ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN - Vale · Underground Operation Environmental Management Plan EMP_0006 Document Own er Issue Number / Date: Next Review Date: Page: Environmental Advisor

UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT WHEN PRINTED

Environmental Management System

Underground Operation

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Revision Issue Date Originator Reviewed Approved

DRAFT 1/12/08 C. Ellis K. Barry, D. Webb, M. Bobyldyk, B. Corbett, P. Webster

0 8/12/08 C. Ellis B. Corbett K. Barry

1 3/02/09 C. Ellis C. Ellis K. Barry

Doc No: EMP_0006 Greenhouse Gas

Minimisation Plan

Doc Owner: Environmental Advisor – Integra Underground Operation

Approval:

Health, Safety, Environment and Training Superintendent Integra Underground Operation

Signed:

Date:

Underground Operation Environmental Management Plan EMP_0006

Document Owner Issue Number / Date: Next Review Date: Page: Environmental Advisor 1 / 03-02-2009 03-02-2010 2 of 16


Table of Contents

1. Introduction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

2. Purpose ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3

3. Scope --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

4. References -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

5. Definitions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

6. Development of Environmental Management ------------------------------------------------- 4

6.1. Guiding Principles -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

6.2. Background ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

6.3. Opportunities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

6.4. Feasibility of Options --------------------------------------------------------------------- 10

7. Procedural Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

7.1. Monitoring Requirements ---------------------------------------------------------------- 12

7.2. Reporting Requirements ----------------------------------------------------------------- 13

8. Reviews ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

9. Auditing ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13

10. Corrective Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

11. Document Control ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

12. Records ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

13. Roles and Responsibilities ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14

13.1. Manager of Mining Engineering -------------------------------------------------------- 14

13.2. Health, Safety, Environment and Training Manager ------------------------------ 15

13.3. Technical Services Manager------------------------------------------------------------ 15

13.4. Manager of Engineering ----------------------------------------------------------------- 15

13.5. Manager of Electrical Engineering ---------------------------------------------------- 15

13.6. CHPP Production Superintendent ----------------------------------------------------- 15

13.7. Environmental Advisor ------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

13.8. Ventilation Officer ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

13.9. Purchasing Officer ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 16

14. Associated Documentation ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

15. Appendices ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

15.1. Appendix 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16




1. Introduction

This Greenhouse Gas Minimisation Plan forms part of a group of Environmental

Management Plans at the mine. The plans deal with major environmental issues requiring

management as prescribed by relevant consent approval authorities, and additional issues

identified during Integra Coal’s risk management process as potentially high-risk activities at

the underground operation.

This Greenhouse Gas Minimisation Plan outlines the actions required and persons

responsible in order for the organisation to reduce potential Greenhouse Gas emissions in

order to continually improve environmental performance at the Integra Coal Underground.

2. Purpose

This Greenhouse Gas Minimisation Plan has been structured to reduce potential

Greenhouse Gas emissions, more specifically this plan is designed to;

a) identify options for minimising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from underground

mining operations, with a particular focus on capturing and/or using these emissions

(covered in Section 6.3);

b) investigate the feasibility of implementing each option [covered in Section 6.4];

c) proposed the measures that would be implemented in the short to medium term on

site [covered in Section 6.4]; and

d) include a program to monitor and report of the effectiveness of these measures

[covered in Section 7].

3. Scope

This Greenhouse Gas Minimisation Plan applies specifically to Integra Coal Operation’s

Underground Mine. It identifies options for minimising GHG emissions from the underground

mining operations and other major support activities. It does not cover the coal washing and

dispatch process as this occurs at the Integra Coal Operations Open Cut site.

The mine’s hazard management plans (specifically HMP_0101 – Mine Atmosphere and

HMP_0103 – Spontaneous Combustion) are in place to ensure the safety of the workforce,

and must be adhered to at all times. If any inconsistency of gas management occurs as a

result of this Greenhouse Gas Minimisation Plan, the HMP_0101 and HMP_0103 documents

shall prevail.




4. References

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – Glossary of Terms 1995

Australian National Greenhouse Accounts Factors Workbook – November 2008

Project Approval 06_0213 – Glennies Creek Underground Coal Project (NSW Department of

Planning)

5. Definitions

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) – Any gas such as water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2),

nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and ozone (O3) that contribute to the greenhouse effect

when released into the Earth’s atmosphere. In the context of this plan the term greenhouse

gas relates primarily to methane and carbon dioxide as these are the principle GHGs

emitted.

Ventilated Air Methane (VAM) – Dilute methane contained within the main ventilation circuit

which circulates throughout the mine prior to being expelled through the main ventilation

fans.

6. Development of Environmental Management

6.1. Guiding Principles

• We understand the issue of climate change is of fundamental importance to the

environmental, economic and social sustainability of the planet, and that it can affect

our business activities.

• We recognise the existence of scientific evidence of global warming, and that this is

directly related to the increase in concentration of greenhouse gases in the

atmosphere associated with anthropogenic activities.

• It is our understanding that climate change can have implications for our strategic

plans, and that therefore actions should be undertaken to evaluate the risks to our

business, minimising vulnerabilities and maximising opportunities.

• It is our understanding that coal and other fossil fuels will continue to have an

important role in the global energy matrix, and that there is a need to strive for a

balance between energy security and climate security.

• We consider that the development and dissemination of technology are fundamental

aspects for dealing with climate change.




• We are committed to participating in the global effort seeking to stabilise the

concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at acceptable levels and by

employing our best efforts according to the regulations in force and aligned with

these guiding principles, promoting coordinated actions at our operation in order to

obtain this objective.

• We recognise that the nature of our industrial activity and size of our operation can

potentially result in significant greenhouse gas emissions.

6.2. Background

Integra Coal Underground has a mining lease that covers the Middle Liddell, Hebden and

Barrett coal seams within Coal Lease 382, additional coal seams also exist within the

interburden of the lease area. Integra currently has approval to mine 17 longwall panels in

the Middell Liddell seam along with the associated development roadways and to undertake

a cut and flit trial. Integra is currently completing the environmental assessment for mining

within the Hebden and Barrett seams, and plans on conducting both longwall and bord and

pillar extraction within these seams, along with the development of associated underground

roadways.

The total remaining coal reserves within all the above mentioned areas is in the vicinity of 80

million tonnes.

It is noted that GHG emissions may fluctuate based on the strata conditions, i.e. varying

ventilation connectivity to under and overlying seams based on localised strata conditions,

and also the production rate, i.e. underground coal recovery, due to the fact that methane is

released from the coal seam bodies during the mining process and subsequently. As such

the rate of mining will effect methane emissions, as will as a number of other external factors

such as barometric pressure, strata conditions and the integrity of ventilation control devices

that separate the goaf areas from the mine ventilation network. Electricity use and hence

GHG emissions from the electricity generation activities elsewhere, is also linked to coal

production. For example, if the conveyor system is loaded with coal it draws more load and

hence uses more electricity than if there was no coal on the conveyor system. Additionally

all the main mining systems, that is, the longwall mining system, continuous miners and

shuttle cars, are electrically powered and utilise more electricity to achieve higher levels of

production.

As such, in order to evaluate the mines emissions with respect to the minimisation activities

implemented, the GHG emissions will need to be measured against the Run of Mine (ROM)

coal productions levels, to give a Greenhouse Performance Indicator (GPI). The GPI will be

calculated by dividing the total GHG emissions for any specific period by the ROM coal

produced for the same period, and will be used in conjunction with data such as volume of

GHG captured and used for power generation, to determine how effective the measures

implemented have been.




While the total GHG emissions will be monitored and reported, simply reporting this number

without assessing other external factors over the reporting period would not allow the

efficiency of the minimisation activities to be assessed.

Currently GHG exits the mine through two main processes, the first being a number of

surface to goaf gas drainage boreholes (Figures 1, 2, and 3), some of which are currently

connected to the Glennies Creek Power Station (Figure 4), which utilises the waste methane

to generate electricity which is subsequently fed into the State’s power grid for distribution.

The second process is mine ventilation which utilises two fans to draw air through the mine

to the exit point at the ventilation shaft site (Figure 5). These two processes as discussed

later, form the major routes to liberate GHG emissions, and as such have been targeted in

this GHG Minimisation plan.

While Integra Coal aims to reduce and manage GHG emissions, it is noted that as the

underground mine workings increase in area, the GHG emissions may increase due to the

increased surface area of underground workings and hence increased liberation of coal

seam methane. As a result, it is important to implement all practical options identified in this

report.

Figure 1: Surface to goaf gas drainage borehole with extraction equipment fitted.

Stack

Gas extraction fan

Fencing

Borehole to underground

goaf

Waste gas exits here




Figure 2: Surface to goaf gas drainage borehole free venting (due to buoyancy of gasses).

Figure 3: Surface to goaf gas drainage borehole with connection to the Glennies Creek

Power Station.

Lightning protection

Stack

Condensate collector

Borehole to underground

goaf

Telemetry equipment

Pipeline to power station




Figure 4: Glennies Creek Power Station (showing 5 of the 10 generators present)

Figure 5: The main ventilation fans.

Fan # 2

Ventilation shaft

Fan #1

Gas monitoring room




6.3. Opportunities

In order to investigate options for minimising greenhouse gas emissions at Integra Coal

Underground, a review of the major greenhouse gas sources was conducted.

The review identified the following three major sources of direct GHG emissions, listed from

highest to lowest GHG emission levels.

1. Mine ventilation air which exits the mine from the upcast shaft at the Ventilation Shaft

Site on Forest Rd (Figure 5).

2. Surface to goaf gas drainage boreholes, which remove coal seam methane from the

longwall goafs during and subsequent to longwall extraction (Figures 1, 2 and 3).

3. Combustion of automotive diesel oil which is used to fuel some underground mine

vehicles and surface plant.

It was also noted that the purchase of electricity, although not a direct GHG emission,

contributes significantly to GHG emissions.

A summary of the major GHG emissions is listed in Table 1. Note that the conversion factors

to give tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions were calculated using the Australian National

Greenhouse Accounts Factors Workbook – November 2008.

Table 1: Major GHG emission sources

Activity Tonnes of CO2-e emitted

Mine Ventilation through main fans (06-07 period) 594,300

Surface to goaf gas drainage boreholes (06-07 period) 191,100

Combustion of diesel fuel (07-08 period) 4,408

Electricity used (07-08 period) 31,158

From the review, a number of GHG reduction options were identified to be further

investigated. These included.

1. Capturing and flaring methane from the surface to goaf gas drainage boreholes.

2. Capturing and piping methane from an increased number of surface to goaf gas

drainage boreholes to the Glennies Creek Power Station.

3. Modification of the mine ventilation system to decrease VAM (Ventilated Air

Methane).

4. Increasing gas emissions from surface to goaf gas drainage boreholes to reduce

VAM and increase methane quantities captured and reused.




5. Use ventilated air methane (VAM) as combustion air in methane powered

generators.

6. Investigate VAM destruction/utilisation technologies.

7. Relocated air compressors to more efficient position.

8. Undertake pre drainage of the Hebden Seam and utilise gas in the Glennies Creek

Power Station.

The feasibility of the above options are discussed in Section 6.4.

6.4. Feasibility of Options

In Section 6.3 eight options were identified as having potential for GHG emission reductions.

The feasibility assessment for these options was predominantly carried out by Energetics

Pty Ltd, who were contracted to complete a “Methane Management Strategy” in consultation

with Integra Coal. It is noted that given the timeframe this Minimisation plan was required in,

some feasibility investigations are still ongoing. As a result, this document will be reviewed

and updated as per Section 8, and information relating to the feasibility of options will be

updated in due course.

Investigation of option feasibility;

1. Flare methane from surface to goaf gas drainage boreholes – Determined as

feasible, but less desirable than capturing and reusing methane from the surface to

goaf gas drainage boreholes. To be implemented only if option 2 (capture and pipe

methane to existing generator) does not proceed.

2. Capture and pipe methane to existing generator – Determined as feasible, with

actions to be implemented as per Table 2.

3. Modification of the mine ventilation system to decrease VAM – Currently still

determining feasibility.

4. Increasing gas emissions from surface to goaf gas drainage boreholes to reduce

VAM and increase methane quantities captured and reused - Determined as feasible,

with actions to be implemented as per the final action on Table 2.

5. Use VAM as combustion air – Currently still determining feasibility.

6. Investigate VAM destruction/utilisation technologies – Currently still determining

feasibility

7. Relocate air compressors to more efficient position – Determined as feasible, with

actions to be implemented as per Table 2.

8. Pre drainage of the Hebden Seam – Currently still determining feasibility.




Table 2: Proposed GHG emission reduction measures to be implemented

Proposed measure Date to be

implemented

Person Responsible

Connection of surface to goaf gas

drainage boreholes 8/3 and 8/4 to

the Glennies Creek Power Station

January 2009 Technical Services Manager in

consultation with the operator of

Glennies Creek Power Station


drainage boreholes 9/3 and 9/4 to

the Glennies Creek Power Station.

Expected by

April 2009

(subject to mine

schedule)

Technical Services Manager in




drainage boreholes 10/1, 10/2, 10/3,

10/4 and 10/5 to the Glennies Creek

Power Station

Expected by

April 2010

(subject to mine

schedule)




Relocation of air compressors to

Forest Rd Ventilation Shaft Site,

and subsequent reticulation of

compressed air underground

August 2009 Manager of Engineering

Connection of future surface to

goaf gas drainage boreholes for

the Middle Liddell seam (exact

locations currently undetermined)

as required for extraction of

longwalls 11 through 17, to the


As they

become

operational




Leave connections of gas drainage

boreholes open to Glennies Creek

Power Station, subsequent to

Integra Coal gas drainage

infrastructure being moved to

newer boreholes

Ongoing Technical Services Manager in



It is noted that completion of actions within Table 2 may be subject to land access

agreements, additional regulatory approvals and land owner consent and/or environmental

and community impact assessment. While Integra Coal will aim to implement the above in

the timeframe listed. It should be recognised that the complexity of some options may result

in extended timeframes.




7. Procedural Requirements

7.1. Monitoring Requirements

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of this Plan, various data will need to be collected and

analysed in order to accurately determine if the plan is being effective. This data would

include electricity use, diesel use, methane emissions and waste volumes.

Table 3 outlines the persons responsible for the provision of data to allow the reporting

requirements in Section 7.2 to be fulfilled.

Table 3: Data required for reporting purposes

Data Frequency Person Responsible

Site electricity use Biannually in January and July (for the

previous 6 months)

Manager of Electrical

Engineering

Site diesel use Biannually in January and July (for the

previous 6 months)

Purchasing Officer

Methane emissions Biannually in January and July (for the

previous 6 months)

Ventilation Officer

ROM coal

production

Biannually in January and July (for the

previous 6 months)

CHPP Production

Superintendent

Methane utilised to

generate power

Biannually in January and July (for the

previous 6 months)

Operator of Glennies

Creek Power Station




7.2. Reporting Requirements

A report based on the data collected in Section 7.1 will prepared in February and August of

each year and a summary of the data contained within the reports will be included within the

Annual Environmental Management Report.

Information to be contained within the report will include:

• GHG emissions by source;

• total greenhouse gas emissions;

• GHG emissions captured and reused in reporting period (preceding 6 months);

• activities carried out in the reporting period to reduce GHG emissions;

• Calculation of the Greenhouse Performance Indicator;

• comments regarding the effectiveness of the activities carried out to reduce GHG

emissions

• a comparison of the Greenhouse Reporting Indicator against previous indicators;

• an explanation of the changes in GHG emissions from the base data (to be contained

within the first report);

• any other information deemed relevant to GHG emission reporting; and

• outcomes / progress of further reduction option investigations.

8. Reviews

The review of this document will be in line with the sites Environmental Management

Strategy (OMP_0200). That is, reviews will be conducted annually, after independent

environmental reviews and as required by relevant consent conditions. The purpose of the

review is to ensure that the Environmental Management System, including this document,

remains suitable, adequate and effective.

9. Auditing

Internal and external audits of this Environmental Management Plan will be carried out as

per the Environmental Management Strategy (OMP_0200). Internal and external audits

shall be objective, and be conducted by persons or an organisation not associated with the

preparation or implementation of the Environmental Management Plan being audited.




After an Environmental Audit is completed, and if changes are recommended to the

Greenhouse Gas Minimisation Plan (EMP_0006), Integra shall review and, where

necessary, revise the Greenhouse Gas Minimisation Plan to the satisfaction of the Director-

General (NSW Department of Planning). The revised Greenhouse Gas Minimisation Plan

will be submitted to the Director-General within 6 months of the audit and revision.

10. Corrective Actions

Any non-compliance with this Environmental Management Plan will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Management Strategy (OMP_0200).

11. Document Control

Integra will maintain a Document Control System which is available to all personnel. The system will contain all approved Environmental Management Plans, Procedures, and Registers etc and be administered by a Document Control Administrator.

Any request for change shall be via the “FRM_0088 Document Change Request” Form

which can be obtained from the Document Administrator or be downloaded from the

Document Control Database via the Integra Coal intranet.

12. Records

All information pertaining to this Environmental Management Plan shall be maintained within the Integra Underground’s documents control record system.

All records are stored so that they are legible, readily retrievable and protected against

damage, deterioration and loss. Records are maintained for a minimum of 4 years.

13. Roles and Responsibilities

13.1. Manager of Mining Engineering

The Manager of Mining Engineering is accountable for the Environmental performance of the

Integra Coal Underground operation.

The Manager of Mining Engineering is also responsible for the provision of resources to

enable the implementation and ongoing reviews of this management plan.




13.2. Health, Safety, Environment and Training Manager

The Health, Safety, Environment and Training Manager is responsible for appointing and

managing the Environmental Advisor so as to ensure that all required actions are being

completed by the Environmental Advisor.

13.3. Technical Services Manager

The Technical Services Manager is responsible for ensuring the actions outlined in Table 2,

allocated to Technical Services Manager are conducted as per the required timeframe.

13.4. Manager of Engineering

The Manager of Engineering is responsible for ensuring the actions outlined in Table 2,

allocated to the Manager of Engineering are conducted as per the required timeframe.

13.5. Manager of Electrical Engineering

The Manager of Electrical Engineering is responsible for providing information as designated

in Table 3.

13.6. CHPP Production Superintendent

The CHPP Production Superintendent is responsible for the provision of information as

designated in Table 3.

13.7. Environmental Advisor

The Environmental Advisor is responsible for:

• the collection of data from nominated persons under this Minimisation plan as

required to complete the 6 monthly reports;

• the collation of data into the 6 monthly report and review of any outstanding actions,

and subsequent notification to the action owner;

• the completion of the Annual Environmental Management Report;




• ensuring the information required is displayed on the Integra Coal website; and

• the review of this document as required under Section 8.

13.8. Ventilation Officer

The Ventilation Officer is responsible for the provision of information as required in Table 3.

13.9. Purchasing Officer

The Purchasing Officer is responsible for the provision of information as required in Table 3.

14. Associated Documentation

OMP_0200 – Environmental Management Strategy

HMP_0101 – Mine Atmosphere Hazard Management Plan

HMP_0103 – Spontaneous Combustion Hazard Management Plan

15. Appendices

Appendix 1 - Excerpt from Project Approval 06_0213

15.1. Appendix 1

Excerpt from Project Approval 06_0213;

Documents

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN - Vale · Underground Operation Environmental Management Plan EMP_0006 Document Own er Issue Number / Date: Next Review Date: Page: Environmental Advisor