Mt Jackson J1 Deposit Mine Closure Plan -...
Transcript of Mt Jackson J1 Deposit Mine Closure Plan -...
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd
Yilgarn Operations MT JACKSON J1 DEPOSIT MINE CLOSURE PLAN Yilgarn Mineral Field 77 Tenements M77/993, M77/994, M77/1248, M77/1249, L77/216 Revision 1 November 2012
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Level 12, 1 William Street PERTH WA 6000
GPO Box W2017 PERTH WA 6846
Yilgarn Operations Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Mt Jackson J1 Mine Closure Plan November 2012 (Revision 1)
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Revision Author Distribution Date Status
Revision A M. Barendrecht J. Nielsen 16 Nov 2010 Draft for
internal review
Revision B J. Nielsen P. West, R. Howard, J. Shepherdson
S. Hawkins 7 Jun 2011
Draft for
internal review
Revision C J. Nielsen P. West, J. Shepherdson, D Wright 26 Jul 2011 Draft for
internal review
Revision 0 J. Nielsen Environmental Protection Authority Department of Mines and Petroleum
5 Oct 2011 Public Release
Revision 1 N. Harry Environmental Protection Authority 1 Nov 2012 Public Release
Yilgarn Operations Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Mt Jackson J1 Mine Closure Plan November 2012 (Revision 1)
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DMP MINE CLOSURE PLAN CHECKLIST
Q No Mine Closure Plan Checklist Y/N/NA Page No Comments
Contact Details
1 Has the Checklist been endorsed by a senior representative within the tenement holder / operating company?
Y iv Refer to endorsement at the bottom of this checklist
2 How many copies were submitted to the DMP? Hard copies = Two
Electronic copies = Two
Cover Page, Table of Contents
3
Does the cover page include:
Project Title;
Company Name;
Contact Details;
Document ID and version number;
Date of submission?
Y Cover page
Contact details are also provided in Section 2.4
4 Has a Table of Contents been provided? Y v
Scope and Project Summary
5 Why is the MCP submitted? Y 4 Section 1.4
6
Does the project summary include:
Land ownership details;
Location of the project;
Comprehensive site plans;
Background information on the history and status of the project?
Y
Y
Y
Y
5
5
9-10
7
Section 2.3
Section 2.2
Figures 2.1 and 2.2
Section 2.1
Legal Compliance
7 Has a consolidated summary or register of closure obligations and commitments been included?
Y 12 Section 3
Table 3.1
Data Collection and Analysis
8
Has information relevant to mine closure been collected for each domain or feature (including pre-mining baseline studies, environmental and other data)?
Y 17
67
Section 4;
Attachment 1
9 Has a gap analysis been conducted to determine if further information is required in relation to closure of each domain or feature?
Y 20 Section 4.4
Stakeholder Consultation
10 Have all stakeholders involved in closure been identified?
Y 21 External stakeholders listed in Table 5.1
11
Have a summary or register of stakeholder consultation been provided, with details as to who has been consulted and the outcomes?
Y 22
75
Section 5.3
Attachment 2
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Q No Mine Closure Plan Checklist Y/N/NA Page No Comments
Final Land Use(s) and Closure Objectives
12 Does the Mine Closure Plan include proposed end land-use(s), closure objectives and conceptual landform design diagram?
Y 23
27-29
Section 6
Figures 6.1 to 6.3
13
Does the Mine Closure Plan identify all potential (or pre-existing) environmental legacies, which may restrict the post-closure land use (including contaminated sites)?
Y 79 Attachment 3 assesses closure-related risks.
Identification and Management of Closure Issues
14 Does the Mine Closure Plan identify all potential issues impacting mine closure objectives and outcomes?
Y 79 Attachment 3 assesses closure-related risks.
15 Does the Mine Closure Plan include proposed management or mitigation options to deal with these issues?
Y 79 Attachment 3 assesses closure-related risks.
16 Have the process, methodology and rationale been provided to justify identification and management of the issues?
Y 30 Section 7
Attachment 3
Closure Criteria
17 Does the Mine Closure Plan include a set of specific closure and closure performance indicators?
Y
31
34-55
Section 8 outlines Cliffs’ iterative process for developing realistic closure criteria.
Sections 10.3 to 10.6 provide interim closure criteria for each mine site Management Unit.
Closure Financial Provision
18
Does the Mine Closure Plan include costing methodology, assumptions and financial provision to resource closure implementation and monitoring?
Y 33 Summary presented in Section 9.2.
19 Does the Mine Closure Plan include a process for regular review of the financial provision?
Y 33 Section 9.1
Closure Implementation Programs
20
Does the reviewed Mine Closure Plan include a summary of closure implementation strategies for the proposed operations or for the whole site?
Y 34
34-55
Section 10.1 summarises the Closure Implementation program and Sections 10.3 to 10.6 provide a Closure Implementation Plan for each mine site Management Unit.
21 Does the Mine Closure Plan include a closure work program for each domain or feature?
Y 38-55
Sections 10.3 to 10.6 provide a closure implementation program for each mine site Management Unit.
22 Have site layout plans been provided to clearly show each type of disturbance?
Y 38-55
Sections 10.3 to 10.6 provide site layout plans for each mine site Management Unit.
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Q No Mine Closure Plan Checklist Y/N/NA Page No Comments
23 Does the Mine Closure Plan contain a schedule of research and trial activities?
Y 34-55 Incorporated into the Closure Implementation Program in Section 10.
24 Does the Mine Closure Plan contain a schedule of progressive rehabilitation activities?
Y 34-55 Incorporated into the Closure Implementation Program in Section 10.
25 Does the Mine Closure Plan include details of how unexpected closure (including care and maintenance) will be handled?
Y 57 Section 10.7
26 Does the Mine Closure Plan contain a schedule of decommissioning activities?
Y 34-55 Incorporated into the Closure Implementation Program in Section 10.
27 Does the Mine Closure Plan contain a schedule of closure performance monitoring and maintenance activities?
Y 34-55 Incorporated into the Closure Implementation Program in Section 10.
Closure Monitoring and Maintenance
28
Does the Mine Closure Plan contain a framework, including methodology, quality control and remedial strategy for closure performance monitoring including post-closure monitoring and maintenance?
Y 58
58-60
Section 11
Tables 11.1 and 11.2
Closure Information and Data Management
29
Does the Mine Closure Plan contain a description of management strategies including systems and processes for the retention of mine records?
Y 61 Section 12
30 Confidentiality Y 33 Section 9
Table 9.1
Corporate Endorsement:
I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information within this Mine Closure Plan and checklist is true and correct and addresses all the requirements of the Guidelines for the Preparation of a Mine Closure Plan approved by the Director General of Mines
Signed:
Name: Paul West
Position: Manager Environmental Services
Date: 1st November 2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DMP MINE CLOSURE PLAN CHECKLIST ............................................................................... II
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 1
1.1 YILGARN OPERATIONS ......................................................................................................... 1
1.2 REHABILITATION AND CLOSURE SYSTEM ............................................................................. 3
1.3 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................. 4
1.4 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................. 4
2. PROJECT SUMMARY ..................................................................................................... 5
2.1 LOCATION ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 OWNERSHIP ........................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 CONTACT DETAILS ............................................................................................................... 6
2.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................ 7
2.5 MINE CLOSURE MANAGEMENT UNITS ................................................................................. 11
3. CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS .......................................................... 12
4. REHABILITATION AND CLOSURE DATA ..................................................................... 17
4.1 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................ 17
4.2 MINING DATA .................................................................................................................... 19
4.3 POST-MINING DATA ........................................................................................................... 19
4.4 KNOWLEDGE GAPS ............................................................................................................. 20
5. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ................................................................................. 21
5.1 STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION ........................................................................................ 21
5.2 CONSULTATION PROCESS .................................................................................................. 22
5.3 CONSULTATION TO DATE ................................................................................................... 22
6. POST-MINING LAND-USE AND CLOSURE OBJECTIVES ............................................. 23
6.1 POST-MINING LAND-USE .................................................................................................... 23
6.2 CLOSURE OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................ 23
6.3 FINAL LANDFORM DESIGN CONCEPT .................................................................................. 24
7. IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CLOSURE ISSUES ..................................... 30
8. COMPLETION CRITERIA ............................................................................................. 31
8.1 DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLETION CRITERIA ......................................................................... 31
8.2 INTERIM COMPLETION CRITERIA ....................................................................................... 31
8.3 REFERENCE SITES .............................................................................................................. 32
9. FINANCIAL PROVISION FOR CLOSURE ..................................................................... 33
9.1 METHODOLOGY FOR MAINTAINING FINANCIAL PROVISIONS .............................................. 33
9.2 MT JACKSON J1 DEPOSIT FINANCIAL PROVISIONS .............................................................. 33
10. CLOSURE IMPLEMENTATION ..................................................................................... 34
10.1 CLOSURE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM .............................................................................. 34
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10.2 CLOSURE IMPLEMENTATION PLANS .................................................................................... 34
10.3 MINE PITS MANAGEMENT UNIT .......................................................................................... 38
10.4 WASTE ROCK LANDFORM MANAGEMENT UNIT .................................................................... 41
10.5 INFRASTRUCURE AREA MANAGEMENT UNIT ....................................................................... 46
10.6 HAUL ROAD MANAGEMENT UNIT ........................................................................................ 51
10.7 GENERAL REHABILITATION AND CLOSURE ACTIVITIES ....................................................... 56
10.8 UNPLANNED CLOSURE ........................................................................................................ 57
11. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE ............................................................................ 58
12. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ................................................................................... 61
13. REFERENCES .............................................................................................................. 62
14. ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................ 64
ATTACHMENTS .................................................................................................................... 65
ATTACHMENT 1 BIBLIOGRAPHY RELEVANT TO REHABILITATION AND
CLOSURE OF MT JACKSON J1 DEPOSIT MINING OPERATIONS ................................ 67
ATTACHMENT 2 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION REGISTER RELATING TO
REHABILITATION AND CLOSURE OF THE MT JACKSON J1 PROJECT ........................ 75
ATTACHMENT 3 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS REGISTER - MT JACKSON J1
MINE CLOSURE RISK AND OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT .......................................... 79
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FIGURES
Figure 1.1 Location of Cliffs’ Yilgarn Operations ........................................................................ 1 Figure 1.2 Location of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit in relation to Cliffs’ Yilgarn
Operations ............................................................................................................. 2 Figure 1.3 Overview of Cliffs Rehabilitation and Closure System ................................................ 3 Figure 2.1 Layout of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining and infrastructure areas......................... 9 Figure 2.2 Location of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mine and haul road ...................................... 10 Figure 6.1 Mt Jackson J1 Deposit conceptual post-mining landform design (looking
towards the north-west) ....................................................................................... 27 Figure 6.2 Mt Jackson J1 Deposit conceptual post-mining landform design (looking
towards the south-west) ....................................................................................... 28 Figure 6.3 J1 Waste Rock Landform construction design ......................................................... 29 Figure 8.1 Cliffs’ process for developing site-specific completion criteria (adopted
from Nichols 2010) ............................................................................................... 32 Figure 10.1 J1 Mine Pits Management Unit .............................................................................. 38 Figure 10.2 J1 Waste Rock Landform Management Unit ........................................................... 41 Figure 10.3 J1 Infrastructure Area Management Unit ................................................................ 47 Figure 10.4 J1 Haul Road Management Unit ............................................................................ 51
TABLES
Table 2.1 Mt Jackson J1 Deposit management units for rehabilitation and closure planning and implementation ................................................................................ 11
Table 3.1 Obligations and commitments pertaining to rehabilitation and closure of
the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations ......................................................... 12 Table 4.1 Summary of Mt Jackson J1 Deposit pertinent environmental
characteristics ...................................................................................................... 17 Table 5.1 Cliffs’ external stakeholders ................................................................................... 21 Table 6.1 Cliffs’ mine closure objectives ................................................................................ 24 Table 6.2 Waste rock classification ....................................................................................... 25 Table 9.1 Mt Jackson J1 Project Closure Provisions................................................................ 33 Table 10.1 Summary of Mt Jackson J1 Project Closure Implementation Program ....................... 36 Table 10.2 Mt Jackson J1 Project Mine Pits Management Unit Completion Criteria ..................... 40 Table 10.3 Mt Jackson J1 Project Waste Rock Landform Management Unit
Completion Criteria ............................................................................................... 44 Table 10.4 Mt Jackson J1 Project Infrastructure Area Management Unit Completion
Criteria ................................................................................................................ 49 Table 10.5 Mt Jackson J1 Project Haul Road Management Unit Completion Criteria ................... 53 Table 10.6 General rehabilitation and closure activities applicable to the Mt Jackson
J1 Deposit mining operations ................................................................................ 56 Table 11.1 Overview of rehabilitation and closure monitoring .................................................. 58 Table 11.2 Closure objectives, completion criteria and related monitoring
methodology ........................................................................................................ 59
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 YILGARN OPERATIONS
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd’s (Cliffs) Yilgarn Operations includes mine operations at
the Koolyanobbing Range, Mt Jackson Range, Windarling Range and the Deception Deposit,
ore processing at Koolyanobbing, and road and rail transport between these operations and
the Port of Esperance where the processed ore is exported to international customers. The
regional location of Cliffs’ Yilgarn Operations is shown in Figure 1.1. The location of the Mt
Jackson J1 Deposit in relation to other parts of Cliffs’ Yilgarn Operations is shown in
Figure 1.2.
Figure 1.1 Location of Cliffs’ Yilgarn Operations
Yilgarn Operations Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Mt Jackson J1 Mine Closure Plan November 2012 (Revision 1)
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Figure 1.2 Location of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit in relation to Cliffs’ Yilgarn
Operations
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1.2 REHABILITATION AND CLOSURE SYSTEM
Cliffs’ Rehabilitation and Closure System (RCS) (Cliffs 2010a) (Figure 1.3) provides the
framework for planning and implementing progressive rehabilitation and mine closure across
its entire Yilgarn Operations. This Mine Closure Plan (MCP) is one of a series of plans that
outlines how Cliffs manages the rehabilitation and closure aspects of its Yilgarn Operations.
It details the management actions that Cliffs will implement in relation to rehabilitation and
closure of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations. The Koolyanobbing, Mt Jackson
(J2/J3), Windarling and Deception Closure Plans are separate documents, which detail the
specific aspects to closure relating to these operations separately.
Figure 1.3 Overview of Cliffs Rehabilitation and Closure System
The Mining Act 1978 was amended in 2010 with regards to the submission of MCPs, stating
that Closure Plans must be submitted with the initial mining proposal for new projects, or at
a time directed by the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) for existing projects. The
Mt Jackson J1 MCP has been prepared in accordance with these amendments and also the
Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans (DMP/EPA 2011) issued jointly by the DMP and
the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in 2011. It is also consistent with the
Strategic Framework for Mine Closure (ANZMEC/MCA 2000).
The Strategic Framework for Mine Closure (ANZMEC/MCA 2000) emphasises that mine
closure planning is not an “end of mine life process” but is integral to the “whole of mine
life” plan. With this in view, this MCP describes Cliffs’ current approach for the
decommissioning, rehabilitation and closure of the Mt Jackson J1 mining operations. It will
be amended throughout the life of the mine to reflect changes in:
mining operations;
rehabilitation techniques and technologies;
legislative requirements;
stakeholder expectations; or
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advances in knowledge arising from environmental surveys, rehabilitation trials and
site investigations.
At a minimum it will be revised and amended every three years.
1.3 SCOPE
This MCP applies to all landforms and infrastructure associated with the Mt Jackson J1
Deposit mining operations as described in Cliffs’ Mt Jackson J1 Deposit Mining Proposal
(Cliffs 2010b). This MCP provides the mine closure framework throughout all aspects of the
project from design, construction and operation through to decommissioning and closure.
This MCP excludes rehabilitation and closure of exploration areas occurring outside of the
footprint of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations. Exploration activities are
regulated under a Program of Works and rehabilitation activities are expected to be carried
out as prescribed by DMP in its guidance document Guidelines for Mineral
Exploration/Rehabilitation Activities (DMP 2007). Monitoring of and reporting on
rehabilitation activities is a requirement of the Program of Works approval. Thus, to avoid
duplicating processes, the rehabilitation and closure of such exploration areas associated
with the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit has been excluded from this MCP.
1.4 PURPOSE
This MCP has been prepared to fulfil the following objectives:
To enable Cliffs’ to rehabilitate the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations to an
agreed standard such that Cliffs can relinquish the site and be released from further
liability.
To satisfy the requirements of a “Conceptual Closure Strategy” required under
Condition 9 of Cliffs’ Environmental Protection Act 1986 approval (Statement 843)
issued for the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations by the Western Australian
Minister for Environment on 28 October 2010.
To satisfy the requirements of a “Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan” required
under Condition 2(d) of Cliffs’ Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act 1999 (EPBC Act 1999) approval (EPBC 2008/4449) issued for the Mt Jackson J1
Deposit mining operations by the Commonwealth Minister for Environment on 5
October 2009. To satisfy the requirements of DMP/EPA’s Guidelines for Preparing
Mine Closure Plans (DMP/EPA 2011).
Yilgarn Operations Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Mt Jackson J1 Mine Closure Plan November 2012 (Revision 1)
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2. PROJECT SUMMARY
2.1 LOCATION
The Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations are located within Tenements M77/993,
M77/994, M77/1248, M77/1249 and L77/216 granted to Cliffs under the Mining Act 1978.
Figure 2.1 shows the layout of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mines and associated
infrastructure. Figure 2.2 shows the layout of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mines and haul
road, which links to the Mt Jackson J2 and J3 mining operations.
2.2 OWNERSHIP
The Proponent for the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations is Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore
Pty Ltd (Cliffs). Cliffs is the holder of all tenements. There are no joint venture
arrangements, management companies or contracting companies relevant to the Mt Jackson
J1 Deposit mining operations.
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2.3 CONTACT DETAILS
Cliffs’ contact details are:
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (ACN 001 892 995)
Level 12, The Quadrant
1 William Street, PERTH WA 6000
GPO Box W2017, PERTH WA 6846
Telephone: (08) 9426 3333
Fax: (08) 9426 3390
Website: www.CliffsNR.com
Corporate Enquiries:
Mr Paul West
Manager Environmental Services
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd
Telephone: (08) 9426 3309
Email: [email protected]
Technical Enquiries:
Ms Nicole Harry
Senior Environmental Advisor - Closure
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd
Telephone: (08) 9049 4066
Email: [email protected]
Tenement Enquiries:
Mr Peter Brammall
Senior Tenement Advisor
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd
Telephone: (08) 9426 3341
Email: [email protected]
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2.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.4.1 Overview
Cliffs obtained environmental approval under the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999 for its Mt
Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations in 2009 and under the Western Australian EP Act 1986
and Mining Act 1978 in 2010. Cliffs commenced implementation of the project in Quarter 1
of 2011 and has an estimated mine life of 10 years, with mining expected to be completed
in 2021.
Cliffs’ Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations comprise the following components:
two mine pits;
one waste rock landform;
ore stockpiles;
internal mine roads;
administration and operations buildings; and
a haul road and gravel pit.
Ore is mined from two pits and transported by road to Koolyanobbing for processing.
2.4.2 Mine pits
The Mt Jackson J1 Deposit comprises approximately 30.1Mt of iron ore. Mining operations
involve mining from two pits: “J1 West Pit” and “J1 East Pit”. The J1 West Pit will be mined
to approximately 170m depth and the J1 East Pit mined to approximately 95m depth. The
J1 West Pit will involve mining to approximately 75m below the 417mAHD natural
groundwater level. The J1 East Pit will not involve mining below the groundwater table.
The pits will join though not at full depth; a saddle will join the two pits. The combined area
of the two pits is approximately 114ha.
2.4.3 Waste Rock Landform
Waste rock (excavated un-mineralised rock and soil material) from the mine pits will be
disposed of by construction of a waste rock landform (WRL). The volume of waste rock to
be excavated is approximately 57.8 million loose cubic metres. The WRL will be constructed
with a footprint of 170ha and to a height of nominally 520mAHD. Accounting for topsoil
storage, the total area of disturbance will be approximately 211ha.
The size and height of the overburden landform is based on a 15o slope with 10m, back-
sloping berms. The WRL will be subject to an engineering design catering for a 1:100 year
Annual Recurrence Interval (ARI) for rainfall, which is consistent with the engineering design
of Cliffs’ existing waste rock landforms. Waste rock geochemistry has been characterised to
facilitate the management of potentially acid forming (PAF) waste rock.
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2.4.4 Infrastructure
Support infrastructure will require an area of approximately 225ha. The support
infrastructure will include the following components:
ore stockpiles
workshops and maintenance areas
vehicle parking areas
wash bay
hydrocarbon storage
power plant
administration offices
water treatment plant
explosives Storage
water storages and catchment dams
drainage and diversion channels
internal and access roads
topsoil, vegetation and gravel stockpiles adjacent to the mining infrastructure
2.4.5 Haul Road
The haul road is approximately 10.7km long, 40m wide (44ha in area) and connects to Cliffs’
Mt Jackson J2 Deposit haul road. The haul road is constructed of gravel and designed to
cater for a 1:100 year ARI for rainfall, consistent with the engineering design of Cliffs’
existing haul road network. Gravel for the construction of the haul road was sourced from a
10.6ha gravel pit located adjacent to the haul road.
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Figure 2.1 Layout of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining and infrastructure areas
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Figure 2.2 Location of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mine and haul road
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2.5 MINE CLOSURE MANAGEMENT UNITS
To facilitate the implementation of progressive rehabilitation and closure activities, the Mt
Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations were divided into discreet areas or “management
units” (Table 2.1). Each management unit comprises landforms or features that have similar
rehabilitation needs for their intended post-mining land use. This approach is consistent
with the “domain” model proposed by ICMM (2008) as advocated in DMP/EPA’s Guidelines
for Preparing Mine Closure Plans (DMP/EPA 2011). Thus, reference to management units
throughout this MCP, particularly in relation to completion criteria (Section 8), financial
provisions for closure (Section 9) and the Closure Implementation Program (Section 10), is
based on the management units listed in Table 2.1. The geographical boundary of each
management unit is detailed in the Closure Implementation Program presented in
Section 10.
Table 2.1 Mt Jackson J1 Deposit management units for rehabilitation and closure
planning and implementation
Management Unit Feature(s) Tenements
Mine Pits J1 Pit West
J1 Pit East
Mine pit dewatering pipeline and infrastructure
M77/994
Waste Rock Landform
J1 Waste Rock Landform
Topsoil, vegetation and gravel stockpiles adjacent to the
WRL
Explosives storage (adjacent to WRL)
M77/993
M77/994
Infrastructure Ore stockpiles
Workshops and maintenance areas
Vehicle parking areas
Wash bay
Hydrocarbon storage
Power plant
Mine administration offices
Water treatment plant
Explosives Storage (adjacent to topsoil stockpile)
Water storages and catchment dams
Drainage and diversion channels
Internal and access roads
Topsoil, vegetation and gravel stockpiles adjacent to the
mining infrastructure
M77/994
M77/1249
Haul Road J1 Haul Road connecting to Mt Jackson J2/J3 mine haul
road
Gravel Pit
L77/216
M77/1248
M77/997
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3. CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS
Cliffs’ obligations and commitments for rehabilitation and mine closure of the Mt Jackson J1
Deposit mining operations were identified through a review of relevant:
legislation;
tenement conditions;
ministerial Statements;
mining Proposal commitments; and
Management Plan commitments.
Cliffs’ obligations and commitments for rehabilitation and mine closure across its Yilgarn
Operations are maintained in its Legal Obligations Register. Those obligations pertaining to
rehabilitation and closure of the Mount Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations is presented in
Table 3.1.
Table 3.1 Obligations and commitments pertaining to rehabilitation and closure of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations
Tenement
No.
Condition
No.
Condition / Commitment
EP Act 1986: Ministerial Statement 843
All:
M77/993; M77/994;
M77/1248;
M77/1249; and
L77/216
8-1(1) The waste dump shall be non-polluting and shall be constructed so that
their final shape, stability, surface drainage, resistance to erosion and ability to support local native vegetation are comparable to natural
landforms within 100km of the proposal.
8-1(2) Subject to the Final Closure and Decommissioning Plan with regard to the haul road and an internal access road (Condition 10-4(1)), the
waste dump and other areas disturbed through the implementation of
the proposal (excluding mine pits) shall be progressively rehabilitated with vegetation composed of native plant species of local provenance
(as agreed by the CEO in consultation with the DEC and the DMP).
8-1(3) The percentage of living vegetation in all rehabilitation areas shall be
comparable to non-disturbed natural vegetation within 100km of the
proposal.
8-1(4) For rehabilitation areas where a similar geological profile to the pre-
mining condition can be re-established, such as areas cleared for
infrastructure, the species diversity and abundance shall be comparable with reference sites representative of the pre-disturbance condition of
those areas, to be chosen in consultation with the DEC prior to ground disturbing activities.
8-1(5) To improve the likelihood of rehabilitation success for the flora species
Bossiaea sp. Jackson Range, Spartothamnella sp. Helena and Aurora Range and Calytrix sp. Paynes Find, the proponent shall:
(a) Within 12 months after commencing proposal implementation, submit a proposed scope of work for a rehabilitation investigation
including seed germination trials, seedling trials and propagation
trials, to the approval of the CEO on advice from the DEC;
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Tenement
No.
Condition
No.
Condition / Commitment
(b) Undertake the rehabilitation investigation as determined under Condition 8-1(5a) during the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mine
operations; and
(c) Report the findings of the rehabilitation investigation to the CEO as
part of annual compliance reporting required by Condition 4-6.
8-1(6) Any new species of weeds (including both declared weeds and environmental weeds) introduced into the proposal area as a result of
implementation of the proposal shall be managed to the approval of the DEC.
8-1(7) The coverage of weeds (including both declared weeds and
environmental weeds) within the rehabilitation areas shall be no greater than the average of three suitable reference sites on nearby
land, with the reference sites to be chosen in consultation with the DEC.
8-2 Rehabilitation activities shall continue until such time as the
requirements of Condition 8-1 and are demonstrated by inspections and reports to be met, for a minimum of five years to the satisfaction
of the CEO on advice of DEC and DMP.
9-1 Within 12 months after commencing proposal implementation, the proponent shall submit a detailed and project-specific Conceptual
Closure Strategy to the requirements of the CEO on advice of the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department of
Mines and Petroleum.
9-2 The Conceptual Closure Strategy shall include:
1. a detailed risk assessment to identify any acidity and metal
contamination hazards associated with mining related activities in
the area of this proposal;
2. details of a monitoring program to ensure that materials with
potential to cause acid and/or metalliferous drainage are identified prior to excavation; and
3. actions to be taken in the event that materials with the potential to
cause acid and/or metalliferous drainage are identified through the monitoring program required by Condition 9-2(2).
9-3 The Conceptual Closure Strategy shall provide detailed technical information on proposed management measures to prevent pollution,
environmental harm or human health impacts during the
implementation of the proposal and after mine completion and closure.
9-4 The Conceptual Closure Strategy shall include maps and diagrams
showing the proposed placement, dimensions, design and proposed
methods of construction and closure of waste disposal facilities and mine pits.
9-5 The Conceptual Closure Strategy shall demonstrate that waste dumps can be located, designed and constructed to ensure that they are non-
polluting and so that their final shape, height, stability, surface
drainage, resistance to erosion and ability to support native vegetation are comparable to natural landforms in the area.
9-6 The Conceptual Closure Strategy shall include specific practicable
procedures to ensure the protection of the environment in the event of unplanned or temporary mine closure.
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Tenement
No.
Condition
No.
Condition / Commitment
9-7 The proponent shall implement the proposal consistent with the Conceptual Closure Strategy referred to in Conditions 9-1 to 9-6.
10-1 At least two years prior to mine completion, the proponent shall prepare and submit a Final Closure and Decommissioning Plan to the
requirements of the CEO on advice of the DEC and DMP.
10-2 The Final Closure and Decommissioning Plan shall be prepared consistent with:
1. ANZMEC/MCA 2000, Strategic Framework for Mine Closure
Planning; and
2. Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources 2006 Mine Closure
and Completion (Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry), Commonwealth Government,
Canberra
10-3 The Final Closure and Decommissioning Plan shall provide detailed technical information on the following:
1 Final closure of all areas disturbed through the implementation of the proposal so that they are safe, stable and non-polluting;
2 Decommissioning of all plant and equipment;
3 Disposal of waste materials;
4 Final rehabilitation of the waste dump facilities and other areas
(outside the mine pits);
5 Management and monitoring following mine completion; and
6 Inventory of all contaminated sites and proposed management.
10-4 The Final Closure and Decommissioning Plan shall also include the following proposal specific requirements:
1. Retention, closure or rehabilitation of the haul road and an internal access road to the approval of the DEC;
2. Details of the monitoring program to be carried out to inform final
closure procedures for the pit void such that the standing water body does not cause environmental harm by:
(a) Attracting native fauna which may be subsequently harmed; or
(b) Attracting fauna which may harm native fauna populations
and/or surrounding native vegetation.
3. Management actions to be undertaken based on the findings under Condition 10-4(2).
10-5 The proponent shall close, decommission and rehabilitate the proposal consistent with the approved Final Closure and Decommissioning Plan.
10-6 The proponent shall make the Final Closure and Decommissioning Plan required by Conditions 10-1 to 10-4 publicly available in a manner
acceptable to the CEO.
EPBC Act 1999: EPBC 2008/4449
All:
M77/993;
M77/994; M77/1248;
2(d) For the restoration of the threatened Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata)
habitat post-mining, the person taking the action must implement a
Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan.
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Tenement
No.
Condition
No.
Condition / Commitment
M77/1249; and
L77/216
Mining Act 1978 Tenement conditions
M77/993
M77/994
M77/1248
M77/1249
6 Unless the written approval of the Environmental Officer, DMP is first
obtained, the use of scrapers, graders, bulldozers, backhoes or other mechanised equipment for surface disturbance or the excavation of
costeans is prohibited. Following approval, all topsoil being removed
ahead of mining operations and separately stockpiled for replacement after backfilling and/or completion of operations.
M77/994 14 All topsoil being removed ahead of all mining operations from sites
such as pit areas, waste disposal areas, ore stockpile areas, pipeline, haul roads and new access roads and being stockpiled for later
respreading or immediately respread as rehabilitation progresses.
L77/216 5 All topsoil that may be removed ahead of pipe-laying operations to be
stockpiled for replacement in accordance with the directions of the
Environmental Officer, Department of Mines and Petroleum.
7 On the completion of the life of mining operations in connection with
this licence the holder shall:
remove all installations constructed pursuant to this licence; and
on such areas cleared of natural growth by the holder or any of its
agents, the holder shall plant trees and/or shrubs and/or any other plant as shall conform to the general pattern and type of growth in
the area and as directed by the Environmental Officer, Department of Mines and Petroleum and properly maintain same until the
Environmental Officer advises regrowth is self supporting;
unless the Minister responsible for the Mining Act 1978 orders or
consents otherwise.
Mt Jackson J1 Project Mining Proposal – Proponent Commitments
All:
M77/993;
M77/994; M77/1248;
M77/1249; and
L77/216
Table 1-3
Commitment
7-1
Prior to land clearing and periodically during mine operations, Cliffs will collect seed (for subsequent use in rehabilitation) from areas of:
Bossiaea sp. Jackson Range;
Spartothamnella sp. Helena & Aurora Range; and
Community EeWH1 Eucalyptus ebbanoensis Woodland over Heath
with Calytrix sp. Paynes Find.
Table 1-3
Commitment
7-2
During initial mine development, Cliffs will collect and separately
stockpile/store topsoil (for subsequent use in rehabilitation) from areas
of:
Bossiaea sp. Jackson Range;
Spartothamnella sp. Helena & Aurora Range; and
Community EeWH1 Eucalyptus ebbanoensis Woodland over Heath
with Calytrix sp. Paynes Find.
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Tenement
No.
Condition
No.
Condition / Commitment
Table 1-3
Commitment
7-3
During rehabilitation, Cliffs will undertake actions that seek to establish:
Populations of Bossiaea sp. Jackson Range;
Populations of Spartothamnella sp. Helena & Aurora Range; and
20ha of native vegetation containing representative species of
Community EeWH1 Eucalyptus ebbanoensis Woodland over Heath
with Calytrix sp. Paynes Find.
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4. REHABILITATION AND CLOSURE DATA
4.1 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
The environmental characteristics of the Mt Jackson J1 Project area were described in Cliffs’
Public Environmental Review (Cliffs 2009) and Mining Proposal (Cliffs 2010b). Table 4.1
summarises the key aspects of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit environment that are relevant to
rehabilitation and mine closure planning and implementation. Attachment 1 provides a
bibliography of technical reports for the Mt Jackson J1 deposit that provide data relevant to
mine rehabilitation and closure planning.
Table 4.1 Summary of Mt Jackson J1 Deposit pertinent environmental characteristics
Aspect Description
Climate
Characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Main climatic
features are:
Maximum temperature peaks (>30oC) occur between December and
March.
Rainfall occurs throughout the year with approximately 70 days of
rainfall and an annual average of 294.5mm/y. Wettest months (>30mm) occur between May and August. Driest months (<20mm)
occur between October and January.
Winds between January and April are generally from north-east, east or
south-east directions during both mornings and afternoons. During July to October, wind direction is predominantly north-west, west or south-
west during the mornings, and variable in the afternoons. Periods of calm (no wind and wind <10km/hr) occur during the mornings between
May to July. Strongest winds occurring in the afternoons between July
to November.
In relation to climate change, the region may be expected to become hotter
and drier as a function of El Nino / Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variations.
Topography
Majority of the region is gently undulating at approximately 335mAHD to
400mAHD. The pre-mining elevation of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit ranges
between 510mAHD and 550mAHD.
Soil characteristics
Three soil types (soil management units (SMU)) can be differentiated across
the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit operational area (SWC 2011a):
Skeletal Soil over Ironstone (SMU 1): Corresponding to the ridge and
upper slopes of the Mt Jackson J1 mine pit footprints. This soil is typically shallow (10-20cm), gravelly, non-saline, potentially dispersive
and acidic (pH 4 – 5).
Shallow-deep loamy gravels (SMU 2): Corresponding to the lower slopes
and plains of the waste rock landform and mining infrastructure area.
This soil typically occurs to depths of 1m, has a high gravel and loam content, is non-saline, potentially dispersive and acidic (pH 4 – 7).
Deep clay loam (SMU 3): Found in the northern and south-eastern parts
of the waste rock landform footprint. This soil typically occurs to a depth
of <1m, has a high clay content, low permeability and is saline, alkaline (ph 8 – 10) and highly dispersive.
SMUs 1 and 2 are suitable for stock-piling for use in rehabilitation whereas SMU 3 is not (SWC 2011a). However, during stripping of the surface soils,
the relatively low volume of SMU 3 does not warrant stripping separately.
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Aspect Description
Waste Rock
Geochemistry
Approximately 6.6% (3,920,000m3) of the waste rock sulphur content
exceeding 0.3% (based on 9,314 samples (Cliffs 2008 unpublished data)). As this volume includes both reactive sulphur (potentially acid forming) and
non-reactive sulphur (non-acid forming), this estimate is regarded as conservative.
Independent testing of representative overburden samples (EGI 2009) identified that:
84% of samples tested contained little sulphur and were classified as
either barren or non-acid forming (NAF);
16% of samples were classified as PAF (10%) or uncertain (6%);
the greatest risk for acid generation was the massive pyrite which is
expected to constitute approximately 5% to 6% of waste rock generated and occurs at depth;
the acid neutralising capacity of the waste rock was low.
Saline waste rock of low to moderate salinity is expected at depth, reflecting the surrounding groundwater salinity (2,000mg/L to 6,000mg/L).
Testing by SWC (2011b) indicated that:
The top 20-30m of J1 waste rock is not acidic (pH ~ 8), not acid forming
(NAF) and has a high acid neutralising capacity (ANC). This waste rock would be unlikely to inhibit plant growth;
Below 20-30m and above the groundwater level (~417mAHD), waste
rock is generally acidic (pH ~ 4), representing already-oxidised sulphides and has low ANC. This waste rock would be likely to be inhibitory to
plant growth;
Below the groundwater level (~417mAHD), waste rock is generally
neutral (pH ~ 6 – 8), comprising a heterogeneous mix of PAF and NAF.
Sulphur occurs in an unoxidised form (is therefore PAF). The ANC is
low. This waste rock would be likely to be inhibitory to plant growth;
Above the groundwater level, salinity is low, whereas below the
groundwater level, salinity increases to levels that could inhibit plant
growth.
The potential for non-acidic metalliferous drainage to occur is low,
indicating that metals and metalloids are bound tightly in the rock
matrix.
Vegetation and Flora
The predominant vegetation assemblages occurring over the J1 deposit were Acacia sp. Mt Jackson Shrubland and Dryandra arborea Shrubland
(WB 2009).
The significant flora species and vegetation communities identified by
Western Botanical (2009) in the vicinity of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit were:
Tetratheca harperi (DRF); Beyeria rostellata (P1); Bossiaea sp. Jackson Range (P1); Lepidosperma ferricola (P1); Lepidosperma jacksonense
(P1); Leptospermum macgillivrayi (P1); Jacksonia jackson (P1); Austrostipa blackii (P3); Spartothamnella sp. Helena & Aurora Range
(P3); Stenanthemum newbeyi (P3); Daviesia purpurescens (P4);
Eucalyptus formanii (P4); Dryandra arborea (P4); Mt Jackson Range Priority Ecological Community (PEC).
Fauna
Species of conservation significance recorded on the Mt Jackson Range include the Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata, Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus, Rainbow Bee–eater Merops ornatus and Carpet Python Morelia spilota imbricata (BCE 2009).
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Aspect Description
Groundwater
Groundwater occurs at approximately 417mAHD (Rockwater 2007a).
Groundwater salinity is low (2,000mg/L to 6,000mg/L) when compared to regional salinities recorded at the Windarling Range (20,000mg/L to
29,000mg/L) and towards Koolyanobbing (18,000mg/L to 39,000mg/L) (Rockwater 2003; Rockwater 2007b).
Groundwater modelling (Rockwater 2009) predicts that, depending on the permeability of the country rocks, the pit may either remain dry, or recover
with the water level stabilising at about 370mAHD (28 m pit water depth)
after about 250 years. If the latter occurs, the salinity of the void water will rise, reaching about 73,000 mg/L total dissolved solids (TDS) after 250
years and then stabilising at about 77,000 mg/L TDS after 400 years since the end of dewatering.
Surface Water There are no nearby natural surface water features (lakes or streams) in the
vicinity of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit.
Conservation Reserves The Mt Jackson J1 Deposit is not located within any conservation reserve.
Pastoral Leases
The Mt Jackson J1 Deposit is wholly located within the Mt Jackson Pastoral Lease. The current land uses occurring on the Mt Jackson Pastoral Lease
include pastoral and mining activities. Cliffs is the holder of the Mt Jackson Pastoral lease.
Aboriginal Heritage Nine registered Aboriginal Heritage sites occur in the vicinity of the Mt
Jackson J1 Deposit (DIA 2009).
Native Title
The Mt Jackson J1 Project area coincides with two separate Native Title
applications, being the Central West Goldfields People and the Kalamaia
Kabu(d)n People. Native Title has yet to be determined by the Federal Court of Australia (NNTT 2008a; NNTT 2008b).
European Heritage
Two European heritage sites, the Mt Jackson Homestead and the Mt
Jackson Graves and Cemetery, occur in the vicinity of the Mt Jackson J1 Project. These are located approximately 3km and 3.5km (respectively)
west of the Mt Jackson J1 Project.
4.2 MINING DATA
A range of data will be collected during mine operations that will assist in informing mine
closure (e.g. monitoring results from progressive land rehabilitation). Records of this mining
data will be will be updated in periodic review of this MCP.
4.3 POST-MINING DATA
Data collected following the completion of mine operations will further inform mine closure
(e.g. monitoring results from progressive land rehabilitation). Records of this post-mining
data will be will be updated in periodic review of this MCP.
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4.4 KNOWLEDGE GAPS
At this early stage of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations, the knowledge gaps are
considered to be:
The selection and characterisation of suitable reference sites in order to develop
appropriate completion criteria for landform stability and revegetation; and
Appropriate seed mix, seed treatments to promote germination and seeding rate to
apply to promote the establishment of self-sustaining native vegetation compatible
with surrounding assemblages.
Cliffs proposes to address these knowledge gaps within the first three years of the Mt
Jackson J1 Project (refer to the Closure Implementation Program in Section 10). Cliffs will
continue to assess its knowledge gaps throughout the life of the project during MCP reviews.
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5. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
5.1 STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION
Cliffs identified its stakeholders during the planning of its Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining
operations. The external stakeholders identified are presented in Table 5.1.
Table 5.1 Cliffs’ external stakeholders
Category Stakeholders
Commonwealth Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities (DoSEWPC)
State Government
Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP)
Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)
Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA)
Department of Water (DoW)
Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI)
Department of Agriculture and Food (DAF)
Conservation Commission
Heritage Council of WA
Local Government Shire of Yilgarn1
Indigenous Groups
The Central West Goldfields People
The Gubrun People
The Kelamaia Kabu(d)n People
The Ballardong People
Non-Government Organisations
Conservation Council of Western Australia
The Wilderness Society Australia
Wildflower Society of Western Australia1
Yilgarn Land Conservation District Committee1
Local communities Residents of Southern Cross1
Pastoral leaseholders1
Special Interest Groups
Toodyay Naturalists Club1
Malleefowl Preservation Group1
Windarling Preservation Group1
1 Members of the Yilgarn Operations Community Reference Group
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5.2 CONSULTATION PROCESS
Stakeholder engagement and consultation on mine rehabilitation and closure of the Mt
Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations will be carried out as a part of Cliffs’ overall
stakeholder engagement activities. Of particular note is the Yilgarn Operations Community
Reference Group (CRG). Table 5.1 identifies members of the CRG.
The CRG meets every 6 months, and Cliffs provides project updates to members
approximately every three months between meetings. Mine rehabilitation and closure is
discussed as an agenda item during CRG meetings. Outside of CRG meetings, Cliffs will
undertake regular consultation with stakeholders as required throughout the life of Cliffs’
mining operations.
5.3 CONSULTATION TO DATE
Cliffs engaged with its stakeholders during the planning of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining
operations, through meetings and written correspondence. The topics discussed were
primarily related to describing the suite of environmental studies undertaken, various
aspects of project design and measures implemented to minimise environmental
disturbance. Cliffs’ ongoing stakeholder engagement will focus increasingly on mine
rehabilitation and closure as mining of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit advances.
Cliffs’ maintains a Stakeholder Consultation Register that is used to record consultations
relating to mine closure. The Stakeholder Consultation Register records the stakeholder
consulted, the method of consultation, issues discussed and any conclusions reached. An
excerpt from Cliffs’ Stakeholder Consultation Register focussing on the Mt Jackson J1
Deposit mining operations is presented in Attachment 2.
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6. POST-MINING LAND-USE AND CLOSURE OBJECTIVES
6.1 POST-MINING LAND-USE
The Shire of Yilgarn contains a number of large pastoral leases, including the Mt Jackson
Pastoral Lease (covering Cliffs’ Mt Jackson Range mines), and the Brontie Pastoral Lease
(covering Cliffs’ Koolyanobbing Range mines). The Windarling Range mining operations
were covered by the Diemals Pastoral lease however the lease was cancelled in October
2011 and is now covered by unallocated crown land (UCL). The Mt Jackson J1 Deposit
mining operations is wholly located within the Mt Jackson Pastoral Lease. Pastoral activities
on pastoral leases in the Shire of Yilgarn have occurred for more than 50 years.
In 2010, the Western Australian Government announced a proposal to create a
“Conservation and Mining Reserve” overlapping with Cliffs’ Mt Jackson mining operations.
Key aspects of the proposal were:
The establishment of a reserve for conservation and mining purposes in the main area
of Cliffs’ operations upon the expiry of the Mt Jackson and Diemals Pastoral Leases.
The proposed reserve to carry the designation Section 5(1)(h) Reserve under the
Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. This is a multi-use category equivalent
to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) category IV.
Although it is a “conservation” reserve in terms of its statutory vesting, mining within
the reserve is established as a legitimate purpose.
Accordingly, Cliffs’ proposed end land-use for Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mine is as a multi-use
conservation reserve. The Conservation and Mining Reserve has yet to be established under
the Land Administration Act 1997. Cliffs will undertake further stakeholder consultation
through its CRG meetings and the relevant government agencies to ensure that the
proposed post-mining land-use is aligned with stakeholder expectations.
6.2 CLOSURE OBJECTIVES
Cliffs’ overarching objective for mine closure is to achieve stable, non-polluting landforms
with self-sustaining native vegetation that is compatible with the post-mining land-use of the
surrounding environment. Cliffs’ objectives relating to specific aspects that support the
over-arching objective are presented in Table 6.1. Cliffs will undertake further stakeholder
consultation through its CRG meetings to ensure its mine closure objectives are aligned with
stakeholder expectations.
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Table 6.1 Cliffs’ mine closure objectives
Aspect Cliffs’ Closure Objectives
Landform stability Ensure that final landforms are stable and erosion is controlled to an
acceptable level, comparable to that of the surrounding landscape within 100km.
Public safety Ensure that the land is physically safe for people to access and does not pose
a human health risk.
Soils (cover
systems)
Ensure that reconstructed soil profiles are stable and capable of supporting
resilient and self-sustaining native vegetation.
Vegetation Re-establish native vegetation (within the limits of leading-practice
rehabilitation techniques and the capability of the post-mining soil/waste rock
cover system) comparable to undisturbed natural vegetation within 100km.
Ensure that weeds are effectively controlled.
Ensure that grazing by introduced animal species is effectively controlled.
Sustainability Establish resilient and self-sustaining vegetation.
Establish rehabilitated landforms that are capable of providing habitat for a
variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Ensure that rehabilitated landforms are safe, stable, non-polluting and
compatible with surrounding land-uses and stakeholder expectations.
Ensure that post-mining land management requirements are comparable to
that of the surrounding, undisturbed landscape.
6.3 FINAL LANDFORM DESIGN CONCEPT
6.3.1 Mine pits
The Mt Jackson J1 West Pit will form a pit lake after the completion of mining and
associated dewatering. The J1 East Pit, which will remain joined to the J1 West Pit by a low
saddle, will not form a pit lake. A representation of the post-mining, rehabilitated landscape
showing the mine pits is presented in Figure 6.1.
6.3.2 Waste Rock Landform
Landform Design Concept
To support successful post-mining rehabilitations, the WRL is to be constructed in
accordance with the following design criteria:
10m lifts to a height ranging from 440mAHD to 550mAHD;
batters with slope angles of 15º and 10m back-sloping berms between lifts;
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water control baffles installed at intervals along berms to control surface water
following intense rainfall events;
0.5m high bund installed around the crest of the WRL to control surface water
movement;
bunded cells installed on the top of the final lift of the WRL to contain run-off,
minimise surface flow volumes and velocities and promote infiltration;
PAF waste rock blended with non-PAF waste rock and selectively placed at least five
metres from batter surfaces.
The conceptual, rehabilitated, post-mining WRL is shown in Figures 6.1 and 6.2. Figure 6.3
illustrates the WRL design to promote land stability and successful rehabilitation.
Waste Rock Geochemical Characterisation
In order to manage waste rock appropriately, Cliffs has undertaken geochemical
characterisation prior to mining (SWC 2011b) and identified zones of waste rock that are
likely to be inhibitory to plant growth. Further testing of waste rock is carried out during
blast-hole drilling or reactive ground testing to verify areas predicted to comprise hostile
waste rock.
Criteria used to define waste rock that is either benign or inhibitory to plant growth are
shown in Table 6.2. Waste rock with any combination of pH<4.5, EC>100mS/m or
TS>0.3% is regarded as inhibitory to plant growth and commingled with benign waste and
buried within the WRL as shown in Figure 6.3.
Table 6.2 Waste rock classification
Parameter Benign Inhibitory
pH pH > 4.5
(non-acidic)
pH < 4.5
(acidic)
pHox (pH after reaction with
peroxide)
pHox > 4.5
(Not Acid Forming (NAF))
pHox < 4.5
(Potentially Acid Forming (PAF))
Electrical Conductivity EC < 100 mS/m
(non-saline)
EC > 100 mS/m
(saline)
Total Sulphur TS < 0.3%
(Not Acid Forming (NAF))
TS > 0.3%
(Potentially Acid Forming (PAF))
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6.3.3 Mining Infrastructure
Rehabilitation and closure of mining infrastructure would generally entail:
decommissioning and removal of all infrastructure;
reshaping disturbed land-surfaces, so that they are compatible with surrounding
areas;
installing drainage structures as required to manage surface water flow and potential
erosion;
conducting a contaminated soil investigation and remediating contaminated soil if
required;
spreading available growth medium (topsoil and or vegetation mulch) as required;
deep ripping to loosen traffic-compacted soils;
seeding with local native flora species, appropriate for the soil conditions; and
monitoring to determine the status of rehabilitation in relation to stated completion
criteria.
A representation of the post-mining, rehabilitated landscape showing the mining
infrastructure area is presented in Figure 6.2.
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Figure 6.1 Mt Jackson J1 Deposit conceptual post-mining landform design (looking towards the north-west)
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Figure 6.2 Mt Jackson J1 Deposit conceptual post-mining landform design (looking towards the south-west)
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Figure 6.3 J1 Waste Rock Landform construction design
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7. IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CLOSURE ISSUES
Issues relevant to rehabilitation and closure of the Mt Jackson J1 Project were identified
through:
baseline environmental surveys carried out during the environmental approvals phase;
soil, waste rock and landform characterisation and investigations; and
a structured risk assessment carried out in 2011.
Cliffs’ risk assessment methodology follows AS/NZS 4360:2004 Risk Management (AS/NZS
2004) as advocated by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) in its Planning
for Integrated Mine Closure Toolkit (ICMM 2008). Cliffs’ risk assessment process considers
both risks and opportunities associated with rehabilitation and mine closure of the J1 mining
operation and is presented in Attachment 3. This risk and opportunity assessment for the
Mt Jackson J1 Project will be periodically reviewed throughout the life of the mine to take
account of changes in:
mining operations;
rehabilitation techniques and technologies; and
advances in knowledge arising from environmental surveys, rehabilitation trials and
site investigations.
At a minimum, the risk assessment will be reviewed every three years during triennial
revisions of the MCP.
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8. COMPLETION CRITERIA
8.1 DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLETION CRITERIA
Completion criteria are the basis on which successful rehabilitation is determined
ANZMEC/MCA 2000). The purpose of completion criteria is to establish a set of
rehabilitation standards or end-points that, when achieved, will enable the mining company
to relinquish the mine site and be released from further liability. Stakeholder consultation is
critical during the development of completion criteria to ensure that:
a) there is a common understanding of the constraints posed by post-mining
environmental conditions; and
b) agreement is reached on rehabilitation standards with recognition of those constraints.
Cliffs’ process for developing its completion criteria, illustrated in Figure 8.1, comprises:
implementation of leading practice mining and rehabilitation methods during the
operations phase;
monitoring of rehabilitated landforms and comparable ‘Reference Sites’; and
reviewing the completion criteria in light of monitoring data, in consultation with
stakeholders, to establish achievable criteria that, when achieved, will allow Cliffs to
relinquish the site and future liability.
Post-mining landforms have different characteristics to undisturbed areas so the attainment
of pre-mining (undisturbed) conditions may not be a practical expectation of rehabilitation.
Therefore, completion criteria are required in order to define the end-point for rehabilitation
that, whilst may not resemble pre-mining conditions, is nevertheless acceptable to all parties
i.e. the State, the community and the mining company. Completion criteria should reflect
what can be achieved when current leading practice rehabilitation methods are used, whilst
recognising the limitations that may be imposed by the inherent physical and geochemical
properties of the post-mining soil and waste rock materials.
8.2 INTERIM COMPLETION CRITERIA
Interim completion criteria have been developed for each closure management unit of the
Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations (refer to Section 10 of this MCP). These interim
completion criteria will continue to be reviewed throughout the life of the Mt Jackson J1
Deposit mining operations and refined in light of rehabilitation trials and monitoring data
(following the process outlined in Figure 8.1) to develop achievable criteria relevant to each
landform and mine feature.
The interim completion criteria are referenced to the DMP’s criteria for bond reduction and
retirement (refer to Section 10 of this MCP). Through monitoring, Cliffs’ proposes to
measure the progress of its rehabilitation and apply to the DMP for bond discounts or
retirement upon the attainment of the applicable completion criteria.
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Figure 8.1 Cliffs’ process for developing site-specific completion criteria (adopted
from Nichols 2010)
8.3 REFERENCE SITES
Reference sites comprising undisturbed landforms around the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining
operations will be selected to assist the development of completion criteria. Examples of
rehabilitation that appear to be progressing satisfactorily may also be selected as reference
sites. Reference sites will be selected and completion criteria refined accordingly within the
first three years of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations.
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9. FINANCIAL PROVISION FOR CLOSURE
9.1 METHODOLOGY FOR MAINTAINING FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
Cliffs’ maintains financial provisions for rehabilitation and closure as a contingent liability in
accordance with its procedure FIN056 Financial Processes Iron Ore Rehabilitation Provisions
(Cliffs 2010c). Under this procedure, the cost-estimate is updated biannually accounting for
changes in land disturbance as mining projects advance and a comprehensive review is also
conducted triennially. Cliffs’ financial provisions are audited annually by an independent
financial auditor. The Financial Operations Controller is responsible for maintaining the
financial provisions in the company accounts.
Financial provisions are estimated based on current areas of land disturbance and unit rates
for rehabilitation activities e.g. earth moving, topsoil spreading, contour ripping and seeding.
Financial provisions are estimated separately for each management unit and mine feature.
Thus, the costs for rehabilitation, decommissioning and closure of each management unit or
individual feature can be tracked and updated during biannual reviews. The financial
provisions for any given area of disturbed land remain as a liability on the company accounts
until such time as the rehabilitation completion criteria are achieved and signed off by the
relevant regulatory authorities.
9.2 MT JACKSON J1 DEPOSIT FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
The financial provisions required for the rehabilitation and closure of Cliffs’ Mt Jackson J1
Deposit mining operations is estimated to be, in today’s dollars, $11.7M Australian Dollars
(AUD). This estimate assumes that the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations are fully
implemented in accordance with the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit Mining Proposal (Cliffs 2010b).
Table 9.1 Mt Jackson J1 Project Closure Provisions
Management Unit Closure Provision
Mine Pits
Confidential
Waste Rock Landforms
Infrastructure Area
Haul Road
General Support Activities (relevant to all management units)
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10. CLOSURE IMPLEMENTATION
10.1 CLOSURE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
Cliffs’ mine rehabilitation and closure program for the entire Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining
operations is summarised in Table 10.1. The table assumes that surfaces of the WRL will
not become available for progressive rehabilitation to commence until 2014. Consequently,
progressive rehabilitation, revegetation trials and monitoring would commence from 2014
onwards, with the outcomes being used to refine the completion criteria for this
management unit.
With mining currently projected to occur until 2021, decommissioning works for the mine
pits, infrastructure area and haul road would commence after the completion of mining i.e.
from 2022 onwards. Table 10.1 assumes that it will take nominally up to ten years to
achieve the completion criteria for each management unit so includes a post-mining period
of monitoring and management extending to 2031. In practice, progress towards achieving
the completion criteria will be monitored throughout the post-mining period with a view to
relinquishing the site earlier if possible.
10.2 CLOSURE IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
Cliffs’ Closure Implementation Program for the Mt Jackson J1 Project is underpinned by
Closure Implementation Plans that have been prepared for each management unit to
address their specific rehabilitation and closure issues and requirements. Sections 10.3 to
10.6 present the detailed Closure Implementation Plans for each management unit.
The Closure Implementation Plan for each management unit comprises the following:
Description and Setting: description of the management unit, including a map
showing its geographical boundary and relationship with other management units.
Management History: discussion of any events during mining that may have
implications for rehabilitation and closure.
Risk Assessment: description of the key risks and opportunities related to
rehabilitation and closure of the management unit.
Closure Assumptions: identification of current assumptions regarding rehabilitation
and closure e.g. estimated life-of mine, retention of infrastructure.
Knowledge Gaps: identification of any knowledge gaps specific to the management
unit.
Rehabilitation and Closure Activities: outline of rehabilitation and closure activities
including a “Task Register” summarising the key tasks and their expected timing..
Rehabilitation Materials: identification of the volumes and sources of materials
required for rehabilitation e.g. topsoil quantities.
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Bond Retirement and Relinquishment Strategy: identification of Cliffs’ closure
objectives and completion criteria specific to the management unit, with reference to
DMP’s criteria for bond reduction and relinquishment.
Section 10.7 summarises rehabilitation and closure activities that apply across all
management units. Section 10.8 describes Cliffs’ contingencies in the unlikely event of
unplanned closure.
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Table 10.1 Summary of Mt Jackson J1 Project Closure Implementation Program
Activity
Timing
20
11
20
12
20
13
20
14
20
15
20
16
20
17
20
18
20
19
20
20
20
21
20
22
20
23
20
24
20
25
20
26
20
27
20
28
20
29
20
30
20
31
Mining Activities
J1 Deposit Mining
WRL Construction
Pre-Closure Planning Activities
Reference Site selection
Revegetation Trials and Monitoring
Refinement of completion criteria
Stakeholder Consultation
Implementation of Rehabilitation and Closure Activities
Mine Pit Management Unit: Decommissioning and Closure
Waste Rock Landform Management Unit: Progressive
Rehabilitation
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Activity
Timing
20
11
20
12
20
13
20
14
20
15
20
16
20
17
20
18
20
19
20
20
20
21
20
22
20
23
20
24
20
25
20
26
20
27
20
28
20
29
20
30
20
31
Infrastructure Area Management Unit: Decommissioning and Rehabilitation
Haul Road Management Unit: Decommissioning and Rehabilitation
Post-mining Monitoring and Management
Post-mining monitoring and evaluation against completion criteria
Post-mining Stakeholder
Engagement
Progressive Bond Reduction and Relinquishment
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10.3 MINE PITS MANAGEMENT UNIT
MINE PITS CLOSURE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Scope:
J1 Pit West.
J1 Pit East.
Mine pit dewatering pipeline and infrastructure.
1. Description and setting
Location Tenement M77/994 (Figure 10.1).
Area of disturbance J1 Pit West 98.5ha.
J1 Pit East 15.7ha.
Total 114.2ha.
Current Status Active – mining commenced in Q3 2011.
Closure date Mining is expected to be completed in 2021.
Relationship with other plans This Mine Pit Closure Implementation Plan should be coordinated with the Waste Rock Landform Closure Implementation Plan integrate installation of the pit abandonment bunds and manage surface water.
Figure 10.1 J1 Mine Pits Management Unit
2. Management History
Mining commenced in Q3 2011 and to be completed in 2021. Soil and waste rock properties have been characterised to facilitate (a) retention of surface materials for rehabilitation, and (b) management of potentially acid forming (PAF) materials, respectively.
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3. Risk Assessment
The main risks associated with the mine pits were identified as being:
Public safety / inadvertent entry to the abandoned pits; and
A permanent water source that potentially attracts and stimulates populations of feral fauna.
Refer to risk assessment presented in Attachment 3.
4. Closure Assumptions
Cliffs Closure Implementation Plan for the J1 Mine Pits Management Unit is based on the following assumptions:
Mining will be completed in 2021 to final design (i.e. no further pit expansions occur).
A mine pit lake will form in the J1 West Pit that will be nominally between 10m and 30m deep.
The mine pit lake will form a groundwater sink due to the low inflows relative to the high evaporation rate characteristic of the region.
No infrastructure related to the mine pits is to be retained post-mining.
5. Knowledge Gaps
Current knowledge gaps relating to the J1 WRL Management Unit relate to:
The presence of exposed PAF materials, metals and metalloids in the mine pit walls and potential risks to the surrounding environment.
6. Rehabilitation and Closure Activities
Prior to mining
Prior to mining the following activities will be implemented in support of mine rehabilitation and closure:
Where possible, retain recoverable surface soils and associated vegetation debris from within the boundary of the proposed pits prior to mining.
Retain surface soils and associated vegetation debris from the association Eucalyptus ebbanoensis Woodland over Heath with Calytrix sp. Paynes Find and stockpile separately.
Post-mining
Upon the completion of mining, the following rehabilitation and closure activities will be implemented:
A continuous abandonment bund approximately 2m in height and 5m at the base constructed of benign waste rock material is to be installed at a distance of 80m from the J1 West Pit and 60m from the J1 East Pit (in accordance with DMP 1997), except where the constructed J1 WRL serves the function of an
exclusion bund.
Dewatering infrastructure (generators, pumps, and pipelines) will be decommissioned and removed.
Monitoring to determine: (a) the potential for the mine pit lake to attract native and feral fauna; and (b) the environmental impacts of these fauna if found to be attracted to the mine pit lake.
In the event that native and feral fauna are found to be attracted to the mine pit lake and are subsequently causing detrimental environmental effects, implement appropriate management actions, in consultation with the DEC.
Pit lake depth and water quality (pH and salinity) will be monitored for a nominal 10 year post-mining period.
The presence of exposed PAF materials, metals and metalloids in the mine pit walls and potential risks to the surrounding environment will be investigated after the completion mining.
7. Task Register
No. Description Timing Status
1 Retain surface soil and associated vegetation debris (where recoverable soil occurs).
Prior to ground disturbance.
Implemented during pioneering works.
2
Retain surface soil and associated vegetation debris from the association Eucalyptus ebbanoensis Woodland over Heath with Calytrix sp. Paynes Find and stockpile separately (where recoverable soil occurs).
Prior to ground disturbance.
Implemented during pioneering works.
3 Decommission and remove dewatering Post-mining (2022). Not yet required.
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infrastructure.
4 Install abandonment bunding. Post-mining (2022). Not yet required.
5 Post-mining monitoring of native and feral fauna.
Annually post-mining (2022).
Not yet required.
6 Post-mining monitoring of pit lake depth and water quality (pH and salinity).
Post-mining (2022-2031). Not yet required.
7
The presence of exposed PAF materials, metals and metalloids in the mine pit walls and potential risks to the surrounding environment will be investigated after the completion mining.
Post-mining (2022). Not yet required.
8 Apply for relinquishment.
Post-mining (2022 – 2031, when evidence is available of the achievement of completion criteria).
Not yet required.
8. Rehabilitation Materials
The following materials will be required for rehabilitation and closure of the J1 mine pits:
Approximately 32,000bcm of insert waste rock for construction of the pit abandonment bund.
9. Bond Retirement and Relinquishment Strategy
Bond retirement is not applicable to mine pits as pits are not bonded by the DMP. Cliffs will apply to relinquish the J1 mine pits upon the attainment of the closure objectives and completion criteria shown in Table 10.2.
Table 10.2 Mt Jackson J1 Project Mine Pits Management Unit Completion Criteria
Aspect Closure Objective Interim Completion Criteria
Public safety. Ensure that the land is physically safe for people to access.
Appropriate safety and abandonment structures are in place (based on DMP (1997) guidelines).
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10.4 WASTE ROCK LANDFORM MANAGEMENT UNIT
WASTE ROCK LANDFORM CLOSURE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Scope:
J1 Waste Rock Landform.
Topsoil, vegetation and gravel stockpiles adjacent to the WRL.
Explosives storage.
1. Description and setting
Location Tenements M77/993 and M77/994 (Figure 10.3).
Area of disturbance The Waste Rock Landform Management Unit comprises one WRL.
Total 211ha.
Current Status Active – construction commenced in Q3 2011.
Closure date Mining is expected to be completed in 2021.
Relationship with other plans This Waste Rock Landform Management Unit Closure Implementation Plan should be coordinated with the Mine Pit Management Unit Closure Implementation Plan with respect to surface water management.
Figure 10.2 J1 Waste Rock Landform Management Unit
2. Management History
Mining commenced in Q3 2011, with construction of the WRL coinciding with the commencement of mining. Construction of the WRL will occur throughout the life of the mining project, to be completed in 2021 upon the cessation of mining.
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3. Risk Assessment
The main risks associated with the WRL were identified as being:
• Landform stability and the control of water runoff and erosion.
• Placement of saline or PAF waste rock near the surface of the WRL, thereby potentially compromising revegetation outcomes.
Refer to risk assessment presented in Attachment 3.
4. Closure Assumptions
Cliffs Closure Implementation Plan for the J1 WRL Management Unit is based on the following assumptions:
Surfaces for implementing rehabilitation and conducting trials will not become available until 2014.
Mining will be completed in 2021 to final design (i.e. no further pit expansions are planned).
Waste rock above 505mAHD is considered to be non-saline, non-PAF and suitable for placement on the outer surface of the WRL.
Waste rock between 505mAHD and the groundwater level (417mAHD) is considered to be acidic, inhibitory to plant growth and unsuitable for the outer surfaces of the WRL.
Waste rock below the groundwater level (417mAHD) is considered to be saline and PAF, inhibitory to plant
growth and unsuitable for the outer surfaces of the WRL.
No infrastructure related to the WRL is to be retained post-mining.
5. Knowledge Gaps
Current knowledge gaps relating to the J1 WRL Management Unit relate to:
The selection and characterisation of suitable reference sites in order to develop appropriate completion criteria for landform stability and revegetation; and
Appropriate seed mix, seed treatments and seeding rate to apply to promote Conditions and treatments required to promote the re-establishment of native vegetation and in particular populations of Bossiaea sp. Jackson Range, Spartothamnella sp. Helena & Aurora Range, and Calytrix sp. Paynes Find.
Reference sites will be selected and characterised with respect to aspect, gradient, soil, vegetation and flora during the first three years of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations.
A research program will be implemented to investigate factors influencing the rehabilitation success native vegetation including Bossiaea sp. Jackson Range, Spartothamnella sp. Helena & Aurora Range, and Calytrix sp. Paynes Find, as required by Condition 8-1(5) of EP Act 1986 Statement 843, within the first three years of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations.
6. Rehabilitation and Closure Activities
Prior to mining
Prior to mining the following activities will be implemented in support of mine rehabilitation and closure:
Prior to land clearing, collect seed from the disturbance area for use in rehabilitation.
Retain recoverable surface soils and associated vegetation debris from within the boundary of the proposed pits prior to mining.
During mining
During mining the following activities will be implemented in support of mine rehabilitation and closure:
Reference Sites will be selected and characterised with respect to aspect, gradient, soil, vegetation and flora during the first three years of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations.
Development of a monitoring program for the WRL that addresses the potential for seepage and metalliferous drainage both during operations and the post-mining period.
Progressive rehabilitation of the WRL will be carried out throughout the life of the mine as each lift of the
WRL is completed.
Progressive rehabilitation comprises:
Spreading retained topsoil to a depth of approximately 0.2m.
Deep-ripping on contour.
Seeding with a broad mix of native species of local provenance.
Conducting trials on the re-establishment of native vegetation, including Bossiaea sp. Jackson Range, Spartothamnella sp. Helena & Aurora Range and Calytrix sp. Paynes Find.
Monitoring of rehabilitated sites and relevant reference sites to verify and refine completion criteria.
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Post-mining
Upon the completion of mining, the following rehabilitation and closure activities will be implemented:
Investigate WRL as-built characteristics with respect to geotechnical stability, surface water management, soil/subsoil physical and chemical properties and implications for long-term stability and vegetation growth.
Annual monitoring of landform stability and revegetation until agreed completion criteria are met.
7. Task Register
No. Description Timing Status
1 Collect seed from mining areas for use in rehabilitation.
Prior to ground disturbance.
Seed not collected in 2011. There is currently little seed available for collection due to low rainfall conditions experienced in recent years.
2 Retain surface soils and associated vegetation debris (where recoverable surface soil occurs).
Prior to ground disturbance.
Stripping and stockpiling of surface soils and associated vegetation debris commenced in Q1 2011.
3 Select and characterise Reference Sites. Within first three years of mining.
Not yet undertaken.
4
Prepare a scope of work to investigate rehabilitation of Bossiaea sp. Jackson Range, Spartothamnella sp. Helena & Aurora Range and Calytrix sp. Paynes Find.
2011. Submitted to EPA (17 February 2011).
5
Develop a monitoring program for the WRL that addresses the potential for seepage and metalliferous drainage both during operations and the post-mining period.
2013 Not yet undertaken.
6 Earthworks to shape, spread topsoil and deep rip.
Progressively throughout
mining. WRL areas become available for rehabilitation from 2014 onwards.
Not yet required.
7 Seeding.
Progressively throughout mining. WRL areas become available for rehabilitation from 2014 onwards.
Not yet required.
8 Conducting revegetation trials.
Progressively throughout mining. WRL areas become available for rehabilitation from 2014 onwards.
Not yet required.
9 Monitoring of progressive rehabilitation and development of final completion criteria.
Progressively throughout mining. Monitoring would commence 12 months after the implementation of rehabilitation works.
Not yet required.
10 Investigate as-built WRL characteristics. Post-mining (2021). Not yet required
11 Post-mining monitoring of rehabilitation against final completion criteria.
Post-mining (2021 - 2031).
Not yet required
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12 Apply for relinquishment
Progressively throughout
post-mining period (2022 - 2031 i.e. when evidence is available of the achievement of completion criteria).
Not yet required
8. Rehabilitation Materials
The following materials will be required for rehabilitation and closure of the J1 WRL:
A minimum of 422,000bcm of surface soils is required for surfacing the WRL (to a depth of approximately 0.2m).
A minimum of 10.6 million bcm of benign waste rock is required for surfacing the WRL to a depth of 5m over commingled benign/hostile waste rock.
Approximately 1700kg of seed is required to seed the WRL at a nominal seeding rate of 8kg/ha.
9. Bond Retirement and Relinquishment Strategy
Cliffs will apply to retire the bond and relinquish the J1 WRL according to the completion criteria shown in
Table 10.3.
Table 10.3 Mt Jackson J1 Project Waste Rock Landform Management Unit Completion Criteria
DMP bond reduction and
retirement criteria
Aspect Closure Objectives Interim Completion Criteria
Stage 1: Primary earthworks (50% bond reduction):
Structure stable
Erosion controlled
Water run-off managed
effectively
Landform stability Ensure that final landforms are stable and erosion is controlled to an acceptable level, comparable to that of the surrounding landscape within 100km.
WRL slopes constructed to design criteria (nominally 15o).
WRL berms minimum of 5m width and backward sloping (between 5o and 10o).
Surface water drainage is effectively controlled.
Stage 2: Finishing earthworks (30% bond reduction):
Appropriate soil cover
Adequate contour ripping
Demonstrated stability and erosion control
Soils (cover systems)
Ensure that reconstructed soil profiles are stable and capable of supporting resilient and self-sustaining native vegetation.
Surface cover comprises a combination of 0.2m soil; erosion protection by rock/gravel; and vegetation debris.
Sub-surface material comprises a minimum 5m layer of benign waste rock.
Stage 3: Revegetation (20% bond reduction):
Vegetation established (but not demonstrated to be self-sustaining)
Vegetation Re-establish native vegetation (within the limits of leading-practice rehabilitation techniques and the capability of the post-mining soil/waste rock cover system) comparable to undisturbed natural vegetation within 100km.
Foliar cover of perennial native species 20% — 70% of the average of three
reference sites.
Species richness of perennial native flora 20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites.
Plant density of perennial native species 20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites.
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Weed control program
commenced
Grazing control commenced
Ensure that weeds are
effectively controlled.
Coverage of weed species
is less than the average of three reference sites on nearby land.
Ensure that grazing by introduced animal species is effectively controlled.
Grazing by introduced animal species is managed such that it does not significantly impact on rehabilitation ecology.
Stage 4: Relinquishment:
All criteria met
Sustainability Establish resilient and self-sustaining native vegetation.
Foliar cover of perennial native species remains 20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites for five consecutive years post-mining.
Species richness of perennial native flora
remains 20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites for five consecutive years post-mining.
Plant density of perennial native species remains 20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites for five consecutive years post-mining.
Establish rehabilitated landforms that are capable of providing habitat for a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Rehabilitated landforms provide habitat and food resources for a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Ensure that rehabilitated landforms are safe, stable, non-polluting and compatible with surrounding land-uses and stakeholder expectations.
Abandonment safety and water management structures remain in place and effective.
Emissions and discharges from rehabilitated lands (e.g. sediment, leachate) do not result in off-site impacts to soil, water or vegetation.
Ensure that post-mining land management requirements are comparable to that of the surrounding, undisturbed landscape.
Rehabilitated landforms do not require ongoing management of stability, erosion, drainage, and soil or water contamination.
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10.5 INFRASTRUCURE AREA MANAGEMENT UNIT
INFRASTRUCTURE AREA CLOSURE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Scope:
Ore stockpiles.
Workshops and maintenance areas.
Vehicle parking areas.
Wash bay.
Hydrocarbon storage.
Power plant.
Mine administration offices.
Water treatment plant.
Explosives Storage.
Water storages.
Drainage and diversion channels.
Roads.
Topsoil, vegetation and gravel stockpiles adjacent to the mining infrastructure.
1. Description and setting
Location Tenements M77/994 and M77/1249 (Figure 10.3)
Area of disturbance 225ha
Current Status Active – construction is expected to commence in Q3 2011.
Closure date Mining is expected to be completed in 2021. These facilities and infrastructure will be required at least until the completion of mining and will be progressively decommissioned during the post-mining phase when they are no longer required to support for rehabilitation and closure activities.
Relationship with other plans Nil.
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Figure 10.3 J1 Infrastructure Area Management Unit
2. Management History
Construction commenced in 2011. Mining infrastructure will be require throughout the life of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations so decommissioning and rehabilitation are not expected to be required until 2021 at the earliest.
3. Risk Assessment
The main potential risks associated with the infrastructure area were identified as being:
Soil contamination;
Salinisation of roads from dust suppression using saline groundwater; and
Removal and disposal of man-made structures and materials.
Refer to risk assessment presented in Attachment 3.
4. Closure Assumptions
Cliffs Closure Implementation Plan for the J1 Infrastructure Area Management Unit is based on the following assumptions:
No infrastructure related to the Infrastructure Area is to be retained post-mining for transfer to third parties for beneficial uses.
Any soil identified as contaminated will be excavated and disposed of by burial into the WRL where it will
be capped and isolated.
5. Knowledge Gaps
The current knowledge gaps relating to the J1 Infrastructure Area Management Unit relates to the selection and characterisation of suitable reference sites in order to develop appropriate completion criteria for landform stability and revegetation.
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6. Rehabilitation and Closure Activities
Prior to mining
Prior to mining, the following activities will be implemented in support of mine rehabilitation and closure:
Prior to land clearing, collect seed from the disturbance area for use in rehabilitation.
Retain recoverable surface soils and associated vegetation debris from within the boundary of the proposed pits prior to mining.
During mining
Reference Sites will be selected and characterised with respect to aspect, gradient, soil, vegetation and flora during the first three years of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations.
Post-mining
Upon the completion of mining, the following rehabilitation and closure activities will be implemented:
Above-ground infrastructure that has no further foreseeable use will be dismantled and removed from the mine site for re-use, recycling or disposal as appropriate. Water storages would be backfilled and graded.
Buried infrastructure (such as telecommunications cabling) will be left in situ. Groundwater bores will be capped or plugged.
Mining equipment and supplies (such as mechanical equipment and parts) will be removed from site for re-use, recycling or disposal as appropriate.
Site contamination will be investigated and remediated (as appropriate). Contaminated materials will be excavated and disposed of to the WRL where it will be capped and isolated.
Disturbed areas will be shaped to blend with the contours of the surrounding landscape.
Disturbed areas will be topsoiled to a depth of 0.2m, deep ripped and seeded with a broad mix of native species of local provenance.
Monitoring of landform stability and revegetation will be carried out annually until agreed completion criteria are met.
7. Task Register
No. Description Timing Status
1 Collect seed from mining areas for use in rehabilitation.
Prior to ground disturbance
Not yet implemented. There is currently little seed available for collection due to low rainfall conditions experienced in recent years.
2 Retain surface soils and associated vegetation debris (where recoverable surface soil occurs).
Prior to ground disturbance
Stripping and stockpiling of surface soils and associated vegetation debris commenced in Q1 2011.
3 Select and characterise reference sites. Within first three years of mining.
Not yet undertaken.
4 Investigate site contamination Post-mining (2022)
Not yet required
5 Decommission, dismantle and remove above-ground infrastructure
Post-mining (2022 onwards; when no longer required for other purposes)
Not yet required
6 Earthworks to shape, spread topsoil and deep rip
Post-mining (2022 onwards)
Not yet required
7 Seeding Post-mining (2022 onwards)
Not yet required
8 Monitoring of rehabilitation, development of final completion criteria and further monitoring against final completion criteria
Post-mining (2022 - 2031)
Not yet required
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9 Apply for relinquishment
Post-mining (2022
– 2031, when evidence is available of the achievement of completion criteria).
Not yet required
8. Rehabilitation Materials
The following materials will be required for rehabilitation and closure of the J1 Infrastructure Area:
450,000bcm of topsoil required for surfacing the Infrastructure Area to a depth of 0.2m.
Approximately 1800kg of seed is required to seed the Infrastructure Area at a nominal seeding rate of 8kg/ha.
9. Bond Retirement and Relinquishment Strategy
Cliffs will apply to retire the bond and relinquish the J1 Infrastructure Area according to the completion criteria shown in Table 10.4.
Table 10.4 Mt Jackson J1 Project Infrastructure Area Management Unit Completion Criteria
DMP bond reduction and
retirement criteria
Aspect Closure Objectives Interim Completion Criteria
Stage 1: Primary earthworks (50% bond reduction):
Structure stable
Erosion controlled
Water run-off managed effectively
Landform stability Ensure that final landforms are stable and erosion is controlled to an acceptable level, comparable to that of the surrounding landscape within 100km.
Reinstatement of pre-disturbance contours.
Surface water drainage is effectively controlled.
Stage 2: Finishing earthworks (30% bond reduction):
Appropriate soil cover
Adequate contour ripping
Demonstrated stability and erosion control
Soils (cover systems)
Ensure that reconstructed soil profiles are stable and capable of supporting resilient and self-sustaining native vegetation.
Surface cover comprises a combination of 0.2m soil;
erosion protection by rock/gravel; and vegetation debris.
Stage 3: Revegetation (20% bond reduction):
Vegetation established (but not demonstrated to be self-sustaining)
Vegetation Re-establish native vegetation (within the limits of leading-practice rehabilitation techniques and the capability of
the post-mining soil/waste rock cover system) comparable to undisturbed natural vegetation within 100km.
Foliar cover of perennial native species ≥20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites.
Species richness of perennial native flora ≥20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites.
Plant density of perennial native species ≥20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites.
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Weed control program
commenced
Grazing control commenced
Ensure that weeds are
effectively controlled.
Coverage of weed species
is less than the average of three reference sites on nearby land.
Ensure that grazing by introduced animal species is effectively controlled.
Grazing by introduced animal species is managed such that it does not significantly impact on rehabilitation ecology.
Stage 4: Relinquishment:
All criteria met
Sustainability Establish resilient and self-sustaining native vegetation.
Foliar cover of perennial native species remains ≥20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites for five consecutive years post-mining.
Species richness of perennial native flora
remains ≥20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites for five consecutive years post-mining.
Plant density of perennial native species remains ≥20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites for five consecutive years post-mining.
Establish rehabilitated landforms that are capable of providing habitat for a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Rehabilitated landforms provide habitat and food resources for a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Ensure that rehabilitated landforms are safe, stable, non-polluting and compatible with surrounding land-uses and stakeholder expectations.
Abandonment safety and water management structures remain in place and effective.
Man-made structures and materials are removed (unless otherwise approved)
Contaminated soil is managed
Emissions and discharges from rehabilitated lands (e.g. sediment, leachate) do not result in off-site impacts to soil, water or vegetation.
Ensure that post-mining land management requirements are comparable to that of the surrounding, undisturbed landscape.
Rehabilitated landforms do not require ongoing management of stability, erosion, drainage, and soil or water contamination.
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10.6 HAUL ROAD MANAGEMENT UNIT
HAUL ROAD CLOSURE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Scope:
J1 Haul Road connecting to Mt Jackson J2/J3 mine haul road.
Gravel Pit.
1. Description and setting
Location Tenements M77/1248 and L77/216 (Figure 10.4).
The haul road intersects with the Bullfinch-Evanston Road, which is a public road.
Area of disturbance J1 Haul Road connecting to Mt Jackson J2/J3 mine haul road up to 44ha.
Gravel Pit 11ha.
Total 55ha.
Current Status Active.
Closure date Mining is expected to be completed in 2021. The haul road will be required at least until the completion of mining and will be rehabilitated during the post-mining phase if no longer required.
Relationship with other plans Nil.
Figure 10.4 J1 Haul Road Management Unit
2. Management History
The haul road commenced construction in Q1 2011. The gravel pit was created during 2011 in conjunction with construction of the haul road.
3. Risk Assessment
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The main risk associated with the haul road was identified as being:
Salinisation of roads from dust suppression using saline groundwater.
Refer to risk assessment presented in Attachment 3.
4. Closure Assumptions
Cliffs Closure Implementation Plan for the J1 Haul Road Management Unit is based on the following assumptions:
Although Cliffs’ EP Act 1986 conditions permit the retention of the haul road post-mining, this MCP currently assumes that the haul road not be retained. The Closure Task Register includes activities for the rehabilitation and closure of the haul road. The closure financial provisions in Section 9 include provisions for rehabilitation of the haul road.
The gravel pit would be rehabilitated at the same time as the haul road.
5. Knowledge Gaps
The current knowledge gaps relating to the J1 Haul Road Management Unit relates to the selection and characterisation of suitable reference sites in order to develop appropriate completion criteria for landform stability and revegetation.
6. Rehabilitation and Closure Activities
Prior to mining
Prior to mining, the following activities will be implemented in support of mine rehabilitation and closure:
Prior to land clearing, collect seed from the disturbance area for use in rehabilitation.
Retain recoverable surface soils and associated vegetation debris from within the boundary of the proposed pits prior to mining.
During mining
Reference sites will be selected and characterised with respect to aspect, gradient, soil, vegetation and flora during the first three years of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations.
Post-mining
Upon the completion of mining, the following rehabilitation and closure activities will be implemented:
The haul road and gravel pit will be shaped to blend with the contours of the surrounding landscape.
Topsoil will be spread to a depth of 0.2m, deep ripped and seeded with a broad mix of native species of local provenance.
Monitoring of landform stability and revegetation will be carried out annually until agreed completion criteria are met.
7. Task Register
No. Description Timing Status
1 Collect seed from mining areas for use in rehabilitation.
Prior to ground disturbance.
Seed not collected in 2011. There is currently little seed available for collection due to low rainfall conditions experienced in recent years.
2 Retain surface soils and associated vegetation debris (where recoverable surface soil occurs).
Prior to ground disturbance.
Stripping and stockpiling of surface soils and associated vegetation debris commenced in Q1 2011.
3 Select and characterise reference sites. Within first three years of mining.
Not yet undertaken.
4 Earthworks to shape, spread topsoil and deep rip.
Post-mining (2022 onwards; when no haul road longer required for other purposes).
Not yet required.
5 Seeding. Post-mining (2022 onwards).
Not yet required.
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6
Monitoring of rehabilitation, development of
final completion criteria and further monitoring against final completion criteria.
Post-mining (2022
- 2031) Not yet required.
7 Apply for relinquishment.
Post-mining (2022 – 2031, when evidence is available of the achievement of completion criteria).
Not yet required.
8. Rehabilitation Materials
The following materials will be required for rehabilitation and closure of the J1 haul road and gravel pit:
110,000bcm of topsoil required for surfacing the rehabilitation areas to a depth of 0.2m.
Approximately 440kg of seed is required to seed the rehabilitation areas at a nominal seeding rate of
8kg/ha.
9. Bond Retirement and Relinquishment Strategy
Cliffs will apply to retire the bond and relinquish the J1 haul road and gravel pit according to the completion criteria shown in Table 10.5.
Table 10.5 Mt Jackson J1 Project Haul Road Management Unit Completion Criteria
DMP bond reduction and
retirement criteria
Aspect Closure Objectives Interim Completion Criteria
Stage 1: Primary earthworks (50% bond reduction):
Structure stable
Erosion controlled
Water run-off managed effectively
Landform stability Ensure that final landforms are stable and erosion is controlled to an acceptable level, comparable to that of the surrounding landscape within 100km.
Reinstatement of pre-disturbance contours.
Surface water drainage is effectively controlled.
Stage 2: Finishing earthworks (30% bond reduction):
Appropriate soil cover
Adequate contour ripping
Demonstrated stability and erosion control
Soils (cover systems)
Ensure that reconstructed soil profiles are stable and capable of supporting resilient and self-sustaining native vegetation.
Surface cover comprises a combination of 0.2m soil;
erosion protection by rock/gravel; and vegetation debris.
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Stage 3:
Revegetation (20% bond reduction):
Vegetation established (but not demonstrated to be self-sustaining)
Weed control program commenced
Grazing control commenced
Vegetation Re-establish native vegetation
(within the limits of leading-practice rehabilitation techniques and the capability of the post-mining soil/waste rock cover system) comparable to undisturbed natural vegetation within 100km.
Foliar cover of perennial
native species ≥20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites.
Species richness of perennial native flora ≥20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites.
Plant density of perennial native species ≥20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites.
Ensure that weeds are effectively controlled.
Coverage of weed species is less than the average of three reference sites on nearby land.
Ensure that grazing by introduced animal species is effectively controlled.
Grazing by introduced animal species is managed such that it does not significantly impact on rehabilitation ecology.
Stage 4: Relinquishment:
All criteria met
Sustainability Establish resilient and self-sustaining native vegetation.
Foliar cover of perennial native species remains ≥20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites for five consecutive years post-mining.
Species richness of perennial native flora remains ≥20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites for five
consecutive years post-mining.
Plant density of perennial native species remains ≥20% — 70% of the average of three reference sites for five consecutive years post-mining.
Establish rehabilitated landforms that are capable of providing habitat for a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Rehabilitated landforms provide habitat and food resources for a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species.
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Ensure that rehabilitated
landforms are safe, stable, non-polluting and compatible with surrounding land-uses and stakeholder expectations.
Abandonment safety and
water management structures remain in place and effective.
Man-made structures and materials are removed (unless otherwise approved)
Contaminated soil is managed
Emissions and discharges from rehabilitated lands (e.g. sediment, leachate) do not result in off-site impacts to soil, water or vegetation.
Ensure that post-mining land
management requirements are comparable to that of the surrounding, undisturbed landscape.
Rehabilitated landforms do
not require ongoing management of stability, erosion, drainage, and soil or water contamination.
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10.7 GENERAL REHABILITATION AND CLOSURE ACTIVITIES
In addition to the rehabilitation and closure activities specified for each management unit in
Sections 10.3 to 10.6, there are several activities that apply to the Mt Jackson J1 Project as
a whole (Table 10.6).
Table 10.6 General rehabilitation and closure activities applicable to the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations
No. Description Timing
1 Maintenance of Mine Closure Plan. Every three years at a minimum throughout mining and post-mining period (2011 – 2031)
2 Project Management, Engineering and Survey.
Annually post-mining for an estimated period of 10 years
(2021 – 2031)
3 Post-mining environmental monitoring and reporting.
Annually post-mining for an estimated period of 10 years
(2021 – 2031)
4 Post-mining stakeholder engagement. Annually post-mining for an estimated period of 10 years
(2021 – 2031)
5 Weed control. Annually post-mining for an estimated period of 10 years
(2021 – 2031)
6 Post-mining maintenance earthworks. During post-mining period (2021 – 2031)
7 Equipment mobilisation and de-mobilisation.
During post-mining period (2021 – 2031)
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10.8 UNPLANNED CLOSURE
Care and maintenance procedures will be implemented in the event mining operations are
suspended. The extent and detail of procedures will be dependent in part on the nature and
duration of any suspension of mining operations. An overall objective of measures
undertaken in any care and maintenance phase will be to reduce safety and environmental
risk.
Rehabilitation activities during unplanned closure would generally include:
maintenance of environmental monitoring and reporting programmes;
removal of hazardous materials and fuel from site (other than to maintain essential
services and subject to the duration of any suspension);
dewatering saline water storage dams and any other water points;
earthworks to stabilise/contain any works in progress that constitute an unacceptable
erosion risk;
covering landfill sites;
installation of additional safety measures (signage, fencing, bunding) as may be
necessary to ensure safety in the absence of an active mining operation;
retention of a site caretaker to ensure essential maintenance and that safety
precautions such as barriers and signage are kept in good order; and
removal or storage of equipment/infrastructure to protect from fire.
The full scope of a care and maintenance programme will be agreed with relevant
authorities in the event of a decision to suspend mining operations.
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11. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE
The objectives of rehabilitation monitoring are to:
evaluate the progress of rehabilitated areas towards achieving the completion criteria
for each Management Unit;
reveal the need for any remedial actions in the event that rehabilitation is failing;
determine whether rehabilitation is likely to achieve the stated completion criteria;
review and refine the effectiveness of the rehabilitation methods used; and
demonstrate to stakeholders the attainment of rehabilitation completion criteria for the
purposes of bond recovery and land relinquishment.
Monitoring of rehabilitated landforms will facilitate the quantitative and objective evaluation
of rehabilitation progress against the stated completion criteria. Table 11.1 provides an
overview of the monitoring that would be carried out for different rehabilitated landforms.
Table 11.2 provides further detail of specific monitoring programs related to Cliffs’ closure
objectives and completion criteria. Monitoring will be conducted during operations and for a
post mining 10 year period. Reference sites would be monitored at the same time, using
the same survey parameters and methods, to compare and contrast temporal trends
observed at rehabilitated sites.
Table 11.1 Overview of rehabilitation and closure monitoring
Rehabilitated
Landforms
Aspect
Public
Safety
Landform
stability Soil Vegetation Water Fauna Contamination
J1 East Pit
(dry)
J1 West Pit (Post-mining Pit Lake)
Waste Rock Landform
Infrastructure Area
Haul Road
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Table 11.2 Closure objectives, completion criteria and related monitoring methodology
Aspect Cliffs’ Closure Objectives Interim Completion Criteria Monitoring Methodology
Landform stability Ensure that final landforms are stable and erosion is controlled to an acceptable level, comparable to that of the surrounding landscape within 100km.
Waste Rock Landform constructed to design criteria.
Reinstatement of pre-disturbance contours.
Audit of rehabilitated landforms against design criteria.
Surface water drainage is effectively controlled.
Qualitative assessment of erosion (e.g. rills, gullies, piping) and sedimentation in water management structures (e.g. rip lines, berms).
Public safety Ensure that the land is physically safe for people to access and does not pose a human health risk.
Appropriate safety and abandonment structures are in place.
Audit of rehabilitated landforms against relevant standards and guidelines.
Soils (cover systems) Ensure that reconstructed soil profiles are stable and capable of supporting a resilient and self-sustaining native vegetation community.
Surface cover comprises a combination of 0.2m soil; erosion protection by rock/gravel; and vegetation debris.
Audit of rehabilitated landforms against design criteria.
Sub-surface material comprises a minimum 5m layer of benign waste rock (applicable only to Waste Rock Landform Management Unit).
Audit of rehabilitated landforms against design criteria.
Vegetation Re-establish native vegetation (within the limits of leading-practice rehabilitation techniques and the capability of the post-mining soil/waste rock cover system).
Foliar cover of perennial native species ≥20% of the average of three reference sites.
Quantitative assessment of foliar cover of perennial native vegetation at rehabilitated landforms and Reference Sites
Species richness of perennial native flora ≥20% of the average of three reference sites.
Quantitative assessment of perennial native vegetation species richness at rehabilitated landforms and Reference Sites
Plant density of perennial native species ≥20% of the average of three reference sites.
Quantitative assessment of perennial native vegetation plant density at rehabilitated landforms and Reference Sites
Ensure that weeds are effectively controlled. Coverage of weed species is less than the average of three reference sites on nearby land.
Quantitative assessment of weed foliar cover.
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Aspect Cliffs’ Closure Objectives Interim Completion Criteria Monitoring Methodology
Ensure that grazing by introduced animal species is effectively controlled.
Grazing by introduced animal species is managed such that it does not significantly impact on rehabilitation ecology.
Qualitative assessment of grazing impacts on perennial native vegetation at rehabilitated landforms.
Sustainability Establish resilient and self-sustaining vegetation assemblages.
Foliar cover of perennial native species remains ≥20% of the average of three reference sites for five consecutive years post-mining.
Quantitative assessment of foliar cover of perennial native vegetation at rehabilitated landforms and Reference Sites.
Species richness of perennial native flora
remains ≥20% of the average of three reference sites for five consecutive years post-mining.
Quantitative assessment of perennial native
vegetation species richness at rehabilitated landforms and Reference Sites.
Plant density of perennial native species remains ≥20% of the average of three reference sites for five consecutive years post-mining.
Quantitative assessment of perennial native vegetation plant density at rehabilitated landforms and Reference Sites.
Establish rehabilitated landforms that are capable of providing habitat for fauna.
Rehabilitated landforms provide habitat and food resources for a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Qualitative observation (or evidence) of native vertebrate and invertebrate fauna occurring on rehabilitated landforms.
Ensure that rehabilitated landforms are safe,
stable, non-polluting and compatible with surrounding land-uses and stakeholder expectations.
Abandonment safety and water
management structures remain in place and effective.
Assessment of erosion, sedimentation and
physical condition of rehabilitated landform.
Man-made structures and materials are removed (unless otherwise approved).
Audit of decommissioning and rehabilitation actions carried out against Mine Closure Plan.
Contaminated soil is managed. Quantitative assessment of contaminants at contaminated sites (e.g. hydrocarbons).
Emissions and discharges from rehabilitated lands (e.g. sediment and leachate) do not result in off-site impacts to
soil, water or vegetation.
Quantitative assessment of groundwater quality and vegetation downstream of WRL and identified contaminated areas.
Ensure that post-mining land management requirements are comparable to that of the surrounding, undisturbed landscape.
Rehabilitated landforms do not require ongoing management of stability, erosion, drainage, and soil or water contamination.
Identified as an outcome of the monitoring programs described above.
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12. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Information relevant to mine rehabilitation and closure includes:
approvals documentation (e.g. Mining Proposals, Environmental Impact Statements);
geological and geotechnical data;
operational records (e.g. mining and production records, sulphidic waste rock handling
records, soil stripping and stockpiling records, Annual Environmental Reports);
design and construction documentation (e.g. design and construction reports for
WRLs, pits);
types, locations, and quantities of stored wastes (e.g. landfill records, bioremediation
records, contaminated soil records);
environmental baseline studies, surveys and monitoring reports and data;
rehabilitation data (e.g. design and specifications for final landform construction and
rehabilitation, survey records of as-built landforms, rehabilitation treatments
implemented at specific landforms); and
minutes of stakeholder consultation meetings.
Cliffs’ spatial data is held in its Geographical Information System (GIS) in Surpac® and
MapINFO®. Relevant documents are catalogued electronically and accessed via Sharepoint®
and Compass®. Technical reports supporting rehabilitation and mine closure planning of the
Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations are not appended to this MCP due to the size and
number of these documents. A bibliography of existing documents relevant to rehabilitation
and closure of the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit mining operations is presented in Attachment 1.
This suite of documents relevant to rehabilitation and mine closure will continue to expand
as the project advances and further studies and monitoring activities are carried out.
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13. REFERENCES
ANZMEC / MCA. 2000. Strategic Framework for Mine Closure. Australian and New Zealand
Minerals and Energy Council / Minerals Council of Australia.
AS/NZS. 2004. AS/NZS 4360:2004 Risk Management. Standards Australia / Standards New
Zealand.
BCE. 2009. Fauna Surveys of the Mt Jackson Range, Western Australia, 2000 to 2008.
Report prepared by Bamford Consulting Ecologists for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty
Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore Limited), April 2009.
Cliffs. 2009. Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project - Mt Jackson J1 Deposit Environmental Impact
Assessment (Public Environmental Review). Prepared by Globe Environments Australia
Pty Ltd for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Perth, Western Australia. Revision H,
July 2009.
Cliffs. 2010a. Yilgarn Operations – Rehabilitation and Closure System Manual. Cliffs Asia
Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.
Cliffs. 2010b. Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project Mt Jackson J1 Deposit – Mining Act 1978
Mining Proposal. Prepared by Globe Environments Australia Pty Ltd for Cliffs Asia
Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Perth, Western Australia. Revision F, August 2010.
Cliffs. 2010c. FIN056 Financial Processes Iron Ore Rehabilitation Provisions. Cliffs Asia
Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.
DIA. 2009. Aboriginal Heritage Inquiry System Search: Local Government Area Yilgarn.
Department of Indigenous Affairs website http://www.dia.wa.gov.au. Accessed 13
July 2009.
DMP. 2007. Mineral Exploration/Rehabilitation Activities Guidelines. Department of Mines
and Petroleum, Perth, Western Australia.
DMP/EPA. 2011. Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans. Department of Mines and
Petroleum / Environmental Protection Authority, Perth, Western Australia.
EGI. 2009. Exploratory Assessment of Drill Core Samples from the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit,
WA. Unpublished report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd by
Environmental Geochemistry International Pty Ltd, August 2009.
ICMM. 2008. Planning for Integrated Mine Closure: Toolkit. International Council on
Mining and Metals, London, United Kingdom.
Nichols, O. 2010. Development of Completion Criteria for Different Regions. Workshop on
Integrating Sustainability into Life-of-Mine Planning held by the Sustainable Minerals
Institute, 19-23 April 2010, Fremantle, Western Australia.
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Page 63
NNTT. 2008a. Native Title Determinations Search - Western Australia. National Native Title
Tribunal webpage http://www.nntt.gov.au. Accessed 4 August 2008.
NNTT. 2008b. Native Title Applications Search – Shire of Yilgarn. National Native Title
Tribunal webpage http://www.nntt.gov.au. Accessed 12 August 2008.
Rockwater. 2003. Groundwater Supplies for Koolyanobbing-Windarling Haul Road –
Completion Report for Drilling, Bore Construction and Test-Pumping. Report
Unpublished report prepared by Rockwater Pty Ltd for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty
Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.
Rockwater. 2007a. Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project Mt Jackson J1 Deposit - Numerical
Modelling of Groundwater Dewatering. Unpublished report prepared by Rockwater Pty
Ltd for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.
Rockwater. 2007b. Mt Jackson J1 Deposit Bore Completion Report. Unpublished report
prepared by Rockwater Pty Ltd for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Perth, Western
Australia.
Rockwater. 2009. Mt Jackson J1 Deposit: J1 West Pit, Assessment of Final Void Water
Level and Salinity. Unpublished report prepared by Rockwater Pty Ltd for Cliffs Asia
Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.
SWC. 2011a. Soil Characterisation for the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit. Unpublished report
prepared by Soil Water Consultants Pty Ltd for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd,
Perth, Western Australia.
SWC. 2011b. Mt Jackson Range J1 Deposit Geochemical Characterisation. Unpublished
report prepared by Soil Water Consultants Pty Ltd for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty
Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.
WB. 2009. Flora and Vegetation of the Western Jackson Range (Mt Jackson Range)
Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared by Rockwater Pty Ltd for Cliffs Asia
Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.
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14. ABBREVIATIONS
AHD Australian Height Datum
ANC Acid Neutralising Capacity
ARI Annual Recurrence Interval
AUD Australian Dollars
Cliffs Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore
CRG Community Reference Group
DAF Department of Agriculture and
Food
DEC Department of Environment and
Conservation
DIA Department of Indigenous Affairs
DMP Department of Mines and
Petroleum
DPI Department for Planning and
Infrastructure
DoW Department of Water
DoSEWPC Department of
Sustainability, Environment, Water,
Population and Communities
ENSO El Nino Southern Oscillation
EP Act Environmental Protection Act 1986
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EPBC Environmental Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
GIS IUCN International Union for the
Conservation of Nature
MCP Mine Closure Plan
NAF Not Acid Forming
PAF Potentially Acid Forming
RCS Rehabilitation and Closure System
SMU Soil Management Unit
TDS Total Dissolved Solids
UCL Unallocated Crown Land
WRL Waste Rock Landform
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ATTACHMENTS
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ATTACHMENT 1 BIBLIOGRAPHY RELEVANT TO REHABILITATION AND CLOSURE OF MT JACKSON J1 DEPOSIT MINING OPERATIONS
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Table A1 Bibliography relevant to rehabilitation and closure of the Mt Jackson J1
Deposit mining operations
Artefaxion. 2007. Archaeological Survey of the J1 Project Area and Proposed Haul Road
Corridor. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman
Iron Ore Limited), March 2007.
Artefaxion. 2009. Archaeological Test Pitting of the Curragibbin Hill Rockshelter. Report
prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore
Limited), February 2009.
Bamford Consulting Ecologists. 2006. Fauna Assessment of the J1 Mining Area. Report
prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore
Limited), March 2006.
Bamford Consulting Ecologists. 2007. Field Survey for Trapdoor Spiders (Mygalomorphae)
at the J1 Project Area, Mt Jackson. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty
Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore Limited), May 2007.
Bamford Consulting Ecologists. 2009. Fauna Surveys of the Mt Jackson Range, Western
Australia, 2000 to 2008. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd
(formerly as Portman Iron Ore Limited), April 2009.Bennelongia Pty Ltd. 2008.
Troglofauna survey of the Mt Jackson Range, Western Australia. Report prepared for
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore Limited), December
2008.
Biota Environmental Sciences. 2009. Targeted Survey for Short Range Endemic Fauna
Invertebrates at Mt Jackson Range, Western Australia. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia
Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore Limited), February 2009.
Biota Environmental Sciences. 2009. Mt Jackson J1 Deposit – Preliminary Summary of
Additional Millipede Sampling, August 2009. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific
Iron Ore Pty Ltd, September 2009.
Biota Environmental Sciences. 2009. Mt Jackson J1 Deposit – Summary of Atelomastix
Sampling, August 2009. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd,
November 2009.
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd. 2003. Koolyanobbing Expansion Project – Agreement
with the Department of Conservation and Land Management. September 2003.
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd. 2008. Operating Strategy for Water Supply Borefield -
Koolyanobbing Project Northern Haul Road Network and Minesite Facilities. January
2008.
Yilgarn Operations Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Mt Jackson J1 Mine Closure Plan November 2012 (Revision 1)
Page 69
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd. 2009. Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project – Mt Jackson J1
Deposit: Environmental Protection Act 1986 Environmental Impact Assessment (Public
Environmental Review). Report prepared by Globe Environments Australia Pty Ltd for
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Revision H, July 2009.
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd. 2009. Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project – Mt Jackson J1
Deposit: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Environmental Impact Assessment. Report prepared by Globe Environments Australia
Pty Ltd for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Revision C, June 2009.
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd. 2019. Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project Mt Jackson J1
Deposit – Shire of Yilgarn Town Planning Scheme No 2: Application for Planning
Approval – Supporting Documentation. Report prepared by Globe Environments
Australia Pty Ltd for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Revision C, December 2009.
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd. 2010. Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project – Mt Jackson J1
Deposit Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan. Report prepared by Globe
Environments Australia Pty Ltd for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Revision G,
January 2010.
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd. 2010. Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project Mt Jackson J1
Deposit – Mining Act 1978 Mining Proposal – Tenements M77/993, M77/994,
M77/1248, M77/1249 and L77/216. Report prepared by Globe Environments Australia
Pty Ltd for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Revision F, August 2010.
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd. 2011. Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project Mt Jackson J1
Deposit – Implementation Statement 843, Condition 8, Rehabilitation Investigation
Scope of Works. Report prepared by Globe Environments Australia Pty Ltd for Cliffs
Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Revision E, February 2011.
Department of Environment and Conservation. 2010. Environmental Protection Act 1986
Licence 5058/9. Issued to Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd on 17 September 2010.
Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. 2009. Approval: Koolyanobbing
Iron Ore Project – Mt Jackson J1 Deposit, WA (EPBC 2008/4449). Approval to Cliffs
Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd under s133 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (C’th) dated 30 September 2009.
Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. 2009. EPBC Protected Matters
Report. Protected Matters Search Tool report for the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit project
area of 25 March 2009.
Department of Indigenous Affairs. 2009. Aboriginal Heritage Inquiry System Search: Local
Government Area Yilgarn. Department of Indigenous Affairs website
http://www.dia.wa.gov.au. Accessed 13 July 2009.
Department of Water. 2009. Groundwater Licence GWL154459. Issued to Cliffs Asia
Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 (WA).
Yilgarn Operations Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Mt Jackson J1 Mine Closure Plan November 2012 (Revision 1)
Page 70
DumpSolver Pty Ltd. 2009. Mt Jackson J1 Deposit Abandonment Bunding Requirements.
Report for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, February 2009.
Ecologia Environmental Consultants. 2001. Koolyanobbing Expansion Project: Fauna
Assessment Survey. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly
as Portman Iron Ore Limited).
Ecologia Environmental Consultants. 2002. Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Expansion Project:
Public Environmental Review. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd
(formerly as Portman Iron Ore Ltd) by Ecologia Environmental Consultants. March
2002.
Ecologia Environmental Consultants. 2003. Koolyanobbing Expansion Project – Northern
Tenements Mining Notice of Intent. Notice of Intent No. 4450. Report prepared for
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore Ltd) by Ecologia
Environmental Consultants. Revision 1, November 2003.
Environmental Geochemistry International Pty Ltd. 2009. Exploratory ARD Assessment of
Drill Core Samples from the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit Western Australia. Report
prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, August 2009.
Environmental Protection Authority. 2010. Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project – Mt Jackson J1
Deposit: Report and recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority.
Report 1347, February 2010.
Framenau, V.W. and Harvey, M.S. 2009. The Short-Range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna of
Mt Jackson (Western Australia). Report prepared for Biota Environmental Sciences.
January 2009.
Graeme Campbell and Associates. 2002. Geochemical Characterisation of Waste-rock and
Low-grade ore samples (‘static-testwork’): Implications for Mine-Waste Management.
Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore
Limited).
Government of Western Australia. 2010. Minister for Environment; Youth. Statement No.
843: Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project – Mt Jackson J1 Deposit. 28 October 2010.
Harvey, M.S. 2006. The Short-Range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna from the Mount Jackson
Region, Western Australia. Report prepared for Bamford Consulting Ecologists.
September 2006.
Heritage Council of Western Australia. 2008. Heritage Enquiry: Mine Project in Shire of
Yilgarn. Letter to Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore
Limited) of 7 August 2008.
Malleefowl Preservation Group. 2007. Mt Jackson Malleefowl Survey 20-26th May 2007.
Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore
Limited). May 2007.
Yilgarn Operations Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Mt Jackson J1 Mine Closure Plan November 2012 (Revision 1)
Page 71
Malleefowl Preservation Group. 2008. Mt Jackson Malleefowl Survey 1-7th June 2008.
Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore
Limited). June 2008.
Malleefowl Preservation Group. 2009. Mt Jackson Malleefowl Survey 10-15th May 2009.
Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd. June 2009.
Malleefowl Preservation Group. 2010. Mt Jackson Malleefowl Survey 23rd-28th May 2010.
Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd. June 2010.
National Native Title Tribunal. 2008a. Native Title Determinations Search - Western
Australia. National Native Title Tribunal webpage http://www.nntt.gov.au. Accessed
4 August 2008.
National Native Title Tribunal. 2008. Native Title Applications Search – Shire of Yilgarn.
National Native Title Tribunal webpage http://www.nntt.gov.au. Accessed 12 August
2008.
National Native Title Tribunal. 2009. Claimant Application Summary – Central West
Goldfields People. Produced by the National Native Title Tribunal, January 2009.
National Native Title Tribunal. 2009. Claimant Application Summary – Kalamaia Kabu(d)n
People. Produced by the National Native Title Tribunal, January 2009.
Rockwater Pty Ltd. 2003. Groundwater Supplies for Koolyanobbing-Windarling Haul Road –
Completion Report for Drilling, Bore Construction and Test-Pumping. Report for Cliffs
Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore Limited), December 2003.
Rockwater Pty Ltd. 2007. Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project Mt Jackson J1 Deposit -
Numerical Modelling of Groundwater Dewatering. Report for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron
Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore Limited), December 2007.
Rockwater Pty Ltd. 2007. Mt Jackson J1 Deposit Bore Completion Report. Report for Cliffs
Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore Limited), September 2007.
Rockwater Pty Ltd. 2009. Mt Jackson J1 Deposit: J1 West Pit, Assessment of Final Void
Water Level and Salinity. Report for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, August 2009.
Shire of Yilgarn. 1997. Municipal Heritage Inventory. Inventory for the Shire of Yilgarn by
O’Brien Planning Consultants, August 1997.
Soil Water Consultants. 2011. Soil Characterisation for the Mt Jackson J1 Deposit. Report
prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, June 2011.
Soil Water Consultants. 2011. Mt Jackson Range J1 Deposit Geochemical Characterisation.
Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd, June 2011.
Yilgarn Operations Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Mt Jackson J1 Mine Closure Plan November 2012 (Revision 1)
Page 72
Western Australian Herbarium. 2009. Taxonomic notes on Bossiaea sp. Jackson Range (G.
Cockerton & S. McNee LCS 13614). Prepared by Wege J (Dr.) for the Western
Australian Herbarium of the Department of Environment and Conservation. January
2009.
Western Botanical. 2004. Vegetation Clearances for Drill Pads Jackson Ranges (J1) July
2004. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman
Iron Ore Limited). WB 236, August 2004.
Western Botanical. 2004. Vegetation Clearances for Drill Pads Jackson Ranges (J1)
September 2004. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as
Portman Iron Ore Limited). WB 244, October 2004.
Western Botanical. 2005. J1 Drill Holes Vegetation Clearance. Report prepared for Cliffs
Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore Limited). WB 313, August
2005.
Western Botanical. 2005. Vegetation Clearance for Drill Pads Jackson Range J4 and J1
Deposits September/October 2004. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty
Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore Limited). WB 258, May 2005.
Western Botanical. 2006. J1 Water Bore Flora and Vegetation Clearances October 2006.
Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore
Limited). October 2006.
Western Botanical. 2007. Flora Survey of Proposed Drill Lines at Jackson Range April 2007.
Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore
Limited). WB 437, May 2007.
Western Botanical. 2007. Flora Survey of Proposed Drill Lines at Western Jackson Range –
J1 Phase 2 June 2007. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd
(formerly as Portman Iron Ore Limited). WB 440, June 2007.
Western Botanical. 2007. Flora Survey for Proposed clearing for extension of sump at J1.
Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore
Limited). WB 447, July 2007.
Western Botanical. 2007. Flora Survey of RAB Lines at J1 Jackson Range for Sterilisation
July 2007. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as
Portman Iron Ore Limited). WB 457, August 2007.
Western Botanical. 2009. Seed Collection of Spartothamnella sp. Helena & Aurora Range at
the Jackson Ranges. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd.
September 2009.
Western Botanical. 2009. EeWH1 Eucalyptus ebbanoensis Woodland with Calytrix sp.
Paynes Find Heath. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd. November
2009.
Yilgarn Operations Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Mt Jackson J1 Mine Closure Plan November 2012 (Revision 1)
Page 73
Western Botanical. 2009. Mt Jackson J1 Deposit – Results of surveys for Bossiaea sp.
Jackson Range. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd. November
2009.
Western Botanical. 2009. Flora and Vegetation of the Western Jackson Range (Mt Jackson
Range) Western Australia. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd
(formerly as Portman Iron Ore Limited). WB 359, April 2009.
Wetland Research and Management. 2008. Stygofauna sampling at J1 Deposit. Report
prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as Portman Iron Ore
Limited). May 2008.
Wetland Research and Management. 2009. Stygofauna sampling at Mt Jackson J1 Deposit,
Western Australia. Report prepared for Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (formerly as
Portman Iron Ore Limited). January 2009.
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ATTACHMENT 2 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION REGISTER RELATING TO REHABILITATION AND CLOSURE OF THE MT JACKSON J1 PROJECT
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Table A2 Stakeholder Consultation Register relevant to rehabilitation and closure of the Mt Jackson J1 Project
Date Stakeholder Consultation method Issues discussed Decisions related to rehabilitation and closure
Various during 2008/09
Department of Environment and Conservation (WA)
Meetings Discussion of environmental baseline (flora and fauna) studies carried out.
Nil at this stage.
Consultation will be ongoing throughout the life of the project.
Various during 2008/09
Department of Mines and Petroleum (WA)
Meetings
Discussion of environmental baseline (flora and fauna) studies carried out.
Discussion of mine planning processes.
Nil at this stage.
Consultation will be ongoing throughout the life of the project.
Various during 2008
Shire of Yilgarn Meetings Discussed detailed mine planning issues in relation to flora, fauna, conservation reserves, groundwater and heritage.
Nil at this stage.
Consultation will be ongoing throughout the life of the project.
Ongoing Community Reference Group
Biannual meetings
Discussion of environmental baseline (flora and fauna) studies carried out.
Discussion of mine planning processes.
Nil at this stage.
Consultation will be ongoing throughout the life of the project.
Various during 2007 and 2009
Central West Goldfields People
Meetings Identification of significant Indigenous Heritage sites to be left undisturbed by mining.
Nil at this stage.
Consultation will be ongoing throughout the life of the project.
Various during 2007
Kalamaia Kabu(d)n People Meetings Identification of significant Indigenous Heritage sites to be left undisturbed by mining.
Nil at this stage.
Consultation will be ongoing throughout the life of the project.
Various during 2007 and 2009
Ballardong People Meetings Identification of significant Indigenous Heritage sites to be left undisturbed by mining.
Nil at this stage.
Consultation will be ongoing throughout the life of the project.
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Date Stakeholder Consultation method Issues discussed Decisions related to rehabilitation and closure
3 Nov 2008
The Wilderness Society Australia Inc
Meeting
Discussed details of mine planning and design, flora and fauna survey results, Aboriginal Heritage surveys and conservation reserves.
The Wilderness Society expressed its views regarding the potential for mining companies to become involved in management of the entire landscape (beyond Cliffs’ tenement boundaries), opportunities for indigenous employment during post-mining land use activities (e.g.
long-term management of the pastoral lease).
Nil at this stage.
Consultation will be ongoing throughout the life of the project.
3 Nov 2008
Conservation Council of Western Australia
Meeting Discussed details of mine planning and design, flora and fauna survey results, Aboriginal Heritage surveys and conservation reserves.
Nil at this stage.
Consultation will be ongoing throughout the life of the project.
Various during 2008
Wildflower Society of WA Meeting
Discussed details of mine planning and design, flora and fauna survey results, Aboriginal Heritage surveys and conservation reserves.
The Wildflower Society expressed its concerns regarding the quality of rehabilitation of Cliffs’ existing overburden landform at the Windarling Range mine operations.
Nil at this stage.
Consultation will be ongoing throughout the life of the project.
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ATTACHMENT 3 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS REGISTER - MT JACKSON J1 MINE CLOSURE RISK AND OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT
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Table A3.1 Mt Jackson J1 Project Mine Closure Risk and Opportunity Assessment
Ref. No.
Aspect Issue Context Consequence Categories
Proposed Management Residual Risk Rating
Likelihood Consequence Risk
1.0 Mine Pits
1.1 Public safety
Inadvertent entry to the mine pits after the
completion of mining leading to injury or death
The pit will be bordered to the north by the waste rock landform, which will act as a barrier to inadvertent entry. The southern boundary would require the installation of an abandonment bund.
Safety
Installation of abandonment bunding in accordance with DMP (1997) guidelines.
The DMP would be consulted during the planning of the abandonment bund installation.
E 4 M10
1.2 Mine pit lake
Potential post-mining water source that could attract and sustain feral fauna populations, with subsequent potential for
sustained fauna populations to impact native flora and native fauna.
Groundwater salinity is about 2,000mg/L to 6,000mg/L (TDS). Modelling indicates that the pit may either remain dry or create a lake at about 370mAHD (28m pit water depth). The lake
would gradually increase in salinity to between 73,000 mg/L and 77,000 mg/L.
Environmental
Contingencies in place to exclude feral fauna from mine pit lake as part of adaptive management approach.
D 2 L5
1.3 Water quality
Potential detrimental impact on groundwater quality and beneficial uses / groundwater dependent ecosystems
Groundwater is below 70m from the natural land surface and there are no groundwater dependent ecosystems or beneficial users in the vicinity
Environmental
No management proposed due to changes in water quality within mine pit will be confined to the mine pit itself with no impacts to surrounding groundwater
E 1 L1
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Ref. No.
Aspect Issue Context Consequence Categories
Proposed Management Residual Risk Rating
Likelihood Consequence Risk
2.0 Waste Rock Landforms
2.1 Geotechnical Stability
Potential for instability of structure resulting in partial failure
WRL design engineered to manage surface water and promote stability. Experience gained at Cliffs’ other Yilgarn Operations indicates that the WRL design is effective for creating stable landforms.
Environmental
15º batter gradient (10.5o overall WRL slope).
5º-10º back-sloped berms with baffles constructed across berms at 100m intervals.
Cells created on top of WRL to reduce water volumes, velocities and risks of overtopping.
Deep ripping to provide rock-armouring of surface soils.
Survey control of WRL construction.
D 2 L5
2.2 Surface Water Drainage
Potential erosion and loss of soil if surface water drainage not adequately controlled.
WRL design engineered to manage surface water and promote stability. Experience gained at Cliffs’ other Yilgarn Operations indicates that the WRL design is effective in minimising surface erosion.
Environmental
15º batter gradient (10.5o overall WRL slope).
5º-10º back-sloped berms with
baffles constructed across berms at 100m intervals.
Cells created on top of WRL to reduce water volumes, velocities and risks of overtopping.
Deep ripping to provide rock-armouring of surface soils.
Survey control of WRL construction.
Implementation of remedial measures if required to reduce erosion.
C 2 M8
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Ref. No.
Aspect Issue Context Consequence Categories
Proposed Management Residual Risk Rating
Likelihood Consequence Risk
2.3 Acidic
Drainage
Placement of Potentially Acid Forming (PAF) material near WRL surface potentially
generating acidic drainage that compromises mine closure objectives.
Pre-mining waste rock characterisation indicated that 84% of waste rock is not acid forming (16% of waste rock identified either as PAF or uncertain). The
Acid Neutralising Capacity of non-PAF material is low. The WRL has been designed to enable comingling of PAF with non-PAF and encapsulation.
Environmental
Pre-mining characterisation of PAF material incorporated into block model.
Identification of PAF materials during mining.
PAF comingled with non-PAF and placed >10m from WRL batter surface.
Characterisation of “as-built” WRL and monitoring of vegetation and groundwater leachate to identify issues and facilitate adaptive management actions.
C 2 M8
2.4 Saline waste rock
Placement of saline waste rock near WRL surface
potentially creating saline conditions that compromises mine closure objectives.
Saline waste rock of low to moderate salinity is expected at depth, reflecting the surrounding groundwater salinity (2,000mg/L to
6,000mg/L) (SWC 2011b)
Above the groundwater level, salinity is low, whereas below the groundwater level, salinity increases to levels that could inhibit plant growth.
Environmental
Pre-mining characterisation of saline material incorporated into block model.
Characterisation of “as-built” WRL soils during mine closure studies and seeding with local seed mix suitable for the soil conditions.
C 2 M8
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Ref. No.
Aspect Issue Context Consequence Categories
Proposed Management Residual Risk Rating
Likelihood Consequence Risk
2.5 Metalliferous Drainage
Potential generation of metalliferous drainage from WRL resulting in metal toxicity to revegetated areas and surrounding
naturally-occurring vegetation.
The potential for non-acidic metalliferous drainage to occur is low, indicating that metals and metalloids are bound tightly in the rock matrix. Only likely to occur under acidic conditions
although the potential is low (SWC 2011b).
Environmental
If found to be an issue of concern, adaptive management strategies to be developed relating to the handling and placement of waste rock during
WRL construction.
E 2 L3
2.5
Dust emissions from post-mining landscape
Dust emissions from post-mining landscape impacting on surrounding native vegetation
Experience gained at Cliffs’ other Yilgarn Operations indicates that dust emissions from constructed WRLs are low.
Environmental
Measures to promote revegetation of disturbed land will also reduce the probability of dust emissions occurring.
E 1 L1
2.6 Native vegetation
Potential failure to achieve stakeholder-agreed completion criteria for native vegetation on rehabilitated landforms
Appropriate reference sites are yet to be selected and characterised.
Rehabilitation trials are required in order to test and refine methodologies and define what can reasonably be achieved in context with the nature of J1 Deposit waste rock and soil properties.
Environmental
Reputation
Implementation of progressive rehabilitation throughout the
operating life of the mine and monitoring of progress in relation to reference sites.
Refinement of completion criteria in light of monitoring results.
Implementation of remedial measures if required to promote revegetation.
B 2 H12
2.7 Weeds
Potential weed infestations on
disturbed land compromise ability to achieve mine closure objectives.
Experience gained at Cliffs’ other Yilgarn Operations indicates that the potential for rehabilitation to be impacted by weeds is low.
Environmental
Weed monitoring and distribution mapping during
operations and post-mining period.
Implementation of weed control program during operations and post-mining period.
D 2 L5
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Ref. No.
Aspect Issue Context Consequence Categories
Proposed Management Residual Risk Rating
Likelihood Consequence Risk
2.8 Topsoil availability
Insufficient topsoil available to adequately cover disturbed ground to a sufficient depth to provide a growth medium.
Experience gained at Cliffs’ other Yilgarn Operations indicates that there should be adequate topsoil available if it is stripped and retained during pre-mining ground disturbance.
Environmental
Retention of topsoil during clearing.
Management of topsoil inventories and reconciliation against rehabilitation requirements.
E 1 L1
2.9 Topsoil viability
Topsoil structure and seed bank viability degraded, resulting in reduced capacity to achieve mine closure outcomes.
The effect of long term stockpiling of topsoil on soil structure and seed viability has not been investigated.
Environmental
Schedule topsoil stripping and rehabilitation works to permit direct placement wherever possible.
Where direct placement is not possible, use topsoil for rehabilitation within 12 months wherever possible.
C 2 M8
3.0 Infrastructure
3.1 Soil contamination
Potential
contamination from wash bay, refuelling, storage and workshop facilities that compromises mine closure objectives.
Experience gained at Cliffs’
other Yilgarn Operations indicates that soil contamination probably will occur at some time during the mining operation and is the affected area is highly localised as contaminated soil is removed immediately.
Environmental
Cliffs’ standard storage, handling and spill response measures to be implemented during mining.
Contaminated sites investigation at the completion of mining and implementation of soil remediation if required.
C 1 L4
3.2
Dust emissions from post-mining
landscape
Dust emissions from post-mining landscape impacting on
surrounding native vegetation
Experience gained at Cliffs’ other Yilgarn Operations indicates that dust emissions
from bare areas are low.
Environmental
Measures to promote revegetation of disturbed land will also reduce the probability
of dust emissions occurring.
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Ref. No.
Aspect Issue Context Consequence Categories
Proposed Management Residual Risk Rating
Likelihood Consequence Risk
3.3 Native fauna
Entrapment and mortality of native fauna in man-made structures post-decommissioning.
Entrapment of fauna would not be expected to occur if infrastructure is dismantled and removed, and subsurface structures back-filled and contoured.
Environmental
Reputation
Decommissioning and removal of infrastructure that could entrap fauna (e.g. turkeys nest dams, drainage lines, bores, septic tanks, sumps) and reinstatement of natural land contours.
E 1 L1
3.4 Native vegetation
Potential failure to achieve stakeholder-agreed completion criteria for native vegetation on rehabilitated landforms
Appropriate reference sites are yet to be selected and characterised.
Rehabilitation of infrastructure areas is not expected to be as problematic as WRLs. Compaction is likely to be the main post-mining soil condition requiring remediation.
Environmental
Reputation
Implementation of progressive rehabilitation throughout the operating life of the mine and monitoring of progress in relation to reference sites.
Refinement of completion criteria in light of monitoring results.
Implementation of remedial measures if required to promote revegetation.
C 2 M8
3.5 Weeds
Potential weed infestations on disturbed land compromise ability to achieve mine closure objectives.
Experience gained at Cliffs’ other Yilgarn Operations indicates that the potential for rehabilitation to be impacted by weeds is low.
Environmental
Weed monitoring and distribution mapping during operations and post-mining period.
Implementation of weed control program during operations and post-mining period.
D 2 L5
3.6 Topsoil availability
Insufficient topsoil available to adequately cover disturbed ground to a sufficient
depth to provide a growth medium.
Experience gained at Cliffs’ other Yilgarn Operations indicates that there should be adequate topsoil available if it is stripped and retained
during pre-mining ground disturbance.
Environmental
Retention of topsoil during clearing.
Management of topsoil inventories and reconciliation against rehabilitation requirements.
E 1 L1
3.7 Topsoil viability
Topsoil structure and seed bank
The effect of long term stockpiling of topsoil on soil
Environmental Schedule topsoil stripping and rehabilitation works to permit
C 2 M8
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Ref. No.
Aspect Issue Context Consequence Categories
Proposed Management Residual Risk Rating
Likelihood Consequence Risk
viability degraded, resulting in reduced capacity to achieve mine closure objectives.
structure and seed viability has not been investigated.
direct placement wherever possible.
Where direct placement is not possible, use topsoil for rehabilitation within 12 months wherever possible.
4.0 Haul Road
4.1
Salinisation of roads from dust suppression using saline groundwater
Creation of salinised soil that compromises ability to achieve mine closure objectives.
Groundwater is not hypersaline – salinity is typically about 2,000mg/L to 6,000mg/L (TDS). Use of saline groundwater for dust suppression is not expected to create hypersaline soils.
Environmental
Soil characterisation during mine closure studies and seeding with local seed mix suitable for the soil conditions.
C 2 M8
4.2
Dust emissions from post-
mining landscape
Dust emissions from post-mining landscape
impacting on surrounding native vegetation
Experience gained at Cliffs’ other Yilgarn Operations indicates that dust emissions
from constructed WRLs are low.
Environmental
Measures to promote revegetation of disturbed land
will also reduce the probability of dust emissions occurring.
E 1 L1
4.3 Native vegetation
Potential failure to achieve stakeholder-agreed completion criteria for native vegetation on rehabilitated
landforms
Appropriate reference sites are yet to be selected and characterised.
Rehabilitation of roads is not expected to be as problematic as WRLs. Salinisation and compaction is likely to be the main post-mining soil condition requiring remediation.
Environmental
Reputation
Implementation of progressive rehabilitation throughout the operating life of the mine and monitoring of progress in relation to reference sites.
Refinement of completion criteria in light of monitoring results.
Implementation of remedial measures if required to promote revegetation.
C 2 M8
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Ref. No.
Aspect Issue Context Consequence Categories
Proposed Management Residual Risk Rating
Likelihood Consequence Risk
4.4 Weeds
Potential weed infestations on disturbed land compromise ability to achieve mine closure objectives.
Experience gained at Cliffs’ other Yilgarn Operations indicates that the potential for rehabilitation to be impacted by weeds is low.
Environmental
Weed monitoring and distribution mapping during operations and post-mining period.
Implementation of weed control program during operations and post-mining period.
D 2 L5
4.5 Topsoil availability
Insufficient topsoil available to adequately cover disturbed ground to a sufficient depth to provide a growth medium.
Experience gained at Cliffs’ other Yilgarn Operations indicates that there should be adequate topsoil available if it is stripped and retained during pre-mining ground disturbance.
Environmental
Retention of topsoil during clearing.
Management of topsoil inventories and reconciliation against rehabilitation requirements.
E 1 L1
4.6 Topsoil viability
Topsoil structure and seed bank viability degraded, resulting in reduced capacity to achieve mine closure outcomes.
The effect of long term stockpiling of topsoil on soil structure and seed viability has not been investigated.
Environmental
Schedule topsoil stripping and rehabilitation works to permit direct placement wherever possible.
Where direct placement is not possible, use topsoil for rehabilitation within 12 months wherever possible.
C 2 M8
5.0 Heritage
5.1 Indigenous heritage
values
Rehabilitation and closure plans not consistent with Indigenous
Heritage values of the post-mining landscape.
The locations of registered Aboriginal Heritage sites are known (DIA 2009).
The Mt Jackson J1 Deposit area coincides with two separate Native Title applications. Cliffs has identified the claimants as stakeholders.
Reputation
Consultation with Indigenous stakeholders to ensure that rehabilitation and closure
objectives are consistent with Indigenous Heritage values.
E 2 L3
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Ref. No.
Aspect Issue Context Consequence Categories
Proposed Management Residual Risk Rating
Likelihood Consequence Risk
6.0 Stakeholder engagement
6.1 Stakeholder concerns
Rehabilitation and closure plans do not adequately address stakeholder concerns
Cliffs has identified its stakeholders and established a Community Reference Group, which meets biannually.
A
Pro-active stakeholder engagement on rehabilitation and closure planning and implementation throughout the life of the Mt Jackson J1 Project.
E 2 L3
6.2 Post-mining land use opportunities
Opportunities to add value to the post-mining land use potential not realised (e.g. retention of infrastructure or access tracks for beneficial uses)
Cliffs has identified its stakeholders and established a Community Reference Group, which meets biannually.
A
Pro-active stakeholder engagement on rehabilitation and closure planning and implementation throughout the life of the Mt Jackson J1 Project.
E 1 L1
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Table A4.2 Consequence criteria
Consequence Level
Business Impact
(F)
Health (H)
Safety (S)
Environment (E)
Reputation, Community and Public Relations
(R)
Compliance (C)
Employee Development / Organizational Effectiveness
(OE)
5 > US $20 million.
Long term chronic health effects to workers or public with potential for
death
Fatality
(Including multiple fatalities,
permanent
disability)
Large scale long-term environmental damage
offsite and/or a compliance breach
that threatens
continued operation.
International adverse media coverage.
Severe, prolonged local community
resistance.
Operations suspended or
severely reduced by authorities.
Prolonged strike. Unavailability or loss of multiple key skills
or personnel.
4 US $5 to US $20 million
Long term chronic health effects to workers or public with major impact
on body function or lifestyle
Serious injury. (Serious injury and
hospitalization, temporary disability.)
Large scale short-term environmental damage
offsite and/or a compliance breach
sanction.
National adverse media coverage;
reduction in credibility with major
stakeholders; persistent community
problems.
Major breach of regulation.
Potential for severe fines and/or
litigation.
Strike. Unavailability or loss of a few key skills or personnel.
3 US $1 to US
$5 million
Chronic health effects causing
partial impact on body function(s).
Moderate injury. (Minor or short-
term loss of body
function. Loss time incident.)
Small scale environmental damage
offsite and/or a reportable compliance
breach; major environmental damage
onsite.
Local adverse media coverage; repeated
community complaints.
Serious breach of internal policy;
breach of
regulation; potential for fines and/or litigation.
Arbitration; occasional shortage
of key skills or personnel.
2 US $100,000
to US $1 million
Health treatment requiring medical
treatment or intervention; but not permanent.
Medical treatment. (Treatment that must be given by
a doctor.)
Significant environmental damage
onsite; minor offsite impact; and/or
technical compliance breach.
Low level community dissatisfaction.
Internal non-compliance; minor
breach of regulation; no fines
or litigation.
Grievance activity by group.
1 Less than
US$100,000 Transitory health
impact.
Minor impact.
(First Aid Treatment)
Minor environmental impact and/or
technical compliance breach.
Isolated local community incident.
Insignificant
internal non-compliance.
Isolated employee dissatisfaction.
Yilgarn Operations Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Mt Jackson J1 Mine Closure Plan November 2012 (Revision 1)
Page 90
Table A4.3 Likelihood criteria for classifying the probability of an incident occurring and resulting in defined consequence, and resulting
risk ranking
LIKELIHOOD SCALE
(Likelihood of defined consequences) CONSEQUENCE SCALE
For Ongoing
Activities
For defined time
activities 1 2 3 4 5
A
Many times per
annum,
continuous
99%
Chance
Medium
11
High
16
Critical
20
Critical
23
Critical
25
B Once or twice
per annum
50%
Chance
Medium
7
High
12
High
17
Critical
21
Critical
24
C Once in 5 years 10%
Chance
Low
4
Medium
8
High
13
Critical
18
Critical
23
D Once in 15 years 1%
Chance
Low
2
Low
5
Medium
9
High
14
Critical
19
E Unlikely in life of
mine
0.1%
Chance
Low
1
Low
3
Medium
6
Medium
10
High
15
Yilgarn Operations Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Mt Jackson J1 Mine Closure Plan November 2012 (Revision 1)
Page 91
Table A4.5 Management Response
Risk Rating Management Response
C CRITICAL RISK: requires changes to project design or operating procedures.
H HIGH RISK: requires detailed research or planning to develop appropriate risk
reduction controls.
M MODERATE RISK: can be managed using existing information by developing and implementing an appropriate management plan.
L LOW RISK: can be managed using routine procedures
(implement continual improvement measures where cost-effective).