SECURITY REPORT Chapter 2 2010 - ANPMapmtm-old.anpm.ro/files/ARPM TIMISOARA/Reglementari/DEVA GOL… · SECURITY REPORT ,,Gold–silver ore mining of Certej perimeter” Chapter 2

SECURITY REPORT

,,Gold–silver ore mining of Certej perimeter”

Chapter 2

2010

Drawn up by S.C. OCON ECORISC S.R.L. Turda

14

II. The environment and the site location

A. Description of the site and of the environment

1. General information

The aim of the ,,Gold–silver ore mining of Certej perimeter” is the development and the

expansion of the gold and silver ore exploitations near Certejul de Sus village, Hunedoara

County, Romania, providing economic development of the area and of the infrastructure and

providing environmental protection.

The importance of the new site is both economical and social. The main activity in this

area is mining, providing necessary means of a decent life to people living here.

In 2006, a series of pit optimizations drawings were completed. The model that has been

chosen based on chemical and mineral composition and on the results of the metallurgical test-

works, that involved minimal exploitation costs, comprise 4 distinct mineralogical domain such

as:

1. West - Hondol,

2. Central – Coranda,

3. Intermediary – area between Certej pit and Dealul Grozii (Grozii Hill)

4. East – Dealul Grozii (Grozii Hill).

The main stages of the activities development within this project are the following:

Construction stage

The estimated period of time for construction of the project’s facilities is approximately 3

years. Some of the construction activities will continue during the operation period (dam rises of

both TMFs as result of tailings impoundment and construction of the waste dumps by dumping

the stripping material from the open pit).

Operating stage

The activities performed at the Certej site will comprise conventional activities specific

for an open pit mining using drill hole blasting, ore loading with hydraulic excavators and ore

transportation by trucks.

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Closure stage

The period of time estimated for the activities performed in the mine closure stage is 5

years. Detailed information on the closure stage is described in the “Mine closure and

rehabilitation plan” drawn-up by the main planner.

The architectural and urban land planning survey of the area is 456.2 hectares, according

to the land studies.

- the surface used for works related to the project is 300.5 hectares, approximately 65.87 %;

- the surface used in the peripheral protection area is 155.7ha, approx. 34.13 % (there will be

no changes of land use in this area).

The actual surfaces of the land used according to the project are described in Table 2.1

while the suggested surface that will be exploited is described in Table 2.2

Table 2.1 Actual surfaces of land

USAGE SURFACE

(hectares)

FORESTS 187. 0

HAY 30.7

ARABLE LAND 5.3

AREAS FOR HOUSES 18.7

COMMUNICATION NETWORKS 3.2

INDUSTRIAL AREAS 55.6

SUPRAFAŢA TOTALĂ 300.5

Table 2.2 Suggested surface

No. LOCATION SURFACE

(hectares)

MAIN INDUSTRIAL AREA

1. Certej open pit 62.8

2. North dump 32.6

3. South dump 40.2

4. Processing plant 20.9

5. Access roads (outside the processing plant) 6.9

6. Offices and other buildings (outside the processing plant) 0.2

7. Vegetal soil dumps 7.7

8. Protection areas between buildings (green areas) 65.3

TOTAL main industrial area 236.8

SECONDARY INDUSTRIAL AREA

9. Flotation TMF and CIL TMF 63.6

TOTAL INDUSTRIAL AREA 300.5

Protected area 155.7

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TOTAL SURFACE OF THE STUDIED AREA 456.2

Geographical coordinates (ETRS 89) of the site (measured in the central point of the

former open pit site) are the following:

- 45º 59 ' 30, 94" North;

- 23º 00 ' 34, 82" East.

2. Location of the site

The mining site Certej in Hunedoara County is located in the South-East of Metaliferi

Mountains, being part of the so-called Săcărâmb – Brad - Roşia Montană -Baia de Arieş gold

quadrangle. Certej is located near Hondol locality, in the southern and central part of Brad –

Săcărâmb Neogene basin, at approximately 20km NE from Deva town.

The map describing the location is presented in Appendix 2.1.

The gold ore deposit within the Certej perimeter is located on the administrative territory

of Certej commune, Bocşa locality, within the built-up and outside the built –up area of the

locality. The Certej mining site is located within the built-up and outside the built –up area of the

locality and it comprises the Corandă Certej open pit, the processing plant, access roads and

waste dump areas.

Appendix 2.2 “General lay-out” shows the location of the processing plant

a. The open pit

Certej open pit is located inside the built –up area of Bocşa Mică village, Certej

Commune, Hunedoara County, having a total surface of de 62.8 hectares being next to:

North – Forest (owned by Forest Range Geoagiu),

East – Forest (owned by Forest Range Geoagiu),

South – Bocşa Mică village,

West - Valea Măcrişului – Pârâul lui Avram creeks

Appendix 2.2 General layout of Certej project main facilities (the open pit is numbered

with 1)

b. North waste dump

The North waste dump will be located along Valea Corănzii creek, having a total surface

of 32. 61 hectares. At present, the land surface is afforested with threes, bushes or covered with

grass, bordered by:

North – Forest (owned by Forest Range Geoagiu),

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East – the processing plant

South – The open pit,

West - Valea Măcrişului – Pârâul lui Avram creeks

Appendix 2.2 “General layout” shows the North waste dump (numbered with 2)

c. South waste dumps

The South waste dumps will be placed along Valea Băiegii creek, having a total surface

of 40.2 hectares, bordered by:

North – the open pit,

East – forest (owned by Forest Range Geoagiu),

South – Bocşa Mică village ,

West - Valea Măcrişului – Pârâul lui Avram creeks.

Appendix 2.2 “General layout” shows the South waste dump (numbered with 3)

d. The processing plant

The processing plant will be located near the open pit. Its location has been chosen due to

its proximity with the open pit. The open pit will provide the entire quantity of ore that will be

processed within the plant. The borders of the processing plant are:

North – forest (owned by Forest Range Geoagiu),


South – the open pit,

West – the North waste dumps

The location of the processing plant ensures protection of sensitive places such as houses

or watercourses, as they are located at adequate distances from the site. Moreover the settlement

of the processing plant provides easier access to transportation and to electrical networks in the

areas.

Appendix 2.2 “General lay-out” shows the location of the processing plant (numbered

with 4) - the processing plant.

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e. Flotation Tailings Management Facility

Flotation tailings management facility will be located along Valea Măcrişului creek, at

approx. 2km N-W from the processing plant and open pit site. Its borders are the following:

North – West: CIL TMF


South – East: processing plant,

South - North waste dumps

The access to the downstream face of the dam will be achieved by 8 m width access road,

the slope between the berms are 1:1.4. The size and the constructive elements of the flotation

tailings management facility are described in Appendix 2.2 “General lay-out” Flotation TMF

(is numbered with 5).

f. CIL Tailings Management Facility

The tailings resulted from the ALBION – CIL process will be deposited in the CIL

tailing management facility, located in Valea Măcrişului, upstream to the Flotation TMF, being

bordered by:

North – forest (owned by Forest Range Geoagiu),


South –East: Flotation TMF

West - Valea Măcrişului – Pârâul lui Avram creeks.

The access to the downstream face of the dam will be achieved by 8 m width access road,

having 10% maximum slope angle.

Appendix 2.2 “General lay-out” CIL tailings management facility (is numbered with 6).

g. Storehouse for explosive materials

The existent storehouse for explosive materials (rehabilitated) will be used. This

storehouse is located on Valea Ciongani (Valea Bocşa Mică) valley, between the elevation of

Orizont 600 (West) and +650m (East) waste dumps and is bordered by particular properties.

Appendix 2.3 “General lay-out” shows the location of the storehouse for explosive

materials (numbered with 7).

h. Fuel storehouse

The fuel storehouse is a building made of reinforced concrete having the dimension of

12m x 14m and a total capacity of 180 m3. The storehouse comprises 3 metallic tanks located

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underground. Each tank has an access door and air lines.

3. Hydrology

The area which will serve for ore mining, waste rocks dumping, ore processing and

tailings impoundment is located near the following streams/creeks:

- Valea Măcrişului valley;

- Corănzii valley;

- Băiegii valley;

All these small streams are tributary of Hondol valley. Valea Certejului is the main water

collector in this area, being at the same time the tributary of Mures River. Valea Certejului has

the following tributary streams: Făerag and Mireşului creeks on the right side, while Hondol,

Ciongani and Valea Nojagului creeks on the left side. According to the National Environmental

Protection Action Plan of Hunedoara County, the control of the surface water quality during

2002-2005 shows that the entire flow-rates of Certej stream (around 18km) was spoiled.

The watercourses are characterized by quick falls, while the annual average flows are

insignificant. During heavy rainfalls, the water level can increase and due to powerful streams

leading to severe floods that have a negative impact. Such natural hazards took place in 1970,

1975 and 1980.

4. Geology

The area of Certej ore deposit - Hondol – Băiaga – Coranda – Dl. Grozii structure

is located in the southern part of the tectonic and magmatic basin of “Brad-Săcărâmb” between

Hondol, Bocşa Mare and Bocşa Mică villages. From the geological point of view, the lithology

consists of basic volcanic rocks and Cretaceous deposits – the Mesozoic basin as well as

Neogene volcanic-sedimentary deposits. The pre-Neogene complex is prevailing of flysch

deposits consisting of sandy-siltic –clayey sequences with isolated basalt inter-layers and

associated spillitic and pyroclastic lavas. Basic rocks outcrop on restrictive areas in the Eastern

part of Hondol. The drill holes performed on flysch deposit at Coranda Mică, have shown

exotic/large blocks of epi-metamorphic rocks or shelf limestone in Stramberg facies, locally re-

crystallized. The Neocene sediments which cover a large surface area consist of conglomerates,

grit-stone, marls and clay of Miocene and pre-Badenian age. These host the Neogene volcanic

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structure consisting of amphibole bearing andesite of Hondol type and quartz andesite with

amphiboles of Sacaramb type. The volcanic structure consists of sub-volcanic rocks and lava

flows. In the area of Coranda-Certej pit, the Cretaceous flish deposits, Neogene detritic

sediments and amphibole andesite of Holdol type are located in the apex of the structure or,

around a sub-volcanic andesitic body, respectively the Baiaga andesitic sub-volcano. The drill

holes and mining works completed have exposed the andesitic structure at depths of about 500

meters.

The intrusive and effusive magmatic activities as well as, the hydrothermal activity have been

manifested along some Paleogene – Neogene tectonic alignments, which are NW-SE and NE-

SW striking or, even older, such as the Mesozoic alignments which are E-W and N-S striking.

The overlap and juxtapose of few tectonic and magmatic events lead to development of

significant brecciation and lamination processes inside the intercalated Cretaceous and Neogene

sedimentary deposits. Locally, the entire structure displays tectonic features like a tectonic mix.

The Baiaga sub-volcano and subsequently, the Hondol and Dealul Grozii volcanic structures

have changed under low lithostatic pressure, the structural morphology of the Cretaceous and

Neogene sediments. The dynamo- metamorphic deformation is different on vertical scale.

The gold and silver mineralization at Certej has a simple composition, but the way the

metallic minerals occur is different. The main shape of occurrence is like fine impregnations

with pyrite, generally into the Cretaceous sediments or in breccias (monomictic or polimictic

breccias), or like large impregnations reach in lead and zinc minerals into Neogene sediments.

On this impregnating background few veins of sphalerite and galena are present. The size of the

minerals ranges against the rock granulometry. The lithology of the host rocks determined a

homogenous distribution of the metallic minerals.

Where breccia is found, the mineralization degree is extremely un-uniform due to the

geometry of the volcanic body as well as, to the possible leaching of the metallic compounds,

under the influence of meteoric waters. In the central part of the ore deposit, the base metal

bearing gold mineralization are hosted in general in sedimentary deposits displaying a variable

brecciation degree and overlapped by a vein mineralization containing of gold.

On vertical scale, zoning of mineralizations is less visible, while the percentage of

arsenopyrite increases with depths. Also, gold grade increases with depth.

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The primary metallic minerals are pyrite, sphalerite with low iron contents, galena ,

mineral components that can be macroscopically visible while red antimony has been found in

few areas. Microscopically, inclusions of pyrrhotite and arsenopyrite into pyrite and inclusions

of chalcopyrite in sphalerite have been found. The rest of the minerals identified under the

microscope are associated in general to the main mineral assemblages and consist of:

tetrahedrite, bournonite, tellurium and quite frequently, free gold.

In the Western part of the structure, gold mineralizations form vein systems where the

free gold under the form of flacks and dendrites are associated with the quartz.

5. Hydrogeology.

a) Certej open pit area

The gold mining activities at Certej have been performed for thousand of years.

Underground mining, controlled by the Romanian authorities, started at the beginning of 1970

with adits and drives, followed by open-cast mining.

The mining activities performed in the past years, have conducted to the formation of

underground voids consisting of galleries, shafts, raises and filling chambers. During

underground works, the hydrostatical level was reduced, while water has been evacuated by

pumps. Through these processes, the initial hydro chemical conditions have been perturbed by

increasing the aerated and permeable surface area, bringing forward the chemical reactions of

oxidation and dissolution as well as conducting the rain water infiltration in the mineralized

areas. Consequently, the mine waters are acid, with high levels of Fe, Zn, Mn, Al, Cu, Sr, As,

Co, Ni and Cr. Iron found in large quantity precipitates under colloidal or cryptocrystalline

forms.

In this area circulation of underground waters takes place along fault zones. The

underground water levels resulting from meteoric water infiltrations are ≈80m below the 410m

level (Hondol shaft). The water flow from Nicodim gallery, which collects all meteoric water, is

reduced, being less than 1 l/s. Water in this area is much mineralized and has a strong acid pH

(2. 2 – 3).

The underground aquifers in area of the open pit and of the waste dumps are reduced

and do not form potable water supply bodies. If the proposed project is not implemented, the

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underground aquifer will not suffer important qualitative changes until application of ecologic

measures.

b) Location of the tailings management facilities

In this area, in 2008, geological exploration drill-holes were performed in the

hydrographic basin of Avram creek (at 60m depth), Valea Măcrişului creek (at 60m depth) and

at the junction of these two streams (21m depth). The hydrostatic level of underground waters

has not been discovered up to the drill holes depth.

Underground aquifers where the tailings management facilities are found have small

dimensions and do not form potable water supply bodies.

6. Tectonic structure, seismologic activity

Taking into account the earthquakes’ intensities that have occurred during long periods

of time and the seismic engineering studies, calculation methods have been drawn-up so as to be

used for anti-seismic design of the buildings and seismic zoning maps. Zoning maps provide

delimitation of areas exposed to earthquakes at national or regional level based on historical,

geological and geophysical data. The level of the earthquakes connected to the geographical

representation determined according to seismic parameters: intensity, acceleration, speed and

movement.

The seismic zoning of Romania, on MSK (SR 11100-1:93) scale, presenting the possible

seismic intensities that when earthquakes occur, show that Certeju de Sus is located in seismic

area characterized by a reduced level of intensity, 6th

level, therefore indicating a minimum level

of seismic activity in Romania (see picture 2.3)

Picture 2.3 - Seismic zoning of Romania based on intensities on MSK scale according to

SR 11100-1:93 “Seismic zoning. Macro zoning of Romania”

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Special maps such as the one presented in P.100-1/2006 Code on seismic zoning of

Romania, are used for anti-seismic design of buildings and other constructions (see picture 2.4.)

Picture 2.4 - Zoning of the highest peak of the land acceleration for earthquakes

occurring at 100 years time

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According to this map, Certej is located in an area where the peak value of land

acceleration is 0.08, being the smallest value in Romania, therefore in Certej, the intensity of

earthquakes is hypothetically reduced. Although the seismic activity can be felt and people

would panic, the damages that occur within the structure of buildings are restrained.

7. Soil

7.1. Geomorphologic process of soil degradation

The special pedological study on Certej-Voia area, drawn-up by “the Bureau of

Pedological and Agrochemical Studies Hunedoara –Deva” in 2007, identified, limited and

shown on graphic form the degradation of the land surface.

The Geomorphologic processes in this area are the following:

a. Surface erosion. This is the process where particles of soil are scraped out and

transported by water coming from slopes under the form of sheet or slippery trickles. This is the

most developed process that affects the surface of the land. Reduced surface erosion can affect

approx. 97 hectares of land; strong erosion can affect approx. 48 hectares, while the most

affected surfaces have been identified on a 5 hectares surface. Excessive erosion can destroy

just 2. 34 hectares of land.

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b. Depth erosion is generated by water leakages on slopes under the form of slippery

trickles leading to the formation of small channels called ditches or gutters with depths of 30-40

cm. By ditch sinking, gullies with depths of 0.5-2 m and cloughs are formed ( when depths

exceed 2m). Such erosions usually destroy the lands, which is turned out from the economic

circuit. In the studied area depth erosion affects almost 13 hectares of land. Such type of erosion

is determined by the flank and by human activities (irrational exploitation and inadequate

circulation).

c. Landslides are ground movements as a result of gravity action that occur on slipping

surfaces which separate them from the fixed part of the land. These landslides have been

identified as geomorphologic processes that action alone in association with the surface erosions.

According to the way the landslides occur, this area is characterized by old stabilized and semi

active landslides. The old traces of landslide have been discovered on a 3.56 surface, while the

slipping processes associated with surface erosion affect approximately 79 hectares.

d. Humidity excess coming from rainfalls and leakages destroys 82 hectares of land. The

humidity excess is different being characterized by stagnogleying in some areas or strong

gleying in other areas. The most affected lands, approx. 32 hectares result from deep

stagnogleying while only 7 hectares result from intense gleying.

8. Climate

Certej mining area is characterized by a temperate continental climate while high-altitude

areas are characterized by a mountain microclimate with cold winters heavy snowfalls from 4 to

6 months. Spring and autumn are cold and wet, with heavy rains, while summer is short with

gradual pass of seasons. Multi-annual air temperature is 9.7 oC. The maximum temperatures

were registered in June and August (27.4oC and 27. 6oC), while the minimum temperatures were

registered in December and January (2.9 oC and 2.3

oC).

The coldest days have been registered in December-February (between -4.1 oC and -2.9

oC), while the warmest days were in July and August (13.7

oC and 13.6

oC). The annual average

temperatures had positive values (between 4.0 and 6.3oC). The absolute maximum temperature

could be of 15 oC (January) and 39.0 oC (July). The absolute minimum temperature could be –

25.0 oC (January) and 6.2 oC (August). The wind frequencies registered at the Meteorological

Station Deva show that the main wind directions are: West (9.0 % frequency), North-West (8.7

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% frequency) and South (6.9 % frequency), and the annual average of the atmospheric calm is

60.5%. The medium speed of the wind on different direction is between 2.2 and 3.7 m/s. The

greatest values of wind speed have been registered on West and North-West directions.

The lowest annual quantities of precipitations took place at Deva and Băiţa (25.7 mm

and 32.8 mm) in February and in March at Certeju de Sus (27.8 mm). The highest annual

quantities of precipitations were registered in June in all 3 stations. The annual quantities of

rainfalls during the last 15 years ranged between 417.5 mm and 644.2 mm at Deva, between

263.6 mm and 830.7 mm at Certeju de Sus and between 565.4 mm and 804.8 mm at Băiţa. The

snow layer differs too therefore from November to January/ February the snow layer has the

highest values, for example (3.2 cm at Deva, 3.4 cm at Certeju de Sus, 5.7 cm at Băiţa). The

heaviest snowfalls occurred at Certeju de Sus was in January-February when the monthly

average thickness of snow can vary from a year to another from 1 to 20 cm.

9. Protected areas

Within the area proposed for the mining project development, there is no “Natura 2000”

protected site, which could be impacted.

10. History of the location

Gold mining in Certej area has been done from centuries. In the medieval period, there

are few indications showing the extraction activities in this area, but large exploitation began

only in the XVIIth century. Mining started in the East, at Săcărâmb in 1745. Most of exploration

and exploitation operations began in 1832, leading to the development of the mining areas all

over Certej area.

11. The existent pollution

Mines and surfaces related to Certej perimeter (which will be closed down according to

the PIA-Mine Closure Plan - Certej documentation) and taken by SC DEVA GOLD SA are

mentioned in the following table.

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Table 2.5 Land and areas impacted by previous activities

No. Area / Mine Surface (hectares)

1 Coranda pit 26.06

2 North waste dump 11.38

3 South waste dump 13.61

4 Coranda gallery II -

5 Coranda gallery III -

6 Coranda II waste dump 0.40

7 Coranda III waste dump 0.30

8 Dealu Grozii gallery -

9 Dealu Grozii waste dump 0.15

TOTAL AFFECTED SURFACE 51.90

11.1. Water quality

Within the proposed industrial area used for the project implementation, water quality is

compromised by two major categories of physical and chemical stress factors:

• Evacuation of waste water generated by mines exploitation, with a high degree of

acidity and polluting materials such as (heavy metals, sulphur, dissolved salts etc.)

• Type of mineralization in the area

The exploitation of non-ferrous minerals in the area generates acid waste waters, with a

high degree of contaminations and heavy metals, found in the environment as acid mine

drainage. Within the existent open pit, where gold and silver is extracted, acid waters have been

generated by the exposure of ores containing sulphur to external factors. These waters are either

underground collected through the network of galleries, discharged through different portals as

acid waters, or they are uncontrolled evacuated in the surface waters, as leakages coming from

waste dumps. The specific mineralization in this area has led to the formation of chemical

elements whose concentrations could exceed the limits regulated by laws in force related to

surface and underground water quality also known as “background concentrations”.

Other water pollution sources are the domestic spent waters discharged from houses that

are placed near the watercourses as well as from agricultural activities or livestock.

The mining activities performed in the past years, have led to the formation of

underground galleries, shafts, raises and back-fill chambers. During underground works, the

hydrostatical level was reduced, while water has been evacuated by pumps. Through these

processes, the initial hydro chemical conditions have been perturbed by increasing the aerated

and permeable area, bringing forward the chemical reactions of oxidation and dissolution as well

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as conducting the rain water infiltration in the mineralized areas. Consequently, the mine waters

are acid, with high levels of Fe, Zn, Mn, Al, Cu, Sr, As, Co, Ni and Cr, flowing in the small

streams within the area. The perimeter taken into account for the new investment is located on

the valleys of the following streams:

- Valea Măcrişului creek

- Corănzii creek

- Băiegii creek

All these small streams are tributary of Hondol creek. Valea Certejului valley is the main

water collector in this area, being at the same time the tributary of Mures River. Valea Certejului

has the following tributary streams: Făerag and Mireşului streams on the right side, while

Hondol, Ciongani and Valea Nojagului streams on the left side. According to the National

Environmental Protection Action Plan - Hunedoara County, the control of the surface water

quality during 2002-2005 shows that the entire flow of Certej stream (18km) was spoiled.

11.2 Air quality

Air quality is influenced by sources coming from both the industrial and non-industrial areas.

Air pollution sources, which can be found within the industrial area, are the following:

• Particles of waste rocks coming from the waste dumps due to transportation by winds.

• Specific sources of emissions resulting from solid fuel burning (woods, agricultural

wastes) used for domestic activities or food preparation.

• Agricultural activities performed in the area such as: poultry or live stock in

individual households or, farming.

• Car traffic within the area.

The main toxic elements released in the air are nitrogen oxide, carbon oxide, sulphur

oxide, particles, heavy metals, etc.

Because of the reduced magnitudes of the pollution sources in the area, the levels of

pollutant concentrations are low as they are found only in rural areas characterized by

undeveloped anthropic activities, far away from industrial areas with intense traffic. High levels

of pollution particulates appear during strong winds that lead to the transportation of such

elements into the air, coming from the open pit or, waste dumps. Moreover, within inhabited

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areas near the mines, high concentrations of CO, NOx, hydrocarbons, will be spread into the air

during cold seasons due to wood burning used for heating.

11.3 Flora and fauna

The mining activities in the area have a negative impact on flora and fauna as most of

the ecosystems have been influenced by anthrophic activities and consequently the conservation

of the environment has been considerably reduced. The main factors leading to the destruction

of the ecosystems in this area are:

• The mining activities – this situation is specific to the area impacted by the historical

mining works.

• Pollution of the surface waters with mine acid waters, especially of Certej stream,

which ecosystem is completely destroyed.

The variations of habitats and ecosystem were either reduced or amplified by several forms of

land use. Because these interactions have occurred during long periods of time, taking different

forms, it is very difficult now to make distinction between the positive and the negative impacts

on the ecosystems.

B. Identification of installations and activities in the area that could possible lead to

major accidents

For the identification of areas within the location which could form relevant sections for

safety, there has been used the maximum quantity of dangerous substance present within the site

as main criterion, which means the determination of threshold limit for each category of

dangerous substance. The guide for drafting and verification of the safety reports, published in

„Twinning Project RO/2002/IB/EN/02 Implementation of the VOC’s, LCP and Seveso II

Directives” recommends the use of 5% from the relevant quantity described in column 2

(inferior level) from Appendix 1 at Seveso Directive (column 2 of Appendix 1 from GD

804/2007) which regulates measures so as to prevent major accidents caused by dangerous

substances as well as limitation of their consequences on environment and people’s health.

The areas where such dangerous substances can be found have been analyzed and

presented in Chapter III of this report (Description of dangerous substances).

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According to the provisions of GD 804/2007, paragraph 3, letter f, the word

“installation” means a technical unit within a location, where dangerous substances are

manufactured, used and handled or/and stored. The installation comprises all structures, all

equipments, the pipe network, tools, internal railways, docks, ships, storehouses, used for the

installation operations.” Within the location, the existent installations comprise the equipments

used for the extractions and treatment of gold and silver ores.

According to Article 4, this decision does not apply for:

d) Transportation of dangerous substances through pipes and pumping stations located in

the external area that shall fall under the provisions of the present decision.

e) Exploration, mining and ore processing in the open pits, or drill holes, excepting the

chemical and thermal processing operations and storage relating to utilization of dangerous

substances, as mentioned in Appendix 1.

g) Waste deposits, except the functional installations used for waste evacuation,

including tailings management facilities or tailings dams, containing dangerous substances as it

is stipulated in Appendix 1, when used for chemical and thermal treatment of minerals.

According to the data from the technical flow-sheets handed in by the beneficiary, some

relevant areas have been identified, where the risk of accidents occurrence is high:

1. The open pit

2. The processing plant

3. Floatation tailings management facility

4. CIL tailings management facility

5. Storehouse for explosive materials

Besides all these, there are other areas where pipes for transportation are located:

- Pipes used for hydro-transportation of flotation tailings slurry

- Pipes used for hydro-transportation of CIL-Albion tailings slurry

The safety sections are identified and described in Appendix 2.3 Lay-out: Safety sections

C. Description of the areas where major accident can occur

According to the above-mentioned information, there are many areas where important

accidents could take place, identified as safety areas. These areas are:

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1. The open pit

Ore mining within Certej area will be done on the location of the former Coranda open pit (26

hectares surface) developed towards West and East with a total surface of 62.8 hectares.

According to the geological studies, a total quantity of 28.2 million tones of gold and silver ore

reserves can be extracted from this area. The exploitation method to be used at Certej is “The

mining method with descending benches and waste rocks haulage to an external waste dump”

The preparation of the ore which will be extracted is done by open and preparation

trenching. The open pit design comprises two main access platforms with 1:10 slope, one

platform located in the central area and the other platform serving the Western, Eastern and

Intermediary areas. Each of the two platforms will have 24m width to be used for the safety run

of the trucks on two directions. In deeper areas, the platforms will have 12 m width. The total

ore production capacity of Certej open pit will be of 3,000.000 tones / year.

2. The processing plant

The processing plant will be located near the open pit as the whole quantity of ore mined

from the open pit will be delivered to the processing plant in order to be processed. Appendix 2.4

shows the layout of the processing plant. The processing activity is divided into the following

stages:

Crushing and stockpiling: The ore is crushed by a gyratory crusher and then stored in

crushed ore dumps / stockpiles.

Wet grinding: The ore that is stored is ground in wet condition and then transported to

the floatation plant.

Ore flotation: in order to achieve the gold pyrite concentrate, which is to be turn to

profit in the first two years of operation under this form, and then in the following years the gold

pyrite concentrate will be oxidized and CIL leached in order to be used for precious metal

extraction under the form of Doré alloy.

The gold pyrite concentrate is leached with cyanide followed by the absorption of

precious metals from the cyanide leaching solution on active carbon.

Oxidation process as well as the gold and silver recovery is made in 3 main stages.

• Ultra-fine grinding less than 10 microns in IsaMill installation.

• Pyrite oxidation in stirring tanks through oxygen injection/ sparging.

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• Gold and silver recovery from cyaniding pregnant solution and absorption on

activated carbon absorption in CIL tanks.

Electro-winning: Gold and silver are extracted through a classic process of electro-

winning, where gold will be retained on the stainless steel cathode. These loaded cathodes will

be manually stripped in the electro-winning cells, using high pressure water. The gold mud

resulted in the electro-winning cells will be filtered and then transported to:

Melting: The gold mud will be mixed with the melting reagents (litharge, borax and

nitrate) for gold extraction into an induction furnace. The gold smelt will be cast under the form

of bullions.

Cyanide neutralization: Gold and silver extraction is made by using cyanides and

reagents solutions. Due to high quantities of cyanides, this water solution is dangerous for the

environment. Therefore, after the gold and silver extractions, the cyanide water is recycled while

the thick slurry will be neutralized before being pumped into the tailings management facilities.

Storage of processing tailings: The flotation tailings resulted from ore processing within

the processing plant is pumped and stored into the flotation tailings management facility at Valea

Măcrişului, and the cyanide tailings originating from the cyanide leaching process will be stored

in the CIL tailings management facility, which is located at Valea Măcrişului too, upstream the

flotation tailings management facility. These tailings management facilities are located at 1.5 km

away from the processing plant.

Within the location of the processing plant site there can be found:

- Oxygen plant will generate cryogenic oxygen and will be used for the oxidation of pyrite

concentrate in the Albion process. Its dimensions are 40 m x 85 m. The oxygen production

capacity is 525 tones/ day. The cryogenic oxygen will be stored in two cryogenic tanks.

The cryogenic tanks – are two identical vertical tanks, having a 5m width and a total storage

capacity of 60 m3

each. The tanks keep a constant temperature due to the lack of air between the

double walls of the tanks. The maximum pressure inside is 37 bars and each tanks has two safety

valves at 37 bar, a level indicator, pressure gauge, remote control system of pressure and a

bursting disk.

- The GPL storehouse comprises a storage tank having a total capacity of 5000 l. Usually

2 such tanks per week or 20t/month of GPL are used. The store

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- The GPL storage tank has a total capacity of 10 t. It is placed within a concrete shell,

on support pillars. This storage tank is a horizontal cylinder, made of steel, falling under

the operation terms and conditions of State Inspection for the Control of Boilers, Pressure

Vessels and Hoisting Equipment (ISCIR). The tank operates at the ambient temperature and

at the vapour pressure of the GPL and it comprises 2 safety valves, graduated level

indicator and glass indicator, graduated thermometers, block valve for system input and

output and hydraulic blocking system manually operated. The safety valves have 8 bars

and are connected to a stack used for gas dispersion near the tanks.

3. Flotation Tailings Management Facility

The main embankment of the Flotation TMF is located along Măcriş stream, upstream to

the junction with its right affluent which is Pârâul lui Avram stream. The main embankment has

been dimensioned in order to support all the flotation tailings quantity in amount of 25 million

tones, streaming from the processing plant, on the whole period of mining.

The main embankment will be built in several stages, as follows:

• The starter dam, having the crest elevation at 625.00 mdMN (during the

construction stage);

• Subsequent rises (during the operating stage);

The main embankment is a rock fill construction and has the following geometric

characteristics:

- Maximum height = 169 m

- Length of dam crest = 480m

- Width of dam crest = 8.00m

- Width of berms: 6.00m upstream and 8.00m downstream

- Dam face slopes:- upstream and downstream 1: m = 1:1.4 (general slope

taking into account the designed berms are 1:1.9)

- Foundation: h med = 3.00m in the river bed and 1.00m on slopes

The starter dam of the flotation TMF is located on Măcriş stream, with axis at almost

550m upstream its junction with Pârâul lui Avram creek; the starter dam is a rock fill

construction made of successive layers of fresh andesite (up to 0.50 – 0.75) m, which are made

compact using a vibratory compactor, until it reaches the parameters resulted from the

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experimental trail.

The upstream face is protected by 2 filtering layers:

- A coarse filter of 1.50 m thickness made of crushed rock

- A fine filter of 1.50 m thickness made of gravel and sand

The fine filter is covered with a geo-textile liner and a PEHD geo-membrane used for

dam imperviousness.

In order to fix the foundation of the starter, it is necessary to clean the place, by removing

the trees and vegetal material as well as, the altered rock or which is not well fixed.

On slopes, twinning levels of 1.50 – 2.0 m width and 2.0 – 3.0 m height will be built.

4. CIL tailings management facility

The main embankment of the Albion-CIL tailings management facility will be built on

Măcriş stream, at 1.8 km upstream to its junction with its right tributary, which is Pârâul lui

Avram creek. The CIL TMF has been dimensioned in order to store all the cyanide tailings

quantities of 4.5 million tones.

The main dam will be built in several stages:

• The starter dam;

• Successive dam rises, which will be built during operating stages;

The main dam / embankment has the following geometric characteristics:

- Maximum height = 70 m

- Length of dam crest = 480m

- Width of dam crest = 8.00m

- Width of berms: 6.00m upstream and 8.00m downstream

- Dam face slopes - upstream and downstream 1: m = 1:1.4 (the overall slope

angle taking into account the designed berms is 1:1,9)

- foundation: h med = 3.00m in the river bed and 1.00m on hill slopes

The starter dam of the CIL TMF will be located at the junction of the two streams that form

Măcriş stream, at 741.00mdM elevation (Appendix 1.19).

The starter dam is a rock fill construction made of successive layers of fresh andesite

(0.50 – 0.75) m, which are made compact using a vibratory compactor, until it reaches the

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parameters resulted from the experimental trail.

The upstream dam face is protected by 2 filtering layers:

- a coarser filter of 1.50 m thickness made of crushed rock

- a fine filter of 1.5 m thickness made of sand and gravel

The fine filter is covered with a geo-textile liner and a PEHD geo-membrane used for

dam imperviousness.

On slopes, twinning levels of 1.50 – 2.0 m width and 2.0 – 3.0 m height will be built.

5. Storehouse for explosive materials

For the storage of explosive materials, the old storehouse (rehabilitated) will be used.

The storehouse for such explosive materials in Bocşa Mică village is an independent

underground storehouse, designed and certified in 1982 to store 24.9 tones ET (equivalent of

TNT). In 2003 it was certified again by the Romanian Ministry of Interior – General Inspectorate

of Police Hunedoara with the Certification No. 25164/21.02.2003 for a total storage capacity of

40.000 kg ET. The storehouse in Certej was designed to store a quantity of 30.000 kg of AM1.

The ammonium nitrate used for AM1 explosive, if purchased in box-pallets of 1000 kg (20 bags

x 50 kg or 40 bags x 25 kg) can stored in each room almost 30 such box-pallets. The storehouse

in Certej has 3 rooms used for storage of approx. 90.000 kg of ammonium nitrate.

Access to the storehouse is done by an access road suitable for circulation. The explosive

materials are transported to the supplier by special and certified means of transportation,

complying with the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous

Goods by Road. The storehouse for explosive materials is built as a complex storehouse, as one

of part of the building is set up only for storage while the other part is for consumption. The

storehouse provides consumption of explosive materials during a long period of time without

creating inactive inventory leading to the products loss of availability.

Access inside the storehouse is made by a tunnel located at +630m elevation, having

180m length. Inside the tunnel there are damping manholes of 2m -3 m length, covering a total

length of 37 m of tunnel. Inside the storehouse there are rooms for explosive materials handling

and rooms for storage of such materials. The tunnel’s slope is 7%0. For rooms longer than 10m

where ammonium nitrate is stored there will be built a second tunnel acting like a ventilation

channel. The damping manholes are water insulated. Areas where access is prohibited are

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marked with visible warning signs. For the security of the storehouse, a 316m long enclosure

was built, made of concrete pillars and barbed wire of 2m high. Access inside the storehouse is

made through a 3m iron -gate for trucks and cars and a 1 m iron- gate for the workers. The

platform together with the storehouse for explosive materials is surrounded by wire fences.

Access inside this area is restricted as there are warning signs (RESTRICTED AREA) at 3m

distance from the fence.

Appendix 2.5 show the lay-out of the storehouse for explosive materials

6. Pipe networks

The floatation tailings and the cyanidation tailings are transported to the tailings

management facilities by hydraulic pumps.

a) Flotation tailings slurry pipelines

The hydro-transportation of the tailings slurry from the processing plant to the TMFs, as

well as, the clarified water form both TMFs will be made by overhead steel pipes mounted on

pillars. Pumping stations are found inside the processing factory and on pipes route.

b) CIL tailings slurry pipelines

The hydro-transportation of the cyanidation tailings slurry from the processing plant to

the tailings management facilities as well as, of clarified water from both TMFs is made by

overhead steel pipelines mounted on pillars.

The pipes used for hydro-transportation of cyanide tailings from DETOX 1 plant to the

CIL tailings management facility is made of steel. Pumping stations are found inside the

processing plant and on pipeline routes.

Documents

SECURITY REPORT Chapter 2 2010 - ANPMapmtm-old.anpm.ro/files/ARPM TIMISOARA/Reglementari/DEVA GOL… · SECURITY REPORT ,,Gold–silver ore mining of Certej perimeter” Chapter 2