BHOP will ensure that the mine will comply with the · Web viewDepartmen t SHE Date Apr 2012 This page has been left blank intentionally. Contents Page 1Purpose5 2Scope5 3Context5

Rasp MineZinc – Lead – Silver Project

Project Approval No. 07-0018January 2011

Waste Management Plan V2April 2012

DISTRIBUTION: CONTROLLED

REV DATEREVISION PREPARED REVIEWED APPROVED

SCOPE/PURPOSE INIT SIGN INIT SIGN INIT SIGN

1 30/3/2012 Original PBPeter Boyle (ENVIRON)

BB Brendan Barker BBBrendan Barker

2 26/4/2012

Updated for TSF2 and incident reporting, removal of use of septic tank and salt recovery investigations and other minor modifications

GW Gwen Wilson BJ Ben Jones TD Tony Davis

Document OwnerEnvironment & Community Officer

Signature Ben Jones Department SHE DateApr 2012

BHO-ENV-PLN- 006 1 | P a g e

This page has been left blank intentionally.


Contents Page

1 Purpose 5

2 Scope 5

3 Context 5

4 Objectives 5

5 Performance Targets 6

6 Mine Waste Streams 6

7 Legal Obligations 6

8 Waste Generated and Management 10

9 Application of the Waste Hierarchy 20

10 Control Measures 22

List of Tables

Table 1: Project Approval Conditions for Waste ManagementTable 2: Waste Rock & Tailings DisposalTable3: Predicted Annual Tailings Volumes and TSF2 Filling DataTable 4: Non-Mineral Waste Types and ManagementTable 5: Waste Facility (Onsite and Offsite) Audits and InspectionsTable 6: Responsibilities

List of Figures

Figure 1: Waste Management HierarchyFigure 2: TSF2 Blackwood Pit Looking EastFigure 3: Layout of the Delivery and Return Lines at Blackwood Pit


This page has been left blank intentionally.


1 Purpose1.1 This Waste Management Plan (WMP) outlines the wastes generated by the Rasp

Mine operations and details requirements for storage and disposal.

2 Scope2.1 This WMP applies to any waste generated by employees, contractors and processes

at the Rasp Mine located on Consolidated Mine Lease 7 (CML7) in Broken Hill.

3 Context3.1 BHOP proposes to mine the Western Mineralisation and Centenary Mineralisation

and Main Lode Pillars, zinc-lead-silver masses within the Project Area. Mining will take place over 15 years including one year to construct the processing plant, one year to complete closure activities and an estimated 13 years for extraction of ore from underground mining, at a maximum rate of 750,000 tpa and produce zinc (87,000 t) and lead (44,000 t) concentrates. The concentrates will be despatched by rail to the CBH Resources Ltd owned ship loader (ConPorts Pty Ltd) at Newcastle.

4 Objectives4.1 Waste management is inclusive of the generation of waste through to collection,

transport, treatment, recycling/reuse, final use or disposal and where applicable, the supervision and maintenance of final waste facilities.

4.2 The objectives of this WMP are:

To minimise waste generation at source;

To maximise reuse and recycling of waste products in a safe effective manner;

To minimise the adverse effects of waste disposal on the local and regional environment ensuring that pollution of air, land and water are prevented; and

To comply with legislative requirements and endeavour to meet best practice industry standards and waste disposal guidelines.

To identify potential re-use or recycling opportunities and ensure appropriate handling and collection procedures are in place.

To investigate methods to minimise waste generated by the mine and implement reasonable and feasible measures to minimise waste.


5 Performance Targets5.1 All storage and disposal waste to be in accordance with relevant Australian

Standards.

5.2 To recycle and reuse waste products wherever economical feasible and practicable.

5.3 To achieve 60% total recycling of non-mineral waste.

6 Mine Waste Streams6.1 The wastes that the Mine will generate can be categorised as mineral and non-

mineral wastes.

6.2 Mineral wastes generated by the mine consist of:

waste rock comprised of inert aluminosilicate minerals such as feldspar, quartz, biotite, muscovite and sillimanite

waste stream from ore processing (tailings).

6.3 Non-mineral wastes include:

general domestic-type wastes from the on-site buildings and routine maintenance consumables;

fencing materials;

oils and grease; and

sewerage.

7 Legal Obligations7.1 Project Approval was granted by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure

(DoPI) in January 2011. Conditions of this Approval are outlined in Table 1 together with the relevant section(s) within this document where the Condition is addressed.

Table 1: Project Approval Conditions for Waste Management

Obligations Section of the WMP

Condition 32: The Proponent shall:(a) Minimize the waste generated by the project; and (b) ensure that the waste generated by the project is appropriately stored, handled, and disposed of, to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

Whole of document



Condition 33: The Proponent shall prepare and implement a Waste Management Plan for the project to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This plan must:(a) identify the various waste streams of the project; Section 8 Waste Generated and

Management

(b) estimate the volumes of tailings and other waste material that would be generated by the project;

Section 8.3 Tailing Disposal

(c) describe and justify the proposed strategy for disposing of this waste material;

Section 8.3 Tailings Disposal

d) describe what measures would be implemented to meet the requirements set out above in condition 32; and

Section 8.3 and Section 10 Control Measures

(e) include a program to monitor the effectiveness of these measures.

Section 10.3 Monitoring, Section 10.4 Facility Inspections and Audits, Section 10.6 Reporting of Performance and Section 10.8 Management Review

“2. The Proponent shall ensure that the management plans required under this approval are prepared in accordance with relevant guidelines, and include:(a) detailed baseline data;

Section 7 Legal Obligations

Section 8 Waste Generated and Management

(b) a description of:- the relevant statutory requirements (including any relevant approval, licence or leaseconditions);- any relevant limits or performance measures/criteria; and- the specific performance indicators that are proposed to be used to judge the performance of,or guide the implementation of, the project or any management measures;

Section 7 Legal Obligations

Section10.3 Monitoring, Section10.4 Facility Inspections and AuditsSection 10.6 Reporting of Performance

(c) a description of the measures that would be implemented to comply with the relevant statutory requirements, limits, or performance measures/criteria;

Section 8 Waste Generated and Management and Section 10 Control Measures

(d) a program to monitor and report on the:- impacts and environmental performance of the project; and- effectiveness of any management measures (see (c) above);

Section 10.3 Monitoring, Section 10.6 Reporting of Performance and Section 10.8 Management Review

(e) a contingency plan to manage any unpredicted impacts and their consequences;

Section 8.3 Tailing disposal and 10.5 Incident Report and Corrective Action

(f) a program to investigate and implement ways to improve the environmental performance of the project over time;

Section10.3 Monitoring, Section10.4 Facility Inspections and Audits, Section 10.6 Reporting of Performance and 10.8



Management Review

(g) a protocol for managing and reporting any:- incidents;- complaints;- non-compliances with the conditions of this approval and statutory requirements; and- exceedances of the impact assessment criteria and/or performance criteria; and

Section 10.5 Incident Report and Corrective Action and Section 10.6 Reporting of Performance

(h) a protocol for periodic review of the plan. Section 10.8 Management Review

7.2 The Director General Requirements (March 2009) referenced the following policies and guidelines with respect to waste management:

Environmental Guidelines: Assessment, classification and management of liquid and non-liquid wastes (EPA 1999).

Environmental Guidelines: use of effluent by irrigation (DEC, 2004).

Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act)

Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001.

Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005

Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) Act 2001

Environmental Protection Licence – NSW Department of Environment and Conservation

7.3 The WMP provides a framework to minimise the environment, safety and health hazards associated with the handling, storage and disposal of those waste products generated by activities conducted by or on behalf of BHOP.

7.4 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

7.4.1 BHOP will ensure that the mine will comply with the requirements of the POEO Act, through the adoption of a waste hierarchy philosophy of Avoid, Reuse, Recycle and Disposal.

Figure 1: Waste Management Hierarchy


7.5 Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) Act 2001

7.5.1 The object of the Act is to encourage the most efficient use of resources, to reduce environmental harm, and to provide for the continual reduction in waste generation.

7.6 The production of non-mineral waste will be controlled and reduced through the accurate ordering of materials and the avoidance of over-ordering and potential wastage of materials. All materials, which are available for recycling, will be collected and recycled off-site. Only materials, which do not fit into the above categories, will be disposed of to an appropriately licensed facility.

7.7 BHOP will investigate the use of grey water from the site office, bathhouse and other amenities for re-use around the mine site.

7.8 BHOP will undertake waste management on site in accordance with the legislation and guidelines listed in section 1.3. All contractors removing waste from site will be suitably licensed with appropriate governing bodies as required. Wastes, which are required to be tracked, will be done so, in accordance with the relevant legislation.


8 Waste Generated and Management8.1 Ore excavated during mining operations is processed by an on-site crushing and

flotation plant designed to produce high quality lead and zinc concentrates, which will be dispatched by rail to Newcastle for shipping to market. The major wastes produced during mining and mineral processing are waste rock and tailing information. Table 2 provides a summary for their disposal.

Table 2: Waste Rock & Tailings Disposal

Component Proposed

Waste rock disposal Underground: Backfill and rehabilitation at closureSurface: Inert rock material to be used for road repair, bunding and rehabilitation at closure.

Tailings disposal Tailings will be disposed as backfill underground and in a storage facility. As underground voids become available the spilt will build to approximately 50% underground and 50% disposed in TSF2.

8.2 Waste rock

8.2.1 Waste characterisation - Waste rock comprises inert aluminosilicate minerals such as feldspar, quartz, biotite, muscovite and sillimanite. These rock types do not generate acidic water; feldspar and sillimanite decomposition consumes acid. A long history of mining in the area supports the approach of no waste rock with acid forming potential. The Potosi Gneiss unit is quarried as ‘blue metal’ for the local Broken Hill market and surrounding areas in the adjacent quarry owned and operated by E B Mawsons & Sons Pty Ltd.

8.2.2 On average 300,000 t of waste rock will be generated annually.

8.2.3 Waste rock is predominantly used for backfill, road base, a cover to minimise dust generation and noise bunding. Waste rock from underground mining will be deposited in underground voids as they become available. Where there are no voids available the waste rock is stored in Kintore Pit awaiting back-loading into underground voids upon availability or placed in underground drives waiting for a void to become available.

Inert waste rock, following testing and classification will be utilised as:

road base for the construction of underground and surface roads;

fill material for earth bunding to be built as part of the noise mitigation; and / or

material for rehabilitation purposes on-site.


8.3 Tailing Disposal

8.3.1 It was originally planned to commence tailing deposition by placing tailing in TSF1, which required two additional lifts to an existing tailings storage facility (the All Nations Tailings Storage Facility). As TSF1 was filled tailing would be deposited in TSF2, Blackwood Pit. This was proposed to allow recovery of the rich zinc ore at the base of the Blackwood Pit prior to depositing tailings in this facility. Mining engineering investigations concluded that it was not possible to safely remove this material as the structural integrity of a section of the western side of the Pit is poor.

It has been determined that TSF1 will no longer be considered for tailing disposal.

An estimated 6.55 Mdryt of tailings will be generated from the Project.

Predictions for tailing generation for the first 9 years of mine life is presented in Table 3. If storage is required above 308.5 mRL, an engineered bund wall would be required near the eastern end of the Pit on the northern side.

Table3: Predicted Annual Tailings Volumes and TSF2 Filling Data

YearEstimated Surface Tailings Volume

(m3)

Cumulative Tailings Volume

(m3)

Predicted Storage Elevation

(RL m)

1 270 698 270 698 275.0

2 234 981 505 679 281.2

3 246 111 751 790 286.3

4 242 293 994 083 290.7

5 256 717 1 250 800 294.9

6 217 263 1 468 063 298.2

7 177 808 1 645 871 300.6

8 168 899 1 814 771 302.8

9 170 596 1 985 367 304.9

8.3.2 Waste characterisation - Preliminary testwork and mass balance calculations indicate that the tailings contain the following elements; zinc (0.4%), lead (0.4%), silver (8 parts per million (ppm)), iron (3.3%), sulphur (1.2%), arsenic (460ppm), bismuth (70ppm), cadmium (trace) and antimony (45ppm).


8.3.3 Tailings properties have been defined through test work and from historic mining operations on the site. The tailings properties are:

water/solids ratio - 50% solids (after thickening);

water/solids ratio - 55% to 60% solids (at point of discharge from back fill plant);

80 tph (average solids only), 40 tph to TSF, 40 tph to underground;

80 tph (liquid only);

62 m3/h volumetric flow;

80% passing 200 micro-metres (after desliming);

dry settled density for TSF2 ranges from 1.50 to 1.65 t/m3

8.3.4 Tailing Management – Tailings will be directed underground via boreholes and fill lines to mined voids (for use as back fill) and placed backfill underground and in a storage facility. As underground voids become available the spilt will build to approximately 50% underground and 50% disposed in TSF2. Over the life of the mine approximately fifty percent of tailings and fifty percent will be deposited in TSF2 Blackwood Pit, a disused mine pit.


Figure 2: TSF2 Blackwood Pit Looking East

Tailings are piped from the processing plant to the mine backfill plant; pipes are trenched and / or bunded. At the back fill plant the tailings are thickened and separated by cycloning to produce two waste streams differentiated by particle size. The coarser fraction of the tailings stream are directed underground via boreholes and fill lines to mined voids (for use as backfill). The remainder are deposited in surface storage in TSF2 the disused Blackwood Pit. The depth of the Pit varies from about 40 m at the western end to about 70 m at the eastern end.

8.3.5 To utilize Blackwood Pit as a TSF limited earth works were required. The existing perimeter bunds around the Pit were extended where required to maintain a nominal 1 m height and to divert storm water runoff. There was no disturbance of vegetation or removal of topsoil for these works. A water truck was utilized to control dust emissions from the earthworks.

8.3.5.1 Tailing disposal pipes have been installed in a culvert under the road from the plant site to the eastern side of the Pit which, given its narrowness, provides sufficient discharge access. The eastern side also has a stable zone for installation of the main and for access to change spigot usage. The tailing main is 225mm HDPE pipe with 4 discharge spigots of 160 mm slotted HDPE pipes located at regular intervals along the side of the Pit. The discharge pipes will be slotted to allow delivery to the Pit bottom and to minimise the risk of erosion of the easterly Pit wall. The slotted discharge pipes will be progressively buried as tailing is deposited.


The pipes will be butt welded and will include flange connections where valves are required. Isolation rising stem gate valves will be installed to enable selection of which discharge spigots will be active. All pipework containing tailing outside of the Pit is bunded to contain any tailing in the event of a rupture or damage to the pipework.

The layout of the delivery and return lines at Blackwood Pit is shown in Figure 3.


Figure 3: Layout of the Delivery and Return Lines at Blackwood Pit

8.3.5.2 A decant system will be used to extract water from TSF2 via two extraction lines at the north western end of the facility. Two extraction points are to be used to allow for potential migration of the decant pond which may result from changes in the tailing beach over the storage life. Extraction pumping will be from two 15kW submersible pumps located in slotted 560 mm HDPE pipes. The pipelines will have height markings on their sides to clearly display the height of the water in the decant pond. The Pumps will be suspended by cables which will be calibrated with height markings corresponding to those on the sides of the pipes so that the height of the pump can be controlled to maintain it in the decant pond. Decant water will be pumped via a 110 mm line to the lined Plant Water Pond for utilisation in the concentrator process.

When the decant water return is stopped the Plant Water Pond pump will continue to deliver to the mill circuit water tank until it reaches a low level at which point it will automatically stop. When rainwater or further TSF return water report to this Pond the pump


will automatically start at the set operating level for the Pond. A gradation on the pump support walkway will provide a measurement of the water depth in the pond.

8.3.5.3 The TSF will be operated to minimise the free water content of deposited tailing by managing the drainage to provide water to the decant extraction area and by placement of tailing at elevated pulp densities. The TSF management will also aim to minimize the area of the water pond at the decant to improve tailing drainage. This drainage plus evaporation will be the driving mechanism of strength gain and density increase for the tailing. Testwork conducted on tailing samples give an expectation that the density of tailing will be in the range 1.50 to 1.65 t/m3 as the tailing settles and dries.

8.3.5.4 The properties of the tailing have been characterized as being relatively quick draining during the initial stages of deposition and then become a low permeability mass as consolidation proceeds. The permeability of the tailing near the base of the Pit is likely to reduce to approximately 5 x 10-10 m/s and the density of the tailing near the Pit bottom to increase to 1.7 and 1.9t/m3.

During the placement of tailing into the Pit initially some may flow into the partially filled voids that extend into the Pit. However, the fresh tailing are expected to settle in the old workings over a relatively short distance as the water is released from the high solids content tailing with blocking of the voids.

This pond will be operated with a minimum of 1.5 m of freeboard which when combined with the Plant Event Pond provides the holding capacity for a 1 in 100 year storm event and the run-off from the ROM Pad and the plant site. Any additional rain would overflow this pond and be captured by the Event Pond located immediately below and to the east of the Plant Water Pond. The Plant Event Pond will be kept empty to allow acceptance of this overflow.

8.3.5.5 The north east, west and south west area has been mined and most of the old working were backfilled in the past. Some of the shafts and connection drives may still be open but these are relatively small openings that are expected to block up if tailings was to migrate into these areas. The connection of the old and new workings is through a deep level transport drive at Level 1480 (approximately 450m depth) that is well below the bottom of the Pit and near the bottom of the old workings. Groundwater is drawn down to at least this level by pumping from Shaft 7.

Hence the only migration from the tailings in Blackwood Pit is likely to be seepage water from the tailings, with minor short distance migration of tailings into the partially filled old mining


voids. Due to the low permeability of the tailings the slowly released water from the tailings is expected to seep into the old workings, and be collected as part of the ongoing mine dewatering at Shaft 7 and from mine dewatering within the Western Mineralisation. The macro permeability of the old working and surrounding rock mass on the side and below the Pit facilitate the collection of released water from the tailings and prevent the bath-tub effect forming in the Pit which could develop if the Pit perimeter was of very low permeability. On this basis it is expected that the tailings in the Pit will be drained mass of low permeability.

The east side of the Pit comprises intact rock and minimal mine workings. As such it is possible that perched water may develop along the east side of the site between the lease boundary and the Pit edge, due to the possibility that the upper rock zone around the Pit may be of slightly higher permeability than the deeper high strength rock mass. It is therefore proposed to install two bores along the east side of the Pit, and install piezometers to a depth of approximately the base level of the Pit adjacent to the bore (refer Site Water Management Plan monitoring bores GW11 and GW12).

8.3.5.6 There are two sets of water quality data, 2007 and 2011, for Shaft 7 water, with the latter 2011 data indicating groundwater concentrations for some anolytes to be a magnitude higher. The results of groundwater testing from Shaft 7 will be used as a baseline. An initial comparison for concentrations of groundwater will be set 30% higher than the 2011 values providing a level for investigation. Once a trend is suspected, or if most contaminates are detected greater than 30% above the 2011 values, an investigation will be undertaken to determine the source of contamination, the level of environmental risk and the remedial action required.

If the signature of the sampled water indicates it is related to the TSF and considered to be an unacceptable environmental risk, options for remedial actions include the following:

Changes to the tailings deposition method and strategy to limit water storage on the tailings surface.

Changes to the tailings deposition water content to reduce the amount of water in the tailings storage facility.

Installation of perched groundwater extraction system through a series of bores or cutoff trench adjacent to the site boundary.


8.3.5.7 In the early years there will be no need for any additional dust control beyond the placement of the tailing at the bottom of the Pit by use of the long slotted pipes from the delivery main to the Pit bottom. As the Pit is filled there will come a time when the tailing will be subject to wind forces with potential for dust generation. At that time mitigation measures will be applied by way of a water ring main with water sprinklers to keep those areas of the tailing which are dry beaches damp. The spray dust suppression will also, if necessary, be augmented by the addition of a dust suppressant to the spray water to crust and stabilize the tailing surface.

Schedule 3 Condition 10 of the Project Approval requires that video recording equipment be installed to assist in the active management of emissions from the tailings storage facility. This equipment will be installed as the tailings rise and there is the potential for dust generation to escape from the Pit.

During routine inspections of the TSF by process plant personnel, the generation of dust from the sides or surface of the facility, including specific locations, shall be recorded on the daily record sheet.

In addition the Air Quality Monitoring Program (BHO-ENV-PRM-001) outlines requirements for dust monitoring. Real time meteorological and dust monitoring will be used at two locations; TEOM1, located in south and to the west of the Pit and TEOM2, located adjacent and north of the Pit. These monitor PM10, wind speed and direction continuously and are linked to the Processing Control Room and the Environment and Community Officer’s computer. Procedures for monitoring are outlined in the procedure – BHO-ENV-PRO-006 Real Time Monitoring for Operational Dust Management.

8.3.5.8 At the cessation of tailings disposition in TSF2 Blackwood Pit, a final covering of inert waste rock will be placed over the top of the tailings to avoid the potential for dust generation as they stabilise and consolidate. Storm water will be directed away from the TSF cover to minimise water infiltration.

8.4 Non-mineral waste

8.4.1 Non-mineral waste (general, recyclable, regulated and hazardous) are generated during construction works and mine operations, particularly at maintenance workshops, administrative offices and change house facilities. Management and disposal strategies for this waste are identified in Table 4. Where possible estimates for waste volumes are also provided. This will be updated with the collection of waste inventories during the first year of operations.


Table 4: Non-Mineral Waste Types and Management

Waste type Waste categories Storage and disposal method Est volume

General Waste

Food scraps (putrescible waste)Food wrappersNon-recyclable plastics (packaging)RopeRubber (hydraulic) hosesPolystyrene cupsDamaged pallets or wooden productsRubber bands, metal clip binders, pensDamaged air filtersPaper CardboardPlasticsToner cartridges

To be stored on-site in wheely bins or bulk bins for collection and offsite disposal by waste disposal contractor or a licensed waste disposal contractor, respectively.

Note that no recycling service currently exists in Broken Hill for paper, cardboard or plastics. Should this service become available, BHOP will utilise this service for recyclable waste.

Toner cartridges are provided to Planet Ark for recycling as part of the Cartridge-Planet Ark Program.

Putrescible waste not known

Paper, cardboard and plastics 1.4t

Wooden pallets, and other items not known

Recyclable waste

Light and heavy vehicle tyresScrap metalAluminium cansGlass bottles

Scrap metal and used vehicle tyres to be stored on-site and reused on-site where possible. Tyres will be reused as markers or for other delineating purposes. If unable to be reused, they will be collected by a licensed contractor for off-site disposal.

There is no recycling facility for aluminium cans and / or glass bottles in Broken Hill.

Scrap metal up to 2t

Regulated waste

OilsGreaseLubricantsOily ragsContaminated soilsOily contaminated absorbentsOil filtersOily waterCoolantContaminated hosesContaminated drums

Regulated waste to be stored on-site in drums or designated bins in a bunded area and collected by a licensed contractor for recycling or disposal off-site at a regulated facility.

Oils and grease 10,000L

Other items not known


Table 4: Non-Mineral Waste Types and Management

Waste type Waste categories Storage and disposal method Est volume

Hazardous Waste

Lead acid batteriesChemicalsReagentsContaminated drums/ containersExplosive product packaging

During the initial phase of operations, packaging from explosive products to be buried in a separated, designated site in the bottom of BHP Pit. In the long-term, this packaging will be disposed of as part of the back fill for stopes.

Other hazardous waste to be stored on-site in a bunded area and collected by a licensed contractor for recycling or disposal off-site at a regulated facility.

Batteries 6

Other items not known

8.4.2 Disposal is viewed as the last option in the management of waste, only if the avoidance, re-use or recycling of the waste in question is not practical. The following systems are implemented at the mine in regard to waste disposal - Only transport operators or companies that are licensed by the

appropriate authorities are contracted to remove waste from the mine site.

Waste vehicle tyres are stored on site and disposed of at appropriately licensed facilities on an as needs basis.

Waste materials, which cannot be either re-used or recycled, are to be sent to a licensed landfill that may accept that category of waste. Only an experienced waste contractor should remove the waste off site.

Removal of waste materials at end of mine will be handled as part of the mine rehabilitation closure plan.

All waste is disposed of in accordance with the Environmental Guidelines: Assessment, Classification & Management of Liquid and Non-liquid Wastes (DECC, 1999) or as specified in Schedule 1 of the POEO Act.

At the point of generation, waste is directly transferred to local based waste receptacles for transportation to disposal, reuse or recycling facilities. A colour coding system is utilised where by waste receptacles are colour coded to separate the different waste streams for recycling and disposal, (eg green waste skips for municipal waste, red wheelie bins for recyclable waste). Receptacles are clearly labeled to ensure employees are aware of the waste separation requirements.


The site requirements for waste management are displayed at prominent positions across the mine in the form of charts outlining the correct disposal methods for the different waste streams.

8.5 Wastewater

8.5.1 Wastewater is generated from equipment washpads, processing operations and as sewage from change house and amenities. The wastewater management system has been designed to maximise recycling and beneficial use of site water.

8.5.2 The vehicle wash facility is a closed system, with all wastewater captured and directed through an oil / water separator and sediment separator, prior to reuse as washdown water. Wastewater from the vehicle wash down pads is discharged via an oil / water separator through a sequence of two settling dams. Following settling, the water is reused on-site in the vehicle wash facility, used in processing or allowed to evaporate.

8.5.3 The oil collected from the oil water separators is stored in drums within an appropriately bunded facility beside the workshop until such time as the waste oil can be collected by the local licensed contractor for disposal. The sediment collected from the wash bay settlement ponds and the truck wash sediment collection system, is collected and placed in a dedicated sump (located in the vicinity of the settlement ponds) to be stabilised before being transported. The stabilised sediments are transported to the BHP Pit or Blackwood Pit where the sediment will be deposited. Investigations will be undertaken in treating this waste water for use in dust suppression and / or ground maintenance.

8.5.4 Sewage is managed using the existing surface sewerage facilities and infrastructure within the Project Area. Effluent from the site offices, bath house and other amenities is connected and disposal via Broken Hill’s reticulated sewerage system.

9 Application of the Waste Hierarchy9.1 Waste Reduction - The following methods are used to minimise waste production:

Specifications of construction material quantities for contractors are as accurate as possible to avoid the over-ordering of materials and the potential for excess waste.

The ordering of stock during the operation of the mine will be regularly reviewed to ensure efficient stock control and to avoid wastage.

The use of degreasers is regulated in the workshop areas to ensure the efficiency of the oil-water separator.


All waste areas are clearly identified as waste storage areas. This includes bins and other receptacles for domestic waste, and which would be marked according to the type of waste accepted, eg. scrap metal, oil filters and oily rages, other recyclables, general waste, etc.

Clear written instructions are erected at appropriate locations detailing recycling and waste separation information. With the exception of waste rock and tailings (both production wastes), there is no long term storage of any waste materials on the mine site.

9.2 Recycling - BHOP provides appropriate storage areas or receptacles for all materials that are suitable for recycling. The main recyclable waste materials generated by the mine and their primary source(s) are as follows -

Paper and cardboard: there are no paper recycling facilities currently available in Broken Hill.

Metal: used metals are stored for reuse or recycled as scrap metal and placed into large skip bins, which are collected by a metal recycler as sufficient quantities are available.

Waste Oil is collected within bunded fuel storage, refueling and maintenance areas and stored within waste oil bins once it has passed through an oil-water separator. The waste oil is removed from site by a licensed waste oil contractor for recycling.

Batteries are removed from site for delivery to a facility able to despatch them to an appropriate recycling facility.

Miscellaneous recyclables: printer cartridges are stored at appropriate locations prior to delivery to Planet Ark recycling facilities as part of their Cartridges-Planet Ark Program.

9.3 The Environment and Community Officer will undertake regular inspections of waste storage locations to check that appropriate separation and collection of waste is being undertaken. As far as practical, BHOP will maintain a register of recycled material at the Mine site.

9.4 Reuse of Waste Materials - Opportunities for the re-use of materials on site are evaluated on a regular basis. Investigations will be undertaken for the use of effluent from the site office, bathhouse and other amenities once treated to be re-used as irrigation water on rehabilitation and landscaped areas in accordance with Environmental Guidelines: Use of Effluent by Irrigation (DEC, 2004).


10 Control Measures10.1 Training

10.1.1 Waste management requirements are incorporated into existing induction and awareness training systems.

10.1.2 Additional waste specific communication will be included in Tool Box Talks and rolled out across the site on an as required basis.

10.2 Waste Inventory

10.2.1 A comprehensive waste inventory containing information on all wastes generated, handled and disposed of, whether on or offsite is maintained by the Environment and Community Officer. The waste inventory is a database that focuses on the procedures for safe storage, handling, treatment, recycling and disposal of non-mineral wastes. This inventory will be further developed and updated over the first year of mine operation.

10.3 Monitoring

10.3.1 Waste handling and storage facilities are managed by operational staff within each department. Waste quantities, including hazardous materials (eg. waste oil/grease), are monitored accordingly by operational staff and collection schedules are arranged as required.

10.4 Facility Inspections and Audits

10.4.1 Onsite waste storage, treatment and disposal facilities are inspected on a regular monthly basis to ensure compliance with procedures. These facility inspections are incorporated into existing workplace inspections and carried out by the relevant area personnel.

10.4.2 Table 5 lists the waste facility and their respective audit and inspection action.

Table 5: Waste Facility (Onsite and Offsite) Audits and Inspections

Waste management facilities Inspections

Onsite Waste Regular monthly inspection across surface lease

Tailings Impoundments Engineering inspections as outlined in the Blackwood Pit Construction and Operations Manual.

Audits of offsite waste facilities Once every 4 years


10.5 Incident Reporting and Corrective Actions

10.5.1 Incident Reporting

10.5.1.1 Internal

All incidents involving non-compliance with waste management requirements shall be recorded and reported on the BHOP system for incident reporting.

The Department Manager for the area where the incident occurred is responsible for investigating and reporting the incident.

10.5.1.2 External

Notification shall be made immediately to each relevant authority when material harm to the environment is caused or threatened in accordance with the Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2011.

Environmental incidents are also required to be reported to (refer Project Approval Schedule 4 Condition 5 and the EP Licence):

Department of Planning and Infrastructure

Environment Protection Authority,

Division of Resources and Energy, and

Other relevant government agencies eg BHCC, Health, WorkCover, Fire and Rescue.

BHOP will provide a written report, as required, within seven days of the date of the incident.

The Environment and Community Officer is responsible for preparing reports to government agencies which are signed off by the General Manager prior to submission.

10.5.1.3 Complaints

Any complaints as to the management of on-site waste will be directed to the relevant Department Manager and the Environment and Community Officer for investigation and rectification. Complaints and actions arising from a complaint will be recorded in a complaints register to be maintained by the Environment and Community Officer.


10.6 Reporting of performance

10.6.1 Waste management data will be documented and reported in each Annual Environmental Management Report. The information will include the quantities and type of waste removed off site for recycling or disposal, the contractor engaged to remove the wastes, and the final destination for all waste products. Details will be provided on the implementation success of the WMP and any areas that require improvement will be highlighted. Regular measurements of waste rock and tailings are to be included in the Environmental Management Report along with general waste reporting.

10.7 Personnel Responsibilities

Onsite personnel have a number of responsibilities in relation to waste management obligations, these are summarised in Table 6.

Table 6: Responsibilities

Title Responsibility

General Manager Provide required resources and support to implement the WMP. Authorise the implementation of the WMP. Participate in annual reviews of the WMP. Review and sign off incident reports to government agencies.

Department Managers Provide resources required to implement the actions from the WMP and associated procedures.

Allocate responsibilities within their department for the implementation of the WMP.

Ensure all personnel undertaking works in relation to the WMP are trained and competent;

Implement waste management measures as required. Participate in annual reviews of the WMP. Investigate and report incidents.


Title Responsibility

Environment & Community Officer

Prepare and maintain the WMP. Monitor and review the standards and procedures required to

implement the WMP. Consult with regulatory authorities as required. Undertake waste inspections and monitoring as required. Provide recommendations for continual improvement of the WMP

and associated procedures.

Record and report on waste disposal data.

Report waste management performance via site meetings and reports, the Rasp Mine website, the AEMR, Annual Return and annual environmental reviews required by government agencies.

Report incidents to government agencies and prepare and submit written incident reports.

Audit waste management practices and provide feedback to relevant site management.

Record and follow up on community enquires and complaints, and close out.

BHOP Personnel and Contractors

Participate in training to implement the standards and procedures for waste management as required to maintain competency levels.

Follow the procedures to implement the WMP in your area.

Segregate wastes at the source where appropriate.

Use the waste facilities in their area correctly.

Look for opportunities to minimise waste generated in your work area, where practical.

10.8 Management Review

10.8.1 The WMP will be reviewed on an annual basis or where there are significant changes to the site’s operations. The annual review will reconsider the risks presented by waste, options to reduce the waste generated, changes in reuse and recycling local opportunities.

10.9 References

The following documents and resources are relevant to this WMP - Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Environmental Guidelines: Assessment, classification and management of liquid and non-liquid wastes (EPA 1999).

Environmental Guidelines: use of effluent by irrigation (DEC, 2004).

Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001.


Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005.

Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) Act 2001

Environment Assessment, BHOP July 2010

Preferred Project Report, BHOP September 2010

BHOP Environmental Protection Licence 12559


Documents

BHOP will ensure that the mine will comply with the · Web viewDepartmen t SHE Date Apr 2012 This page has been left blank intentionally. Contents Page 1Purpose5 2Scope5 3Context5