Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00911413 · CAPRICORN COPPER PTY LTD
Minerals environmental authority EPML00911413 (CAPRICORN COPPER PTY LTD), Granted. 156 conditions indexed. No PRC plan.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- CAPRICORN COPPER PTY LTD
- Tenures
- ML5407; ML5412; ML5413; ML5418; ML5419; ML5420; ML5429; ML5430; ML5441; ML5442; ML5443; ML5444; ML5451; ML5454; ML5457; ML5459; ML5467; ML5485; ML5486; ML5489; ML5500; ML5548; ML5549; ML5550; ML5562; ML5563; ML90180; ML90181; ML90182
- PRC plan
- None
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
156 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1-1
The holder must ensure that contaminants with the potential to cause environmental harm are not released directly or indirectly to land, air or waters except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority. Activity
- A2-1
This environmental authority authorises environmental harm referred to in the conditions herein. Where a condition in this environmental authority refers to environmental harm, the condition is taken to authorise the environmental harm occurring in compliance with the condition. Where there is no condition or this environmental authority is silent on a matter, the lack of a condition or silence shall not be construed as authorising environmental harm.
- A2-2
In carrying out the mining activity, the holder must comply with Schedule A - Table 1 (Authorised Disturbance). Schedule A - Table 1 (Authorised Disturbance) Infrastructure Area (ha) Location (GDA94) Mining Lease Old TSF 11.05 Latitude Longitude ML5467 & ML5489 North West Gully 2.38 (Centroid X- S) (Centroid X- E) ML5467 & ML5489 Concentrate Shed Area 0.7 S 19- 41' 10.31" E 139- 22' 2.24" ML5467, ML5444 & ML5489 Old SX-EW Plant 2.81 S 19- 41' 13.05" E 139- 21' 52.84" ML5467 BioteQ Plant 1.18 S 19- 41' 18.67" E 139- 22' 5.77" ML5467 Concentrator 4.26 S 19- 41' 24.25" E 139- 21' 57.02" ML5467 Main Workshop and Office S 19- 41' 29.4" E 139- 21' 55.79" Areas 1.53 S 19- 41' 25.8" E 139- 21' 59.65" ML5467 Stormwater Pond ROM Pad 0.81 S 19- 41' 20.29" E 139- 21' 59.18" ML5467 DSO Stockpile Pad 2.75 ML5467 & ML5444 4.13 S 19- 41' 28.5" E 139- 21' 53.02" ML5413, ML5419 & ML5467 S 19- 41' 23.53" E 139- 22' 4.58" ML5429, ML5486, ML5467, S 19- 41' 40.27" E 139- 21' 58.96" ML5407, ML5485, ML5419 & ML5563 Mill Creek Dam 10.59 S 19- 41' 32.13" E 139- 21' 45.32" ML5486 ML5563, ML5485 & ML5430 Hoover Dam (Old Mill Creek) 0.34 S 19- 41' 19.71" E 139- 21' 38.91" ML5459 & ML5486 S 19- 41' 44.87" E 139- 21' 37.8" ML5459 Esperanza Bypass Ramp 1.91 S 19- 41' 29.61" E 139- 21' 27.97" S 19- 41' 22.95" E 139- 21' 31.06" ML5467 & ML5419 North WRD Embankment 6.01 S 19- 41' 35.08" E 139- 21' 51.33" S 19- 41' 49.66" E 139- 21' 51.94" ML5419 & ML5413 North WRD Sump 2 S 19- 41' 46.35" E 139- 21' 59.14" ML5413, ML5419, ML5444, S 19- 41' 46.1" E 139- 21' 47.33" ML5418 & ML5500 Process Ponds (Old 2.35 S 19- 41' 45.06" E 139- 21' 44.49" ML5419 Raffinate Ponds) S 19- 41' 50.63" E 139- 22' 4.51" ML5419 & ML5485 S 19- 42' 6.98" E 139- 21' 57.78" ML5418, ML5500 & ML5419 Mammoth WRD 4.16 S 19- 41' 56.86" E 139- 22' 0.33" ML5548 S 19- 41' 36.45" E 139- 22' 7.78" ML5413, ML5419, ML5500 & Mammoth WRD Extension 7.71 S 19- 41' 34.58" E 139- 22' 11.53" ML5548 ML5444 & ML5418 Batch Plant 1.58 S 19- 41' 50.89" E 139- 22' 18.15" ML5444 Old Dump Sump 1.12 S 19- 42' 5.43" E 139- 21' 39.92" ML5548, ML5444 & ML5418 Heap Leach Pad 1 3.37 ML5419, ML5451, ML5420, Heap Leach Pad 2 4.45 ML5548 & ML90181 Mammoth Valley & Mammoth 8.9 Hill Underground Infrastructure 1.79 Core Shed & Contractors 2 Area Magazine Creek Raw Water 8.22 Dams Exploration Drill Pads & 3.72 Tracks Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Esperanza WRD 28.14 S 19- 42' 9.75" E 139- 21' 20.91" ML5442, ML5548, ML90180, 1.43 ML5457, ML5443, ML5420 & Esperanza Diversion Drain 8.57 S 19- 42' 47.16" E 139- 21' 26.92" ML5451 Upper Esperanza Diversion S 19- 42' 47.23" E 139- 21' 36.82" ML90182 Dam 2 Temporary Upper Esperanza ML90182 Diversion Drain - 26.19 Embankment and spillway 2.1 S 19-42'39.22" E 139-21'9.44" ML90182 Temporary Upper Esperanza Diversion Drain - Cut 27.78 S 19-42'36.72" E 139-21'18.00" ML90182 13.18 Esperanza Pit and Tailings 1.69 S 19- 41' 56.93" E 139- 21' 26.56" ML5486, ML5443, ML5430, Disposal 12.96 ML5442, ML5485, ML5412, 0.56 S 19- 41' 49.27" E 139- 21' 21.88" ML5549, ML5420, ML5457 & North WRD Evaporation Pan S 19- 41' 50.1" E 139- 21' 9.89" ML5548 Esperanza TSF 22.33 S 19- 41' 41.96" E 139- 21' 25.81" ML5486 & ML5443 North WRD Surface S 19- 40' 48.46" E 139- 22' 28.91" ML5486, ML5562 & ML5442 Explosives Magazine 6 S 19- 42' 34.7" E 139- 22' 57.93" ML5486, ML5430 & ML5563 Camp Area 0.1 S 19- 41' 46.93" E 139- 22' 9.91" ML5550 Magazine Creek Not applicable 6.06 S 19- 41' 52.44" E 139- 21' 39.38" ML5418 & ML5500 Haul Roads ML5418, ML5442, ML5451, S 19- 42' 27.22" E 139- 21' 1.84" ML5489, ML5419, ML5420, ESS upper cave subsidence S 19- 41' 56.04" E 139- 21' 38.43" ML5550, ML5563, ML5430, zone ML5444, ML5562, ML5457, Paste Fill Plant Authorised Authorised ML5467, ML5485, ML5486 & exploration, exploration, ML5548 Exploration investigation test access tracks and access tracks and pits and drill pads, groundwater bores groundwater ML5441 groundwater monitoring extents depicted bores extents bores and access tracks on EA Map, depicted on EA ML5485 Schedule I - Plan Map, Schedule I - 5 (Investigation ML5418, ML5419, ML5444, Plan 5 ML5454, ML5467, ML5489, Areas) (Investigation ML5548, ML5550, ML90180, ML90181 & ML90182 Areas)
- A2-3
Disturbance caused by exploration investigation test pits and drill pads, groundwater monitoring bores and access tracks referred to in Schedule A - Table 1 (Authorised Disturbance) must not occur within endangered regional ecosystems described as 1.3.7 (Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodland on channels and levees). Maintenance of Measures, Plant and Equipment
- A3-1
The holder must: (a) Install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; and (b) Maintain such measures, plant and equipment in a proper condition; and (c) Operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper manner. Monitoring and Measurements
- A4-1
The holder must record, compile and keep for a minimum of seven (7) years all measurements and monitoring results required under a condition of this environmental authority.
- A4-2
The holder must ensure that all monitoring required under a condition of this environmental authority is conducted: Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority (a) By a competent person/s; (b) In accordance with methods prescribed in the latest edition of the administering authority's monitoring and sampling manual; (c) Using representative samples; and (d) For laboratory analysis, by a laboratory with appropriate accreditation for the specific method of analysis (NATA accredited unless the administering authority agrees to alternative standards in writing).
- A4-3
All instruments and devices used for the measurement or monitoring of any parameter or quality characteristic required by a condition of this environmental authority must be calibrated, appropriately installed, operated and maintained.
- A4-4
The following information must be recorded for all monitoring and measurements required under a condition of this environmental authority: (a) The date and time when the sample was taken; (b) The person/s conducting the sampling; (c) The location where the sample was taken; (d) Pertinent details relating to the sampling (i.e., stream flow or relevant observations); (e) For laboratory analyses, all chain of custody, certificate of analysis and quality control/assurance documents.
- A4-5
Any monitoring plan, system or program required to be developed and implemented by a condition of this environmental authority must be reviewed at least once every three (3) years by a suitably skilled and competent person for effectiveness in identifying environmental impacts and amended promptly as required.
- A4-6
Within five (5) days of a request from the administering authority, the holder must make available for inspection in the form and by the means requested by the administering authority, all or any of the following: (a) Monitoring results or records required under a condition of this environmental authority. (b) Reports or plans required under a condition of this environmental authority. (c) Details of any investigation required under a condition of this environmental authority.
- A4-7
The holder must implement available measures to enable all monitoring required under a condition of this environmental authority to be conducted. Note: Available measures could include establishing and maintaining safe all-weather access to a monitoring location by upgrading roads/tracks, use of suitable automated sampling devices, developing alternative routes or utilising alternative transport. Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids
- A5-1
Spillage of all flammable and combustible liquids must be contained within an on-site containment system and controlled in a manner that prevents unauthorised environmental harm and maintained in accordance with Section 5.8 of AS 1940 - 2004 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. Definitions
- A6-1
Words and phrases used throughout this environmental authority are defined in Schedule I - Definitions. Where a definition for a term used in this environmental authority is sought and the term is not defined within this environmental authority, the definitions in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its Regulations and Environmental Protection Policies must be used. Notification of Emergencies, Events and Exceedances
- A7-1
The holder must promptly (but within twenty-four (24) hours) notify the administering authority by telephone or email after becoming aware of any emergency or event which results in the release of contaminants not in Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority accordance, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A7-2
The holder must promptly (but within twenty-four (24) hours) notify the administering authority by telephone or email after becoming aware of any monitoring result that demonstrates the exceedance of a contaminant limit specified in a condition of this environmental authority.
- A7-3
Any notification for conditions (A7-1) and (A7-2) of this environmental authority must include but not be limited to the following: (a) The environmental authority number and name of the holder; (b) The name and telephone number of the designated contact person; (c) The location of the emergency, event or exceedance; (d) The date and time of the emergency, event or exceedance; (e) The time the holder of the environmental authority became aware of the emergency, event or exceedance; (f) Where known: (i) the estimated quantity, type and concentration of substances involved in the emergency, event or exceedance; (ii) the actual or potential cause of the emergency, event or exceedance; (iii) a description of the nature and effects of the emergency, event or exceedance including environmental risks, and any risks to public health or livestock; (g) Any sampling conducted or proposed, relevant to the emergency, event or exceedance; (h) Immediate actions taken to prevent or mitigate any further environmental harm caused by the emergency, event or exceedance; and (i) What notification of stakeholders who may be affected by the emergency, event or exceedance has occurred or is being undertaken.
- A7-4
Within ten (10) business days following the initial notification of any emergency, event or exceedance required for condition (A7-1) or (A7-2) of this environmental authority, the holder must provide written advice to the administering authority in a form and by the means acceptable to the administering authority, which includes at minimum: (a) All details pertaining to the initial notification specified in condition (A7-3) of this environmental authority; (b) Results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed in relation to the emergency, event or exceedance; (c) Outcomes of actions undertaken to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; (d) Any proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency, event or exceedance; and (e) Any proposed actions and time-frames to further monitor and/or investigate the source, cause and extent of environmental harm resulting from the emergency, event or exceedance.
- A7-5
The holder must promptly, but not more than five (5) business days following the conduct of any further environmental monitoring and/or investigation nominated for condition (A7-4) of this environmental authority, provide written advice to the administering authority detailing: (a) The results of any monitoring and/or investigations performed; (b) Any resultant actions and time-frames proposed to be undertaken.
- A7-6
The environmental authority holder must promptly notify the occupiers or registered owners of affected land Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority and any other potentially impacted stakeholder by telephone or email after becoming aware of any emergency, event or exceedance that has the potential to impact on environmental values or breaches any condition of this environmental authority concerning the release of contaminants to the receiving environment. Note: Potentially impacted stakeholders include anyone potentially impacted directly by an emergency, event or exceedance such as recreational water users.
- A7-7
The notification in condition (A7-6) of this environmental authority must include the following: (a) The location of the emergency, event or exceedance; (b) The date and time of the emergency, event or exceedance; (c) The estimated quantity and type of any substances involved in the emergency, event or exceedance; (d) The potential impacts to environmental values caused by the emergency, event or exceedance; and (e) Where there is potential impact on livestock or human health, precautionary measures that should be taken. Concentrate storage and handling
- A8-1
The storage and handling of mineral concentrate must only occur in the areas defined and for the purposes specified in Schedule A - Table 2 (Mineral Concentrate Storage Areas). Schedule A - Table 2 (Mineral Concentrate Storage Areas) Name Coordinates (GDA94) Area (m2) Purpose Latitude Longitude Storage of mineral concentrate within the storage shed and load- Concentrate Shed S 19- 41' 15.6" E 139- 22' 6.86" 5,291 out for transport off-site S 19- 41' 19.31" 684 Temporary S 19- 41' 19.13" E 139- 22' 6.82" Temporary storage of mineral concentrate storage S 19- 41' 17.76" concentrate within the modified facility S 19- 41' 21.88" E 139- 22' 5.2" SX-tank when there is no available capacity in the S 19- 41' 22.06" E 139- 22' 4.23" concentrate storage and loading E 139- 21' facility S 19- 41' 23.55" 56.22" E 139- 21' S 19- 41' 23.37" 56.65" E 139- 21' 55.97" E 139- 21' 55.54"
- A8-2
The holder must ensure that the storage, handling and transport of mineral concentrate is conducted in a manner that minimises the release of mineral concentrate to air, land and waters.
- A8-3
The holder must ensure that all vehicles are free of residual mineral concentrate contamination prior to exiting any of the mineral concentrate storage areas specified in Schedule A - Table 2 (Mineral Concentrate Storage Areas).
- A8-4
The holder must undertake the storage and handling of mineral concentrate in accordance with controls and measures nominated in the "Secondary/Emergency concentrate storage procedure" issued 4 December 2012 unless the administering authority agrees to alternative measures and controls. Risk Management and Emergency Response
- A9-1
The holder must develop and implement a risk management system for mining activities which conforms to the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2009) or the latest edition of the equivalent recognised Standard for Risk Management by 1 July 2013.
- A9-2
The holder must develop and implement an emergency response plan to respond to emergency events and incidents by 1 August 2013. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- A9-3
The emergency response/contingency plan required under condition (A9-2) must include at minimum: (a) Response procedures to be implemented to prevent or minimise the risk of environmental harm arising from emergency events and incidents; (b) Response procedures to minimise the extent and duration of environmental harm caused by an emergency event or incident; (c) The practices and procedures to be employed to restore the environment or mitigate any environmental harm caused; (d) The resources to be used in response to an emergency event or incident; (e) Procedures to investigate the cause of any emergency events or incidents, including releases, and where necessary, implement remedial actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence of similar events; (f) The provision and availability of documented procedures to staff attending any emergency events and incidents to enable them to effectively respond; (g) Training of staff that will be called upon to respond to emergency events and incidents to enable them to effectively respond; (h) Timely and accurate reporting of the circumstance and nature of emergency events and incidents to the administering authority in accordance with conditions of this environmental authority; (i) Procedures for accessing monitoring points during emergency events and incidents; and (j) Procedures to notify any occupiers or registered owners of affected land and other potentially impacted stakeholder who may be affected by the emergency event or incident. Complaints and Community Engagement
- A10-1
The holder must record all complaints received about the mining activities, promptly notify the administering authority of the complaint and provide any details requested by the administering authority relating to the complaint, including at minimum: (a) Name, address and contact number of the complainant; (b) Time and date of the complaint; (c) Specifics of the complaint; (d) Investigations undertaken; (e) Conclusions formed; (f) Actions taken to resolve the complaint; (g) Any abatement measures implemented; and (h) Person responsible for resolving the complaint.
- A10-2
The holder must, when requested by the administering authority, undertake relevant specified monitoring within a timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental harm which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the administering authority. The results of the investigation and abatement measures implemented must be provided to the administering authority within ten (10) business days following completion of the investigation, or no later than ten (10) business days after the end of the timeframe nominated by the administering authority to undertake the investigation, whichever is sooner.
- A10-3
The holder must establish, promote and maintain easily accessible lines of communication between residents, stakeholders and land owners potentially affected by the activities to ensure that social and cultural heritage impacts are identified and managed. This must include but not necessarily be limited to the following: (a) Provide the opportunity for regular meetings to occur with all relevant stakeholders at a frequency of Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority no less than once every six (6) months; and (b) Provide the opportunity for establishment of a consultative committee with representation for all relevant stakeholders that meet at regular intervals as determined by the committee (only if required by the relevant stakeholders). Third Party Auditing
- A11-1
The holder must nominate a third party auditor who is a suitably skilled and competent person to audit compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority before the 1 June 2013 and thereafter at a minimum frequency of once every three (3) years.
- A11-2
The third party auditor must certify the independent findings of the audit.
- A11-3
The financial costs of the third party audit are the responsibility of the holder.
- A11-4
The holder must promptly act upon any recommendations arising from the audit by: (a) Investigating any non-compliance issues identified; and (b) Promptly implementing measures or taking necessary action to ensure compliance with the requirements of this environmental authority.
- A11-5
Within one (1) month of completing the audit, the holder must provide a written report to the administering authority, the certification from the third party auditor must be included in this report. In addition, the report must outline all: (a) Actions taken by the holder to ensure compliance with this environmental authority; and (b) Actions taken to prevent a recurrence of any non-compliance issues identified. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE A Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule B - Air Dust nuisance
- C1-1
Water monitoring and sampling must address and comply with the latest version of the Queensland Government's 'Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2018 - Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009' unless otherwise approved by the administering authority. Receiving waters objectives
- C1-2
Contaminants that will, or have the potential to cause environmental harm, must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority. Interim Contaminant Release to Waters and Receiving Environment Monitoring Period
- C2-1
Until 31 October 2028, conditions (C2-2) to (C3-2) apply. Contaminant Release to Waters
- C2-2
The release of contaminants to waters must only occur from the release point specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Point) and identified in Schedule I - Plan 1 (Contaminant Release Point). Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Point) Release Point Description of Description of Description of Location (GDA94) receiving waters Release Source Latitude Longitude S 19-41' 20.0" E 139-21' 24.9" W1 Release Controlled release from Mill Creek Dam or Gunpowder Point water transfer systems Processing Ponds Creek (3 & 4)
- C2-3
The release of contaminants to waters from the release point must be monitored at the release point specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Point) for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Schedule C - Table 2 (Contaminant Release Limits). Schedule C - Table 2 (Contaminant Release Limits) Contaminant release limit (maximum release limit unless specified otherwise) Parameter1 <100 m3/s >100 m3/s Minimum Monitoring Frequency background flow background flow Dilution rate 1:20a Dilution rate 1:80b pH (pH units) Must be between the range of 6.5 to 9.0 EC and pH must be recorded at least once Electrical conductivity (-s/cm) every five (5) minutes for the duration of a release event 5325 10,256 Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) Must be greater than 2 - One sample must be taken within one Sulfate (mg/L) hour of a release event commencing; and 4,500 9000 Suspended Solids (mg/L) - For release events with duration of greater 50 60 than twenty-four hours, samples must be Dissolved arsenic (mg/L) taken daily for one week and once a week Total arsenic (mg/L) 0.03 thereafter until the release event ceases. Dissolved cobalt (mg/L) Total cobalt (mg/L) 0.03 Dissolved copper (mg/L) Total copper (mg/L) 0.19 0.33 Dissolved lead (mg/L) Total lead (mg/L) 0.47 0.25 1 1.7 0.01 0.01 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Contaminant release limit (maximum release limit unless specified otherwise) Parameter1 <100 m3/s >100 m3/s Minimum Monitoring Frequency background flow background flow Dilution rate 1:20a Dilution rate 1:80b Dissolved zinc (mg/L) 0.09 Total zinc (mg/L) 0.11 Oil & grease No detectable film or odour Minimum background creek 2 100 Recorded at least every five (5) minutes for flow (m3/s) the duration of a release event. 1 All metals and metalloids must be measured and reported as both total (unfiltered) and dissolved (field filtered) levels. a. Water to be released at a dilution factor of 1:20 (maximum 1 part release flow rate to 20 parts background flow rate). b. Water to be released at a dilution factor of 1:80 (maximum 1 part release flow rate to 80 parts background flow rate).
- C2-4
Contaminants released to waters from the location listed in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Point) must not exceed the contaminant limit listed in Schedule C - Table 2 (Contaminant Release Limits) for any specified parameter.
- C2-5
The holder must ensure that contaminant release to receiving waters does not occur unless background flow exceeds 2 metres3/second at all times.
- C2-6
The holder must ensure that contaminant release to waters does not occur unless the flow rate in Gunpowder Creek is at least twenty (20) times the rate at which treated waste waters are released from `W1 release point' as determined on any day waste water is to be released.
- C2-7
The holder must ensure that contaminant release to waters does not exceed a rate of 1.5 metres3/second.
- C2-8
All contaminants released from `W1 release point' must be discharged in a manner that ensures the effective dilution and dispersion.
- C2-9
For any release of contaminants to receiving waters, the holder must: (a) Record the date and time for both the commencement and cessation of the release event; (b) Determine and record the total daily volume (in Mega litres/day) and rate (in metres3/second) of contaminants released; (c) Determine and record receiving waters background flow (metres3/second) immediately upstream of the release point specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Point) for the duration of the release event; and (d) Provide this information to the administering authority in the format requested and within twenty-four hours of the request by the administering authority. Receiving Waters Monitoring
- C3-1
The holder must undertake monitoring at each Monitoring Point specified in Schedule C - Table 3 (Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations) for each parameter specified in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving Waters Interim Contaminant Limits) and at the following frequency: (a) For water quality at Receiving Water Sites and Reference Sites, monthly when waters are not flowing; and (b) For water quality at Receiving Water Sites and Reference Sites, weekly during flow events (where no release event occurring); or (c) For water quality at Receiving Water Sites and Reference Sites during any release event: Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority (i) One sample taken as soon as reasonably practicable but no later than within six hours of the release event commencing; and (ii) For release events with duration of greater than twenty-four hours, samples must be taken daily for one week and once a week thereafter until the release event ceases. (d) For water EC and pH at Receiving Water Sites GPA4, GPD1 and GPD2 (real-time monitoring stations) during any release event, every five (5) minutes, continuously, until the release event ceases. (e) For water quality at Observation Sites, once at the commencement of each flow event, unless the administering authority provides written advice that this is not required. Schedule C - Table 3 (Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations)- Monitoring Description Co-ordinates (GDA94) Point Latitude Longitude Receiving Water Sites (RWS) GPA2 Gunpowder Creek at the Mt Oxide Road causeway (on the S 19- 41' 19.6" E 139- 21' 24.2" GPA4 upstream side of the causeway) S 19- 41' 14.8" E 139- 21' 33.6." S 19- 40' 48.9" E 139- 22' 15.5." Gunpowder Creek downstream of the Mill Creek confluence S 19- 39' 38.0" E 139- 22' 53.6" S 19- 41' 23.9" E 139- 22' 19.1" GPA6 Gunpowder Creek downstream of Old Mammoth Tailings Dam GPD2 MGA1 Gunpowder Creek downstream of the Greenstone Creek confluence and approximately 2.5 km downstream of GPA6 Magazine Creek downstream of the Mt Oxide Road causeway GS2 Greenstone Creek downstream of the Magazine Creek confluence S 19- 40' 49.1" E 139- 22' 34.3" Reference Sites (RS) GPU12 Gunpowder Creek upstream of any mine impacts - RS for RWS S 19- 42' 27.4" E 139- 20' 13.9" `WC01', `WC02', `WC04'; and, RS for `W1 Release Point' S 19- 42' 11.2" E 139- 22' 19.6" MGU1 Magazine Creek East branch upstream of any mine impacts - RS for RWS `WC03' and `WC13' Observation Sites REHAB01 At the former spillway of the Old TSF S 19- 41' 4.8" E 139- 22' 8.0" REHAB02 At the spillway of Heap Leach Pad 2 S 19- 42' 5.4" E 139- 22' 3.7" 1 Receiving waters monitoring locations apply during all periods of this environmental authority. 2 When the environmental authority holder has conducted and documented a risk assessment that has deemed that crossing Gunpowder Creek puts at risk the safety and health of personnel undertaking monitoring, monitoring location GPA2 may be utilised as a reference site to assess potential impact from a release instead of GPU1. Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving Waters Interim Contaminant Limits) High background flow (=>2 m3/s) Nil to low background flow (<2 m3/s) Parametera Contaminant limit Contaminant Cease release limit trigger GPA2 j GPA6 j GPD2 j GPD2 j GPA4 j 6.5 - 8.7 d 6.5 b - 8.7 d 6.5 - 9.2 h pH (pH units) (in situ) 6.5 - 8.5 b EC (-S/cm) (in situ) 2867 e 3062 g 1270 h 630 i 630 i For Sulfate (mg/L) For interpretation purposes interpretation NA purposes Fluoride (mg/L) 1.7 b 1.7 b NA Dissolved aluminium (mg/L) 0.29 d Dissolved arsenic (mg/L) 0.013 b 0.44 f NA 0.013 b NA Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Nil to low background flow (<2 m3/s) High background flow (=>2 m3/s) Parametera Contaminant limit Contaminant Cease release limit trigger GPA2 j GPA6 j GPD2 j GPD2 j GPA4 j Dissolved boron (mg/L) 0.94 b 0.94 b NA Dissolved cadmium (mg/L) 0.0002 b 0.0002 b NA Dissolved chromium (mg/L) 0.001 b 0.001 b NA Dissolved cobalt (mg/L) 0.021 e 0.006 g 0.002 h 0.003 f NA Dissolved copper (mg/L) 0.016 e 0.020 g 0.013 h 0.014 f NA Dissolved lead (mg/L) 0.0034 b 0.0034 b NA Dissolved manganese (mg/L) 1.9 b 1.9 b NA Dissolved nickel (mg/L) 0.022 e 0.011 b 0.011 b NA Dissolved uranium (mg/L)c 0.001 d, e, g 0.001 d, f NA Dissolved zinc (mg/L) 0.025 d 0.044 d NA Dissolved silver (mg/L) For interpretation purposes Total hardness For interpretation purposes Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) For interpretation purposes Major ions (calcium, chloride, For interpretation purposes potassium, magnesium, sodium, bicarbonate, carbonate) a. Metals and metalloids must be measured and reported as both total (unfiltered) and dissolved (field filtered) levels. Contaminant limits apply to dissolved concentrations only. b. Default Guideline Values (DGVs) for the protection of moderately disturbed (95% species protection) aquatic ecosystems from ANZG (2018), unless otherwise specified. DGVs may be hardness and DOC corrected in accordance with current ANZG guidance. c. Dissolved uranium to be analysed to a limit of reporting (LOR) of 0.5 -g/L or less. d. Site-specific value based on 95th percentile of GPU1 data collected to date at the appropriate flow rate (i.e. <2 cumecs or >2 cumecs). e. Site-specific value based on the 95th percentile of GPA2 data collected between 2020-2024 at <2 cumecs flow rate. f. Site-specific value based on the 95th percentile of GPA2 data collected to date at >2 cumecs flow rate, excluding 9-13 March 2023 elevated results. g. Site-specific value based on 95th percentile of all adjacent site (GPA, excluding GPA2) data collected at the appropriate flow rate (i.e. <2 cumecs or >2 cumecs), excluding release events. h. Site-specific value based on 95th percentile of all downstream site data (GPD) collected at the appropriate flow rate (i.e. <2 cumecs or >2 cumecs), excluding release events. i. Queensland Water Quality Guidelines (2009), 90th percentile of Gulf data adopted for EC. j. Contaminant limits and cease release trigger specified in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving Waters Interim Contaminant Limits) apply at the corresponding monitoring locations.
- C3-2
By 30 June each year the holder must provide a written report to the administering authority outlining an assessment of each release event within the previous 12 months against Schedule C - Water conditions
- C2-2
to (C3-1). Long Term Receiving Environment Period
- C3-3
From 1 November 2028, conditions (C3-4) to (C3-8) apply.
- C3-4
Contaminant levels in receiving waters must not exceed any of the contaminant limits specified in Schedule C - Table 5 (Receiving Waters Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits).
- C3-5
For any release of contaminants to receiving waters, the holder must: (a) Record the date and time for both the commencement and cessation of the release event; (b) Determine and record receiving waters background flow (metres3/second) immediately upstream of the release point specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Point) for the duration of the release event; and (c) Provide this information to the administering authority in the format requested and within twenty-four hours of the request by the administering authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- C3-6
The holder must undertake monitoring at each Monitoring Point specified in Schedule C - Table 3 (Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations) for each parameter specified in Schedule C - Table 5 (Receiving Waters Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits) and at the following frequency: (a) For water quality at Receiving Water Sites and Reference Sites, monthly when waters are not flowing; and (b) For water quality at Receiving Water Sites and Reference Sites, weekly during flow events (where no release event occurring); or (c) For water quality at Receiving Water Sites and Reference Sites during any release event: (i) One sample taken as soon as reasonably practicable but no later than within six hours of the release event commencing; and (ii) For release events with duration of greater than twenty-four hours, samples must be taken daily for one week and once a week thereafter until the release event ceases. (d) For water EC and pH at Receiving Water Sites GPA4, GPD1 and GPD2 (real-time monitoring stations) during any release event, every five (5) minutes, continuously, until the release event ceases. (e) For water quality at Observation Sites, once at the commencement of each flow event, unless the administering authority provides written advice that this is not required. Schedule C - Table 5 (Receiving Waters Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits) Parametera Trigger Level Contaminant Limit pH (pH units) 6.5 - 8.5 b EC (-S/cm) (in situ) 550 c 630 d Sulfate (mg/L) For interpretation purposes Fluoride (mg/L) 1.7 b Dissolved aluminium (mg/L) 0.26 e 0.43 f Dissolved arsenic (mg/L) 0.013 b Dissolved boron (mg/L) 0.94 b Dissolved cadmium (mg/L) 0.0002 b Dissolved chromium (mg/L) 0.001 b Dissolved cobalt (mg/L) 0.0014 b Dissolved copper (mg/L) 0.006 e 0.009 f Dissolved lead (mg/L) 0.0034 b Dissolved manganese (mg/L) 1.9 b Dissolved nickel (mg/L) 0.011 b Dissolved uranium (mg/L) 0.0005 b Dissolved zinc (mg/L) 0.009 e 0.044 f Dissolved silver (mg/L) For interpretation purposes Total hardness For interpretation purposes Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) For interpretation purposes Major ions (calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, For interpretation purposes sodium, bicarbonate, carbonate) a. Metals and metalloids must be measured and reported as both total (unfiltered) and dissolved (field filtered) levels. Contaminant limits apply to dissolved concentrations only. b. DGVs for the protection of moderately disturbed (95% species protection) aquatic ecosystems from ANZG (2018), unless otherwise specified. DGVs may be hardness and DOC corrected in accordance with current ANZG guidance. c. Queensland Water Quality Guidelines (2009), 80th percentile of Gulf data adopted for EC. d. Queensland Water Quality Guidelines (2009), 95th percentile of Gulf data adopted for EC. e. Site-specific value based on 80th percentile of GPU1 data collected at background flows >2 m3/s. f. Site-specific value based on 95th percentile of GPU1 data collected at background flows >2 m3/s. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- C3-7
If a receiving waters water quality parameter exceeds the trigger level specified in Schedule C - Table 5 (Receiving Waters Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits) at a receiving water site specified in Schedule C - Table 3 (Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations), the holder must compare this result to the applicable reference site; and (a) If the contaminant level at the receiving water site is less than the contaminant level at the reference site, no further action is required for this exceedance event; or (b) If the contaminant level at the receiving water site is less than the bioavailability-adjusted guideline values as per published (non-draft) ANZG (2018) guidance (e.g. DOC corrected sample-specific value), no further action is required for this exceedance event; or (c) If the contaminant level at the downstream receiving water site is greater than the contaminant level measured at the reference site: (i) Undertake sampling of potentially impacted receiving waters for all parameters listed in Schedule C - Table 5 (Receiving Waters Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits) and at all monitoring points defined in Schedule C - Table 3 (Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations) as soon as possible following identification of the exceedance; and (ii) Complete an investigation on the potential for environmental harm to occur in accordance with ANZG (2018) methodology, within three (3) months of identifying this exceedance. Note: Where a contaminant trigger level exceedance has occurred and is under investigation in accordance with condition (C3-7) (c), no further reporting is required for subsequent exceedance events of that parameter during the course of the investigation.
- C3-8
Within one (1) week of completing an investigation required for condition (C3-7) (c), the holder must provide a written report to the administering authority detailing: (i) All pertinent aspects of the investigation including objectives, applied methodology, investigation outcomes, assumptions relied upon and justification for any assertions made; and (ii) Any actions undertaken and/or proposed (including timeframes) to prevent or minimise environmental harm. Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP)
- C4-1
The holder must ensure that a REMP is developed by a suitably skilled and competent person to monitor change in the receiving environment, detect any impacts from the mining activities and determine the extent of any identified impact. At minimum, the REMP must include: (a) Monitoring of the receiving environment including but not limited to all underlying groundwater, Gunpowder Creek, tributaries and clean water diversions (to the extent that impacts could reasonably be expected to occur as a result of the mining activities). (b) An investigation into the suitability and accessibility of all monitoring locations to achieve the requirements of the REMP, to detect and characterise any potential impacts from the mining activities. In the event monitoring locations are identified as inaccessible, alternative sampling methods and/or locations must be identified and implemented. (c) Certification from a suitably skilled and competent person that the REMP complies with all conditions of this environmental authority. (d) A description of potentially affected receiving waters including key communities and background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration any temporal and spatial variation. (e) Identification of applicable environmental values and water quality objectives to be achieved in accordance with the Environmental Protection (Water and Wetland Biodiversity) Policy 2019. (f) Water quality indicators for the receiving environment to monitor achievement of water quality objectives for the duration of the REMP. (g) Consideration of relevant reports prepared by a government agency or professional research organisation relating to the receiving environment within which the REMP will be implemented. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority (h) Consideration of relevant historical datasets (where available). (i) A description and assessment of groundwater sites of potential relevance to surface water sites considering temporal variability and groundwater connectivity. (j) Determination of receiving environment monitoring locations that include sufficient reference/background and test sites in accordance with ANZECC (2000) methodology to detect and characterise any potential impacts from the mining activities. (k) Monitoring conducted as part of the REMP must include at minimum; (i) Use of biological indicators (including macroinvertebrates) in accordance with ANZECC (2000) and AusRivas methodology; (ii) Monitoring of metal/metalloid levels of receiving water sediments in accordance with ANZECC (2000) methodology and the most recent version of AS5667.1 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments; (iii) Monitoring for any potential toxicants and stressors including all parameters specified in Schedule C - Table 5 (Receiving Waters Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits), dissolved oxygen saturation and temperature; (iv) Sampling frequencies sufficient to develop site specific contaminant limits and trigger levels before 1 November 2028 and detect any impacts to the receiving environment from the mining activity; (v) Monitoring of stream flow and hydrology; and (vi) Consideration of spatial and temporal variation in the receiving environment. (l) A REMP procedure, that when implemented will: (i) Identify potential adverse environmental impacts caused by mining activities; (ii) Determine achievement of water quality objectives; and (iii) Achieve all other requirements of the REMP. (m) The REMP procedure must outline methodology and implementation instructions sufficient to achieve all monitoring requirements of the REMP and include; (i) Location of monitoring points; (ii) Sampling frequencies; (iii) Sample collection and analysis methodology; (iv) Monitoring data storage, collation and interpretation (including statistical analyses); (v) Procedures for quality assurance and control; and (vi) Clearly define responsibilities for implementation of the REMP procedure.
- C4-2
The holder must ensure that the REMP has been revised and implemented before 31 July 2026 in accordance with all requirements of condition (C4-1) of this environmental authority. A copy of the REMP must be provided to the administering authority prior to its implementation and due consideration given to any comments made on the REMP by the administering authority.
- C4-3
The holder must provide a written report outlining the findings of the REMP to the administering authority by 1 August 2026 and thereafter every twelve months. This report must be developed in consultation with a suitably skilled and competent person and include: (a) All monitoring results as required for condition (C4-1) of this environmental authority; (b) Interpretation of the monitoring results with consideration of variability associated with flow conditions and temporal trends from the last five (5) years; Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority (c) Presentation of timeseries of at least the past 5 years of previous monitoring data for identified contaminants of potential concern; (d) Graphical presentation of data compared with sample-specific default guideline values (e.g. DOC- modified DGV); (e) An assessment of all detected impacts to the receiving environment; (f) An assessment of assimilative capacity of the receiving environment for any detected contaminants; (g) Quantification of improvements in Gunpowder Creek in relation to the holder's remediation efforts to achieve compliance with Schedule C - Water; (h) The suitability of environmental authority contaminant release limits to protect downstream environmental values; (i) If contaminant release limits are identified as unsuitable to protect downstream environmental values, provide recommendations for more appropriate contaminant limits; and (j) Certification from the suitably skilled and competent person confirming the validity of all interpretations, assessments and assertions made in the report.
- C4-4
Any comments made by the administering authority on the report submitted in accordance with condition
- C4-3
must be addressed to the reasonable satisfaction and within a timeframe specified by the administering authority. Groundwater
- C5-1
Groundwater quality and hydraulic head (m AHD) must be monitored at the locations and frequencies specified in Schedule C - Table 6 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) and identified in Schedule I - Plan 3 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations) for all parameters listed in Schedule C - Table 7 (Groundwater Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits). Schedule C - Table 6 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) Monitoring Purpose of monitoring bore Coordinates (GDA94) Surface RL1 Monitoring Point frequency Latitude Longitude Compliance Bores (CB) GWMB02 Esperanza TSF S 19-41'43.7" E 139-21'21.4" 278.641 277.209 GWMB03R Esperanza TSF S 19-41'24.7" E 139-21'25.6" 275.078 285.29 GWMB04R Esperanza TSF S 19-41'32.4" E 139-21'15.1" 291.546 269.271 GWMB05R Esperanza TSF S 19-41'39.6" E 139-21'03.4" 215.245 215.15 GWMB06R Esperanza TSF S 19-41'46.1" E 139-21'00.9" 215.205 215.795 GWMB07 Esperanza TSF S 19-42'04.7" E 139-21'03.5" 215.017 215.229 GWMB08 Old TSF S 19-41'20.1" E 139-21'57.5" 219.151 256.98 GWMB09 Old TSF S 19-41'20.1" E 139-21'57.5" 201.647 313.332 GWMB10 Old TSF S 19-41'20.4" E 139-21'59.2" 311.613 260.948 GWMB11 Old SX Tanks/Mill Creek Dam S 19-41'23.8" E 139-21'57.4" 245.917 - 1 sample 224.507 every 3 months GWMB12 Old SX Tanks/Mill Creek Dam S 19-41'25.1" E 139-21'55.5" 202.389 for groundwater 222.946 quality; and GWMB13 Old SX Tanks/Mill Creek Dam S 19-39'49.2" E 139-21'55.8" 198.972 - 1 sample GWMB16 Esperanza Pit S 19-41'41.5" E 139-21'41.7" 199.9 every month for 276.54 groundwater GWMB18 North WRD S 19-41'19.2" E 139-21'33.7" 196.592 level 196.78 GWMB19 North WRD S 19-41'21.5" E 139-21'31.4" 231.618 206.774 GWMB21 Heap Leach Pads S 19-42'07.0" E 139-21'59.3" GWMB22 Heap Leach Pads S 19-42'07.8" E 139-22'03.6" GWMB24 Magazine Creek Raw Water Dams S 19-41'36.3" E 139-22'21.0" GWMB26 Heap Leach Pads/Magazine Creek S 19-41'25.8" E 139-22'15.8" GWMB29 Old TSF S 19-41'05.2" E 139-22'03.8" GWMB30 North West Gulley Dam S 19-41'06.8" E 139-21'53.7" GWMB31 Old TSF/Gunpowder Creek S 19-41'04.5" E 139-21'59.7" GWMB32 Old TSF/Gunpowder Creek S 19-41'02.8" E 139-22'04.3" GWMB33 Old TSF/Gunpowder Creek S 19-40'58.9" E 139-22'08.4" GWMB34 Magazine Creek Raw Water Dams S 19-42'04.9" E 139-22'18.5" GWMB35 Gunpowder Creek S 19-40'49.1" E 139-22'33.0" GWMB36 Gunpowder Creek S 19-40'56.3" E 139-22'10.2" GWMB37 Esperanza South S 19-42'13.5" E 139-20'59.1" GWMB41 North WRD/Mill Creek S 19-41'18.5" E 139-21'40.1" Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority GWMB42 North WRD/Mill Creek S 19-41'19.4" E 139-21'36.3" 201.359 GWMB43 Old Heap Leach/Magazine Creek S 19-42'12.3" E 139-22'05.8" 296.065 GWMB44 Old Heap Leach/Magazine Creek S 19-41'49.0" E 139-22'08.1" 227.428 GWMB45 Esperanza Pit S 19-41'51.2" E 139-21'37.3" 225.621 GWMB46 Esperanza Pit S 19-41'54.6" E 139-21'34.9" 223.208 GWMB48* Old TSF S 19-40'56.3" E 139-22'10.2" 228.503 S 19-41' 29.68" 266.0 2 GWMB63 North WRD E 139-21' S 19-41' 20.35" 25.71" 197.2 2 GWMB64 North WRD S 19-41' 20.03" E 139-21' 200.9 2 GWMB65 North WRD 26.71" S 19-41' 20.04" 198.1 2 GWMB66 North WRD E 139-21' S 19-42'39.4" 30.06" 295.33 Reference Bores (RB) E 139-21' GWMB381 Esperanza South 32.61" E 139-21'11.3" 1 RL must be measured to the nearest 0.05 metres from the top of the bore casing in m AHD. 2 Approximate surface level based on 2018 lidar survey. To be confirmed at time of installation
- C5-2
Groundwater from compliance bores identified in Schedule C - Table 6 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) must not exceed any of the contaminant limits defined in Schedule C - Table 7 (Groundwater Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits).
- C5-3
If a groundwater parameter for a compliance bore identified in Schedule C - Table 6 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) exceeds the trigger level stated in Schedule C - Table 7 (Groundwater Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits), the holder must compare the contaminant level of the compliance bore to the contaminant level of the reference bore; and, (a) If the contaminant level of the compliance bore is less than the contaminant level of the reference bore, no action is to be taken; or (b) If the contaminant level of the compliance bore is greater than the contaminant level of the reference bore, complete an investigation on the potential for environmental harm to occur in accordance with ANZECC (2000) methodology within three (3) months of identifying this exceedance. Note: Where exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is under investigation in accordance with condition (C5-3) (b), no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events of that parameter during the course of the investigation. Schedule C - Table 7 (Groundwater Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits) Parameter* Trigger Level# (-g/L unless otherwise Contaminant Limit # (mg/L unless otherwise specified) specified) pH (pH units) 6.0 - 8.5 EC (-S/cm) 435 1,000 Sulphate (SO42-) 80th percentile1 of reference bore level2 or 250 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or Fluoride (F-) mg/L, whichever is higher 1,000, whichever is lower 80th percentile1 of reference bore concentration2 2 Major cations For interpretive purposes only Major anions For interpretive purposes only 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or Aluminium 5, whichever is lower Arsenic4 80th percentile1 of reference bore2 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or Boron concentration3 or 55, whichever is higher 0.5, whichever is lower Cadmium 80th percentile1 of reference bore2 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or Chromium4 concentration3 or 13, whichever is higher 5, whichever is lower Cobalt 80th percentile1 of reference bore2 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or Copper concentration3 or 370, whichever is higher 0.01, whichever is lower 80th percentile1 of reference bore2 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or concentration3 or 0.2, whichever is higher 1, whichever is lower 80th percentile1 of reference bore2 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or concentration3 or 1.0, whichever is higher 1, whichever is lower 80th percentile1 of reference bore2 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or concentration3 1, whichever is lower 80th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or 1.4, whichever is higher Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Lead 80th percentile1 of reference bore2 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or Manganese concentration3 or 3.4 , whichever is higher 0.01, whichever is lower Nickel 80th percentile1 of reference bore2 Uranium concentration3 or 1900, whichever is higher 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 Zinc 80th percentile1 of reference bore2 Total Hardness concentration3 or 11, whichever is higher 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or 80th percentile1 of reference bore2 1, whichever is lower concentration3 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or 80th percentile1 of reference bore2 0.2, whichever is lower concentration3 or 8.0 95th percentile1 of reference bore2 concentration3 or 20, whichever is lower For interpretive purposes only 1. Must be determined in accordance with QWQG (2009) and ANZECC (2000) methodology. 2. Reference bores are specified in Schedule C - Table 6 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency). 3. Where the 80th/95th percentile of a groundwater trigger level/contaminant limit is exceeded for a compliance bore and the reference bore also exceeds this concentration during the same sampling event, the value of the reference bore applies as the groundwater trigger level/contaminant limit for that sampling event. 4. Site specific trigger levels and contaminant limits for groundwater (80th and 95th percentile of reference site concentration) must be calculated in accordance with QWQG (2009) and ANZECC (2000) methodology if sufficient monitoring data is available. The environmental authority holder must maintain a database documenting all relevant groundwater monitoring data and calculation of 80th/95th percentiles adopted as groundwater trigger levels and contaminant limits. 5. Routine analysis for this parameter is based on combined/total species of the element, where the exceedance of a groundwater trigger level or contaminant limit is identified, an additional sample must be taken and analysed as soon as practicable to determine and quantify speciated forms of this element. 6. For all groundwater monitoring, metals and metalloids must be measured and reported as both total (unfiltered) and dissolved (field filtered) concentrations. * Note: The holder may provide the administering authority with a report to enable the review of specified parameters and contaminant limits for protection of environmental values of receiving waters and their applicability.
- C5-4
Groundwater monitoring bores must be constructed and operated in accordance with methods prescribed in the latest edition of the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand manual titled Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia.
- C5-5
The holder must develop and implement a groundwater monitoring program within three (3) months of the commencement of underground mining. The program must include: (a) monitoring of contaminants listed in Schedule C - Table 7 (Groundwater Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits). (b) sufficient locations to detect changes in groundwater elevation contours and flow direction. Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report
- C6-1
The holder must develop and document an annual Groundwater Monitoring Report by 1 June 2014 and thereafter every twelve months. The Groundwater Monitoring Report must be developed and certified by a suitably skilled and competent person who is experienced in developing and interpreting results for groundwater monitoring programs related to mining activities.
- C6-2
The Groundwater Monitoring Report specified for condition (C6-1) of this authority must include at minimum: (a) Certification from the suitably skilled and competent person that the Groundwater Monitoring Report meets all requirements outlined in this authority; (b) Presentation of all groundwater monitoring data for groundwater monitoring bores listed in Schedule C - Table 6 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequencies) of this authority; (c) Consideration and discussion on the effectiveness of the current Groundwater Monitoring Program for detecting contamination of groundwater and nomination of any improvements that could be made to ensure early detection of impacts to groundwater as required; (d) Proposed actions and timeframes to undertake further investigation of potential environmental impacts for any detected contamination of groundwater not in accordance with this authority; and (e) Proposed mitigation measures and implementation timeframes for any detected contamination of groundwater not in accordance with this authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Water Management Plan
- C7-1
A Water Management Plan must be developed by a suitably skilled and competent person and implemented before 31 October 2013 for all mining activities conducted under this authority. The Water Management Plan must provide for the proper and effective management of actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from the mining activity and ensure compliance with all conditions of this authority.
- C7-2
The Water Management Plan must be developed in accordance with the administering authority's Guideline for Preparing a Water Management Plan 2009 or any updates that become available from time to time. The Water Management Plan must include at minimum: (a) A contaminant source study; (b) A site water balance and model; (c) A water management system; (d) Saline and metalliferous drainage prevention and management measures; (e) Acid rock drainage prevention and management measures; (f) Measures to prevent or minimise contamination of stormwater runoff, including; (i) Diversion of uncontaminated stormwater runoff around areas disturbed by mining activities or where contaminants or wastes are stored or handled; (ii) Collection and segregation of contaminated stormwater runoff and leachate for treatment, reuse or release in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (iii) Roofing or minimising the size of areas where contaminants or wastes are stored or handled; and (iv) Using alternate materials and or processes (such as dry absorbents) to clean up spills to minimise the generation of contaminated waters. (g) Erosion and sediment controls, including; (i) Placement of erosion and sediment control structures to minimise erosion of disturbed areas and prevent contamination of waters; (ii) Procedures to ensure that erosion and sediment control structures are maintained and adequate storage is available in sediment dams in accordance with design criteria; and (iii) Training of staff that will be responsible for maintenance and operations of sediment and erosion control structures. (h) Emergency and contingency planning; and (i) Provisions for monitoring and review.
- C7-3
Each year the holder must undertake a review of the Water Management Plan prior to the wet season (i.e., no later than 1 November) and a further review following the wet season (i.e., by 1 April the following year) to ensure that proper and effective measures, practices and procedures are in place so that operations are in accordance with the conditions of this authority and that environmental harm is prevented or minimised. Water General
- C8-1
Water samples collected from monitoring locations specified in Schedule C - Water of this authority must be taken: (a) Within two hours of each other for samples linked to a particular release event (i.e., the reference site, release point and receiving water site associated with a release event); or (b) Within six hours of each other for samples linked to a particular flow event (i.e., the reference site and receiving water site associated with a flow event); or Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority (c) Within twenty-four hours of each other for all other receiving waters (water) quality samples; or (d) Within forty-eight hours of each other for all receiving waters sediment samples and groundwater quality samples.
- C8-2
The holder must not import any water to the premises with the exception of water used for critical purposes. Dam Water Quality
- C9-1
The holder must monitor the water quality within any dam associated with the mining activity at a minimum frequency of once every six (6) months for the parameters specified in Schedule C - Table 8 (Dam Water Quality Limits).
- C9-2
If a water quality parameter exceeds the contaminant limit specified in Schedule C - Table 8 (Dam Water Quality Limits) in any dam associated with the mining activity, the holder must prevent livestock access and minimise native fauna access. Schedule C - Table 8 (Dam Water Quality Limits) Parameter Contaminant Limit# (mg/L unless otherwise specified) pH (pH unit) Less than 5.0 or greater than 9.0 Total dissolved solids Sulphate 4,000 Fluoride 1,000 Aluminium 2.0 Arsenic 5.0 Boron 0.5 Cadmium 5.0 Chromium 0.010 Cobalt 1.0 1.0 Copper 1.0 Lead 0.10 Manganese 0.50 Nickel 1.0 Uranium 0.20 Zinc 20.0 # All metals/metalloid analyses are for total (unfiltered) concentrations. Temporary Watercourse Diversion
- C10-1
The temporary watercourse diversion identified in Schedule I - Plan 4 must be designed and constructed to: (a) maintain the pre-existing hydrologic characteristics of the surface water system; and (b) maintain the pre-existing hydraulic characteristics of the surface water system that forms part of the temporary watercourse diversion. Where structures that require on-going maintenance are constructed as a component of the temporary watercourse diversion, they must not compromise the performance of the temporary watercourse diversion and adjoining watercourses; and (c) maintain sediment transport and water quality regimes that minimise any impacts to upstream and downstream water quality, geomorphology or vegetation; and (d) maintain the functionality of the substrate in the diversion.
- C10-2
A certified Design Plan that achieves the requirements of condition C10-1 must be submitted to the administering authority at least five (5) business days before commencing construction of the temporary watercourse diversion. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- C10-3
A certified set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications must be submitted to the administering authority within sixty (60) business days from the completion of construction of the temporary watercourse diversion. These drawings and specifications must include: (a) certification from the suitably qualified and experienced person who supervised the construction of the watercourse diversion. (b) that the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications of the watercourse diversion are in accordance with the certified design plan.
- C10-4
The holder must implement and maintain a Register of Watercourse Diversions that contains details of temporary watercourse diversions planned and constructed at the licensed place.
- C10-5
The temporary watercourse diversion identified in Schedule I - Plan 4 must be decommissioned by 1 November 2028.
- C10-6
Before 1 November 2024 and every one year after, the holder must prepare an annual inspection report from a suitably qualified and experienced person that contains an assessment of the performance of the temporary watercourse diversion and includes any recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the structure.
- C10-7
The holder must within 20 days of receiving the report mentioned in condition C10-6, provide to the administering authority: (a) the recommendation section of the report; and (b) if applicable, any actions being undertaken in response to those recommendations. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE C Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule D - Noise and Vibration Noise nuisance
- D1-1
Noise from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive place.
- D1-2
When requested by the administering authority, noise monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised person) of environmental nuisance at any sensitive place, and the results must be notified within 14 days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring. Vibration nuisance
- D2-1
Subject to Conditions (D2-2) vibration from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive place.
- D2-2
When requested by the administering authority, vibration monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised person) of environmental nuisance at any sensitive place, and the results must be notified within 14 days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE D Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule E - Waste Storage of tyres, conveyer belts and mill liners
- E1-1
Tyres, conveyer belts and mill liners stored awaiting disposal or transport for take-back and recycling, or waste- to-energy options - should be stockpiled in volumes less than 3m in height and 200m2 in area and at least 10m from any other tyre, conveyer belt and mill liner storage area.
- E1-2
All reasonable and practicable fire prevention measures must be implemented, including removal of grass and other materials within a 10m radius of the scrap tyre, conveyer belt and mill liner storage area. Disposal of tyres, conveyer belts and mill liners
- E2-1
Where practicable, scrap tyres, conveyer belts and mill liners resulting from the mining activities can be disposed of in underground stopes provided this practice does not cause an unacceptable fire risk or compromise mine safety.
- E2-2
Disposing of scrap tyres, conveyer belts and mill liners resulting from the mining activities in spoil emplacements is acceptable, provided tyres are placed as deep in the spoil as reasonably practicable.
- E2-3
Scrap tyres, conveyer belts and mill liners resulting from the mining activities disposed within the operational land must not impede saturated aquifers or compromise the stability of the consolidated landform. Regulated waste
- E3-1
All regulated waste received at and removed from the site must be transported by a person who holds a current authority to transport such waste under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- E3-2
Except as otherwise provided by the conditions of this authority, all waste removed from the site must be taken to a facility that is lawfully allowed to accept such waste under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Tailings management
- E4-1
A tailings management procedure must be developed and implemented. These procedures must include provisions for: (a) Containment of tailings in accordance with best practice environmental management; (b) The management of seepage or leachate during operation and post-closure; (c) The control of fugitive emissions to air; (d) Characterisation of tailings to identify the potential to generate contaminated seepage or leachate must be undertaken at a minimum frequency of once every month during tailings deposition. Characterisation must include: (i) Determining the acid producing potential through calculating both the `Net Acid Producing Potential' and the `Net Acid Generation test'. (ii) Determining the level of aluminium, arsenic, boron, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, uranium and zinc. (iii) Where the acid producing potential of tailings material has not been conclusively determined, tailings material must be considered as acid forming unless further geochemical testing demonstrates otherwise. (e) Reducing the exposure of potentially acid producing tailings to oxidizing conditions; (f) A rehabilitation strategy which meets the rehabilitation objectives specified in Schedule F - Land of this environmental authority; and (g) Monitoring of rehabilitation, research and/or trials to verify the requirements and methods for Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority decommissioning and final rehabilitation of tailings, including the prevention and management of acid drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment of vegetation cover. The holder must provide a copy of the current tailings management procedure to the Administering Authority when requested.
- E4-2
Tailings must be contained in the designated tailings storage areas (TSF) listed in Schedule A - Table 1 (Authorised Mining Activities) and must not be released to the receiving environment. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE E Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule F - Land Rehabilitation Objectives
- F1-1
Land disturbed by mining must be rehabilitated in accordance with Schedule F - Table 1 (Rehabilitation Requirements). Schedule F - Table 1 (Rehabilitation Requirements) Infrastructure Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Indicators Completion Objectives Criteria Goals Old TSF North West Gully Concentrate Shed Area All land subject to mining activities must be rehabilitated to meet the requirements of the administering authorities Guideline- Rehabilitation Requirements for Mining Projects and will be defined in the Post Mine Land Use Plan. Old SX-EW Plant TBD1 TBD1 BioteQ Plant TBD1 Concentrator Main Workshop and Office Areas Stormwater Pond ROM Pad DSO Stockpile Pad Mill Creek Dam Hoover Dam (Old Mill Creek) Esperanza Bypass Ramp North WRD Embankment North WRD Sump Process Ponds (Old Raffinate Ponds) Mammoth WRD Mammoth WRD Extension Batch Plant Old Dump Sump Heap Leach Pad 1 Heap Leach Pad 2 Mammoth Valley & Mammoth Hill Underground Infrastructure Core Shed & Contractors Area Magazine Creek Raw Water Dams Exploration Drill Pads & Tracks Esperanza WRD Esperanza Diversion Drain Upper Esperanza Diversion Dam Esperanza Pit North WRD Evaporation Pan Esperanza TSF North WRD Surface Explosives Magazine Camp Area Magazine Creek Haul Roads ESS upper cave subsidence zone Paste Fill Plant Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority 1TBD - The holder must provide these details to the administering authority in accordance with condition (F3-1). Rehabilitation landform criteria
- F2-1
Progressive rehabilitation must commence within twelve (12) months of areas becoming available within the operational land. Progressive rehabilitation should occur where possible before the onset of the wet season.
- F2-2
Rehabilitated areas must be managed to minimise the proliferation of species not consistent with rehabilitation objectives.
- F2-3
All land subject to mining activities must be rehabilitated to: (a) Stable landforms with a self-sustaining vegetation cover and species that are similar to adjoining undisturbed areas; (b) Safe landforms, which are non-polluting, geo-chemically and geo-technically stable; (c) Ensure that any final landforms do not require ongoing maintenance; and (d) Ensure that the maintenance requirements for rehabilitated land are no greater than that required for the land prior to its disturbance by mining activities.
- F2-4
Maintenance of rehabilitated areas must take place to ensure and demonstrate that: (a) Landforms are stable; (b) Erosion control measures remain effective; (c) Stormwater runoff and seepage from subsidence zones and rehabilitated areas does not negatively affect the environmental values of any waters; (d) Plants show healthy growth and recruitment is occurring; and (e) Rehabilitated areas are free of any declared pest species.
- F2-5
Rehabilitation can be considered successful when: (a) The site can be managed for its designated land-use (e.g., similar to that of surrounding undisturbed areas); (b) No greater management input is required than for other land in the area being used for a similar purpose and there is evidence that the rehabilitation has been successful for at least three (3) years; (c) The rehabilitation is carried out in accordance with all requirements (including goals, objectives, indicators and completion criteria) specified in Schedule F - Table 1 (Rehabilitation Requirements) and in the Post Mine Land Use Plan; and (d) Written agreement is obtained from the landowner/holder and the administering authority. Post Mine Land Use Plan
- F3-1
The holder must develop and submit to the administering authority a Post Mine Land Use Plan (PMLUP). The PMLUP must describe how the rehabilitation objectives in Schedule F - Table 1 (Rehabilitation Requirements) will be achieved. The Post Mine Land Use Plan must include at minimum: (a) Schematic representation of final land form inclusive of drainage features; (b) Slope design; (c) Cover design; (d) Drainage design; (e) Erosion controls proposed on reformed land; (f) Description of experimental design for monitoring of analogue and rehabilitated areas inclusive of Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority statistical design; (g) Proposed re-vegetation methods inclusive of plant species selection, re-profiling, re-spreading soil, soil ameliorants/amendments, surface preparation and method of propagation; (h) Materials balance including available top soil and low permeability capping material ; (i) Geotechnical, geochemical and hydrological studies; (j) An investigation of residual voids that includes at minimum; (k) options available for minimising final void area and volume; (l) final potential wall and base rock geochemical composition and potential for mobilisation of contaminants to waters (i.e., acid, salts and metals); and (m) a void hydrology study addressing the long-term water balance in the voids, connections to groundwater and an assessment of potential final void water quality. (n) Chemical, physical and biological properties of soil and water; (o) Nominate performance criteria for the cover system; and (p) A rehabilitation monitoring program. The holder must provide a copy of the current Post Mine Land Use Plan (PMLUP) to the Administering Authority when requested. Rehabilitation Monitoring Program
- F4-1
A rehabilitation monitoring program must be developed and implemented on commencement of rehabilitation identified in Schedule F - Table 1 (Rehabilitation Requirements) by a person nominated by the holder of this environmental authority possessing appropriate qualifications and experience in the field of mine site rehabilitation.
- F4-2
The holder must conduct rehabilitation monitoring in accordance with the program developed in Condition
- F4-1
on at least a yearly basis, which must include sufficient spatial and temporal replication to enable scientifically justifiable conclusions as established under the rehabilitation program or other methodology to the satisfaction of the administering authority.
- F4-3
Verification of rehabilitation success is to be carried out for each domain. Monitoring must be carried out for each mine domain identified in Schedule F - Table 1 (Rehabilitation Requirements) at a minimum sampling intensity that includes sufficient replication to enable statistical analysis of results at an acceptable power. Post Closure Management Plan
- F5-1
A Post Closure Management Plan for the site must be prepared by 1 November 2018 or at least thirty six (36) months prior to final production on-site, whichever is sooner, and implemented until: (a) The site is proven to be geo-technically and geo-chemically stable; and (b) It can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the administering authority that no release of contaminants from the site will result in environmental harm.
- F5-2
The Post Closure Management Plan must include the following elements: (a) Operation and maintenance of: (i) Wastewater collection and reticulation systems; (ii) Wastewater treatment systems; (iii) The groundwater monitoring network; (iv) Final cover systems; and Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority (v) Vegetative cover. (b) Monitoring of: (i) Surface water quality; (ii) Groundwater quality; (iii) Seepage rates; (iv) Erosion rates; (v) The integrity and effectiveness of final cover systems; and (vi) The health and resilience of vegetative cover. Residual void outcome
- F6-1
Residual voids must not cause any serious environmental harm to land, surface waters or any recognised groundwater aquifer, other than the environmental harm constituted by the existence of the residual void itself, and subject to any other condition within this environmental authority. Infrastructure
- F7-1
All buildings, structures, mining equipment and plant erected and/or used for the mining activities must be removed from the site prior to surrender, except where agreed in writing by the administering authority and the landowner. Topsoil
- F8-1
Topsoil and subsoil must be stripped and stockpiled ahead of mining to a depth determined from soil surveys to ensure that useable soil resources are preserved for rehabilitation.
- F8-2
Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles must be managed to ensure stability and minimise the release of contaminants. Measures must include at minimum: (a) Vegetating stockpiles; (b) Minimising the height of stockpiles; and (c) Re-using stockpiles as soon as possible. Contaminated Land
- F9-1
Prior to making an application for Surrender or approval for Progressive Rehabilitation, the holder must undertake a contaminated land assessment of the relevant areas of the licensed place in accordance with the administering authority's Guideline for the Assessment & Management of Contaminated Land in Queensland. Activities in a watercourse
- F10-1
Disturbance caused by exploration investigation test pits and drill pads, groundwater monitoring bores and access tracks referred to in Schedule A - Table 1 (Authorised Disturbance) must not be carried out in flowing waters, standing waters, wetlands or lakes. Matters of State Environmental Significance
- F11-1
Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters, are not authorised under this environmental authority or the Environmental Offsets Act 2014.
- F11-2
Records demonstrating that each impact to a prescribed environmental matter did not, or is not likely to, result in a significant residual impact to that matter must be: Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority (a) Completed by an appropriately qualified person; and (b) Kept for the life of the environmental authority. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE F Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule G - Dam and levee structures Assessment of consequence category
- G1-1
The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of (a) prior to the design and construction of the structure, if it is not an existing structure; or (b) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- G1-2
A consequence assessment report and certification must be prepared for each structure assessed and the report may include a consequence assessment for more than one structure.
- G1-3
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who undertook the assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Design and construction1 of a regulated structure
- G2-1
Conditions G2-2 to G2-6 inclusive do not apply to existing structures.
- G2-2
All regulated structures must be designed by, and constructed2 under the supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence
- G2-3
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless: (a) the holder has submitted a consequence category assessment report and certification to the administering authority; and (b) the design and design plan and the associated operating procedures has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person in compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- G2-4
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Structures.
- G2-5
Regulated structures must: (a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for (b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of: (i) floodwaters from entering the regulated dam from any watercourse or drainage line; and (ii) wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line. (c) where associated with a `significant' or `high' consequence for `failure to contain - seepage', have the floor and sides of the dam designed and constructed to prevent or minimise the passage of the wetting front and any entrained contaminants through either the floor or sides of the dam during the operational life of the dam and for any period of decommissioning and rehabilitation of the dam. 1 Construction of a dam includes modification of an existing dam--refer to the definitions. 2 Certification of design and construction may be undertaken by different persons. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- G2-6
Certification by the suitably qualified and experienced person who supervises the construction must be submitted to the administering authority on the completion of construction of the regulated structure, and state that: (a) the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for that regulated structure; (b) construction of the regulated structure is in accordance with the design plan. Notification of affected persons
- G2-7
All affected persons must be provided with a copy of the emergency action plan in place for each regulated structure (a) for existing structures that are regulated structures, within 20 business days of this condition taking effect; (b) prior to the operation of the new regulated structure; and (c) if the emergency action plan is amended, within 5 business days of it being amended. Operation of a regulated structure
- G3-1
Operation of a regulated structure, except for an existing structure, is prohibited unless the holder has submitted to the administering authority in respect of regulated structure, all of the following: (a) one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with condition G2-3; (b) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; (c) certification of the `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition G2-6; (d) where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, a copy of the certified system design plan; (e) the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; (f) the holder has entered the details required under this authority, into a Register of Regulated Structures; and (g) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structures.
- G3-2
For existing structures that are regulated structures: (a) where the existing structure that is a regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, the holder must submit to the administering authority within 12 months of the commencement of this condition a copy of the certified system design plan including that structure; and (b) there must be a current operational plan for the existing structures.
- G3-3
Each regulated structure must be maintained and operated, for the duration of its operational life until decommissioned and rehabilitated, in a manner that is consistent with the current operational plan and, if applicable, the current design plan and associated certified `as constructed' drawings. Mandatory reporting level
- G4-1
The Mandatory Reporting Level (the MRL) must be marked on a regulated dam in such a way that during routine inspections of that dam, it is clearly observable.
- G4-2
The holder must, as soon as practical and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware, notify the administering authority when the level of the contents of a regulated dam reaches the MRL. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- G4-3
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam.
- G4-4
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in Schedule G - Table 1 (Regulated Dams) in the Register of Regulated Structures. Design storage allowance
- G5-1
The holder must assess the performance of each regulated dam over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated dam taken prior to 1 July of each year.
- G5-2
By 1 November of each year, storage capacity must be available in each regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems with a shared DSA volume), to meet the Design Storage Allowance (DSA) volume for the dam (or network of linked containment systems).
- G5-3
The holder must, as soon as possible and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware that the regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, notify the administering authority.
- G5-4
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that a regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam or linked containment systems. Annual inspection report
- G6-1
Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- G6-2
At each annual inspection, the condition and adequacy of all components of the regulated structure must be assessed and a suitably qualified and experienced person must prepare an annual inspection report containing details of the assessment and include a recommendations section, with any recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the regulated structure or a positive statement that no recommendations are required.
- G6-3
The suitably qualified and experienced person who prepared the annual inspection report must certify the report in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of
- G6-4
The holder must within 20 business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: (a) The recommendations section of the annual inspection report; and (b) If applicable, any actions being taken in response to those recommendations; and (c) If, following receipt of the recommendations and (if applicable) actions, the administering authority requests a full copy of the annual inspection report from the holder, provide this to the administering authority within 10 business days of receipt of the request. Transfer arrangements
- G7-1
The holder must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared under this authority, including but not limited to any Register of Regulated Structures, consequence assessment, design plan and other supporting documentation, to a new holder on transfer of this authority. Decommissioning and rehabilitation
- G7-2
Regulated Structures must not be abandoned but be either: Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority (a) decommissioned and rehabilitated to achieve compliance with condition G7-3; or (b) be left in-situ for a beneficial use(s) provided that: (i) it no longer contains contaminants that will migrate into the environment; and (ii) it contains water of a quality that is demonstrated to be suitable for its intended beneficial use(s); and (iii) the administering authority, the holder of the environmental authority and the landholder agree in writing that the dam will be used by the landholder following the cessation of the environmentally relevant activity(ies).
- G7-3
After decommissioning structures, all significantly disturbed land caused by the carrying out of the environmentally relevant activity(ies) must be rehabilitated to meet the following final acceptance criteria: (a) the landform is safe for humans and fauna; (b) the landform is stable with no subsidence or erosion gullies for at least three (3) years; (c) any contaminated land (e.g. contaminated soils) is remediated and rehabilitated; (d) not allowing for acid mine drainage; or (e) there is no ongoing contamination to waters (including groundwater); (f) rehabilitation is undertaken in a manner such that any actual or potential acid sulfate soils on the area of significant disturbance are treated to prevent or minimise environmental harm in accordance with the Instructions for the treatment and management of acid sulfate soils (2001); (g) all significantly disturbed land is reinstated to the pre-disturbed soil suitability class; (h) for land that is not being cultivated by the landholder: (i) groundcover, that is not a declared pest species is established and self-sustaining (ii) vegetation of similar species richness and species diversity to pre-selected analogue sites is established and self-sustaining, and (iii) the maintenance requirements for rehabilitated land is no greater than that required for the land prior to its disturbance caused by carrying out the resource activity(ies). (i) for land that is to be cultivated by the landholder, cover crop is revegetated, unless the landholder will be preparing the site for cropping within 3 months of resource activities being completed. Register of Regulated Dams
- G8-1
Each regulated dam listed in Schedule G - Table 1 (Regulated Dams) must meet the hydraulic performance criteria listed in Schedule G - Table 1 (Regulated Dams) for that structure.
- G8-2
The holder must ensure that all practicable measures are implemented to prevent waters from Esperanza Creek catchments infiltrating through the Esperanza Waste Rock Dump. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule G - Table 1 (Regulated Dams) Name of Consequence Max Spillway Capacity Design Criteria Design Storage Allowance Mandatory Reporting Level Regulated Category Operating (DSA) 1:100,000 AEP flood plus wave run- (MRL) Dam High Level up allowance for 1:10 AEP wind (mAHD) OR Probable Maximum Flood Design Criteria Volume Level Design Volume Level Esperanza High (PMF) (ML) (mAHD) TSF 284 Criteria (ML) (mAHD) High 1:100,000 AEP flood plus wave run- (ETSF) 1 Significant 222 up allowance for 1:10 AEP wind DSA is provisioned within 1:10 AEP, 72hr Significant OR Probable Maximum Flood the Esperanza Pit. duration storm Esperanza Significant 219 (PMF) event containment Pit 1 Significant 1:20 AEP 2 month wet- Excluding the ETSF decant 1:10 AEP, is provisioned Significant 230 1:100,000 AEP flood plus wave run- season plus process sump area3, the ETSF 72 hr Mill Creek Significant 230 up allowance for 1:10 AEP wind inputs during period. within the Dam 1 Significant 229 OR Probable Maximum Flood structure is to contain no duration Esperanza Pit. 229 (PMF) surface water as at 1st Process 204 1:100 AEP to 1:1000 AEP November each year. Pond 1 202 Process 219 1:100 AEP to 1:1000 AEP 1:20 AEP 2 month wet- 1409.2 207.7 1:10 AEP, 443.4 217.9 Pond 2 season plus process 72 hr Process 1:100 AEP to 1:1000 AEP inputs during period. Pond 3 duration Process 1:100 AEP to 1:1000 AEP Pond 4 1:20 AEP 2 month wet- 1:10 AEP, Hoover 1:100 AEP to 1:1000 AEP 72 hr season plus process 494 216.1 234.6 217.7 Dam 1:100 AEP to 1:1000 AEP duration North inputs during period. WRD Dam 1:100 AEP to 1:1000 AEP North n/a2 n/a2 West Gully Sludge n/a2 n/a2 n/a2 n/a2 n/a2 n/a2 n/a2 n/a2 n/a2 n/a2 n/a2 n/a2 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Dam Notes: 1. Details as presented in the GHD (2021) report `Capricorn Copper Pty Ltd: Esperanza TSF, Esperanza Pit and Mill Creek Dam Consequence Category Assessment: July 2021' (revision 1, 14/07/21), including associated `Form of certification' by David Maxwell Brett RPEQ 8002 (14/07/2021). 2. Not applicable. The Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance Criteria of Structures (EM635) does not require determinations for a DSA, emergency storm surge allowance (ESS) and MRL for dams that have been assessed as having a low consequence category for the `failure to contain - overtopping' scenario. These dams were assessed and certified as having a low consequence category for the `failure to contain - overtopping' scenario in the report titled `Report for Mount Gordon Mine Site Annual Review of Referrable and Water Management Dams', dated November 2014 and prepared by GHD. 3. The ETSF decant sump area includes the ETSF decant sump end-of-pipe and a surrounding area of 50m radius, and must be located at least 100m away from all ETSF saddle dams and embankments. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- G8-3
A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated structure.
- G8-4
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures when a design plan for a regulated structure is submitted to the administering authority.
- G8-5
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with condition G3-1 and G3-2 has been achieved.
- G8-6
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day.
- G8-7
All entries in the Register of Regulated Structures must be approved by the chief executive officer for the holder of this authority, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct.
- G8-8
The holder must, at the same time as providing the annual return, supply to the administering authority a copy of the records contained in the Register of Regulated Structures, in the electronic format required by the administering authority. Esperanza TSF
- G9-1
The holder must implement all remedial options for seepage management outlined in the Birla Mount Gordon Report for Esperanza Tailings Dam Raise Master Seepage Report May 2012 (GHD) and provide the administering authority with certification from a suitably qualified and experienced person that the seepage management measures: (a) have been implemented in accordance with best practice environmental management techniques; and (b) have been constructed in accordance with the Birla Mount Gordon Report for Esperanza Tailings Dam Raise Master Seepage Report May 2012 (GHD) and relevant engineering and environmental management practices.
- G9-2
The holder must maintain and operate any seepage management systems in a manner which prevents the release of contaminants to the receiving environment.
- G9-3
The holder must operate and manage the Esperanza TSF in a manner that ensures: (a) Surface water drains to the decant pond; (b) Decant pond water levels and volume are minimised; (c) There is no ponding of water against any embankment; (d) All reasonable and practicable measures are implemented to prevent the release of contaminants to the receiving environment from the Esperanza TSF; and (e) Any contaminated seepage from the Esperanza TSF is intercepted and returned to an appropriate containment facility.
- G9-4
The holder must regularly review management and operation of the Esperanza TSF (at a minimum review frequency of annually) and provide the administering authority a report by 1 June each year detailing: (a) Management techniques applied; (b) Performance against the management goals defined in condition G9-3 of this environmental authority; and (c) Improvements / alterations to management and operation of the dam which are required to prevent or minimise contaminant release from the Esperanza TSF. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE G Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule H - Definitions Key terms and/or phrases used in this document are defined in this section. Where a term is not defined, the definition in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its regulations or environmental protection policies must be used. If a word remains undefined it has its ordinary meaning. "acceptance criteria" means the measures by which the actions implemented to rehabilitate the land are deemed to be complete (same as completion criteria). "administering authority" means: (a) for a matter, the administration and enforcement of which has been devolved to a local government under section 514 - the local government; or, (b) for another matter - the chief executive. "affected person" is someone whose drinking water can potentially be impacted as a result of discharges from a dam or their life can be put at risk due to dwellings or workplaces being in the path of a dam break flood. "affected land" means land on which an event has caused or threatens serious or material environmental harm. "AHD" means `Australian Height Datum' which is the Australian national standard of geodetic datum for altitude measurements and is measured in metres (m). The level of 0.0 m AHD approximates the mean sea level (as previously measured for the period 1966-1968). "airblast overpressure" means energy transmitted from the blast site within the atmosphere in the form of pressure waves. The maximum excess pressure in this wave, above ambient pressure is the peak airblast overpressure measured in decibels linear (dB). "ambient (or total) noise" at a place, means the level of noise at the place from all sources (near and far), measured as the Leq for an appropriate time interval. "annual exceedance probability" or AEP the probability that at least one event in excess of a particular magnitude will occur in any given year. "annual inspection report" means an assessment prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person containing details of the assessment against the most recent consequence assessment report and design plan (or system design plan); (a) against recommendations contained in previous annual inspections reports; (b) against recognised dam safety deficiency indicators; (c) for changes in circumstances potentially leading to a change in consequence category; (d) for conformance with the conditions of this authority; (e) for conformance with the `as constructed' drawings; (f) for the adequacy of the available storage in each regulated dam, based on an actual observation or observations taken after 31 May each year but prior to 1 November of that year, of accumulated sediment, state of the containment barrier and the level of liquids in the dam; (; (g) for evidence of conformance with the current operational plan. "ANZECC (2000)" means the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000) published by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council and the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand or any equivalent update/replacement guidelines. "ANZG (2018)" means the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (Water Quality Guidelines) revised in 2018. Since 2018, the Water Quality Guidelines are presented in an interactive online platform at "www.waterquality.gov.au/guidelines". All default guideline values (DGVs) published on this interactive resource are referred to as ANZG (2018) irrespective of their official publication date. "appropriately qualified person" means a person who has professional qualifications, training, skills or experience Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority relevant to the nominated subject matter and can give authoritative assessment, advice and analysis on performance relating to the subject matter using the relevant protocols, standards, methods or literature. "assessed" or "assessment" by a suitably qualified and experienced person in relation to a consequence assessment of a structure, means that a statutory declaration has been made by that person and, when taken together with any attached or appended documents referenced in that declaration, all of the following aspects are addressed and are sufficient to allow an independent audit of the assessment: (a) exactly what has been assessed and the precise nature of that determination; (b) the relevant legislative, regulatory and technical criteria on which the assessment has been based; (c) the relevant data and facts on which the assessment has been based, the source of that material, and the efforts made to obtain all relevant data and facts; and (d) the reasoning on which the assessment has been based using the relevant data and facts, and the relevant criteria. "associated works" in relation to a dam, means: (a) operations of any kind and all things constructed, erected or installed for that dam; and (b) any land used for those operations. "authority" mea