Metro Mining Bauxite Hills Project Metro Mining ... · haul road corridor or from the BH1 mine pit. The haul road design will be based ... to supply material for the construction

Environmental Impact Statement

Metro Miningii - Executive Summary

Section 4 Project Description

Metro MiningAppendix K - Environmental Management Plan

Metro Mining Bauxite Hills Project

Supplementary Report to the Environmental Impact Statement

4-1

4 Project Description

4.1 Introduction

Matters raised in submissions to the EIS relating to Chapter 2 – Project Description were

predominantly focussed on:

Opportunities to share existing infrastructure or develop new shared infrastructure with Gulf

Alumina;

Further information regarding the originally proposed MIA sediment ponds;

Design and operation of the Project’s Sewage Treatment Plant (STP);

Information around the treated effluent irrigation area and bio-solids treatment area;

Project water supply; and

Location of extractive materials.

Metro Mining has included further information in the following sections regarding changes in the

Project description since the release of the EIS, including significant changes as a result of the

acquisition of Gulf Alumina Ltd, and subsequently ownership of the SRBP.

Appendix A includes the full details of all submissions received for the Project.

4.2 Modified Project Description

With the acquisition of Gulf Alumina, Metro Mining has taken the opportunity to reduce the Bauxite

Hills Project’s disturbance footprint by utilising Gulf Alumina’s existing infrastructure (i.e. Skardon

River airstrip, the workers camp, MIA and port and BLF and other ancillary infrastructure) and also

through the utilisation of new infrastructure proposed as part of the approved SRBP. New

infrastructure associated with the approved SRBP that will utilised for the Project includes the

optimised MIA, BLF, accommodation camp and various ancillary infrastructure (i.e. updated creek

crossings, haul road optimisations) that have been approved as part of the SRBP EIS process.

With the majority of infrastructure for the Bauxite Hills Project no longer required, this

Supplementary EIS is predominantly seeking approval for the three identified mining pits (BH1,

BH6 east and BH6 west), the new alignment for the east – west haul road accessing BH1, and two

minor haul roads connecting BH6 east and west to the existing SRBP haul road.

Key infrastructure identified in the original Bauxite Hills EIS that no longer require approval as part

of the Bauxite Hills EIS process are the MIA, BLF, RoRo, BH6 east to MIA haul road, accommodation

camp and other ancillary infrastructure.

Furthermore, since the EIS, Metro Mining has been in discussion with Rio Tinto and has agreed on

a Heads of Agreement for a s316 Mining Lease application to relocate the BH1 haul road to avoid

the riparian areas associated with the upper reached of the Skardon River which are more sensitive

to disturbance.

An overview of the infrastructure that will be retained for the Bauxite Hills approval process, the

infrastructure no longer forming part of the Bauxite Hills approval process and the infrastructure

Bauxite Hills Project Supplementary Report to the Environmental Impact Statement

4-2

from the SRBP that will support the Bauxite Hills Project are included in Table 4-1 and shown at

Figure 1-2.

Table 4-1 Bauxite Hills Project infrastructure

Retained Infrastructure

to be Approved

Mine Pit BH1

Mine Pit BH6 East

Mine Pit BH6 West

Haul Road - BH1 to BH6 East

Haul Road – BH6 West to SRBP Main Haul Road to Mine Infrastructure Area

Haul Road – BH6 East to SRBP Main Haul Road to Mine Infrastructure Area

Barge and Tug Cyclone Moorings

Communication Network

Infrastructure No

Longer Required

Mine Infrastructure Area

Barge Loading Facilities

Roll-on Roll-off Facility

Main Haul Road – BH6 East to Mine Infrastructure Area

Accommodation Camp and Associated Ancillary Infrastructure

SRBP Approved

Supporting

Infrastructure

Mine Infrastructure Area

Port Facilities

Barge Loading Facilities

Water Supply, Power Supply and Communications

Main Haul Road to MIA and Associated Borrow Pits

Accommodation Camp and Associated Ancillary Infrastructure

Skardon River Airstrip

The following sections describe the modified Bauxite Hills Project.

4.3 Infrastructure Requiring Approval

4.3.1 Mine Pits

Metro Mining will establish three pits, BH1, BH6 east and BH6 west and part of the Bauxite Hills

Project. The location of the three pits that form part of the Bauxite Hills Project are shown at Figure

1-2. The mining approach for the Bauxite Hills Project is discussed at Section 4.6 of the

Supplementary Report.

4.3.2 Haul Roads

Metro Mining requires a haul road to transport product ore from the BH1 mine pit to the existing

SRBP haul road and then onto the SRBP MIA. Two minor haul roads will also be constructed from

BH6 west and BH6 east connecting to the SRBP haul road.

The east-west BH1 haul road will be relocated from the original alignment proposed in the EIS to

avoid areas of high ecological significance. The east-west BH1 haul road will be located on Rio Tinto

land via a s316 Mining Lease application for transportation purposes, and will avoid the impacts to

mangroves, and estuarine and brackish wetland areas of the previous route, but does cross two

ephemeral creek lines draining into the Skardon River. This is discussed in more detail in Section

6.3.1 of the Supplementary Report.

The haul roads will be constructed using local materials (i.e. ironstone, laterite or low grade bauxite)

taken from within the existing borrow pits adjoining the main SRBP haul road, within the proposed

haul road corridor or from the BH1 mine pit. The haul road design will be based on acceptable road

design standards such as the Austroads Guide to Rural Road Design and the Queensland Road


4-3

Planning and Design Manual. The basic design criteria adopted for the indicative design process is

presented in Table 4-2 (see Figure 4-1 for indicative haul road design). Haul road design will include

suitable culverts and over flow structures to allow the free flow of water during the wet season,

when the mine is not operating.

A number of borrow pits will be required to supply material for the construction and ongoing

maintenance of the haul roads and for bulk earthworks. The borrow pits already developed adjacent

to the SRBP main haul road will supply material to the road construction; however, additional

borrow pits may be required closer to the BH1 end of the haul road.

Any additional borrow pits that are required will be developed within the approved road corridor

and will be on the inland side of the road with appropriate erosion and sediment control measures

in place to minimise the risk of sediment mobilisation. Borrow pits that are not required past the

initial construction period will be rehabilitated. It is not anticipated that any State-owned quarry

material administered under the Forestry Act 1959 will possibly be sterilised or restricted from

utilisation (including offsets and loss of access for existing operations authorised under the Forestry

Act 1959).

Figure 4-1 Indicative haul road cross section


4-4

Table 4-2 Indicative haul road design criteria

Design Element Criteria

Typical Cross Section

Design vehicle Multi-train haul truck

Number of traffic lanes 2 lanes (one lane each travel direction) except across culverts where one way traffic is designated to minimise area of disturbance

Traffic lane width 4 m

Traffic lane crossfall 3%

Shoulder width 2 m

Shoulder crossfall 4%

Cut batter slope 2H:1V

Fill batter slope 4H:1V

Horizontal Alignment

Design vehicle Truck

Design speed 90 km/h

Minimum curve radius 250 m

Vertical Alignment

Design vehicle Truck

Design speed 90 km/h

Maximum longitudinal gradient 8%

Minimum K value for crest curves 40

Minimum K value for sag curves 35

4.3.3 Site Communications

The communication systems for the Bauxite Hills Project will comprise both voice and data systems

that will be implemented in stages associated with early works, construction and operation. Prior

to construction, adequate communication systems must be operational to support the health and

safety for all personnel involved in the Project. Metro Mining proposes to utilise a combination of

the existing commercial Telstra mobile Next G network together with the use of the public ultra-

high frequency (UHF) radio network and satellite phones.

Radio procedures for emergency declaration will be in accordance with the standard operating

procedures as instructed during generic and site specific induction processes.

A permanent very high frequency (VHF) radio repeater station will be established on-site which will

enhance voice communications over the Project area to meet the needs of both the construction and

operational phases. Alternatively, talks will continue with the relevant parties in regards to

upgrading the existing services located in Mapoon.


4-5

4.3.4 Cyclone Moorings

Following discussions with the RHM and MSQ since the release of the EIS, the barge cyclone mooring

location has changed. The revised location has been selected considering navigational safety and

reduced wave fetch during a cyclonic event. The new location and arrangement is shown at Figure

1-2.

As described in the EIS, it is Metro Mining’s intention that when not in use the barges will be moored

in the Skardon River clear of other river traffic. The new location is upstream of SRBP’s proposed

BLF and is not anticipated to interfere with their proposed barge operations. The base case is still

for four sets of pile type moorings (consisting of two piles) for each tug and barge set and two sets

for each of the two floating cranes. Piles are planned to be removed at the end of mine life.

The impacts and management of the cyclone moorings is discussed in Chapters 6 and 19 and

Appendix D of the Supplementary Report. Notwithstanding the change in location of the moorings

the impacts associated with the installation and removal of the cyclone moorings are expected to be

negligible and of short duration as discussed already in the EIS.

4.3.5 Fixed Tide Gauge

Metro Mining will monitor river depth and tidal stages at its loading location and at all critical

locations between the loading facility and downstream through the mouth of the Skardon River.

Barges will only be loaded to drafts that will adequately clear the shallowest areas of the Skardon

River. To accurately confirm tidal levels for safe transfer of bauxite to the offshore transhipment

area, Metro Mining requires the placement of a fixed tidal gauge on the southern side of the Skardon

River near the mouth (see Figure 1-2). The location of the tidal gauge is consistent with the location

discussed with the RHM.

The tidal gauge will be fixed by a pile and will consist of the following above water level features: a

transmittal antenna, solar panel, round maintenance platform with handrails, an acoustic sounder,

and an access ladder. The indicative design of the tidal gauge is shown at Figure 4-2.

The impacts and management of the tidal gauge will be the same as for the installation and removal

of the cyclone moorings as discussed in Chapter 6, Chapter 19 and Appendix D of the Supplementary

Report. In summary, the impacts are anticipated to be negligible and of short duration as only one

pile will be required.

cdmsmith.com

2


4-7

4.3.6 Project Water Supply

It is anticipated that the collaboration between the Bauxite Hills Project and the SRBP to share

infrastructure will result in a minor reduction in water demand. It is anticipated that there will be

efficiencies in water usage derived from the collocation and shared use of infrastructure; however,

until the design of the MIA is finalised the full extent of the reduction in water usage cannot be

confirmed. Given that the maximum potential impacts have been assessed in the separate EIS

documents for the Project’s, any change proposed from amalgamation of the two Projects will result

in a reduction of water usage and a reduction of any potential impacts.

For the Project’s accommodation camp and general operational requirements, the proposed water

supply is via the local sub-artesian Bulimba Formation aquifer (likely depth range 15 - 20 m) and/or

the GAB in the Gilbert River Formation (likely depth range 250 – 300 m) to meet a total annual

demand of 400 ML. Assuming 240 days of operation per year and 20 hours of daily pumping time, a

total yield of 22 litres per second is required from the combined bores.

Polyethylene storage tanks are proposed to buffer between supply from the bores and operational

demand. The polyethylene tanks will include a peaking factor to accommodate temporary increases

in water demand and to protect against irregularities in supply from the bores. A peaking factor of

between one day and one week will equate to polyethylene tanks with a total storage of between 2

to 10 ML. The number of tanks required will be based on balancing the need to locate raw water

storage near the water use versus trucking water to where it is used and the final design of the

integrated water supply network.

Groundwater modelling was undertaken to investigate the potential effects of extracting shallow

groundwater (refer Section 10.6.3 and Appendix E1 of the EIS). An annual extraction volume of 400

ML was partitioned over six production bores over the dry season (period of mining), each pumping

at 2.7 L/s. The production bores were positioned outside of the proposed footprint of the mine and

approximately 3 to 4 km apart to minimise interference. The modelling suggests that predicted

drawdown would be temporary and local, and associated interference effects between the

production bores are unlikely to result in the reversal of hydraulic gradient near the Skardon River,

with the dry season groundwater flow direction maintained towards the river. As the shallow

aquifer is heterogeneous, the actual sustainable pumping rate and associated drawdown would be

expected to vary depending on the actual location of the bores.

4.3.6.1 Sub-Artesian Supply

Since the EIS, Metro Mining has identified indicative locations of the shallow aquifer production

bores (refer to Figure 4-3); however, an exploration drilling program will confirm the yield and

water supply potential of the shallow aquifer. Once actual yields are confirmed from the drilling

program the final number and location of the production bores will be confirmed. Tanks will be

positioned at each bore to provide raw water supply for Project activities.

Metro Mining notes that a moratorium notice for the Cape York Water Resource Plan area, made

under s26 of the Water Act 2000 took effect on 6 May 2016. The moratorium places a hold on new

licence applications to take or interfere with water in a watercourse, lake or spring, and

underground water, and prevents the construction of new or enlarged bores to take underground

water and other works until a final water plan is in place. However, the moratorium specifically does

not apply to GAB water in the Cape York area, therefore any application for GAB water can proceed

as usual. For the sub-artesian aquifer water supply, Metro Mining is seeking a temporary water

permit (rather than a long-term licence) until the moratorium period has been finalised. As such


4-8

Metro Mining has submitted an application for a permit to take water pursuant to s237 of the Water

Act 2000 to DNRM.

4.3.6.2 Great Artesian Basin

In parallel to the application for a temporary water permit for the sub-artesian aquifer water supply,

Metro Mining wrote to DNRM seeking to have the Project declared a Project of Regional Significance

pursuant to s25A of the Water Resource (Great Artesian Basin) Plan 2006 (GAB WRP). DNRM

assessed the application and subsequently declared the Project on 23 December 2015 to be a Project

of Regional Significance.

Gaining Project of Regional Significance status means that Metro Mining is eligible to acquire a water

entitlement from unallocated water held by the State in strategic reserve. Since the release of the

EIS, Metro Mining has submitted an application to register an interest for 500 megalitres (ML) per

water year of state reserve unallocated water to DNRM. Whilst initial water requirements are

estimate to be 400 ML per water year, Metro Mining is seeking a further contingency should

additional water be required to meet operational demand.

The application is currently under assessment against the requirements of the Water Act 2000, the

Water Regulation 2002, the GAB WRP and the Great Artesian Basin Resource Operations Plan.

SKARDON RIVER

NAMALETA C REEK

NAMALETA CREEK

SKARDON RIVER

605000

605000

610000

610000

615000

615000

620000

620000

625000

625000

630000

630000

86

90

00

0

86

90

00

0

86

95

00

0

86

95

00

0

87

00

00

0

87

00

00

0

Figure 4-3

DATE

DISCLAIMERCDM Smith has endeavoured to ensure accuracy

and completeness of the data. CDM Smith assumes no legal liability or responsibility for any decisions or actions resulting from the information contained

within this map.

GCS GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54

0 1,000 2,000500

Metres

Distribution of potential shallow bores

©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITHThis drawing is confidential and shall only be used

for the purpose of this project.

APPROVED

DRAWN

19/12/16

CHECKED

Legend

Potential shallow bore location

Major watercourse

Minor watercourse

Bauxite Hills Project Infrastructure

Skardon River Bauxite Project Infrastructure

DATA SOURCEMEC Mining, 2016;

QLD Government Open Source Data;Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric

(Geofabric) PRODUCT SUITE V2.1.1 DRG Ref: BES160276-013 R1_potential shallow bore

DESIGNER CLIENT

1:65,000Scale @ A3 -

-DESIGNED

CHECKED -

MD

MD

-

R Details Date

1

Notes:

-

-

-

-

F:\1_PROJECTS\BES160276_Bauxite_Hill\GIS\DATA\MXD\FINAL\SEIS Low Impact Stand Alone Scenario\BES160276-013 R1_potential shallow bore.mxd

For Information Purposes

-

-

-

-

22/07/16

2 Updated Haul Roads and Infrastructure 18/10/16

Skardon RiverBauxite Project

Airport Strip

Bauxite Hills Project Haul Road Easement

BH6 West MLA boundary

(ML 20689)

BH6 EastMLA boundary

(ML 20688)

BH1 MLA boundary(ML 20676)

Skardon River Bauxite Project Haul Road

Bauxite Hills ProjectHaul Road BH6 to BH1

Bauxite Hills ProjectFixed Tide Gauge

Bauxite Hills ProjectCyclone MooringsSkardon River

Bauxite ProjectMine Infrastructure Area,

Port and Barge

Loading Facility

Skardon RiverBauxite Project

AccommodationCamp


4-10

4.3.7 Barge Operations

The only changes to barging operations proposed in the EIS is the relocation of the BLF and

subsequent change in barging distance. The barging distances will be as per the SRBP SEIS. Bauxite

transportation will be via barge through the Skardon River and will occur 24 hours per day during

the eight to nine month operational period. Barges with a capacity of approximately 3,000 t (see

Figure 4-4) will be used in year one to deliver 1 Mtpa and from year two onwards barges with a

capacity of approximately 7,000 t (see Figure 4-5) will be used to deliver up to 5 Mtpa to awaiting

OGVs.

Barge dimensions are approximately 70 m length x 20 m beam and draft up to 3.5 m for year 1

activities increasing to approximately 90 m length x 30 m beam and draft up to 3.5 m depending on

the payload. Barge loading will be carried out using a stationary conveyor transferring the ore from

the product stockpiles to the barge.

Figure 4-4 Indicative barge specifications for year 1 operations


4-11

Figure 4-5 Indicative barge specifications for year 2 to 12 operations

Each barge will be loaded taking into consideration potential navigational limitations at the time of

loading. Where loading occurs during periods of low water, barges will be light-loaded to retain

sufficient under keel depth. Conversely, during periods of high water, barges will be heavy-loaded

(but still within design specification of the barge) to cater for greater under keel depths. It is

expected that transit at the river mouth will be limited for approximately seven hours a day during

low tide. The Project feasibility has taken into consideration these restrictions and has designed the

barge system such that bed-levelling or dredging is not necessary; however, the bed-levelling that

has been incorporated into the SRBP will be assessed and may be beneficial for the Project.

The anticipated annual barge movements through the operational life of the Project are:

Year 1 – There will be approximately 333 barge movements loaded and the same return giving

an approximate total of 666 barge movements to deliver 1 Mtpa. This equates to approximately

six barge movements (including both out and return) daily over the initial operational period of

100 operational days in the first operating year after construction (i.e. three to four months of

operation prior to wet season);

Year 2 – There will be approximately 667 barge movements loaded and the same return giving

an approximate total of 1,334 barge movements to deliver 4 Mtpa. This equates to approximately

six barge movements (including both out and return) daily over the 240 operational days (i.e.

eight months per year operations); and

Years 3 to 12 – There will be approximately 833 barge movements loaded and the same return

giving an approximate total of 1,666 barge movements to deliver 5 Mtpa this equates to

approximately seven barge movements (including both out and return) daily over the 240

operational days (i.e. eight months per year operations).


4-12

Sufficient numbers of barges will be placed in service to provide for the maximum requirement

during the expected operating year.

Shallow draft tugboats (see Plate 4-1) will standby with the barges during loading. Barges will then

be delivered to the transhipment location where they will be discharged to the awaiting carrier.

During year one barges will be unloaded using cranes on board the OGVs. During years 2 to 12, two

floating cranes (see Plate 4-2) will be moored at the transhipment location (via a single temporary

mooring) and will transfer bauxite from barges to the OGVs. The transhipment area has been

surveyed and is located away from any significant benthic habitats. Notwithstanding negligible

amounts of dust and spillage will be generated during the transhipment process and, with bauxite

being completely inert, it is anticipated that impacts to the environment from the loading process

will be low.

The shallow draft tugboats will pick up empty barges and return to the SRBP BLF. Shallow draft

work boats (see Plate 4-3) will be used for general support throughout maritime operations.

Plate 4-1 Typical shallow draft tugboat that will be used during barge operations


4-13

Plate 4-2 Example of a typical floating crane that would be use to transfer bauxite to the OGV

Plate 4-3 Shallow draft work boat

Metro Mining will monitor river depth and tidal stages at its loading location and at all critical

locations between the loading facility and downstream through the mouth of the Skardon River.

Barges will only be loaded to drafts that will adequately clear the shallowest areas of the Skardon

River. The tugboats will be of suitable design to clear the critical areas within the Skardon River at

their lowest operating draft. As volume increases, barges and tug boats will be added to the fleet to

accommodate the increased tonnage.


4-14

Bauxite will be shipped to overseas markets via a combination of Supramax (see Plate 4-4),

Ultramax (see Plate 4-5), Panamax (see Plate 4-6) and Mini Capesize (see Plate 4-7) Class Vessels.

Geared Supramax and Ultramax class OGVs will be used during year one and until such time that the

floating crane system is established. Once the floating crane is operational all four classes of OGV

will be utilised. Dependent on the class of OGV, loading will take approximately four to six days,

requiring between 15 to 20 loaded barges to complete each cargo. A summary of the dead weight

tonnage and load draft requirement is shown in Table 4-3.

The location of the offshore transhipment area has not changed from that proposed in the EIS.

Table 4-3 OGV class specifications

OGV Size Geared (cranes) DWT Capacity Loaded Draft (m)

Supramax Yes 50,000 - 60,000 12.8

Ultramax Yes 60,000 – 65,000 13.3

Panamax No 60,000 – 85,000 14.5

Mini Capesize No 100,000 - 120,000 14.5

Plate 4-4 Supramax Class OGV


4-15

Plate 4-5 Ultramax Class OGV

Plate 4-6 Panamax Class OGV


4-16

Plate 4-7 Mini Capesize OGV

4.3.7.1 Logistic Barge Operations

As indicated in the original Bauxite Hills EIS it is anticipated that a single logistics barge will be

required each week during the operation of the mine. The barge will be used to transport materials

to site and take waste material from site on the return transit. It is anticipated that there will be an

overall reduction in logistic barge transits as a consequence of the collaboration between the

Bauxite Hills Project and the SRBP.

The original Bauxite Hills EIS identified that a double skinned transport barge will deliver

approximately 200,000 litres of fuel each week to a standalone fuel farm in the Bauxite Hills MIA. As

the approved SRBP MIA will be utilised to support the Bauxite Hills Project, fuel will now be

delivered to the SRBP fuel farm and managed in accordance with the SRBP EA

4.4 Approved SRBP Infrastructure Supporting the Bauxite Hills Project

As the owner of Gulf Alumina, Metro Mining intends to utilise various infrastructure approved as

part of the SRBP. The following sections describe the approach to using the SRBP infrastructure.

4.4.1 Mine Infrastructure Area

The MIA approved for the SRBP will be used to support the Bauxite Hills Project. There may be some

minor optimisation of the MIA arrangement as approved for the SRBP; however, any changes will

occur within the existing footprint that was approved in the SRBP.

The key components of the MIA are:

Product bauxite stockpile;

Barge loading conveyor;

Generator compound;


4-17

Conveyor workshop;

Car parking and administration office;

Heavy vehicle workshop and washdown area;

Two sediment ponds;

Raw water storage area; and

Landfill.

4.4.2 Material Handling and Barge Loading

Metro Mining intends to utilise the approved SRBP BLF to load product bauxite to barges for

transhipment to OGVs located offshore to the mouth of the Skardon River. The use of the SRBP BLF

will result in significant reductions in the environmental impacts associated with the Project.

The materials handling system for the SRBP BLF consists of elements from the product stockpile

reclaim through to the barge loading conveyor. The capacity of the stockpile arrangement will be

confirmed as part of the design of the MIA and will be reliant on the finalisation of the Project

capacity requirements. Final design may incorporate two stockpiles at the SRBP MIA; however,

these will be sized such that there will be no expansion necessary to the approved SRBP MIA

footprint. To ensure capacity is available, the Bauxite Hills Project will establish in-pit product

bauxite stockpiles if required to ensure appropriate capacity is retained at the MIA.

Loading will comprise of a single stream fed from the Project stockpile from front end loaders

operating on the stockpile area. The front-end loader will feed through a hopper/feeder

arrangement to control the flow onto the reclaim conveyor. The reclaim conveyor will transfer to

the loading berth as proposed by the SRBP.

A product sampler will be installed, either as a cross belt sampler (at either the head end of the

reclaim conveyor or the tail end of the jetty conveyor) or as a falling stream sampler at the transfer

point between the reclaim conveyor and jetty conveyor.

The single stream materials handling system originally proposed in the Bauxite Hills EIS has a

capacity of 2,500 tonnes per hour (t/hr), with a target average loading rate onto the barge of 2,500

t/hr, to cater for a 5 Mtpa scenario with some redundancy to support increased future tonnages.

The elevated conveying system rate is designed to cater for movements of the barge during loading.

This configuration will be reassessed against the configuration proposed for the SRBP, which may

result in changes to the loading rate to cater for the amalgamation of the two projects.

4.4.3 Main Haul Road

The existing 16 km long main haul road which links the SRBP wet plant area and accommodation

village with the SRBP MIA and BLF will be used to service the Bauxite Hills Project.

4.4.4 Accommodation Camp

The accommodation facilities approved for the SRBP, both existing and planned, will be used to

service the Bauxite Hills Project. While most of the current accommodation infrastructure is likely

to be demolished, the existing site will be used for a new approved camp for both construction and

operations. The existing camp water supply bore and pipeline supply infrastructure will be

maintained.


4-18

The approved SRBP EIS identifies that the existing sewerage system, currently able to support a 60

person workforce, will be upgraded to service the workforce proposed for the development of the

amalgamated Project. It is not anticipated that a material change will be required to support the

additional workforce for the amalgamated projects as the identified irrigation has sufficient area to

accommodate the likely increase in work force. Note that whilst the projects are being amalgamated

it is not anticipated that this will have any significant impact on the workforce numbers.

4.4.5 Power Supply

With the use of the SRBP MIA, BLF and accommodation facilities for the Bauxite Hills Project, the

energy demand for the Bauxite Hills Project has been significantly reduced. Consequently, it is

anticipated that the power generation and distribution system approved for the SRBP will be

adequate to support the Bauxite Hills Project.

Power generation for the Bauxite Hills Project will be sourced from onsite generators located within

the SRBP MIA and the accommodation camp.

4.5 Construction Method

4.5.1 Overview

This section describes the various activities and their expected timing for the construction phases

of the Project. The construction works will include the concurrent construction of multiple onshore

infrastructure elements including open cut mine pits, haul roads and internal access roads.

Key elements of the Project construction program include:

Clearing, stripping and stockpiling topsoil for all disturbance areas;

Construction of mine infrastructure:

Haul roads

Internal access roads

Preparation of open cut pits:

Removal of overburden using front end loaders, excavators and trucks. Selected excavated

material will be used as fill for construction work.

4.5.2 Project Construction Program

The construction of the BH1 open cut pit, haul roads and other associated mine infrastructure is

planned to commence simultaneously in year one.

All materials associated with the construction of the Project will be barged to site using shallow

draught barges from either the Port of Cairns, Port of Darwin or the Port of Weipa. The Port of

Karumba may also be used to load equipment to support construction activities. It is anticipated

that approximately 30 barge movements, including both to and from the site, will be required during

the construction period for equipment and infrastructure. These barges will typically be 40 to 55 m

in length with a maximum draft of between 2.4 to 2.9 m (see Plate 2-8 showing example barges that

may be used during construction). Some smaller barge movements may be required for

consumables, anticipated to be at four movements per week during construction. Barge movements


4-19

into the Skardon River will be coordinated with tide levels such that no bed-levelling or dredging of

the river is required.

Materials brought to site will be stored on appropriately constructed hardstand at the SRBP MIA.

Plate 2-8 Logistics barge loaded with construction materials

The commencement date for construction is dependent upon the timing of the Project approvals

process. An indicative timeframe is outlined in Table 4-4.

Table 4-4 Indicative construction schedule

Works Anticipated Start Date Anticipated Duration

Vegetation clearance and site preparation Q3 2017 July to September

Development of BH1 open cut pit Q3 2017 August to November

Development of BH1 haul road Q3 2017 July to September

Development of supporting infrastructure Q3 2017 July to September

First bauxite export Q2 2018 April

4.5.3 Haul Roads

The construction of the east-west BH1 haul road will commence with site clearance works including

clearance of vegetation, soil removal and storage, bulk earthworks, and temporary drainage works.

These works will be conducted in accordance with the Project vegetation and soil management

measures.

Site clearance activities will be staged during the construction phase on an as needed basis to

coincide with construction requirements and to minimise the extent and duration of cleared areas

at any one time. Suitable soil resources for use in rehabilitation will be stripped from areas where

construction and mining operations will occur. Topsoils and subsoils will be stripped, handled and

stored in a manner in line with industry best practice to prevent the deterioration of soil quality

(refer to EIS Chapter 4 – Land which discussed rehabilitation and decommissioning). This will


4-20

include the separation of topsoil and subsoil where this is justified. Topsoils can be stored as a berm

around active worksites and utilised as erosion and sediment controls provided adequate controls

(including sediment fence and appropriate cover) are in place to manage the erosion risk of the

topsoil stockpile or bund itself. An inventory of available soils will be maintained to ensure adequate

materials are available for planned rehabilitation activities.

Site preparation activities will include the following:

Site clearance;

Civil works:

Environmental protection measures

Erosion and sediment controls

Quarry materials won from on-site borrow-pits;

Mobilisation to site and utilisation of existing SRBP accommodation camp at site

Access road/haul road establishment;

Establishment of work areas; and

If required, establishment of laydown and storage areas in addition to those at the SRBP MIA.

4.5.3.1 Civil Works

Civil works approved under the SRBP will commence following grant of the SRBP EA, and civil works

for the Project will commence following grant of the Bauxite Hills Project MLAs and EA. The SRBP

EA will be approved prior to the Bauxite Hills Project EA and as such, works will commence at the

MIA and BLF well before the construction of the haul road.

It is expected that civil works required during the construction phase will be completed in

approximately seven months from commencement; however, there may be requirements for

further civil works during the operations and decommissioning phases. Typical civil works that will

be undertaken as part of the Project include, but are not limited to:

Civil earthworks;

Installation of permanent and temporary drainage;

Trenching and laying of reticulated services and any other underground pipelines and services;

Installation of power distribution infrastructure;

Road formation construction, surfacing and finishing required for unsealed roads;

Earthworks for the establishment of drainage diversions; and

Erosion and sediment controls.

Installation of permanent drainage will be undertaken to accommodate drainage requirements for

both the construction and operational phase where possible. Where permanent drainage for the

operational phase cannot be installed, temporary drainage for the construction period will be

designed to appropriate RPEQ engineering practice and the ESCP that will be consistent with


4-21

International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control

(BPESC) Guidelines.

Quarry materials will be sourced from borrow pits for use as road base, select fill, rock protection,

sealing aggregates and other construction materials. It is not anticipated that any State-owned

quarry material administered under the Forestry Act 1959 will be sterilised or restricted from

utilisation (including offsets and loss of access for existing operations authorised under the Forestry

Act 1959).

4.5.4 Ancillary Construction Requirements

4.5.4.1 Construction Water Requirements

Raw water will be required for the construction phase of the Project. Metro Mining’s Project has

been declared a Project of Regional Significance which allows Metro Mining to seek a water

allocation from the GAB. Metro Mining has applied for a GAB allocation and is awaiting confirmation

from the appropriate regulatory body. Construction raw water will be sourced from the existing

SRBP water allocation.

Separately, Metro Mining is in the process of applying for a water allocation to supply water from

the shallow aquifer. Once that water allocation is granted a bore will be constructed nearby to the

accommodation camp as a drinking water source. Given the quality of shallow aquifer water it is not

anticipated that that a water treatment plant will be required. Potable water will be monitored and

stored in compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guideline 2011 (NHMRC and NRMMC,

2011). Potable water will initially be transported to site by logistics barge until the bore is

established in the shallow aquifer.

In addition, the SRBP currently has an existing sub-artesian water licence which was awarded to

Gulf Alumina on the 24 July 2012, which allows for 55 ML per annum from shallow aquifer bores in

the Project area. This water will be utilised to support the initial construction activities until the

licence applications discussed above are finalised.

4.5.4.2 Construction Materials, Plant and Equipment and Transportation

Quarry materials will be sourced from existing borrow pits located nearby to the existing SRBP haul

roads. This material has been assumed as being suitable for use in constructing the haul roads given

it is the same material that has been used previously on-site for the construction of the existing haul

roads and the existing airstrip. The material is also used extensively throughout the Cape by Cook

Shire as part of road construction and maintenance activities. It is not anticipated that forestry

materials will be required by the Project. The exact location and suitability of the onsite deposits is

yet to be determined, although it is expected that suitable materials can be sourced from within the

Project area given the presence of existing borrow-pits associated with the previous kaolin mine.

Hazardous materials such as diesel will be used during the construction of the mine and haul roads.

All hazardous materials will be stored and managed at the SRBP MIA in accordance with the Details

regarding the usage and storage of hazardous are discussed in Chapter 18 – Hazard and Safety.

All materials, plant and equipment will be delivered to the Project via barge. It is anticipated that

there will be 30 barges required to deliver various construction materials, plant and equipment over

the course of the construction phase. Loads will mostly be delivered from either the Port of Weipa,

Port of Darwin, Port of Karumba or the Port of Cairns. An assessment of the traffic and

transportation is discussed at Chapter 17 –Transport.


4-22

The Project will use standard construction equipment, general trade equipment and specialised

equipment as required.

4.5.5 Construction Waste Management

The management of the waste streams are discussed in Section 4.6.5 and Section 14 of the

Supplementary Report and Chapter 14 of the EIS. Waste material generated through construction

will be separated into separate waste streams and until such time that an appropriate waste

management system is in place at the site all construction wastes will be removed from site by barge

by appropriately licenced contractors to licenced recycling, treatment and disposal facilities.

Once the site waste management system is established, compostable wastes will be retained on site

for composting for use as a soil improvement medium. Materials that can be recycled for use on site

will be retained in appropriately designed and designated storage areas. Non-compostable waste

(including regulated wastes) will be removed from site by barge by appropriately licenced

contractors to licenced recycling, treatment and disposal facilities. Potential utilisation of the SRBP

approved landfill for combined projects will be undertaken and any change to the existing approval

conditions will be discussed with EHP at the appropriate time. Waste generation from emissions

that will contribute to existing local air quality are discussed in Section 12 of the Supplementary

Report and EIS Chapter 12 – Air Quality.

4.5.6 Construction Site Management and Security

4.5.6.1 Site Management

The Site Senior Executive (SSE) will be responsible for site management during the construction

phase. The SSE will be supported in this role by a senior site representative from the principal

construction contractor. A site Safety and Health Manager and a site Environmental Manager will

also be appointed by Metro Mining and will be present on the site during the construction phase.

4.5.6.2 Emergency Response

An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) will be implemented at the site as part of the overall Safety and

Health Management System (SHMS) prior to the commencement of construction activities. The

system will be modified as the site transitions into operations. The ERP will include specific

procedures aimed at identifying and minimising risks in an emergency response situation, address

rescue and escape procedures, provide for regular testing and review of emergency response

procedures and prescribe the requirement for routine auditing to ensure the consistency and

effectiveness of the system.

Designated first aid and emergency rescue facilities and equipment will be established at the site

prior to the commencement of construction and then will remain onsite throughout the life of the

Project. Appropriately trained personnel will be onsite at all times to implement emergency

response procedures when required.

Site safety inductions will include specific discussions in relation to emergency response procedures

for the site. This will include Standard Operating Procedures associated with rescue and escape

procedures in addition to onsite first aid resources and processes.


4-23

4.5.6.3 Access and Security

Access to the site will be controlled via the SRBP port and MIA entry points, and at the Skardon River

airstrip when planes are scheduled to arrive.

Access to the site by visitors will be permissible under a strictly controlled system with defined

Standard Operating Procedures. The system will incorporate procedures to ensure visitors are fully

authorised to access the site, have satisfactorily completed site inductions and are registered into

the site SHMS. The site security system will be routinely reviewed to ensure procedures remain

current and continue to achieve security objectives.

4.6 Operations

Construction is planned to commence in July 2017, following the receipt of all necessary

environmental approvals. Detailed design and construction is estimated to take four months. The

first shipment of bauxite is planned for September 2017.

The following summarises the operational process for mining and shipping the bauxite:

Removal of vegetation. This will occur progressively ahead of operations to ensure that the

disturbed areas are minimised prior to each wet season. Prior to clearing, any trees that are

suitable for reuse as nesting or tree hollow sites will be marked and individually felled and

stored. Once cleared, vegetation will be inspected by environmental staff to identify vegetation

suitable to be placed directly onto rehabilitated areas to provide initial habitat and assist with

soil erosion control purposes. Some vegetation may also be wood-chipped to provide base

organic material for a trial composting process (see EIS Chapter 14 – Waste Management).

Vegetation that is not used in the rehabilitation or waste management processes will be

windrowed and burned, with the burnt material incorporated into topsoil stockpiles.

Removal and storage of topsoil. Following clearing, topsoil will be collected where available

and either used directly for rehabilitation purposes or placed into clearly marked topsoil

stockpiles. This material will then be progressively replaced onto the post-mining rehabilitation

landform. The mine plan will be designed to maximise the amount of topsoil that can be placed

directly, without stockpiling.

Removal of overburden. Overburden thickness varies between 0.2 to 0.6 metres (m) over the

majority of the deposit. Select areas of BH1 have overburden thickness of between 0.8 to 1.5 m

and in some areas in BH6, the thickness varies between 0.6 to 1.0 m. The overburden is generally

low in nitrogen, phosphorus and total organic carbon. Total iron concentrations are high and

give the rich red soil colour observed during onsite surveys. Soil salinity is low and pH was

generally within the neutral range. The soils were typically not dispersive as the exchangeable

sodium percentage was below the limit of reporting (<0.1%). For the initial operation,

overburden material will be stored in temporary stockpiles, before being pushed back into the

post-mined area. All overburden that is removed before mining will then be progressively

deposited in the mined-out areas.

Bauxite excavation. Final equipment details will be determined by the contract mine operator;

however, excavation of the bauxite is expected to utilise CAT992K front end loaders with 12 m3

bucket capacity. The excavated ore will be hauled using “Pit Hauler” trucks that have three

trailers with a total capacity of 200 t. No drilling or blasting is required and most of the ore will

be free dug. Some ripping may be required in areas of cemented bauxite.


4-24

Screening. Bauxite will be screened either in pit or at the MIA stockpile area before depositing

to the product stockpile. Screening is required to eliminate oversize material and remove organic

material. Organic material will be retained or returned to the mining area and either burned with

the stripped vegetation or returned into the rehabilitated areas.

Transport of product material. Ore will be transported by haul truck to the product stockpile

located at the SRBP MIA.

Barge loading. Barges will be moored alongside the approved SRBP BLF and loaded. Once

loaded barges will be towed by tugs from the SRBP BLF to the transhipment location,

approximately 12 km from the mouth of the Skardon River. Six temporary mooring buoys (four

for barge and tugs and two for the floating shiploaders (commencing from year three)) will be

located in the river, downstream of the SRBP BLF. A single day mooring will be located offshore

immediately to the west of the river mouth to assist barges in transit.

Transhipment. OGVs will anchor within 12 km offshore from the Skardon River mouth in a

designated area. Under-keel depth in the transhipment area will be between 10-12 LAT to enable

loading during all tidal stages. During years 1 and 2 barges will be unloaded using cranes on

board the OGVs. During years 3 to 12 two floating cranes will be moored at the transhipment

location and will transfer bauxite from barges to the OGVs.

Sediment control in mining areas. Sediment control requirements will be ongoing and

integrated into mine planning. Sediment control will include measures to keep surface water

flow out of the mining areas as well as control runoff from the areas. With mining operations

carried out only in the dry season, the risk of significant water flow into or around the mining

operations is minimised. Pits will be designed to ensure that suitable containment measures are

in place at the start of the wet season.

Dust control. Dust will be maintained using water trucks on the haul roads and in-pit.

Rehabilitation of mined out areas. Mined areas will be progressively rehabilitated to meet

agreed final land use criteria. Overburden material will be placed and shaped, before being

covered with topsoil and any available composted material. Selected cleared vegetation may be

placed back onto the area to provide initial habitat and assist with soil erosion controls.

Rehabilitation may involve some direct seed placement. Where possible, locally sourced seed

will be spread across the rehabilitation area at rates that will be determined based on similar

rehabilitation projects with the selected species.

Final landform preparation. Final landform is dictated by the bauxite floor and the amount of

overburden replaced in the pit. In most areas, this is expected to be stable with good drainage.

Where necessary additional excavation/earthworks will be carried out to achieve a suitable land

profile or drainage outcome. These additional works are standard for mining operations and will

be readily achieved using existing mining equipment.

The mine plan will be periodically reviewed may be subject to change. Changes may require

progressive approval and will be identified in the Plan of Operations process.

4.6.1 Mining Method

The mining method for the Project will be as described in the Bauxite Hills EIS. The Project will be

an open cut mining operation utilising front end loaders and trucks for hauling. The material does

not need any drilling and blasting; however, some ripping by dozers is likely to be required. Front

end loaders will be used for loading due to their high manoeuvrability.


4-25

Bauxite will be hauled to the product stockpile using road train trucks. Overburden material will be

initially stored ex-pit. In-pit overburden storage is expected to commence within the first six months

of production. The overburden volume is low for this deposit and it is not expected to represent an

issue in terms of waste storage or required capacity of mining equipment.

The bauxite resource is contained in BH6 west (MLA 20689), BH6 east (MLA 20688) and BH1 (MLA

20676).The anticipated annual production rates are shown in Table 4-5 and presented in Figure 4-

6 (total production schedule) and Figure 4-7 (production schedule by pit). The mine may be

extended as a result of further exploration activities at the site and subsequent optimisation of the

mine plan to reflect increased reserves.

Table 4-5 5 Mtpa mining schedule

Year 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Total Ore 1,072,922 4,034,009 4,950,002 4,950,005 4,950,003 4,950,000

Total Waste Volume 180,666 351,696 308,774 393,386 478,723 473,829

Total Ore BH1 645,500 2,730,351 4,950,002 4,950,005 4,950,003 4,950,000

Total Waste Volume BH1 102,000 211,977 308,774 393,386 478,723 473,829

Total Ore BH6 427,422 1,303,658 - - - -

Total Waste Volume BH6 78,666 139,719 - - - -

Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

Total Ore 4,895,777 4,927,367 4,950,005 4,950,008 4,498,720 -

Total Waste Volume 779,134 570,107 531,376 673,673 795,858 -

Total Ore BH1 4,895,777 140,017 - - - -

Total Waste Volume BH1 779,134 15,993 - - - -

Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

Total Ore BH6 - 4,787,351 4,950,005 4,950,008 4,498,720 -

Total Waste Volume BH6 - 554,114 531,376 673,673 795,858 -

Figure 4-6 Estimated total annual DSO bauxite production rates

-

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

DSO

Bau

xite

To

nn

age

Year

Total Annual Production Schedule

Total Ore Total Waste Volume


4-26

Figure 4-7 Estimated annual DSO bauxite production rates for each pit

The mobile plant and equipment expected to be used for the Project’s construction and operational

activities, to support a production rate of 5 Mtpa is shown at Table 4-6. All equipment will be

delivered and removed from site by barge through the existing SRBP MIA and port area.

Table 4-6 Indicative plant and equipment

Year of Operation 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

Mining

CAT 992 PIT 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 -

CAT 992 ORE - - - - - - - - - - - -

CAT 992 WASTE - - - - - - - - - - - -

CAT 992 ROM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

ROM Screen 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

ROM Stacker 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

CAT 992 Port Loader 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 -

CAT 992 Port Loader 2 - - - - - - - - - - - -

Trucks

Ore Trucks 2 4 6 6 7 7 7 4 4 3 3 -

Scrapers 637 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

Ancillary

Grader 16M 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 -

D10 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 -

Water Truck 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

Service Truck 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

Fuel Truck 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

Support Machines

WA380 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

Lighting Towers 4 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 -

Roller 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

-

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

DSO

Bau

xite

To

nn

age

Year

Total Annual Production Schedule By Pit

Total Ore BH1 Total Waste Volume BH1 Total Ore BH6 Total Waste Volume BH6


4-27

Year of Operation 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

Crane 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

Dewatering Pumps 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 -

4.6.2 Bauxite Screening

Once mined, ROM bauxite will be screened in-pit prior to being delivered to the SRBP MIA. The

screens will be designed to remove organic matter (tree roots etc.) and separate larger lumps of

cemented bauxite. Bauxite will be passed through a screen to reduce the top size to minus 100 mm.

The screened bauxite ore will then be stockpiled in-pit as final product. The bauxite is of direct

shipping quality and as such no beneficiation is required. Bauxite will be picked up from the in-pit

product stockpile by front end loaders and loaded into awaiting haul trucks for transfer to the SRBP

MIA.

The SRBP has approval for crushing plant to be located at the SRBP MIA. Metro Mining assumes that

screening will also be undertaken at the SRBP MIA as part of the crushing process and as such, Metro

Mining is also considering the utilisation of the approved SRBP crushing infrastructure that will be

located at the SRBP MIA. If screening is undertaken at the MIA it will be done in accordance with the

EA issued for the SRBP.

4.6.3 Stockpiling and Barge Loading

Where previously Metro Mining proposed standalone MIA and BLF infrastructure Metro Mining will

utilise the approved SRBP MIA and BLF for the stockpiling of bauxite and loading of barges.

These activities will be carried out at the SRBP MIA and BLF in accordance with the conditions and

approvals described in the SRBP EA.

4.6.4 Barge Operations

Aside from the loading of barges at the approved SRBP BLF, there are no changes proposed to the

barge operations to that provided in the Bauxite Hills EIS.

4.6.5 Site Waste Management

Metro Mining is committed to implementing waste minimisation and efficiency strategies. Metro

Mining will ensure that construction and operation activities are in line with the waste management

hierarchy outlined within the Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000. This

provides preferred principles of waste management based on:

Avoid waste by optimising methods used within the construction, operation and

decommissioning phases (most preferred);

Reuse waste by identification of secondary sources that can utilise waste;

Recycle waste by identification of facilities that can recycle the particular waste stream;

Energy recovery from waste, e.g. creating energy from incineration; and

Disposal of waste at an appropriate facility (least preferred).

The principles outlined above will form the basis of Metro Mining’s waste management strategy and

will be applicable to all waste streams which may be generated throughout the life of the Project. As

an overriding principle, Metro Mining is not planning to have an onsite landfill, with all general,


4-28

recyclable and regulated wastes being removed from site for treatment and disposal at licenced

facilities. A detailed explanation of Metro Mining’s waste management procedures and strategies

were presented in the EIS at Chapter 14 – Waste Management.

4.6.5.1 Air Emissions

The operation of the Project is likely to result in minimal impacts to the local air quality and

environmental values. The main air emissions from mining operations are caused by wind-borne

dust, haul road generated dust, materials handling, stockpiles and transfers.

The Project is located in a relatively remote location with the MLA boundary approximately 16 km

from sensitive residential receptors in Mapoon, therefore no impacts to these receptors are

anticipated. Air quality modelling identified that the operation of the Project will comply with the

assessment criteria. Management and mitigation measures will be implemented as a precautionary

measure to further ensure no impacts occur. These measures will be implemented to minimise dust

emissions, including dust suppression of stockpiles and haul road and the progressive rehabilitation

mined areas.

4.6.5.2 Excavated Waste

Waste material (overburden) associated with the pit development and mining (including sub-soils

and weathered rock) will be replaced into the pits following mining. The Project does not propose

to have any out-of-pit overburden dumps. Topsoil will be retained nearby to the mine pits and

reused as part of site rehabilitation (refer to Section 5 of the Supplementary Report and EIS Chapter

4 - Land for further details on rehabilitation). These materials are relatively geochemically inert (e.g.

testing showing relatively neutral pH) and have low acid forming potential (refer to EIS Chapter 4 –

Land for geochemical properties). Any suitable product material that is intercepted during the

construction process will be stockpiled within the mine pit for future export.

The estimated excavated waste volumes for the life of the Project, excluding decommissioning

(2028) are shown in Table 4-7. Whilst referred to as waste, the excavated waste materials will be

returned to the pit void as part of the Projects rehabilitation program. Therefore, it is not expected

that there will be any waste material stockpiles retained out-of-pit at the cessation of mining.


4-29

Table 4-7 Waste material calculations for the life of the Project

Year 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

Full Deposit

Total Ore 1,072,922 4,034,009 4,950,002 4,950,005 4,950,003 4,950,000 4,895,777 4,927,367 4,950,005 4,950,008 4,498,720

Total Waste Volume (t) 180,666 351,696 308,774 393,386 478,723 473,829 779,134 570,107 531,376 673,673 795,858

Approximate Disturbance Area (ha)

101 248 222 269 326 389 527 374 370 453 576

Deposit BH1

Total Ore - 2,730,351 4,950,002 4,950,005 4,950,003 4,950,000 4,895,777 140,017 - - -

Total Waste Volume (t) - 211,977 308,774 393,386 478,723 473,829 779,134 15,993 - - -

Deposit BH6

Total Ore 1,072,922 1,303,658 - - - - - 4,787,351 4,950,005 4,950,008 4,498,720

Total Waste Volume (t) 180,666 139,719 - - - - - 554,114 531,376 673,673 795,858


4-30

4.6.5.3 Solid and Liquid Waste

The generation, recycling and disposal of wastes will be reduced through effective management and

implementation of site specific recycling practices as outlined in EIS Chapter 14 – Waste

Management. As part of the waste management strategy, Metro Mining will develop and implement

a Waste Management Plan that will provide the framework to implement good practice waste

management practices in accordance with the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.

Mining activities will result in the generation of domestic, commercial and industrial type wastes.

Waste streams generated by the Project include:

General waste suitable for disposal to offsite landfill;

Putrescible wastes suitable for onsite composting;

Reusable or recyclable materials such as wood, scrap metal, paper, cardboard, aluminium cans,

glass and plastic bottles; and

Regulated waste such as sewage, tyres, solvents, lubricants, redundant chemicals and engine

coolant.

Where possible, waste will be recycled or reused and will be separated out into various skips

according to its waste stream. In instances where the waste cannot be recycled, it will be removed

offsite by appropriately licenced contractors and taken to landfill. For any regulated waste, an

appropriately licensed waste contractor will be used to remove the waste from the Project site.

Licenced contractors will be engaged to manage waste removal, ensuring minimal waste disposal

will occur on site. Potential utilisation of the SRBP approved landfill for combined projects will be

undertaken and any change to the existing approval conditions will be discussed with EHP at the

appropriate time.

Full details of solid waste disposal are included in Chapter 14 – Waste Management.

4.6.6 Workforce

Notwithstanding the acquisition of Gulf Alumina and the SRBP, there is not anticipated to be a

material change to the workforce composition and numbers to what was described in the original

Bauxite Hills EIS.

Due to the poor road access to the Project area it is not possible to transport the workforce from an

offsite location or nearby population centre (e.g. Mapoon and/or Weipa) to the Project area on a

daily basis. Therefore, the workforce will be 100% FIFO.

In response to the Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee Report No. 9 Inquiry

into FIFO and other long distance commuting work practices in regional Queensland, the

Queensland State Government detailed a range of measures to be adopted. These measures will be

released later in 2016 as part of the Government's broader policy framework for FIFO and included

inter alia:

Workforce plans that maximise the opportunity for local workers to get jobs;

Workers to live in local existing housing, or in purpose-built villages, where there is community

support; and


4-31

Accommodation that provides a safe, clean and healthy environment for workers.

Metro Mining’s approach to a 100% FIFO workforce does not contravene the Government response

to prevent 100% FIFO projects. Metro Mining is seeking to maximise local and Indigenous

employment; it is simply the lack of suitable road infrastructure, access and distances from

townships that determines the requirement for FIFO. The Project’s FIFO workforce will be

transported to the site by air and will be housed in the SRBP accommodation camp in the Project

area. Approximately ten flights per week during construction and three flights per week will be

required for the FIFO workforce during operations.

Charter flights will be arranged from Cairns directly to site, or going via Weipa. Should there be

sufficient demand, charter flights will be arranged between Cooktown, Bamaga and the Project site.

Aircraft would use the Northern Peninsula Airport, which services all communities in the Northern

Peninsula Area for flights into and out of Bamaga. Cook Shire Airport will be used for flights into and

out of Cooktown. Charter flights are expected to go via Weipa to refuel and collect passengers which

could include workers from Mapoon.

The Project will operate over two 12 hour shifts per day for approximately eight months of the year

and is expected to employ up to 254 employees during peak operations. Indicative workforce

requirements shown in Table 4-8; however, final numbers will be confirmed once the mining and

maritime operations contractors have been selected.

Table 4-8 Indicative Project staffing numbers

Year 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

Grand total 138 240 251 251 254 254 254 240 243 243 240

Contractor Numbers 34 65 76 76 79 79 79 65 68 68 65

Loader Operator 9 15 18 18 18 18 18 15 18 18 18

Road Train 3 12 18 18 21 21 21 12 12 9 9

Scraper 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Dozer Operator 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 6 3

Grader 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Service Truck 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Water Cart 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Fuel Truck 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Maintenance 3 10 12 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 10

Maintenance Supervisor 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Site Manager 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Supervisor 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Surveyor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Survey / Planner 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

HSE 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Admin/HR 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Metro Management 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

SSE 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Survey 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Health and Safety Manager 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Environment Manager 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Admin and HR 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1


4-32

Year 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

Grand total 138 240 251 251 254 254 254 240 243 243 240

Contractor Numbers 34 65 76 76 79 79 79 65 68 68 65

Survey / Geologist 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Community Liaison Officer 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Accountant 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Marketing 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Shipping 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Marine Personnel 80 140 140 140 140 140 140 140 140 140 140

Panel 1 40 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70

Panel 2 40 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70

Camp Personnel 14 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25

Panel 1 6 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

Panel 2 8 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

4.6.6.1 Workforce Management

Metro Mining is continuing to develop workforce management plans and strategies and will

continue to do so as Project planning and engagement with stakeholders progresses. The

composition of the workforce and the source of workers will not be known until recruitment

commences. No positions within the Project are to be specified as being resident or non-resident

with all positions open to the ‘right’ candidate, wherever that person may reside.

The action plan for workforce management provides the flexibility for the changing labour markets

as a result of other projects. In further developing and implementing the action plan, Metro Mining

is committed to working with stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the plan.

Metro Mining has finalised an Ancillary Agreement with both Native Title Parties, as well as the

Aboriginal land owners. The Ancillary Agreement includes a Cultural Heritage Management

Agreement (CHMA) which covers the protection and management of all Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

in the CHMA Area for the purposes of the proposed mining and transhipment activities, agreed

actions in relation to employment opportunities for both parties. These agreed employment actions

will be incorporated into the workforce management plans and strategies.

Recruitment and management of the workforce will largely be the responsibility of contractors and

subcontractors appointed to undertake various components of the Project. Metro Mining will

include in the contract the requirement to meet any social or employment commitments that have

been made. The contracting strategy for the Project is still being developed, however, contractors

will be required to have recruitment and training programs in place, along with an employment

policy. Contractors and subcontractors will be required to report on the following information

which is regularly requested by the Office of Economic and Statistical Research through the

Queensland Treasury mining employment survey:

Number of employees, contractors, subcontractors;

Local government area of usual place of residence, plus postcode of usual place of residence;

Name of contractor, subcontractor, and number of personnel for each working on the Project;

Number of workers involved in each of the construction, operation and scheduled maintenance

activities;


4-33

Types of accommodation assistance provided to employees, contractors and subcontractors, if

any (such as: subsidised housing, accommodation camp, temporary accommodation, commercial

accommodation and other accommodation); and

Number of workers in each type of accommodation.

All contractors engaged by the Project will be encouraged to utilise Australian and Queensland

Government skills and training programs where possible, including the Australian Apprenticeship

Program.

4.7 Rehabilitation and Decommissioning

Rehabilitation and decommissioning will occur progressively during mining operations. Mined

areas will be progressively rehabilitated to the agreed final land use. Metro Mining aims to return

the land to a sustainable land use that requires minimal maintenance, supports the native flora and

fauna and protects downstream water quality. The rehabilitation and decommissioning process is

described in further detail in Section 5 of the Supplementary Report and EIS Chapter 4 – Land.

Documents

Metro Mining Bauxite Hills Project Metro Mining ... · haul road corridor or from the BH1 mine pit. The haul road design will be based ... to supply material for the construction