Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
P-EA-100114292 · Gemini Coal Mine
Coal environmental authority P-EA-100114292 (Gemini Coal Mine), Granted. 126 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-100776071.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- Magnetic South Pty Ltd
- Tenures
- ML700056
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-100776071 · effective 2025-11-12
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
126 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
This environmental authority authorises environmental harm referred to in the conditions. Where there is no condition or this environmental authority is silent on a matter, the lack of a condition or silence does not authorise environmental harm.
- A2
Mining activities must not be undertaken beyond the authorised disturbance area depicted as `Disturbance Extent' in Figure A1 - Approved Disturbance Area. For the purposes of this condition only, the following activities are not relevant to this condition: a) Installation and operation of monitoring equipment; b) Monitoring or sampling required by a plan or program required by a condition of this environmental authority; and c) Exploration activities conducted in accordance with the standard conditions in the `Eligibility criteria and standard conditions for exploration and mineral development projects' and located outside of mapped matters of state environmental significance (MSES) areas.
- A3
The environmental authority holder is authorised to extract 1.9 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of ROM (run-of-mine) coal.
- A4
The environmental authority holder is only permitted to process or stockpile coal from within ML700056.
- A5
The environmental authority holder is only authorised to produce, handle and load 1.4 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of product coal.
- A6
The environmental authority holder is not authorised to stockpile coal within the rail loop or any area north of the Capricorn Highway.
- A7
The holder of this environmental authority must: a) Install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; b) Maintain such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient condition; c) Operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient manner; and d) Ensure all instruments and devices used for the measurement or monitoring of any parameter under any condition of this environmental authority are properly calibrated. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- A8
Monitoring and Records All monitoring and determinations required by this environmental authority must be performed by an appropriately qualified person and copies of monitoring records must be submitted to the administering authority upon request. Monitoring records must be kept for a period of not less than five (5) years.
- A9
All monitoring equipment must be installed in accordance with relevant standards or as otherwise approved by the administering authority.
- A10
Risk Management The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a risk management system for mining activities which mirrors the content requirement of the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2018), or the latest edition of an Australian standard for risk management, to the extent relevant to environmental management, prior to commencement of operations.
- A11
The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority by written notification within twenty-four (24) hours, after becoming aware of any emergency or incident which results in the release of contaminants not in accordance, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance with, the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A12
Within ten (10) business days following the initial notification of an emergency or incident, or receipt of monitoring results, whichever is the latter, further written advice must be provided to the administering authority, including the following: a) Results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; b) Outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; and c) Proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident.
- A13
The holder of this environmental authority must record all environmental complaints received about the mining activities including: a) Name, address and contact number for of the complainant; b) Time and date of complaint; c) Reasons for 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.
- A14
The holder of this environmental authority must, when requested by the administering authority, undertake relevant specified monitoring within a reasonable timeframe nominated or agreed to by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental harm. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- A15
The results of the investigation required by Condition A14 (including an analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results) and abatement measures, where implemented, must be provided to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of 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.
- A16
Third-Party Reporting The holder of this environmental authority must: a) Within one year of the commencement of this environmental authority, obtain from an appropriately qualified person, a report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; b) Obtain further such reports at regular intervals, not exceeding three-yearly intervals from the completion of the report referred to above; and c) Provide each report to the administering authority within ninety (90) days of its completion.
- A17
Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard, policy or guideline published externally to this environmental authority and the standard is amended or changed subsequent to the issue of this environmental authority, the holder of this environmental authority must: a) Comply with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline within two years of the amendment or change being made, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard or relevant legislation, or where the amendment or change relates specifically to a condition, the time specified in that condition; and b) Until compliance with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline is achieved, continue to remain in compliance with the corresponding provision that was current immediately prior to the relevant amendment or change.
- A18
Commencement of mining activities Within forty-eight (48) hours of commencing any mining activities, the holder must provide the administering authority with written notification of commencement. For the purposes of this condition only, the following activities are not relevant to this condition: a) Installation and operation of monitoring equipment; b) Monitoring or sampling required by a plan or program required by a condition of this environmental authority; and c) Exploration activities conducted in accordance with the standard conditions in the `Eligibility criteria and standard conditions for exploration and mineral development projects' and located outside of mapped matters of state environmental significance (MSES) areas. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- A19
For the purposes of `commencement of mining activities' under conditions B3, B6, D4, D6, D7, E3, F2, F9 and F15, the following activities are not relevant: a) Installation and operation of monitoring equipment; b) Monitoring or sampling required by a plan or program required by a condition of this environmental authority; and c) Exploration activities conducted in accordance with the standard conditions in the `Eligibility criteria and standard conditions for exploration and mineral development projects' and located outside of mapped matters of state environmental significance (MSES) areas. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine Schedule B: Air Condition Condition number
- B1
The environmental authority holder must ensure that mitigation measures are employed so that the dust and particulate matter emissions generated by the mining activities do not cause exceedances of the following levels when measured at any sensitive or commercial place: a) Dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day (mg/m-/day), averaged over one month, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of AS3580.10.1: Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Method 10.1: Determination of particulate matter - Deposited matter - Gravimetric method; b) A concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometres (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour averaging time when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of either: i) AS3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air Part 9.6: Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM10 high volume sampler with size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method; or ii) AS3580.9.9 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air Part 9.9: Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM10 low volume sampler - Gravimetric method; or iii) Any alternative method of sampling PM10, where approved in writing by the administering authority. c) A concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) suspended in the atmosphere of 25 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of AS3580.9.10 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM2.5 low volume sampler--Gravimetric method; and d) A concentration of particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere of 90 micrograms per cubic metre over a 1 year averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of AS3580.9.3 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Method 9.3: Determination of suspended particulate matter - Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) - High volume sampler gravimetric method.
- B2
The holder of this environmental authority must undertake monitoring of air quality in accordance with Table B1 - Air Quality Monitoring Locations as shown in Figure B1 - Noise and Air Quality Monitoring Locations and the standards listed in Condition B1.
- B3
Monitoring in accordance with Table B1 - Air Quality Monitoring Locations must commence within six (6) months of the grant of ML700056 or prior to commencement of mining activities, whichever is sooner. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- B4
When requested by the administering authority or as a result of a complaint, dust and particulate monitoring (including dust deposition, TSP, PM10 and PM2.5) must be undertaken, and the results thereof notified to the administering authority within fourteen (14) days following completion of monitoring.
- B5
If the monitoring, which is carried out in accordance with Condition B4, indicates an exceedance of the relevant limits in Condition B1, then the environmental authority holder must investigate whether the exceedance is due to emissions from the activity. If the mining activity is found to be the cause of the exceedance, then the environmental authority holder must: a) Notify the administering authority within seven (7) days of an exceedance of the relevant limits in Condition B4. b) Address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution, if required; and c) Implement dust abatement measures so that emissions of dust from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance.
- B6
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement an air quality management plan within six (6) months of the grant of ML700056 or prior to commencement of mining activities, whichever is sooner. The air quality management plan must include: - a summary of the baseline environment and the potential impacts of the Project on air quality; - identification of sensitive receivers surrounding the Project; - use of real-time measurement of dust levels and meteorological conditions; - details of mitigation measures implemented for mining and ancillary activities - implementation of a Trigger Action Response Plan as a dust management procedure that aims to investigate and respond to unexpected dust exceedances by: o trigger: nomination of air quality trigger values based on complaints and/or real- time dust and meteorological measurement and a range of additional measures which will be implemented, as necessary; o alert: an alert occurs as a result of the conditions of a trigger being met. Each alert requires one or more responses; o response: a response is a dust management action that may be implemented as a result of an alert being issued; and o action: an action is a specific activity that is condition as part of a response. - an air quality monitoring program detailing the monitoring network, equipment requirements and monitoring, reporting and review procedures; - a complaints and handling response procedure; and - details of the roles and responsibilities of personnel. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine Table B1 - Air Quality Monitoring Locations Monitoring Location Monitoring Site Monitoring Point Monitoring Point Air Quality Frequency ID Indicator Eastings (GDA2020, Northings (GDA2020, Continuous
- C1
All general and regulated waste (except tyres) must be removed from site to a facility that is lawfully able to accept the waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- C2
Subject to demonstrating to the administering authority that no other use higher in the waste management hierarchy can be practicably implemented, waste tyres generated from mining activities may be disposed of onsite in waste rock emplacements in accordance with the administering authority's Operational Policy Disposal and storage of scrap tyres at mine sites Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- C3
Scrap tyres resulting from mining activities disposed within the operational land must not impede saturated aquifers, cause contamination or compromise the stability of the consolidated landform.
- C5
Mine waste Tailings and waste rock must be managed in accordance with a Management Plan that includes: a) characterisation programs to ensure that the physical and chemical properties of the mining waste is progressively characterised during disposal; b) a program for progressive sampling and characterisation to identify acid producing potential and metal concentrations of tailings. c) the availability or leachability of metals from the mining waste; d) quantification of PAF from mining waste present; e) review impacts of the PAF mining waste on the rehabilitation; f) management actions for mining waste that has been identified as having a high availability or leachability of metals; g) management actions for mining waste that has been defined as PAF; h) identification of environmental impacts and potential environmental impacts; i) control measures for routine operations to minimise likelihood of environmental harm; j) containment of tailings; k) records to indicate locations and characteristics of tailings stored within tailings storage facilities; l) the management of seepage and leachates from tailings storages both during operation and the foreseeable future; and m) the control of fugitive emissions to air. Schedule D: Noise and vibration Condition Condition number
- D1
The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that noise generated by the mining activities does not cause a limit in Table D2 - Noise limits to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place.
- D2
Airblast Overpressure Nuisance The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that blasting does not cause a limit for peak particle velocity and air blast overpressure in Table D3 - Blasting limits to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- D3
The environmental authority holder must install, maintain and operate continuous noise monitoring stations in accordance with Condition D5 and D6 at the locations defined in Table
- D1
- Noise Monitoring Locations as shown in Figure B1 - Noise and Air Quality Monitoring Locations and at the locations in the Noise Management Plan required by Condition D6.
- D4
Monitoring in accordance with Table D1 - Noise Monitoring Locations, Condition D3 and Condition D5 must commence within six (6) months of the grant of ML700056 or prior to commencement of mining activities, whichever is sooner.
- D5
Monitoring and Reporting The environmental authority holder must conduct noise monitoring to determine compliance with Table D2 - Noise limits, which must include, but not be limited to: a) Continuous noise monitoring, in accordance with relevant Australian Standards and at the locations identified in the Noise Management Plan required by Condition D6; b) The level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise and any adjustment and penalties to statistical levels; c) Atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and directions; d) Effects due to any extraneous factors such as traffic noise; and e) Location, date and time of monitoring.
- D6
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a Noise Management Plan within six (6) months of the grant of ML700056 or prior to commencement of mining activities whichever is sooner. The Noise Management Plan must include: a) a description of noise monitoring locations, including GPS coordinates and monitoring frequency; b) a description of noise monitoring procedures to identify potential noise exceedances; c) noise trigger values to prevent exceedances at sensitive receptors; d) management and mitigation strategies to reduce noise levels at sensitive receptors; e) Trigger Action Response Plan; f) a description of the complaint management and investigation process; and, g) an annual review of the acquired monitoring data and the suitability of the noise management plan. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- D7
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a blast monitoring and management program within six (6) months of the grant of ML700056 or prior to commencement of mining activities whichever is sooner, to monitor compliance with Table D3 - Blasting limits for: a) At least 50% of all blasts undertaken on this site in each month at the nearest sensitive place or commercial place; and b) All blasts conducted during any time period specified by the administering authority at the nearest and most affected sensitive place(s) or commercial place(s) or another such place to investigate an allegation of environmental nuisance caused by blasting. Table D1 - Noise Monitoring Locations Monitoring Location Monitoring Site ID Monitoring Point Monitoring Point Frequency SR 22 (Redrock Eastings Northings Continuous Park) Continuous Taunton National (GDA2020, Zone 55) (GDA2020, Zone 55) Continuous Park (Scientific) Locations in the 726358 7386470 noise management plan 729305 7388911 TBC TBC Table D2 - Noise limits Noise level Sensitive or commercial place 10:00 pm to 7:00 am dB(A) measured 7:00 am to 6:00 pm 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm 35 as: LAeq, adj, 1hr 40 40 Table D3 - Blasting limits Blasting Sensitive or commercial place 6:00 pm to 7:00 am Parameter No blasting is allowed during 7:00 am to 6:00 pm these times. Airblast overpressure: 115dBZ peak for 4 out of 5 consecutive blasts No blasting is allowed during initiated; or these times. Not greater than 120dBZ peak at any time. Ground For vibrations of more than 35Hz - no more than vibration peak 25mm per second ground vibration, peak particle particle velocity velocity, or For vibrations of no more than 35Hz - no more than 10mm of second peak particle velocity. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- E1
The holder of this environmental authority must not release contaminants to groundwater.
- E2
All determinations of groundwater quality must be performed by an appropriately qualified person.
- E3
Groundwater Monitoring Program The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a groundwater monitoring program within six (6) months of the grant of ML700056 or prior to commencement of mining activities whichever is sooner, for the duration of mining activities and this environmental authority.
- E4
The groundwater monitoring program must: a) Be in accordance with Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency; b) Identify potential sources of contamination to groundwater from the activity; c) Ensure that all potential groundwater impacts due to the activity are identified, monitored and mitigated; d) Document sampling and monitoring methodology; e) Ensure that adequate groundwater monitoring and data analysis is undertaken to achieve the following objectives: i) Establish baseline (not mine affected) datasets from existing monitoring bores; ii) Detect any impacts to groundwater levels due to the mining activity; iii) Detect any impacts to groundwater quality due to the mining activity; iv) Determine trends in groundwater quality; and v) Determine trends in groundwater level; f) Include an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program; g) Include a conceptual numerical groundwater model; and h) Include a review process to improve the program.
- E5
Groundwater quality and levels must be monitored at the locations and frequencies defined in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency as shown in Figure E1 - Groundwater and surface water monitoring locations for quality characteristics identified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality limits.
- E6
Groundwater quality measured at monitoring bores identified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency, must not exceed the Limits of any quality characteristic specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality limits, on any three (3) consecutive sampling occasions. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- E7
If groundwater quality measured at any monitoring bore exceeds the corresponding Limit specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality limits, on any single sampling occasion, the holder of this environmental authority must resample the groundwater within the monitoring bore for the parameter exceeded, within ten (10) business days of receipt of the results.
- E8
In the event that groundwater quality exceedance results are confirmed by resampling, as specified in Condition E7, the holder of this environmental authority must: a) Notify the administering authority via WaTERS within fourteen (14) days of receiving the resampling result; and b) Within three (3) months of receiving the result, complete, and submit via WaTERS, an investigation undertaken by an appropriately qualified person outlining: i) Details of the investigations carried out; ii) Whether the result is directly associated with mining activities, and, if so; iii) Whether environmental harm has occurred; and iv) Any action taken to mitigate environmental harm.
- E9
Groundwater level investigation If results of water level monitoring exceed the drawdown trigger level threshold specified in Table
- E3
- Groundwater level monitoring, the holder of the environmental authority must: a) Notify the administering authority via WaTERS within fourteen (14) days of receiving the result: and b) Within three (3) months of receiving the result complete an investigation to determine if the exceedance is a result of: i. mining activities authorised under this environmental authority; ii. natural variation; or iii. neighbouring land use resulting in groundwater impacts.
- E10
The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority via WaTERS and provide a report of the investigation to the administering authority via WaTERS within twenty-eight (28) days of completion of the investigation under Condition E9.
- E11
If the investigation under Condition E9 determined that the exceedance was the result of mining activities authorised under this environmental authority, then investigations must be undertaken by the holder of this environmental authority to establish whether environmental harm has occurred or may occur.
- E12
If an investigation undertaken in accordance with Condition E11 determines that environmental harm has or may occur, the holder of this environmental authority must: a) implement immediate measures to reduce the potential for environmental harm; and b) develop long-term mitigation measures to address any existing groundwater contamination and prevent recurrence of groundwater contamination. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- E13
The holder of this environmental authority must provide a report detailing the measures implemented to reduce the potential for environmental harm as well as the long-term mitigation measures to the administering authority within twenty-eight (28) days after completing the investigation under Condition E11.
- E14
Groundwater monitoring Results of groundwater quality and level monitoring must be submitted to the administering authority via WaTERS by 1 August each calendar year.
- E15
Where the removal of a bore will result as a direct result of the mining activity, the impact on the monitoring program must be evaluated and a replacement bore constructed prior to its removal for continuity and to ensure that groundwater monitoring continues to meet the requirements in Condition E3.
- E16
Bore Construction and Maintenance and Decommissioning The construction, maintenance, management and decommissioning of groundwater bores (including groundwater monitoring bores) must be undertaken in a manner that prevents or minimises impacts to the environment and ensures the integrity of the bores to obtain accurate monitoring. Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency Site Bore ID Easting Northing Bore Groundwater Unit Monitoring 2 (GDA2020, (GDA2020, Depth 3 DW7067W Zone 55) Zone 55) (m) Monitored Frequency DW7068W DW7069W 730782 7382395 100.14 Permian Quarterly 730786 7382392 47.5 Tertiary Quarterly 71.38 730398 7382700 Permian Quarterly DW7071W 730395 7382704 31.59 Permian Quarterly Tertiary Quarterly DW7072W 730404 7382688 14.01 Permian Quarterly 4 DW7073W 729927 7382667 82.1 Permian Quarterly Tertiary Quarterly DW7074W 729923 7382667 55.78 Alluvium Quarterly Tertiary Quarterly DW7075W 729919 7382667 14.03 Permian Quarterly 5 DW7076W 729751 7382724 12 Permian Quarterly Tertiary Quarterly 6 DW7033W1 731544 7383769 45.23 Permian Quarterly Tertiary Quarterly DW7033W2 731547 7383774 74.77 Permian Quarterly DW7033W3 731549 7383778 81 Permian Quarterly Alluvium Quarterly 10 DW7105W1 730193 7380734 23.04 DW7105W2 730194 7380730 69.25 14 DW7225W1 730468 7378360 37 DW7225W2 730467 7378356 78.9 DW7225W3 730466 7378352 112.8 17 DW7292W1 732906 7381109 15 Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine Table E2 - Groundwater quality limits Parameter Groundwater Unit - Trigger Level Alluvium Tertiary Permian Physical Parameters/ Sulphate
- F1
Contaminants that will, or have the potential to cause environmental harm, must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters as a result of the mining activities, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- F2
A Water Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person within one (1) month of the grant of ML700056 or prior to commencement of mining activities whichever is sooner, and be implemented for all stages of mining activities on the site.
- F3
The Water Management Plan required by Condition F2 must: a) Provide for the effective management of actual and potential environmental impacts resultant from water management associated with the mining activities carried out under this environmental authority. b) Be developed by an appropriately qualified person and in accordance with administering authority's current Guideline for preparation of a water management plan for mining i) A study of the source of contaminants; ii) A water balance model for the site; iii) A water management system for the site; iv) Measures to manage and prevent and/or minimise saline drainage; v) Measures to manage and prevent and/or minimise acid mine drainage; and vi) Contingency procedures for emergencies.
- F4
The Water Management Plan required by Condition F2 must be reviewed each calendar year and a report prepared by an appropriately qualified person. The report must: a) Assess the plan against the requirements under Condition F3; b) Include recommended actions and timeframes for these actions to ensure actual and potential environmental impacts are effectively managed for the coming year; and c) Identify any amendments made to the water management plan following the review.
- F5
The environmental authority holder must attach to the review report required by Condition F4, a written response to the report and recommended actions and timeframes, detailing the actions taken or to be taken by the environmental authority holder on stated dates: a) To ensure compliance with this environmental authority; and b) To prevent a recurrence of any non-compliance issues identified.
- F6
The release of mine affected water to waters is not authorised, except as permitted by Condition F7. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- F7
The release of mine affected water to internal water management infrastructure installed and operated in accordance with a water management plan that complies with Condition F2 to F5 (inclusive) is authorised. Table F1 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring sites Description Latitude Longitude (decimal degree, GDA2020) (decimal degree, GDA2020) Upstream Background Monitoring Points Springton Ck Upstream (SC1) -23.6976 149.2738 Charlevue Ck Upstream (CC1) -23.6473 149.2100 Downstream Monitoring Points Springton Ck Downstream (SC2) -23.6434 149.3145 Charlevue Ck Downstream (CC2) -23.6305 149.2715 Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- F8
All determinations of water quality monitoring must be performed by an appropriately qualified person.
- F9
Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) The environmental authority holder must develop and implement a Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) within six (6) months of the grant of ML700056 or prior to commencement of mining activities whichever is sooner to monitor, identify and describe any adverse impacts to surface water environmental values, quality and flows due to the authorised mining activity. This must include monitoring the effects of the mine on the receiving environment periodically (under natural flow conditions) and while mine affected water is being discharged from the site. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of Duckworth Creek and connected or surrounding waterways within fifteen (15) kilometres downstream of the release. The REMP should encompass any sensitive receiving waters or environmental values downstream of the authorised mining activity that will potentially be directly affected by an authorised release of mine affected water.
- F10
The REMP must: a) Assess the condition or state of receiving waters, including upstream conditions, spatially within the REMP area, considering background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration temporal variation (e.g. seasonality); b) Be designed to facilitate assessment against water quality objectives for the relevant environmental values that need to be protected; c) Include monitoring from background reference sites (e.g. upstream or background) and downstream sites from the release (as a minimum, the locations specified in Table F1 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring sites); d) Specify the frequency and timing of sampling required in order to reliably assess ambient conditions and to provide sufficient data to derive site-specific background reference values in accordance with the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2009. This should include monitoring during periods of natural flow irrespective of mine or other discharges; e) Include, where appropriate, monitoring of metals/metalloids in sediments (in accordance with ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000), BATLEY and/or the most recent version of AS5667.1 Water quality - Sampling - Guidance on the design of sampling programs, sampling techniques and the preservation and handling of samples); f) Include, where appropriate, monitoring of macroinvertebrates in accordance with the AusRivAS methodology; g) Apply procedures and/or guidelines from ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000) and other relevant guideline documents; h) Describe sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; and i) Incorporate stream flow and hydrological information in the interpretations of water quality and biological data. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- F11
A REMP Design Document that addresses the requirements of the REMP must be prepared and made available to the administrating authority upon request.
- F12
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations must be prepared annually and made available on request to the administrating authority. This must include an assessment of background reference water quality, the condition of downstream water quality compared against water quality objectives, and the suitability of current discharge limits to protect downstream environmental values.
- F13
Water Reuse Mine affected water may be piped or trucked or transferred by some other means that does not contravene the conditions of this environmental authority and deposited into artificial water storage structures, such as farm dams or tanks, or used directly at properties owned by the environmental authority holder or a third party (with the consent of the third party).
- F14
Annual Water Monitoring Report The following information must be recorded in relation to all water monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority in the specified format: a) The date on which the sample was taken; b) The time at which the sample was taken; c) The monitoring point at which the sample was taken; d) The measured or estimated daily quantity of mine affected water released from all release points; e) The release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; f) The results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances of the conditions of this environmental authority; and g) Water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format upon request.
- F15
Stormwater and Water Sediment Controls An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person within one (1) month of the grant of ML700056 or prior to commencement of mining activities whichever is sooner, and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site to minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and contamination of stormwater. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- F16
Stormwater, other than mine affected water, is permitted to be released to waters from: a) Erosion and sediment control structures that are installed and operated in accordance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan required by Condition F15; and b) Water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with Conditions F3 to F5 (inclusive) for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water. Schedule G: Sewage treatment Condition Condition number
- G1
Treated sewage effluent may only be released to land in compliance with the release limits stated in Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land and within the nominated area identified in Figure A1 - Approved Disturbance Area. Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land Contaminant Unit Release limit Limit type Frequency Electrical conductivity s/cm 1600 Maximum Monthly Maximum Monthly Total suspended solids mg/L 20 Maximum Monthly Maximum Monthly Nitrogen mg/L 30 Maximum Monthly Maximum Monthly Phosphorus mg/L 10 Range Monthly Total residual chlorine (if mg/L 1 used for disinfection) E.coli Organisms/100ml <1000 pH pH units 5.0 - 8.5.
- G2
The application of treated effluent to land must be carried out in a manner such that: (1) vegetation is not damaged (2) there is no surface ponding of effluent (3) there is no run-off of effluent.
- G3
If areas irrigated with effluent are accessible to employees or the general public, prominent signage must be provided advising that effluent is present and care should be taken to avoid consuming or otherwise coming into unprotected contact with the effluent. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- G4
All sewage effluent released to land must be monitored at the frequency and for the parameters specified in Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land.
- G5
The daily volume of effluent released to land must be measured and recorded.
- G6
When circumstances prevent the irrigation or beneficial reuse of treated sewage effluent such as during or following rain events, the treated effluent must be directed to a wet weather storage or alternative measures must be taken to store/lawfully dispose of effluent.
- G7
A minimum area of 3.8 hectares of land, excluding any necessary buffer zones, must be utilised for the irrigation and/or beneficial reuse of treated sewage effluent. Schedule H: Land and Rehabilitation Condition Condition number
- H1
Land disturbed by mining must be rehabilitated to a landform that is safe, stable, non-polluting and able to sustain the land use specified in Table H1 - Rehabilitation domains and post-mining land use and Figure H1 - Post-mining land use areas. Table H1 - Rehabilitation domains and post-mining land use Rehabilitation Functional Area Post-mining Land Use Footprint Proportion of Total Grazing Area (ha) Disturbance In-pit and out-of-pit waste emplacements, 722.4 37% including dry rejects disposal areas Temporary waste emplacements Grazing 17.5 1% Final void waterbody Fauna habitat 76.5 4% Residual void highwalls Native vegetation 133.1 7% supporting fauna Residual void low walls habitat 187.2 9% Mine infrastructure areas1 Grazing 750.8 38% Grazing Water management infrastructure1 Grazing/ 85 4% Native vegetation Notes: 1 Where not retained under a landholder agreement allocating infrastructure responsibility. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- H2
Chemical and Flammable or Combustible Liquids All flammable and combustible liquids must be contained within an onsite containment system and controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm and maintained in accordance with the current edition of AS1940 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.
- H3
All explosive, corrosive substances, toxic substances, gases and dangerous goods must be stored and handled in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards.
- H4
Spills Any spills or release of flammable and combustible liquids; or chemicals, must be controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm.
- H5
An appropriate spill kit, personal protective equipment and relevant operator instructions/emergency procedure guides for the management of wastes, chemicals and flammable and combustible liquids associated with the activity must be kept at the site.
- H6
Anyone operating with wastes, chemicals or flammable and combustible liquids under this approval must be trained in the use of the spill kit.
- H7
Infrastructure All infrastructure constructed by, or for, the environmental authority holder during the licensed activities include water storages, must be removed from the site prior to surrender, except where agreed in writing by the post mining landowner. Note: This is not applicable where the landowner/holder is also the environmental authority holder.
- H8
Vegetation management Cleared vegetation from the site must be managed in accordance with the following hierarchy: a) recycle, e.g. mulching of vegetation and use in rehabilitation on the site; and b) other alternative management options implemented in a way that causes the least amount of environmental harm. Schedule I: Offsets and biodiversity Condition Condition number
- I1
Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters are not authorised under this environmental authority or the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 unless the impacts are specified in Table I2 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters.
- I2
Records demonstrating that each impact to a prescribed environmental matter not listed in Table
- I2
- Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters did not, or is not likely to, result in a significant residual impact to that matter must be: (a) completed by an appropriately qualified person; and (b) kept for the life of the environmental authority. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- I3
An environmental offset made in accordance with the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 and Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy, as amended from time to time, must be undertaken for the maximum extent of impact to each prescribed environmental matter authorised in Table I2 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters, unless a lesser extent of the impact has been approved in accordance with Condition I6. Table I2 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters Prescribed Description Stage 1 impact Maximum extent of impact Location of environmental (ha) (ha) impact Figure I1 matter Figure I2 Of concern RE 11.3.2 2.53 2.64 Figure I3 regional Regulated ecosystem RE 11.5.2 33.82 42.15 35.03 52.93 vegetation Regional RE 11.3.2 0.20 0.20 ecosystems RE 11.7.2 4.06 12.30 within a RE 11.3.25 4.07 5.40 defined distance of a vegetation management watercourse Connectivity areas RE 11.3.2 2.53 439.25 2.64 715.32 RE 11.3.25 6.76 10.62 RE 11.5.2 353.57 387.99 RE 11.7.2 76.38 314.07 Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- I4
Staged impacts The significant residual impacts to a prescribed environmental matter authorised in Condition I1, for which an environmental offset is required by Condition I3, may be carried out in stages. An environmental offset can be delivered for each stage of the impacts to prescribed environmental matters.
- I5
Prior to the commencement of each stage, a report completed by an appropriately qualified person, that includes an analysis of the following, must be provided to the administering authority: (a) for the forthcoming stage--the estimated significant residual impacts to each prescribed environmental matter; and (b) for the previous stage, if applicable--the actual significant residual impacts to each prescribed environmental matter, to date.
- I6
The report required by Condition I5 must be approved by the administering authority before a notice of election for the forthcoming stage, if applicable, is given to the administering authority.
- I7
A notice of election for the staged environmental offset referred to in Condition I6, if applicable, must be provided to the administering authority no less than three (3) months before the proposed commencement of that stage, unless a lesser timeframe has been agreed to by the administering authority.
- I8
Within six (6) months from the completion of the final stage of the project, a report completed by an appropriately qualified person that includes the following matters, must be provided to the administering authority: (a) an analysis of the actual impacts on prescribed environmental matters resulting from the final stage; and (b) if applicable, a notice of election to address any outstanding offset debits for the authorised impacts. Schedule J: Dams and levees Condition Condition number
- J1
Assessment of consequence category 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 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.
- J2
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. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- J3
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
- J4
Conditions J5 to J9 inclusive do not apply to existing structures.
- J5
All regulated structures must be designed by, and constructed under the supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for
- J6
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) certification for the design, 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.
- J7
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 the Register of Regulated Structures.
- J8
Regulated structures must: a) be designed and constructed in compliance with the Manual for assessing consequence 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.
- J9
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.
- J10
Notification of affected persons 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 ten (10) 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 five (5) business days of it being amended. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- J11
Operation of a regulated structure Operation of a regulated 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 J6; b) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; c) certification of the `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with Condition J9; 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 structure.
- J12
Each regulated structure must be maintained and operated, for the duration of its operational life until decommissioned and rehabilitated, in compliance with the current operational plan and, if applicable, the current design plan and associated certified `as constructed' drawings.
- J13
Mandatory reporting level Conditions J14 to J17 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- J14
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.
- J15
The holder must, as soon as practicable but 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.
- J16
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.
- J17
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures.
- J18
Design storage allowance The holder must assess the performance of each regulated dam or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated dam or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year.
- J19
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). Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- J20
The holder must, as soon as practicable but 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.
- J21
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.
- J22
Annual inspection report Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- J23
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.
- J24
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
- J25
The holder must within twenty (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) recommended actions, the administering authority requests a copy of the annual inspection report from the holder, provide this to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of receipt of the request.
- J26
Transfer arrangements 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.
- J27
Register of Regulated Structures A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated structure:
- J28
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures when a design plan for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority.
- J29
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with Condition J11 and Condition J12 has been achieved. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine
- J30
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day.
- J31
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.
- J32
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. Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100114292 Gemini Coal Mine 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. "Term" or "acronym" means <definition> Acid rock drainage means any contaminated discharge emanating from a mining activity formed through a series of chemical and biological reactions, when geological strata is disturbed and exposed to oxygen and moisture. Administering authority is the agency or department that administers the environmental authority provisions under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 Affected person is someone whose drinking water can potentially be impacted as a result of discharges from a dam or their life or property can be put at risk due to dwellings or workplaces being in the path of a dam break flood. 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 (dBL). 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 (or network of linked containment systems); (g) for evidence of conformance with the current operational plan. Appropriately qualified person means a person who has professional qualifications, training, skills or experience 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 dam, means that a statutory declaration has been made by that person and, when taken