MINING OPERATIONS PLAN 2014-2022 - Alkane Resources Ltd11 Plan 3A – Mining and Rehabilitation –...

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN

2014-2022

for

PEAK HILL GOLD MINE

(Incorporating a Rehabilitation Management Plan)

September 2014

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN

2014-2022 for

PEAK HILL GOLD MINE

(Incorporating a Rehabilitation Management Plan)

Prepared by:

Alkane Resources Ltd

ABN: 35 000 689 216

Ground Floor 89 Burswood Road

BURSWOOD WA 6100

Telephone: (08) 9227 5677

Facsimile: (08) 9227 8178

Email: [email protected]

Cover Photo: Northwest sediment pond and WRE Aug 2014

Draft April 2015

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN 2014-2022 ALKANE RESOURCES LTD Peak Hill Gold Mine

iii

This Copyright is included for the protection of this document

COPYRIGHT

© Alkane Resources Ltd 2014

All intellectual property and copyright reserved.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, 1968, no

part of this report may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or adapted in any form or by any means (electronic,

mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to Alkane Resources Ltd..

ALKANE RESOURCES LTD MINING OPERATIONS PLAN 2014-2022

Peak Hill Gold Mine

iv

TITLE BLOCK

Peak Hill Gold Mine

Mining Operations Plan

Name of Mine: Peak Hill Gold Mine

MOP Commencement Date: 1 July 2014

MOP Completion Date: 17 January 2022

Mining Authorisations (Lease / License No.): MLs1351, 1364, 6036, 6042,

6277, 6310, 6389, 6406, 1479, GL5884

Name of Authorisation / Authorisation holder(s): Alkane Resources Ltd

Name of Mine Operator (if different): N/A

Name and Contact Details of the Mine Manager (or equivalent):

Michael Sutherland

General Manager NSW

PO Box910

Dubbo, NSW, 2830

Phone: (02) 6882 2866

Name and Contact Details of Environmental Representative:

As above

Name of Representative(s) of the Authorisation Holder(s): Ian Chalmers

Title of Representative(s) of the Authorisation Holder(s): Director

Signature of Representative(s) of the Authorisation Holder(s):

Date 26 March 2015 Draft – Final - Amended

Version: 4

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN 2014-2022 Alkane Resources Ltd Peak Hill Gold Mine

v

This page has intentionally been left blank

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN 2014-2022 ALKANE RESOURCES LTD

Peak Hill Gold Mine

CONTENTS Page

vii

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 11

1.1 SCOPE AND FORMAT ...................................................................................................... 11

1.1.1 Scope 11

1.1.2 Format of this Document ............................................................................................ 11

1.2 HISTORY OF OPERATIONS .............................................................................................. 12

1.3 CURRENT CONSENTS, AUTHORISATIONS AND LICENSES .......................................... 12

1.4 LAND OWNERSHIP AND LAND USE ............................................................................... 14

1.5 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ................................................................................... 15

1.5.1 Community Consultation ........................................................................................... 15

1.5.2 Government Agency Consultation .......................................................................... 15 2. PROPOSED MINING ACTIVITIES ................................................................................. 15

2.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................... 15 FIGURE 1 SITE LAYOUT .................................................................................................................. 17

2.2 ACTIVITIES OVER THE MOP TERM ................................................................................ 19

2.2.1 Exploration ............................................................................................................... 19

2.2.2 Construction ............................................................................................................. 19

2.2.3 Rock/Overburden Emplacement ................................................................................. 20 2.2.3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 20 2.2.3.2 Waste Rock Emplacement Area...................................................................... 20 2.2.3.3 Waste Rock Characteristics ............................................................................ 21 2.2.3.4 Waste Rock Emplacement Methods ................................................................ 21

2.2.4 Processing Residues................................................................................................... 21 2.2.4.1 Design Criteria and Status .............................................................................. 21 2.2.4.2 Residue Transfer Method ............................................................................... 22

2.2.5 Waste Management ................................................................................................... 22

2.2.6 Decommissioning and Demolition Activities ............................................................... 23

2.2.7 Temporary Stabilisation ............................................................................................. 23

2.2.8 Progressive Rehabilitation and Completion .................................................................. 23

2.2.9 Material Production Schedule during MOP Term ......................................................... 24

2.2.10 Modification of Consent 648/93 .................................................................................. 24 3. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES MANAGEMENT ................................................................ 24

3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT .......................................................................... 25

3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT ....................................................................... 28

3.2.1 Specific Risks relating to Rehabilitation ...................................................................... 28 4. POST MINING LAND USE ............................................................................................... 30

4.1 REGULARTORY REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................... 30

4.2 POST MINING LAND USE GOAL ...................................................................................... 30

4.3 REHABILITATION OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................... 32 5. REHABILITATION PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT ................................................. 33

5.1 DOMAIN SELECTION ....................................................................................................... 33

5.1.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 33

5.1.2 Primary Domains ....................................................................................................... 34 5.1.2.1 Domain 1 – Infrastructure Areas ..................................................................... 34


Peak Hill Gold Mine

CONTENTS Page

viii

5.1.2.2 Domain 2 – Residue Storage Facility .............................................................. 34 5.1.2.3 Domain 3 – Water Management Areas ............................................................ 34 5.1.2.4 Domain 4 – Waste Rock Emplacements .......................................................... 34 5.1.2.5 Domain 5 – Stockpiled Material ..................................................................... 34 5.1.2.6 Domain 6 – Open Cut Voids ........................................................................... 34 5.1.2.7 Domain 7 – Rehabilitation Area ...................................................................... 35 5.1.2.8 Domain 9 – Conservation and Biodiversity Offset Areas................................... 35 5.1.2.9 Domain 10 – Rural Lands .............................................................................. 35

5.1.3 Secondary Domains ................................................................................................... 35 5.1.3.1 Domain A – Infrastructure .............................................................................. 35 5.1.3.2 Domain B – Water Management Areas ........................................................... 35 5.1.3.3 Domain C – Rehabilitation Area – Grassland ................................................... 36 5.1.3.4 Domain E – Rehabilitation Area –Woodland ................................................... 36 5.1.3.5 Domain G – Rehabilitation Area – Rural Land ................................................. 36 5.1.3.6 Domain I – Final Voids .................................................................................. 37 5.1.3.7 Domain J – Conservation and Biodiversity Areas ............................................. 37

5.2 REHABILITATION DOMAIN OBJECTIVES ...................................................................... 37

5.3 REHABILITATION PHASES .............................................................................................. 37 6. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS, AND COMPLETION/RELINQUISHMENT

CRITERIA ......................................................................................................................... 41 7. REHABILITATION IMPLEMENTATION ....................................................................... 54

7.1 STATUS AT MOP COMMENCEMENT .............................................................................. 54

7.2 PROPOSED REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES DURING THE MOP TERM ......................... 54

7.2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 54

7.2.2 Domain 1 – Infrastructure Area ................................................................................... 55

7.2.3 Domain 2 - Residue Storage Facility – Heap Leach ...................................................... 55

7.2.4 Domain 3 – Water Management Area .......................................................................... 55

7.2.5 Domain 4 – Waste Rock Emplacement ........................................................................ 56

7.2.6 Domain 5 – Soil Stockpile .......................................................................................... 56

7.2.7 Domain 6 – Open Cut Voids ....................................................................................... 56

7.2.8 Domain 7 – Rehabilitated Areas .................................................................................. 56

7.2.9 Domain 9 - Conservation and Biodiversity Areas ......................................................... 57

7.2.10 Domain 10 – Rural Land ............................................................................................ 57

7.3 SUMMARY OF REHABILITATION AREAS DURING THE MOP TERM ............................ 57

7.4 RELINQUISHMENT PHASE ACHIEVED DURING MOP PERIOD ..................................... 59 8. REHABILITATION MONITORING AND RESEARCH ................................................... 59

8.1 REHABILITATION MONITORING .................................................................................... 59

8.2 RESEARCH AND REHABILITATION TRIALS .................................................................. 59 9. INTERVENTION AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT ..................................................... 66

9.1 THREATS TO REHABILITATION ..................................................................................... 66

9.2 TRIGGER ACTION RESPONSE PLAN ............................................................................... 66 10. REPORTING ..................................................................................................................... 66 11. REVIEW AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MOP ....................................................... 70

11.1 REVIEW OF THE MOP ...................................................................................................... 70

11.2 IMPLEMENTATION .......................................................................................................... 70

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN 2014-2022 ALKANE RESOURCES LTD

Peak Hill Gold Mine

CONTENTS Page

ix

12. REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 70 PLANS AND SECTION ............................................................................................................................ 73

PLAN 1A PRE MINING ENVIRONMENT – PROJECT LOCATION ........................................... 75

PLAN 2 MINE DOMAINS AT COMMENCEMENT OF MOP ...................................................... 77

PLAN 3A MINING AND REHABILITATION – END YEAR 1 ....................................................... 79

PLAN 3B MINING AND REHABILITATION – END YEAR 6 ....................................................... 81

PLAN 3C MINING AND REHABILITATION – END OF MOP ..................................................... 83

PLAN 4 FINAL REHABILITATION AND POST MINING LAND USE – 2022 ............................. 85

PLAN 5A CROSS SECTION A ................................................................................................... 87 APPENDICES 89

APPENDIX I MINING LEASE ........................................................................................ 89

APPENDIX II DA 648/93 ................................................................................................. 89

APPENDIX III SECURITY CALCULATION ESTIMATE .................................................. 89

APPENDIX IV ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION LICENCE 5473..................................... 89

APPENDIX V TOURIST MINE PERMIT ......................................................................... 89


Peak Hill Gold Mine

CONTENTS Page

x

TABLES

Table 1 Summary of Required Tables, Figures and Plans ...................................................................... 12 Table 2 Current Consents, Authorisations and Licenses ........................................................................ 13 Table 3 Major Assets per Domain ....................................................................................................... 18 Table 4 Indicative Waste Rock Emplacement Design Criteria ................................................................ 20 Table 5 Non-Production Waste Management ....................................................................................... 22 Table 6 Qualitative Consequence Rating .............................................................................................. 26 Table 7 Qualitative Likelihood Rating ................................................................................................. 26 Table 8 Qualitative Risk Rating .......................................................................................................... 26 Table 9 Key Rehabilitation-related Risks during the MOP Term ............................................................ 27 Table 10 Regulatory Requirements for Rehabilitation ............................................................................. 31 Table 11 Rehabilitation Objectives ........................................................................................................ 32 Table 12 Primary and Secondary MOP Domains .................................................................................... 33 Table 13 Rehabilitation Domain Objectives ........................................................................................... 39 Table 14 Summary of Rehabilitation Phases proposed for Completion at the end of the MOP .................... 42 Table 15 Rehabilitation Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria .................................................. 43 Table 16 Status of Rehabilitation at the Commencement of the MOP ....................................................... 54 Table 17 Rehabilitation at Commencement and Completion of MOP ....................................................... 58 Table 18 Rehabilitation Monitoring Methodology and Frequency ............................................................ 60 Table 19 Analysis of Rehabilitation Threats Threats ............................................................................... 67 Table 20 Trigger Action Response Plan ................................................................................................. 68 Table 21 Roles and Responsibilities for MOP Implementation ................................................................ 70


11

1. I N T R O D U C T I O N

1.1 SCOPE AND FORMAT

1.1.1 Scope

This Mining Operations Plan (MOP) for the Peak Hill Gold Mine (“the Mine”) has been

prepared by Alkane Resources Ltd (“the Company”) to take the leases through to

relinquishment or renewal by 17 January 2022. This document outlines the rehabilitation and

mine closure objectives for the site. The Mine is located immediately east and northeast of the

township of Peak Hill, in the Central West of NSW (Figure 1).

The Mining Leases (MLs) were issued in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 2001. The key MLs for the

Peak Hill Gold were issued to Alkane by the Minister for Mineral Resources in 1993 (see

Appendix I). As additional resources were identified through exploration drilling, additional

MLs were granted to form a contiguous area for mining and gold processing For the purpose of

this document the area covered by MLs is referred to as the “Mine Site”.

The operations described in this MOP comply with the letter of direction from Trade &

Investment Resources & Energy dated 25 June 2013. This fourth draft of the MOP has been

informed by a letter and email from Trade & Investment Resources & Energy (DRE) dated 2

September 2014.

Consent Conditions Development Application 648/93, issued by the Parkes Shire Council on 2

September 1993 is contained in Appendix II).

This MOP replaces the MOP letter report dated 23 April 2013.

The duration of the second MOP is for 7 years from 1 July 2014 to 17 January 2022.

This document incorporates the Rehabilitation Management Plan required under

Condition 3(53) of new Project Approvals.

1.1.2 Format of this Document

This MOP has been prepared in accordance with the guideline ESG3: Mining Operations Plan

(MOP) Guidelines, September 2013 (“the Guideline”) and provides detailed information on

mining, processing and rehabilitation operations within the Peak Hill Gold Mine MLs. The

MOP also provides information to demonstrate the environmental risks associated with the

operations on MLs are being appropriately managed and mitigated.

Table 1 provides a summary of where the required tables, figures and plans are presented in

this MOP.

The format generally complies with that provided under the heading ‘Compiling a Mining

Operations Plan’ in the Guidelines and by doing so also provides the Rehabilitation

Management Plan for the mine.

An updated rehabilitation security deposit calculation, prepared using the Department’s security

estimation tool (version 1.12), is also included with this MOP as Appendix III.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

12

Table 1

Summary of Required Tables, Figures and Plans

Section of MOP Table/Plan Reference1

Source

iv MOP Title Block

1.1.2 Summary of Required Tables, Figures and Plans MOP

2.2.10 Material Production Schedule during MOP term MOP

4.3 Summary Rehabilitation Phases for end of MOP term MOP

5.0 Disturbance and Rehabilitation Progression during MOP term MOP

6.0 Rehabilitation Data Table MOP

11 Plan 1A – Pre-mining Environment – Project Locality

MOP

11 Plan 1B – Pre-mining Environment – Natural Environment

11 Plan 1C – Pre-mining Environment – Built Environment

11 Plan 2 – Mine Domains at Commencement of MOP

11 Plan 3A – Mining and Rehabilitation – End Year 1

11 Plan 3B – Mining and Rehabilitation – End Year 6

11 Plan 3C – Mining and Rehabilitation – End of MOP

11 Plan 4 – Final Rehabilitation and Post-mining Land Use

11 Plan 5 - Rehabilitation and Post-mining Land Use Sections

1.2 HISTORY OF OPERATIONS

The Peak Hill Gold Mine operated as a drill and blast open cut gold mine between 1996 and

2002. Gold was extracted using heap leach cyanide technology until 2005 - when the last gold

was poured on 20 December 2005.

Gold Production from the Peak Hill gold mine from October 1996 to December 2005 was

153,657 fine ounces.

1.3 CURRENT CONSENTS, AUTHORISATIONS AND LICENSES

Table 2 presents the consents, authorisations and licences held in relation to the Mine.


13

Table 2

Current Consents, Authorisations and Licenses

Page 1 of 2

Number Granted by Grant Date Expiry Date Purpose

Development Consent

DA 648/93 Parkes Shire Council 3 September

1993 NA

Development Consent – Open Cut Gold

Mine and heap leach gold extraction plant

DA 648/93 Parkes Shire Council 16 August

1994

Modification of Development Consent

(Parkers Extension)

DA 1033/97 Parkes Shire Council 15 July 1997 NA Extension of Processing Operations

DA 1049/97 Parkes Shire Council 5 August

1997 Garth Bore Pipeline

DA 1080/97 Parkes Shire Council 6 February

1998 Main Tailings

DA 99253 Parkes Shire Council 20 April

2000 Great Eastern

DA 00174 8 December

2000 Bobby Burns Pit

DA 01072 Parkes Shire Council 20 June

2001 Parkers Cutback

DA 01162

20

November

2001

Crown Pit

Special

Purpose

Conditions

Mineral Resources 27 February

2003 Permit to Conduct Tourist Activities

Mineral Authorities

EL6319 12 Oct 2004 11 Oct 2015 Exploration activities

GL5884 12 Dec 1969 17 Jan 2022

Mining activities at the Peak Hill Gold

Mine

ML1351 15 Jun 1994 17 Jan 2022

ML1364 14 Mar 1995 17 Jan 2022

ML1479 18 Jan 2001 17 Jan 2022

ML6036 07 Mar 1968 17 Jan 2022

ML6042 21 Feb 1968 17 Jan 2022

ML6277 12 Mar 1971 17 Jan 2022

ML6310 27 Aug 1971 17 Jan 2022

ML6389 06 Apr 1973 17 Jan 2022


Peak Hill Gold Mine

14

Table 2 (Cont’d)

Current Consents, Authorisations and Licenses

Number Granted by Grant Date Expiry Date Purpose

ML6406 25 Jan 1974 17 Jan 2022

Licences - Environmental

EPL5473 Environment

Protection Authority

5 September

1999

Renewed

annually

Regulation of noise, dust and water

emissions from the Mine Site (provided as

Appendix 4).

EPL5473 Environment


7 November

2003

NA Notice of Variation of Licence

EPL 5473 Environment


28 January

2011 NA

Licence varied by correction to DECCW

region record

EPL 5473 Environment


17 June

2014 NA Licence variation 1505946

Licence

451536

Trade & Investment –

Crown Lands 23 Feb 2010 NA Licence for pipeline and pump site

WAL 28643 NSW Office of Water 1993 NA 300ML Water Access Licence – Bogan

Weir

Source: Alkane Resources Ltd

1.4 LAND OWNERSHIP AND LAND USE

Plan 1A provides an aerial photo of the Mine Site and its surrounds. Land uses within and

surrounding the Mine Site includes the following:

Urban residential and rural residential;

Agriculture;

Transportation (Newell Highway);

Water Supply Infrastructure on Peak Hill, Reservoir access road, communications

towers, rising and gravity water mains;

Peak Hill Solid Waste Depot off Roose Road;

Commercial main street of Peak Hill;

Recreation (Open Cut Experience - Tourist Mine);

Historic mined landscape - namely Crown workings and alluvial mine shafts; and

Bushland owned by Peak Hill Local Aboriginal Lands Council


15

1.5 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

1.5.1 Community Consultation

Consultation was undertaken with the local community, indigenous representatives (Peak Hill

Aboriginal Community Working Party) and relevant government agencies throughout the

operating life of the Peak Hill Gold Mine and during mine closure planning.

Alkane has been consulted in early 2015 by Parkes Council on their intentions to renovate the

Open Cut visitor amenities.Establishing a tourist mine, post mine closure was a voluntary

commitment made by Alkane Resources as a demonstration of its commitment to sustainable

development. The community has been keen to have continued access to the mining leases on

the hill post mine closure.

1.5.2 Government Agency Consultation

The following government agencies were consulted during the preparation of this MOP.

Environment Protection Authority.

Parkes Shire Council.

In addition, draft versions of this document have been provided to the Division of

Resources and Energy and comments received were taken into account when finalising the

document.

2. P R O P O S E D M I N I N G A C T I V I T I E S

2.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Peak Hill Gold Mine includes the following components (Figure 1).

Mine site access road (off Roose Road).

3 bedroom transportable house with carport.

Mine site office, crib room and steel shed (concrete slab floor).

Core shed, sea container (exploration access and continuing use).

5 HDPE lined ponds (await re-use or final rehabilitation).

Rehabilitated Final Landforms (waste rock emplacement, heap leach and ROM Pad).

Open cut voids (fenced):

– Proprietary and Parkers Open Cut (including Parkers Cut Back);

– Great Eastern Open Cut;

– Crown Open Cut;

– Bobby Burns Open Cut (partially back filled); and

– Historic (1890-1915) Crown Workings and alluvial workings (fenced).


Peak Hill Gold Mine

16

Bobby Burns to Proprietary Haul Road (fire break).

Buried water pipeline from “Westray”, the Bogan Weir and Peak Hill Sewage

Treatment Works.

A transformer and electrical distribution network within the Mine Site.

A potable water supply pipeline from the Peak Hill reservoir reticulated to Mine Site

buildings.

Grassed waterways and sediment ponds in the northeast and northwest corners of the

mine site.

3 Groundwater monitoring bores around the north eastern perimeter of the mine site.

Viewing platform and 22 interpretive signs around the Open Cut Experience.

Table 3 below details the domains within the Mine Site, their size and major assets contained.

Note that the areas detailed are based on maximum disturbance within the term of the MOP. A

detailed description of each domain is provided in Section 5.1.


17

Figure 1 Site Layout

A3/colour


Peak Hill Gold Mine

18

Table 3

Major Assets per Domain

Domain Size

(approx.

ha)

Assets Use & Details

1 - Infrastructure Area 8.5 Roads: site access.

Buildings: Including site office, house,

crib room, core yard and amenities.

Processing: Including workshop shed,

wet plant slab and man-proof fencing

5 HDPE-lined ponds (processing and

overflow)

Roads provide access to

open cuts, site entry and

inspection to site areas.

Buildings still in use and

maintained.

Wet plant structures

removed from site in

2010 and only slab

remains.

Contain rain water only

which evaporates during

the year

2 – Residue 24.2 5Mt of heap and dump leach (spent ore)

contoured to direct runoff to a downslope

rock-lined flume.

Includes 0.6Ha dump leach trial area

The crushed ore in the heap leach does

have some commercial value as

construction material. RMS used spent

heap leach material for shoulder widening

on Newell Highway in 1999

Rehabilitated as a final

landform

3 - Water Management

Area

1.5 Includes two sedimentation ponds, dam

near contractors area and grassed table

drains and waterways

Table drains and grassed

waterways are for

management of rainfall

run-off

4 - Overburden

Emplacement Area

(Waste Rock

Emplacement and ROM

pad)

27.0 5 Mt on waste rock including 815,000

tonnes of sulphidic material (>1 g Au/t)

which is encapsulated in oxide waste rock

(<0.5g Au/t).

Includes 4.5Ha Rom pad constructed

from oxidised waste rock

Shaped and rehabilitated

WRE has maximum

height of 25m and heap

leach has a maximum

height of 20m

5 - Stockpiled Material 0.7 Top soil stockpile south of overflow pond Temporarily rehabilitated

with pasture

6 - Void (Open Cut) 14.6 Includes four voids at the end of the MOP

period.

Part of tourist mine

attractions

7 - Rehabilitation Area –

Pasture

1.3 During the MOP period no additional

areas will be rehabilitated to pasture

Biodiversity asset

8 - Underground Mining

Area (SMP)

0 Underground mining was not part of this

development

N/A

9 - Conservation &

Biodiversity Area

76 There was no biodiversity offset required

for this mine site. However, it should be

noted that biodiversity has increased as

result of the PHGM.

Tourist Mine

10 - Rural Land 47 Areas largely undisturbed by mining

(49Ha) Grazing licence as part of “Little

Biodiversity and


19

Oakleigh” Lease (8 Ha) Agriculture (grazing)

Note: The WRE extends across 2.65Ha of Lot 326 which was used as a solid waste Depot by Parkes Shire Council. This land will ultimately be

replaced by 4Ha subdivided off Lot 380 which is owned by Alkane Resources Ltd. Subdivision should occur in 2015.


2.2 ACTIVITIES OVER THE MOP TERM

2.2.1 Exploration

Exploration activity will continue during this MOP period. Exploration personnel will continue

to access the core yard, house and site offices as part of their normal activities.

The Peak Hill Gold Mine MLs contain a known sulphide resource totalling 4.91Mt grading at

2.05g/t Au and 0.17%Cu (1.0g/t Au cut off).

Exploration activities may include the following:

Geochemical sampling;

Geological mapping;

Geophysics; and

Diamond and Reverse Circulation drilling.

The objective of the exploration program will be to further define the known resource, as well

as identify additional resources within the Mine Site.

Environmental management of exploration activities will continue to be implemented to ensure

the final rehabilitation of the exploration areas is consistent with the rehabilitation objectives

identified in Section 5.2 of this document.

Finally, reporting of the environmental performance of the exploration activities will be

included within the Mine’s AEMR. Technical reporting of exploration activities will be

undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the document Exploration reporting: A

guide for reporting on exploration and prospecting in New South Wales published by Industry

and Investment NSW – Minerals and Energy in October 2010.

2.2.2 Construction

No construction is planned for the MOP period. Mining Operations (Including Mining

Purposes)

No mining will be undertaken on the PHGM MLs during this MOP period.

There are no plans to disturb previously rehabilitated areas during the MOP period other than

the removal of the remaining topsoil stockpile.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

20

2.2.3 Rock/Overburden Emplacement

2.2.3.1 Introduction

All areas that were used as waste rock emplacements (WRE) have been shaped and

rehabilitated as final landforms. For the purposes of this MOP waste rock emplacements

include the WRE and ROM Pad (constructed from oxidised waste rock).

2.2.3.2 Waste Rock Emplacement Area

Design Criteria and Status

Approximately 10 million tonnes of rock were mined at PHGM between 1996 and 2002.

Approximately 5 million tonnes were classified as oxide ore and sent to leach pads for heap

(>0.75g/t Au) or dump leaching (0.5g/t Au-0.75g/t Au).

The WRE at PHGM contains 4,035,110t of oxidised waste rock and 815,059t of sulphidic

waste rock. The sulphidic material has been encapsulated under 1.5m cap of inert and low

permeability oxide material. The top of the WRE has been shaped with a 1:200 slope to a

concrete downslope flume (designed and constructed by SoilWorks in 2002).

Some sulphidic waste from active mining areas was used in October 2002 to partially backfill

the Proprietary Pit from a tip head on the main ramp. This back-fill has assisted in stabilising a

zone of pit wall weakness on the western edge of the Proprietary pit.

Waste rock from the Crown Pit was used to partially back-fill the Bobby Burns Pit to reduce

depth of the final void against the Reservoir Access Road and to minimise waste movement.

Table 4 presents the indicative design criteria for WRE and indicative status at end of this

MOP.

Table 4

Indicative Waste Rock Emplacement Design Criteria

Design Criteria

Waste Rock

Emplacement ROM

Design

End

of

MOP

Design

End

of

MOP

Area (ha) 22.7 22.7 4.5 4.5

Maximum height (m) 21.5 21.5 10 10

Lift heights (m) 10 10 10 10

Number of lifts 2 2 1 1

Berm widths (m) 5 5 5 5

Batter Slope (V:H) 1:3 1:3 1:3 1:3

Volume (million m3) ? ? ? ?


21

2.2.3.3 Waste Rock Characteristics

The acid generating potential of sulphidic material at PHGM is very high and for that reason

great care was taken during the handling and disposal of 815,059t of sulphidic waste rock in the

WRE. The sulphidic material has been encapsulated under 1.5m cap of inert and low

permeability oxide material. The top of the WRE has been shaped with a 1:200 slope to a

concrete downslope flume (designed and constructed by SoilWorks in 2002).

2.2.3.4 Waste Rock Emplacement Methods

The excavated waste rock was paddock dumped by a fleet of 773B dump trucks within the

approved emplacement area before being shaped and profiled by bulldozer. Each emplacement

was progressively lifted in 10m vertical increments with a batter slope of 18º created for each

lift. A final face angle of each lift of 1:3 (V:H) was shaped with a D7H bulldozer. Between

each lift, a 5m wide berm with a 1:20 (V:H) or 5% back slope and a 1:200 (V:H) or 0.5%

longitudinal grade was constructed. The WRE was compacted during construction by heavy

vehicles travelling over its surface.

Rehab was progressed incrementally (each year) of the 1:3 batters. Vegetative cover was

established on 20cm of topsoil and a pasture mix of introduced and native perennial and annual

species.

2.2.4 Processing Residues

2.2.4.1 Design Criteria and Status

For the purpose of this MOP the heap and dump leach are considered as processing residues as

this landform is different in nature to the WRE. The processing residue is effectively spent ore

(rather than tailings).

Key features of the Heap and Dump Leach include the following:

Area – 24 Ha;

2 lifts of 10m height each;

Pad construction included topsoil removal, scarification and stick picking before

compaction with vibrating roller to achieve <10-7

infiltration;

300m x 180m pad areas lined with welded 1.0mm thick HDPE;

Leak detection system under pads reporting to sumps;

Final batter design during rehabilitation 1:3 (V:H);

Clay capped top of the final landform; and

Waterways and berms delivering rainfall runoff to geotextile (Bidim A34) and basalt

(240mm (D50)) rock-lined flume.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

22

2.2.4.2 Residue Transfer Method

Crushed and agglomerated ore was stacked using a pad conveyor and radial stacker in 2 x 10m

lifts in modules.

Heap leach operations recycle cyanide solution though pumps and poly pipe from the process

ponds through the heap leach material. Ultimately the ‘waste residue’ is spent ore (crushed to

7mm) or else dump leach material (50 micron-50cm diameter).

Cyanide additions to the process solutions at PHGM ceased 9 July 2004. Processing solution

with diminishing amounts of cyanide solution were recycled through until the levels of WAD

cyanide were below 10ppm.

By October 2005 return solution from the heap leach broadly met livestock drinking water

quality.

2.2.5 Waste Management

In most cases non-production waste generated across the MOP period will be collected on site

and removed for disposal or recycling by a suitably qualified contractor. Table 5 presents an

estimate of the non-production waste and briefly describes how each class of waste is stored

and subsequently removed from site.

Table 5

Non-Production Waste Management

Waste Type Storage / Management Removal / Disposal

General waste (including

food scraps)

Covered bins or skips located within lunch

rooms, offices, outside workshops and

elsewhere as required. Where these bins

are located in open areas they are fitted

with animal proof lids.

Site supervisor takes waste products

to Peak Hill Solid Waste Depot.

General Recyclables Covered bins or skips located within lunch

rooms, offices, outside workshops and

elsewhere as required. Where these bins

are located in open areas they are fitted

with animal proof lids.

Site supervisor takes waste products

to Peak Hill Solid Waste Depot.

Waste Oils & Greases There is one Ford 500 tractor and one light

vehicle on the mine site so there are very

few waste oils produced.

Collected on an occasional basis by a

licensed contractor and transported to

an appropriately licensed facility for

recycling.

Batteries Placed within a covered and marked used

battery storage area until removed from

site.

Collected on a regular basis by a

licensed contractor and transported to

an appropriately licensed facility for

recycling.

Tyres Placed within a marked used tyre storage

area until removed from site or used for

another purpose.

Tyres are taken to Peak Hill Solid

Waste Depot.

Scrap Metal Stored in a specified area within the

workshop area or elsewhere as required.

Collected on a regular basis by a

scrap metal recycler.

Waste Water Treated in the onsite septic system attached

the house

Contractor (Septic Sam) on as needs

basis


23

2.2.6 Decommissioning and Demolition Activities

There are no areas or permanent structures expected to be decommissioned or demolished until

2021 (during the MOP period).

The decommissioning of the HDPE lined process ponds is scheduled for 2021.

2.2.7 Temporary Stabilisation

It is expected that only one soil stockpile will require temporary stabilisation during the MOP

period.

The one remaining soil stockpile on site located south of the large overflow pond has had a

good pasture cover on it since 2005.

2.2.8 Progressive Rehabilitation and Completion

During the MOP term progressive rehabilitation will occur. There are three areas on the ML

that contain approximately 100 tonnes of sulphidic waste rock that will be removed to the base

of Gilligan’s Island in the Proprietary pit. An excavator and tipper truck will be required to

mobilise to site for this task.

Agricultural limesone at approximately 2.5tonne/Ha will be applied and fresh topsoil (20cm

depth) will be applied to the three affected areas:

Southern edge of ROM pad;

Trial dump leach site; and

25m of bund on the eastern edge of the Haul Road to the Proprietary Pit.

This work is scheduled for completion in the 2015-2016 financial year.

Final rehabilitation of the ML will include the following tasks provided that a decision to

develop the sulphide resource at Peak Hill is not made by the end of 2021:

Removal of concrete slabs associated with wet plant and processing ponds;

Removal of HDPE liner in ponds and rehabilitation of processing and overflow ponds;

and

Burial of poly and PVC pipe in the void of the processing ponds.

These three infrastructure residues are proposed to be buried in one or more of the processing

pond voids (pending EPA approval) or otherwise will need to be transported off site to a

suitable waste disposal facility.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

24

In 2021 it is proposed that the processing ponds, which are excavated into clay subsoil, be re-

shaped, compacted over buried concrete, HDPE and PVC and poly pipe and left as ephemeral

wetlands as this would further increase habitat diversity across the MLs. Empheral wetlands

like most water sources in a temperature landscape are known as biodiversity hotspots.

The timing of these phases is discussed in Section 5.3, with further details of the activities

discussed in Section 7.2.

2.2.9 Material Production Schedule during MOP Term

There is no material production scheduled for the term of the MOP.

discussed in Section 7.2.

2.2.10 Modification of Consent 648/93

Condition 4.9 of Development Consent No. 648/93 requires the Applicant to:

‘Ensure the site is progressively rehabilitated as outlined in the Environmental Impact

Statement and in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Conservation and

Land Management, Department of Mineral Resources and Council.’

Section 2.13.6 of the Environmental Impact Statement, under the heading Plant and Equipment,

states:

‘At the completion of the project, the crushers, conveyors, the wet plant, buildings and all

ancillary equipment would be decommissioned and removed. All portable buildings would

be removed intact. All concrete footings/slabs would either be broken up, removed and

placed in the raw water pond or covered with waste rock and soil. The raw water

pregnant, intermediate, barren and overflow ponds would be filled with waste rock, subsoil

and soil respread, and the area revegetated. The fire pond, sedimentation pond and runoff

pond would be retained as water holding structures for future waste depot, fire

suppression and/or agricultural use.’

Condition 4.9 of the Consent expressly requires the progressive rehabilitation of the mine site to

be carried out in accordance with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The terms of the

EIS that relates to the requirement to remove all portable buildings intact have the same status

and force of condition 4.9.

Failure to comply with those terms could be seen as a breach of the Consent.

It will be necessary for the Consent to be modified so that it no longer contains a requirement

for the portable buildings to be removed from the site. A modification application will need to

be lodged and determined under section 96(1A) of the EP&A Act.

Modification of the Consent 648/93

Advice was received on 27 February 2015 from Parkes Shire Council that Alkane should lodge

a modification application pursuant to Section 96(1A) of the EP&A Act. An application fee of

$1,445 is required to process that application.


25

The proposed modification will have minimal environmental impact.

It is requested that Condition 4.9 of Development Consent No. 648/93 be deleted and replaced

instead with the following condition:

‘Ensure the site is progressively rehabilitated in accordance with the Peak Hill Gold Mine

Mining Operations Plan 2014-2022 which was prepared in consultation with Mineral

Resources & Energy, Parkes Shire Council and the NSW Environment Protection

Authority.

3. E N V I R O N M E N TA L I S S U E S M A N A G E M E N T

3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT

An Environmental Risk Assessment was conducted as part of the Peak Hill Gold Mine

Environmental Impact Assessment process.

The Peak Hill Gold Mine operated within an Environmental Management System which was

prepared in house and included in Peak Hill Gold Mine MREMP 1997 and Annual Report 1996.

Many of the specific risks detailed in MREMPs during mining operations no longer exist as

there is no active mining activity on the mine site.

Notwithstanding the above, the Company has undertaken a further risk assessment focusing on

rehabilitation-specific risks. That assessment has also been undertaken generally in accordance

with AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management - Principles & Guidelines. Tables 6, 7 and 8

present the consequence, likelihood and risk rating used during this analysis. Table 9 presents

the results of the risk analysis assuming that industry minimum standard mitigation measures

only are implemented.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

26

Table 6

Qualitative Consequence Rating

Level Descriptor Description

1 Negligible No detrimental impact on the environment is measurable or envisaged.

2 Minor An event which could have temporary and minor effects on the environment,

such as a non-reportable environment incident.

3 Moderate An event which would create substantial temporary or minor permanent

damage to the environment, such as a reportable incident not likely to result in

prosecution.

4 Major An event which could have a substantial and permanent consequence to the

environment such as an environmental incident which would result in

prosecution, adverse local publicity and community complaints.

5 Severe

A major event which could cause severe damage to the environment with

actual or potential loss of credibility with key stakeholders, environmental

liability, regulatory intervention, national publicity/complaints, or could close

the operation prematurely. Note: Rating modified after AS/NZS ISO31000:2009 Risk Management - Principles & Guidelines

Table 7

Qualitative Likelihood Rating

Level Descriptor Description

Indicative

Frequency

A Almost Certain Is expected to occur in most circumstances Once a year or more

frequently

B Likely Will probably occur in most circumstances Once every three

years

C Possible Might occur at some time Once every ten years

D Unlikely Could occur at some time Once every thirty

years

E Rare May occur only in exceptional circumstances Once every 100 years

Note: Rating modified after AS/NZS ISO31000:2009 Risk Management - Principles & Guidelines

Table 8

Qualitative Risk Rating

Likelihood

Consequences

Negligible 1

Minor

2

Moderate

3

Major

4 Severe 5

A (Almost Certain) M H H VH VH

B (Likely) M M H H VH

C (Possible) L M H H H

D (Unlikely) L L M M H

E (Rare) L L M M H

Note: Rating modified after AS/NZS ISO31000:2009 Risk Management - Principles & Guidelines


27

Table 9

Key Rehabilitation-related Risks during the MOP Term

Issue

Ex

plo

rati

on

La

nd

pre

pa

rati

on

, v

eget

ati

on

an

d t

op

soil

str

ipp

ing

All

dem

oli

tio

n

act

ivit

ies

incl

ud

ing

ea

rth

mo

vin

g

Use

/ m

ain

ten

an

ce o

f ro

ad

s,

fen

ces,

tra

ck a

nd

eq

uip

men

t

Ha

zard

ou

s m

ate

ria

ls a

nd

fuel

, h

an

dli

ng

/ s

pil

ls

ma

na

gem

ent

Sew

era

ge

Ru

bb

ish

dis

po

sal

Reh

ab

ilit

ati

on

act

ivit

ies

Reh

ab

ilit

ate

d l

an

d a

nd

rem

ain

ing

fea

ture

s

air pollution, dust / other L(2D) L(2D) L(2D) L(2D) L(1E) L(1E) L(1E) L(2D) L(2E)

erosion / sediment

minimisation L(1E) L(1C) L(2D) L(1D) L(1E) L(1E) - L(2D) L(2E)

surface water pollution L(1E) L(2D) L(2D) L(1D) L(1E) L(1E) - L(2D) L(2E)

ground water pollution L(1D) - - - L(2D) L(2D) - - -

contaminated or polluted land L(1E) - - - M(3D) L(2D) L(1E) - -

threatened flora protection L(1E) M(3D) - - - - - L(2D) L(2D)

threatened fauna protection L(1E) L(2D) - - - - - L(2D) L(2D)

weed control and management L(1E) L(1E) - - - - - M(2B) M(2B)

operational noise M(2C) M(2C) L(2D) L(1E) - - - L(2D) L(2D)

vibration and air blast - - - - - - - - -

visual amenity, stray light L(2D) L(2D) L(2E) L(1E) - - - L(1C) L(1C)

aboriginal heritage L(2D) - - L(2D) - - - - L(1E)

Non- Aboriginal heritage - L(2D) - L(1D) - - - L(2D) L(1E)

bushfire L(2E) L(2E) - - - - - L(2E) L(2E)

mine subsidence/pit wall

failure - - M(2B) - - - - M(2C) L(1E)

hydrocarbon contamination L(2D) L(2D) L(2D) L(2D) L(2D) - L(2D) L(2D) L(2D)

public safety L(1E) L(2E) L(2E) - L(2E) - - L(2E) H(4C)


Peak Hill Gold Mine

28

3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT

3.2.1 Specific Risks relating to Rehabilitation

Geology and geochemistry

The geochemical characteristics of the wastes, including residue from ore, were assessed as part

of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the project. In particular, the wastes were

assessed for their net acid generation potential as when rock material containing naturally

occurring sulphide materials is exposed to oxygen, the sulphide materials can oxidise to form a

low pH or acidic leachate. That test work determined the following:

Oxidised material within the Mine Site is non-acid forming; and

Primary or non-oxidised material within the open cuts contains concentrations of

sulphide material which is potentially acid forming. The sulphides encapsulated in the

WRE are not acid forming while they are kept dry.

Erosion and sediment control

An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (Hoynes, Wheeler & Thorne 1995) was implemented

during the construction of the mine site.

The northeast and northwest sediment ponds are permanent structures which receive waters

from permanent grassed water ways and table drains. Both pond perimeters were planted in

1996 with tree species commonly found in local riparian environments.

Those plantings are now regenerating/recruiting new trees.

The northeast sediment pond contains a deep section of semi-permanent water and a larger area

that is periodically inundated.

A former farm dam north of the contractors shed acts as a sediment basin receiving waters that

are shed from the WRE.

Soil type(s) and suitability

Soils in the Peak Hill area include Sodosols and Dermasols. Sodosols have an abrupt increase

of clay down the profile and high sodium content which may lead to soil dispersion and

instability (northeast sediment pond).

The soils across the final landforms are Anthroposols (soil parent materials have been made or

altered by human action).

Soil across the ML fall in two types;

Gravelly loam over red gravelly clays (on the hill). Highly disturbed by mining and

processing operations 1889-1917 and exploration in the 1980’s, and


29

Gravelly red/brown loam over gravelly red/yellow mottled clays (Lot 380). Disturbed

by agriculture (cropping and soil conservation works up until 1996). Disturbed by

mining and topsoil stripping and stockpiling.

Both soil types have proven to be suitable to rehabilitation with pasture species and woody

vegetation.

Graminus Consulting has commenced soil sampling as part of Landscape Function Analysis

reporting (Aug & Oct 2013 and May 2014).

Flora & Fauna

Biodiversity across the MLs has increased significantly since 1996. Prior to 1995 the mine site

(Lot 380) was cleared of all but a individual paddock trees. Conventional tillage and cropping

took the place of a fromer Grey Box Woodland for decades prior to mining activity

recommencing. Stubble burning and grazing of livestock had weakened some of the remnant

Gey Box, Wilga and White Cypress Pine Trees. Approximately 53 trees were cleared across

Lot 380 for mining but many hundreds of trees were planted as replacements. Those trees are

now recruiting new generations naturally.

Woodland and grassland bird species White Winged Choughs, Thornbills, and double barred

finches are known to now nest or at least frequently feed on Lot 380.

Two macropods (Red Necked Wallaby and Wallaroo) are now common on Lot 380 where they

did not exist in 1995.

Several actions which have led to an increase in biodiversity value across the ML:

Hard rubbish removal;

Weed control (particularly African Boxthorn);

Screen plantings of local tree and shrub species (much of the seed was local provenance

collected from “Genaren”, Peak Hill;

Exclusion of livestock allowed natural regeneration of trees and shrubs;

Exclusion of people and dogs from MLs has allowed two additional species of

macropods to colonise the leases;

Diversity of landform (rocky cliffs, wetlands, permanent pastures, exposure of old

workings (tunnels), woodlands;

Birds are nesting in rehabilitation plantings; and

Echidnas have returned to the ML after at least 10 years absence.

Public Safety

There will be a residual risk to public safety through unauthorised access to voids. Man-proof

fencing is cut or vandalised from time to time by trespassers. Trespassers expose themselves to

the risk of falling into a void.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

30

Other Risks

Ongoing risks remain with the need to control of noxious weeds and pest animal populations.

Macropod population can impact negatively on landform stability.

4. P O S T M I N I N G L A N D U S E

4.1 REGULARTORY REQUIREMENTS

Regulatory requirements specifically affecting the progress towards the post mining land use

are detailed in Table 10.

4.2 POST MINING LAND USE GOAL

The nominated post mining land use goals for the Mine are:

to implement successful design and rehabilitation of landforms to ensure structural

stability, revegetation success and containment of wastes;

to ensure rehabilitation and revegetation is self-sustaining; and

to retain areas of the Mine Site amenable to future mining or tourist activities.


31

Table 10

Regulatory Requirements for Rehabilitation

Source Document Subject Rehabilitation Objective

Mining Lease General Any disturbance as a result of activities under this lease must be rehabilitated to the satisfaction of the

Director General.

Rehabilitation Security Provide and maintain a security deposit.

Safety All shafts and excavations are to be appropriately protected (Condition 11).

Rehabilitation Rehabilitate all areas disturbed by operations (Condition 16).

Environmental Impact

Assessment (RWC

1993)

Provenance Trees and shrub species for rehab from locally sourced seed (EIS pg. 101).

Final Landform and Land

Use

Rehabilitation of final land forms and land use as per Section 2.13 of the EIS.

Revegetation Enhance aesthetic value of existing vegetation communities through weed control and supplementary

planting (EIS pg. 49). Revegetation with native tree and shrub species and/or pasture species comparable

with pre-existing vegetation communities

Soil Management Follow the procedures for Soil Stripping and Stockpile Management detailed in Section 2.4.3 of the EIS.

Development Consent

(Parkes Shire Council)

General Provide a minimum of 4Ha to PSC for Waste Disposal Purposes (Condition 1.25).

Water Supply Transfer ownership of pipeline system and pumping facilities and licences to Parkes Shire Council

(Condition 10.2).

Visual Amenity Provide screening of mining operations and associated activities (EIS pg. 101).

Progressively reshape and rehabilitate areas, including waste rock emplacements, no longer required for

mining related purposes.

Draft Mine Closure

Plan (Alkane 2002)

Heritage Open Cut Experience – tourist potential to be developed by Council led committee (Pg. 12).

Final Landuse Some form of covenant required to protect ML for conservation and heritage values (Pg. 15).

Infrastructure Office residence and core yard to be removed and hard stand ripped and rehabilitated (Pg. 15).

Mineral resources Future use for mining should not be overlooked in long term planning (Pg. 17).


Peak Hill Gold Mine

32

4.3 REHABILITATION OBJECTIVES

In order to achieve the nominated post mining land use goals, the objectives of rehabilitation

activities are as presented in Table 11.

Table 11

Rehabilitation Objectives

Feature Objective Target

Land Use Provide for a combination of light industrial /

commercial and biodiversity conservation.

Rehabilitate site in accordance with Plan

4.

Minimise adverse socio-economic outcomes

following mine closure.

Continue to consult on the post-mining

land use with the community and

government agencies. Rehabilitate site in

accordance with Plan 4, unless otherwise

agreed.

Landform Provide a low maintenance, geotechnical stable and

safe, non-polluting landform which blends with

surrounding landforms (ie. is not an eyesore) and

provides land suitable for the proposed final land

use.

Landscape Function Analysis monitoring

results show the landform ecosystem is

stable.

Construct the final landform such that it is self-

sustaining, i.e. has maintenance requirements

consistent with the agreed post mining land use(s).

Rehabilitate site in accordance with Plan

4.

Provide rehabilitated woodland communities which

adjoin conserved and improved native vegetation

remnants to create a contiguous corridor of grassy

woodland vegetation across the mine site.

Monitoring to confirm that woodland

vegetation is contiguous.

Biodiversity Maintain or improve the species diversity and

habitat value of the Mining Lease.

Already outperformed. Biodiversity of

the mine site has increased steadily since

1996.

Surface

Infrastructure Decommission and remove all surface infrastructure

(unless required for a lawful post mining land use).

All surface infrastructure removed

(unless required for a lawful post mining

land use).

Final Voids

Ensure all final voids are safe, stable and secure.

Construct a safety bund around all open

cut and install a man-proof fence and

lockable gates. Potential tourist mine.

Other Allow for the relinquishment of the Mining Lease

and the return of the security lodged over the Mining

Lease within a reasonable time after the end of the

mine life.

By 17 January 2022 unless another mine

development is underway.


33

5. R E H A B I L I TAT I O N P L A N N I N G A N D

M A N A G E M E N T

5.1 DOMAIN SELECTION

5.1.1 Introduction

A domain is a land management unit within the Mine Site. For the purposes of this MOP, the

Mine Site domains comprise primary and secondary domains as follows.

1. Primary or operational domains - categorised on the basis of mining-related

activities occurring within each domain.

2. Secondary or post-mining land use domains - categorised on the basis of similar

post-mining land use objectives and rehabilitation outcomes.

Table 8 identifies the domains defined for the Mine and used throughout this MOP

Table 12

Primary and Secondary MOP Domains

Code Primary Domains (operational) Code Secondary Domains (Post Mining Land

Use)

1 Infrastructure Area A Infrastructure

2 Residue Storage Facility B Water Management Area

3 Water Management Area C Rehabilitation Area – Grassland

4 Overburden Emplacement Area D Rehabilitation Area – Pasture

5 Stockpiled Material E Rehabilitation Area - Woodland

6 Void (Open cut void) F Rehabilitation Area – Forest

7 Rehabilitation Area – Pasture G Rehabilitation Area – Rural Land Capability

Classification I to VIII

8 Underground Mining Area (SMP) H Relinquished Lands

9 Conservation and Biodiversity Offset Area

(essentially undisturbed by recent mining

activities)

I Final Void

10 Rural Land (essentially undisturbed by recent

mining activities)

J Conservation and Biodiversity Offset Area

Plan 2 presents the status of the rehabilitation domains at MOP commencement and Plans 3A

to 3C show the status at the end of each year throughout the MOP term. The following

subsections provide a description of each of the domains.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

34

5.1.2 Primary Domains

5.1.2.1 Domain 1 – Infrastructure Areas

This domain includes:

the man-proof fencing, processing plant slab, 5 HDPE-lined ponds, laboratory, shed,

core yard, site office and car port, crib hut and house; and

those sections of the following that are within the Mine Site:

– main site access road;

– water supply infrastructure;

– power infrastructure; and

– internal roads.

The processing plant slab and 5 HDPE-lined ponds will remain as part of this Domain until

2021. It is proposed that the other infrastructure remain permanently on site.

5.1.2.2 Domain 2 – Residue Storage Facility

This domain is limited to the footprint of the heap leach pads which has been shaped and

rehabilitated, including the embankments and water management structures.

5.1.2.3 Domain 3 – Water Management Areas

This domain is limited to water management structures (northeast and northwest sediment

ponds and small dam below contractor’s area), waterways and table drains which receive water

from mine site.

5.1.2.4 Domain 4 – Waste Rock Emplacements

This domain is limited to the Waste Rock Emplacement and ROM Pad.

5.1.2.5 Domain 5 – Stockpiled Material

This domain is limited to the one remaining soil stockpile on the mine site.

5.1.2.6 Domain 6 – Open Cut Voids

This domain is limited to the open cut voids (Proprietary, Parkers, Parkers Cut Back, Great

Eastern, Crown and Bobby Burns pits) as well as the historic Crown workings (slot stopes open

to surface).


35

5.1.2.7 Domain 7 – Rehabilitation Area

This domain is limited to sections of the Mine Site that are adjacent to active sections of the

Mine Site but would not be directly disturbed.

5.1.2.8 Domain 9 – Conservation and Biodiversity Offset Areas

This domain includes areas outside of the disturbance footprint on the hill (including parts of

the Tourist Mine) as well as areas not disturbed by mining activity 1996-2005.

5.1.2.9 Domain 10 – Rural Lands

This domain is limited to an area on the south-eastern corner of the Mining Lease which is

grazed under licence as part of the Alkane owned property, “Little Oakleigh”.

Parts of Lot 380 that are largely undisturbed by recent mining are also included in this domain.

5.1.3 Secondary Domains

5.1.3.1 Domain A – Infrastructure

This domain includes infrastructure that potentially has some value for ongoing land use on the

site

laboratory, shed, core yard, site office and car port, crib hut and house; and





– internal roads.

5.1.3.2 Domain B – Water Management Areas

This domain is limited to water management structures (northeast and northwest sediment

ponds and small dam below contractor’s area) waterways and table drains which receive water

from mine site.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

36

5.1.3.3 Domain C – Rehabilitation Area – Grassland

This domain includes those areas of the Mine Site that that have been rehabilitated to grassland.

Shrubs and trees are gradually regenerating across the minesite where grazing pressure by

macropods will allow.

This domain includes:

The final landforms of the heap leach and WRE, part of the ROM pad, and an area west

of the Proprietary pit which had historic mine tailings removed in 1998 to McPhail (3km

south of Tomingley).

The final landforms support a mixture of introduced and native, perennial and annual species of

grasses and legumes. This species mix was introduced to the minesite progressively between

1996 and 2005. The reasoning behind this mix was to ensure that landform batters of 3:1 would

stabilise as quickly as possible through a variety of groundcover species which could respond

rainfall events throughout the year. This species mix was discussed through the MREMP

process. None of these species are noxious weeds, though government agencies which once

ussed and recommended these species particularly in soil conservation works along roadside

and in paddocks have now moved away from using some of the species now established at the

site.

5.1.3.4 Domain E – Rehabilitation Area –Woodland

This domain includes those areas of the Mine Site that have been rehabilitated to a woodland

consistent with the Tumbledown Gum/Currawang Community which grows on rocky rises such

as Peak Hill.

The western edge of the ROM Pad, floor of Bobby Burns and Parkers Cut back are examples of

this regenerated woodland.

5.1.3.5 Domain G – Rehabilitation Area – Rural Land

This domain contains part of the grazing property “Little Oakleigh” and the land that was

essentially undisturbed by the mining activities on Lot 380.

The landuse on Lot 380 immediately prior to the grant of development consent was cultivation

for grain production.

While some areas of the Mine Site that have been rehabilitated in a manner suitable for

agricultural purposes, including grazing and cropping it is the Company’s view that the mine

site is better suited for tourism and biodiversity values.

Both the heap leach and WRE support a diverse and healthy cover of grasses and legumes

however the 3:1 batters would be damaged by hard hoofed grazing animals and put the final

landform at risk if it is not managed extremely conservatively.


37

5.1.3.6 Domain I – Final Voids

This domain contains the open cut voids (Proprietary, Parker, Parkers Cut Back, Great Eastern,

Crown and Bobby Burns’ pits) as well as the historic Crown workings (slot stopes open to

surface).

It should be noted that Parkers Cut Back and Bobby Burns voids have been part rehabilitated to

support woodland plant communities (since 2002).

5.1.3.7 Domain J – Conservation and Biodiversity Areas

This domain includes areas that are managed for their biodiversity and tourism value (Open Cut

Experience – Tourist Mine).

5.2 REHABILITATION DOMAIN OBJECTIVES

Table 12 presents the post mining rehabilitation objectives and Table 13 presents the

rehabilitation domain objectives. These objectives have been used to develop the performance

indicators and completion/relinquishment criteria presented in Section 6.

5.3 REHABILITATION PHASES

Successful rehabilitation is best considered in terms of logical steps or phases. That is, the

successful achievement of objectives for one phase is the precursor for progression to the next

phase, and so on until all rehabilitation objectives and criteria are complete. The use of

rehabilitation phases in this manner allows the progress of rehabilitation to be clearly managed

and monitored.

The rehabilitation hierarchy used in this MOP follows the guidance provided Explanatory

Note 2(h) of ESG3, which references seven separate phases as follows.

Phase 1: Active Area

This domain includes infrastructure that potentially has some value for ongoing land use on the

site

laboratory, shed, core yard, site office and car port, crib hut and house; and





– internal roads for use as fire breaks and/or firefighting access.

Phase 2: Decommissioning

Decommissioning includes the cessation of infrastructure usage, its demolition and removal

from the Mine Site or preparation for a supplementary post-mining land use. The order in which


Peak Hill Gold Mine

38

the decommissioning of the infrastructure occurs would be determined and agreed upon prior to

mine closure.

The site has largely been decommissioned (2005-2012) prior to this MOP.

The only decommissioning planned during the term of this MOP will occur in 2021 in Primary

Domain 1 –Infrastructure Area.

The HDPE lined ponds and wet plant slab will be decommissioned and man-proof fences

removed.

Phase 3: Landform Establishment

The landform establishment phase involves the earthworks required to construct and/or profile

all or part of each domain as nominated in the Project Approval or this MOP. The constructed

landform should be suitable for the proposed final land use and blend, as far as practicable with

the adjacent topography (ie not be an eyesore). This stage would also include the construction

of any drainage structures needed for the area.

It should be noted that landform establishment (other than processing ponds) was completed in

December 2005.

The decommissioned processing ponds will be established in 2021 as a chain of ephemeral

wetlands which will not discharge water. Because annual rainfall at Peak Hill is approximately

550 mm and annual evaporation is approximately 1700mm any rainwater water caught in a

turkeys nest (process ponds) will ultimately evaporate or be used by the vegetation growing in

them. The ponds will naturally wet and dry according to seasonal conditions.

It is likely the ponds will contain Cumbungi and other wetland species which would attract

Eastern long Necked Tortoise, a range of frog specie and wetland bird species (just as the

sediment ponds have attracted numerous species of wetland birds (see species lists in MREMP

documents for Peak Hill Gold Mine 1996-2002).

Phase 4: Growth Medium Development

The growth medium development phase involves the placement of weathered overburden,

subsoil and topsoil on the final landform and preparation of the surface for revegetation. Soil

preparation may include fertiliser or ameliorant application and ripping or scarifying the

surface.

This phase took place at the Peak Hill Gold Mine from 1996 to 2005 where sepaerately

stockpiled subsoil and topsoil were used to progressively rehabilitate the final landforms.

Approximately 20cm of subsoil and 20cm depth of topsoil were used in rehabilitation activities.

The waste rock emplacement had 200kg/Ha of NPK fertilizer (Granulock 15) and ag lime

2500kg/Haapplied by superspreader at the time of spreading a mixture of pasture species (see

MOP2003 and AEMR 2002).


39

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED

Table 13

Rehabilitation Domain Objectives Page 1 of 2

Primary Domain Secondary Domain Rehabilitation Objective

1 – Infrastructure Area A – Infrastructure All infrastructure and services not suitable for a lawful final land use to be removed.

All roads and hardstand areas to be retained for a lawful final land use reduced in width or

size to that suitable for final land use.

Domain safe and free from hazardous materials.

Remaining infrastructure suitable for a lawful final land use.

2 – Residue Storage

Facility (Heap Leach)

C – Grassland Infrastructure removed and domain made safe.

Free draining, stable and permanent landform established.

Soils, hydrology, and grassland ecosystem with maintenance needs no greater than those

of surrounding land.

Final landform non-polluting.

Vegetation dominated by grassland species.

3 – Water Management

Area

B – Water

Management Area Domain stable and non-polluting.

4 – Overburden

Emplacement Area

C/E – Grassland Stable and permanent landform established.

Soils, hydrology, and grassland ecosystem with maintenance needs no greater than those

of surrounding land.

Final landform non-polluting.

Vegetation dominated by grassland species.

Upper slope of ROM pad established as a Tumbledown Gum/Currawang community.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

40

Table 13 (Cont’d)

Rehabilitation Domain Objectives Page 2 of 2

Primary Domain Secondary Domain Rehabilitation Objective

5 – Stockpiled Material C – Grassland Land capability similar to existing land capability.

6 – Open Cut Voids I – Final Void Final landform safe, stable and secure.

Access to perimeter fences by formed tourist trails.

Habitat for birds and bats.

Batters softened (visually) by natural regeneration of Ironbark and Tumbledown

Gum/Currawang growing on berms.

7 – Rehabilitated Areas C – Grassland Land capability similar to existing land capability.

9 – Conservation and

Biodiversity Offset

Areas

J – Conservation and

Biodiversity Offset

Areas

Maximise preservation of remnant Tumbledown Gum/Currawang Community.

Preserve maximum amount of remnant vegetation.

Minimal pest plant species.

Tourism activities (under Tourist Mine Permit issued by Minister).

10 – Rural Land G – Rural Land Land capability similar to existing land capability.


41

Phase 5: Ecosystem and Land Use Establishment

The ecosystem and land use establishment phase involved the establishment and maintenance

of vegetation on the completed landform (1996-2005). On completion of ecosystem and land

use establishment for a final land use of nature conservation/native vegetation on the

constructed landform, an initial cover of native and introduced ground cover (grasses and

legumes) was established. Future revegetation will comprise seeding with a native wetland

species in the area of the former process and overflow ponds.

Phase 6: Ecosystem and Land Use Sustainability

The ecosystem and land use sustainability phase occurs once monitoring illustrates the

achievement of relevant performance indicators with respect to ecosystem development. Areas

of the landform may remain within this phase for extended periods whilst progress is made

towards achieving completion criteria. Landscape Function Analysis by a suitably qualified

person is the main monitoring tool that will be employed at the minesite to indicate a healthy

functioning ecosystem.

Phase 7: Land Relinquishment

On achievement of the nominated closure criteria for the lease, the land will be relinquished and

the rehabilitation security held by the DRE released in full for that component of the final

landform.

Table 8 provides a summary of the completed phases for the primary and secondary domains at

the end of this MOP. Further detail on the proposed rehabilitation to be completed each year of

the MOP is provided in Section 7.2. Section 7.3 and Table 14 provides further detail on the

relative areas (by rehabilitation phase) of each domain completed over the term of this MOP.

6. P E R F O R M A N C E I N D I C ATO R S , A N D

C O M P L E T I O N / R E L I N Q U I S H M E N T C R I T E R I A

Performance indicators and completion criteria provide a means by which the progress of

rehabilitation can be measured to quantitatively demonstrate the successful achievement of a

biophysical process, i.e. the standards that are to be met by successful rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation indicators and performance criteria are inter-related as a performance indicator is

an attribute of the biophysical environment (e.g. pH, slope, topsoil depth) that can be used to

approximate the progression of that biophysical process against a defined end point, i.e. the

completion/relinquishment criterion.

Table 15 provides the performance indicators and completion criteria developed for the Mine

to achieve the nominated post mining land use goals and rehabilitation objectives (refer to

Sections 4.2 and 4.3). The performance indicators also reference the Rehabilitation Domain

Objectives identified in Section 5.2. Maps 3A to 3C present the annual progression of mining

and rehabilitation activities throughout the term of the MOP.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

42

Table 14

Summary of Rehabilitation Phases proposed for Completion at the end of the MOP

Rehabilitation

Phase

Infr

ast

ruct

ure

–In

fra

stru

ctu

re (

1A

)

Infr

ast

ruct

ure

– B

iod

iver

sity

(1

J)

Hea

p L

each

– G

rass

lan

d (

2C

)

Wa

ter M

an

ag

emen

t A

rea

– W

ate

r m

an

ag

emen

t

Are

a (

3B

)

Wa

ste

Ro

ck E

mp

lace

men

t –

Gra

ssla

nd

(4

C)

RO

M P

ad

-

Gra

ssla

nd

& W

oo

dla

nd

(5

C &

5E

)

So

il S

tock

pil

es –

Ru

ral

La

nd

(5

C)

Op

en C

ut

Vo

ids

– F

ina

l V

oid

(6

I)

Reh

ab

ilit

ate

d A

rea

s –

Gra

ssla

nd

(7

C)

Co

nse

rva

tio

n a

nd

Bio

div

ersi

ty

Are

as

- C

on

serv

ati

on

an

d B

iod

iver

sity

A

rea

s (9

J)

Ru

ral

La

nd

– R

ura

l la

nd

(1

0G

)

Active Area

Decommissioning

Landform

Establishment

Growth Medium

Development

Ecosystem and Land

use Establishment

Ecosystem and land

use Sustainability

Relinquished Lands


43

Table 15 Rehabilitation Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria

Page 1 of 10

Objective Performance Indicator Completion Criteria Justification/

Source

Progress at

start of

MOP

Expected

Completion

TARP

Ref

No.

Phase 2 - Decommissioning

Domain 1 – Infrastructure Area

All infrastructure and services

not suitable for a lawful final

land use will be removed

Services disconnected Services not required for final land use

disconnected

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002

Commenced

2021

NA

Infrastructure removed Infrastructure not required for final

land use removed

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002

Commenced

2021

NA

All roads and hardstand areas

to be retained for a lawful

final land use reduced in

width to that suitable for final

land use.

Roads not required for final land

use are removed

Complete removal of road Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002 Commenced

2021

NA

Roads required for final land use

are reduced in width

Road reduced in width to that suitable

for final land use

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002

Not

Commenced

2021

NA

Hardstand areas reduced to size

required for final land use

Hardstand areas reduced in size to that

suitable for final land use

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002

Not

Commenced

2021

NA

Domain safe and free from

hazardous materials

Contaminated land identified and

remediated (Certified by

Contaminated Land Consultant)

Contaminated land assessment (soil

testing) indicates contamination

acceptable for final land use

MOP 2014 Not

Commenced

2021

NA

No hazardous materials remain All hazardous materials removed Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002

Not

Commenced

2021

NA


Peak Hill Gold Mine

44


Source

Progress at

start of

MOP

Expected

Completion

TARP

Ref

No.

Domain 2 - Residue Storage Facility – Heap Leach

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002

Infrastructure removed and

domain made safe

All pipework and associated

infrastructure removed

All pipework and associated

infrastructure removed

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002 Completed 2005

NA

Landform demonstrates good

landscape functionality

Technical report is accepted by

Mineral Resources and Energy

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002

Commenced 2015 NA

Landform non-polluting Monitoring indicates any surface water

runoff is non-polluting. Any leachate is

below trigger values determined in

accordance with ANZECC (2000)

Relinquish EPL

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002 Commenced 2021 NA

Domain 3 – Water Management Area

Domain stable and non-polluting Water management structures are

long term stable

Water management structures

are a permanent biodiversity

asset (support native flora and

fauna that would not exist on

site if these structures were

not left in place)

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002

Completed 2002 NA

Domain 4 – Waste Rock Emplacement

Stable and permanent landform

established

Landform geotechnically stable

(not eroding nor being infiltrated

by rainwater)

Geotechnical report indicating

no evidence of instability of

emplacements

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002

Completed 2015 NA

No acid mine drainage Encapsulated sulphides are

long term stable

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002

Completed 2021 NA

Domain 5C – Soil stockpiles

Land capability similar to existing land

capability

Stockpiled soil used for

rehabilitation of other domains

Stockpiled soil removed and

domain suitable for Draft Mine

Closure Plan

Not

Commenced 2021 NA


45


Source

Progress at

start of

MOP

Expected

Completion

TARP

Ref

No.

agriculture 2002


Peak Hill Gold Mine

46

Table 15 (Cont’d)

Rehabilitation Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria Page 3 of 10

Phase 3 – Landform Establishment


Land capability meets land use needs

(hardstand for buildings)

Landform similar to pre-mining

Buildings left permanently on site

have secure foundations

Infrastrucure is long term

stable (no signs of ground

movement)

MOP 2014 Partially

complete 2021 NA

Suitable surface water controls

installed and operating effectively

No identifiable erosion or

sedimentation MOP 2014 Completed 2005 NA

Domain 2 - Residue Storage Facility –

Heap Leach

Free draining, stable and permanent

landform established

Landform sheds surplus rainfall

and does not generate any

leachate

Monitoring indicates that

residue settling/dewatering is

complete/reduced to an

acceptable level

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

2002

Completed 2005 NA


Source

Progress at

start of

MOP

Expected

Completio

n

TARP

Ref

No.

Phase 3 – Landform Establishment (Cont’d)

Domain 2 - Residue Storage Facility (Cont’d)

Free draining, stable and permanent

landform established (Cont’d)

Landform supports a diverse and

functioning grassland ecosystem

Minimal bare patches and

>90% pasture cover – healthy

functioning ecosystem

LFA

consultant

report

In progress 2021 NA

Facility re-profiled to be free

draining

Mapping confirms that the

landform is free draining and

no pooling of water on upper

surface of the facility is

observed

Draft Mine

Closure Plan Completed 2005 NA

Suitable drop structures installed

(rock lined flume)

Designed and constructed by

SoilWorks 2005

Draft Mine



47

Landform non-polluting Leachate (if present) of

acceptable quality

Monitoring indicates that

residue leachate (if present)

complies with trigger values

for upland river systems

determined in accordance with

ANZECC (2000)

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

Achieved 2005 NA




sedimentation

Draft Mine

Closure Plan Achieved 2006 NA

Domain 4 – Waste Rock Emplacement


established

Landform suitable for growth

media establishment

All slopes <18º Draft Mine




1:200 fall across cap to

concrete flume (designed and

constructed by SoilWorks in

2002)

Draft Mine


Diverse and well covered (with

vegetation) landform

Healthy functioning

ecosystem (based on LFA

indices for stability, nutrient

cycling and infiltration)

LFA

consultant’s

report

In Progress 2021 NA

Domain 4 - ROM Pad


established


media establishment

All slopes <18degrees Draft Mine





sedimentation

Draft Mine

Closure Plan Incomplete 2015 NA

Continued vehicular access Access for light vehicles

maintained along western

boundary of ROM pad

- Complete 2002 NA


Peak Hill Gold Mine

48

Table 15 (Cont’d)

Rehabilitation Performance Indicators and Completion Criteria

Page 5 of 10


Source

Progress at

start of MOP

Expected

Completion

TARP

Ref

No.

Phase 3 – Landform Establishment (Cont’d)

Domain 5G – Soil Stockpile

Land capability similar to pre-existing

land capability.


media establishment

No soil stockpiles remain on

site

Draft Mine

Closure Plan

Not

Commenced 2021 NA

Domain 1 J –Infrastructure – HDPE-

lined Processing Ponds

Final landform safe, stable and secure Ponds wet and dry seasonally

(following rain events)

Wetland plant establishment MOP2014

Not

Commenced 2021 NA

Phase 4 – Growth Medium Development

Domain 1 J– Infrastructure Areas – Conservation and Biodiversity

Soils, hydrology and wetland ecosystem

with maintenance needs no greater than

those of surrounding land

Ephemeral wetland species

thriving in the depressions left by

ponds

Increase in numbers of reeds,

cumbungi, waterbirds,

tortoises and frogs using this

area

MOP 2014 Not

Commenced 2022 NA


49

Table 15 (Cont’d)


Page 6 of 10


Source

Progress at

start of MOP

Expected

Completion

TARP

Ref

No.

Phase 4 – Growth Medium Development (Cont’d)

Domain 10G– Rehabilitation Area Pasture – Rural Land (Cont’d)

Soils, hydrology and pasture ecosystem


those of surrounding land (Cont’d)

Key soil characteristics in the

range of pre-mining soil

characteristics for Red Dermosol

soils.

Soil testing of 14 transects across

heap leach, WRE and anologue

sites by Graminus gave a range of

pH across the site of 4.1-7.1.

Two analogue site that have not

been disturbed by any mining

activity were pH 5.2 & 5.3

pH – 5.3 to 7.0

Electrical conductivity –

0.21 to 0.40dS/m.

Cation exchange capacity

– 4.9 to 7.1meq/100g

Dispersion index – 4 to 5

Phosphorus Colwell – 12

to 48mg/kg

Nitrate N – 4.3 to

26mg/kg

Exchangeable Sodium % -

0.6 to 3.2%

TGO Consent

Conditions Commenced 2015 NA


installed and operating effectively Monitoring of water

discharged from the Mine

Site complies with EPL

limits

EPL5473 Ongoing 2022 NA

Domain 2C – Residue Storage Facility –

Heap Leach

Soils, hydrology, and grassland

ecosystem with maintenance needs no

greater than those of surrounding land

Upper surface of facility capped

with clay and topsoil. Pasture mix

of annual and perennial

introduced and native species

Rainfall is used by vegetation

or else shed from landform (ie

no deep infiltration) A sign of

failure would be leachate

return to pregnant pond.

MOP 2003

(Pg 54) Completed 2005 NA


Peak Hill Gold Mine

50

Table 15 (Cont’d)


Page 7 of 10


Source

Progress at

start of

MOP

Expected

Completion

TARP

Ref

No.

Phase 4 – Growth Medium Development (Cont’d)

Domain 2 C– Residue Storage Facility - Heap Leach (Cont’d)

Soils, hydrology, and grassland ecosystem


those of surrounding land (Cont’d)

Key soil characteristics in the

range of pre-mining soil

characteristics for Red Dermosol

soils

Key topsoil parameters similar

to pre mining levels as

follows.

pH – 5.3 to 7.0

Electrical conductivity –

0.21 to 0.40dS/m.

Cation exchange capacity

– 4.9 to 7.1meq/100g

Dispersion index – 4 to 5

Phosphorus Colwell – 12

to 48mg/kg

Nitrate N – 4.3 to 26mg/kg

Exchangeable Sodium % -

0.6 to 3.2%

SSM (2011) –

After Table 3 Commenced 2022 NA



No significant soil erosion and

only clean water discharging

down flume in rainfall events.

Water carrying suspended

solids will indicate failure.

(only visual observation for

measurement)

MOP 2003 Achieved 2014 NA

Domain 4C – Waste Rock Emplacement

Soils, hydrology, and grassland/grassy

woodland ecosystem with maintenance

needs no greater than those of surrounding

land

Minimum 200mm of soil material

spread unless rehabilitation trials

indicate that an alternative

thickness is acceptable

Stability, infiltration and

nutrient cycling measurements

indicate a healthy functioning

ecosystem. A variety of

MOP 2014

and Graminus

consulting

Completed 2002 NA


51


Source

Progress at

start of

MOP

Expected

Completion

TARP

Ref

No.

repeatable easurements are

made across 14 fixed transects

by LFA consultant and the

metrics generated inform on

ecosuystem function.



No erosion nor infiltration of

WRE MOP 2003 Completed 2002 NA


Peak Hill Gold Mine

52

Table 15 (Cont’d)


Page 9 of 10


Source

Progress at

start of MOP

Expected

Completion

TARP

Ref

No.

Phase 6 - Ecosystem and Land Use Sustainability

Domain A - Infrastructure

Remaining infrastructure suitable for a

lawful final land use

Infrastructure remaining at the

end of the mine life is suitable

for a lawful final land use

Infrastructure safe and

suitable for a lawful final

land use

MOP 2014 Existing 1996 NA

Domain C – Grassland

Vegetation dominated by perennial

(native and introduced) grassland species

Landscape Function Analysis

undertaken using the procedures

of Tongway and Lindley (2004)

Stability, infiltration/runoff

and nutrient cycling indices

consistent with analogue site

(Note some rehab transects

are already better than

undisturbed analogue sites)

MOP 2014

Commenced

2022 NA

Shrub and tree species have not

become established

Annual inspection and

photographs reported in

AEMR

MOP 2014

Commenced

2022 NA

Vegetation self-sustaining Evidence of natural

regeneration and recruitment

reported in AEMR

MOP 2014

Commenced

2022 NA

Weed and pest species

management requirements

comparable to analogue sites

Weed and pest inspection

and control programs

indicate that comparable


for disturbed and analogue

sites reported in AEMR

MOP 2014

Commenced

2022

NA

Domain E –Woodland

Vegetation consistent with the

Tumbledown Gum/ Currawang

Vegetation self-sustaining

(Bobby Burns and Parkers Cut

This is natural regeneration

from seed contained in

MOP 2014

It has already Commenced 2022 NA


53


Source

Progress at

start of MOP

Expected

Completion

TARP

Ref

No.

community on the hill and Inland Grey

Box-Poplar Box-White Cypress Pine

Community (Benson 76) on Lot 380

Back) topsoil and/or blown into the

open cuts from surrounding

plant communities.

Photographic record of

success.

happened

post 2002




Weed and pest maintenance

by PHGM Site Supervisor

now minimal

MOP 2014 Commenced 2022 NA


Source

Progress at

start of

MOP

Expected

Completion

TARP

Ref

No.

Phase 6 - Ecosystem and Land Use Sustainability (Cont’d)

Domain G – Rural Land

Land capability similar to existing land

capability

Agricultural potential similar to

undisturbed analogue sites. Only

land that has not been disturbed

by mining (other than soil

stockpiling) is going back to

agricultural land. This land was

agricultural land before mining

and continues to be so.

LFA (3 reports across

different seasons) on analogue

sites confirms ecosystem is

functioning sustainably MOP 2014 Completed 2005 NA

Phase 7 – Land Relinquishment

All domains Demonstrated compliance with the above Commenced 2022 NA

No land is to be relinquished during the term of this MOP. Final relinquishment will rely on sustained demonstration of compliance with completion criteria for Phase 5 –

Ecosystem and land Use Sustainability


Peak Hill Gold Mine

54

7. R E H A B I L I TAT I O N I M P L E M E N TAT I O N

7.1 STATUS AT MOP COMMENCEMENT

Table 16 presents the status of rehabilitation at the commencement of the MOP.

Table 16

Status of Rehabilitation at the Commencement of the MOP

Primary Domain Secondary Domain Status of Rehabilitation at the Commencement of

the MOP

1 –Infrastructure Area A – Infrastructure Nil rehabilitation – Active area

J – Biodiversity Nil rehabilitation – Active area

2 - Residue Storage

Facility (Heap leach)

C - Grassland Rehabilitated to final landform – LFA monitoring

3 – Water Management

Area

B – Water Management

Area

Stabilisation complete. Riparian vegetation at 10m

height & regenerating naturally

4 – Waste Rock

Emplacement

C - Grassland Rehabilitated to final landform – LFA monitoring

4 – ROM Pad E –Woodland Rehabilitated to final landform

5 – Soil Stockpiles G – Rehab area class IV

rural land

Temporary stabilisation with cover crops established

6 – Open Cut Voids I – Final Void Rehabilitated to final landform

7 – Rehabilitated Areas C – Grassland Rehabilitated to final landform in 1998

9 - Conservation and

Biodiversity Areas

J - Conservation and

Biodiversity Areas

Rehabilitated to final landform and use as tourist mine

10 – Rural Land G - Rural Land Land management practices, including weed and pest

management ongoing.

Note 1: Biodiversity Offsets were not required as a consent condition for the Peak Hill Gold Mine Development which predated current

regulations

7.2 PROPOSED REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES DURING THE MOP

TERM

7.2.1 Introduction

This Section provides an overview of the rehabilitation activities proposed to be implemented

over the MOP term on a domain by domain basis. Reference is made to the rehabilitation

phases described in Section 5.3. The descriptions provided in this Section are consistent with

the rehabilitation activities presented on Maps 3A to 3C.


55

7.2.2 Domain 1 – Infrastructure Area

Domain 1 – Infrastructure Area would remain as an active area throughout the term of the MOP

and no rehabilitation is proposed until late in the MOP period (2021).

Through the MREMP process the Company seeks a modification of the DA 648/93 to allow for

the retention of the house, office and car port, laboratory, crib hut, shed and core yard.

These assets have a continuing valuable use as exploration assets as Alkane explores for

minerals in the Peak Hill-Tomingley-Parkes district.

Should the Company or any subsequent owner of the Peak Hill tenements continue to evaluate

the Peak Hill sulphide resource and other potential mineral targets these assets will complement

that work.

If no further use can be found for the HDPE processing and overflow ponds then the plastic

liners will be pulled up and buried in one of the pond excavations. The plastic would be

weighted down with the concrete from the wetplant slab and other concrete footings and then

be covered with clay and top soil.

The final land use for the processing ponds would be as ephemeral wetlands. They will gather

rainfall and wet and dry with seasons. The design capacity of these structures is such that they

will not overflow and hence rainfall will evaporate at a higher rate than it accumulates.

Like the sediment ponds and other low lying areas of the mine site these ponds will ultimately

establish as biodiversity hotspots for frog and other aquatic fauna and avi-fauna.

7.2.3 Domain 2 - Residue Storage Facility – Heap Leach

Domain 2 – The heap leach final land form will continue to be monitored to ensure that it

becomes a long term stable functioning landscape unit. Landscape Function Analysis (by

Graminus Consulting) commenced on the heap leach in 2013 and will continue to do so until

data sets confirm that this landform is equal to or better than the surrounding landscape.

Bare patches of the heap leach will receive lime addition and other rehabilitation strategies to

ensure adequate vegetative cover over the whole landform.

7.2.4 Domain 3 – Water Management Area

Domain 3 – The Water Management Areas do not require any additional rehabilitation. They

are surrounded by naturally regenerating riparian species and have improved the aesthetics and

biodiversity value of the mine site.

No water has ever discharged from the northwest sediment pond and only during an unusually

large rain event would the northeast sediment pond overflow.

There are no potential water contaminants on the site (other than encapsulated sulphides) and

the mine site has seen no active mining activity since December 2005 when the heap leach

landform was shaped and rehabilitated.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

56

All waterways and drains that direct receiving waters to the sediments have stable vegetation in

them which assist the delivery of ‘clean’ water to these licenced discharge points.

Through the MREMP process and consultation with the EPA it is anticipated that Alkane will

be able to relinquish its Environment Protection Licence.

7.2.5 Domain 4 – Waste Rock Emplacement

The Waste Rock Emplacement will be monitored using LFA as a tool. Bare patches suspected

as being caused by a combination of thin or no topsoil will be treated with agricultural lime and

or the addition of fresh topsoil.

There will be a small area on the southern edge of the ROM pad that will be disturbed during

2015 when approximately 20 tonnes of material (retrieved from historic workings in Proprietary

pit during mining) will be returned to Gilligan’s Island. The affected area will be re-contoured

and topsoiled and seed.

There will be no other disturbance of this domain during the MOP period.

7.2.6 Domain 5 – Soil Stockpile

The one remaining topsoil stockpile will be accessed in 2015 and removed completely in 2021

when the processing ponds are decommissioned.

7.2.7 Domain 6 – Open Cut Voids

The Open Cuts have been rehabilitated to achieve relinquishment.

Maintenance of man-proof fences and visual inspections by the site supervisor of open cut

batters continues.

7.2.8 Domain 7 – Rehabilitated Areas

Rehabilitated Areas includes those sections of the Mine Site that were barely disturbed by

mining activity 1996-2005. These areas were previously used for cropping, grazing and water

management (constructed waterways).

These areas are similar to analogue sites where agriculture has ceased. There is good grass and

pasture cover which supports native fauna. The floral assemblage contains a mixture of

perennial and annual introduced and native species. There is natural regeneration of tree species

that occur within a Grey Box woodland community.

The only activity carried out on this area during the MOP period will be weed control (African

Boxthorn and Bathurst Burrs). Two control site for the LFA monitoring are contained within

this domain.


57

7.2.9 Domain 9 - Conservation and Biodiversity Areas

The dominant post mining land use on the mining leases is biodiversity conservation. The

woodland surrounding the open cuts supports tourism activities (bushwalking) and a variety of

biodiversity.

The only activities proposed during the MOP period in this domain is weed and pest animal

control.

Some minor maintenance of signage and tourist mine assets is anticipated.

7.2.10 Domain 10 – Rural Land

This domain has not been impacted by mining activities 1996-2005 and will not be impacted

during this MOP period.

This Domain is currently licenced to be grazed and is so by the tenant who lives at “Little

Oakleigh”.

7.3 SUMMARY OF REHABILITATION AREAS DURING THE MOP TERM

Table 17 presents a summary of the rehabilitation that would be implemented during the life of

the MOP.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

58

Table 17

Rehabilitation at Commencement and Completion of MOP

Primary

Domain

Secondary

Domain

Code (with

map legend) Rehabilitation Phase

Start of

MOP

(ha)

End of

MOP

(ha)

1 –

Infrastructure

Area

A –

Infrastructure

1A Active 4.3 4.3

Total 4.3 4.3

1 –

Infrastructure

Area (process

Ponds)

J – Biodiversity 1J Ecosystem Sustainability 0 4.2

Total 0 4.2

2 - Residue

Heap Leach

C - Grassland 2C Ecosystem Sustainability 24 24

Total 24 24

3 – Water

Management

Area

B – Water

Management

Area

3B Ecosystem Sustainability 1.5 1.5

Total 1.5 1.5

4 – Waste Rock

Emplacement

C - Grassland 4C Ecosystem Sustainability 22.7 22.7

Total 22.7 22.7

4 – Waste Rock

Emplacement

(ROM)

E – Woodland 4C/E Ecosystem Sustainability 4.5 4.5

Total 4.5 4.5

5 – Soil

Stockpile

G – Rural Land 5G Ecosystem Establishment 0.7 0

Ecosystem Sustainability 0 0.7

Total 0.7 0.7

6 – Open Cut

Voids

I – Final Void 6I Ecosystem Sustainability 14.6 14.6

Total 14.6 14.6

7. –

Rehabilitation

Area

G - grassland 7C Ecosystem Sustainability 1.3 1.3

Total 1.3 1.3

9 -

Conservation

and

Biodiversity

Areas

J -

Conservation

and

Biodiversity

Areas

9J Ecosystem Sustainability 76.0 76.0

Total 76.0 76.0

10 – Rural Land G – Rural Land 10G Ecosystem Sustainability 47.0 47.0

Total 47.0 47.0

Grand Total 196.6 200.8

Note: All but 4.2Ha of the mine site has been rehabilitated since 2005 which is why most of the site has been assigned as Ecosystem Sustainability



59

7.4 RELINQUISHMENT PHASE ACHIEVED DURING MOP PERIOD

The Company does not anticipate that the relinquishment phase will be achieved for any land

within the Mine Site during the term of the MOP.

8. R E H A B I L I TAT I O N M O N I T O R I N G A N D

R E S E A R C H

8.1 REHABILITATION MONITORING

Rehabilitation monitoring will focus upon determining whether progress towards achieving the

relevant performance indicators and completion and relinquishment criteria presented in

Section 6 and Table 15 is being achieved. Table 18 presents the proposed rehabilitation

monitoring methodology and frequency for each indicator and criteria identified in Table 14.

8.2 RESEARCH AND REHABILITATION TRIALS

The Peak Hill Gold Mine engaged some rehabilitation and research/trials during operations and

the results of these trials were documented in the MREMP documents over the life of the mine.

The site is visited on average by two educational research/teaching institutions or special

interest groups each year such as but not limited to;

Sustainable Minerals Institute Knowledge Transfer - University of QLD,

International Mining for Development Centre (IM4DC),

Local Land Services,

Central West Catchment Management Authority,

Central West Mining & Extractive Environment Team (MEET),

NSW Minerals Council and

Graminus Consulting (LFA)

The Company has been generous in sharing the environmental knowledge learnt from the Peak

Hill Gold Mine.


Peak Hill Gold Mine

60

Table 18

Rehabilitation Monitoring Methodology and Frequency

Page 1 of 6

Objective Performance Indicator Completion Criteria Rehabilitation Monitoring

Methodology

Monitoring

Frequency

Phase 1 – Decommissioning


All infrastructure and services not

suitable for a lawful final land use

will be removed

Services disconnected Services not required for

final land use disconnected

Photographs 2021

Infrastructure removed Infrastructure not required


removed

Photographs 2021

Domain safe and free from

hazardous materials

Contaminated land identified

and remediated

Contaminated land

assessment indicates no

contamination

exists/remains

Contamination report prepare by

qualified person

Following

decommissioning

No hazardous materials remain All hazardous materials

removed

Contamination report prepare by

qualified person

Following

decommissioning

Domain 2 – Residue Storage Facility

– Heap Leach

Final landform in place and

rehabilitated in 2005

Diverse and healthy vegetative

cover

Functioning grassland

ecosystem

Landscape Function Analysis Seasonal until

satisfactory

Landform non-polluting No leachate emanating from

heap leach

Observation during rain events and

water quality testing at northeast

sediment pond as required

Annually


61

Table 18 (Cont’d)


Page 2 of 6


Methodology

Monitoring

Frequency

Phase 1 – Decommissioning

(Cont’d)

Domain 3 – Water Management

Areas

Domain stable and non-polluting

Achieved Water management

structures to remain on site

as epheral wetlands and

water bodies

Water quality testing only if a pollution

incident is suspected (highly unlikely)

After significant rain

events. Only the

northeast sediment

pond discharges.

Domain 4 – Waste Rock

Emplacement & ROM Pad


established

Landform geotechnically stable,

healthy and diverse vegetative

cover, clean water discharge

during rain events

Landform geotechnically

stable and supporting a

functioning grassland

ecosystem.

Landscape Function Analysis (Reports) Seasonal until

satisfactory

Domain 5 – Soil stockpile

Land capability similar to existing

land capability

Stockpiled soil used for

rehabilitation of other domains

Stockpiled soil removed Photographs Not necessary


Peak Hill Gold Mine

62

Table 18 (Cont’d)


Page 3 of 6


Methodology

Monitoring

Frequency

Phase 4 – Ecosystem and Land Use Establishment (Cont’d)

Domain /E –Woodland (Cont’d)

Vegetation consistent with

Tumbledown Gum/Currawang

Community

Weed species and abundance

consistent with analogue sites

Summer and winter weed

inspection and control

program, including

inspection of analogue sites,

reported in AEMR

Weed inspection (and subsequent

control program, if required)

Six monthly

Grazing by feral and native

fauna and stock not adversely

impacting on ecosystem

development

Feral and native animal

control programs

implemented and reported in

AEMR

Grazing managed for

biodiversity development

purposes

Photographs

Control program reports prepared by

suitably qualified persons

Annually


63

Table 18 (Cont’d)


Page 4 of 6


Methodology

Monitoring

Frequency


Domain G – Rural Land (Cont’d)


land capability (Cont’d)

Revegetation species mix

applied in accordance with

native pasture species listed in

Table 15

Revegetation report and 6

monthly monitoring

presented in AEMR

Revegetation report On completion


Peak Hill Gold Mine

64

Table 18 (Cont’d)


Page 5 of 6


Methodology

Monitoring

Frequency


Domain J - Conservation and Biodiversity Offset Areas

Maximise preservation of remnant

Inland Grey Box Woodland and

Tumbledown Gum/Currawang

Communities

Weeds and macropod

population controlled

Weed species and

abundance consistent with

analogue sites

Weed inspection (and subsequent

control program, if required)

Six monthly

Preserve maximum amount of

remnant vegetation.

Species diversity consistent with

the Tumbledown

Gum/Currawang community

Diversity of species

consistent with analogue

sites

Observation Annually by suitably

qualified person

Phase 5 - Ecosystem and Land Use Sustainability

Domain A - Infrastructure

Remaining infrastructure suitable for

a lawful final land use

Infrastructure remaining at the

end of the mine life is suitable


Infrastructure safe and

suitable for a lawful final

land use

Photographs Prior to

relinquishment

Domain C – Grassland

Vegetation dominated by grassland

species

Landscape Function Analysis

undertaken using the procedures


reported in the AEMR

Stability, infiltration/runoff

and nutrient cycling indices

consistent with analogue

site(s)

Assessment report prepared by suitably

qualified person using the methodology


Seasonally by suitably

qualified consultant

until site considered to

be long term stable


65

Table 18 (Cont’d)


Page 6 of 6


Methodology

Monitoring

Frequency

Phase 5 - Ecosystem and Land Use Sustainability (Cont’d)

Domain C – Grassland (Cont’d)




Weed and pest inspection

and control programs

indicate that comparable


for disturbed and analogue

sites reported in AEMR

Weed and pest inspection (and

subsequent control program, if

required)

Six monthly

Domain G – Rural Land


land capability

Agricultural potential similar to

undisturbed analogue sites

Annual


Peak Hill Gold Mine

66

9. I N T E RV E N T I O N A N D A D A P T I V E

M A N A G E M E N T

9.1 THREATS TO REHABILITATION

Section 3.1 of this document presents an assessment of environmental risks associated with the

Mine. Similarly, this subsection presents an analysis of the specific risks or threats to

rehabilitation within the Mine Site. This analysis of threats to rehabilitation has been prepared

broadly in accordance with the requirements of AS/NZS ISO31000:2009 Risk Management -

Principles & Guidelines.

In summary, threats to rehabilitation were identified based on the performance indicators and

completion criteria identified in Table 19. For each threat, potential adverse outcomes were

identified and allocated a risk based on the potential consequences and likelihood of

occurrence. Risks were determined based on implementation of industry standard mitigation

measures and the Company’s commitments embodied in the Statement of Commitments

presented as Appendix 7 of PA 09_0155. Where risks were determined to be unacceptable,

namely those risks classified as “moderate” or above, a Trigger, Action, Response Plan has

been developed and is presented in Section 9.2.

Tables 6, 7 and 8 present the consequence, likelihood and risk rating used during this analysis.

Table 9 presents the results of the risk analysis.

9.2 TRIGGER ACTION RESPONSE PLAN

Table 20 presents the Trigger Action Response Plan for each of the rehabilitation threats and

potential adverse outcomes identified in Table 19 as having a risk rating of moderate or above.

Table 20 also provides individual reference numbers for each Trigger Action Response.

10. R E P O RT I N G

Alkane produces an annual or biennial AEMR. This report includes monitoring data associated

with rehabilitation works undertaken for the Mine. It also provides commentary assessing the

data against performance criteria. Some of the key areas reported against are:

Surface water monitoring.

– Sampling of discharge points.


67

Table 19

Analysis of Rehabilitation Threats

Rehabilitation Threat Potential Adverse Outcome

Consequence

of

Occurrence

Likelihood

of

Occurrence

Risk

Rating

Failure to remove

infrastructure

Unable to complete rehabilitation or establish

the identified final land use 2 E L

Failure to remove

hazardous materials

Unable to complete rehabilitation or establish

the identified final land use 2 E L

Failure to address

contamination

Contaminated land present 3 E M

Waste Rock Emplacement generates Acid

Mine Drainage and is thus a source of

contaminated leachate

3 D M

Heap Leach is a source of contaminated

leachate 3 D M

Final landform not safe,

stable and secure

Geotechnical instability of final open cut voids 2 C M

Geotechnical instability of Waste Rock

Emplacements or ROM Pad 2 E L

Geotechnical instability of Heap Leach 3 D M

Public access to open cut voids possible 4 C H

Landforms overrun by pest plants and animals 2 D L

Vegetation community is

not self-sustaining

Final landform requires significantly more

management than analogue sites 3 D M


Peak Hill Gold Mine

68

Table 20

Trigger Action Response Plan

Page 1 of 2

Rehabilitation Threat Potential Adverse Outcome Trigger Action/ Response TARP

Ref No

Failure to address

contamination

Contaminated land present

Contamination assessment identifies

contaminated land present within

Mine Site.

Recommendations of contamination

assessment implemented.

Contamination assessment reviewed until

contamination has been removed.

1

Waste Rock Emplacement is a source of

contaminated leachate

Visual inspection indicates iron

staining or other evidence of metal

precipitation in outflow zones.

Gradual decrease in pH of northeast

sediment pond.

Preparation of an Acid Rock Drainage

Management Plan identifying suitable

measures to manage existing leachate

generation and prevent further

inappropriate placement of acid-

generating waste rock.

2

Heap Leach is a source of contaminated

leachate

Monitoring indicates that Residue

leachate (if present) does not

comply with trigger values for

upland river systems determined in

accordance with ANZECC (2000).

Water monitoring indicates leachate

is leaking from Residue Storage

Facility.

Heap Leach Management Plan prepared or

updated by a suitably qualified expert.

Plan would provide recommendations re

remedial actions and monitoring to

measure success of those actions.

Recommendations to be implemented in

consultation with Division of Resources

and Energy.

3

Final landform not safe,

stable and secure Geotechnical instability of final open cut voids

Monitoring or final closure

geotechnical assessment identifies

instability/ unacceptable movement

(actual or potential) in final face of

open cut void.

Open Cut high wall breaks back

beyond man-proof perimeter fence.

Suitably qualified geotechnical engineer

engaged to assess the instability and

provide a range of recommendations to

remediate the instability.

Recommendations to be implemented in

consultation with Division of Resources

and Energy.

4


69

Table 20 (Cont’d)

Trigger Action Response Plan

Page 2 of 2

Rehabilitation Threat Potential Adverse Outcome Trigger Action/ Response TARP

Ref No

Sediment and erosion

control structures

inadequate or fail

Final landform is a source of pollution

Surface water monitoring or visual

inspection indicates that final

landform is the source of

unacceptable levels sedimentation.

Site personnel to identify site of erosion

and remediate through additional

earthworks, soil works, revegetation or

other stabilisation method.

If the above is unsuccessful, a suitably

qualified professional in sediment and

erosion control engaged to prepare an

assessment report and recommendations

to be implemented.

5

Vegetation community is

not self-sustaining

Final landform requires significantly more

management than analogue sites

The vegetation community on the

final landform requires significantly

more land management that an

undisturbed analogue sites.

Suitably qualified ecologist or revegetation

expert engaged to assess reasons for

additional management requirements and

recommend actions to align management

required with that of the analogue sites.

6

ALAKNE RESOURCES LTD MINING OPERATIONS PLAN 2014-2022

Peak Hill Gold Mine

70

Biodiversity monitoring.

– Photographs and Vegetation Surveys.

– Weed Zone Monitoring.

11. R E V I E W A N D I M P L E M E N TAT I O N O F T H E M O P

11.1 REVIEW OF THE MOP

This plan will be reviewed annually, with any resultant changes or improvements identified in

the Annual Environmental Management Review.

11.2 IMPLEMENTATION

Table 21 outlines the roles and responsibilities of personnel who have responsibility for

monitoring, review and implementation for this MOP.

Table 21

Roles and Responsibilities for MOP Implementation

Role Responsibilities

COO Ensure adequate resources are available to enable implementation of the Plan.

General Manager NSW Monitoring and review of performance via field inspections and Annual Environmental

Management Reports.

PHGM Site Supervisor Accountable for the minesite security, safety and weed and pest animal control.

12. R E F E R E N C E S

ANZECC (2000). Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Marine and Fresh Water

Quality.

Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) (2008b). Managing Urban

Stormwater: Soils and Construction, Vol. 2E, DECC, NSW, Sydney.

Graminus Consulting (2014). Alkane Resources Peak Hill Gold Mine Landscape Function

Analysis Report 3, May 2014

Landcom (2004). Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction. 4th

Edition. Landcom,

Sydney.

M.D. Sutherland (2002). Peak Hill Gold Mine - Mine Operations Plan for 2002 and Annual

Environmental Management Report for 2001 (including Draft Mine Closure Plan)

R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited (RWC) (1993). Associated Gold Fields NL and Alkane

Exploration NL Environmental Impact Statement for the Peak Hill Gold Project


71

Tongway DJ and Lindley NL (2004). Landscape function analysis. Procedures for monitoring

and assessing landscapes.

ALAKNE RESOURCES LTD MINING OPERATIONS PLAN 2014-2022

Peak Hill Gold Mine

72

This page has been intentionally left blank


73

Plans and Section

(Total No. of pages including blank pages = 32)

Plan 1A Pre Mining Environment – Project Location

Plan 1B Pre Mining Environment – Natural Environment

Plan 1C Pre Mining Environment – Built Environment

Plan 2 Mine Domains at Commencement of MOP

Plan 3A Mining and Rehabilitation – End Year 1

Plan 3B Mining and Rehabilitation – End Year 6

Plan 3C Mining and Rehabilitation – End of MOP

Plan 4 Final Rehabilitation and Post mining Land Use – 2022

Plan 5a Cross Section A

ALKANE RERSOURCES LTD MINING OPERATIONS PLAN 2014-2022

Peak Hill Gold Mine

74

This page has been intentionally left blank


75

Plan 1A Pre Mining Environment – Project Location

Show the location of the project in a State wide context, identifying the main and surrounding Local Government area/s and major towns.

Plans should show surface and subsurface leases where relevant.


77

Plan 2 Mine Domains at Commencement of MOP

This plan shows the mine domains and the mining features at commencement of the MOP. Include the following information:

Primary Domains (operational) and Secondary Domains (post Mining Land Use);

Main roads, railways and towns;

Development including all built features and improvements, e.g. fences, transmission lines, pipelines, dams, building and structures;

Cadastral information – land ownership boundaries and ownership notations;

Surface contours, e.g. 5 metre contour intervals for ope cut coal mines are standard; however 1 metre or less may be necessary to show an appropriate level of detail for some areas;

Water course and drainage directions;

Existing dams; and

Location of cross sections.


79

Plan 3A Mining and Rehabilitation – End Year 1

This is a series of plans which show the annual sequence of mining and rehabilitation activities over the term of the MOP. A Plan is to be produced for each year of the MOP term where relevant

to the operation i.e. Plan 3A = Year 1, Plan 3B = Year 2, etc.

Each plan is to include:

Active Primary domains (Operational) and Secondary Domains (Post Mining Land Use);

Surface contours e.g. 5 metre contour intervals for open cut coal mines are standard; however 1 metre or less may be necessary to show an appropriate level of detail for some areas;

For underground mines, the limit of subsidence to 20mm;

Expected active mining area (for open cut and underground operations);

Areas that are excised from the Mining Lease;

Rehabilitation areas scheduled to be completed in each year aligned to the relevant phases of the site rehabilitation program:

– Decommissioning;

– Landform establishment;

– Growth medium development;

– Ecosystem and land use establishment;

– Ecosystem and land use sustainability; or

– Relinquished lands.


81

Plan 3B Mining and Rehabilitation – End Year 6

This is a series of plans which show the annual sequence of mining and rehabilitation activities over the term of the MOP. A Plan is to be produced for each year of the MOP term where relevant

to the operation i.e. Plan 3A = Year 1, Plan 3B = Year 2, etc.

Each plan is to include:

Active Primary domains (Operational) and Secondary Domains (Post Mining Land Use);

Surface contours e.g. 5 metre contour intervals for open cut coal mines are standard; however 1 metre or less may be necessary to show an appropriate level of detail for some areas;

For underground mines, the limit of subsidence to 20mm;

Expected active mining area (for open cut and underground operations);

Areas that are excised from the Mining Lease;

Rehabilitation areas scheduled to be completed in each year aligned to the relevant phases of the site rehabilitation program:

– Decommissioning;




– Ecosystem and land use sustainability;

– Relinquished lands;




– Ecosystem and land use sustainability; or

– Relinquished lands.


83

Plan 3C Mining and Rehabilitation – End of MOP


85

Plan 4 Final Rehabilitation and Post mining Land Use – 2022

This Plan shows the proposed post mining land use and landform at the completion of the project i.e. at the end of the mine life. Plan 4 should include the following information:

Secondary domain (post mining land use) boundaries including:

– Water management areas which may include voids/pits and water storage areas. This domain is to include, where relevant, constructed drainage lines, water control structures, and

water supply dams;

– Vegetation communities – e.g. specific plant communities pasture, land suitable for future development;

– Infrastructure – labelled appropriately to define the post mining land use; and

– Heritage items to remain on site after mine closure.

Natural features including wetlands, rivers. Creeks, streams or watercourses;

Offsets that are managed under a different series of criteria;

Surface contours, e.g. 5 metre contour intervals for open cut coal mines are standard; however 1 metre or less may be necessary to show an appropriate level of detail for some areas;

Land capability classification or agricultural capability (where applicable);

Wildlife corridors that adjoin the mine lease and / or cross the mine lease;

Features relevant to other agency licences, approvals of other government agencies or their relinquishment;

Fences, bunds and other public, fauna and stock safety features; and

Reference to the year/date then plan displays.


87

Plan 5a Cross Section A

Vertical and longitudinal sections should be selected to support and clarify plans and text. The purpose of this information is to show the mine progress in relation to the proposed final landform.

The plans should describe the mine sections, the vertical extent of mining, emplacement shapes and sections including:

Current shape;

Emplaced materials – overburden and / or Residue;

Floor of the open cut;

Natural surface;

Final landform;

Cover layers, including topsoil over emplacements and other disturbed areas;

Environment control features;

Water management structures;

Proximity to key infrastructure;

Geological seams of relevance to the mining operations;

Vegetation communities; and features to protect rehabilitated areas and areas under rehabilitation.

For open cut coal mines, sections at right angles to the direction of mining at intervals of 1000 metres would be appropriate. Unless highly irregular in shape, two sections at right angles should

be sufficient for most other mines, waste emplacements and infrastructure features. Vertical sections must state the vertical exaggeration.


89

Appendices

Appendix I Mining Lease

Appendix II DA 648/93

Appendix III Security Calculation Estimate

Appendix IV Environment Protection Licence 5473

Appendix V Tourist Mine Permit

A5-1

This page has intentionally been left blank

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN 2014-2022 - Alkane Resources Ltd11 Plan 3A – Mining and Rehabilitation –...

Documents

Transcript of MINING OPERATIONS PLAN 2014-2022 - Alkane Resources Ltd11 Plan 3A – Mining and Rehabilitation –...