo 3 2 1
Tamrock Cabolter 1 1 1
Terex UC15 Franna Crane 1 1 1
Normet Spraymec 1 0 0
Normet Scamec 0 0 0
Normet Chamec 1 1 0
Dieci Telehandler 0 1 1
Isuzu NPS300 Service Truck 0 2 2
Isuzu FVZ1400 0 2 2
Kubota R420 0 2 2
Normet Unilift 0 0 0
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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Normet Utimec 0 0 0
Roboshot Maxijet Shotcreter 0 2 2
Contractor Equipment 2011 2012 Projected
2013
Caterpillar R2900 Loader (Pybar) 1 2 2
Caterpillar AD45 Haul Truck 2 2 2
Solo Production Drill 1 0 0
Robbins 32R Raise Drill (Raisebore Australia) 1 1 1
Caterpillar IT28B Loader (Raisebore Australia) 1 1 1
Caterpillar 926 Front End Loader 0 0 0
Cement Agitator JACON 0 2 8
Hino Cement Agitator (EDMS) 0 0 0
Caterpillar Telehandler (EDMS) 0 0 0
Fibre Crete Maxi jet 1 0 0
Light Vehicles 30 50 50
Tamrock Cabolter 7-5 (Macmahons) 1 0 0
Sandvick 7-5 Cabolter Drill (PYBAR) 0 1 1
Manitou MT1030S Telehandler (PYBAR) 0 1 1
Volvo L60E IT Loader (PYBAR) 0 1 1
Normet Agitator (PYBAR) 2 2 2
2.4.6 Mining Method
The mining method used at CSA Mine for the majority of stoping remains the same as in previous years, that is,
top down, continuous advance, long-hole open stoping. Most stopes are filled with CHF and the balance is filled
with development waste. Some bottom up long-hole open stoping was carried out in 2012 and this will continue
in the 2013 reporting period.
2.4.7 Mine Development
During the 2012 AEMR period, underground horizontal development advancement totaled 4,822 m. The Mine
vertical section provided (Plan 4) details mine development over 2012 and the outlook for 2013. Section 2.2.3
provides further detail on the Shaft Extension development project.
Mining has focused on the K, O and S lenses of the QTS North system and from the QR1 lens in the QTS South
system during the past five years and will continue to do so for the 2013 AEMR period. Ore has been extracted
as required from other smaller QTS North lenses to supplement ore supply and to provide an optimal feed grade
to the mill, as allowed by mining sequences and ground stress management. A similar approach will be taken
over the 2013 mining period. In addition it is planned to mine crown pillars from the upper sections of the QTS
north ore bodies as required.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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Stoping is almost complete above the 8850 level in the QTS North except for some crown recoveries. The QTS
South mining is complete above the 9045 level, with a new stoping block to be developed below 9045 in the
QTS South, the bottom of the ore body is currently estimated at 8985. During the 2013 reporting period, mining
will continue below the 8890 level in the QTS North and below 9045 level in the QTS South.
2.4.8 Mine Production
Actual stope performance and metal output for 2012 was below the budgeted figures. This was mainly the result
of lower utilisation of equipment, issues with the stoping and unplanned delays. Variations in monthly grades,
against budgeted figures, reflect timing fluctuations of individual stopes. Table 10 shows the comparison of
monthly budget and actual production performance during 2012.
Mine production was sourced from a variety of stopes within the mine. The QTS North Ore System provided
100% of the ore produced.
Table 10 CSA Budget versus Actual Mine Production 2012
2012
Budget Actual
Tonnes (dmt)
% Cu Tonnes (dmt)
% Cu
Jan 90,795 4.97% 92,393 4.00%
Feb 81,916 5.22% 86,503 3.26%
Mar 92,547 4.32% 83,382 3.59%
Apr 91,034 4.74% 79,415 3.22%
May 93,388 4.94% 83,726 4.35%
Jun 89,114 5.07% 58,043 2.65%
Jul 93,838 4.57% 37,417 3.01%
Aug 91,860 4.38% 92,677 4.72%
Sep 91,379 5.17% 88,431 4.37%
Oct 93,691 4.62% 73,467 3.23%
Nov 95,850 3.87% 74,997 3.37%
Dec 94,229 4.90% 82,323 3.51%
2012 Total 1,100,000 4.66% 932,774 3.69%
Note:
dmt = dry metric tonnes
2.5 Mineral Processing
2.5.1 Ore Characteristics
Minerals present in the CSA Mine ores are mainly chalcopyrite, with lesser cubanite, pyrite and pyrrhotite and
very minor bornite, sphalerite and galena with traces of silver. Quartz, siltstone clasts, calcite, magnetite and
chlorite form the gangue to the sulphide minerals.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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2.5.2 Metallurgy
The milling circuit consists of two primary semi-autogenous mills (SAG) in either open or closed circuit as
required, with hydrocyclones, and a third mill of same size that originally operated as a SAG mill but is now
used as a secondary ball mill. After grinding, ore slurry is pumped to the flotation circuit comprising of rougher,
scavenger, cleaner and re-cleaner stages that use mechanically agitated flotation cells. Two banks of Wemco
rougher cells and one bank of Outotec scavenger tank cells float the sulphides until generating a final tail that is
sent to the tailings thickener. Two banks of Denver cells and two banks of Dorr Oliver cells perform cleaning
and re-cleaning flotation of rougher concentrate. Recovery of Cu minerals, mainly chalcopyrite, is excellent
with typically 95% to 98% of the Cu and around 83% of the silver reporting to the concentrate. The concentrate
grade generally ranges between 26.5% and 29.0% Cu and 58% and 92% silver (Ag). Metal Recovery for 2012 is
shown in Table 11.
Table 11 Metal Recovery 2012
2012
Tonnes Treated
Feed Metal Concentrate
Grade Recovery Production
dmt Cu (%) Ag
(g/t) Cu (%) Ag (%) dmt Cu (%)
Ag (g/t)
Jan 93,896 4.17 14.6 96.92 86.87 13,873 27.39 85.85
Feb 85,888 3.36 14.09 96.16 82.83 10,071 27.56 99.57
Mar 81,566 3.87 15.64 95.84 77.92 10,894 27.74 91.26
Apr 81,015 3.24 11.63 96.43 82.28 9,686 26.1 80.01
May 81,533 4.47 14.73 96.73 86.25 13,127 26.86 78.93
Jun 61,261 2.88 10.35 95.91 79.02 6,176 27.44 81.13
Jul 37,697 2.99 12.28 93.57 80.68 4,044 26.07 92.33
Aug 93,661 4.87 21.24 95.89 83.33 16,369 26.73 101.25
Sep 87,716 4.57 16.68 96.42 88.2 14,241 27.11 90.61
Oct 76,036 3.4 11.9 96.35 71.81 8,530 29.22 76.39
Nov 74,307 3.62 14.34 95.23 79.04 9,763 26.24 86.28
Dec 83,729 3.54 13.05 95.83 81.53 10,871 26.11 80.96
Total/Avg 968,221 3.83 14.51 96.11 82.22 127,644 27.05 92.71
(+/- SD) -69829 -0.87 -2.7 -0.31 4.06 -31743 -1.45 6.21
2013 Estimate 1,100,000 4.72 18 96.45 80 195,856 28.1 88.87 Note:
dmt = dry metric tonnes
%= percent g/t= grams per tonne
Flotation concentrate is pumped to a conventional thickener where it is dewatered. Thickener underflow is
pumped to a Filter Feed Tank. This slurry is pumped to two Ceramic Vacuum Disc Filters where water is
removed. The filtered concentrate is discharged by conveyor to stockpiles located within either of two
concentrate storage sheds. The concentrate has a moisture content of approximately 9.5%. Reagent
consumption figures for ore processing in 2012 are provided in Table 12.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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Table 12 Reagent Consumption 2012
2012
Reagent Consumption (t)
Cement Grinding
Media Flocculent Lime Collector Frother
Nitric Acid
Delvocrete
Jan 130.90 87.38 0.28 0.00 1.42 0.06 11.55 1.28
Feb 628.47 75.89 0.05 0.00 0.38 0.53 3.92 1.92
Mar 226.74 39.09 0.05 0.00 1.19 -0.36 3.84 0.67
Apr 5,228.04 69.07 0.15 0.00 1.61 0.07 4.33 0.14
May 1,571.63 65.24 0.20 0.00 1.33 0.00 3.92 1.01
Jun 1,348.73 51.49 0.10 0.00 0.65 0.02 12.53 2.07
Jul 564.50 29.49 0.10 0.00 0.38 0.01 1.96 1.27
Aug 2,283.56 60.19 0.13 7.80 1.57 0.03 6.42 1.49
Sep 1,610.61 71.75 0.20 5.28 1.15 0.08 6.14 1.72
Oct 2,221.97 30.29 0.05 5.66 2.35 0.64 6.01 1.58
Nov 1,753.44 57.82 0.10 2.26 0.74 -0.13 5.60 0.78
Dec 2,241.80 70.91 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.27 7.92 1.42
Total 19,810 708.57 1.5 21 12.78 1.22 74.16 15.35
2013 24,000 1,200 9.00 25.00 19.80 3.62 79.05 17.00
Estimate
2.5.3 Concentrate Storage, Handling and Transport
Concentrate is loaded by a Front End Loader into purpose built, fully enclosed, steel containers on railway flat
cars (wagons). An automatic lid lifter assists with the container loading process. The trains currently in service
can carry approximately 2,313 wet metric tonnes (wmt) of concentrate. This is railed to ConPorts Pty Ltd’s ship
loader at Port Waratah, Newcastle, for storage and export shipment by ocean freight. This concentrate is
exported to overseas smelters in India, China and Malaysia.
2.6 Waste Management
CMPL have long recognised the need for a reliable and regular waste removal and recycling service for the CSA
Mine that meets environmental, safety, operational, future growth and financial requirements. The CSA Mine
Waste Management System aims to achieve the following objectives:
Cost effective waste management and recycling system;
A holistic approach to waste minimisation and recycling;
Maximise recycling outcomes where possible to minimise waste to landfill;
Provide accurate invoicing and waste tracking receipts; and
Assist where possible to enable the provision of recycling for the town of Cobar.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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2.6.1 General Waste
General waste at the CSA Mine is separated into co-mingled recyclables and non-recyclable/putrescible waste.
Dubbo based company JR Richards & Sons Waste and Recycling Services (JRR) is contracted for the collection
of both waste streams from the CSA Mine. This service includes the supply and servicing of separate, colour-
coded general waste and co-mingled recycle bins.
All non-recyclable and putrescible waste is taken to the Cobar landfill facility for disposal, while all co-mingled
recyclable waste is transported to the JRR Material Recovery Facility in Dubbo for processing and eventual sale.
This co-mingled service allows for all recycle materials to be collected together, including paper, cardboard,
PET/HDPE plastics, aluminium, glass and tin.
The average recycling rate for 2012 was 23%, and ranged between 16% (January) to 35% (July). The average
recycling rate decreased between 2011 (26%) and 2012 (23%). Although the percentage of waste recycled in
2012 had decreased since 2011, the overall volume of waste recycled had increased in the 2012 reporting year,
see Table 13. Increased recycling volumes and a marginally decreased recycling rate can be attributed to the
increased number of contractors working on site and generating additional waste during 2012.
Table 13 Waste Collection Results (2010, 2011, 2012)
Year General
waste (kg) Recyclables
(kg) Total (kg)
Per cent Recycled
2010 70,100 18,620 88,720 21.0%
2011 60,420 20,740 81,160 25.6%
2012 93,400 29,840 131,590 22.7%
In 2012, recycling educational campaigns continued and included newsletter articles and site wide emails aimed
at encouraging CSA Mine employees to recycle on site, and also to bring their recycling from home and utilise
the recycling bins provided in the car park. In 2012, CSA Mine also promoted recycling through their first
“Waste to Art Competition” which was undertaken in November 2012 as a part of National Recycling Week
(refer to Section 4.2.4).
Figure 2 below shows the monthly general waste volumes and the recyclable component as a percentage.
The aim over in the 2013 reporting period is to achieve a recycling rate consistently greater than 30% recycled.
Ongoing educational campaigns in 2013 will continue to include National Recycling Week and Clean Up
Australia Day.
In 2012, CSA Mine also trialled different bins on site (hook bins) and increased the size of some bins in key
locations (from 1.5m3 to 3m
3). The frequencies of waste collections also changed in 2012. Waste has previously
been collected fortnightly since 2009 and is now collected weekly. In terms of waste management, the focus of
2013 is to further investigate underground waste management to improve the separation of general waste and
recycling in the underground mining operation. With the implementation of successful waste separation
strategies underground, the recycling rate is expected to significantly improve in 2013.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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16%
23% 24%
27%
31%
24%
35%
30%
23%
19% 20% 20%
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jun-12 Jul-12 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Dec-12
Waste
(kg
)
CSA Mine Waste Management Performance 2012
General waste (kg) Recyclables (kg) % Recycled
Figure 2 CSA Mine General Waste Management Performance 2012
2.6.2 Industrial Waste
Industrial waste at the CSA Mine is split into the main waste streams: metals, rubber, hydrocarbons, and
sewerage waste. Each of these waste streams is managed and tracked separately.
Metal waste includes steel and copper cables, both of which are removed off site for recycling. A total of 513.75t
of scrap steel was sold to external contractors during 2012 for recycling, which has greatly increased since 2011
(132t). In 2012, 38 loader and 27 truck tyres were also sent off-site for recycling.
Hydrocarbons are recycled where possible from surface (processing plant and workshops) and underground
(workshops). An EPA licensed contractor collects the waste oil on an as needs basis. During 2012, 87,750L of
waste oil was collected by Renewable Oil Services Pty Ltd (EPA Transport Licence No. 12991; EPA Depot
Licence No. 13092). Waste grease and other mixed oily products (rags, plastic liners, gloves, filters, filters etc.)
are collected by the same licensed contractor on an as need basis. A total of 8,364kg of waste grease and
8,028kg of hydrocarbon contaminated products were removed from site during 2012. A further 4.12t of waste
batteries were removed from site for recycling over the 2012 period.
Underground sewage waste is removed from site by a licensed contractor and disposed of at a designated pit
provided at the CSC landfill. During 2012, approximately 342,100L of sewage waste was removed by Cobar
Mining Contractors.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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2.6.3 Underground Waste Rock
Waste rock produced by underground mining operations is disposed of into underground voids left by stoping
operations, or hoisted to the surface (only during periods of low void inventory). Cumulative mine waste
production is provided in Table 15 in Section 2.7.4. A total of 431,675t of waste rock production is budgeted
underground for the 2013 period.
2.6.4 Tailings Waste
Backfill fines, or flotation tailings when backfill is not required, are sent to the Final Tailings Thickener
for dewatering prior to pumping to the TSF. Target moisture content of final tailings is Specific Gravity
(SG) = 1.5. Tailings are pumped approximately 2.2 km in a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
pipeline to the TSF and deposited from a central raised causeway.
The amount of tailings deposited is regularly monitored; a monthly summary is provided in Table 8 of
Section 2.4.4. A total of 438,917t of tailings were deposited between 1 January and 31 December 2012 at
an average production rate of just over 1,199t per day. This accounted for 54.1% of flotation tailings.
The remaining 45.9% of the flotation tailings was backfilled into the underground workings.
Thickened tailings will continue to be deposited in the STSF over the 2013 AEMR period. Tailings will
be deposited in thin discrete layers, approximately 100mm in thickness from the end of the discharge
causeway. Discharge is distributed between 9 spigots close to the end of the causeway to limit the
discharge velocity of tailings from the pipes. The distribution of flow via at least three spigots has
resulted in the development of a well-defined beach.
Deposition of tailings will be alternated between the North West side and South East side of the causeway.
This approach is intended to maximise evaporative drying by sun and wind exposure of the non-active
tailings beach area. This structured deposition method will help reduce rate of rise of the tailings by
allowing tailings on the beach to dry and desiccate before it is subsequently covered with fresh wet
tailings. This will achieve a high dry density of the tailings, increase water recovery and optimise storage
capacity. Based on our survey report in December 2012 the STSF has approximately 11months deposition
remaining and will reach capacity in October 2013. CSA Mine is currently working towards a lift on the
STSFE scheduled for mid-2013 which will increase deposition capacity of the STSF through to 2015.
2.7 Ore and Product Stockpiles
2.7.1 Ore Stockpiles
Ore hoisted to surface is stored in any of four concrete, open topped storage bins. Total capacity is
approximately 6,000 wmt.
Two definitive feasibility studies were completed in 2012 to ascertain the most suitable ore storage
system for the mill department with the future mill upgrade in mind. The studies concluded that a
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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30,000t conical stockpile is the best option for future operations. Ore from the surface stockpile will be
delivered to the mill via 3 feeders (one apron and two vibratory pan feeders).
2.7.2 Product Stockpiles
Flotation concentrate is stored in either of two concentrate storage sheds, with combined storage
capacity of approximately 25,000wmt. The sheds are covered and partially enclosed which assists in
the minimisation of dust generation. Each shed has a concrete floor and wall bunds which
minimises concentrate losses to the environment.
Approximately 3,970dmt of Cu concentrate was stored in the concentrate storage sheds as of 31
st
December 2012. A stockpile of approximately 7,376dmt was stored at the port awaiting shipment.
2.7.3 Topsoil Stockpiles
Current stockpiles of topsoil at the CSA Mine total approximately 63,329m3. An estimated 5,500m
3 of topsoil is
stockpiled behind the NTSF from operations prior to CMPL taking over in 1999. All remaining topsoil on site
resulted from the development of the STSFE in 2006 (50,969m3) and the extension to the TSF Decant Dam in
2010 (6,680m3).
Topsoil and subsoil was handled according to best practice procedures by separating topsoil and subsoil in two
separate stockpiles during the construction of the Decant Dam Extension in 2010. Topsoil from the STSFE
development is stockpiled along the TSF access road (18,714 m3) and at the site of the original interim stockpile
adjacent to Railway Dam (32,255 m3). The new stockpile resulting from the Decant Dam extension is stockpiled
adjacent to the southern wall of the Decant Dam facility. These small stockpiles (based on a maximum height of
3 m) are located close to the TSF to ensure potential losses due to excessive handling are minimised. This
topsoil will remain stockpiled until required for rehabilitation purposes on site. Where available, green waste
has been placed on topsoil stockpiles and stockpiles seeded to encourage organic matter growth and the
maintenance of a viable seed bank.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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Table 14 displays CSA topsoil stockpile information and Figure 3 displays topsoil stockpile locations.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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Table 14 CSA Identified Topsoil Stockpiles
Stockpile No.
Stockpile Location
Volume (m3)
Storage Capacity
Remaining (m3)
Source Date
Placed Treatment
1 TSF Access
Road 18,474 18,823
Development of STSF Extension
2006 Green waste placed
2 Adjacent TSF Decant Dams
(topsoil) 3,420 0
Extension of the TSF Decant Dam required
for STSF wall lift 2010
Oat cover crop seeding (June 2011)
Adjacent TSF Decant Dams
(clay) 3,440 0
Extension of the TSF Decant Dam required
for STSF wall lift 2010
Oat cover crop seeding (June 2011)
3 Adjacent
Railway Dam 32,255 3,577
Development of STSF Extension.
2006 n/a
4 NTSF 5,500 0 Unknown (placed prior to CMPL taking over operations in 1999)
Prior to 1999 n/a
TOTAL 63089 22400
Figure 3 CSA Topsoil Stockpile Locations
No major excavation works were undertaken in 2012 or are planned for 2013, therefore no significant volumes
of topsoil are expected to be generated. Any useful quantities of topsoil from any land disturbance activities will
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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continue to be stripped and stored with existing stockpiles to provide suitable material to facilitate future
rehabilitation.
2.7.4 Waste rock Stockpiles
In 2012, a total of 3,051t of underground waste rock was hoisted to the surface. The volume of waste rock
hoisted to the surface is a function of underground mine development progress. In 2012, development progress
achieved led to a deficit in available underground waste storage capacity. Prior to hoisting to surface, all
material is tested to ensure it is not potentially acid generating. The material hosted to the surface in 2012 is
currently stockpiled at the temporary stockpile area, located near the ore processing plant, and will be utilised in
2013 as a part of TSF improvement works.
Table 15 summarises stockpile estimates and waste production at the CSA Mine for 2012 and the forecast for
2013.
Table 15 CSA Cumulative Waste and Stockpile Production
Cumulative Waste & Stockpile Production
Start of 2012 reporting period
End of 2012 reporting period
End of 2013 reporting period
(estimate)
Topsoil stripped (m3)
63,089 63,089 63,089
Topsoil used / spread (m3)
1,340 1,340 1,340
Waste Rock (t) (surface hoisted)
318,836 321,887 551,887
Ore (dmt) 9,278,654 10,216,980 11,316,980
Processing Waste (tailings) (dmt)
5,560,969 5,999,886 6,442,242
Backfill (dmt) 2,616,711 2,988,475 3,467,694
Cu Concentrate (dmt)
1,637,574 1,765,218 1,943,643
In comparison to the predicted waste and stockpile production figures estimated in the 2007 – 2012 MOP for the
2012 period, actual production volumes of ore, backfill and copper concentrate were higher than predicted in the
MOP due to better than originally forecast production rates and ore grades. The updated 2013 – 2017 MOP will
reflect the revised and improved production rates for future forecasts.
2.8 Water Management
2.8.1 External Water Sources
The CSA Mine lies within the Darling River Basin with the nearest tributary being the Bogan River located
approximately 120 km to the east of the mine. CMPL purchase bulk raw water from the Cobar Water Board.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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Cobar raw water comes from Burrendong Dam via the Macquarie River and the Albert Priest Channel, and is
supplemented by the ground catchment area around the Cobar storages during periods of rainfall. Water from
the Macquarie River is diverted at Warren via a 73 km open channel (Albert Priest Channel) to the Bogan River
Weir Pools in Nyngan. From here it is pumped via a dual underground 130km long steel pipeline that can
deliver 200 l/s or 17.2 ML per day to the 1.4 ML storage tank at Fort Bourke and the Cobar reservoir
approximately 4 km north west of Cobar.
Water from the Cobar storages is pumped to the local mines via an underground pipeline. The mine water
allocation is part of a water entitlement which is shared between CMPL, Peak Gold Mine and CBH Resources
(Endeavor). The CSA Mine site is entitled to a raw water allocation of 1,356 ML per annum (determined by the
period of July – June each year) and processes raw water to produce potable water on site.
During periods of drought and low rainfall, the Cobar Township, and therefore the CSA Mine, relies on this
external supply of raw water to maintain operations. Figure 4 shows the water storage level and rainfall for the
Burrendong Dam over 2012.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Jan-12 Mar-12 May-12 Jul-12 Sep-12 Nov-12
Rai
nfa
ll (m
m)
Effe
ctiv
e F
ull
Sto
rage
vo
lum
e (
%)
Burrendong Dam 2012
Rainfall (mm) Effective Full Storage Volume (%) Mean
Figure 4 Burrendong Dam Water Storage Level (%) and Rainfall (mm) 2012
2.8.2 Surface Water Sources
In 2011, consultants were commissioned by CMPL to develop a Site Water Management Plan (SWMP). The
SWMP is currently in draft, finalisation is expected in quarter one 2013. CMPL acknowledges the finalisation of
the CSA Mine SWMP is long overdue; this project was started in partnership with a consultant in May 2011
with the intention of completion by December 2011. The quality of the initially submitted report was very poor,
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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and therefore the project started over with a more defined and clear approach in 2012. This document is still
unsatisfactory and incomplete. CSA are working through the contractual arrangements to have this document
closed out by March 2013, and may consider seeking alternative external assistance in 2013 to redo the CSA
SWMP with the desired quality outputs by mid-2013. The plan will be submitted to DRE on finalisation. The
SWMP strategically manages water on site in order to:
Prevent discharge of contaminated water;
Reduce reliance on water from external sources;
Reduce losses from evaporation and seepage;
Maximise water re-use on site by recycling where practicable;
Separate clean, contaminated and dirty water sources where practicable.
The SWMP outlines operational procedures to cover critical water management issues and events (e.g. forecast
high rainfall events and water storage dams are at capacity). These procedures ensure there are appropriate
responses to events with controls put in place to prevent breaches of EPL1864 including the discharge of
contaminated water. The procedures also outline measures to ensure there is maximum efficiency in water re-
use.
As part of the SWMP CSA Mine catchment boundaries were detailed and mapped using the Digital Elevation
Model (DEM). There are thirty five catchments within the mine lease boundaries for which rainfall runoff is
controlled and prevented from leaving site. These catchments are summarised in Table 16
Table 16 Summary of Catchment Areas
Catchment Identification
Catchment Area (m2)
Classification Direction of Flow Is Rainfall
utilised
C1 15,110 Clean Borrow Pit Dam Yes
C2A 17,790 Clean C2B Yes
C2B 9,645 Clean C4 Yes
C3A 2,855 Clean C4 Yes
C3B 32,280 Clean C4 Yes
C4 15,040 Clean C4 Yes
C5A 37,935 Dirty C2B Yes
C5B 9,645 Dirty C1 Yes
C6 33,830 Clean C2A Yes
C7A 8,025 Dirty C8B Yes
C7B 6,325 Dirty C8C Yes
C8A 9,145 Dirty C7A Yes
C8B 16,420 Dirty C8C Yes
C8C 14,550 Dirty C9B Yes
C9A 5,705 Dirty C8C Yes
C9B 15,195 Dirty Borrow Pit Dam Yes
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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C10 7,454 Dirty C9B Yes
C11 9,695 Dirty C10 Yes
C12A 14,815 Dirty C12B Yes
C12B 14,880 Dirty C11 Yes
C13 30,130 Dirty C9B Yes
C14A 10,940 Dirty C12B Yes
C14B 24,345 Dirty C13 Yes
C15 24,115 Clean - No
C16A 17,055 Clean C20B Yes
C16B 29,146 Clean C12B Yes
C17A 52,350 Dirty C17B, C17C No
C17B 13,520 Dirty C17C No
C17C 82,205 Dirty - No
C18 116,155 Dirty - No
C19A 19,290 Clean - No
C19B 13,785 Clean - No
C19C 21,775 Clean - No
C20A 11,990 Dirty C8A Yes
C20B 9,920 Dirty C20C Yes
C20C 10,725 Dirty C12B Yes
Catchment areas classified as contaminated or dirty make up the bulk of the catchment areas (approximately
57ha) and lie generally around the Ore Processing Mill and site infrastructure areas. These areas all currently
drain to the Operational Water Dam and Borrow Pit Dam. The catchment areas for the clean water runoff lie to
the south and west of the mill area and comprise approximately 2 ha. These catchments also currently drain to
the Borrow Pit Dam. Water from the Borrow Pit Dam is pumped directly into the Pork Pie Dam. This is the
process water dam which makes up the Pork Pie catchment (C16). The Borrow Pit Dam is the key storm water
catchment dam, while Pork Pie Dam and the Operational Water Dam are the key process water storages.
In addition to the surface water catchment dams within CML5, the two old mine dams (sample locations S15 and
S16 in Plan 2) located on the MPL’s to the north-west of the site were constructed as a water supply for mine
operations prior to the 1960’s. Both catchment areas are large and relatively undisturbed comprising open grass
areas and scattered to dense scrub, hence both dams are used to monitor baseline water quality. These dams act
as a potential alternative water supply for the CSA Mine operations in the future. Water can be pumped from
these dams to the process water system if required.
A summary of all current water storages at the CSA Mine is shown in Table 17. Plan 2 shows the location of
existing storage dams and dam sampling locations.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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Table 17 CSA Mine Water Storage
Stored Water
Volumes Held (ML) Freeboard (m)#
Storage Capacity
Start of 2012 Reporting
Period
End of 2012 Reporting
Period
End of 2012 Reporting
Period
Clean Water
Old Mine Dam (N) MPL1093 (S15) 240* 180* 0
Old Mine Dam (S) MPL 1094 (S16) 240* 180* 0
TSF Stormwater Collection Dam (S11) 5* 0 0
Raw Water Storage Tank (S2) 25 25 25
Dirty Water
Railway Dam (S8) 4.79 0 0
Wash Bay Evaporation Pond 0.03* 0.03* 0
Contaminated Water
Borrow Pit Dam (S4) 17.57 0 0
Retention Dam (S9) 2.99 0 0
Old Smelter Runoff Dam (S13) 2.04 0 0
North Runoff Dam (S10) 1.34 0 0
Old CSA Spoils Dam (S1) Excised Area 4.66 0 0
Pork Pie Dam (S14) 25.9 15.9 12.5
North TSF (Excised Area) 1060* 0 0
South TSF (S3) 17 0 0
STSF Extension 5* 0 0
TSF Decant Dams (combined) (S5) 93 0 0
Operational Water Dam 7* 3.5* 4*
Total 1751.32 404.43 41.5
Notes:
1. Values marked * are estimates based on site measurements as up to date survey data does not exist.
2. # Freeboard levels were not measured at the end of 2012. Freeboard will be measures for all subsequent AEMR’s.
The STSF catchment, despite its large surface area, does not retain any water. All water from the STSF
catchment reports to the STSF Decant Dams to be pumped back to Pork Pie Dam for use as process water. A
new discharge drain was built in the STSF in March 2010, designed to allow for gravity release of supernatant
water and stormwater from the toe of the tailings mound into the lined compartment of the Decant Dam. Due to
operational issues with low density material and flushing of blocked lines, excess tailings have flowed into this
drain and subsequently into the lined decant dam. The construction of the additional compartment of the Decant
Dam in 2010 means there is still adequate capacity to provide environmental flood containment under the Dam
Safety Committee (DSC) guidelines (i.e. rainfall runoff resulting from a 1 in 10 year 72 hour design storm
event).
Dams on site must maintain a 300 mm freeboard at all times. Dams above 5 ML have spillways that ensure water
levels cannot overtop the dam walls. Old Mine Dams (S15 and S16) do not have a spillway and are not used
operationally. Borrow Pit Dam (S4) also does not have a spillway at present, this dam is kept empty and any
stored water following rainfall is pumped to Pork Pie Dam. Installation of a spillway on the Borrow Pit is
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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scheduled for 2014. As part of everyday site management the water levels in all of the operational water dams
are checked every 6 hours. If any dams are reaching capacity water is pumped to Pork Pie Dam for use in the
Mill and underground.
2.8.3 Surface Water Drainage
Improvement of the surface water drainage system at the CSA Mine continued in 2012. Surface water drainage
works were completed in 2012 partially around the TSF catchments to satisfy the recommendations made in the
2011 NSW Dam Safety Committee Surveillance Report Inspection.
These surface water drainage improvements include;
The drainage bund along the toe of the old perimeter embankment on the eastern side of the STSF was
remediated where erosion damage had occurred. The erosion points were all filled using a combination
of topsoil and rock filling and then battened down to prevent damage to the toe of the STSF.
The rockfill used to buttress the side slopes of the STSF deposition causeway was repaired as a result of
tension cracks that had developed at the crest edge. The process required removing the deposition line
off the causeway using an excavator transportation of the material onto the causeway using haul trucks,
and dumping the material into piles along the causeway. The piles were then pushed out using a D6
caterpillar dozer followed by battering down the edges using the excavator. Once completed, the
deposition line was reinstated.
Silt traps and filter bunds formed using waste rock were installed in the stormwater drains, just
upstream of the outlets into Stormwater Collection Pond to limit sediment accumulation in the Pond.
The silt traps were constructed using a mullock base covered in geotextile membrane cloth and covered
over using a combination of topsoil and rock. A total of 4 silt traps were constructed along the perimeter
of the STSFE towards the storm water collection pond.
Repaired STSF deposition causeway Silt traps installed in stormwater drains
Furthermore, the Erosion Inspection Record Sheet (FRM-285) was prepared in January 2012. This record sheet
documents the results of erosion inspections undertaken after every rainfall event exceeding 25mm in a 24 hour
period and at least once every three months. It also documents corrective actions identified during the inspection.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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2.8.4 Groundwater Sources
Exploration for near mine groundwater sources at CSA began in June 2007 following raw water allocation
reductions due to serious drought. The exploration program primarily focussed on the area to the east of the TSF
in the interpreted area of the Chesney Fault. The aim of the program was to secure a groundwater supply
through either existing boreholes, or by discovering new productive water extraction points. The investigation
led to the discovery of a potential aquifer at a depth of 79 m.
Two water bore test holes and eighteen test pilot holes were drilled in the study area in 2007 and 2010
respectively. The test pilot holes did not show any indication of sufficient groundwater to justify drilling of
further water bore holes.
Further investigations into the suitability of an alternate water resource will continued as opportunities arise. No
investigations were undertaken in 2012 and there are currently no plans to progress this research in 2013.
2.8.5 Site Water Balance
A total of 749 ML of raw water was consumed at CSA Mine in 2012. This represents a reduction in consumption
of approximately 1.6% from 2011 (761 ML) and 16% from 2010 (894 ML). The efficiency gain in 2012 reflects
the overall long term trend displayed in Figure 5, which can be attributed to CSA Mine using recycled water
more efficiently. The decrease experienced between 2011 and 2012 can also be attributed to CSA Mine not
achieving their production targets in 2012, which would subsequently reduce water usage.
Figure 5 Long Term Raw Water Used per Tonne Milled
The total site usage of water (which includes both raw water and recycled water usage) during the reporting
period was 1,477 ML. This usage has increased by 18% from 2011 (1,251 ML). The reduction in raw water
CMPL 2012 AEMR
37
consumed can be attributed to a significant increase in the volume of recycled water used at the CSA Mine in
2012 with 49% of all water used on site coming from a recycled source. This represents an increase from the
previous reporting period where 44% of all water used on site came from a recycled source. There has been an
improvement in underground dewatering recovery and increased utilisation of pork pie return water which can
be attributed to increased storage capacity through the construction of the Operational Water Dams, installation
of new pumps, and improved operational practices returning water to the process water dam for re-use.
Water efficiency improvements were also made in 2012 and include the modifications of tailings discharge
spigots to reduce washout ruts. It is expected further water efficiency improvements will be made in 2013 with
the four week trial of a dewatering plant in March 2013.
Table 18 summarises site water usage at the CSA Mine for 2012 and Figure 6 shows the 2012 Site Water
Balance.
Table 18 CSA 2012 Water Balance
Water Recycling
Total Site Input 964,483.3 kL
Total Site Usage 188,410.4 kL
Total Recycle 195%
Water Losses
Mine Ventilation Losses 150,811.6 kL 15%
Water Retained in Backfill 96,803.9 kL 9%
Water Retained in Tailings 184,712.2 kL 18%
Tailings Dam Evaporation Losses 591,939.6 kL 57%
Water in Concentrate 13,249 kL 1%
Total 1,037,516 kL 100%
Water Recovery
Underground Dewatering 63%
Tailings Dam Dewatering 93.77%*
Note:
* Includes rainfall runoff collected and reclaimed from TSF
CMPL aims to continue minimising the reliance on external raw water supplies to ensure the operation can
remain sustainable into the future, and to safeguard against the future onset of drought conditions and potential
allocation restrictions that have been experienced in the past.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
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Minor improvements to the underground dewatering system during 2012 also assist in the site recycling
capacity, as we continuously seek ways to optimise the recovery of water from the underground mine back to the
surface operations. Upgrades to the 8855 Pump Station during 2012 have ensured it is working to capacity and
improving the quality of the water recycled (less solids).
Upcoming plans for 2013 include the installation of a new mono pump station up at the 8700 Level (current
deepest level in mine) to create an efficient pumping system at the bottom of the mine. The drive has been mined
and the pumping holes drilled in readiness for this installation as soon as the design for the pump station is
determined. Mining will then pour a concrete pad and set up services so that the pumps can be installed and
hooked into the operational system.
Over the longer term (post 2014), CSA Mine is currently looking at the design for the next Life-Of-Mine
underground Pump Station that will be down around the 8670 Level to be used in conjunction with the No. 1
Shaft. The feasibility review for this project is currently focusing on LOM pumping requirements, piping size in
the new shaft, pump selection and excavation design. As soon as this new proposed pump station is ready for
installation, CSA Mine will progress this work likely before the No. 1 Shaft is active. By commissioning this new
Pump Station and plumbing it in to our existing dewatering system, it will make some of our current (older)
system redundant and increase the efficiency even before Shaft No. 1 comes online.
39
Figure 6 CSA Mine Water Balance 2012
concentrate (dry tonnes)
123,451
total raw water (klitres) ventilation losses (klitres) water in concentrate (klitres) evaporation losses (klitres)
964,483 150,812 13,249 591,940
raw water (klitres) raw water (klitres) water in tailings (klitres)
394,884 485,782 776,652
mine dewatering (klitres)
backfill (dry tonnes) 275,180 tailings (dry tonnes) Rain (kLitres)
371,568 Underground Mine ore (dry tonnes) Concentrator 443,308 Tailings Dam 19,934
water contained in backfill (klitres) 975,044
96,804 water in ore (klitres) tailings return water (klitres)
35,364 728,258
96,804 184,712
water retained in backfill (klitres) water retained in tailings (klitres)
96,804
water in backfill (klitres) 296,228
raw water (klitres) 371,568 water stored in dam
83,817 backfill (dry tonnes)
Surface & General Usage
Process Water Dam
40
2.9 Hazardous Materials
Current WorkCover licensing requirements for Hazardous materials and Dangerous Goods management in NSW
requires CSA Mine to annually submit a Notification of Dangerous Goods on Premises form to notify
WorkCover of Hazardous and Dangerous Goods stored on the premises.
The minimum requirements for storage of Hazardous and Dangerous Goods at the CSA Mine site are:
Bunding to contain at least 110% of the largest container;
The display of signs for each hazardous product stored within the facility illustrating the substance
name, dangerous goods class, packaging group and emergency response details;
The display of labels on all individual containers (product name, UN number, dangerous goods class
and packaging group);
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to be available within immediate storage area;
Effective measures to exclude rain and surface stormwater runoff from the storage area;
Spill containment kits and/or fire extinguisher within the vicinity of storage areas appropriate to the
volume of hazardous material stored; and
Easy access for emergency response and spill clean-up kits.
Hydrocarbons are stored on site in the following areas:
Underground workshops and fuelling facilities;
Surface workshops;
Bulk diesel self bunded tanks; and
Designated waste hydrocarbon collection areas.
These areas and all other major Hazardous and Dangerous Goods storage locations are detailed in Table 19.
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Table 19 CSA Bulk Hazardous and Dangerous Goods Storage (as of 31/12/12)
Location Dangerous Goods Tank
Product Name Un No. Class PG Tank Capacity
Refrigeration Plant Ammonia Anhydrous 1005 2.3 (8) I a/g 2,450 kg
Flam Gd Shed Interfroth 4500 1993 3 III a/g 1,000 L
Flam Gd Shed Interseal paint 1263 3 III a/g 400 L
Dyno Nobel Yard Titan 7000 Emulsion 3375 5.1 II a/g 100,000 kg
Frother Station Interfroth 4500 1993 3 II a/g 1,000 L
Nitric Acid Tank Nitric Acid 60% 2031 8 II a/g 18,500 L
Backfill Plant Delvocrete Stabiliser 1760 8 II a/g 1,000 L
Stores Yard R134a 3159 2.2 N/A a/g 40 kg
Stores Yard Integra CWT BT202 2014 5.1 ll a/g 205 L
Stores Yard Integra CWT 7665 1760 8 lll a/g 240 L
Stores Yard Integra CWT BT 3265 8 lll a/g 480 L
Delvocrete Stabiliser Delvocrete Stabiliser 1760 8 ll a/g 3000 L
Stores Yard Oil 00C1 C1 N/A a/g 25,000 L
Stores Yard Argon Gas 1006 2.2 N/A a/g 44 kg
Stores Yard Marathon Gas 1075 2.1 N/A a/g 120 kg
Stores Yard Compressed Argoshield 1956 2.2 N/A a/g 200 kg
Stores Yard Acetylene 1001 2.1 N/A a/g 200 kg
Stores Yard Oxygen, Compressed 1072 2.2 III a/g 500 kg
Stores Yard Nitrogen, compressed 1066 2.2 N/A a/g 700 kg
Bulk Storage Tanks Diesel Fuel N/A C1 N/A a/g 180,000L
Brace Transfer Tanks Diesel Fuel N/A C1 N/A a/g 2,500 L
L 8960 UG Tank Diesel Fuel N/A C1 N/A u/g 2,500 L
L 10 UG Tank Diesel Fuel N/A C1 N/A u/g 10,000 L
L9 UG tank Diesel Fuel 00C1 C1 N/A u/g 10,000 L
L11 UG Magazine Explosive, blasting, type B 331 1.5D II u/g 22,000 kg
L11 UG Magazine Explosive, blasting, type B 82 1.1D II u/g 5,200 kg
L11 UG Magazine Explosive, blasting, type E 241 1.1D II u/g 7,500 kg
L11 UG Magazine Cord, detonating 65 1.1D N/A u/g 50 kg
L11 UG Magazine Detonators, non-electric 29 1.1B N/A u/g 350 kg
L11 UG Magazine Boosters 42 1.1D N/A u/g 370 kg
L11 UG Magazine Detonators, electric 30 1.1B N/A u/g 500 kg
Store Oxalic Acid Shed Oxalic Acid 3261 8 III a/g 1,000 kg
Note:
u/g = underground
a/g = above ground or surface
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2.9.1 Hazardous and Dangerous Goods Audit
A Hazardous and Dangerous Goods Audit was conducted at the CSA Mine in December 2012 to ensure the
CMPL Dangerous Goods Register is up to date and all handling and storage of Hazardous and Dangerous Goods
remains compliant with legislative requirements. No major storage issues were identified during the audit with
all areas meeting compliance requirements. Issues highlighted in the audit included general housekeeping of
signage and MSDS documents to ensure they are visible and accessible. The site Dangerous Goods Audit
Report was distributed to each department with all audit actions scheduled to be successfully addressed by the
end of February 2013.
2.9.2 Radiation
CMPL is licensed to sell/possess radiation apparatus and radioactive substances or items containing radioactive
substances. See Table 3 in Section 1.2 for licence details. A small amount of radioactive material is held on site
in “in-stream-analysis” probes and density level gauges. These are stored according to the recommended
procedures and locked away from general access. All qualified electrical personnel at CSA Mine are trained and
certified in Industrial Radiation Safety which allows the electrical team to work with radiation devices on site in
relation to safety and maintenance.
2.9.3 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
The last of the transformers testing positive for the presence of PCB levels above the allowable limit (as per tests
conducted in 2009) were removed from site during 2011. This work was completed by a licensed contractor,
with all oil removed from the units prior to relocating from the mine site. All high voltage electricity
transformers continued to be PCB tested in 2012 as part of routine oil testing process.
2.9.4 Asbestos
Due to the age of numerous structures on the CSA Mine site there are some materials containing asbestos
present. CMPL has an obligation to ensure that Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) is managed in
accordance with legislative requirements to prevent health and environment related risks.
All ACM present at the CSA Mine is in a bonded form and includes concrete and fibro walls on the surface of
industrial buildings, the majority of building roofs, and the majority of concrete pipes on site. ACM in a bonded
form does not present an immediate health risk, if it remains undisturbed and in good condition.
The CSA Mine Asbestos Management Plan is maintained to assist CMPL workers to comply with asbestos
prohibitions and prevent exposure to airborne asbestos fibres. While the ultimate goal is for all work areas to be
free of ACM, it is generally impracticable, especially with the limited life of mine timeframe. Due consideration
is given to the removal of ACM during any refurbishment or maintenance where practicable, in preference to
other control measures such as enclosure, encapsulation or sealing.
CSA Mine conducts an inspection of each building and structure on surface on an annual basis. The CSA Mine
Asbestos Register is maintained with regular updates of the results from these inspections. The register contains
details of the location, type and condition of any asbestos products found on site. Where no asbestos is found, a
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record of such a finding is also kept. The Asbestos Register is available on the CSA Hub (intranet), and is made
available for inspection by employees, contractors, maintenance personnel and government representatives. All
asbestos material and air samples are analysed by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)
accredited laboratory.
The most recent Annual Asbestos Audit and Air Monitoring were carried out on all surface buildings that
contain asbestos material during September 2012. Results showed that all samples remain below exposure limits
and highlighted areas were maintenance is required to allow CSA workplaces to remain safe from asbestos
exposure. The annual monitoring results were used to update the Site Asbestos Register in December 2012.
The long term outlook for bonded asbestos products on site is to monitor, maintain and replace as required.
There are no plans to replace any buildings at this stage. Any building modifications or repairs will see the
removal of any associated asbestos material and replaced with new materials. This approach has seen a
progressive reduction of asbestos material on site since the program began in 2006.
2.10 Other Infrastructure Management
Additional activities undertaken by CMPL during the reporting period that did not require any changes to the
MOP include:
Dust Collection System for the Backfill Circuit:
The dust collection system that was proposed and budgeted for installation in 2011 did not go ahead, following a
review of the cost and benefits compared to the timeframe before replacement of the current backfill plant with a
paste fill plant in quarter one 2013.Temporary exhaust fans were being installed in early 2012 to provide a short
term solution while the plant is still in use. Modifications were made to the backfill cement mixer lid by
installing a dust breather system with water addition to supress dust, and the use of sealing foam to seal the
backfill plant door has reduced the spread of dust outside the bunded area
Dust Collection System for the Lime System:
It was highlighted during 2010 that the current bag filter system on the floatation ground floor of the Ore
Processing Mill was not capable of fully containing the generated lime dust. The system was hard to maintain
as it required direct exposure to lime which is classified as a hazardous material. The inadequacy of the system
caused high dust levels around the flotation area, offices and mill facilities which was causing corrosion of the
supporting steel work. As a result the use of lime was ceased and was only reintroduced back into the process on
occasions in late August 2012 until November when required.
The lime dust system was inspected and existing equipment faults such as faulty dust indicator and clogged dust
bag were found to be main problem with the system. A new dust bag was installed, perished gaskets were
replaced, faulty electrical wiring was fixed and a new sensor was installed. With the replacement of faulty parts
the system is now operating adequately. Due to the age of the system and compatibility with new equipment
there is an intermittent problem with the dust sensor becoming clogged and allowing fugitive lime dust to
escape. This fault does not happen often and when it does the system is shut down and the sensor cleaned to
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allow continued normal operation. Maintenance is currently exploring options of a new sensor setup to ensure
the system can operate effectively without intermittent faults. As part of the new grinding mill project a new
system will be installed.
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3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Ongoing improvements to the CSA Mine Environmental Management System (EMS) continued over the 2012
period. The CMPL Environmental and Community Policy is included as Appendix C.
3.1 Pollution Incident Response Management Plan
In 2012, a Pollution Incident Response Management Plan was prepared in accordance with the NSW
Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) Guidelines for the Preparation of Pollution Incident Response
Management Plans (2012). The purpose of this plan is to satisfy the requirements of the Protection of the
Environment Legislation (General) Amendment Act 2011 (POELA Act) for CSA Mines’ Environmental
Protection Licence 1864.
The objectives of this plan are to:
Ensure comprehensive and timely communication about a pollution incident at the CSA Mine to staff,
the EPA, and other relevant authorities, and people outside the facility who may be affected by the
impacts of the pollution incident;
Minimise and control the risk of a pollution incident at the facility through the identification of risks
and the development of planned actions to minimise and manage those risks;
Ensure pollution incident response is properly implemented by trained staff, identifying persons
responsible for implementing it, and ensuring the plan is regularly tested for accuracy, currency and
suitability.
This plan relates to the CSA Mine and its immediate surrounds and is implemented in conjunction with the Site
Emergency Management Plan (MHP-006) and key External Emergency Services providers (NSW fire Brigade,
SES, NSW Ambulance, Police, Rural Fire, Hospital) and local, state and federal government authorities where
contingencies are required.
A copy of the Pollution Incident Response Management Plan is provided in Appendix I.
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3.2 Air Pollution
3.2.1 Meteorological Monitoring
The semi-arid climate of Cobar has a median annual rainfall of 390 mm. Two rainfall monitoring gauges are
located at the CSA Mine site, one west of the administration building and the other at the TSF. The total rainfall
on site for 2012 (measured at the administration building rain gauge) was 414.4 mm, which was higher than the
rainfall received in 2011 (369.2 mm). Figure 7 provides an overview of 2012 monthly average rainfall and
temperatures at the CSA Mine.
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00
120.00
140.00
160.00
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Rain
fall
(mm
)
Tem
pera
ture
(º
C)
2012 CSA (Admin) Monthly Rainfall 2012 Mean Daily Minimum Temp
2012 Mean Daily Maximum Temp
Figure 7 2012 Cobar Mean temperatures and CSA Mine Rainfall
3.2.2 Dust Emissions
Operations at the CSA Mine potentially contribute to air pollution through dust emissions generated from the
operation of equipment and other emissions generated from the usage of fuel and explosives.
The principal dust-generating activities associated with the CSA operation include:
Long term drought conditions resulting in minimal groundcover on the lease and surrounding district;
Operation of mobile machinery on unsealed roads and tracks;
Topsoil stripping and spreading;
Exposed stockpiles of waste rock, topsoil and/or additional materials;
Surface exploration drilling operations; and
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Underground mine ventilation exhaust.
CSA Mine is committed to ensuring dust generation is minimised from all operations on site. Water sprays and
water trucks are utilised in the underground mine to supress dust in work areas and hence minimise dust emitted
to the air through the ventilation fans. The exception is after a blast when the ventilation system is designed to
clear dust from the workings as quickly as possible to mitigate health risks to underground employees. Blasting
of small development headings occurs twice a day at shift changes (7am and 7pm) to ensure there are a limited
number of personnel underground. Larger stopes are blasted approximately 2-3 times a week. The ventilation
outlets from underground are located away from the main operations on site and away from any sensitive
receptors. Dust deposition monitoring points are set up around the site and the levels of dust reaching the surface
from blasting operations are considered to be negligible in the context of the mine.
All roads and tracks on the CSA Mine have a restricted speed limit imposed to reduce the amount of dust
generated by traffic. When unsealed roads are being used intensively, the roads are sprayed with a water cart to
suppress dust. Recycled water is used for dust suppression sourced from the Process Water Dam; its suitability
for use is determined using monthly water quality results.
Continuous improvements to minimise dust pollution are investigated and implemented at the CSA Mine where
possible and monthly monitoring is undertaken to assist. A total of ten dust gauges are monitored on the mine
site. The locations of the CSA Mine dust monitors are listed below and also shown in Plan 2:
D1: North-east corner of the STSF;
D2: Northern boundary of the NTSF;
D3: 100m north-east of concentrate storage and train loading station;
D4: West of the administration building (undisturbed control site);
D5: Beside TSF access road before the booster hopper;
D6: Southern corner of STSF Extension;
D7: Opposite Railway Dam alongside the TSF access road;
D8: North-west corner of the NTSF (adjacent to the waste rock stockpile site);
D9: Decline access road; and
D10: North of the Backfill Plant.
Samples are collected monthly and are analysed by an external NATA accredited laboratory for determination of
dust composition and metals content. The results of dust deposition from the ten sample sites are summarised in
Figure 8.
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0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Jan
Mar
May Ju
lSe
pN
ov
Jan
Mar
May Ju
lSe
pN
ov
Jan
Mar
May Ju
lSe
pN
ov
Jan
Mar
May Ju
lSe
pN
ov
Jan
Mar
May Ju
lSe
pN
ov
Jan
Mar
May Ju
lSe
pN
ov
Jan
Mar
May Ju
lSe
pN
ov
Jan
Mar
May Ju
lSe
pN
ov
Jan
Mar
May Ju
lSe
pN
ov
Jan
Mar
May Ju
lSe
pN
ov
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10
min
era
l co
nte
nt
(g/
m.m
/mo
nth
)
Mineral Content Impact Assessment Criteria
Figure 8 CSA Depositional Dust Monitoring Results 2012
The EPA recommended limit for dust deposition of 4 g/m2/month and was only exceeded once during 2012 at
location D5 during November). The D5 monitoring location is situated next to the main access road to the TSFs.
This spike is likely to be the result of increased traffic in the area over the November monitoring period, during
which time earthmoving contract works were taking place on the surface of the STSF approximately 30m from
the monitoring gauge. Also, during November there were a few days of high winds that could have also
contributed the elevated dust emissions recorded in November.
Other than the exceedance at D5 recorded in November 2012, there have been no other notable spikes in dust
deposition (greater than 2 g/m2/month) over the reporting period. Raw air quality monitoring data, including
historical data, is tabulated in Appendix D.
3.2.3 National Pollution Inventory
The CSA mining operation generates emissions to air through the use of machinery (diesel emissions) and other
chemical substances. These emissions are quantified on an annual basis via the National Pollutant Inventory
(NPI). The NPI is the national public database designed to provide the community, industry and government
with information on the types and amounts of substances being emitted to the environment. The NPI is managed
by the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
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(DSEWPC). The CSA Mine NPI report was submitted in September 2012 and will be on public display on the
DSEWPC website2.
During the 2011-2012 reporting period (July 2011-June 2012) 24 substances were triggered by activities at the
CSA Mine. These substances have been predominantly triggered due to fuel and energy use, explosives and on
site tailings transfers. Table 20 compares key emission sources by activity levels on site, for the 2010 – 2011
and 2011 – 2012 reporting periods.
Table 20 shows all emissions for the NPI sources reduced in the last reporting period, with the exception of dust
generated from combustion and wheel dust associated with vehicle travel on unsealed roads. An increase in the
number of workers on site and therefore the number of vehicles travelling on site (particularly contractors) has
seen the use of vehicles travelling on site increase significantly. This level of activity is expected to continue
until the end of 2013 when the shaft project is completed and the number of workers on site again decreases to
the normal workforce average.
Table 20 Comparison of NPI Emission Sources by Activity Levels for 2010-11 and 2011-12
Emission Source
2010 - 2011
2011-2012 % Change Emission
Type
Diesel fuel combustion (L)
3,387,699 3,990,964 17.8% Combustion
Concentrate exported (t)
151,564 164,520 8.5% Dust
Ore handled -
dry (t) 1,028,493 996,639 -3.1% Dust
Developmental Waste handled
(t) 203,463 237,437 16.7% Dust
Vehicle travel on unsealed roads (km)
82,173 44,070 -46.4% Combustion &
wheel dust
Exposed Areas (Ha)
104 104 0.0% Wind Erosion
Explosives (t) 856 860.4375 0.5% Mainly CO &
NOx
3.2.4 National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting
The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (NGER) is a single national framework for energy use
and greenhouse gas emissions. It sets a mandatory system for companies to assess their energy use and
greenhouse gas emissions and report them if they exceed set thresholds. The Act is administered by the
Australian Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.
2 http://www.npi.gov.au/
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The CSA Mine has total emissions that exceed the threshold for a single site; hence it is mandatory to submit
energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions data annually.
Table 21 Summary of CMPL Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2011-2012)
Emission Source Emission Source
Units GJ Tonnes CO2-e
Electricity 300,088 73,355
Diesel 147,781 10,271
LPG 55 3.3
Waste Oil / Grease 9,283 643
Refrigerant HFC-134A
515
Total 457,207 84,787
Figure 9 CSA Mine Total Energy Consumption (GJ) 2011-2012
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Figure 10 CSA Mine Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions (t CO2-e) 2011-2012
Electricity, predominantly used in crushing and grinding, is the dominant energy use and source of emissions at
the CSA Mine. CSA Mine is committed to undertaking investigations into energy use with the intent of
identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce the overall carbon footprint of the mine.
3.2.5 Compressive Emissions and Energy Audit
During 2011, CMPL engaged external consultants to undertake an assessment of overall energy usage and
carbon emissions at the CSA Mine in order to develop a suitable action plan for the implementation of cost
effective projects validated by the CSA Mine management team. The assessment:
Identified the range of energy savings available to improve energy performance and achieve cost
savings;
Determined opportunities to obtain and trade Energy Savings Certificates (ESC) under the NSW Energy
Savings Scheme (ESS) from viable energy projects;
Reviewed CSA Mine’s various compliance and reporting obligations at State and Federal level
including the Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) program and confirming obligations under the
Energy Savings Action Plan (ESAP) program;
Assessed CSA Mine’s carbon emission profile including Scope 1 and 2 covered in the NGER Act as
well as the potential exposure due to Scope 3 emissions;
Focussed on management opportunities to ensure appropriate steps are taken to facilitate continuous
improvement in the future; and
Incorporated previously identified energy saving opportunities.
The assessment identified short to medium and long term energy savings and carbon emission reduction
opportunities, these are listed in Table 22 and Table 23.
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Table 22 Short-Medium Term Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction Opportunities
Actions
Estimates Annual Energy
Savings GJ pa
Estimated Annual Carbon Savings
tCO2E pa
Estimated Annual Energy
Cost Savings $
pa
Projected Indirect Carbon
Cost Savings
% pa
Projected Total
Savings $ pa
Estimated Project Costs $
Estimated Simple
Payback yrs
Ventilation- Optimising
energy use of primary fans
12,733 3,158 279,618 80,914 360,532 _(1) _(1)
Automatic control of
secondary fans 4,730 1,169 103,556 26,887 130,443 _(1) _(1)
Reduction of leaks and operating
pressure of compressed air
system
4,043 999 88,504 22,977 111,481 70k - 120k 0.63 - 1.08
Optimisation of compressor
control 817 202 17,890 4,646 22,536 35k - 45k 1.55 - 2
Electricity demand
management - - - - 31,272 65k 2.08
Biodiesel blend trials
- - - 21,160(2) - Negligible Immediate
- - - 43,320(3) -
Reduced water pumping through
increased recycling
underground
994 246 21,752 5,658 27,410 _(1) _(1)
Derrick Stack Sizer application
in milling process
5,184 1,282 113,486 29,486 142,972 _(1) _(1)
Notes:
1. To be estimated upon availability of additional project cost data 2. Projected carbon cost savings through the replacement of diesel with B10 biodiesel
3. Projected carbon cost savings through the replacement of diesel with B20 diesel
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Table 23 Long Term Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction Opportunities
Actions
Estimates Annual Energy
Savings GJ pa
Estimated Annual Carbon
Savings tCO2e pa
Estimated Annual Energy
Savings $ pa
Projected Indirect
Carbon Cost Savings $ pa
Potential Annual Cost Saving $ pa
Under ground water turbine
2,988 739 65,412 16,997 82,409
Mill expert system for improved
control 6,188 1,530 135,474 35,190 170,664
Installation of air compressor unit
underground 1,656 409 36,253 9,407 45,660
Filter press _(1) _(1) _(1) _(1) _(1)
Relocation of backfill plant
_(1) _(1) _(1) _(1) _(1)
Underground conveyor
_(1) _(1) _(1) _(1) _(1)
Higher efficiency motor program and
motor rewind program
2,268 - 3,028 560 - 748 50,000 - 60,000
12,880 - 17,204
62,880 - 82,204
Notes:
1. To be estimated upon availability of additional project information.
The September 2012 energy review has identified that CSA Mine has not yet reached the threshold for EEO
participation (0.5 PJ) as identified in the 2011 energy assessment. With the expansion of the mine and
deepening of the No.1 shaft it is anticipated CSA Mine will trigger the EEO threshold in the next financial year
(2012 – 2013). The energy assessment recommends steps for preparation and participation in the EEO program
once the threshold has been triggered. If EEO is triggered in the 2012-2013 financial year CSA Mine will fulfil
its commitments by registering by March 2014 and submitting an assessment plan by December 2014.
The energy assessment also analysed the CSA Mine’s liability under the Clean Energy Act 2011 which came
into effect in July 2012. The CSA Mine will not be a direct participant in the scheme as the Scope 1 Emissions
threshold has not been met. However, CSA Mine incurs increased electricity costs and increased fuel costs
through a reduction in fuel tax credits.
The assessment outlined steps for CMPL to achieve an integrated approach to energy management based on
continuous improvement principles. Steps include the implementation of management practices alongside
traditional technical approaches to energy efficiency. Current performance was assessed against a set of best
practice criteria of 25 key elements; results are shown in Figure 11. A gap analysis of energy management at the
CSA Mine was conducted and priority actions were identified, these are shown in Table 24.
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Figure 11 Management Practices Assessment – Level of Development
Table 24 Priority Management Practice Actions
Element Key Action
Corporate Commitment & Support
Establish Energy Policy with long term reduction target
Undertake formal monthly reporting on progress
Development of Targets and Performance Tracking
Track progress towards defined targets on a minimum of a monthly basis
Progress against site targets are regularly reported and posted
Ownership and Responsibility for Energy
Identify line management responsible for significant energy usage
Training and Knowledge Transfer
Develop an emergency awareness program that highlights potential improvements in performance
Incorporate a process to track attendance at the awareness training program
Capital Planning Capital project requests require confirmation that energy efficiency has been considered
Designing for Efficiency Incorporate a mechanism to ensure key energy efficiency concepts are addressed within all process designs and new facilities
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Energy Metering Practices The site to install electricity meters that allow the breakdown of total consumption by key plant areas
Energy Monitoring and Control The site energy team regularly reviews site energy consumption and costs vs. production to identify any anomalies
Progress Against Targets Track and report progress against annual site-wide targets for energy and carbon reduction
Program Review and Enhancement
Periodically review and enhance the Program and processes
During the first half of 2012, Golder Associates and CSA Mine identified the methodology, carried out a
baseline assessment and assessed project eligibility for the generation of Energy saving Certificates (ESC) for
the CSA Mine site.
CMPL agreed to progress four projects for preparation and submission of applications to the independent Pricing
and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for approval and accreditation to the Energy Saving Scheme (ESS), which
will allow CSA Mine to generate ESCs from these projects.
The four selected projects include:
1. Compressed AIR ESC_02
2. Jamison Cell ESC_04
3. Primary Vent Fan ESC_07
4. Scavenger Cell Replacement ESC_08.
CSA Mine has since added the decommissioning of the booster fans project to the list for ESC generation.
Golder also identified and recommended three other projects with substantial ESC creation potential which will
be further investigated over 2013:
1. Mill Upgrade ESC_05
2. Paste For Backfilling ESC_06
3. Secondary Ventilation Fans ESC_09.
3.3 Erosion and Sedimentation
CMPL has numerous bunds, water diversion drains and catchment dams within the CSA Mine to control erosion
and sedimentation on site. The Stormwater Drainage Improvement Plan sets out improvement objectives to the
system. The plan identified that the current open drainage system is inadequate and recommended
improvements which CSA implemented in 2011 through:
Improving the capacity of existing drains through removing excess sediment and reshaping.
Establishing new drains.
Cleaning out culverts.
Placing rock check dams upstream of culverts to reduce the build-up sediment and material in culverts.
Rock lining of drains receiving high velocity water.
Improvement works completed in 2012 were mainly undertaken as actions resulting from recommendations
made as a part of the 2011 NSW Dam Safety Committee Surveillance Report inspection (See Section 3.22). The
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TSF is not included in the Stormwater Drainage Improvement Plan because all drainage, erosion and water
catchment issues are dealt with through the TSF Operations Plan, dam engineers, surveyors and DSC
Surveillance reports. The TSF is monitored for structural erosion in the 3 monthly compliance surveys, in
addition to weekly monitoring and inspections after rainfall events exceeding 25mm in a 24 hour period by the
Ore Processing Superintendent. Furthermore, a general TSF inspection occurs twice per 12 hour shift by Mill
Operators.
Access tracks are kept to a minimum on site and are positioned so that they do not cause any unnecessary
damage to the land. Temporary access tracks are ripped, topsoiled and revegetated where necessary when they
are no longer required for mining operations.
Within 24 hours of a large rainfall event (greater than 25 mm over 24 hours) an erosion and sediment control
inspection is conducted by a member of the Environment Department. A visual inspection is completed of key
water storages, drainage channels and bunds across site to identify any erosion damage, drainage issues,
blockages, storage capacities and risks of overflow or discharge. Corrective actions are assigned with priority
given to those that maintain the capacity of storages and minimise the risk of damage to the structural integrity of
facilities. The Erosion Inspection Record Sheet (FRM-285) was prepared in January 2012. This record sheet
documents the results of erosion inspections and documents corrective actions identified during the inspection.
Three inspections were completed in 2012, which were conducted after rainfall events of greater than 25 mm.
There were no incidents of sediment overflow or discharge in 2012.
3.4 Surface Water Quality
Surface water quality samples are collected monthly from active water storage structures around the site (Plan 2).
Many parts of the site and associated dams only become wet immediately after large rainfall events therefore the
number of water quality samples for each catchment varies. All surface water samples are tested for pH and
electrical conductivity in the field. Water samples are also sent off site to a NATA approved laboratory for
determination of copper, iron, lead, zinc, and sulphate concentrations. As stock is not permitted on the mine site,
and the catchment dams are used for storage of water for use at the plant, water quality is compared to the
Australian and New Zealand Conservation Council (ANZECC) guidelines for irrigation and general use water.
In the absence of ANZECC general water use guidelines, ANZECC stock water guidelines have been used.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
57
Table 25 Adopted Guidelines
ANZECC (2000) Guidelines for Irrigation and General Water Use
pH 6-9
Electrical Conductivity (uS/cm) 7,700
Copper (mg/L) 5
Iron (mg/L) 10
Lead (mg/L) 5
Sulphates (mg/L) 1,000
Zinc (mg/L) 5
The locations of surface water quality monitoring sites are shown in Plan 2. The surface water quality results for
2011 and 2012 are summarised in Table 26. Raw data is included in Appendix D.
Sampling sites S1, S10, S13 and S9 surround the base of the catchments associated with the excised old
Subsidence Area and the old Smelter Area. Therefore these locations often show signs of contamination.
Samples collected from site S2 are taken directly from the Raw Water Tank. This is CSA Mine’s incoming
external water supply from the Cobar Water Board, and therefore provides a comparative analysis for surface
water catchment samples collected from other dams around the mine site. Any exceedances detected in these S2
samples are therefore assumed to be the naturally occurring levels in the uncontaminated water supply.
Sample site S4, the Borrow Pit Dam, generally receives clean rainfall runoff, but can also receive surface runoff
from the mine site in cases of overflows and spills. It is therefore expected to show levels indicative of
contaminated water. Pork Pie dam (S14) is the process water dam and receives the water from Borrow Pit and
the Operational Water dam, thus is likely to show similar water quality characteristics.
Each parameter of surface water quality summarised in Table 26 is briefly discussed below. Surface water
quality results are displayed further in Figures 12 and 13.
58
Table 26 CSA Surface Water Monitoring Results 2011 and 2012
Sampling Location
Parameter pH Electrical Conductivity (μS/cm)
Total Copper -mg/L Total Iron - mg/L Total Lead - mg/L Sulphates mg/L Total Zinc - mg/L
ANZECC Guideline 6-8.5 7,700 5 10 5 1000 5
Year 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012
S1 - Catch dam North of
old CSA spoils
Average 3.48 4.50 34.93 13870.0 20 20 9.85 15.07 0.04 0.03 1,267 1,613 76.16 95.87
(± Std Dev) 0.42 1.85 13.3 1850.9 7.34 6.27 4.61 20.45 0.02 0.00 453 452 29.33 32.09
Minimum 3.14 3.29 16.50 12110 8.34 15.30 5.70 1.63 0.01 0.03 699 1,250 32 68.10
Maximum 4.13 6.63 56 15800.0 31.80 26.80 18.30 38.60 0.08 0.04 2,020 2,120 121 131.00
n 7 3 7 3 7 3 7 3 7 3 7 3 7 3
S2 - Raw Water Tank
Average 7.36 6.83 24.03 3644.79 0.02 0.11 2.30 5.56 0.01 0.08 18.50 10.56 0.44 1.25
(± Std Dev) 0.70 0.55 22.15 7339.64 0.02 0.22 3.25 11.50 0.01 0.17 11.43 9.23 0.37 1.71
Minimum 6.45 6.02 1.80 100.00 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.01 0.00 <0.001 2.00 <1 0.11 <0.005
Maximum 8.18 7.70 85.40 21100.00 0.07 0.63 9.09 38.10 0.03 0.47 32.00 30.00 1.42 4.29
n 12 9 12 8 12 10 12 10 12 10 12 10 12 10
S4 - Borrow Pit Dam
Average 6.14 7.306 57.40 1718.50 3.58 3.28 0.82 1.09 0.03 0.49 632.33 691.17 6.50 4.16
(± Std Dev) 0.50 2.80 44.11 517.03 2.79 3.58 0.69 1.09 0.03 1.06 342.40 388.52 3.40 3.47
Minimum 5.56 4.65 12.80 1000.00 1.32 0.26 0.35 0.01 0.01 0.01 242.00 216.00 3.52 0.14
Maximum 6.45 11.30 101.00 2170.00 6.69 8.37 1.62 3.10 0.06 2.66 882.00 1280.00 10.20 8.99
n 3 5 3 4 3 6 3 6 3 6 3 6 3 6
S5 - TSF Decant Dam
Average 7.02 6.10 45.71 6160.00 0.12 0.07 0.76 1.28 0.00 na 1290.67 845.50 0.25 0.12
(± Std Dev) 0.44 0.81 47.18 8739.16 0.09 0.04 0.56 2.67 0.00 na 301.05 321.44 0.41 0.17
Minimum 6.55 5.12 0.40 100.00 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.08 0.00 <0.001 858.00 444.00 0.04 0.01
Maximum 7.68 7.31 143.70 21400.00 0.29 0.11 1.92 6.73 0.00 0.01 1680.00 1370.00 1.34 0.46
n 3 6 3 5 3 6 3 6 3 6 3 6 3 6
S8 - Railway Dam
Average
No Samples Taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
(± Std Dev)
Minimum
Maximum
n
S9 - Retention
Basin
Average
No Samples Taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
(± Std Dev)
Minimum
Maximum
n
S10 - North Run Off Dam
Average 6.20 4.49 26.77 17500.00 0.95 1.22 0.76 1.15 0.15 0.22 109.67 113.00 3.96 6.06
(± Std Dev) 0.59 na 21.53 na 0.34 na 0.46 na 0.10 na 34.00 na 0.72 na
Minimum 5.61 4.49 6.40 17500.00 0.73 1.22 0.26 1.15 0.05 0.22 76.00 113.00 3.27 6.06
Maximum 6.78 4.49 49.30 17500.00 1.34 1.22 1.17 1.15 0.25 0.22 144.00 113.00 4.70 6.06
n 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1.00 3 1.00
S11 - STDE Stormwater Catchment
Average 7.41 6.63 25.18 5506.02 0.17 0.20 0.33 0.85 0.00 0.01 122.00 922.18 0.03 0.18
(± Std Dev) 0.41 1.16 21.27 7325.54 0.13 0.31 0.34 1.63 0.00 0.01 17.06 213.42 0.03 0.26
Minimum 6.79 4.71 3.30 100 0.05 0.02 0.05 <0.05 0.00 <0.001 93.00 608.00 0.01 0.01
Maximum 7.94 8.31 66.70 21100 0.51 0.96 1.07 4.16 0.00 0.02 151.00 1200.00 0.11 0.77
n 12 11 12 9 12 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 12 11
S13 - Western
Run-off Dam
Average
No Samples Taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
No Samples taken in
2011
No Samples Taken in
2012
(± Std Dev)
Minimum
Maximum
n
S14 - Pork Pie Dam
Average 7.25 6.78 46.77 8289.67 1.65 1.3371 0.73 0.32 0.02 0.04 667.08 762.00 2.39 1.66
(± Std Dev) 1.09 2.07 32.23 12948.40 2.54 1.900701 0.69 0.25 0.03 0.08 182.47 135.65 2.03 1.45
Minimum 4.84 4.56 5.30 1021.00 0.05 0.066 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 451.00 566.00 0.10 0.23
Maximum 9.14 11.67 132.40 36600.00 8.81 6.34 1.84 0.90 0.09 0.23 992.00 961.00 6.82 4.63
n 12 10 12 9 12 10 12 10 12 10 12 10 12 10
S15 - Old Mine Water Dam (MPL
1093)
Average 7.67 6.43 18.35 1211.18 0.02 0.04 1.68 0.88 0.01 0.30 16.38 37.57 0.39 0.47
(± Std Dev) 0.71 0.44 14.19 1686.27 0.01 0.04 1.62 0.78 0.01 0.71 10.85 18.97 0.54 0.41
Minimum 6.98 5.77 2.60 32.00 0.00 0.01 0.46 0.02 0.00 <0.001 8.00 <1 0.02 0.02
Maximum 8.58 7.01 47.10 4100.00 0.02 0.11 5.27 2.51 0.03 1.74 37.00 80.00 1.49 1.18
n 8 8 8 5 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
S16 - Old Mine Water Dam (MPL
1094)
Average 7.71 7.51 9.33 9256.85 0.09 0.05 3.94 2.00 0.20 0.08 1.50 18.50 0.06 0.19
(± Std Dev) 0.54 2.15 4.58 20091.45 0.04 0.04 2.30 3.45 0.11 0.10 0.90 19.09 0.03 0.37
Minimum 6.93 6.42 1.30 132.00 0.04 0.01 0.85 0.06 0.05 <0.001 1.00 <1 0.01 0.02
Maximum 8.46 12.80 18.40 50200.00 0.16 0.14 8.24 11.10 0.44 0.31 4.00 32.00 0.10 1.14
n 12 8 12 6 12 9 12 9 12 9 12 9 12 9
Notes: - n represents the number of months sampled (samples unable to be taken when dam is dry, therefore n<12).
59
3.4.1 pH
The pH of water is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity and should be maintained between 6 and 9 for surface
waters. Generally, pH itself is not a water quality issue of concern, but it can indicate the presence of a number
of related problems. Soil and animal health will not generally be affected by water with pH in the range of 4 – 9.
Sampling locations that fell below the lower guideline limit were the S1 (catch dam North of old CSA spoils)
and S10 (North Run Off Dam). The only pH measurements that exceeded the upper guideline limit was recorded
at S4 in November 2012 (pH 9.12). A comparison of average pH values between 2011 and 2012 indicates pH
has slightly decreased at most monitoring locations. The greatest increase in pH was found at S4 (Borrow Pit
Dam) rising from 6.14 to 7.31. The greatest decline in pH was found at S10 (North Run off Dam) decreasing
from 6.20 to 4.49.
Improvement in water quality at the Borrow Pit is a likely indication of the improvement of the site water
drainage system and construction of the new Operational Water Storage Dam capturing the majority of
contaminated run-off.
3.4.2 Electrical Conductivity (Salinity)
Salinity is the presence of soluble salts in soils or waters. High salinity levels in soils may result in reduced plant
productivity, development of salt scald areas, and in extreme cases the elimination of native vegetation from an
area. Four sampling locations (S1, S10, S14 and S16) recorded higher average salinity levels than the ANZECC
guideline value of 7,700µS/cm. In general, all sampling locations (where samples were able to be obtained)
showed an increase in salinity since 2011. This is likely due to the decline in water stored within these sampling
locations over the 2012 monitoring period.
3.4.3 Copper
Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element for vegetation with an ANZECC guideline limit for irrigation and
general water of 5 mg/L. Copper is an enzyme activator, therefore a lack of this element leads to vegetation
mottling and yellowing in leaves. In 2012, copper concentrations recorded in surface water sampling locations
generally remained below the adopted ANZECC guideline criteria (5 mg/L), with the exception of S1, S4 and
S14 where concentrations fluctuated throughout the monitoring period. The highest average surface water copper
concentration was recorded at the S1contaminated dam (Catch damn North of old CSA spoils) at 20mg/L. This
recording is unchanged since 2011.
3.4.4 Iron
Iron (Fe) is also an essential trace element for vegetation and must be present in small quantities for proper plant
formation. The recommended iron concentration for irrigation and general use water supplies should remain
below 10 mg/L. All of the average surface water iron data for 2012 fell below the guideline value of 10mg/L,
with the exception of S1 in January 2012 (38.6 mg/L). The S14 (Pork Pie Dam) sampling location recorded the
lowest average concentration of 0.32mg/L. Compared with the results of 2011, more than half of the samples
taken displayed an increase in average iron concentration, although most of them still remain below the
ANZECC guideline value.
CMPL 2012 AEMR
60
3.4.5 Lead
The ANZECC irrigation and general use guideline for lead (Pb) concentration is 5 mg/L. No surface water
monitoring results exceeded this limit in 2012. The highest surface water lead concentration was found at S4
(Borrow Pit Dam), which recorded an average concentration of 0.49mg/L. Since 2011, only two sampling sites
have had a reduction in average lead concentrations (S1 and S16).
3.4.6 Sulphates
ANZECC guidelines for irrigation and general use water do not have a recommended value for sulphates. The
guideline for stock drinking water states that no adverse effects to soil and animal health are expected if the
concentration of sulphate does not exceed 1,000 mg/L. Average sulphate concentrations at all of the surface
water sampling locations fell below the ANZECC guideline value except location S1 (catch dam North of old
CSA spoils).
Some major decreases in yearly average surface water sulphate concentrations were observed since 2011 and the
most notable was found at sampling location S5 reducing from 1291mg/L to 12mg/L.
3.4.7 Zinc
Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that acts as an enzyme activator for vegetation growth. A lack of this
element leads to leaf mottling and yellowing in younger leaves. The ANZECC guideline for irrigation and
general use water (5 mg/L) was used to compare CSA surface water results.
All of the average surface water concentrations for zinc fell below the guideline value of 5 mg/L with the
exception of sampling location S1 (catch dam North of old CSA spoils), which recorded an average zinc
concentration of 96mg/L. Compared with the 2011 results, the most notable change in average zinc
concentrations was observed at site S1, increasing from 76mg/L to 96mg/L.
Elevated Zn concentrations do not cause any major health problems when taken up by plants or consumed by
stock, however, it can contribute to cosmetic and aesthetic effects on water and plant quality. While it is not
ideal to have Zn concentrations exceeding guideline values, it is not believed to be detrimental to stock, plant or
human health.
Figure 13 Surface Water Quality 2012 (pH, Lead, Copper)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Jan-12 Feb-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jul-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Dec-12
pH
Surface Water pH
S1 S2 S4S5 S10 S11S13 S14 S15S16 ANZECC Guideline (lower) ANZECC Guideline (upper)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Jan-12 Apr-12 Jul-12 Oct-12
mg
/L
Surface Water Lead
S1 S2 S4 S5
S10 S11 S13 S14
S15 S16 ANZECC Guideline
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Jan-12 Feb-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jul-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Dec-12
(mg
/L)
Surface Water Copper
S1 S2 S4 S5
S10 S11 S13 S14
S15 S16 ANZECC Guideline
Figure 14 Surface Water Quality 2012 (Sulfates, Iron, Zinc)
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
Jan-12 Apr-12 Jul-12 Oct-12
mg
/L
Surface Water Sulfates
S1 S2 S4 S5
S10 S11 S13 S14
S15 S16 ANZECC Guideline
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Jan-12 Apr-12 Jul-12 Oct-12
mg
/L
Surface Water Iron
S1 S2 S4 S5 S10 S11 S13 S14 S15 S16
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Jan-12 Apr-12 Jul-12 Oct-12
mg
/L
Surface Water Zinc
S1 S2 S4 S5
S10 S11 S13 S14
S15 S16 ANZECC Guideline
63
3.5 Groundwater Quality
Each parameter of piezometer and groundwater quality is summarised in Table 27 and is briefly discussed
below. Groundwater quality results recorded in 2012 are displayed in Figures 14 and 15. Since October 2012,
groundwater samples have been tested for dissolved metals (rather than total metals) and this is likely to impact
the result trends.
3.5.1 pH
Samples collected at piezometer monitoring locations were generally acidic and fell below the lower guideline
limit (pH 6), including P35, P26, P56 and P7. The lowest pH that was measured was at piezometer location P26
with a value of 2.64. The pH at site P26 indicates that the water is highly acidic. No groundwater locations
exceeded the upper guideline limit (pH 8.5). In 2012, sampling indicated seven of the nine sample locations have
increased in pH since 2011. This is a positive change as the pH is becoming less acidic and is moving closer to
the desirable guideline limit.
3.5.2 Electrical Conductivity (Salinity)
All of the piezometer sampling locations recorded higher average salinity levels than the ANZECC guidelines.
The greatest increase since 2011 was an increase of 40,679 µS/cm at the P33 monitoring location. This may be
the result of issues with the electrical conductivity probe used for sampling in the months of January through to
October 2012. Therefore salinity results in 2012 are generally unreliable.
3.5.3 Copper
All of the groundwater sampling locations fell well below the ANZECC guideline value (5 mg/L). In 2012, P15
recorded the highest copper concentration of 1.86 mg/L (May). The majority of the piezometer sampling
locations have shown a reduction in average copper concentrations since 2011. In 2012, P33, P26, P34, P56, P5,
and P7 showed a decrease in copper concentrations. Locations P35 and MB3 experienced an increase in average
copper concentrations since 2011, but they still remain well below the guideline value.
3.5.4 Iron
Groundwater sampling locations recorded the highest average iron concentrations compared with surface water.
Piezometer sampling location P26 recorded the highest concentration of 3,183mg/L. Site P34 had the lowest
average iron concentration at 1.33mg/L. Compared with 2011, more than half of the piezometer sampling
locations have experienced an increase in average iron concentrations. In 2012, groundwater iron concentrations
appeared to vary according to the rainfall. During the higher rainfall periods, concentrations of iron peaked
particularly at piezometer location P56.
3.5.5 Lead
In 2012, no groundwater monitoring locations exceeded the adopted ANZECC criteria for lead (5 mg/L). The
P56 and P15 sampling locations were the only sites that exceeded 0.1 mg/L. The most notable decrease in lead
concentrations since 2011 was recorded at the P56 sampling location, which reduced from 0.74mg/L to
CMPL 2012 AEMR
64
0.47mg/L. On average, lead concentrations collected from groundwater sampling locations remain unchanged
since 2011.
3.5.6 Sulphates
All sulphate concentrations, recorded at groundwater monitoring locations in 2012, exceeded the ANZECC
guideline value of 1,000 mg/L, except MB3. The most notable was at piezometer sampling location P5 which
had an average sulphate concentration of 15,333mg/L. In comparison with 2011 results all of the piezometer
sampling locations experienced a reduction in average sulphate concentrations, with the exception of MB3 and
P56.
3.5.7 Zinc
The P7, P8. P15, P26 and P35 groundwater sampling locations exceeded the adopted ANZECC guideline value
for zinc (5 mg/L). In 2012, the highest zinc concentrations were recorded at P35 (average 41 mg/L) and P26
(average 43 mg/L). Since 2011, the majority of groundwater sampling locations have experienced a decline in
average zinc concentrations.
65
Table 27 CSA Piezometer Water Quality Monitoring Results 2012
Piezometer Location
Parameter pH Electrical
Conductivity uS/cm
Copper - mg/L Iron - mg/L Lead - mg/L Sulphates - mg/L Zinc - mg/L
ANZECC Guideline 6-9 7,700 5 10 5 1000 5
Year 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012
P35
Average 5.31 5.58 126.74 25477.29 0.15 0.28 909.93 1108.35 0.01 0.01 9982.73 10806 26.24 41.27
(± Std Dev) 0.41 0.42 115.22 48039.15 0.2 0.23 520.74 957.68 0.01 0.01 2559 2489.94 7.31 28.98882
Minimum 4.79 4.95 9.3 2450 0.03 0.04 35.4 19.5 0 <0.001 6470 7440 14.9 6.4
Maximum 5.94 6.1 458 133700 0.74 0.73 1440 2280 0.05 0.02 13200 14700 39.6 91.6
n 12 9 12 7 12 10 12 10 12 10 12 10 12 10
P37
Average 4.09
No Sample Taken in
2012
107.55
No Sample Taken in
2012
30.38
No Sample Taken in 2012
2757.5
No Sample Taken in
2012
4.64
No Sample Taken in
2012
9642.5
No Sample Taken in 2012
160.95
No Sample Taken in
2012
(± Std Dev) 0.09 86.16 52.53 1449.65 8.98 1113.2 69.47
Minimum 4.02 55.2 1.3 1370 0.01 8170 93.8
Maximum 4.22 236 109 4500 18.1 10600 255
n 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
P33
Average 6.75 7.08 141.12 40820.25 0.05 0.03 1.81 3.09 0.01 0.01 2324 2346.36 0.07 0.04
(± Std Dev) 0.53 0.97 100.94 58574.36 0.04 0.02 1.98 5.43 0.01 0.01 234.62 111.29 0.12 0.02
Minimum 5.64 6.4 5 6400 0.01 0.01 0.39 0.08 0 <0.001 1760 2200 0.01 <0.005
Maximum 7.23 9.75 458 182200 0.13 0.07 5.9 18.7 0.02 0.03 2610 2520 0.39 0.09
n 10 10 10 8 10 11 10 11 10 11 10 11 10 11
P26
Average 2.63 2.64 117.39 17928.57 0.5 0.16 2771.43 3183 0.02 0.02 11315.71 12314 49.71 43.44
(± Std Dev) 0.1 0.25 87.99 16441.22 0.14 0.05 280.32 309.48 0.01 0.02 3504.32 1501.62 5.46 6.11
Minimum 2.47 2.26 16 4210 0.34 0.1 2330 2610 0 <0.001 8440 8640 39.9 31.4
Maximum 2.74 3.08 243 53900 0.78 0.24 3090 3600 0.04 0.05 17600 13600 56.7 50.6
n 7 9 7 7 7 10 7 10 7 10 7 10 7 10
P38
Average 2.19
No Sample Taken in
2012
556
No Sample Taken in
2012
35.8
No Sample Taken in 2012
2640
No Sample Taken in
2012
0.06
No Sample Taken in
2012
9010
No Sample Taken in 2012
66.2
No Sample Taken in
2012
(± Std Dev) na na na na na na na
Minimum 2.19 556 35.8 2640 0.06 9010 66.2
Maximum 2.19 556 35.8 2640 0.06 9010 66.2
n 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
MB3
Average 6.13 6.34 52.68 8878.37 0.09 0.1 2.21 4.43 0.01 0.02 244.5 117.29 0.44 0.72
(± Std Dev) 0.08 0.4 12.07 18627.99 0.04 0.15 1.97 5.76 0.01 0.02 136.11 51.27 0.09 0.57
Minimum 6.07 5.82 35 1111.23 0.05 0.03 0.43 15.6 0 0.06 163 177 0.56 0.22
Maximum 6.25 6.99 62.2 46900 0.15 0.45 4.18 0.26 0.03 <0.001 448 17 0.36 1.97
n 4 7 4 6 4 7 4 7 4 7 4 7 4 7
P34
Average 5.48 6.01 100.06 11735.29 0.21 0.04 4.1 1.33 0.01 0 5416.25 6855 0.57 0.32
(± Std Dev) 2.01 0.39 97.47 9852.78 0.24 0.02 4.68 1.38 0.01 0 1333.73 526.44 0.44 0.1
Minimum 0.57 5.14 4.5 18.57 0.04 0.02 0.05 0.1 0 <0.001 8380 5900 0.17 0.22
Maximum 6.73 6.59 220 21300 0.69 0.08 14.3 4.31 0.02 0.01 4050 7560 1.37 0.51
n 11 9 11 7 11 10 11 10 11 10 11 10 11 10
P56
Average 5.82 5.98 65.34 18447.14 0.28 0.12 2919.6 2728.56 0.74 0.47 12032 11165.6 1.37 0.59
(± Std Dev) 0.5 1.37 37.73 22425.22 0.39 0.09 1759.3 2728.59 1.12 0.5 3676.43 3682.76 1.92 0.5
Minimum 5.15 4.6 6.2 400 0.01 <0.001 528 107 0.01 0.01 8000 6770 0.07 0.03
Maximum 6.31 9.08 100 62600 0.89 0.29 4820 6490 2.58 1.38 17100 15700 4.51 1.44
n 5 9 5 7 5 9 5 9 5 9 5 9 5 9
P37
Average 4.09
No Sample Taken in
2012
107.55
No Sample Taken in
2012
30.38
No Sample Taken in 2012
2757.5
No Sample Taken in
2012
4.64
No Sample Taken in
2012
9642.5
No Sample Taken in 2012
160.95
No Sample Taken in
2012
(± Std Dev) 0.09 86.16 52.53 1449.65 8.98 1113.2 69.47
Minimum 4.02 55.2 1.3 1370 0.01 8170 93.8
Maximum 4.22 236 109 4500 18.1 10600 255
n 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
P5
Average 6.8 6.26 18.3 19275 0.37 0.14 29.9 21.08 0.09 0.09 4895 15333.3 0.75 0.51
(± Std Dev) 0.42 0.21 2.26 14463.04 0.4 0.13 24.47 25.83 0.07 0.09 388.91 22874.2 0.17 0.19
Minimum 6.5 5.97 16.7 8100 0.09 0.01 12.6 1.02 0.04 0 4620 5110 0.63 0.34
Maximum 7.1 6.55 19.9 39300 0.65 0.37 47.2 66 0.13 0.22 5170 62000 0.87 0.88
n 2 5 2 4 2 6 2 6 2 6 2 6 2 6
P15
Average
No Samples Taken in
2011
6.28
No Samples Taken in
2011
2200
No Samples Taken in 2011
0.95
No Samples Taken in
2011
62.27
No Samples Taken in
2011
0.47
No Samples Taken in
2011
3793.33
No Samples Taken in
2011
5.42
(± Std Dev) 0.36 - 0.79 52.06 0.37 215.95 1.03
Minimum 5.86 2200 0.5 21.8 0.15 3590 4.24
Maximum 6.5 2200 1.86 121 0.87 4020 6.13
n 3 1 3 3 3 3 3
P7
Average 3.66 4.64 53.26 7870 0.32 0.17 1466.91 1842.5 0.03 0.04 5207.5 6556.25 13.43 13.08
(± Std Dev) 0.6 0.78 23.25 3577.94 0.29 0.12 611.85 142.3 0.02 0.04 2108.51 524.16 1.3 2.05
Minimum 2.66 3.9 15.5 2800 0.09 0.01 25.3 1660 0.01 0 1160 5820 12.1 9.12
Maximum 4.41 5.77 82.1 11140 0.95 0.32 1920 2120 0.07 0.12 8510 7280 16.4 15.3
n 8 6 8 4 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
Figure 15 Surface Water Quality 2012 (pH, Lead, Copper)
0
2
4
6
8
10
Jan-12 Apr-12 Jul-12 Oct-12
pH
Groundwater pH
MB1 MB3 P5P7 P8 P15P26 P33 P34P35 P56 ANZECC Guideline (lower)ANZECC Guideline (upper)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Jan-12 Apr-12 Jul-12 Oct-12
(mg
/L)
Groundwater Copper
MB1 MB3 P5
P7 P8 P15
P26 P33 P34
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Jan-12 Apr-12 Jul-12 Oct-12
mg
/L
Groundwater Lead
MB1 MB3 P5
P7 P8 P15
P26 P33 P34
P35 P56 ANZECC Guideline
Figure 16 Surface Water Quality 2012 (Sulfates, Iron, Zinc)
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
Jan-12 Apr-12 Jul-12 Oct-12
mg
/L
Groundwater Iron
MB1 MB3 P5 P7 P8 P15 P26 P33 P34 P35 P56
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
Jan-12 Feb-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jul-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Dec-12
mg
/L
Groundwater Sulfates
MB1 MB3 P5P7 P8 P15P26 P33 P34P35 P56 ANZECC Guideline
0
20
40
60
80
100
Jan-12 Apr-12 Jul-12 Oct-12
mg
/L
Groundwater Zinc
MB1 MB3 P5P7 P8 P15P26 P33 P34P35 P56 ANZECC Guideline
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3.6 Groundwater Levels
3.6.1 TSF Embankment Phreatic Surface Monitoring
There are 42 piezometer monitoring sites positioned around the TSF to measure the phreatic surface of the TSF
embankment walls. These are used to monitor the depth and quality of any water generated by seepage from the
TSF. Of these monitoring sites, 22 recorded water variations during 2012, while the remainder were dry for the
entire year. Wet piezometers indicate water as shallow as 1.8 m below ground level (bgl) and as deep as
19.45 m bgl.
Locations of piezometers are displayed in Plan 2. Figure 16 shows the depths of the wet piezometers around the
TSF. The raw data is provided in Appendix D.
69
Note: 1. (---) indicates a piezometer dried up during 2012.
Figure 16 CSA Piezometer Water Levels 2012
70
CSA Mine consultant TSF Dam Engineers (Golder Associates) identified trigger levels for 16 key piezometers
surrounding the STSF in 2011 to comply with DSC requirements from the 2010 TSF surveillance report; these
are displayed in Table 28 . The trigger levels were based on a stability analysis undertaken for the STSF wall
raise design. If trigger levels are breached, the risk of seepage from the toe of the embankment wall and local
sloughing may be increased. None of these trigger levels have been breached in 2012, with the exception of
P35, indicating the STSF is being operated safely and well within design limits.
P35 breached its trigger level of 2.0m by (variation of 0.2m) for three consecutive months (July-October).
Piezometer 35 is located at the downstream toe of the southern embankment of the STSF and has risen
consistently since 2009. The increase in water level can be attributed to water ponding at the toe of the
embankment with limited drainage. During the time the P35 trigger level was breeched, the area was inspected
more frequently, dam engineers were consulted and inspection pits were dug to monitor seepage. Although no
water has seeped into the pits, P35 will continue to be investigated in 2013 and monitored monthly to ensure the
trigger level is not breached.
Table 28 STSF Piezometers and Trigger Depths
Piezometer Trigger Depth
(m)
2012 Minimum
Depth Recorded Date Minimum Depth Recorded
P1 4.6 5.95 12/03/2012
P5 4.4 10.16 12/03/2012
P6 4.3 11.52 19/06/2012
P7 4.4 6.58 19/06/2012
P9 4.2 11.08 27/11/2012
P35 2.0 1.8 25/07/2012
P26 4.6 8.22 28/08/2012
P27 4.3 7.75 12/03/2012
P28 4.4 8.6 all year
P38 4.4 13.5 12/03/2012, 25/07/2012, 30/10/2012
P41 6.0 9.17 28/12/2012
P42 4.0 4.75 all year
P43 6.0 10.25 19/06/2012
P44 4.0 5.03 27/11/2012
P45 6.0 9.765 12/03/2012, 8/05/2012, 19/06/2012,
27/11/2012, 28/12/2012
P46 4.0 5.01 3/10/2012
P51 2.0 4.15 all year
P52 2.0 5.125 27/11/2012, 28/12/2012
P53 6.0 10.15 all year
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Piezometer Trigger Depth
(m)
2012 Minimum
Depth Recorded Date Minimum Depth Recorded
P54 6.0 9 23/01/2012, 25/07/2012, 3/10/2012,
30/10/2012, 27/11/2012, 28/12/2012
P55 6.0 10.22 27/11/2012
P56 6.0 10 12/04/2012
P57 6.0 10.98 23/01/2012
All piezometers, with the exception of P14, P15 and P17, are located around the STSF. Piezometers 14, 15 and
17 are located on the north-eastern wall of the NTSF. The water level remained stable at these three sites for
most of the year, with any variations generally corresponding with rainfall.
Water levels recorded for P1, P5 and P7 remained wet throughout 2012. Water levels for P1 and P7 remained
relatively stable while water levels in P5 fluctuated throughout the year, ranging from 10.16 m below ground
level (bgl) (March) to 12.6 m bgl (April). P8 was wet for two months in March and April and ranged from
2.32m to 3.30m. This is expected to be the result of heavy rainfall experienced during this time. P8 has since
dried out, indicating previous seepage issues around this location (the old penstock) may be resolved.
P57 remained dry for most of the year from March to October. Piezometers 14 (variation 0.47m) and 27
(variation 0.1m) remained wet only in the months of March, May and June.
Piezometers 34, 35, 41, 43, 45 and 56 remained wet for the whole year experiencing some minor fluctuations.
P33 experienced a major increase in water level in April, and in the same month the water level in P5 decreased
by a variation of 2.44m since the previous month.
Fluctuations in monitoring bores MB1, MB2 and MB3 are minor. The most notable fluctuation was observed in
MB1 varying by 2.7m and is likely to be the result of rainfall recharge as these are located well away from the
TSF embankment and are very deep bores (92 m, 54 m and 14.8 m respectively) thought to be associated with
separate water fractures or aquifers as discussed in Section 2.8.4. Water quality results from MB3 also show no
connection with seepage water recorded in TSF wall piezometers and were within ANZECC water quality
guidelines as outlined above.
Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional drawing of the typical set up of piezometers around the TSF illustrating how
piezometer readings can be influenced by the discharge of wet tailings material and periods of rainfall. As
indicated in Figure 18, the position of a wet piezometer on the tailings embankment assists with an assessment of
whether or not water detected is due to moisture in the tailings material below, or if it is moisture below ground
level.
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Figure 17 Cross Section of TSF Piezometer Setup
The list below indicates which of the wet piezometers are located on the embankment walls or on ground level:
Location / Position:
Ground Level P8, P17, P33, P35
Original Wall P41, P43, P44, P45
Wall Raise 1 P7, P15, P26, P27, P38
Wall Raise 2 P14, P37
Wall Raise 3 P56, P57
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3.6.2 Groundwater Monitoring
CSA Mine established a monitoring program in 2011 to measure the depth of ground water from pilot holes
drilled in 2010 surrounding the STSF and NTSF. Consultants were commissioned to investigate the potential for
groundwater harvesting in local ground water systems. The report by consultants Aquaterra completed in 2010
(included in the 2010 AEMR) concluded that there was no likely connection between the TSF and local ground
water systems.
To confirm the findings of the report and understand local groundwater conditions over an extended period of
time, water bores were measured monthly. The measured depths of the 17 pilot holes in 2012 are shown in
Figure 18. The recorded depths indicate the groundwater bores were very stable throughout 2012, with the
maximum variation in depth recorded at 2.74 m in WERC10003, between March 2012 and June 2012. The
small variations (0 m – 3 m) recorded in deep pilot holes (80 m – 100 m) are a likely result of infiltration from
rainfall. The results of the groundwater monitoring confirm the findings of the AquaTerra report indicating no
connection between the TSF and local ground water systems. Pilot holes will continue to be monitored in 2013
to provide baseline data of local groundwater systems and as supporting evidence for any future TSF upgrades.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
400.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
100.0
Mar-12 May-12 Jun-12 Aug-12 Sep-12 Nov-12
Rai
nfa
ll (m
m)
De
pth
(m
bgl
)
Rainfall (tailings Dam Rain Gauge) WERC10001 WERC10002WERC10003 WERC10004 WERC10005WERC10006 WERC10007 WERC10008WERC10009 WERC10010 WERC10011WERC10012 WEBRC10013 WEBRC10014WEBRC10015 WEBRC10016 WEBRC10017
Figure 18 CSA Mine Groundwater Levels 2012
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3.7 Contaminated Polluted Land
Surface contamination of soils has occurred throughout the CSA Mine site from various previous mining
activities, including old tailings deposits, decline waste stockpiles, and wastes from a surface smelter. Elevated
levels of copper, lead, zinc and other heavy metals are likely to remain in these areas although the dumps have
since been removed.
Site observations suggest that current mining operations are only one contributor to rehabilitation requirements,
with undocumented legacy issues also relevant. There is high variability in soil quality across the CSA mining
lease, and within individual areas, with minimal vegetation in most areas.
CSA Mine commissioned a progressive soil sampling program in December 2010 to investigate areas of known
and suspected contamination on the CSA Mine Site in order to update the CSA Mine Contaminated Soils
Register. A total of 15 sites with suspected soil contamination were sampled along with five background sites.
These background sites were sampled to build a robust dataset of baseline metal concentrations, pH, salinity and
acid production potential of soils within CML5 that are unaffected by mining activities.
To build on the sampling that was conducted in 2010, a further ten sites were sampled in 2011 to determine
whether sites were contaminated and the level and type of contamination. An additional five background sites
were sampled to build the analogue database of local soil conditions.
Given these sites will ultimately be rehabilitated, additional reference data on the success of vegetation growth
were in addition to the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999
(NEPM) Environmental Investigation Levels (EILs) and background data, to provide an indication of the
potential success of vegetation establishment at each site for given pH and salinity levels.
Of the 10 sites targeted, a total of 8 areas were confirmed as sites of known contamination and two areas were
confirmed as having contamination not significant enough to prohibit rehabilitation and vegetation growth.
These areas are displayed in Figure 19.
Confirmed sites of contamination were primarily the result of elevated Pb, Cu and Zn concentrations above
NEPM EILs and background levels. Contaminated sites were PAF and exhibited a lower pH likely to prohibit
the establishment of vegetation. Contaminated sites also had higher salinity levels compared to measured
background levels; however in the majority of contaminated sites salinity levels were not high enough to be a
limiting factor in rehabilitation.
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Figure 19 CSA Contaminated Sites Register (as of 31/12/12)
In 2013, the remaining 4 areas on site suspected of contamination will be further investigated by an expert
consultant commissioned by CSA Mine. In addition, background sites will continue to be sampled in order to
capture local baseline conditions not affected by mining activities. Data on the nature and level of contamination
of sites will assist in defining the requirements for progressive rehabilitation to meet performance and closure
criteria set out in CMPL’s Rehabilitation Monitoring Methodology and Determination of Completion Criteria for
Rehabilitation Ecosystems report. The commitments and actions implemented for rehabilitation on site is
discussed further in Section 5.
3.8 Threatened Flora
The CSA mine is situated within the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion which extends from just south of Bourke to
north of Griffith. It has a total area of 7,334,664 ha and occupies 9.2% of the state. The Cobar bioregion is
characterised by an undulating to hilly landscape with shallow, red earth soils where the vegetation is mainly
open woodlands dominated by bimble box (Eucalyptus populnea), red box (Eucalyptus intertexta) and white
cypress (Callitris glaucophylla). The woodlands of the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion are the most extensive
woodland communities to remain in western NSW.
The 2012 Biodiversity Assessment found 197 flora species presently or previously recorded within CML5 and
concluded the area has high floral diversity. Six Biometric vegetation communities were identified as occurring
at the site, including:
- Gum Coolabah woodland on sedimentary substrates mainly in the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion;
- Gum Coolabah - Mulga open woodland on gravel ridges of the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion;
- Poplar Box - Gum Coolabah and White Cypress Pine Shrubby Woodland mainly in the Cobar
Peneplain Bioregion;
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- Mallee - Gum Coolabah woodland on red earth flats of the eastern Cobar Peneplain Bioregion;
- Green Mallee - White Cypress Pine very tall mallee woodland on gravel rises mainly in the Cobar
Peneplain Bioregion;
- Derived mixed shrubland on loamy-clay soils in the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion; and
- Cleared/developed land (Non-native vegetation).
None of these vegetation communities are representative of an Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) listed
under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). However, two vegetation communities present within the study area are
likely to be of conservation significance. According to Benson et al. (2006), ‘Popular Box-Gum Coolabah and
White Cypress Shrubby Woodland’ is considered ‘near threatened’ while ‘Mallee-Gum Coolabah Woodland’ is
considered ‘vulnerable’. Both communities are threatened by inappropriate fire regimes, clearing, grazing by
stock and goats, woody weed invasion (likely a result of changes to grazing and fire regimes) and sheet erosion.
No threatened flora species as listed by the TSC Act or the EPBC Act were detected on CML5 during the 1999,
2006 or 2012 biodiversity assessments.
Several factors relating to vegetation condition and disturbance were identified during the 2012 study. These
being overgrazing, alterations to fire regimes, weeds and previous timber harvesting and clearing.
Employees of the CSA Mine undertaking surface exploration activities are provided with information to allow
them to recognise relevant flora and fauna species. All proposed drill sites, roads and tracks are inspected prior
to any exploration activity taking place. The inspections include an assessment of potential risks to flora, fauna
and cultural heritage. CSA Mine employees and contractors are instructed to notify the Environment Team of
the presence of any species or sites of potential importance so that they may be further examined and appropriate
controls or actions put in place. Details of the inspection are documented including the location and any
identified species. The appropriate department is then notified of any follow up and management conditions
required. If exploration personnel have any doubt they are instructed not to proceed with the exploration
activities until clearance is received.
3.9 Threatened Fauna
Flora and fauna surveys conducted before CMPL began operations in 1999 concluded that the re-opening of the
mine and continuation of works would have negligible impact on the surrounding fauna and flora habitat on the
greater lease area. The immediate area up to 5 km in radius from the mine and beyond is covered by the original
Bimble Box woodland providing adequate refuge for ranging species.
The diverse landscape and vegetation of the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion supports a wide variety of fauna species.
A total of 160 Fauna species have been identified within CML5 during the 2006 and 2012 biodiversity surveys,
comprising: 110 bird species; 20 reptile species; 3 frog species, 15 mammal species and 12 bat species.
Nine threatened fauna species and one migratory fauna species listed under TSC Act and EPBC Act were
detected within CML5 during the 2012 Biodiversity Assessment, including:
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- Chestnut Quail Thrush (Cinclosoma castanotum) listed as Vulnerable under TSC Act;
- Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis) listed as Vulnerable under TSC Act;
- Hooded Robin (Melanodryas cucullata cucullata) listed as Vulnerable under TSC Act;
- Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides) listed as Vulnerable under TSC Act;
- Pink Cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri) listed as Vulnerable under TSC Act;
- Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera) listed as Vulnerable under TSC Act;
- Little Pied Bat (Chalinolobus picatus) listed as Vulnerable under TSC Act;
- Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris) listed as Vulnerable under TSC Act;
- Inland Forest Bat (Vespadelus baverstocki) listed as Vulnerable under TSC Act; and
- Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) listed as Migratory under EPBC Act.
An evaluation of the likelihood of threatened and migratory species revealed that a further 12 species were either
known to occur, or have the potential to occur in the area based on habitat quality and availability. Three distinct
fauna habitats have been identified across the study area comprising Woodland, Shrubland and Mine
Disturbance.
Six key threatening processes listed under the TSC or EPBC Acts which could threaten (or potentially threaten)
the survival or evolutionary development of a species, population or ecological community, have been identified
as relevant to CML5. These include:
- Competition and habitat degradation by Feral Goats;
- Removal of dead wood and dead trees;
- Clearing of Native Vegetation;
- Predation by European Red Fox;
- Predation by Feral Cats;
- Predation and hybridisation by Feral Dogs.
CSA Mine’s environmental objectives aim to ensure the clearing of native vegetation is minimised where
possible. The mine understands the value of connectivity and is fortunate to be within the Cobar Peneplain
Bioregion, which is the most extensive woodland community to remain in western NSW.
Competition, grazing and predation by feral animals on the CML5 lease are addressed in the CSA Mine Pest
Animal Management Plan. This management plan was first implemented in 2007, and is updated annually. This
management plan will continue to be implemented in the future in order to keep identified feral animals under
control. No fox baiting took place during 2012 as it was agreed collectively between local landholders not to be
required.
During 2012, a total of 1,240 goats were removed from CMPL managed lands. All goats removed from site are
recorded through a Livestock Production Assurance National Vendor Declaration (NVD). A goat cannot be sold
without an NVD which is used to document numbers and locations of goats harvested, provide assurance
landholder access was granted and more importantly to declare information about the food safety status of the
livestock. This compulsory process is managed by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
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Feral goat management improved in 2012 with the appointment of a new feral pest control contractor.
Additional personnel and resources were invested into the management of feral goats by the new contractor. It is
expected that the additional investments in goat management will produce further improvements in 2013.
3.10 Weeds
During the 2012 Biodiversity Assessment, nine noxious or environmental weeds were identified within the study
area. These being:
• Onion Weed (Asphodelus fistulosus), intermittent along bitumen road and railway line.
• Patterson's Curse (Echium plantagineum), intermittent along bitumen road and railway line.
• Bathurst Burr (Xanthium spinosum), found downslope of straw mulch in rehabilitation area and at old
house estate.
• Fierce Thornapple (Datura ferox), found downslope of straw mulch in rehabilitation area and at old
housing estate.
• Century Plant (Agave americana), found at old housing estate.
• Aloe (Aloe sp.), found at old housing estate.
• Prickly Pear (Opuntia ?stricta), found at old housing estate.
• Saffron Thistle (Carthamus lanatus) and Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), occasional around perimeter
of mine facility and highly disturbed areas such as tanks.
Exotic flora species are generally only present in developed areas (e.g. bitumen roadsides, railway easement,
some parts of the electricity transmission easements, farm dams, and in/around the mine facility.
The CSC Weeds Officer conducted the annual Noxious Weeds Inspection of the CSA Mine site during May
2012. The weeds officer inspected the site focusing on the most likely locations for weed establishment
including topsoil stockpiles and newly disturbed areas. The CSC Weeds Officer concluded that the CMPL
owned property Red Tank was compliant with Local, State and Federal statutory requirements in regards to the
control of listed noxious weeds.
During the 2012 annual weed inspection, Bathurst Burr was present in patches around the CSA Mine Site and in
isolated patches along the railway edges. The patches of Bathurst burr will be monitored for new growth during
2013 and any necessary actions will be taken to ensure the population is controlled.
The old housing estate behind administration was also inspected to observe the known Prickly Pear infestation.
This infested area has been closely monitored by CMPL since it was originally discovered in mid-2008. Some
cochineal infected segments were released in the infested area in August 2008 as an attempt to biologically
control this outbreak. Unfortunately the infested segments did not take to the shrub and died off. CMPL
environmental staff and the CSC Weeds Officer investigated other options for biological control over 2009,
before resorting to spraying the area with herbicide in November 2009. This herbicide treatment proved
effective in wilting the plant and preventing flowering during 2010. The plant was given a follow up spray in
November 2010 to prevent regrowth. It was determined by the weeds officer that the prickly pear population had
been sufficiently controlled by previous spraying. The population was assessed in 2012 and will be assessed
again in 2013.
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Wild Tobacco plants were found colonising disturbed ground during the inspection in the former Everyday
Mining Services (EDMS) yard. Control measures were not considered necessary given the small population and
the low risk which the weed posed. Wild Tobacco was monitored throughout 2012 and no further infestations
occurred. Should further weed infestations be encountered in the future, CMPL will employ species specific
management strategies as outlined in the CSA Mine Weed Management Plan and Handbook.
Weeds have not been noted as problematic in the past and no outbreaks have been recorded. CMPL conducts
annual weed inspections of CML5 in cooperation with the CSC Weeds Officer. Furthermore, Environmental and
Exploration Personnel are trained in the identification and reporting of noxious weeds. Should the CSA Mine
encounter weed infestations in the future, CMPL will employ species specific management strategies as outlined
in the Weed Management Plan.
3.11 Blasting
All blasting and air blasting is confined to the underground mine workings at a depth greater than 1 km. The
mining method adopted at CSA uses bulk emulsion and ANFO initiated by the use of electronic detonation, less
than 500 kg of explosives are consumed per delay. While this method remains in use, no surface monitoring for
vibration is required.
3.12 Operational Noise
Blasting and crushing are the two noisiest operations at the CSA mine site. Both occur more than 700m
underground and are not audible at the surface. The grinding circuit, adjacent to the concentrator, is the loudest
operation on the mines surface. Various pieces of mobile plant equipment are occasionally used for surface
projects, such as for TSF construction works. Such surface activities are typical operations of a mine site, and
thus do not require noise monitoring. The distance of the CSA mine site from the township of Cobar (11 km)
and from residential properties on surrounding land (minimum 3 km) contributes to a lack of operational noise
complaints.
3.13 Visual, Stray Light
Stray light pollution does not impact on surrounding neighbours due to lighted areas on surface being restricted
to a small operational area, and the location of the mine being over 3 km from the nearest residence and 11 km
from the township of Cobar. CMPL has never received a complaint in regard to light, and as such has no need to
amend current practices.
3.14 Aboriginal Heritage
The CSA Mine is located on the traditional homelands of the Ngiyampaa people. This land is of cultural,
economic and spiritual importance to the Ngiyampaa people, and many Elders still hold a deep interest in
cultural matters. Any potential disturbance is therefore carefully considered and agreed upon by all relevant
parties prior to works commencing.
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CSA Mine is committed to maintaining good relations with all external stakeholders. Any Aboriginal
archaeological finds, artefacts or information concerning aboriginal sites that are passed on to the company are
appropriately handled and reported to the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) as soon as practicable. No
Aboriginal place, object or relic is to be disturbed or damaged without the consent or authorisation of the OEH.
In August 2012, CMPL engaged the Cobar Local Aboriginal Land Council to undertake an Aboriginal Heritage
Survey before undertaking clearing works for a towpath which was required for the installation of a HV cable.
The survey was undertaken as a part of CMPL’s commitment to the NSW Mineral’s Due Diligence Code of
Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects. No items of Aboriginal cultural heritage were found in the
study area. Although not affected by the development, a dead tree stump was identified as having a possible scar;
however, it was determined not to be of cultural importance or an Aboriginal modified tree.
Ongoing open communication and involvement will be maintained and advice sought from the local Aboriginal
community and the regulatory authorities when necessary throughout all future mining operations.
3.15 Natural and European Heritage
Heritage items within CML5 are managed according to the relevant legislation and guidelines, namely the three
pieces of legislation governing the conservation of environmental heritage in NSW: the National Parks and
Wildlife Act 1974, the Heritage Act 1977, and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Any
heritage assessments required will be conducted in line with the CSC Local Environmental Plan (LEP).
There are no identified species, habitats or ecosystems within CML5 that require particular attention or
management with regards to natural heritage. No significant geological and physiographical features have been
identified on sites that are not common throughout the district.
European heritage sites on CML5 include:
Mining Quarters
The site of a miner’s quarters (old housing estate) which was erected in the 1960’s is located on CML5
approximately 400 m south-west of the administration building. The site once contained five houses and
one swimming pool; these were removed after mine closure in 1998. The only remaining remnants are the
bitumen road, some cleared areas with stockpiles of topsoil, and some garden beds that continue to grow
exotic garden species.
“Eloura”
The “Eloura” site is located 1.5 km from the CSA Mine site. This area shows remnants of old rock
gardens and buildings. It is understood that most of the older buildings were removed during mine
upgrades in the 1950s and 1960s. There are some remains of human settlement including scattered broken
glass, ceramics, tin and some intact ornate brick and rock garden beds. The uppermost corner of the site is
located within CML5, however the majority of the site is on the property ‘Gattaca’ on land not owned or
managed by CSA Mine.
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CSA Power House
The CSA powerhouse contains five HSF8 Mirrlees diesel engines, manufactured in 1951 by Mirrlees,
Bickerton and Day in Stockport, England. These engines provided the main power supply for CSA Mine
from the early 1960’s, when they were relocated to Cobar from Kempsey, until Cobar was connected to the
State power grid in 1966. The five engines represent excellent examples of medium sized stationary
engines of the mid-20th century and combined with the brush alternators they are an increasingly rare
example of turbocharged technology fitted to diesel engines, a technology previously used to provide
power in rural Australia. The powerhouse building and engines are not listed on any statutory heritage
registers (NSW State Heritage Register, CSC LEP or the Commonwealth Heritage List).
3.16 Spontaneous Combustion
History has shown that there are no items which pose a high direct risk of spontaneous combust ion at the
CSA Mine. Two minor incidents have been recorded since reopening the CSA Mine in 1999. Both
incidents occurred on surface and involved smouldering Cu concentrate at the mill. Mineralogical assessment
of the concentrate at the time failed to identify any contributing factors for these incidents. Whilst some CSA
Cu concentrate has shown signs of spontaneous combustion, it is considered a minor risk, and has not
occurred on site in a number of years. Spontaneous combustion is easily prevented by regular hosing down,
clean-up and stockpile management including stock rotation.
3.17 Bushfire
No fires have been recorded on site in the past and as a result of the prolonged drought and minimal
groundcover, the current threat is quite low. To reduce the risk of fire, firebreaks are regularly maintained
around the perimeter of the operational and infrastructure areas. No open fires are permitted on site for land
clearing or fire breaks, except in accordance with a bush fire hazard reduction certificate issued by local council.
All total fire bans are observed. Hot work permits are mandatory on site for all work performed outside
workshops (and other designated areas) that could generate a flame, fire, heat or sparks. This could include (but
is not limited to) welding, soldering, thermal cutting/heating, grinding, use of electric power tools or lighting
fires.
All on site staff are inducted and educated on the dangers of fire. They are trained in the location and correct use
of fire extinguishers and hydrants in their work areas. The Cobar Rural Fire Brigade is situated on the north side
of town and can be at the CSA mine site within 15 minutes to respond to any surface vegetation fires. The
CMPL Mine Rescue Team is equipped and trained to assist in the event of bushfires on/near the mining lease.
3.18 Mine Subsidence
The CSA Mine subsidence zone is located over 1 km from the current stoping and development activities.
Subsidence occurred prior to the CMPLs operation of the mine; hence the area is excised from the mining lease.
It is very unlikely that there will be another failure through to the surface due to the current mining operation
being significantly deeper in the mine and much more advanced in the mining technique and ground support
used today. The only open void of concern is located underground at 4 Level just off the main decline. This
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underground stope has been open for approximately 20 years and is monitored periodically. There have been no
changes to the void recorded during the past 10 years.
The current backfilling method is a combination of CHF and waste rock fill (WRF). The methodology is to fill
all voids created by stope extraction. Stope voids which are going to be exposed again by the stope extraction
activities adjacent to them are filled by placing a 10-15 m high 10% CHF ‘plug’ in the bottom of the void and
then filling the remaining void with 2-4% CHF depending on the geometry of the stope void. If only one side of
the stope void is to be exposed by the next stope then WRF can be placed in the non-exposed side of the void
creating what is termed co-disposal. Stope voids which are not going to be exposed are filled with a 10-15 m
high 10% CHF ‘plug’ followed by WRF. The top down mining method used at the CSA mine requires that a 10-
15 m 10% CHF plug be placed at the bottom of stope voids to allow development back through the bottom of the
stopes for the extraction of the stopes below. If there are no stopes planned below a stope void then the void is
completely WRF.
Given these backfilling methods, it is considered that the likelihood of any underground voids collapsing and
propagating to the surface is extremely unlikely.
3.19 Hydrocarbon Contamination
Hydrocarbon storage, handling and disposal are carried out in accordance with the CMPL Chemical and
Hydrocarbon Storage and Disposal Procedure (PRO-159) developed in compliance with all relevant Dangerous
Goods legislation, WorkCover Codes of Practice, and applicable Australian Standards.
Spill kits are available at various locations around the site and staff and contractors are trained in the use of such
kits during site inductions. Hydrocarbon contaminated soils are removed and disposed of in the TSF. This is a
rare occurrence on site as all fuel and oil tanks on site are bunded.
3.20 Methane Drainage / Ventilation
Deep exploration diamond drilling within the underground mine occasionally encounters a flammable gas
mixture comprising hydrogen (approximately 80%) and methane (approximately 20%). Such occurrences are
rare, short term and of a very small magnitude. Gas levels are generally undetectable or at trace levels when
measured in the exhaust airway. The very minimal amounts of gas that may occur in the mine are released with
all other underground air via the Main Return Air Ways (RAW) on surface. These releases are highly unlikely
to have any reportable detrimental effect on the environment, if any at all, due to the minuscule levels
encountered.
All localised and short term safety implications at the CSA Mine site are managed as per the CMPL
Underground Flammable Gas Management Plan (MHP-003).
Ventilation in the underground mine is managed through the Mine Ventilation System. This system circulates
fresh air through the underground workings in order to:
Supply breathable, oxygenated air to underground personnel;
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Remove dust, fumes, toxic and flammable gases from the underground environment (through return air
ways) and cool working areas by removing heat emitted by the surrounding rock and diesel equipment.
3.21 Public Safety
The CSA Mine site is clearly signposted on the main access road and is fenced to prevent accidental entry. The
main entry area is subject to high security gates and an electronic tag entry system. CMPL ensures all activities
permitted on the lease do not interfere with or damage fences and that all gates within the lease areas are closed
or left open in accordance with the requirements of the landholder. The boundary fences are signposted and
monitored regularly for damage or any sign of intrusion. A perimeter inspection of the site is carried out on a
monthly basis.
All persons entering the site must undergo a site induction. Employees and contractors complete (at a minimum)
a general surface induction, with additional inductions also completed for specific work areas (e.g.
underground). All visitors, delivery drivers or short term contractors are inducted through the CMPL visitor
induction program. They are required to conform to site PPE requirements and are accompanied on site at all
times by a fully inducted CMPL or contracted employee.
3.22 Other Issues and Risks
3.22.1 NSW Dam Safety Committee Surveillance Report
TSF Inspection reports are completed annually by qualified Dam Engineers (Golder Associates) for submission
to the NSW Dam Safety Committee (DCS). In 2012, the Surveillance Inspection took place on the 24 January
2012 and the next annual inspection is scheduled for January 2013.
The 2011 Surveillance Report included 12 recommendations, which were all been completed in 2012 and
include;
The hole in the crest of the old perimeter embankment was plugged with concrete following the
inspection. The plugged hole should be subject to observation during routine CMPL inspections as
further settlement may occur. The plugged hole is now subject to observation during the weekly
inspection (as per the CSA Mine South Tailings Storage Facility Weekly Inspection Checklist).
Erosion of the safety bund up slope from Piezometer P28 should be remediated. Completed at the end
of July 2012 by outside resources, the area of the erosion was cleared using light machinery. A
combination of topsoil and rock was placed into the erosion point along the lower eastern side of the
STSF. This process was repeated until the bunding wall was reinstated and battered down.
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Erosion ruts on the upstream slope should continue to be monitored. They are currently too small to
warrant remedial work and will be progressively buried by tailings deposition. Work has been included
in the weekly inspections and will be monitored weekly (as per the CSA Mine South Tailings Storage
Facility Weekly Inspection Checklist).
The Erosion rut downstream slope of the eastern embankment (where slope flattening works were
undertaken) should be remediated. This area should continue to be monitored prior to establishment of
vegetation. This was completed in July 2012 by outside resources using heavy machinery. The erosion
rut was dug down 500mm and widened 5,000mm, a geotextile membrane cloth was laid into the new
rock wall drainage system then covered by 200mm of waste rock material. The top road way and drain
were then diverted to the one wall drainage system to prevent further erosion points along the east side
wall of the STSF.
The drainage bund along the toe of the old perimeter embankment on the eastern side of the STSF
should be remediated where erosion damage has occurred. This was completed in July 2012. The toe
was repaired using outside resources and light machinery. The erosion points were all filled using a
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combination of topsoil and rock filling at each erosion point and then battered down to prevent damage
to the toe of the STSF. The area was returned to normal weekly inspections.
Rockfill should be used to buttress the side slopes of the STSF deposition causeway where tension
cracks have developed at the crest edge. Cracks on the crest should continue to be monitored. This was
completed in July 2012 by outside resources using heavy machinery. The causeway was repaired and
raised as per the recommendations of Golder Associates in the July 2012 capacity assessment report.
The process required removing the deposition line off the causeway using an excavator and transporting
the combination material and dumping in piles along the causeway using haul trucks. The piles were
then pushed out with a D6 caterpillar dozer and battered down by the excavator. Once completed the
deposition line was reinstated and the area was returned to normal weekly inspections (as per the CSA
Mine South Tailings Storage Facility Weekly Inspection Checklist).
Tailings that have deposited from a pipeline leak at the North West corner of the STSFE should be
removed. Bunding around the pipeline should be formed to limit the spread of potential future leaks.
This was completed at the end of July 2012 by outside resources. The area of leaked material was
cleaned up using light machinery and placed onto the STSF deposition. A new bunding wall was
constructed along each side of the piping using topsoil and rock material to prevent the future spread of
leaks.
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Cracks and separated joints at the concrete spillways should remain on the agenda for repair until
contractors become available. This was completed in December 2012. A Submission of a scope of
work to repair the spillway and the construction of the retaining plates was completed and installed by
CSA Mine. The retaining plates were constructed from 6mm flat bar cut in to 1m lengths and two pack
painted. The separation point was then filled using a combination of fill foam, stixaflex and grout. Each
plate was then measured to fit for each selected location and dyno-bolted down using 12x70mm bolts.
Erosion ruts on the rockfill buttress over the old penstock should be monitored. The extent of erosion
currently does not warrant remedial work. This area is now subject to observation during the weekly
inspection (as per the CSA Mine South Tailings Storage Facility Weekly Inspection Checklist).
The geo-membrane liner in the western compartment of the Decant Dam should be inspected for holes
and other damage when it becomes dry. A geo-synthetics contractor should be engaged for all geo-
membrane repairs. The base of the dam geo-membrane liner has been inspected during and the summer
period and no holes were identified.
The holes and cracks in the crest of the perimeter embankment to the eastern compartment of the
Decant Dam should be monitored. Remedial works may be required if these holes and cracks increase
in size. The Crest of the eastern side of the STSF was repaired in July 2012 by outside resources using
heavy machinery.
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Silt traps or filter bunds formed with waste rock (should be installed in the stormwater drains, just
upstream of the outlets into Stormwater Collection Pond to limit sediment accumulation in the Pond.
This was completed in July 2012 using an outside resource. The silt traps were constructed using a
waste rock base covered in geotextile membrane cloth and a combination of topsoil and rock. A total of
4 silt traps were constructed along STSFE towards the storm water collection pond.
The next Annual STSF Surveillance Inspection is due on the 17 January 2013 by the Golders Dam Engineers.
CMPL is committed to continuing to improve its processes for the safe operation of the TSF.
3.22.2 External Environmental Compliance Audit 2012
In August 2012, CSA Mine commissioned an environmental compliance audit to measure compliance against:
Consolidated Mining Lease 5 (CML5);
Environment Protection Licence 1864 (EPL 1864);
Local Development Consent No. 31/95;
Local Development Consent No. 2006/LDA-00009;
Local Development Consent No. 2009/LDA-00035 and associated Statement of Environmental Effects;
CMPL Mining Operations Plan 2008-2012; and
Other legislative and due diligence observations.
Out of the total 171 compliance requirements audited, CMPL achieved an overall compliance rate of 96.4%, of
the applicable compliance requirements, including all “Compliance” and “Part Compliance” results recorded.
There were five Non Compliances observed at the time of the audit, amounting to 3.6% of the overall number of
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applicable compliance requirements. There were 20 part compliances identified (14.5%), and 33 of the 171
requirements were not applicable at the time of the audit (19.3%). A total of 37 recommendations were made. It
should be emphasised that the bulk of the non-compliances identified in this audit relate to the process of
reviewing management plans and other documentation associated with the 2010 Project Approval, and do not
detract from the audit finding that the fundamental processes of environmental management and monitoring at
the site are undertaken to a high standard.
The principal finding of the audit was that the CSA Mine is operated materially in accordance with the
regulatory documents and with good mining practice.
3.22.3 Annual Return
The CMPL 2011-2012 Annual Return was submitted to the EPA in June 2012. For the seventh consecutive year
the CSA Mine had no EPL non-compliances. A copy of the Annual Return in provided in Appendix F.
3.22.4 Environmental Incidents
CMPL maintains a detailed internal incident database for the recording of all incidents reported on site. All
CMPL employees and contractors are trained in incident reporting as part of the site induction program. An
online event report must be submitted for any unplanned incident or event that occurs at the CSA Mine. This
includes environmental incidents, as well as any personal injury, property loss or damage, hazards and near
misses.
The degree of reporting undertaken by CSA Mine is much greater than is statutorily required, and the general
culture at the CSA Mine is a preference to reporting everything over under reporting. The majority of
environmental incidents generally involve leaks and spills, which are reported regardless of whether they are
contained in a bund or not, and regardless of the material spilt (e.g. tailings, process water, backfill).
Major incidents that can occur on site and require notification of the Environmental Pollution Hotline (EPA) are
those involving the death or injury to fauna on or associated with the TSF, and/or incidents causing or
threatening material harm to the environment. In the event of such an incident, the EPA is notified verbally
within 24 hours, and by written report within 7 days, of the incident occurring. During 2012, three EPA
reportable incidents occurred, two relating to kangaroo deaths and the other a 500-600 L oil spill.
Overall, there was a rise in fauna deaths from 2011 (7) to 2012 (11). Most of the faunal deaths in 2012 were
birds (7) and kangaroos (2). Verbal and written reports were provided as per CMPLs EPL requirements to the
OEH (EPA).
In 2012, there was a decrease in the number of tailings spills as well as hydrocarbon spills. Tailings spills
decreased from nine in 2011 to six in 2012 and predominately occurred at the Tailings Booster Hopper at the
TSF. A reduction of spills in this location over 2012 can be attributed to an upgrade of the booster hopper
containment pond in June 2011. This upgrade improved the containment pond’s capacity and access.
Furthermore procedures relating to the operation of the hopper were reviewed and an environmental training
package was rolled out to members of the Ore Processing Team in June 2011. The training emphasised the need
to implement procedures reducing and minimising the risk of spills of tailings and other contaminated
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substances. As a result, a significant improvement was expected in 2012 and the number of spills is expected to
continue to decrease in 2013.
Figure 20 provides a comparison of incidents occurring in 2010 and 2011. Table 29 provides information on all
environmental incidents occurring at CSA in 2011.
Figure 20 CMPL Environmental Incidents by Type 2011 and 2012
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Table 29 CSA Environmental Incidents 2012
Incident Number Date of Incident
Incident Type
Incident Details Immediate Corrective Actions
504350 (Risk: N/A) 2-Jan-12 Tailings spill Tailings line failure. When changing over the tails lines to send it to the tailings thickener the line to the thickener failed
due to the flange bolts being rusted through on the T-piece. Spill was let to dry out and cleaned-up. Tailings overflow material was taken to the TSF.
504362 (Risk: N/A) 4-Jan-12 Battery Acid
Spill
When moving a pallet of plastic wrapped batteries from the LV Workshop to the collection truck the forklift hit a bump causing plastic to break and one battery to fall off the pallet. The battery was pierced and leaked approximately 0.5 L of
battery acid on the paved roadway.
Battery acid was cleaned up immediately with a spill absorbent pad and disposed of appropriately.
504889 (Risk: N/A) 26-Mar-12 Tailings Spill Density gauge failed and tripped out power to the backfill plant causing the sand transfer tank to overfill and splash over. As the wind was up it caused it to blow on the ground outside the bund. There was around 100lt of tailings spilt outside
of the bund. Spill was left to dry out and cleaned-up. Tailings overflow material was taken to the TSF.
1 ( Risk: Low) 1-Jul-12 Tailings
overflow Tailings Booster Pump overflowed – all material remained inside bunded area. Spill was let to dry out and the bund cleaned-up.
3 ( Risk: Low) 2-Jul-12 Tailings overflow
Tailings Booster Hopper overflow – all material remained inside bunded area. Spill was let to dry out and the bund cleaned-up.
INC232 ( Risk: Low) 11-Jul-12 Fauna death Kangaroo found drowned in the Tailings Storage Facility. The incident was reported to EPA via their hotline, followed by a written report.
INC284 ( Risk: Low) 25-Jul-12 Grout spill Approximately 300lts of grout spillage leaked from the Ground Support Design Trial pad for the Shaft Extension Project.
The pump was immediately stopped. The material was left to dry out and clean-up was completed once material was dry enough to scrape up. All contaminated material was taken to the TSF designated disposal area. The environmental team was notified and attended scene for
inspection.
INC269 ( Risk: Low) 31-Jul-12 Fauna death A dead turtle was found at the Pork Pie Dam. Reported to supervisor and removed turtle.
INC144 (Risk: N/A) 6-Aug-12 Hydrocarbon
spill Old diesel line was hit during excavation, leaking approximately 40lts of old diesel into the trench.
The damaged Diesel line was repaired and the contamination was cleaned up and disposal of t the designated disposal site of the TSF.
INC107 ( Risk: Low) 12-Sep-12 Hydrocarbon
spill Oil Spill at store yard 500-600lts caused by a pierced pod (from contact with a forklift).
The spilled oil was redirected into a bunded drain nearby, approximately 2 meters from the pierced pod. Absorbent material (MOP) was used to soak the residue left in the affected area
and immediately disposed of.
INC108 (Risk: N/A) 16-Sep-12 Fauna death A dead kangaroo was found in the tailings dam. The incident was reported to EPA via their hotline, followed by a written report.
INC113 (Risk: N/A) 16-Sep-12 Fauna death A dead owl found near the tailings booster hopper. No defined cause could be determined.
INC27 (Risk: N/A) 26-Sep-12 Fauna death A large dead bird was found at the setting ponds. Bird was removed and put into bin. No defined cause could be determined.
INC97 ( Risk: Low) 3-Oct-12 Fauna death A dead bird was found on mill 3 platform. Bird was removed and put into bin. No defined cause could be determined.
INC19 (Risk: N/A) 3-Oct-12 Tailings spill The Booster Hopper at the tailings dam overflow – all material remained inside the designated bunded area. The pump was restarted and flow to the dam was re-established. Once the spillage had dried,
the material was removed from the bund and disposed of in the TSF.
INC35 ( Risk: Low) 3-Oct-12 Fauna death Dead Bird found under residue pump hopper Bird was removed and put into bin. No defined cause could be determined.
INC301 (Risk: N/A) 3-Oct-12 Tailings overflow
The Booster Hopper at the tailings dam overflow – all material remained inside the designated bunded area. The pump was restarted and the flow to the dam was re-established. Once the spillage had dried, the material was removed from the bund and disposed of in the TSF.
INC99 ( Risk: Low) 17-Oct-12 Fauna death Dead bird found at copper thickener The dead bird was removed and placed in a bin. No defined cause could be determined.
363 (Risk: Medium) 20-Oct-12 Fauna death Dead Bird found on flotation floor between banks 1 & 2 The dead bird was removed and placed in a bin. No defined cause could be determined.
INC141 ( Risk: Low) 15-Nov-12 Fauna death A dead snake was found on the road near reclaim conveyor. The dead snake was removed and placed in a bin.
INC77 ( Risk: Low) 27-Nov-12 Fauna death Dead Bird found at copper thickener bund The dead bird was removed and placed in a bin. No defined cause could be determined.
INC91 ( Risk: Low) 7-Dec-12 Non-
hazardous spill
Non Hazardous spill was caused when a drum was backed into and pierced. The spill was contained and supervisor was informed and substance is diluted.
INC162 (Risk: N/A) 11-Dec-12 Hydrocarbon
spill Storm water contaminated with hydrocarbons contaminated soil after a storm drain was unblocked.
All contaminated soil was scrapped and disposed of in tailings dam. The drainage in the area was also re-established and the stormwater drains inspected.
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4 COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The CSA Mine is an owner operated mine currently employing 351 permanent staff (including apprentices) and
on average 195 contractors. The mine is operated on a 24 hour basis, 365 days a year. The majority of
underground and mill workers do shift work on a four-on four-off roster system, whilst day staff (management,
administration, maintenance) work 5 days per week. The bulk of the CSA workforce lives within the Cobar
Township, contributing a considerable flow on economic benefit to the local community and local economy.
The CSA Mine apprenticeship scheme continued into 2012 with 17 apprentices employed at the end of the
reporting period. Three apprentices successfully completed their apprenticeships at the end of 2012.
In addition to this program CSA Mine also hosts visitors from several universities for vocational work
experience and major projects, during 2012 a total of 8 students were employed at the CSA Mine.
CMPL continued its partnership with the University of Tasmania during 2012. A project by a Geology PhD
student titled “Controls on mineralization, including sulphide mineralogy, at the CSA Mine, Cobar NSW”
commenced in 2010 and was continued throughout 2011 & 2012. The PhD student and the CSA Geology team
are attempting to improve the success rate from drilling within and around the mine and regional exploration.
The main aim of the project is to deliver an enhanced and more predictive model of the CSA Mine via
understanding the controls on mineralization (including the development of an understanding of the spatial
variability of sulphide mineralogy and the dependence of sulphide mineralogy on mineralization controls).
4.1 Environmental Complaints
In compliance with the CSA Mine’s EPL conditions, CMPL maintains a 24 hour telephone pollution complaints
line through the CMPL reception switchboard. The phone number is advertised to the local community via the
local newspapers and the White Pages. All environmental complaints are directed to the Health, Safety &
Environment Team, and are recorded as per the CMPL Environmental Complaints Procedure and Record Form.
No complaints were received from the public during 2012.
4.2 Community Liaison
Community support is essential in maintaining the CSA Mine’s future operations in Cobar. To secure ongoing
links with the community, CSA Mine’s Human Resources Superintendent now holds a position on the recently
formed Cobar Health Services Advisory Committee, the purpose of this committee is to make recommendations
aimed at improving health care services in Cobar to the Western Area Health Services Board. CSA Mine
regularly communicates its operational plans to the local community. This is undertaken through:
Ongoing liaison with Cobar Shire Council (CSC);
Providing open and honest feedback to the workforce and contracting companies;
Local newspaper media releases; and
Involvement with key community groups and projects.
Examples of CMPL’s involvement in the community are detailed in the following sections.
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4.2.1 Working with the Cobar High School
In 2012, eight new apprentices started a four year apprenticeship in the field of Mechanical Trades, Electrical
Trades and Metal Fabrication & Welding at CSA Mine. This represents an increase of 5 apprentices from the
intake of 2011. CSA Mine received 100 applications for the 8 apprenticeships, the majority of which were local
school leavers.
CSA Mine staff attended a “Try and Trade” careers day at Cobar High School in 2012 which involved engineers
from CSA Mine giving interactive presentations on the many different careers they can pursue with the CSA
Mine. CSA Mine staff from the Environmental, Mining Engineering and Metallurgy Departments also
volunteered their time as supervisors for the Outback Science and Engineering Challenge in May 2012.
CSA Mine continue to host an annual visit for the Year 9 Geography excursion to the mine, which took place in
June 2012. Students learnt how to measure distance and height changes, length and vertical exaggeration on a
GPS by collecting data and drawing a cross sectional diagram of the TSF. The students and teachers were given
a site tour and enjoyed learning about the CSA Mine.
Cobar High School Students Visiting the CSA Mine
4.2.2 Clean Up Australia Day
CSA Mine participated in the Business Clean Up Australia Day for the seventh consecutive year on the 21st
March 2012 by hosting a site wide clean up at the CSA Mine. All employees were encouraged to participate and
do their part for the local environment. Participation was good with 17 enthusiastic volunteers putting their
energy into the clean-up and managed to clean the entire length of the mine access road to the highway
collecting 13.5 bags of recyclables and 8.5 bags of general waste. A BBQ lunch was held following the clean-up
to thank all volunteers.
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CSA Staff Volunteers Taking Part in Clean Up Australia Day 2012
4.2.3 National Tree Day
On the 27th
July, CSA Mine participated in National Schools Tree Day by planting 60 trees at Cobar High School
with students from year 7 and 8. By participating in tree day, CSA Mine is able to promote the message of caring
for trees and restoring habitat to disturbed areas. It also gave the CSA Mine Environment Team an opportunity to
talk to the students about the importance of biodiversity for ecosystem health.
The students were responsible for preparing the ground, planting, fertilizing and erecting a protective guard
around each tree. The trees were sponsored by the CSA Mine to foster their ongoing relationship with Cobar
High School and encourage kids to learn about sustainability.
CSA Employees taking part in 2012 National Tree Day at CSA Mine
4.2.4 National Recycling Week
CSA Mine took part in the National Recycling Week campaign 2012, which ran from Monday 12th
to Sunday
18th
November. As National Recycling Week promotes the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling, CSA
Mine participated by running its first ‘Waste to Art’ competition for CSA Mine workers and their kids. The task
of the ‘Waste to Art’ competition was to create something interesting, useful or beautiful out of something that
would usually be thrown away. The artworks celebrated the re-use and recycling of materials that would
normally end up in landfill.
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Winners of the 2012 ‘Waste to Art” Competition
4.2.5 Ride to Work Day
A group of 3 CSA Mine employees opted for two wheels instead of four on their journey to work on 17th
October 2012 as part of CSA Mine’s participation in the National Ride to Work Day.
Ride to Work participants met up on the edge of town on the Wednesday morning to complete the 15 km
journey. A volunteer support crew travelled with the riders who all successfully arrived at the CSA Mine in
times varying between 25 to 40 minutes
Ride to Work day is an annual event at the CSA Mine, which aims to encourage more people to park up the car
and take up riding on a more regular basis. CSA Mine employees were part of more than 36,000 people across
the country who took part in the national event.
4.2.6 Community Contributions
CMPL contributed $118,280 to the local economy over the 2012 period through awarding employees with Cobar
Quids to be spent as part of our Rewards and Recognition program.
CMPL contributed $73,533 in donations during 2012, the recipients of which are listed in Table 30.
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Table 30 CMPL Donation Recipients 2012
Local Community Groups
Sporting Organisations
Charities Local Schools
Buckwaroon Landcare
Yarrabin
Cobar Business Association Inc.
Cobar Cemetery Restoration
Cobar Community Radio Station
Cobar Enterprise Facilitation
Cobar Memorial Services Club
Miners Ghost festival (CSC)
Cobar Primary Health Care Centre
Cobar Show Society Inc.
Cobar Theatre Company
Cobar Youth Council
Cobar Blues Football & Netball Club
Cobar Judo Club
Cobar Junior Rugby League
Cobar Junior Soccer Club
Cobar Lady Golfers
Cobar Little Athletics
Cobar Clay Target Club
Cobar & District Rugby Union
Cobar Senior Rugby League Club
CSA Men's basketball team
CSA cricket team
Hannah Kritz - to attend PSSA champs
Copper City Dog Trial
Cobar Miners Race Club
Cobar Rodeo Committee Inc.
St John’s School
Variety, the Children’s Charity
White Ribbon
Isolated Children & Parents Ass’n
Mickayla Strudwick- mobility scooter
Jones Family fund raiser
Kidney Health (Kar Rally)
Royal Flying Doctor Service
Cobar Police Charity Golf Day
Brian Mitchell- support for Far West Academy of Sport
Cobar High School programs
Cobar Outside of School Hours Service
Cobar Public School P&C
Jerangle Public School
Cobar High School- Outback Science & Engineering
Other
AusIMM Student Chapter
Scout Association of Australia
Golden Mile Foot Race
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5 REHABILITATION
CSA Mining Lease conditions state that land disturbed must be rehabilitated to a stable and permanent form
suitable for a subsequent land use that is compatible with the surrounding land and land use requirements.
CSA Mine is currently in the operational stage of mining with most surface disturbance already taken place and
the mine in steady production. All expansion and upgrade works that occurred in 2012 at the CSA Mine were
simply replacements which did not generate any significant additional disturbance. The sections below detail
what CMPL is doing to ensure the rehabilitation requirements of the Mining Lease are met.
5.1 Buildings
Significant clean up works were carried out over 2012 with the removal of a number of redundant buildings and
infrastructure from the surface working areas. An experienced demolition and scrap steel contractor was
commissioned over a 2 month period and removed the following items from site:
Removal of old copper thickener and storage tank.
Removal of old mill 4 plinth.
The Old EDMS batch plant is due to be removed in early 2013 and the remainder of the infrastructure, such as
the storage shelter, concrete bunds, and concrete pad, is scheduled to be removed later in 2013.
The clean up works on site are to remove redundant infrastructure. There are currently no plans to remediate or
rehabilitate any of the sites remaining once the infrastructure has been removed.
5.2 Redundant Piping Removal
In 2012, an audit was undertaken at the CSA Mine site to ensure adequate bund capacity for necessary pipes and
to identify redundant pipework for removal. Surface piping and associated bunding were inspected at the
following areas:
Ore Processing Plant and associated areas;
Southern Tailings Storage Facility (STSF);
Backfill Plant; and
Surface Wash bay.
The audit revealed many redundant pipes requiring removal on the surface operational area. The removal of
these pipes was completed in August 2012. Some minor pipes not currently in use will remain intact until
proposed new infrastructure is installed as part of the proposed Mill Upgrade Project in 2014. Bunding of pipes
was assessed and found to be sufficient across site except in one area next to the tailings thickener booster pump.
Construction of adequate bunding in this area was completed in 2012.
In 2013, it is anticipated that a more comprehensive site wide surface audit for current piping requirements will
be conducted.
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Examples of redundant pipes that were removed from site during 2012.
5.3 Rehabilitation of Disturbed Land
The total area of the CML5 Mining Lease is 2,474 ha, with approximately 243 ha of this subject to disturbance
associated with the CSA Mine surface operations. Of the 248 ha site disturbance area, 117 ha is excised from the
lease leaving approximately 130 ha of land requiring rehabilitation by CSA Mine prior to mine closure. The
currently operating TSF accounts for approximately 87 ha of disturbance.
The CSA Mine 2008-2012 MOP committed to undertaking 42.3 ha of rehabilitation. The underground internal
shaft extension project was commissioned in 2010 which resulted in the majority of areas identified for
rehabilitation being utilised as laydown areas. Due to the small size of the CSA Mine operational footprint and
the area requirements of proposed major projects, no additional areas were identified for rehabilitation during the
2008-2012 MOP period. Instead, efforts were focused on securing a Property Vegetation Plan for CML5, the
removal of redundant infrastructure, and the identification of methods to further improve existing rehabilitation
areas. These efforts will aid CSA Mine’s progressive rehabilitation plan in the future. The soil remediation trial
plots, located adjacent to the excised old subsidence area (north-west of Administration building), were not
required to accommodate contractors on site and were successfully rehabilitated during the 2008-2012 MOP
period.
In 2013 CMPL will implement a 5 year rehabilitation strategy for the CSA Mine. This strategy is intended to
identify areas currently available for rehabilitation, prioritising these areas and budgeting for ongoing
rehabilitation works and maintenance.
5.3.1 Little Mount Brown and Subsidence Area
Rehabilitation works were undertaken at the Little Mount Brown and Subsidence Areas in 2009 to manage the
overland flow of storm water and improve surface stability. The works were designed to ensure the long term
stability of the site and satisfy performance criteria of landform establishment outlined in CMPL’s Rehabilitation
Monitoring Methodology and Determination of Completion Criteria for Rehabilitation Ecosystems report. While
this work created a stable landform, past contamination and the limited growth media present has limited
ecosystem development.
Previous attempts at seeding with native grass seeds have not been successful at establishing vegetative cover.
The soil profile at the CSA Mine is typical of ridge areas in the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion with very shallow
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soils; bedrock is visibly present on the surface in some areas. Observations of the rocks at this rehabilitation site
reveal discolouring, indicating a high metal content. This contamination is likely due to residues from a smelter
which once existed in close proximity to the site and was removed many years ago.
To assist with ecosystem establishment, the principles of Land Form Function Analysis (LFA) are utilised to
create a series of patches and inter patches for monitoring. Monitoring of the rehabilitation at Little Mount
Brown and the Old Subsidence Area was undertaken by specialist consultants in 2011 and again in 2012 as part
of CMPL’s annual Rehabilitation Monitoring program. Results are briefly discussed below and in more detail in
Section 5.5.2. The Rehabilitation Monitoring Program Report (2012) is available as Appendix G.
Monitoring results revealed both sites reached key performance indicator (KPI) targets set out in the
Rehabilitation Monitoring Methodology and Determination of Completion Criteria for Rehabilitation
Ecosystems report for riling and exchangeable soil percentage. However, the sites continued to fall below target
ranges for organic matter, ground cover, as well as mature and juvenile trees and shrubs. These short comings
will be investigated further in 2013.
Results have been positive with Punty Bush (Senna artemisiodes) shrubs establishing on the site. The
performance of rehabilitation progress will be assessed against KPIs including infiltration, stability, nutrient
recycling, organic matter and ground cover through the Rehabilitation Monitoring Program in 2013.
An inspection of the Subsidence Area Rehabilitation Project was undertaken on 10th
September 2012 to identify
further rehabilitation works required in the area. The inspection determined the need for drainage repairs on the
eastern wall, the fencing of vegetation establishment trial plots, investigating the poisoning of rabbits, the
construction of drainage on the western side of the hill, and repairs made to the fencing surrounding the
subsidence zone area to deter pest goats. The fencing of trial plots was completed in December 2012. The
remainder of these requirements will be investigated further in 2013.
Little Mount Brown Rehabilitation Area Following Topsoiling and Spreading of Barley Straw
5.4 Other Infrastructure
5.4.1 Excised Areas
Discussions between the DRE Derelict Mines Department and CMPL continued throughout 2012 in order to
further progress with a potential Excised Area rehabilitation project.
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During 2012, CMPL submitted an Environmental Desktop Review of the North Tailings Storage Facility
(NTSF) in conjunction with Dam Engineers and Rehabilitation specialists from Golder Associates. This was
developed with the intention of getting all available detail around the existing environmental issues associated
with the NTSF reviewed and identifying information gaps and recommendations for further assessment. The
proposed recommendations included further assessment of landform stability, erosion management and tailings
assessment. This report was submitted to the Derelict Mines Program (DMP) for consideration in June 2012.
A response was received from the Department in October 2012 stating that it is considerd the current proposal to
use mine generated fill material to form a non-free draining surface without provisions for a permanent cover
will not result in significant benefit or asssit in the long term management of the site. The response states that the
proposal will not be considered further unless there is committement by CSA Mine to construct a permanent
cover which meets industry guidelines.
CSA Mine and Golders have therefore not progressed any further with this potential NTSF rehabilitation project.
No further discussions or investigatory works are proposed for the future in regards to the NTSF rehabilitation
works by CSA Mine.
5.5 Rehabilitation Trials and Research
CSA Mine actively works towards progressive rehabilitation over the operational life of the mine. The
rehabilitation of sections of the mine site as they become available will assist in reducing the long-term closure
liability. Obvious benefits of progressively rehabilitating non-operational areas of the mine include:
Reduction of the overall un-rehabilitated ‘footprint’ of the mine;
Ability to trial various options and demonstrate rehabilitation outcomes well before mine closure;
Reduction of closure costs; and
Reduction of the ‘security bond’ posted with regulatory authorities.
CSA Mine continues to research, trial and monitor the availability of rehabilitation options suitable to our
specific site conditions and climate.
5.5.1 Tailings Dam Rehabilitation Trials
CSA Mine commissioned a vegetation trial on the STSF during 2011, which continued to be maintained and
monitored over 2012. The trial is located in the north west corner of the STSF and is aimed at trialling different
methods to successfully establish vegetation on the tailings surface. The results of the trial will provide ongoing
feedback into CMPL’s completion criteria for rehabilitation ecosystems by providing potential methods to
achieve identified performance and closure criteria.
Following review of CSA’s TSF cover design options, a store and release cover system was selected largely
based on climatic factors and resources available for rehabilitation. Store and release cover systems are designed
to cover sulphide bearing waste rock which stores moisture during wet periods and releases moisture during dry
periods and are well suited to semi-arid conditions. The function of this design is to limit rainfall infiltration and
oxygen ingress into underlying waste material.
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Four cover treatments were selected for the trials on four separate plots. The treatments were selected on their
ability to provide a potential growing medium and their availability on site as a resource for large scale
rehabilitation. These included:
Control (no cover treatment).
Clean topsoil placed on the tailings surface.
Compacted waste rock placed on the tailings surface.
Virotec Terra B Reagent placed on the tailings surface.
Virotec Terra B is a commercially available product used to treat mine wastes including sulphidic mine tailings.
The product is design to permanently neutralise acid and trap trace metals by creating strong ionic bonds
immobilising metals into insoluble non-reactive sediment.
Vegetation species for the trials were selected based on their ability to achieve closure criteria as set out in CSA
Mine’s Rehabilitation Monitoring Methodology and Determination of Completion Criteria for Rehabilitation
Ecosystems report and STSF Rehabilitation and Closure Plan whilst maintaining integrity with surrounding
vegetation. On each plot the following species were trialled:
Native tube stock including Bimble Box (Eucalyptus populnea), Punty Bush (Senna artemisiodes).
Silk Sourgham (Sourgham X. alum Parodi). This vigorous summer annual was selected to act a cover
crop and provide favourable conditions for the establishment of perennial species.
Native Pasture Seed Mix including Corkscrew Grass (Stipa setacea) and Windmill Grass (Chloris
truncarta).
Initial results have been promising with vigorous growth of the Silk Sorghum on the topsoil covered plots.
Limited growth of Silk Sorghum occurred on the Virotec and waste rock plots. Expectantly, mortality of tree
and shrub species has been high in the control plots with none of the planted tube stock establishing. Tree and
shrubs have successfully established in the topsoil plots, whilst there has been limited establishment in the waste
rock and Virotec Plots.
Rehabilitation on the trial plots continued to be monitored (as a part of the Land Function Analysis (LFA) in
2012 to assess the performance of cover treatments against STSF Rehabilitation and Closure Criteria and
completion criteria outlined in the CSA Mine Rehabilitation Monitoring Methodology and Determination of
Completion Criteria for Rehabilitation Ecosystems report. These criteria are used to assess the effectiveness of
the cover treatments.
In August 2012, the Rehabilitation Trial Monitoring Inspection Sheet (FRM-373) was introduced to assist in
ensuring a consistent and documented approach for the program to monitor the rehabilitation trials and
vegetation growth on the Tailings Facility and future rehabilitation trials and research.
Rehabilitation on the trial plots will continue to be monitored in 2013, however, it is expected that these trial
plots will be disturbed by future TSF upgrades in late 2013 or 2014.
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5.5.2 Analogue Long Term Monitoring Sites
CSA Mine has two long term analogue monitoring programs conducted on land undisturbed by mining activities
on and surrounding CML5. These two programs continued in 2012 and are based on widely acknowledged and
accepted methods of analogue sampling in the Western NSW Region: Rangeland Assessment Program (RAP)
and Land Function Analysis (LFA).
The aim of long term analogue monitoring is to provide suitable rehabilitation goals and closure criteria to feed
in to the CSA Rehabilitation Monitoring Methodology and Determination of Completion Criteria for
Rehabilitation Ecosystems report. Analogue monitoring fulfils CMPL’s regulatory requirement to provide
achievable and measureable closure criteria based on local environmental conditions.
Land Function Analysis
The services of DnA Environmental consultants were utilised again in 2012 to continue with the annual
rehabilitation monitoring program based on the principles of LFA. The annual rehabilitation monitoring
program is designed to provide quantified data from representative reference sites. The data will be used as a
benchmark when assessing rehabilitation outcomes and will therefore assist in measuring compliance with the
CSA Mine Rehabilitation Monitoring Methodology and Determination of Completion Criteria for Rehabilitation
Ecosystems report. The main objective of the annual rehabilitation monitoring program is to assess the progress
of rehabilitated landforms towards fulfilling long-term land use objectives by comparing a selection of
ecological targets or completion criteria against unmined areas of remnant vegetation (reference sites) that are
representative of the final land use and vegetation assemblage.
CSA Mine aims to create stable rehabilitated landforms that integrate with surrounding landscapes in areas
disturbed by mining. The current planned long term land use is rangeland grazing. Therefore local grazing areas
on lower slopes containing sparse to moderate endemic tree and shrub cover were used as a point of reference for
rehabilitation targets. Three grazed rangeland communities and two ridge reference sites were established as
primary ecological targets.
Three areas of rehabilitation were monitored in 2011 and again in 2012 as a part of the annual rehabilitation
monitoring program. These included:
Little Mount Brown (CSA LMB).
CSA Mill.
Old Subsidence Area (CSA OS).
Results of the 2012 LFA Rehabilitation Monitoring are displayed in Table 31. This Table highlights 14 Key
Performance Indicators (KPI’s) to determine the success of rehabilitation conducted on site and determines if a
rehabilitation site has successfully met the desired KPI targets during 2012 or not. The results of the
rehabilitation monitoring conducted during 2012 determined that all three rehabilitation areas on site currently
do not meet the required completion criteria for rehabilitation. The complete Rehabilitation Monitoring Report
for 2012 is provided in Appendix G and can be referred to for further detail on the rehabilitation monitoring
methodology used and the determination of completion criteria for rehabilitated ecosystems. The report also
notes the changes in land function found between the 2011 monitoring program and the 2012 monitoring
program.
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LFA Monitoring of the CSA Mill, CSA OS and CSA LMB Rehabilitation Sites
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Table 31 LFA Rehabilitation Monitoring Results 2012
KPI Rehabilitation Site
Comment CSA LMB
CSA OS CSA MILL
Stability and Nutrient Cycling
Active erosion at the rehabilitation sites has led to a decline in nutrient cycling and stability.
Infiltration There is a decline in infiltration across all rehabilitation sites. CSA OS and CSA Mill still meet the target.
Mature Trees No mature trees were recorded at CSA LMB and CSA OS. Mature tree population at CSA Mill was comprised of Eucalyptus populnea, Eremophila mitchelli and Acacia aneura.
Shrubs and Juvenile Trees
No shrubs or juvenile trees were recorded at CSA LMB. CSA OS had shrubs which germinated from the topsoil which was sourced from the TSF extension. CSA MILL had shrubs which regenerated from the surrounding remnant vegetation.
Ground Cover
CSA LMB, CSA OS and CSA Mill all yielded ground cover values which were below the lower limit KPI. CSA OS’s majority of cover attributable to extensive logs piles. Some also provided by dead leaf litter and small occurrences of perennial and annual vegetation and cryptogams.
Native Species Diversity (per m2)
CSA LMB recorded one native shrub and no exotic species. CSA OS had a large number of herbs and a diversity of tree, shrubs, sub-shrubs and grasses similar to the range of the reference sites. The only rehabilitation site to contain exotic species. CSA Mill, despite relatively low diversity overall contained similar proportions of species found in the range of reference sites and no exotic species.
Riling Rehabilitation work has ameliorated the rills at CSA LMB. No rills were present at any of the rehabilitation sites.
Soil pH All sites fell well below target levels. This indicates that the soil remains at a strongly acidic pH and will require lime remediation.
Electrical Conductivity
There was a reduction in electrical conductivity at CSA LMB and CSA Mill. Although all sites remain significantly above the target.
Organic Matter and Phosphorous
All sites had low levels; however this was also reflected in the reference sites.
Nitrates All sites experienced a reduction in nitrate levels. CSA Mill and CSA OS nitrate levels remain higher than the desirable range. CSA LMB nitrate levels are below the desirable range.
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
All sites had very high levels exceeding the desirable range. These results may indicate they are likely to have good retention ability and potentially high soil fertility however due to excessive EC (and nitrates) these are more likely to be related to earlier mining related activities rather than natural hydrological and agricultural influences.
ESP CSA LMB and CSA OS fell well below the desirable levels. Results indicate soils at CSA MILL are likely to be non-sodic.
Metals
All sites had excessively high levels of Sulphur, Zinc, Manganese and Lead. CSA LMB and CSA MILL had excessively high levels of Cu, Silicon, Selenium, Lead and Arsenic. All sites had unusually high levels of Ca, Mg and K likely to be reflected in the high EC and CEC levels recorded at the site. While some elements slightly elevated in the reference sites (e.g. Iron, Silicon, Lead and Arsenic) those recorded within the rehabilitation areas far exceeded these and are likely to provide further implications for plant
establishment and growth.
Notes:
Indicates characteristic meet key performance indicator targets Indicates characteristic did not meet key performance indicator targets
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5.6 Further Development of the Final Rehabilitation Plan
In 2011 CSA Mine engaged consultants AECOM to develop a Rehabilitation and Environmental Management
Plan (REMP) to address commitments made in the 2010 AEMR and support the renewal of the CSA MOP
which was due for renewal at the end of 2012. The purpose of the REMP was to create a framework for mine
closure which has measurable performance and closure criteria to achieve sustainable ecosystem development.
The REMP was finalised in early 2012.
The performance measures and indicators in the REMP are designed to form the basis of the CSA Mine Closure
Criteria. They provide the ability to track progress towards final land use and development of sustainable
ecosystems through a series of conceptual stages shown in Figure 21 and described as:
Stage 1 Decommissioning: Removal, where relevant, of hard stand areas, buildings, contaminated
materials, hazardous materials.
Stage 2 Landform Establishment: Incorporates gradient, slope, aspect, drainage, substrate material
characterisation and morphology.
Stage 3 Growing Media Development: Incorporates physical, chemical and biological components of
the growing media and ameliorants that are used to optimise the potential of the media in terms of the
preferred vegetative cover.
Stage 4 Ecosystem and Land use Establishment: Incorporates operational and non-operational lands,
revegetated lands and habitat augmentation; management and establishment of flora, retained
infrastructure and adjoining predicted land use.
Stage 5 Ecosystem and Land use Sustainability: Incorporates components of floristic structure, nutrient
cycling recruitment and recovery, community structure and function which are the key elements of a
sustainable landscape, together with economic and social impact or benefit.
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Figure 21 Conceptual Stages of Sustainable Ecosystem Development
To evaluate the progress of rehabilitation fulfilling long term land use objectives and closure criteria, CSA Mine
implemented an annual rehabilitation monitoring program as described in Section 5.5.2. Rehabilitation
procedures and completion criteria are updated when required to continually improve rehabilitation standards, as
more data on reference sites or the targeted vegetation community becomes available.
Table 32 and Table 33 summarise rehabilitation which occurred in 2012, rehabilitation proposed for 2013 and an
update on the maintenance activities of rehabilitated land.
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Table 32 Summary of Proposed Rehabilitation
Area Affected/Rehabilitated (hectares) 2011 2012
2013
(estimated)
A: MINE LEASE AREA
A1 Mine lease area 2474.1 ha 2474.1 ha 2474.1 ha
B: DISTRTURBED AREA
B1 Infrastructure Area (other disturbed areas to be rehabilitated at closure including facilities, roads)
18.56 ha 18.56 ha 18.56 ha
B2 Active Mining Area (excluding items B3-B5 below)
10.02 ha 10.02 ha 10.02 ha
B3 Waste Emplacements (active/unshaped/in or out of pit)
15 ha 15 ha 15 ha
B4 Tailings Emplacement (active/unshaped/uncapped)
87 ha 87 ha 87 ha
B5 Shaped Waste Emplacement (awaits for maintenance)
0 ha 0 ha 0 ha
TOTAL ALL DISTURBED AREAS 130.58 ha 130.58 ha 130.58 ha
C: REHABILITATION
C1 Total Rehabilitated Area (except for maintenance)
4.5 ha 0 ha 1.6 ha
D: REHABILITATION
D1 10 to 18 degrees 2.2 ha 0 ha 0 ha
D2 Greater than 18 degrees 0 ha 0 ha 0 ha
E SURFACE OF REHABILITATED LAND
E1 Pasture and grasses 4.5 ha 0 ha 1.6 ha
E2 Native forest/ecosystems 0 ha 0 ha 0 ha
E3 Plantations and crops 0 ha 0 ha 0 ha
E4 Other (include non-vegetative outcomes) 0 ha 0 ha 0 ha
Note:
1. These figures do not include excised areas as they are not the responsibility of CMPL
Table 32 shows nil further disturbance areas were created during 2012 and no further plans to disturb areas in
2013. No rehabilitation took place during the reporting period (as detailed in section 5.3); however, 1.6 ha is
planned for 2013 (mill rehabilitation area).
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Table 33 Maintenance Activities on Rehabilitated Land 2012
Nature of Treatment Area Treated (ha) Comment/control
strategies/treatment detail
2012 2013
Additional erosion control works
0.2 0 Drainage re-established around rehabilitation works for Old Subsidence Area. (drainage and water
diversion)
Re-covering
0.5 0 3,051 tonnes of waste rock was surface stockpiled
during 2012. (Topsoil and waste rock stockpiling on surface)
Soil treatment 0 0 Nil soil treatment activities occurred during 2012.
Treatment/Management (grazing, cropping, slashing etc)
0 0 Nil land management / treatment activities occurred during 2012.
Re-seeding/Replanting 0 0 Nil re-seeding or replanting activities occurred during 2012.
Adversely Affected by Weeds
0 0 Nil.
Feral animal control
2474 2474
Feral Goat removal continued in 2012 over the CML5 mining lease, in addition to a perimeter fence upgrade. (via additional fencing, trapping,
baiting, etc)
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6 ACTIVITIES PROPOSED FOR 2013
Key activities CMPL intends to progress in 2013 are listed in Table 34.
Table 34 Proposed activities for 2013
Proposed Activity Priority Ranking Scheduled
Completion Date
Finalise draft SWMP and submit to DRE and OEH H Q2 2013
Investigate underground waste management to improve the separation
of general waste and recycling in the underground mining operation. H Q1 2013
Complete the replacement of tailings thickener. H Q1/Q2 2013
Complete feasibility study on the use of paste fill in underground
operations and submit MOP amendment if required. H Q4 2013
Successfully address all actions from the 2012 CSA Mine Independent
External Environmental Compliance Audit. H Q2 2013
Successfully address all audit actions from the 2012 the CSA Mine site
Dangerous Goods Audit Report. M Q1 2013
Completion of a TSF Surveillance Inspection by qualified Dam
Engineers. M Q1 2013
Investigate water efficiency improvements, including the completion of
a four week trial of a dewatering plant. M Q2 2013
Complete a full site contamination study including an investigation of
the remaining 4 areas on site suspected of contamination. M Q2 2013
Complete the removal of the Old EDMS batch plant, including the
removal of the storage shelter, concrete bunds, and concrete pad. M Q2 2013
Consult with OEH to finalise commitments under ESAP including the
submission of a final report. M Q2 2013
Address key actions identified in the energy assessment gap analysis to
further develop sustainable energy and carbon management practices. M Q3 2013
Continue removing the remaining pile of crushed Big Mount Brown
contaminated waste material. M Q4 2013
Installation of a new mono pump station up at the 8700 Level (current
deepest level in mine) to create an efficient pumping system at the
bottom of the mine.
M Q4 2013
Conduct educational campaigns and other initiatives to achieve a
recycling rate consistently greater than 30%. M Q4 2013
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7 REFERENCES
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) and
Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (2002)
Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality, National Water
Quality Management Strategy.
Benson J. S. (2006) New South Wales Vegetation Classification and Assessment: the
classification, database assessment of protected areas and threat status of plant communities.
Cunninghamia 9, 331-82.
Bureau of Meteorology (2011) Website www.BOM.gov.au. Data accessed 15/01/2013.
Cobar Management Pty Ltd (CMPL) (2007) Mining Operations Plan 2008-2012, December
2007.
Cobar Management Pty Ltd (CMPL) (2012) Mining Operations Plan 2013-2017, December
2012.
Doos, Stephanie (Oct 2011) A Geophysical and Hydrogeological Approach to Delineating
the Great Chesney Fault, Cobar, NSW. The Australian National University.
DRE (formally DTIRIS) (2006) Guidelines to the Mining, Rehabilitation and Environmental
Management Process. EDG03 version 3
DnA Environmental (2011) Rehabilitation Monitoring Methodology and Determination of
Completion Criteria for Rehabilitation Ecosystems report.
DnA Environmental (2012) Rehabilitation Monitoring Report, December 2012.
EnviroKey (2012) Biodiversity Assessment CML5, CSA Mine, Cobar NS, October 2012.
Golder Associates (2012) South Tailings Storage Facility-Surveillance Report Year 2011,
March 2012.
National Environment Protection Council (1999) National Environmental Protection
Measure for Site Investigations (NEPM) guidelines.
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8 PLANS
1 Mine Context
2 Land Preparation and Mining Activities
3 Rehabilitation
4 Mining Plan - Vertical Section
5 Site Layout
9 APPENDICES
A Environmental Protection License 1864
B 2011 AEMR Review Meeting Minutes
C CMPL Environment and Community Policy
D CSA Air and Water Quality Monitoring Data 2012
E STSF Surveillance Report 2011
F 2012 Annual Return EPL 1864
G 2012 CSA Rehabilitation Monitoring Report
H 2012 Biodiversity Assessment
I 2012 Pollution Incident response Management Plan
