Metro Mining Appendix H2 - Metro Mining Community and ... · 2-1 2 Description of the Project This...
Transcript of Metro Mining Appendix H2 - Metro Mining Community and ... · 2-1 2 Description of the Project This...
Metro MiningBauxite Hills Project
Environmental Impact Statement
Metro MiningChapter 2 - Description of the Project
Environmental Impact Statement
Metro MiningAppendix H2 - Metro Mining Community andSocial Responsibility Policy
i
Table of Contents
2 Description of the Project ................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.1 Project Overview .................................................................................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Location ...................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
2.2.1 State Context ...................................................................................................................................... 2-2 2.2.2 Regional Context .............................................................................................................................. 2-2 2.2.3 Local Context ..................................................................................................................................... 2-2 2.2.4 Disturbance Area ............................................................................................................................. 2-8
2.3 Tenure, Land Use and Access ........................................................................................................... 2-9 2.3.1 Tenure .................................................................................................................................................. 2-9 2.3.2 Site Access ....................................................................................................................................... 2-11
2.4 Resource Base and Mine Life ......................................................................................................... 2-11 2.4.1 Regional Geology .......................................................................................................................... 2-11 2.4.2 Local Stratigraphy ........................................................................................................................ 2-12 2.4.3 Estimated JORC Resource Summary .................................................................................... 2-16 2.4.4 Ongoing Evaluation and Exploration Activities .............................................................. 2-17
2.5 Project Needs and Alternatives .................................................................................................... 2-17 2.5.1 Global Bauxite Demand ............................................................................................................. 2-17 2.5.2 Supply and Demand Drivers .................................................................................................... 2-19 2.5.3 Project Benefits ............................................................................................................................. 2-21 2.5.4 Alternatives to the Project ........................................................................................................ 2-22 2.5.5 No Development Scenario ........................................................................................................ 2-23 2.5.6 Alternatives ..................................................................................................................................... 2-24
2.6 Infrastructure Requirements ........................................................................................................ 2-30 2.6.1 Mine Infrastructure ..................................................................................................................... 2-30 2.6.2 Barge Loading Facility ................................................................................................................ 2-32 2.6.3 Roll On/Roll Off Facility ............................................................................................................. 2-38 2.6.4 Materials Handling....................................................................................................................... 2-40 2.6.5 MIA Sediment Basin .................................................................................................................... 2-40 2.6.6 Site Power and Water ................................................................................................................. 2-40 2.6.7 Site Communications .................................................................................................................. 2-43 2.6.8 Lighting ............................................................................................................................................. 2-43 2.6.9 Site Waste Management ............................................................................................................ 2-43 2.6.10 Workforce Accommodation ..................................................................................................... 2-46
2.7 Construction .......................................................................................................................................... 2-50 2.7.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 2-50 2.7.2 Construction Program ................................................................................................................ 2-50 2.7.3 Onshore Infrastructure .............................................................................................................. 2-52 2.7.4 Barge Loading Facility ................................................................................................................ 2-54 2.7.5 Roll On/Roll Off Facility ............................................................................................................. 2-61 2.7.6 Ancillary Construction Requirements ................................................................................. 2-62 2.7.7 Construction Waste Management ......................................................................................... 2-63 2.7.8 Construction Site Management and Security ................................................................... 2-63
2.8 Operations ............................................................................................................................................. 2-64 2.8.1 Mining Method ............................................................................................................................... 2-64 2.8.2 Mine Plant and Equipment ....................................................................................................... 2-64 2.8.3 Operation ......................................................................................................................................... 2-65 2.8.4 Mining Sequence ........................................................................................................................... 2-67 2.8.5 Product Handling.......................................................................................................................... 2-70 2.8.6 Barge Operations .......................................................................................................................... 2-71
2.9 Workforce .............................................................................................................................................. 2-85
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
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2.9.1 Workforce Management ............................................................................................................ 2-86 2.10 Rehabilitation and Decommissioning ........................................................................................ 2-87 2.11 ToR Cross-reference .......................................................................................................................... 2-88
List of Figures
Figure 2-1 Regional location of the Project...................................................................................................... 2-4 Figure 2-2 Project location Cook Shire ............................................................................................................. 2-5 Figure 2-3 Project infrastructure ..................................................................................................................... 2-6 Figure 2-4 Mine infrastructure area layout ...................................................................................................... 2-7 Figure 2-5 Mining lease tenements and cadastre .......................................................................................... 2-10 Figure 2-6 Depositional basins with Great Artesian Basin ............................................................................. 2-12 Figure 2-7 Surface geology ............................................................................................................................. 2-14 Figure 2-8 Typical stratigraphic profile of Western Cape region ................................................................... 2-15 Figure 2-9 Supply of bauxite by country ........................................................................................................ 2-18 Figure 2-10 Bauxite reserves by country ....................................................................................................... 2-18 Figure 2-11 Alumina output by country ......................................................................................................... 2-19 Figure 2-12 Bauxite price ............................................................................................................................... 2-20 Figure 2-13 Chinese bauxite imports by source ............................................................................................. 2-21 Figure 2-14 Potential outloading berth locations .......................................................................................... 2-28 Figure 2-15 Indicative haul road cross section ............................................................................................... 2-31 Figure 2-16 Indicative barge loading facility concept .................................................................................... 2-34 Figure 2-17 Indicative barge loading facility loading berth design ................................................................ 2-35 Figure 2-18 Longitudinal cross section of the barge loading facility concept ................................................ 2-36 Figure 2-19 Barge loading facility concept typical design .............................................................................. 2-37 Figure 2-20 Roll on/roll off facility design ...................................................................................................... 2-39 Figure 2-21 Proposed water management network ...................................................................................... 2-41 Figure 2-22 Indicative accommodation camp design .................................................................................... 2-48 Figure 2-23 Indicative accommodation camp design – 3D layout ................................................................. 2-49 Figure 2-24 Bent construction sequence step 1 ............................................................................................ 2-56 Figure 2-25 Bent construction sequence step 2 ............................................................................................ 2-57 Figure 2-26 Bent construction sequence step 3 ............................................................................................ 2-57 Figure 2-27 Bent construction sequence step 4 ............................................................................................ 2-58 Figure 2-28 Bent construction sequence step 5 ............................................................................................ 2-58 Figure 2-29 Bent construction sequence step 6 ............................................................................................ 2-59 Figure 2-30 Bent construction sequence step 7 ............................................................................................ 2-59 Figure 2-31 Dolphin construction using SEP .................................................................................................. 2-60 Figure 2-32 Completed dolphin ..................................................................................................................... 2-61 Figure 2-33 Estimated total annual DSO bauxite production rates ............................................................... 2-66 Figure 2-34 Estimated annual DSO bauxite production rates for each pit .................................................... 2-66 Figure 2-35 Mine development sequence ..................................................................................................... 2-69 Figure 2-36 Indicative barge specifications for year 1 operations ................................................................. 2-71 Figure 2-37 Indicative barge specifications for year 2 to 12 operations ........................................................ 2-72 Figure 2-38 Indicative OGV anchorage area .................................................................................................. 2-78 Figure 2-39 Indicative general arrangement of a double skinned barge ....................................................... 2-80 Figure 2-40 Schematic of mooring and barge ................................................................................................ 2-81 Figure 2-41 Indicative barge mooring locations ............................................................................................ 2-82 Figure 2-42 Indicative barge mooring layout ................................................................................................. 2-83 Figure 2-43 Indicative day mooring design .................................................................................................... 2-84
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
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List of Tables
Table 2-1 Project disturbance area by Regional Ecosystem ............................................................................ 2-8 Table 2-2 Project tenure .................................................................................................................................. 2-9 Table 2-3 Mining tenements in the immediate vicinity of Project .................................................................. 2-9 Table 2-4 Stratigraphy .................................................................................................................................... 2-12 Table 2-5 Mineral and ore reserve estimates ................................................................................................ 2-17 Table 2-6 Indicative haul road design criteria ................................................................................................ 2-32 Table 2-7 Mine water demands ..................................................................................................................... 2-42 Table 2-8 Waste material calculations for the life of the Project .................................................................. 2-45 Table 2-9 Indicative construction schedule ................................................................................................... 2-51 Table 2-10 Indicative plant and equipment ................................................................................................... 2-65 Table 2-11 5 Mtpa mining schedule ............................................................................................................... 2-65 Table 2-12 OGV class specifications ............................................................................................................... 2-75 Table 2-13 Indicative Project staffing numbers ............................................................................................. 2-85 Table 2-14 ToR Cross-reference – project description .................................................................................. 2-88
List of Plates
Plate 2-1 Port of Skardon River infrastructure ................................................................................................. 2-3 Plate 2-2 Logistics barge loaded with construction materials ....................................................................... 2-51 Plate 2-3 Typical Self Elevating Platform, Fuji ................................................................................................ 2-55 Plate 2-4 Typical onshore management area for PASS .................................................................................. 2-62 Plate 2-5 Typical shallow draft tugboat that will be used during barge operations ...................................... 2-73 Plate 2-6 Example of a typical floating crane that would be use to transfer bauxite to the OGV ................. 2-74 Plate 2-7 Shallow draft work boat ................................................................................................................. 2-74 Plate 2-8 Supramax Class OGV ....................................................................................................................... 2-75 Plate 2-9 Ultramax Class OGV ........................................................................................................................ 2-76 Plate 2-10 Panamax Class OGV ...................................................................................................................... 2-76 Plate 2-11 Mini Capesize OGV ....................................................................................................................... 2-77 Plate 2-12 Logistics barge loaded with mining equipment ............................................................................ 2-79
2-1
2 Description of the Project
This chapter describes the Bauxite Hills Project (the Project) location, resource base, alternatives
considered as part of concept and design, mining methods, including the timing of operations,
disturbance areas, products and operational infrastructure and workforce. The contents of the
chapter are cross-referenced against the requirements of the Terms of Reference (ToR) (Table 2-
14) to demonstrate how this chapter satisfies those requirements.
2.1 Project Overview
Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Metro Mining Limited (herein referred as
Metro Mining) is proposing to develop an open cut bauxite mine and barging/transhipment
operation on a greenfield site on the western coastline of Cape York (the Project) (see Figure 2-1
and Figure 2-2). The Project is expected to have a life span of 12 years at the maximum production
rate of 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). It is characterised by several shallow open cut pits that
will be connected via internal haul roads, which in turn, will be connected to a main north-south
haul road linking the Mine Infrastructure Area (MIA) and Barge Loading Facility (BLF) located on
the Skardon River (see Figure 2-3 and Figure 2-4).
Key components of the Project include:
Shallow open cut pits (Bauxite Hills 1 (BH1), Bauxite Hill 6 (BH6) east and west pits);
Internal haul roads and access roads;
BLF and Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) facility on the Skardon River;
MIA including the run-of-mine (ROM) stockpile, bauxite stockpiles, barge loading conveyor load
point, earthmoving equipment hard park, administration offices, workshops and fuelling
facilities;
Accommodation camp;
Raw and potable water supply; and
Sewage treatment plant.
The operations of the Project is expected to require 254 employees at its peak, with additional
contractors as needed. The Project will be 100% fly-in fly-out (FIFO) due to its remote location. The
mine will operate two 12 hour shifts per day for eight months of the year, shutting down operations
during the wet season. Contractors will most likely work a two week on, and one week off roster;
however, this will be decided by the selected mine operator. The Project workforce, comprising all
staff and contractors throughout the life of the Project, will be required to follow Project workforce
management plans and strategies to ensure environmental and social impacts are minimised.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
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2.2 Location
2.2.1 State Context
The Project is located on the western side of Cape York in far north Queensland (FNQ),
approximately 95 kilometres (km) north of Weipa. Bauxite deposits in this area are expected to be
more than 3,000 million tonnes (Mt), which are the largest deposits in Australia (Australian
Government, 2015). The Project bauxite deposits are located within the Carpentaria Basin, a sub-
basin of the Great Artesian Basin. The location of the Project and its proximity to nearby towns is
shown in Figure 2-1.
2.2.2 Regional Context
The Project is located within the Cook Shire Regional Council local government area (Cook Shire).
The Cook Shire extends from Bloomfield River in the south to just north of the Jardine River (Figure
2-2). The Cook Shire spans an area of 100,000 square kilometres and covers 80% of the Cape York
Peninsula.
The Cook Shire has a population of approximately 5,000 people. There are no major towns in close
proximity to the Project with Weipa being the closest major town located approximately 95 km,
south of the Project.
2.2.3 Local Context
The Project area is remote from any township with the nearest town Mapoon (population 300),
located approximately 35 km in a direct line to the southwest of the proposed MIA. Access to
Mapoon from the BLF is approximately 40 km by sea and approximately 350 km by four wheel drive
(via Weipa) from the accommodation camp. There are no reserves, stock routes, easements or
public road reserves within the Project area.
The Project is located on bauxite plateaus that surround the Skardon River. The plateaus are non-
undulating and exhibit moderate slopes with steeper slopes along the fringes of the Skardon River.
The BH1 boundary is surrounded to the north and south by tidal zones of the Skardon River and
main tributary, respectively. To the east, a ridge rises between these major drainage lines and is
characterised by tributary gully formations that feed the main channels.
The BH6 West is divided by a ridgeline running parallel to the main tributary of the Skardon River.
The western boundary is characterised by a series of swamps, coastal dunes and low lying coastal
zones that are tidally influenced. The eastern boundary rises up a ridge that forms the divide
between the Skardon River and Namaleta Creek catchments.
The Project is located entirely within Lot 11 on SP204113 and Lot 13 on SP204113, both of which
are freehold tenures, being Aboriginal freehold land. These are held by the Old Mapoon Aboriginal
Corporation with whom the company has a Conduct and Compensation Agreement for exploration
and has successfully negotiated a Conduct and Compensation Agreement for mining in January
2016.
The land is intermittently used by Traditional Owners for cultural activities, hunting and fishing.
The land is not used for agriculture or logging. There are no pastoral properties in the vicinity of the
Project. Road access to the Project area is possible via the Telegraph Road and a 90 km,
unmaintained bush track, allowing a small number of tourists to camp on the beach near the mouth
of the Skardon River. Any access must currently be approved by the OMAC land owners, who charge
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-3
a nominal camping fee. The area is only accessible via four wheel drive during the dry season. The
land use is discussed in further detail in Chapter 4 – Land.
The Project area overlaps waters within the Port of Skardon River. The Port of Skardon River covers
an area of 2,489 hectares (ha) and was established in 2002 with the objective to facilitate regional
trade, specifically relating to the proposed kaolin mine operations at the time. The Port facilities are
privately owned and are located downstream of the proposed barge loading area and include a
barge loading and unloading ramp, diesel transfer pipeline and storage tank and ancillary support
buildings (see Plate 2-1).
Plate 2-1 Port of Skardon River infrastructure
152°0'0"E
152°0'0"E
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DISCLAIMER
CDM 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 Zone 54
/0 50 10025
Kilometres
Figure - 1
Regional location of the ProjectDESIGNED
Details
MD
©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITH
This drawing is confidential and shall only be
used for the purpose of this project.
DATA SOURCE
MEC Mining 2015;QLD Government Open Data Source;
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology.
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COOK SHIRE LGA
Project location
TELEGR
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DUCIE RIVER
COCKATOO CREEK
DULH UNTY RIVER
MCHENRYRIVER
MYA LL CREEK
NOR TH ALICE
CREEK
MISSION RIVER
EMBLEYRIVER
PALM CREEK
SKARDON R IVER
JACK
EY JACKEY CREEK
DOUGHBOY RIVER
CHOLMONDELEY CREEK
JACK
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RIVE
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DUCIERIV
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J A CKSON RIVER
Peninsula Dev Road
WEIPA
MAPOON
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DISCLAIMER
CDM 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 Zone 54
/0 5 102.5
Kilometres
Figure -
location DESIGNED
Details
MD
©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITH
This drawing is confidential and shall only be
used for the purpose of this project.
Legend
Town
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Mine Lease Boundary
Cook Shire LGA
WA
NT
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SA
NSW
VIC
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ACT
DATA SOURCE
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Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology.
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COOK SHIRE LGA
Airport Strip
BH1 Haul RoadMLA 10048
Accommodation Camp
BH6 EastMLA boundary
(ML 20688)Camp Access
Road
Port AreaMLA 100051Port Haul Road
MLA 100047
BH1 MLA boundary(ML 20676)
BH6 West MLA boundary
(ML 20689)SK ARDON RIVER
NAMALETA C REEK
NAMALETA CREEK
SKARDON RIVER
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Figure 2-3
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
Project infrastructure©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITH
This drawing is confidential and shall only be used for the purpose of this project.
APPROVEDDRAWN
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CHECKED
LegendMine Infrastructure AreaWatercourseHaul RoadPit ExtentsMine Lease AreaAccommodation Camp
DATA SOURCEMEC Mining 2016;
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Barge Loading
Area
Mine Infrastructure
Area
21/10/15
Roll-On/Roll-OffFacility
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142°3'39.648"E11°44'41.983"S
142°3'58.611"E11°44'50.543"S
142°3'57.718"E11°44'52.548"S
142°3'38.755"E11°44'43.987"S
Floating Crane Moorings
Tug and BargeMoorings
Port AreaMLA 100051
ROAD
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DISCLAIMER
CDM 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 Zone 54
/0 25 5012.5
Metres
Figure
Mine infrastructure areaDESIGNED
Details
MD
©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITH
This drawing is confidential and shall only be
used for the purpose of this project.
Legend
Mine Infrastructure Area
DATA SOURCE
MEC Mining 2015;QLD Government Open Data Source;
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology.
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DESIGNER
PRODUCT AREA 2
LAYDOWN
FUEL FARM
SED TRAP
SED TRAP
PRODUCT AREA 1
HAUL ROAD
ORE LOADING CONVEYOR
ADMIN/OFFICE &WORKSHOP
MATERIAL LAYDOWN AREA
ROLL-ON/ROLL-OFF
FACILITYWASTE STORAGE
RECYCLING STORAGE
HOPPER
CONVEYOR
TRANSFER POINT
SEDIMENT TRAPGRILL/GRATE
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-8
2.2.4 Disturbance Area
The combined Mining Lease Application (MLA) areas cover a combined area of approximately 4,060
ha. The mine area comprises of three open cut pits and associated haul roads, the MIA, a BLF and
RoRo facility. A workers’ accommodation camp will be located in the south of BH6 East (MLA 20688)
and will be separate to other mine infrastructure but connected by an internal road. The general
arrangement of the mine area is shown at Figure 2-5.
The disturbance area for the Project comprises approximately 1,466.94 ha or 37% of the total MLA
area. A breakdown of the disturbance area by Regional Ecosystem (RE) for each Project component
is shown in Table 2-1 and discussed further in Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology. The
final landform footprint, including the rehabilitated mined pits and decommissioned and
rehabilitated infrastructure areas are discussed in Chapter 4 – Land.
Table 2-1 Project disturbance area by Regional Ecosystem
Project component RE VM / BD Status Area (ha)
BH1 – Pit Extraction Area 3.5.2 LC / NC 664.39
BH6 East – Pit Extraction
Area
3.3.14 LC / NC 7.90
3.5.2 LC / NC 284.30
BH6 West – Pit Extraction
Area 3.5.2 LC / NC 394.65
Mine Infrastructure Area 3.5.2 LC / NC 6.05
Accommodation Camp 3.5.2 LC / NC 11.41
Camp Roads 3.3.14 LC / NC 0.62
3.5.2 LC / NC 0.74
Barge Loading Area 3.1.1a/3.1.3 LC / NC 0.25
3.5.2 LC / NC 0.03
RoRo Facility 3.1.1a/3.1.3 LC / NC 0.15
3.5.2 LC / NC 0.04
Northern Haul Road
3.1.1 LC / NC 7.89
3.1.1a/3.1.3 LC / NC 2.83
3.5.2 LC / NC 36.43
Southern Haul Road
3.1.1 LC / NC 1.85
3.1.1a/3.1.3 LC / NC 7.49
3.1.6 LC / NC 0.25
3.3.12 OC / OC 0.60
3.3.22 LC / NC 0.43
3.3.49b/3.3.9 LC / NC 7.22
3.5.2 LC / NC 20.43
Western Haul Roads 3.5.2 LC / NC 10.99
Total clearing per RE
3.1.1 LC / NC 9.74
3.1.1a/3.1.3 LC / NC 10.72
3.1.6 LC / NC 0.25
3.3.12 OC / OC 0.60
3.3.14 LC / NC 8.52
3.3.22 LC / NC 0.43
3.3.49b/3.3.9 LC / NC 7.22
3.5.2 LC / NC 1429.46
Combined RE Clearing Area 1466.94
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-9
2.3 Tenure, Land Use and Access 2.3.1 Tenure
Approval is sought for the construction, operation and decommissioning of Project activities and all
works anticipated to be associated with the six existing MLAs outlined in Table 2-2.
Note that the transhipment activities and the location of mooring buoys in the Skardon River will be
outside of the MLA area boundaries.
Table 2-2 Project tenure
Tenure Project activity Applicant Application submission date
MLA 20676 Open cut BH1
Internal access roads Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd 19 October 2012
MLA 20688
Open cut BH6 East
Accommodation camp
Internal access roads
Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd 19 October 2012
MLA 20689 Open cut BH6 West
Internal access roads
Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd 19 October 2012
MLA 100051 MIA, BLF and RoRo facility Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd 10 July 2015
MLA 100047 Port haul road Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd 10 July 2015
MLA 100048 BH1 haul road Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd 10 July 2015
The Metro Mining tenements are adjacent to MLAs held by Gulf Alumina (MLA 40082 and MLA
40069) and Rio Tinto Alcan (MLA 7024 and MLA 7031) and EPMs held by other companies. The
Project will not overlap with any other mineral tenements. Details of the existing EPCs, MDLs and
MLs are provided in Table 2-3 and Figure 2-5. Metro Mining is currently in discussions with Gulf
Alumina regarding obtaining their consent to construct two haul roads connecting BH6 West (MLA
20689) and the Port Haul Road (MLA 100047). These would simplify access within the Project but
are not essential to the operation of the Project.
Table 2-3 Mining tenements in the immediate vicinity of Project
Tenure Authorised holder name
Exploration Permit for Minerals other than Coal
EPM 18384 Gulf Alumina Ltd
EPM 19001 Oresome Australia Pty Ltd
EPM 4068 Gulf Alumina Ltd
EPM 16899 Cape Alumina Pty Ltd
EPM 15376 Cape Alumina Pty Ltd
EPM 18242 Gulf Alumina Ltd
EPM 16755 Gulf Alumina Ltd
Mineral Development Licence
MDL 423 Gulf Alumina Ltd
MDL 425 Gulf Alumina Ltd
Mining Licence
ML 7024 Rio Tinto Alcan
ML 7031 Rio Tinto Alcan
ML 40082 Gulf Alumina Ltd
ML 40069 Gulf Alumina Ltd
Airport Strip
BH1 MLA boundary (MLA 20676)
BH6 West MLA boundary
(MLA 20689)
BH6 East MLA boundary
(MLA 20688)
ML 7024
ML 7031
ML 40082
ML 6025
ML 40069
SKARD
ON
RIVER
SKARDON RIVER
610000
610000
615000
615000
620000
620000
625000
625000
86
90
00
0
86
90
00
0
86
95
00
0
86
95
00
0
87
00
00
0
87
00
00
0
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
Figure 2-
Mining lease tenements
cadastre
©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITHThis drawing is confidential and shall only be used
for the purpose of this project.
APPROVED
DRAWN
15/03/16
CHECKED
Legend
Watercourse
Haul Road
Pit Extents
Mine Infrastructure MLA Boundary
Metro Mining Mine Lease Area
Mine Lease Area (Gulf Alumina)
Mine Lease Area
DATA SOURCEMEC Mining, 2015;
QLD Government Open Source Data;Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric
(Geofabric) PRODUCT SUITE V2.1.1 DRG Ref: BES150115-003-R2_MINE_TEN
DESIGNER CLIENT
1:55,000Scale @ A3 -
-DESIGNED
CHECKED -
MD
MD
-
R Details Date
05/08/151
Notes:
2
-
-
-
-
-
F:\1_PROJECTS\BES150115_Bauxite_Hill\GIS\DATA\MXD\TEMP\BES150115-003-R2_MINE_TEN.mxd
For Information
Updated Pit Extents
-
-
-
-
-
BH1 Haul RoadMLA 100048
Port Haul RoadMLA 100047
Port AreaMLA 100051
21/10/15
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-11
2.3.2 Site Access
Access to the Project area will be by air, with secondary access via sea transport. Metro Mining is
currently in discussions with Gulf Alumina with regards to consent to utilise the Skardon River
Bauxite Project (SRBP) airstrip. Employees and contractors will be flown in to the SRBP airstrip and
accommodated onsite. The existing SRBP airstrip, approximately 1 km from the Project’s southern
boundary will be used to transfer staff to and from the Project site.
The SRBP airstrip is suitable for small commercial passenger aircrafts. Flights into the site will
originate from either Weipa or Cairns and depending on the originating location of the workforce,
there may also be regular flights from the Bamaga and Cooktown Airports.
Further information about site access is provided in Chapter 17 – Transport and Chapter 19 - Social
and Economic.
2.4 Resource Base and Mine Life
2.4.1 Regional Geology
The Project is situated within the Jurassic – Cretaceous intracratonic Carpentaria Basin, which lies
beneath the Gulf of Carpentaria, in offshore northern Australia, and extends onshore, into
Queensland and the Northern Territory. The Carpentaria, Eromanga and Surat basins together form
the Great Artesian Basin, Figure 2-6 shows the depositional basins (Smerdon, 2012). The Project
lies within the Weipa sub-basin (Munson et al., 2013). In this region, the Carpentaria Basin is
overlain by Cenozoic sediments of the Karumba Basin and Quaternary alluvial sediments.
Bauxite occurs in the upper part of a loose, pisolitic, laterite profile, which is up to 20 metres (m) in
thickness (CSIRO, 2009). It is formed from weathering and leaching of shales and siltstones of the
underlying formations.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-12
Figure 2-6 Depositional basins with Great Artesian Basin
2.4.2 Local Stratigraphy
The stratigraphic units present within the study area are summarised in Table 2-4 and a map of
surface geology of the study area is presented in Figure 2-7.
Table 2-4 Stratigraphy
Period Sub-group/formation Dominant lithology
Quaternary
Surficial Beach Sand
Deposits Sands.
Valley Cut and Fill
Deposits
Silts and sands of alluvium channel deposits (creek estuarine areas).
Alluvium can be very kaolinitic as a result of re-working of source
material from the pallid zone of the Rolling Downs Group or Bulimba
Formation.
Tertiary Bulimba Formation
(Wyaaba Beds)
Variable lithology, ranging from claystone (often kaolinitic) to coarse
grained unconsolidated sands, or cemented cobble conglomerate.
Bauxite laterite develops at the top of the formation. Comprises
localised sandy, permeable deposits of ancient stream channels.
Mesozoic Rolling Downs Formation
Marine clays, fine grained clastics, mudstones and some sandstone
lenses.
Gilbert River Formation Sandstone interbedded with siltstone and conglomerate units.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-13
Exploration holes were drilled to a maximum depth of 30 m with most holes being around 5 m depth.
The lithological logs indicate that the general stratigraphic profile beneath the Project site can be
summarised as:
Topsoil of 0 to 0.6 m;
Bauxite 0.6 to 5 m;
Ferricrete 5 to 6 m;
Mottled silty clay (kaolin) 6 to 30 m; and
Grey siltstone or sandstone greater than 30 m.
Overall, the underlying sequence consists of about 800 m of shales, siltstones and sandstones
overlying granite and metamorphic basement rocks which form the ancient, stable rock platform of
the continent.
BH6 West MLA boundary(MLA 20689)
14 mAHD
12 mAHD10 mAHD8 mAHD6 mAHD
4 mAHD2 mAHD
10 mAHD
8 mAHD6 mAHD4 mAHD BH1 MLA boundary
(MLA 20676)
BH6 East MLA boundary(MLA 20688)
W
TQd\a
Ti
Ti
Qpcb
Qac
Qhcb
Qac
TQd\a
Ti
Ti
Ti
Qac
Qac
Qpcb
Qac>Kr
Ti
Qhcb
Qpa
Qac Qpa
TQd\a
TQd\a
Qpa
600000
600000
605000
605000
610000
610000
615000
615000
620000
620000
8690
000
8690
000
8695
000
8695
000
8700
000
8700
000
Figure 2-7
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
Surface geology©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITH
This drawing is confidential and shall only be used for the purpose of this project.
APPROVEDDRAWN
03/05/16
CHECKED
LegendBarge Loading AreaContour (mAHD)WatercourseHaul RoadPit ExtentsAccommodation CampMetro Mining Mine Lease Area
Geology Rock Unit - SurfaceTERTIARY
Bulimba Formation (Ti)TQd\a - Aluminous laterite, including bauxite
HOLOCENEQhcb - Beach Sand
PLEISTOCENEQpa - Sand RidgesQpcb - Sand Ridges
QUARTENARYQac - Alluvium
DATA SOURCEMEC Mining; Geology from DEEDI, 1994;
QLD Government Open Source Data;Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric
(Geofabric) PRODUCT SUITE V2.1.1 DRG Ref: BES150115-023-R2_GEOL
DESIGNER CLIENT
1:70,000Scale @ A3 -
-DESIGNEDCHECKED -
MDMD-
R Details Date
03/05/161
Notes:
2-----
F:\1_PROJECTS\BES150115_Bauxite_Hill\GIS\DATA\MXD\FINAL\ERA\BES150115-023-R2_GEOL.mxd
For InformationUpdated Pit Extents-----
Barge Loading Area
Haul Road
Haul Road
Accommodation Camp
12 mAHD
15/07/15
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-15
A typical stratigraphic profile of the Western Cape region is presented in Figure 2-8, which is after
AGE (2011). At the Project site, the kaolinite clay locally reaches a thickness of up to 12 m (AGE,
2011).
Figure 2-8 Typical stratigraphic profile of Western Cape region
2.4.2.1 Surficial Beach Sands
The Surficial Beach Sands have limited areal extent and thickness and are found on the beach ridges,
overlying marine muds and clays.
2.4.2.2 Valley Fill Deposits
The Valley Fill Deposits are Quaternary alluvial sediments that occur within drainage valleys and
estuarine areas that have been incised into the deeper formations. These deposits comprise of clays,
silts and sands and can be very kaolinitic due to the source material derived from the pallid zone of
the Rolling Downs Group or Bulimba Formation.
2.4.2.3 Bulimba Formation
The Cenozoic Bulimba Formation comprises of fluvial sediments (Radke et al., 2012), derived mainly
from the weathering of the Gilbert River Formation outcrop (CSIRO, 2009). Lithologies are variable,
ranging from claystone (often kaolinitic) to coarse grained unconsolidated sands or cemented
cobble conglomerate (SRK, 2014a).
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-16
The Bulimba Formation has undergone several episodes of lateritic weathering resulting in the
formation of a pisolitic bauxite cap and kaolinite clay. It comprises of numerous vugs and fissures
formed from volume changes associated with lateritic weathering. These macropores, combined
with the inter-granular pore space, produce relatively high permeability (Pettifer and Smart, 1976).
The regolith profile typically comprises the bauxite (aluminium rich laterite) layer, which grades
into ironstone (ferricrete) and kaolinite clay, and then into siltstone/claystone.
2.4.2.4 Rolling Downs Formation
The Rolling Downs Formation is of Mesozoic age and is mainly comprised of marine argillaceous
clays, fine grained clastics, mudstones and some hydraulically unconnected sandstone lenses. In the
study area, the upper part of the unit is laterised and has a strongly kaolinitic pallid zone.
There is some uncertainty as to whether the siltstone underlying the kaolinite clay layer represents
the top of the Rolling Downs Formation or a transitional zone from the Bulimba Formation to the
Rolling Downs Formation i.e. weathered zone. A groundwater exploration hole was drilled into the
Rolling Downs Formation in 1994 at the Kaolin Dry Process Plant, approximately 2.7 km north of
BH6 and 400 m from the Skardon River (SRK, 2014a). At this location the top of the Rolling Downs
Formation was reported to be approximately 15 m below ground level (bgl), which is similar to the
depth to the top of the siltstone encountered during drilling within BH1 and BH6. The siltstone was
also noted to be highly weathered and it is therefore, assumed to represent the weathered upper
part of the Rolling Downs Formation.
2.4.2.5 Gilbert River Formation
The Gilbert River Formation was formed in the Jurassic-Cretaceous period and comprises of fine to
coarse-grained quartzose sandstone with pebble conglomerate and siltstone (CSIRO, 2009). It is the
most extensive sandstone unit in the Carpentaria Basin and outcrops in the eastern portion of the
Western Cape region, more than 30 km to the east of the Project. An indicative thickness of the
Gilbert River Formation around Weipa is 140 m (McConachie et al., 1997).
2.4.3 Estimated JORC Resource Summary
To date significant drilling has been conducted at the Bauxite Hills deposit.
At the Project, the company has announced (June 2 2015 ASX release) Resources and Reserves of
Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) bauxite as follows:
Resources (all categories): 53.6 Mt at 50.6% Al2O3 and 11.7% SiO2; and
Reserves (all categories and included in resources): 48.2 Mt at 50.2% Al2O3 and 11.2% SiO2.
A breakdown of the reserves is shown in Table 2-5. The stated reserves represent the marketable
product tonne as this is a DSO, with no beneficiation and is saleable at ROM moistures.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-17
Table 2-5 Mineral and ore reserve estimates
Area Category DSO2 Tonnes (Mt)1
DSO Bauxite Qualities (Dry Basis)
Total Al2O3 (%)
THA3
(%) Total SiO2 (%)
Rx Si4
(%)
BH1 and BH6 Measured Resource (Dry In-situ) 41.8 51.0 39.2 11.0 6.1
BH1 and BH6 Indicated Resource (Dry In-situ) 8.3 49.3 37.1 14.0 6.8
BH1 and BH6 Inferred Resource (Dry In-situ) 3.4 48.4 35.9 14.8 7.2
Total resource 53.6 50.6 38.6 11.7 6.3
BH1 and BH6 Proved Reserve5
(ROM at 10% Moisture) 41.8 50.7 38.6 10.9 6.3
BH1 and BH6 Probable Reserve6
(ROM at 10% Moisture) 6.4 49.3 36.8 13.4 6.9
Total Marketable Ore Reserves 48.2 50.2 38.4 11.2 6.4
1 For BH1 and BH6 the tonnages are calculated using the following default bulk densities determined from a program of sonic drilling; 1.6g/cm3 for BH1 and 2g/cm3 for BH6. Actual values are used where measurements have been taken 2 DSO is defined as bauxite that can be exported directly with minimal processing and beneficiation. 3 THA is trihydrate available alumina (gibbsite alumina + kaolinite alumina – low temperature desilication product (DSP) alumina) at 1,500oC. 4 RxSi is reactive silica at 150oC. 5 Proved Reserve - the proved reserve is included in the BH1 and BH6 Measured resource 6 Probable Reserve - the probable reserve is included in the BH1 and BH6 Indicated resource
2.4.4 Ongoing Evaluation and Exploration Activities
Exploration by Metro Mining is ongoing within the Project area and will continue to be undertaken
throughout the mine life. The aim of the exploration program will be to better define the measured
resource estimate for ongoing operational requirements of the mine. Exploration activities will be
carried out according to the Projects Environmental Management Plan and in consultation with key
stakeholders, as appropriate.
2.5 Project Needs and Alternatives
2.5.1 Global Bauxite Demand
Australia is the largest producer of bauxite in the world (see Figure 2-9). The majority of this
production is from five long-term established mines at Weipa, Gove, Huntly, Boddington and
Willowdale. Indonesia was a major producer, until legislation changes prevented the export of
bauxite ore. In recent times, new bauxite production from Malaysia has come online to replace
Indonesia’s supply, albeit of a low quality. Due to environmental concerns, the Malaysian
government has recently announced a three month ban on bauxite exports beginning 15 January
2016. This creates uncertainty over Malaysia as a future steady supplier of bauxite, which would
push the bauxite price in the short to medium term.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-18
Traditionally, Australia has had an integrated bauxite-alumina-aluminium industry but the rise of
Chinese alumina refineries and smelters, along with the industry changes in Indonesia, has created
new market opportunities for direct export of bauxite ore.
Figure 2-9 Supply of bauxite by country
Guinea has the world’s largest reserves of bauxite (see Figure 2-10); however, the development of
bauxite mines in the country has been hampered by a lack of supporting infrastructure. Australia
has the second largest reserves of bauxite.
Figure 2-10 Bauxite reserves by country
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-19
2.5.1.1 Global Bauxite Production and Reserves
China is the world’s largest producer of alumina accounting for approximately half of global
production (see Figure 2-11). The emergence of alumina smelters and refineries in China has paved
the way for a direct export market of bauxite.
Figure 2-11 Alumina output by country
2.5.2 Supply and Demand Drivers
2.5.2.1 China
In the past decade, there has been a transformation of the global third party bauxite market, brought
about by the emergence of Chinese merchant alumina refining capacity treating imported bauxite.
The majority of these refineries were configured to process ‘low temperature’ Indonesian bauxite.
However with the change in legislation in Indonesia banning mineral exports, Chinese merchant
refineries have been forced to look for other supply sources.
The Indonesian ban on exports pushed imported bauxite prices into China to record highs. However,
since these peaks, the emergence of low cost Malaysian bauxite has seen a reduction in these
imported bauxite prices (see Figure 2-12).
Since the Indonesian bans, the major Chinese merchant refineries have been working to develop
new global bauxite sources in Fiji, Australia, Guinea, Ghana and other countries. This strategy has
been implemented to diversify the supply base and avoid the potential replication of the
concentrated supply base that is prominent in the iron ore sector (see Figure 2-13).
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-20
Despite concerns over the Chinese economy, the demand for aluminium is forecast to remain strong
with much of the industry forecasting 8 to 10% growth over the decade ahead. The demand for
imported bauxite is expected to remain strong due to a number of factors:
Growth in the demand for aluminium;
Existing demand from merchant refineries; and
Depleting reserves and grades for domestic producers forcing domestic supply to be replaced
by imported supply.
Figure 2-12 Bauxite price
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-21
Figure 2-13 Chinese bauxite imports by source
2.5.3 Project Benefits
Australia is the world's largest producer of bauxite, accounting for about one-third of global output.
Bauxite production in Australia is estimated to reach 82.0 Mt in 2014-15, up from 67.8 Mt in 2009-
10. Demand for Queensland bauxite remains strong, with exports from the state reaching a record
new high of approximately 15.146 Mt valued at $546 million in 2013–14 up from 12.567 Mt valued
at $382 million in 2012–13. Using the 10% royalty rate for export this equates to approximately $54
million in royalties to the Queensland Government for the 2013-14 year alone. Additionally
domestic usage of bauxite has continued to increase and is demonstrated through alumina exports
increasing from 18.914 Mt valued at $5,342 million in 2012–13 to 18.614 Mt valued at $5,711
million in 2013–14. Similarly Aluminium (ingot metal) exports increased from 1.569 Mt valued at
$3,276 million in 2012–13 to 1.576 Mt valued at $3,477 million in 2013–14.
Economic modelling for the Project (see Chapter 16 – Social and Economic and Appendix H –
Economics Technical Report) indicates that the export revenue associated with the sale of bauxite
from this Project will facilitate the payment of royalties to the Queensland Government in the order
of $36 million per annum once the mine is fully operational.
Throughout the construction and operation phases of the Project, Metro Mining will provide
potential employment opportunities in local and regional areas. Development of the Project will add
a further 75 and 254 staff during construction and operations respectively providing a further boost
to Queensland’s and Australia’s economy, particularly at a time of global financial uncertainty and
economic uncertainty in Australia driven by the downturn in the retail sector. In addition to the
permanent workforce, it is expected the Project will result in the employment of additional workers
locally and regionally through businesses supporting the construction and operation of the mine.
Initial estimates anticipate a capital cost of approximately $35 million will be required to bring the
Project to full production. Operational expenditure is estimated to be $15 million per annum for the
life of the Project.
A significant proportion of this investment will flow directly into the regional economy from the
goods and services required during the construction and operation phases.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-22
For example, goods and services expected to be sourced locally and from the region include:
Consumables for the camp (food, beverages etc.);
Fuel supply and transport;
Housing;
Engineering support services;
Professional and technical services;
Shipping transport services for consumables, equipment and supplies;
Tools and equipment;
Specialised environmental rehabilitation services e.g. local seed supply;
Training and personnel management services; and
Vehicle hire or purchasing.
2.5.4 Alternatives to the Project
During the Project design process, a number of scenarios were considered to evaluate the relative
social, economic and environmental advantages and disadvantages of different Project alternatives.
Results from this analysis were used to select the final Project scope in the context of fixed locations
for the Bauxite resource and MLA areas. This process ensures the Project design has been
underpinned by relevant environmental, social and economic drivers.
Alternative scenarios considered were those that are practicable, feasible and available to Metro
Mining. These included locality, technological and conceptual alternatives. The particular scenarios
assessed as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) included the following alternative
actions:
No development scenario;
Locality alternatives:
Mine pit location
MIA
BLF and RoRo facility
Conceptual alternatives:
Operational schedule
Shared and co-developed infrastructure
Mining pit configurations
Product beneficiation
MIA
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-23
Product reclaim
BLF
RoRo facility
Barging
Transhipment.
The following subsections discuss each of the aforementioned alternative scenarios.
2.5.5 No Development Scenario
The no development scenario predicts the future scenario which would exist in the absence of any
Project. The no development scenario would avoid the potential impacts of the Project on the
existing environment and existing land uses would continue.
This scenario would also have a significant impact socially and economically in the region and
broader Queensland. The construction phase of the Project is anticipated to occur over a seven
month period, making estimated contributions to the FNQ Region and rest of Queensland economies
that would not be realised under this scenario are as follows:
FNQ Region:
Output contribution of $53.57 million, comprising $38.96 million of direct
contribution and $14.61 million of indirect contribution
Household income contribution of $10.92 million, comprising $7.51 million of direct
contribution and $3.41 million of indirect contribution
Employment contribution of 118 full-time equivalent positions (FTEs), comprising 66
direct FTEs and 52 indirect FTEs
Value added contribution of $19.11 million, comprising $13.27 million of direct
contribution and $5.84 million of indirect contribution
Rest of Queensland:
Output contribution of $22.86 million, comprising $11.18 million of direct
contribution and $11.68 million of indirect contribution
Household income contribution of $5.05 million, comprising $2.33 million of direct
contribution and $2.73 million of indirect contribution
Employment contribution of 60 FTEs, comprising 20 direct FTEs and 40 indirect FTEs
Value added contribution of $8.75 million, comprising $3.94 million of direct
contribution and $4.81 million of indirect contribution.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-24
The average annual economic contribution of the Project during the operational phase that would
not be realised under the no development scenario is anticipated to be:
FNQ Region:
Output contribution of $87.74 million, comprising $67.17 million of direct
contribution and $20.57 million of indirect contribution
Household income contribution of $20.23 million, comprising $15.37 million of direct
contribution and $4.86 million of indirect contribution
Employment contribution of 254 FTEs, comprising 181 direct FTEs and 72 indirect
FTEs
Value added contribution of $38.61 million, comprising $29.78 million of direct
contribution and $8.82 million of indirect contribution
Rest of Queensland:
Output contribution of $30.67 million, comprising $16.79 million of direct
contribution and $13.88 million of indirect contribution
Household income contribution of $7.02 million, comprising $3.84 million of direct
contribution and $3.18 million of indirect contribution
Employment contribution of 90 FTEs, comprising 45 direct FTEs and 45 indirect FTEs
Value added contribution of $13.34 million, comprising $7.45 million of direct
contribution and $5.90 million of indirect contribution
The region will not benefit from employee opportunities, training programs or receive local
business support.
In regard to royalties to the Queensland Government, the no development scenario would result in
a loss of approximately AUD $36 million in royalties per annum at full production.
Furthermore, the Project will make a significant contribution to the economic strength of the
Northern Cape region through the provision of employment and training opportunities for
traditional owners, business development and contracting opportunities for Ankamuthi and other
businesses and payment of mining benefits to the Ankamuthi People, the Northern Cape York Group
#1 and The Old Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation (OMAC) for the life of the Project. The mining
benefits are based on a percentage of the Free on Board (FOB) price received per tonne of bauxite
and could exceed $60 million over the life of the Project. These funds will be used to fund long-term
programs and benefits to a broad cross section of the Mapoon community, Ankamuthi People and
their organisations. The capacity building opportunities for the Ankamuthi People, the Northern
Cape York Group #1 and OMAC would not be realised under the no development scenario.
2.5.6 Alternatives
2.5.6.1 Operational Schedule
The climatic conditions which the Project is subject to involves a wet season (typically December –
March) and a dry season (typically April – November). Metro Mining considered the options of
operations to take place over the entire year or only during the dry season.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-25
Metro Mining reviewed historical rainfall data and when considering its operations, deemed it
would be prudent to operate only in the dry season for the following reasons:
Inefficiencies of operating in the wet, particularly with respect to product handling of the bauxite
Greater risk of environmental issues such as control of water inundation; and
Persistent cyclone/evacuation risk.
Once ruling out operations in the wet, Metro Mining considered the duration of each operating year
during the dry season. Review of historical rainfall data showed that the dry season would generally
last for up to nine months a year, and the rainfall at the start and end of each wet season was
probably not heavy enough to warrant a shutdown of operations. However, the commencement and
end of the wet season is unpredictable and as such, Metro Mining decided on an eight month
operating window to ensure its operational targets could be met each year. A longer operating
window to achieve the same volume may result in issues associated with the export of product in
the event of a shortened dry season.
2.5.6.2 Shared and Co-Developed Infrastructure
Metro Mining is in active discussions with Gulf Alumina, the proponent for the SRBP, to enter into
an arrangement to share existing and co-develop proposed infrastructure. Ideally Metro Mining and
Gulf Alumina would utilise existing infrastructure and look to co-develop new infrastructure. This
approach has both environmental benefits through a reduction in the area to be disturbed by the
Project and cost advantages for both Project proponents through a reduction in capital expense and
synergies that would be obtained through more efficient use of infrastructure.
If such arrangements can be agreed a number of aspects of this Project would not be required (i.e.
BLF, RoRo facility, several haul roads and potentially water supply infrastructure). Similarly a
number of the proposed infrastructure requirements could be co-developed for use by both
operations (i.e. MIA, accommodation camp). Given the tangible benefits to both proponents and the
receiving environment, Metro Mining will continue to engage with Gulf Alumina to try and advance
an agreement.
2.5.6.3 Mine Location
The mining pit locations are determined by the targeted bauxite deposits and the existing and
proposed MDLs, held by Metro Mining through Aldoga and Cape Alumina, in addition to tenements
held by others. The proposed MLA boundaries are defined by existing geological conditions which
are suitable to mining based on the results of exploration studies undertaken within the MDLs. As
such alternative mine locations are not available to Metro Mining.
2.5.6.4 Mine Pit Configurations
The Bauxite deposits at BH1 and BH6 are very shallow and do not require detailed pit development
design. Based on the varying grade throughout the deposits, as predicted by Metro Mining’s
geological model, an optimisation software was utilised to develop pit shells that resulted in the
most favourable economic results. Overlayed on this mine pit design were the identified
environmental, cultural and operational buffer zones. The entirety of Big Footprint Swamp was
excised from the proposed MLAs to provide surety to all stakeholders that this significant cultural
and environmental location would not be directly impacted by any mining operations.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-26
Mining Lease boundaries were given a 50 m clearance offset to allow for adequate haulage space
and provide an environmental buffer. In addition, areas defined as Matters of State Environmental
Significance (MSES) were treated with 100 m of clearance where possible. Some minimal impacts
to MSES are unavoidable for the MIA, BLF and haul roads. Where these impacts are predicted, an
appropriate offsets package has been proposed (see Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater
Ecology).
2.5.6.5 Product Beneficiation
The option to beneficiate the bauxite was considered during the pre- and definitive feasibility
studies. Beneficiation of the bauxite would realise increased returns to the Project; however, there
are costs associated with the processing infrastructure and the longer terms cost associated with
the management and remediation of a tailings storage facility. The increased environmental risks
with the processing facility needing to be located close to the Skardon River, and a lack of usable
area for the tailing storage facility prevented this option from being considered further.
2.5.6.6 Mine Infrastructure Area
Two options were considered for the layout of the MIA. The original layout was changed to allow for
the relocation of the barge loading facilities and increases in the fuel farm area. The MIA option was
adopted as:
It is located near to the BLF;
It is located nearby to the RoRo facility;
It is located outside 100 year average recurrence interval (ARI) and 1,000 ARI flood levels;
There was no discernible difference in the level of environmental impact; and
It has appropriate separation from the accommodation camp which will minimise impacts to
sleep during night time and daytime operations.
2.5.6.7 Product Reclaim
The concept for the Project is to use front end loaders (FEL) to feed product onto the ship loading
conveyors from the product stockpile. The options considered for reclaiming are limited to the
means by which product is received onto the reclaim conveyor from the front end loader. The option
considered were:
Dump hopper directly onto belt;
Dump hopper onto chain/belt feeder; and
Dump hopper onto vibrating feeder(s).
Based on the relatively low tonnages required by this plant, a dump hopper onto two vibrating
feeders has been selected as the option to be progressed. High control of feed rate onto the reclaim
conveyor and its low capital cost were both considered critical factors in the decision to go with this
option for the Project.
All three processes have generally the same environmental outcomes and as such, cost was the key
driver in selecting the appropriate product reclaim plant.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-27
2.5.6.8 Barge Loading Facility
Two potential structural forms were considered for the approach to the BLF:
Causeway and short relieving span; and
Piled approach jetty.
Comparative cost estimates show that the causeway option would be substantially less expensive
than a piled approach jetty. However the construction of a long causeway (approximately 550 m),
much of which is below the highest astronomical tide (HAT), would potentially introduce the
following issues:
Less desirable environmental outcome, due to the following:
Potential effects on river flow, particularly during floods, due to the solid nature of a
causeway
Potential creation of turbidity during construction due to some of the causeway core
material being mobilised into the water
Potential creation of "mud waves" of displaced mangrove mud during construction.
This can cause acid sulphate issues
Lack of suitable armour rock supply on site. This results in a need to import armour
rock by barge, which would be relatively expensive. A move to using clean rock fill,
rather than locally won material for the core of the causeway would mitigate the
potential for creation of turbidity during construction; however, would require that
all causeway materials be imported by barge. This would be exceedingly expensive.
Due to the issues outlined above, the long causeway was discounted in favour of a piled approach
jetty. A causeway has been selected as part of the adopted solution, but its extent has been confined
to the part of the outloading conveyor alignment that is below +6.0 m lowest astronomical tide
(LAT) and above the HAT. This means that the relatively short causeway that forms part of the
adopted solution will be constructed on dry land from locally won core materials and can be
armoured with a small volume of imported durable rock.
Two potential options were considered for the siting of the outloading berth (see Figure 2-14).
These potential locations were:
Option 1 - On the river bend at the downstream extent of the lease, in a pocket of what appears
to be naturally deep water, requiring a relatively long approach jetty; and
Option 2 - Further upstream, adjacent to the proposed stockpile location, requiring a deepened
channel from the river bend.
Comparative capital cost estimates were produced for these options. It was found that the cost of
bed-levelling the relative small volume of material (approximately 53,000 cubic metres (m3)) for
Option 2 would be substantially less than the cost of the additional length of approach jetty required
for Option 1 (approximately an additional 288 m of jetty). The required works for Option 2 would;
however, have greater potential environmental risks associated with bed-levelling and for the
subsequent disposal of the bed material. For this reason, Option 1, which is a higher cost option, but
with less potential risk to environmental values has been selected for development.
Figure 2-14
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
/0 100 20050
Metres
Barge loadout facility options
©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITHThis drawing is confidential and shall only be used
for the purpose of this project.
APPROVED
DRAWN
05/04/16
CHECKED
Legend
Barge Loading Area
Haul Road
DATA SOURCEMEC Mining 2016;
QLD Government Open Source Data. DRG Ref: BES150115-051-R1_BARGE_OPT
DESIGNER CLIENT
1:5,000Scale @ A3 -
MIDESIGNED
CHECKED MI
MD
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19/02/16
R Details Date
15/07/151
Notes:
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F:\1_PROJECTS\BES150115_Bauxite_Hill\GIS\DATA\MXD\FINAL\ERA\BES150115-051-R1_BARGE_OPT.mxd
For Approval
Updated Pit Extents
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Mine Infrastructure Area
Barge Loadout Facility Option 2
Barge Loadout Facility Option 1 (Preferred)
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-29
2.5.6.9 Roll On/Roll Off Facility
The location on the river bank adjacent to the proposed stockpile locations, which has the minimum
width of mangrove fringe is an obvious choice for the location of the RoRo facility. This location will
minimise the requirement for excavation of mangrove mud and will minimise the required volume
of imported rock fill. The structural configuration is a very conventional design and represents the
lowest cost option for provision of a ramp to suit Landing Craft Barges (LCT) operations.
As this option provides both the least environmental impact and the lowest cost, there are no serious
alternatives to this configuration.
2.5.6.10 Barging
Various options were considered for the barging activities including the barging channel, the design
of the barges and the need for dredging and/or bed-levelling. In regard to the barge channel, Metro
Mining has positioned the barge channel in the deepest water that still provide a safe navigation
channel. Once the preliminary channel was finalised, optimisation of the channel was undertaken to
further improve the navigability and further minimise environmental impact. In particular, Metro
Mining has undertaken an assessment of the current navigation channel by using bathymetric and
tidal to minimise the extent to which propeller scour will occur.
Various barge design options were considered during the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS). The
final barge design was developed to remove the need for dredging and/or bed-levelling. This
incorporated the use of shallow draft tugs, barges and work boats in addition to 24 hour barge
operations over the approximate eight month operational schedule. The benefit of the decision to
use shallow draft barges over normal barge configurations is the ability to light load during low
water period, and then heavy load during high water periods such that overage tonnages can be
scheduled to coincide with awaiting ocean going vessels (OGVs).
A further benefit of the option to use of shallow draft vessels is the removal of the need to undertake
bed-levelling and/or dredging of the barge channel as the shallow draft permits a longer operational
duration. In addition to operational enhancement, the removal of the need to bed level and/or
dredge ensures a better environmental outcome for the Project.
2.5.6.11 Transhipment
Several OGV anchorage areas have been considered for the offshore transhipment activities. The
most cost effective anchorage area option is located to the west of the mouth of the Skardon River.
This option provides an easier and shorter access from the Skardon River to the anchorage and
thereby reducing to transit time to and from the anchorage. During fieldwork investigations it was
found that this anchorage area included scattered reef assemblages that would potentially be at risk
from impacts relating to anchoring activities. This option was not considered further due to the
potential environmental risks to the isolated reef assemblages. A 1 km buffer area was applied to
the reef assemblages.
A second area to the south of the preferred anchorage was also found to contain isolated reef
assemblages and was not considered further due to environmental concerns. A 1 km buffer area was
also applied to these areas.
The option for the OGV anchorage area being progressed for the Project is located to the north of
the reef assemblages and to the northwest of the Skardon River mouth. Whilst this area requires a
longer and less direct transit it was progress as this option afforded a lesser risk of environmental
harm then the above two options.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-30
2.6 Infrastructure Requirements
2.6.1 Mine Infrastructure
Infrastructure required for the life of the Project is shown in Figure 2-3. The following sections
describe the infrastructure necessary to support the operation of the mine.
Gulf Alumina’s SRBP is located generally directly to the south of the Project, with a component that
dissects BH6 West (MLA 20689) and BH6 East (MLA 20688). The SRBP is in the planning phase and
the EIS went to public comment that ended on 11th December 2015. Where possible, Metro Mining
will seek to develop and utilise shared infrastructure with Gulf Alumina in order to minimise
potential construction and operational impacts. Discussions in this regard are continuing; however,
due to the uncertainty of sharing infrastructure, Metro Mining is seeking approval for a standalone
Project.
2.6.1.1 Mine Infrastructure Area
The MIA will comprise a level site of approximately 5.5 ha and will include:
ROM dump site;
Screening;
Bauxite stockpiles;
Load point for the barge loading conveyor;
Earthmoving equipment hard stand;
Administration offices;
Workshops; and
Fuel storage.
The MIA will include diversion drains to prevent stormwater entering the site from the surrounding
catchment and sediment control measures to control runoff water. The site will also include an
isolated runoff control system around the workshops incorporating oil separators. As the mine will
not be operating during the wet season sediment build up will be limited during this time and
sediment control measures will be designed to manage all runoff without maintenance for the
duration of the wet season.
2.6.1.2 Fuel Delivery and Storage
Diesel consumption is estimated at approximately 20 kilolitres per day for the mining equipment,
power generation and tugs. Onshore storage for up to 1 megalitre (ML) will be provided via a tank
farm with self bunded containment. Fuel will be delivered via double skinned transport barges and
piped from the BLF to the fuel farm.
All fuel tanks, bunding and transfer pipes will meet Australian Standard (AS) 1940-2004: The
Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and AS1692-2006: Steel Tanks for
Flammable and Combustible Liquids. Spill control measures will be in place according to AS1940-
2004: The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-31
2.6.1.3 Haul Roads
Haul road routes are required to transport product ore to the MIA for stockpiling and loading to
barges. Haul roads will be constructed from BH6 to the MIA and BLF, and from BH6 to BH1.
Haul roads will be constructed using local materials (i.e. ironstone, laterite or low grade bauxite)
taken from within the proposed haul road corridor or from the mining pits. 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 Planning and Design Manual. The basic design criteria adopted for the
indicative design process is presented in Table 2-6 (see Figure 2-15 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 are proposed to be located
adjacent to the haul roads. 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 2-15 Indicative haul road cross section
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-32
Table 2-6 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
2.6.2 Barge Loading Facility
The proposed BLF will be located adjacent to the MIA containing the product stockpiles. The
proposed berth is to be located at the river bend at the downstream extent of the MLA in the deep
water to achieve an alongside depth of 4.5 m at LAT. Design drawings are shown at Figure 2-16,
Figure 2-17, Figure 2-18 and Figure 2-19.
The BLF consists of the following components:
Causeway. A causeway of approximately 100 m in length, with a 6 m wide crest will be
constructed along the alignment of the outloading conveyor. The causeway will start at a ground
level of +6.0 m LAT and finishing at a ground level of approximately 3.8 m LAT, which is the HAT
level.
Piled jetty. This jetty will consist of a 6 m wide concrete deck, supported on steel girders, which
are in turn supported by steel headstocks, each on two driven steel tubular piles. The piled
headstocks are at 12 m centres along the alignment of the jetty. The 6 m wide deck has sufficient
width to accommodate the outloading conveyor, as well as to providing an access roadway for
light vehicles and for small rough terrain telehandlers.
Loading head deck. The purpose of this deck is to support the barge loader, to provide a small
working deck for maintenance access to the barge loader, to provide access to berthed vessels
and to allow turn-around space for vehicles. This will be a 12 m x 12 m concrete deck supported
on steel longitudinal beams and steel headstocks on driven steel tubular piles. This deck will be
set back from the quay line and will not have fendering, as it is not intended that the water vessels
make contact with this structure.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-33
Berthing Dolphins. The purpose of the berthing dolphins is to act as a series of structures to
berth the vessel against and to provide mooring points for the vessel. Since the barge loader is
longitudinally fixed relative to the berth, it will be necessary to warp (or pull) the barge fore and
aft in order to fill the barge with product. For this reason, four berthing dolphins are provided on
either side of the loading head, to provide an extended quay line.
The berthing dolphins will each consist of a steel tubular monopile, with a fender pile in front
which is separated from the monopile by a resilient fender unit. These resilient fender units
(cone fenders) will absorb the energy of the berthing impacts against the dolphins, while limiting
the reaction applied to the dolphins. The fender piles provide a vertical facing, ensuring proper
engagement with the vessel over the full range of vessel draft conditions and tidal level, while
ensuring that there is no snagging of vessel belting with the top or bottom of the fender
arrangement. The fender piles will also accommodate a wide range of barge types with different
freeboards. Access walkways will be provided to allow safe access to the bollards on the
dolphins, for crew to man the lines.
Marine structures will be designed for a 25 year design life, with durability provided in the following
ways:
Piles in the water will be provided with sacrificial anode cathodic protection to protect the extent
of the pile that is in the water;
All structural steel work will be provided with an ultra-high-build epoxy coating system. This
will protect the piles, headstocks and longitudinal beams above the water level; and
The reinforcement in the concrete decks will be protected from corrosion by ensuring that the
concrete is dense and well-compacted and therefore is of low permeability to chloride ions from
seawater. Sufficient clear cover of concrete to the reinforcement will be provided.
0 20 40
SCALE 1: ,000 AT A3 SHEET SIZE
60 80 100mFigure 2-16 Indicative barge loading facility concept
0 5 10
SCALE 1:500 AT A3 SHEET SIZE
15 20 25m
0 10 20
SCALE 1:1000 AT A3 SHEET SIZE
30 40 50m
0 1 2
SCALE 1:100 AT A3 SHEET SIZE
3 4 5m
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-38
2.6.3 Roll On/Roll Off Facility
A RoRo facility will be constructed adjacent to the MIA. The facility includes a concrete barge ramp
designed for LCTs, to facilitate the unloading and loading of cargo to and from logistic barges (see
Section 2.8.6.1). Cargo will include the loading and offloading of plant, equipment and machinery,
delivery of stores and building materials to site and the removal of waste materials from site. The
ramp will be located at approximately mean sea level to allow access at high tide by barges with a
maximum draft < 2.0 m. To limit mangrove removal the ramp will be located at the narrowest
section of mangroves that adjoins the MIA.
Design drawings are provided in Figure 2-20 and the following provides a summary of the facility.
The barge ramp consists of precast concrete slab panels placed over rock fill. The slope of the ramp
is at 1:7, which is the preferred ramp slope for the operation of LCTs. Ramp top level will be set at
Highest Astronomical Tide level, to place it above normal high tide events.
There is a requirement to clear mangroves to provide a construction clearance width of 15.0 m to
allow for a ramp width of 7.2 m that is selected to match a typical 400 gross register tonnage barge
(length overall = 40 m, beam = 10.6 m, max draft = 2.0 m, ramp width = 6.0 m, cargo capacity =
200 t). The access roadway is reduced to 5.0 m nominal width, with ends of the reno-mattress
providing protection to the edge of the fill.
The design allows for the excavation of the mangrove mud below the ramp and its replacement with
gravel fill to minimise settlement. A reno-mattress layer will be used to prevent erosion of the fill
material in a flood situation. A filter cloth layer will be placed below the reno-mattress to prevent
the loss of fines from the fill due to tidal action. A layer of crushed gravel above the reno-mattress
to protect the reno-mattress and provide a uniform running surface. This layer will require periodic
re-levelling and trimming.
Durability of the structures, for a 25 year design life, will be achieved through the use of precast
barge ramp panels of dense, low permeability concrete and provision of adequate clear concrete
cover to the steel reinforcement.
B4176-40-DWG-CI-00006EXTENDED LAYOUT PLAN/SECTION
PIONEER ROLL ON ROLL OFF FACILITYBAUXITE HILLS
METRO MINING NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
A
1211
B
C
D
10987
E
F
G
H
121110987
654321
A
B
C
D
6543
E
F
G
21
H
SCALE
REV REVISION DESCRIPTIONDATE
IN THE ABSENCE OF THE APPROVED SIGNATURE, THIS DRAWING SHALL BE TREATED AS PRELIMINARY
TITLE
CLIENT
DWG NO REV
PROJECT
A1SIZEDATUMGRID
DRAWING STATUSDATEDRAWN
DATEDESIGNED
DATECHECKED
DATEENGINEER
DATEAPPROVED
Copyright"This document is & shall remainthe property of WAVEINTERNATIONAL. The documentmay only be used for the purposefor which it was commissioned & inaccordance with the terms ofengagement for the commission, ie.as defined in 'WAVE INTERNATIONAL'standard terms & conditions'.Unauthorised use of this documentin any way is prohibited."
DRAWING NUMBER
DRAWING REFERENCE
DESCRIPTION
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-40
2.6.4 Materials Handling
The materials handling system for the port facilities consists of elements from the product stockpile
reclaim through to the barge loading conveyor.
Loading will comprise of a single stream fed 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 onto the jetty conveyor which runs along the
length of the jetty out to the loading berth. A telescopic stacker will be installed at the berth (which
can fully retract onto the berth) such that the barge can moor berth without interference between
the stacker and the barge masts and aerials in an empty condition at high tide.
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 has a capacity of 1,700 tonnes per hour (t/hr), with a
target average loading rate onto the barge of 1,500 t/hr, to cater for the 5 Mtpa scenario. The
elevated conveying system rate is designed to cater for movements of the barge during loading.
Further discussion regarding materials handling is at Section 2.8.5 – Product Handling.
2.6.5 MIA Sediment Basin
The sediment basin is sized in accordance with the EHP Stormwater Guideline - Environmentally
Relevant Activities (EHP 2014). The sediment basins capture runoff from product stockpiles and as
such is assessed as a high erosion hazard site under the guidelines. For high erosion sites, provision
to capture and treat the 1 in 10 year ARI, 24 hour storm duration event is recommended. This design
event is conservatively applied to the Bauxite Hills Project where operation is planned during the
dry season only. The product stockpiles do not exist during the wet season as all stock will be
exported or removed back to the pits for storage. Sediment basins will have sediments removed
prior to the commencement of the wet season to provide a maximum storage capacity. For these
reasons, and due to the short mine life, it is not recommended that more extreme design events be
considered, which would result in a larger basin and create a larger region of disturbance.
The guidelines specify a maximum total suspended solids release concentration of 50 mg/L. This
treatment efficiency will be achieved through detailed design of the basin where site topographical
constraints, basin depth, basin dimensions and the use or otherwise of internal baffle walls will be
assessed.
2.6.6 Site Power and Water
2.6.6.1 Site Power Generation
Power requirements will be sourced from onsite generators located within the MIA and the
accommodation camp. The likely generator configuration is:
Two generators (e.g. CAT generator) to provide 1 Megawatt for the operation of the conveyors,
ship loader and MIA which will operate at 75% load; and
Two 250 Kilowatt (kW) CAT generator to provide 500 kW for the operation of the
accommodation camp, which will operate at 50% load.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-41
Metro Mining is committed to minimising energy use throughout the Project life. A range of energy
minimisation and energy efficiency strategies will be developed for both the construction and
operational phases of the Project. These will be incorporated into detailed design and will be
pursuant to the relevant legislation and policies the ClimateQ: Towards a Greener Queensland
strategy. Further details on energy efficiency are provided in Chapter 12 – Air Quality.
2.6.6.2 Site Water Supply
A schematic of the proposed water management network for the Project is shown in Figure 2-21.
The proposed water supply is via shallow and/or deep aquifer bores to meet a total annual demand
of 420 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 water storage near the water use versus
trucking water to where it is used.
Figure 2-21 Proposed water management network
A summary of the potential breakdown of mine water demand, which the water supply system must
satisfy, is shown in Table 2-7 and expanded on in Chapter 10 – Water Resources. The volumes shown
are considered to be worst case scenario and it is anticipated that volumes will be less. The majority
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-42
of water use is raw water for dust suppression of the dump station, haul roads and stockpiles, as
well as for washdown of the conveyor system.
Table 2-7 Mine water demands
Description Annual demand (ML)
Water type
Operations (truck fill for dust suppression) 300 Raw
Mine personnel (160 persons) 20 Potable
Firefighting (poly tank spare capacity) 10 Raw
MIA (workshop/washdown) 70 Raw/Potable*
Total 400 -
*1 ML per year potable supply to the MIA assuming 40 L/person/day
A potable water supply to the camp and MIA of approximately 20 ML per year, again a worst case
scenario, is required to be consistent with the standard outlined in the National Health and Medical
Research Council and Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NHMRC and NRMMC)
(2011) National Water Quality Management Strategy, Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
(ADWG). Field investigations and laboratory testing conducted indicate that the shallow aquifer
water quality is suitable for potable use. Chemical dosing may be required to control pH levels and
provide disinfection. Two potable water tanks will be required; one at the accommodation camp
and the other at the MIA. The main potable use tank will be located near the accommodation camp,
the main source of potable demand. A potable water pipeline or truck transport will be required to
transport potable water to the storage tank located at the MIA.
A sewage treatment plant (STP) is proposed to be located near the accommodation camp. Effluent
and sludge waste streams will be appropriately treated and irrigated to an area set aside for
irrigation or used as mulching and/or composting media, respectively. Sewage management is
discussed further in section 14.9.1 in Chapter 14 – Waste Management.
The daily operations of the STP will be carried out by an operator to ensure the effective operation
of the system. Pipelines and fittings associated with the effluent irrigation system will be clearly
identified and lockable valve and/or removable handles will be fitted to all release pipelines situated
in areas that are accessible to unauthorised personnel. Treated effluent from the STP will only be
discharged from discharge point/s and at compliance limits authorised under the Project’s
Environmental Authority. As the Project is only operating during the dry season, issues of irrigation
runoff during large rainfall events is largely avoided. Appropriate contingency storage for treated
effluent that cannot be irrigated during significant rainfall events will be incorporated into the STP
design.
The water management network allows for potential reuse of water collected in sumps, ponds and
slots. Allowance for reuse of water has not been incorporated into the demand analysis; however,
such an allowance will reduce the amount of water abstracted from bores. The main function of the
sumps, ponds and slots is to capture sediment laden runoff for sediment removal prior to release to
the existing environment. Oil/water separators are proposed for vehicle wash and workshop areas
prior to release or reuse of water.
Fire water supply will be provided through storage in polyethylene tanks at suitable locations
around the mine lease. A total of 5 ML has provisionally been included for the purpose of this water
resource assessment. It is anticipated that these stores be replenished post use and that the total
volume is available for firefighting activities during operations.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-43
2.6.7 Site Communications
The communication systems for the 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.
Once the MIA and accommodation camp are in place, a permanent very high frequency (VHF) radio
repeater station will be setup 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.
2.6.8 Lighting
Artificial lighting will be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with
AS 4282:1997 Control of the Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor Lighting, to minimise the amount of light
spill associated with the Project. Controls stipulated in this standard include consideration of the
location and orientation of lighting as well as the selection and maintenance of luminaries. This is a
remote area with minimal risk of impact to neighbouring residents; however, specific light controls
will be implemented for environmentally sensitive areas such as marine areas and these are
discussed further in Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology. Any further mitigation (e.g.
shielding, further restricting the use of lighting) will be implemented on an as needed basis, through
ecological studies and consultation with statutory agencies.
2.6.9 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,
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
are presented in Chapter 14 – Waste Management.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-44
2.6.9.1 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.
2.6.9.2 Excavated Waste
Waste material (overburden) associated with the pit development and mining (including sub-soils
and weathered rock) will be used for construction of the MIA and other infrastructure, where
practicable, with the remainder of all overburden material being 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 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 Chapter 4 – Land for
geochemical properties). Any suitable product material that is intercepted during the construction
process will be stockpiled at the MIA for future export.
The estimated excavated waste volumes for the life of the Project, excluding decommissioning
(2028) are shown in Table 2-8. 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.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
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Table 2-8 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
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
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-46
2.6.9.3 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 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. Full details of solid waste disposal are included in Chapter 14 – Waste
Management.
2.6.10 Workforce Accommodation
The accommodation camp will have up to 100 rooms and will provide accommodation needs for the
workforce, any contractors required from time to time and any other visitors to the site (such as
Metro Mining staff). Personnel will be shuttled between the accommodation camp and site at shift
commencement and completion.
The construction of the accommodation camp is anticipated to occur over one month. The
construction workforce is presently estimated at 75 people for the first month which will be
maintained into the start of operations. During construction, it is anticipated that the workforce will
reside within the limited existing camp facilities until the Project’s accommodation camp is
operational. This method will reduce any demand on existing accommodation requirements within
Weipa.
Marine operations personnel will share on-site accommodate with the mining crews during years
one and two. Commencing in year three of operations, marine personnel will utilise accommodation
on board the crane barge and tug operators will live on the tugs.
The accommodation camp will most likely be operated by a specialist camp supplier. The
accommodation camp will include facilities such as:
Single person accommodation units;
Diesel generator to supply power;
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-47
Potable water sources and STP;
All catering and cleaning services;
Dining room;
Gymnasium and outdoor recreation areas;
BBQ area;
Designated outdoor smoking areas;
Service point covering basic personal needs;
An all-weather assembly point;
First aid facilities; and
Firefighting capability.
The accommodation camp will utilise diesel generators for power supply and will have its own STP.
Waste water from the STP will be treated to a class suitable for irrigation and composting. The reuse
of water is expected to minimise the need for disposal.
The accommodation camp will offer a high level of amenity, access to exercise and other recreational
facilities, along with modern communication facilities which will contribute to a healthy workforce.
The accommodation camp will be designed to take advantage of the natural features of the land (see
Figure 2-22 and Figure 2-23) and has been located well away from the workings and MIA, in order
to minimise vehicle and operational noise.
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. NOT TO SCALE
F©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITHThis drawing is confidential and shall only be used
for the purpose of this project.
APPROVED
DRAWN
06/07/15
CHECKED
DATA SOURCEMEC Mining; AMEC Foster Wheel, 2015;
QLD Government Open Source Data;Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric
(Geofabric) PRODUCT SUITE V2.1.1 DRG Ref: A3L_BES150115-001-TEMPL_v2
DESIGNER CLIENT
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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. NOT TO SCALE
F ©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITHThis drawing is confidential and shall only be used
for the purpose of this project.
APPROVED
DRAWN
06/07/15
CHECKED
DATA SOURCEMEC Mining; AMEC Foster Wheel, 2015;
QLD Government Open Source Data;Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric
(Geofabric) PRODUCT SUITE V2.1.1 DRG Ref: A3L_BES150115-001-TEMPL_v2
DESIGNER CLIENT
-DESIGNED
CHECKED -
MD
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06/07/151
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Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
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2.7 Construction
2.7.1 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, the MIA, BLF, RoRo facility, accommodation
camp, water infrastructure including small water storage dams, bores 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:
Internal access roads
MIA (ROM and product stockpiles, load point for barge loading conveyor, earthmoving
equipment hard park, administration offices, workshops and fuelling facilities) (Figure 2-
3)
Raw water storage and mine surface water management systems
Services including power supply from diesel generators and solar panels
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;
Construction of the BLF:
Clearing of vegetation for the trestle jetty structures
Conveyor
Jetty and mooring dolphins
Construction of the RoRo facility;
Installation of a STP; and
Development of the accommodation camp facilities.
2.7.2 Construction Program
The construction of the BH6 open cut pit, materials handling infrastructure, haul roads,
accommodation camp and other associated mine infrastructure is planned to commence
simultaneously in year one. The development of BH1 open cut pit will commence in year two.
All materials associated with the construction of the Project will be barged to site using shallow
draught barges from either the Port of Cairns 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
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-51
maximum draft of between 2.4 to 2.9 m (see Plate 2-2 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 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 confirmed free of contamination and will be stored on appropriately
constructed hardstand at the MIA location. Appropriate drainage and erosion protection will be
applied so as to prevent the mobilisation of sediments from the hardstand to the Skardon River.
Management of the stockpiles will be in accordance with the erosion and sediment controls
described in Appendix A3 – Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
Plate 2-2 Logistics barge loaded with construction materials
The commencement date for construction is dependent upon the timing of the Project approvals
process. An indicative timeframe has been prepared for the purpose of the EIS and is outlined in
Table 2-9.
Table 2-9 Indicative construction schedule
Works Anticipated Start Date Anticipated Duration
Vegetation clearance and site preparation Q2 2017 April to July
MIA and associated infrastructure Q2 2017 April to September
Accommodation camp and associated infrastructure Q2 2017 April to June
Development of BH6 open cut pit Q2 2017 April to September
Development of barge loading facilities Q2 2017 May to October
First bauxite export Q4 2017 October
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
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2.7.3 Onshore Infrastructure
This section describes the construction approach for the onshore equipment (i.e. MIA, haul roads,
accommodation camp). The construction approach for the BLF and RoRo facility are described in
Section 2.6.2 and Section 2.6.3 respectively. The description of the mining approach is at Section
2.7.4.
Site clearance will include 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 Chapter 4 – Land which discussed rehabilitation and decommissioning). This will include
the separation of topsoil and subsoil. 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
Washdown facilities
Erosion and sediment controls
Quarry materials won from on-site borrow-pits;
Mobilisation to site:
Utilisation of existing accommodation camp at site or set-up of temporary
accommodation
Crib hut
Fencing
Amenities
Access road/haul road establishment;
Establishment of work areas:
Installation of temporary water supply with potable water barged to the site until a
water treatment plant is installed
Sewerage management infrastructure
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-53
Demountable offices
Car park
Establishment of laydown and storage areas.
2.7.3.1 Civil Works
Civil works including construction of structure foundations, permanent laydown areas and
hardstands will commence following grant of the MLA and Environment Authority. 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, including foundation construction;
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;
Onshore conveyor footings and BLF causeway;
Earthworks for the establishment of drainage diversions; and
Erosion and sediment controls, including sediment dams.
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
International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control
(BPESC) Guidelines.
Construction of internal haul roads will be phased over the life of the construction and operations
of the mine; however, the majority of the major connecting haul roads will need to be finalised in
the first three years of operation.
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).
2.7.3.2 Building and Structures
Construction of buildings and structures will occur after the civil works. Installation of plant and
related building components will follow superstructure erection, including the installation of pipe
works, cables and instrumentation. Where possible, main plant components will be pre-fabricated
and delivered complete to site to minimise the requirement for on-site assembly work.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-54
The construction management office area will be located near the proposed MIA. The facilities will
be of a temporary nature and will be replaced by the permanent administration facilities towards
the end of construction. The temporary facilities will include:
Demountable buildings including offices, meeting rooms, crib rooms/kitchen, toilets, first aid,
communications and storage;
Car park;
A light vehicle wash down slab;
Power supply from diesel generators;
Temporary construction water storage tanks;
Temporary potable water storage, until permanent facilities are installed; and
Temporary wastewater storage, until permanent facilities are installed.
2.7.4 Barge Loading Facility
The work activities associated with the construction of the BLF are:
Construction of 35 jetty bents;
Construction of 10 dolphin structures with piles and fenders;
Construction of the loading head deck structure (piles and slabs);
Installation of the dolphin bollards;
Installation of the dolphin walkways;
Installation of jetty roadway deck units;
Installation of the jetty conveyor; and
Installation of the loading conveyor.
2.7.4.1 Pre-Construction Works
Causeway
The first component of the BLF to be constructed will be the causeway. This will be constructed as
a conventional land-based earthworks activity using conventional earthmoving equipment. This is
possible because the causeway does not extend past the point at which the existing ground level is
at the level of Mean High Water Springs (MHWS). This means that the causeway can be constructed
entirely in the dry, rather than as a marine or tidally constrained activity. The crest level of the
causeway will match the level of the approach jetty deck. The causeway will be founded on the
existing ground along the alignment.
The core of the causeway will be constructed from suitable locally-won material, which will be
placed and compacted in layers. It is envisaged that this operation will begin at the shore end of the
causeway and will advance towards the seaward end. The sides of the core will then be covered in
geotextile and then armoured using imported durable rock. Typically these rocks will have an
average diameter of approximately 350 mm. This rock armouring will prevent erosion of the
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-55
causeway in the event of seasonal flooding that extends above MHWS level. The running surface of
the causeway will be constructed of suitable granular material, which may be locally-won or
imported.
A reinforced concrete abutment will then be constructed at the seaward end of the causeway. The
purpose of the abutment is to support the landward end of the first span of the approach jetty
structure. This abutment will constructed using conventional methods, involving excavation to the
formation level, placement of blinding concrete to obtain a working base at the level of the underside
of the abutment, placement of formwork and reinforcing steel cage and placement and compaction
of the concrete. Once the abutment has been completed, the construction of the jetty proper can
commence.
Jetty Arrangement
This phase of the works includes the preparation of the self-elevating platform (jack up barge (SEP)),
shallow draft barges, tugs and other marine equipment in readiness to perform the construction
activities. Preparatory work on this equipment is undertaken at various facilities depending on the
location of the equipment prior to mobilization.
Long lead time works is associated with the design and fabrication of temporary works as necessary
to suit the jetty bent construction requirements and some dolphin access needs. An experienced
designer shall be engaged to perform the engineering and provide certification of the designed
components.
In this case an over-the-top method is used to construct the jetty with a crane travelling over the
constructed bents (i.e. jetty support structures). The crane will traverse on purpose built crane
girders that span between the bents. The associated piling system will utilise a cantilevered frame
supporting a pile leader in advance of and supported from the completed bents. Some temporary
foundations are required on land to anchor the piling framing for construction of the first bent
(following completion of the abutment).
The SEP Fuji (see Plate 2-3) is supplied with its piling gate system as currently designed for pile
driving activities. Access onto the SEP is from marine craft via the current designed landing access.
Plate 2-3 Typical Self Elevating Platform, Fuji
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-56
It is anticipated that the temporary works engineering and fabrication phase will occur over a period
of four to five months prior to commencement of jetty construction.
2.7.4.2 Over-the-Top Construction
The jetty construction is performed with an over-the-top method. Marine access in the tidal zone is
not suitable for floating equipment. The use of a SEP or floating barge and crane will construct some
of the jetty bents where accessible from the water to reduce the program duration. Consequently all
over-the-top build shall be serviced from the landward side.
Commencing from the abutment the piling frame is placed on land with the leader positioned out to
the first bent (cantilevered). Temporary restraint on land is required to stabilise the piling frame
during pile driving. A gangway is placed onto the completed bent for access to complete welding
and painting activities.
The spanning crane girders are then positioned onto the headstock and the crane driven out onto
the girders. The piling frame is repositioned in front of the crane cantilevering over the headstock
and secured to the crane girders for stability to drive the next pile set. The following bent
construction diagrams details a typical bent being built.
With the pile frame set and gates surveyed each pile is delivered along the roadway and pitched (off
the back of the transporter) directly into the pile gate. The second pile is similarly delivered and
pitched. The pile hammer is supported on the temporary structure (cradle in the vertical position).
It is attached to the crane and set onto the first pile. Each pile is in turn driven home to the specified
set (see Figure 2-24).
Figure 2-24 Bent construction sequence step 1
Utilising the access on the pile leader the piles are surveyed and marked for cutting. They are cut
and prepared for welding. The headstock is installed (suitable locators are attached to the headstock
stubs for ease of placement and alignment. The weld set up for the pile is prepared as per the
qualified weld procedure specification and the headstock welded out as per the qualified weld
procedure (see Figure 2-25).
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-57
Figure 2-25 Bent construction sequence step 2
Once completely welded and the non-destructive testing (NDT) satisfactorily completed the
painting access platform is installed to the headstock (to allow the provision of suitable
encapsulation). The piling frame is withdrawn to clear the headstock and lifted out. It is placed
behind the crane and stored on the temporary works. A temporary gangway is installed to the
headstock and the headstock platform encapsulated. The paint repairs are performed. The access
platform is removed and preparations made to relocate for the next span (see Figure 2-26).
Figure 2-26 Bent construction sequence step 3
Each crane beam is dismantled and relocated to the newly completed headstock and secured. A
temporary gangway is installed before the last girder is removed to maintain access at all times (see
Figure 2-27).
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-58
Figure 2-27 Bent construction sequence step 4
The permanent deck steelwork is installed in the space vacated due to the crane girder relocation
and the concrete deck units installed. Now the next bent construction can proceed with access
available for the next set of deliveries (see Figure 2-28).
Figure 2-28 Bent construction sequence step 5
The piling frame is then re-installed into the working position and the next set of piles delivered for
pitching (see Figure 2-29).
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-59
Figure 2-29 Bent construction sequence step 6
The process continues repeatedly until all the bents are completed (see Figure 2-30).
Figure 2-30 Bent construction sequence step 7
The construction of the jetty’s last five bents, the loading head and the dolphins are undertaken with
the SEP. From the Project developed/utilised RoRo facility the materials and equipment are loaded
onto a shallow draft barge for delivery to the SEP work front.
Commencing with the jetty bent closest to shore (that the SEP is intended to construct) each of the
five bents is constructed progressively outwards toward the loading head followed by the loading
head bents. The shallow draft barge shall be loaded with all the materials required to complete a
bent. Relocation of the SEP shall be via anchors and on-board winches. Whilst relocating the SEP,
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-60
the shallow draft barge is towed back to the RoRo facility for loading of the next bent materials and
returned ready for constructing the subsequent bent.
For each bent construction and each dolphin pile construction the SEP is to be relocated. Each pile
is driven independently (as per the leader design) with the pair driven followed by the installation
of the access platform. From here the piles are surveyed and cut to length and profiled for welding.
The headstock is placed (complete with locating stubs) and surveyed for correct position. Once
correctly set the pile joints are tacked in position around the pile prior to weld out (in accordance
with the Project approved qualified weld procedure). When completely welded and the NDT
completed, the platform is encapsulated and protective coating repairs completed. The SEP is
relocated following welding to the next bent set up position. A gangway access is installed once the
SEP is relocated to allow completion of the painting activities.
The construction sequence entails working on a maximum of two bents to maintain crane reach for
deck unit installation two spans in a rear. The loading head is similarly constructed (12 m x 12 m)
with one SEP set up per bent.
Having completed the jetty end bents and loading head structure the SEP is relocated and set for
dolphin construction. Starting from the loading head, construct the dolphin piles progressively
working in one direction out to the end dolphin. Complete in one direction and then relocate to the
other side of the loading head and continue process until all dolphins completed (see Figure 2-31).
Figure 2-31 Dolphin construction using SEP
The construction of each of the dolphins will be occurring using the following general principle:
Locate SEP (performed with on-board winches on anchors);
Drive first pile in bent group;
Using access from pile gate weld cap plate with bollard installed (pre-welded);
Install fender clamp with fender cone pre-installed;
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
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Install bolt on dolphin access from loading head deck;
Relocate SEP to next dolphin and provide access (SEP to previous dolphin);
Install painting platform to dolphin and perform paint repairs;
Prepare to drive second dolphin pile; and
Repeat above process until all dolphins are completed (see Figure 2-32).
Figure 2-32 Completed dolphin
2.7.5 Roll On/Roll Off Facility
The construction sequence and methodology for the RoRo facility will commence with the testing of
mangrove mud for potential acid sulfate soils (PASS) prior to the commencement of construction. If
PASS is confirmed implement requirements of the Acid Sulfate Soils Management Plan (ASSMP) (i.e.
treated with lime to neutralise the acid sulphate potential). Refer to Chapter 4 – Land for further
discussion on the management of PASS.
Clearing of mangroves will occur initially by hand with silt fences installed on stakes on the
perimeter of the ramp works. The initial area of inshore mangroves will then be cleared from on-
land using a swamp dozer at low tide. This will include excavating a small volume of material from
below the low tide zone. Mangrove mud will be excavated and replaced with a gravel fill at low tide.
Mangrove mud will be taken ashore and managed in accordance with the ASSMP. An example of a
typical onshore management area for PASS is shown at Plate 2-4.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-62
Plate 2-4 Typical onshore management area for PASS
Imported clean rock fill will be used in order to limit the requirement for compaction, to limit
settlements and to reduce the generation of fine material (sediments) that will cause turbidity
during construction. This process will continue until the toe of the ramp has been reached. Beyond
the location of the toe of the ramp, the mangroves will be removed to allow barge access to the toe
of the constructed ramp. Filter cloth, reno-mattresses and crushed rock running surface will be
placed commencing at the seaward end of the ramp and moving landwards. The reno-mattresses
will be pre-filled onshore and lifted into place by a crane.
2.7.6 Ancillary Construction Requirements
2.7.6.1 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 is currently in the process of applying for this allocation. On
receipt of the allocation Metro Mining will initiate the process to have a licenced well established
prior to the commencement of construction. Construction raw water will then be sourced from the
approved GAB 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
workers accommodation 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.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
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2.7.6.2 Construction Materials, Plant and Equipment and Transportation
Quarry materials will be sourced from onsite deposits, typically located nearby to the 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 also 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 will be used and stored onsite during the construction of the mine. Hazardous
materials that will be used during construction include diesel fuels, lubrication oils, paints and
thinners, and protective coatings. Further details regarding the usage and storage 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 Karumba or the Port of Cairns. An assessment of the traffic and transportation is discussed
at Chapter 17 –Transport.
The Project will use standard construction equipment, general trade equipment and specialised
equipment as required.
2.7.7 Construction Waste Management
The management of the waste streams associated with the construction of the Project, in addition
to the operation and decommissioning, are discussed in Chapter 14 – Waste Management. Waste
material generated through construction will be separated into separate waste streams. 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. Waste generation from emissions
that will contribute to existing local air quality are discussed in Chapter 12 – Air Quality.
2.7.8 Construction Site Management and Security
2.7.8.1 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. The SSE will oversee the principal contractor during the construction of
the Project including monitoring the principal contractors’ performance to ensure that the
mitigation measures established for the construction phase are implemented and that construction
impacts and nuisance are minimised. 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.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-64
2.7.8.2 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.
2.7.8.3 Access and Security
Access to the site will be via a manned gatehouse, during the dry season, at the RoRo facility and at
the 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.
2.8 Operations
2.8.1 Mining Method
The mining method for the Project will be open cut mining 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.
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.
2.8.2 Mine Plant and Equipment
The mobile plant and equipment expected to be used for the Project’s construction and operational
activities, to support a maximum production rate of 5 Mtpa is shown at Table 2-10. All equipment
will be delivered and removed from site by barge through the RoRo facility proposed as part of the
Project.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-65
Table 2-10 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 -
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 -
2.8.3 Operation
The bauxite resource is contained in BH6 West (MLA 20689), BH6 East (MLA 20688) and BH1 (MLA 20676) (see Figure 2-3).The anticipated annual production rates are shown in Table 2-11 and presented in Figure 2-33 (total production schedule) and Figure 2-34 (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 2-11 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 - 2,730,351 4,950,002 4,950,005 4,950,003 4,950,000
Total Waste Volume BH1 - 211,977 308,774 393,386 478,723 473,829
Total Ore BH6 1,072,922 1,303,658 - - - -
Total Waste Volume BH6 180,666 139,719 - - - -
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 - - - -
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-66
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 2-33 Estimated total annual DSO bauxite production rates
Figure 2-34 Estimated annual DSO bauxite production rates for each pit
-
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
-
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
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-67
2.8.4 Mining Sequence
Construction is planned to commence in April 2017, following the receipt of all necessary
environmental approvals. Detailed design and construction is estimated to take seven months. The
indicative mine development sequence is shown at Figure 2-35. The first shipment of bauxite is
planned for October 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 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.
Screening. In-pit screening of the bauxite before transporting to the product stockpile is
required to eliminate oversize material and remove organic material. Organic material will be
retained at the mining area and either burned with the stripped vegetation or returned into the
rehabilitated areas.
Transport of product material. Once in-pit screening is completed, ore will be transported by
haul truck to the product stockpile located at the MIA.
Stockpiling. Product bauxite will be stockpiled to a maximum height of 18 m using stackers with
dozer push out if required. Two product stockpiles will be within a 120 m x 150 m area holding
a maximum of approximately 240,000 t at any time.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-68
Barge loading. Barges will be moored to piles in the river and loaded via a conveyor. The
conveyor gantry from the barge to shore will be supported by piles. The total length of the
conveyor will be approximately 550 m of which approximately 100 m will be causeway and the
remaining 450 m consisting of the jetty and loading head/berthing area. A conceptual design of
the BLF is shown in Figure 2-19.
Barge transport. Barges will be towed by tugs from the loading point 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 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. Water
trucks and sprays will be deployed in the stockpiling, conveying and industrial area as required.
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.
BH6 West MLA boundary
(MLA 20689)
BH1 MLA boundary(MLA 20676)
BH6 East MLA boundary
(MLA 20688)
605000
605000
610000
610000
615000
615000
620000
620000
625000
625000
86
90
00
0
86
90
00
0
86
95
00
0
86
95
00
0
87
00
00
0
87
00
00
0
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
Figure 2-3
Mine development sequence
©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITHThis drawing is confidential and shall only be used
for the purpose of this project.
APPROVED
DRAWN
15/03/16
CHECKED
Legend
Mine Development Sequence
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Barge Loading Area
Watercourse
Haul Road
Accommodation Camp
Metro Mining Mine Lease Area
DATA SOURCEMEC Mining, 2015;
QLD Government Open Source Data;Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric
(Geofabric) PRODUCT SUITE V2.1.1 DRG Ref: BES150115-024-R1_MINE_S
DESIGNER CLIENT
1:55,000Scale @ A3 -
-DESIGNED
CHECKED -
MD
MD
-
R Details Date
15/03/161
Notes:
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F:\1_PROJECTS\BES150115_Bauxite_Hill\GIS\DATA\MXD\FINAL\ERA\BES150115-024-R1_MINE_S.mxd
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-
-
Barge Loading Area
Haul Road
Haul Road
Accommodation Camp
Camp
AccessRoad
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-70
2.8.5 Product Handling
ROM bauxite will be screened in-pit prior to being delivered to the product stockpile area by side
tipping trucks and dumped on the stockpile pad. 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 product stockpile by front end loaders
and dumped into hoppers feeding the stacking circuit.
Screens and conveyors will be mobile with a through capacity between 800 t/hr and 1,200 t/hr.
Power will be provided by direct drive diesel engines or by electric motors powered by diesel
generators. Dust control will involve road tankers to dampen the stockpile pad and MIA and low
volume water sprays at dust generating points and over the product stockpiles.
Product bauxite will then be delivered to the MIA by haul truck and unloaded to the product
stockpiles. Bulldozers and front end loaders will be used to load bauxite from the product stockpiles
to the barge loading conveyor. The conveyor will have a belt width of nominally 1,500 mm and
approximate operating speed of 4 metres per second (m/s), and will transfer product at
approximately 1,500 t/hr from the stockpiles into the barge.
To minimise dust generation during barge loading the following features have been included into
the design of the BLF:
The jetty conveyor shall have covers and/or spill catch extensions;
Elevated sections will include a floor under the gantry structure, with down pipes reporting to
the sump pit at regular intervals;
Conveyors will be fitted with idler wind guards, to minimise wind effects on belt and associated
spillage;
Primary and secondary scrapers, along with belt washing, will be provided at conveyor head
ends;
Transfer chutes shall be fully enclosed, along with skirting; and
The jetty conveyor will be located on a concrete deck (which is curbed) so any spillage can be
collected and removed by operations.
The BLF will also include a luffing and partially slewing barge loader. The BLF will have a basic head
chute or deflector to channel the product to the barge and will luff to keep the discharge at a minimal
height from the pile on the barge. This approach will further mitigate dust generation and will
mitigate the potential for spillage during the barge loading operations.
The Project will operate a small fleet of barges and tugs to carry the bauxite from the river berth to
an OGV lying offshore. The fleet is anticipated to comprise of approximately six barges, three ocean
going tugs and two assist tugs and one crew boat. The barge design is expected to be shallow draft
barges (without their own means of propulsion) and these will be either pushed or pulled by the
tugs.
The vessels will all comply with applicable Australian Standards and Maritime Safety Queensland
requirements and will be registered as such. Refuelling of the tugs will take place either at the BLF
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-71
with fuel piped from the shore installation, in which case the mine’s fuel loading and unloading
protocols will be followed, or the tugs will refuel at a commercial installation in Weipa.
2.8.6 Barge Operations
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 2-36) 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 2-37) will be used to deliver up to 5 Mtpa to awaiting
OGVs.
Barge dimensions are approximately 80 m length, 20 m beam to a maximum of 90 m length, 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 2-36 Indicative barge specifications for year 1 operations
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-72
Figure 2-37 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.
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).
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-73
Sufficient numbers of barges will be placed in service to provide for the maximum requirement
during the expected operating year. Barges will be loaded upon arrival at the BLF at a proposed rate
of 1,500 t/hr.
Shallow draft tugboats (see Plate 2-5) 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 2-6) 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 BLF. Shallow draft work
boats (see Plate 2-7) will be used for general support throughout maritime operations.
Plate 2-5 Typical shallow draft tugboat that will be used during barge operations
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-74
Plate 2-6 Example of a typical floating crane that would be use to transfer bauxite to the OGV
Plate 2-7 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.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-75
Bauxite will be shipped to overseas markets via a combination of Supramax (see Plate 2-8),
Ultramax (see Plate 2-9), Panamax (see Plate 2-10) and Mini Capesize (see Plate 2-11) 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 2-12.
The locations of the indicative OGV anchorage areas is shown in Figure 2-38.
Table 2-12 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 2-8 Supramax Class OGV
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-76
Plate 2-9 Ultramax Class OGV
Plate 2-10 Panamax Class OGV
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-77
Plate 2-11 Mini Capesize OGV
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MLA 20676BAUXITE HILLS 1
MLA 20689BAUXITE HILLS 6 WEST
(BH6 WEST)
MLA 20688BAUXITE HILLS
6 EAST (BH6 EAST)
Panamax
SupramaxUltramax
Mini Cape
Day Mooring
SKA R DON RIVER
NA
MALETA CREEK
NAMALETA CREEK
590000
590000
600000
600000
610000
610000
620000
620000
8690
000
8690
000
8700
000
8700
000
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 2,000 4,0001,000
Metres
Figure 2-38Indicative OGV anchorage area
©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITHThis drawing is confidential and shall only be used
for the purpose of this project.
APPROVEDDRAWN
03/05/16
CHECKED
Legend!! Shipping Route
WatercourseLimit of Coastal WatersAccommodation CampHaul RoadPit ExtentsMine Lease AreaSkardon River Port LimitsSkardon River Pilotage Area
West Cape York Commonwealth Marine ReserveMultiple Use ZoneSpecial Purpose Zone
DATA SOURCEMEC Mining; 1sSRTM v1.0 Geoscience Australia 2011;
Australian Government, Department of the Environment; QLD Government Open Source Data;
Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric (Geofabric) PRODUCT SUITE V2.1.1 DRG Ref: BES150115-002-R1_PACE_Rfs
DESIGNER CLIENT
1:90,000Scale @ A3 -
-DESIGNEDCHECKED -
MDMD-
R Details Date15/07/151
Notes:
2-----
F:\1_PROJECTS\BES150115_Bauxite_Hill\GIS\DATA\MXD\FINAL\ERA\PACE\BES150115-002-R1_PACE_Rfs.mxd
For Information PurposesUpdated Pit Extents-----
Barge Loading Area
Haul Road
Haul Road
Accommodation Camp
03/05/16
Camp Access
Road
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-79
2.8.6.1 Logistic Barge Operations
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. The logistic barges will be approximately 40 m in length with a maximum draft of
between 2.4 m (see Plate 2-12).
Plate 2-12 Logistics barge loaded with mining equipment
A double skinned transport barge will deliver approximately 200,000 litres of fuel each week to the
Project. Fuel will be transferred, generally coinciding with the high tide, via a pipeline connected to
the BLF to the fuel farm. A typical general arrangement of a double skinned transport barge is shown
at Figure 2-39.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-80
Figure 2-39 Indicative general arrangement of a double skinned barge
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-81
2.8.6.2 Barge Mooring
When not in use the barges will be moored in the Skardon River clear of other river traffic. The base
case will include 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. A schematic of the mooring and barge is shown at Figure 2-40 and indicative locations of the
moorings are shown at Figure 2-41. The location has been selected due to the width of the river and
area of reduced wave fetch during a cyclonic event.
The moorings will be designed to withstand cyclones (cyclone rated) and tugs and barges will be
secured to these moorings during the wet season. An indicative layout is shown at Figure 2-42.
Mooring pile parameters (i.e. pile size, diameter, spacing requirement, and required working load)
will be determined as part of detailed design work that is underway. Similarly hawser parameters
will be confirmed as part of the final design of the moorings.
A separate single “day mooring” will be established in offshore water between the mouth of the
Skardon River and the OGV loading area. The structure of the mooring will be like any other
standard mooring comprising a single weight with a buoy attached. The mooring will be of sufficient
design to be able to withstand 30 knots and 2 m seas only. The mooring will not be used in conditions
outside of the design parameters.
A pre-clearance survey will be undertaken of the seabed prior to the placement of the mooring to
ensure the mooring is positioned in an area clear of reef structures. An indicative design of the day
mooring is shown at Figure 2-43.
Figure 2-40 Schematic of mooring and barge
Airport Strip
Haul Road
Accommodation Camp
BH6 EastMLA boundary
(MLA 20688)Camp
Access Road
Haul Road
BH1 MLA boundary (MLA 20676)
BH6 West
MLA boundary(MLA 20689)
SK
ARDON
RIVER
NAMALETA C REEK
NAMALETA CREEK
SKARDON RIVER
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605000
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610000
615000
615000
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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
Figure 2-©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITHThis drawing is confidential and shall only be used
for the purpose of this project.
APPROVED
DRAWN
04/04/16
CHECKED
Legend
Mine Infrastructure Area
Watercourse
Haul Road
Pit Extents
Mine Lease Area
Accommodation Camp
DATA SOURCEMEC Mining 2016;
QLD Government Open Source Data;Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric
(Geofabric) PRODUCT SUITE V2.1.1 DRG Ref: BES150115-002-R2_PROJ_INFRA
DESIGNER CLIENT
1:65,000Scale @ A3 -
MIDESIGNED
CHECKED MI
MD
MD
19/02/16
R Details Date
15/07/151
Notes:
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Area
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142°3'39.648"E11°44'41.983"S
142°3'58.611"E11°44'50.543"S
142°3'57.718"E11°44'52.548"S
142°3'38.755"E11°44'43.987"S
Floating Crane Moorings
Tug and BargeMoorings
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-85
2.9 Workforce
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% fly-in fly out (FIFO).
In response to the Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee Report No. 9 Inquiry
into fly-in, fly-out 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
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 accommodation camp in the Project area.
Approximately ten flights per week during construction and three flights per week, assuming 40
seater planes, 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. Mapoon airstrip is not considered to be suitable for a 40 seater aircraft; however,
there is potential that smaller aircraft could use this airstrip. 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 2-13; however, final numbers will be confirmed once the mining and
maritime operations contractors have been selected.
Table 2-13 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
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-86
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
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
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
2.9.1 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. 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
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-87
opportunities for both parties. These agreed employment actions will be incorporated into the
workforce management plans and strategies.
2.9.1.1 Construction Phase
Recruitment and management of the workforce during the construction phase 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 construction phase 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;
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.
2.10 Rehabilitation and Decommissioning
Rehabilitation and decommissioning will occur progressively during mining. 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 Chapter 4 – Land.
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-88
2.11 ToR Cross-reference
Table 2-14 ToR Cross-reference – project description
Terms of Reference Section of the EIS
6. Project Description
Proposed Development
6.1 The EIS must describe and illustrate at least the following specific information about the proposed project:
the project’s title Section 2.1 – Project Overview
the project, its objectives, and expected capital expenditure Section 2.5 – Project Needs and Alternatives rationale for the project
the nature and scale of activities to be undertaken and whether it is a greenfield or brownfield site
Chapter 2 – Description of the Project
the regional and local context of the project’s footprint (with maps at suitable scales)
Section 2.2 - Location
relationship to other major projects (of which the proponent should reasonably be aware)
Chapter 1.3.1 – Inter-related Projects
the workforce numbers to be employed by the project during its various phases, where personnel would be accommodated and, where relevant, the likely recruitment and rostering arrangements to be adopted
Section 2.9 - Workforce
the proposed construction staging and likely schedule of works. Section 2.7.2 – Construction Program
6.2 Describe and show on plans, at an appropriate scale, the proposed methods and facilities to be used for product storage and for transferring product from the processing facility to the storage facilities and/or from the storage facilities to the transport facilities.
Section 2.6 – Infrastructure Requirements
Section 2.7 – Construction
Section 2.8 – Operations
Chapter 4 – Land
Chapter 14 – Waste Management
Chapter 18 – Hazards and Safety
Note: Bed-levelling is not a proposed actions as part of the Project.
Descriptions should include all infrastructure elements appropriate to the project proposal, including haul and access roads, causeways, stockpile areas, chemical storage areas, camp, sewage treatment plant, waste storage facilities, barge loading facilities and any areas of bed levelling.
Include discussion of any environmental design features of these facilities including bunding of storage facilities.
Site Description
6.3 Provide real property descriptions of the project land and adjacent properties; any easements; any underlying resource tenures; and identification number of any resource activity lease for the project land that is subject to application.
Section 2.3.1 – Tenure
Section 2.3.2 – Site Access, Section 2.2.3 – Local Context
Key transport, state-controlled roads, rail, air, port/sea and other infrastructure in the region relevant to the project and to the site should be described and mapped.
Section 2.6. – Infrastructure Requirements
6.4 Describe and illustrate the topography of the project site and surrounding area, and highlight any significant features shown on the maps. Maps should have contours at suitable increments relevant to the scale, location, potential impacts and type of project, shown with respect to Australian Height Datum (AHD) and drafted to GDA94.
Chapter 4 – Land
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-89
6.5 Describe and illustrate the precise location of the proposed project in relation to any protected areas, waterbodies, proposed buffers surrounding the working areas, and lands identified for conservation, either through retention in their current natural state or to be rehabilitated.
Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology
Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology
Chapter 7 – Matters of National Environmental Significance
Appendix B2 – Aquatic Ecology Technical Report
Appendix B3 – Marine Ecology and Coastal Processes
Appendix C – Offsets Strategy
6.6 Where appropriate, describe and map in plan and cross-sections the geology and landforms, including catchments, of the project area.
Chapter 4 – Land
Chapter 11 – Flooding and Regulated Structures
Show geological structures, such as aquifers, faults and economic resources that could have an influence on, or be influenced by, the project's activities.
Chapter 4 – Land
Chapter 10 – Water Resources
6.7 Where appropriate, describe, map and illustrate soil types and profiles of the project area at a scale relevant to the proposed project.
Chapter 4 - Land Identify soils that would require particular management due to wetness, erosivity, depth, acidity, salinity or other feature.
Climate
6.7 Describe the site’s climate patterns that are relevant to the environmental assessment, with particular regard to discharges to water and air and the propagation of noise.
Chapter 3 - Climate
Climate information should be presented in a statistical form including long-term averages and extreme values, and any predicted changes associated with climate change, as necessary.
Chapter 3 - Climate
6.8 Identify the vulnerability of the area to natural and induced hazards, including floods, bushfires and cyclones.
Chapter 3 - Climate
Consider the relative frequency and magnitude of these events together with the risk they pose to the construction, operation and rehabilitation of the project.
Chapter 3 - Climate
Measures that would be taken to minimise the risks of these events should be described.
Chapter 3 - Climate
Proposed Construction and Operations
6.9 Describe the following information about the proposal, and provide mapping and concept/layout plans where applicable:
existing infrastructure (including existing marine / port infrastructure) and easements on the potentially affected land
Section 2.1 – Project Overview
the proposed extractive and processing methods, associated equipment and techniques
Section 2.8 – Operations
the sequencing and staging of activities Section 2.7.2 – Construction Program
the capacity of high-impact plant and equipment, their chemical and physical processes the chemicals or hazardous materials to be used
Section 2.8 – Operations
the locations, design and capacity of new or altered infrastructure necessary for the project at all stages of its development, including on and off lease areas
Section 2.1 – Project Overview
any on or off lease project activity, particularly a prescribed environmentally relevant activity
Chapter 2 – Description of the Project
supply of goods and services including likely procurement models for both the construction and operation phases
Chapter 16 – Social and Economic and Appendix H – Economic Technical Report
product markets, including shipping details, destinations, transhipment operations, export routes
Section 2.5 – Project Needs and Alternatives
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
2-90
all pre-construction activities (e.g. vegetation clearing, site access, interference with watercourses and floodplain areas, including wetlands)
Section 2.7 – Construction
times of the year and hours of operation for proposed construction works Section 2.7.2 – Construction Program
the proposed methods and facilities to be used for product storage and for transferring product from the processing facility to the storage facilities and/or from the storage facilities to the transport facilities
Section 2.8 – Operations
Infrastructure; flood levees; telecommunications; power generation and transmission infrastructure; roads; sewerage treatment and disposal areas; waste disposal locations; and water supplies and distribution systems.
Section 2.6 – Infrastructure requirements
Section 2.7 – Construction
Section 2.8 – Operations
7. Critical Matters
This section sets out the scope of critical matters that should be given detailed treatment in the EIS. A critical matter is an aspect of the proposal that has one or more of the following characteristics:
Metro mining has noted all critical matters identified in the terms of reference and addressed these issues accordingly.
a high or medium probability of causing serious or material environmental harm or a high probability of causing an environmental nuisance
considered important by the administering authority and/or there is a public perception that an activity has the potential to cause serious or material environmental harm or an environmental nuisance, or, the activity has been the subject of extensive media coverage
identified (in a referral decision) as a specific controlling provision under the EPBC Act.
7.1 Critical matters for this project are:
land, flora and fauna (see section 8.2)
Chapter 4 – Land
Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology
Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology
Chapter 7 – Matters of National Environmental Significance
water quality (see section 8.4) Chapter 9 – Water Quality
coastal environment (see section 8.14). Chapter 19 – Coastal Environment
identified matters of state environmental significance (MSES) under the State Planning Policy (July 2014). See section 8.2.12.
Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology
Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology
matters of national environmental significance (MNES) (see Appendix 2).
Chapter 4 – Land
Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology
Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology
Chapter 7 – Matters of National Environmental Significance
7.2 The final scope of critical matters will be determined by the administering authority when finalising the TOR. In the course of preparing the EIS, information may become available that warrants a change of scope.
Noted
Bauxite Hills Project Description of the Project
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8. Assessment of Critical and Routine Matters
The following subsections list the critical and routine matters for resource projects, with (where applicable) a reference to the objectives defined in the EP Regulation. In some cases, not all the matters may be relevant, while in others the list may not be exhaustive. Where applicable, refer to the objective and achievements of the EP Act (section 3) to ensure ecologically sustainable development is achieved and the environmental objectives and performance outcomes as defined in schedule 5, part 3, tables 1 and 2 of the EP Regulation.
Ecological Sustainable Development is discussed in various chapters within the EIS.
Section 2.5 – Project Needs and Alternatives discusses design options that have been considered as part of the project development.
Other Chapters include Chapter 14 – Waste Manage, Chapter 7 – Matters of National Environmental Significance.
The EIS should give detailed treatment to matters that have been identified as critical. For each routine matter identified below, the level of detail should be proportional to the probable scale of potential impacts.
Chapter 4 – Land
Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology
Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology
Chapter 7 – Matters of National Environmental Significance
Chapter 9 – Surface and Groundwater Quality
As a minimum, the proponent should supply sufficient information that confirms the risks and impacts are not significant.
Metro Mining believes it has provided sufficient information to confirm the risks and potential impacts are not significant.