Mount Owen Complex of Mine Mount Owen Complex MOP Commencement Date 01/1/2017 MOP Completion Date...

Mount Owen Complex

Mining Operations Plan

January 2017 - December 2021

Report Number 630.11773

March 2017

Mount Owen Pty Limited

Version: Revised Submission

Mount Owen Complex Mining Operations Plan January 2017 - December 2021

Report Number 630.11773 March 2017

Revised Submission Page i

SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd

Mount Owen Complex


January 2017 - December 2021

PREPARED BY:

SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd ABN 29 001 584 612

10 Kings Road

New Lambton NSW 2305 Australia

(PO Box 447 New Lambton NSW 2305 Australia)

T: +61 2 4037 3200 F: +61 2 4037 3201

[email protected] www.slrconsulting.com

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Reference Status Date Prepared Checked Authorised

630.11773 Draft 1 16 November 2016 Mount Owen

Complex (MOC)

and Tracey Ball

Chris Jones Chris Jones

630.11773 Draft 2 20 December 2016 MOC and Tracey

Ball


630.11773 Submission 24 January 2017 MOC and Chris

Jones


630.11773 Revised

Submission

7 March 2017 MOC and Chris

Jones




Revised Submission Page ii


Mount Owen Complex


Name of Mine Mount Owen Complex

MOP Commencement Date 01/1/2017

MOP Completion Date 31/12/2021

Name of Authorisation / Authorisation holder(s) Mt Owen Pty Limited

Mining Authorisations (Lease/Licence No.) CL383, CL715, ML1355, ML1415, ML1419,

ML1453, ML1475, ML1561, ML1608,

ML1629, ML1694, AL8 (MLA 512), ML

1673

Name of Authorisation / Authorisation holder(s) Glendell Tenements Pty Limited

Mining Authorisations (Lease/Licence No.) ML1410, ML1476, CL 358, MPL343

Name of Mine Operator (if different) Mt Owen Pty Limited / Thiess Pty Ltd

Name and Contact Details of the Mine Manager (or equivalent) Ashley McLeod

Name and Contact Details of Environmental Representative Glenn Cook

Name of Representative(s) of the Authorisation Holder(s) Shane Holmes

Title of Representative(s) of the Authorisation Holder(s) Technical Services Manager

Signature of Representative(s) of the Authorisation Holder(s)

Date 7 March 2017

Version Revised Submission



Revised Submission Page iii

Table of Contents


1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Brief History of Mining Operations at the MOC .................................................................... 2

1.1.1 History of Ravensworth East Mine .......................................................................... 2

1.1.2 History of Glendell Mine .......................................................................................... 2

1.1.3 History of Mount Owen Mine ................................................................................... 2

1.1.4 Mount Owen Complex ............................................................................................. 3

Proposed activities within the MOC during the MOP term includes: ............................................. 4

1.2 Current Consents, Authorisations and Licences .................................................................. 5

1.2.1 Development Consents ........................................................................................... 5

1.2.2 Mining Titles ............................................................................................................ 5

1.2.3 Ancillary Licences and Approvals ........................................................................... 6

1.3 Land Ownership and Land Use ........................................................................................... 9

1.4 Stakeholder Consultation ..................................................................................................... 9

1.4.1 Community Consultation ......................................................................................... 9

1.4.2 Statutory Authorities ..............................................................................................10

1.4.3 Other Stakeholders ...............................................................................................10

1.4.4 MOP Consultation .................................................................................................11

1.4.5 Revision of the MOP Following Government Consultation ...................................11

2 PROPOSED MINING ACTIVITIES ..............................................................................................12

2.1 Project Description .............................................................................................................12

2.2 Post Mining Land use - Asset Register ..............................................................................12

2.2.1 Rehabilitation Cost Estimate .................................................................................14

2.3 Activities over the MOP Term ............................................................................................14

2.3.1 Exploration ............................................................................................................14

2.3.2 Construction ..........................................................................................................15

2.3.3 Mining Operations .................................................................................................16

2.3.4 Land Preparation ...................................................................................................16

2.3.5 Soil Stripping and Stockpiling ...............................................................................17

2.3.6 Waste Rock Removal and Emplacement .............................................................18

2.3.7 Coal Stockpiling and Processing ..........................................................................18

2.3.8 Coal Transport ......................................................................................................19

2.3.9 Coarse Rejects and Tailings Disposal ..................................................................19

2.3.10 Decommissioning and Demolition Activities .........................................................20

2.3.11 Progressive Rehabilitation and Completion ..........................................................20

2.3.12 Material Production Schedule ...............................................................................21

3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ...........................................................................................22

3.1 Environmental Risk Assessment .......................................................................................22

3.2 Environmental Risk Management ......................................................................................26

3.2.1 Flora and Fauna ....................................................................................................26

3.2.2 Final Landform Design ..........................................................................................27



Revised Submission Page iv

Table of Contents


3.2.3 Heritage (Aboriginal and European) .....................................................................28

3.2.4 Erosion and Sediment Control ..............................................................................29

3.2.5 Air Quality ..............................................................................................................29

3.2.6 Visual and Lighting ................................................................................................30

3.2.7 Blasting ..................................................................................................................30

3.2.8 Noise .....................................................................................................................30

3.2.9 Bushfire .................................................................................................................31

3.2.10 Hazardous Materials and Dangerous Goods ........................................................31

3.2.11 Water Management ...............................................................................................31

3.2.12 Waste Management ..............................................................................................32

3.2.13 Weeds and Pests ..................................................................................................33

3.3 Operational Issues Which Affect Rehabilitation .................................................................34

3.3.1 Mine Subsidence ...................................................................................................34

3.3.2 Settlement of Tailings ............................................................................................34

3.3.3 Soils and Capping Materials .................................................................................34

3.3.4 Contaminated Land ...............................................................................................35

3.3.5 Spontaneous Combustion .....................................................................................35

3.3.6 Geochemical Constraints ......................................................................................36

3.3.7 Final Landuse Integration with Adjacent Operations ............................................37

4 POST MINING LAND USE ..........................................................................................................38

4.1 Regulatory Requirements ..................................................................................................38

4.2 Post Mining Land Use Goal ...............................................................................................47

4.2.1 Open Woodland ....................................................................................................47

4.2.2 Open Forest ..........................................................................................................47

4.2.3 Open Grassland ....................................................................................................47

4.2.4 Water Management Structures .............................................................................48

4.2.5 Final Voids.............................................................................................................48

4.3 Rehabilitation Objectives ...................................................................................................48

5 REHABILITATION PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT .................................................................49

5.1 Domain Selection ...............................................................................................................49

5.2 Domain Rehabilitation Objectives ......................................................................................50

5.3 Rehabilitation Phases ........................................................................................................53

6 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS, AND COMPLETION / RELINQUISHMENT CRITERIA ..........55

7 REHABILITATION IMPLEMENTATION.......................................................................................77

7.1 Status at MOP Commencement ........................................................................................77

7.2 Proposed Rehabilitation Activities during the MOP Term ..................................................78

7.3 Rehabilitation Methodologies for Activities in the MOP Term ............................................79

7.3.1 Decommissioning Phase .......................................................................................79

7.3.2 Landform Establishment Phase ............................................................................79

7.3.3 Growth Medium Development Phase ...................................................................81



Revised Submission Page v

Table of Contents


7.3.4 Ecosystem and Landuse Establishment ...............................................................82

7.3.5 Ecosystem and Landuse Sustainability Phase .....................................................86

7.4 Summary of Rehabilitation Areas during the MOP Term ..................................................86

7.5 Relinquishment Phase Achieved during the MOP Term ...................................................94

8 REHABILITATION MONITORING AND RESEARCH .................................................................95

8.1 Rehabilitation Monitoring Program.....................................................................................95

8.1.1 Monitoring Pasture Rehabilitation .........................................................................95

8.1.2 Monitoring of Native Vegetation ............................................................................96

8.1.3 Active Mining Records ..........................................................................................96

8.1.4 Rehabilitation Methodology Records ....................................................................96

8.1.5 Rehabilitation Inspections .....................................................................................97

8.1.6 Rehabilitation Monitoring .......................................................................................97

8.2 Research and Rehabilitation Trials ....................................................................................98

8.2.1 Research and Trials Pre MOP ...........................................................................98

8.2.2 Research and Trials This MOP period ...............................................................99

9 INTERVENTION AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT ..................................................................100

9.1 Threats to Rehabilitation ..................................................................................................100

9.2 Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) ............................................................................101

10 REPORTING ..............................................................................................................................108

10.1 Annual Review .................................................................................................................108

10.2 Incident Reporting ............................................................................................................108

11 REVIEW AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MOP ....................................................................109

11.1 MOP Review Protocol ......................................................................................................109

11.2 Implementation.................................................................................................................110

12 REFERENCES ...........................................................................................................................111

TABLES

Table 1 History of Mining Operations Plans for the MOC ................................................................ 3

Table 2 MOC Consents.................................................................................................................... 5 Table 3 MOC Mining Tenements ..................................................................................................... 5 Table 4 Environment Protection Licences Relevant to the MOC .................................................... 6 Table 5 Groundwater Licences ........................................................................................................ 6 Table 6 Surface Water Licences ...................................................................................................... 7 Table 7 Creek Diversion Licences ................................................................................................... 8 Table 8 Miscellaneous Emplacement Licences ............................................................................... 8 Table 9 High Risk Activity Notifications ............................................................................................ 8 Table 10 Asset Register ................................................................................................................... 12 Table 11 Typical Mining and Key Ancillary Equipment .................................................................... 16 Table 12 Status of Tailings Emplacements in the MOP Term ......................................................... 20



Revised Submission Page vi

Table of Contents


Table 13 Mount Owen Material Production Schedule ..................................................................... 21 Table 14 Ravensworth East Material Production Schedule ............................................................. 21 Table 15 Glendell Material Production Schedule ............................................................................. 21 Table 16 Summary of Risks to Rehabilitation MOP Risk Assessment (medium or higher ranking only) 23 Table 17 Indicative Soil Balance at Commencement of MOP ......................................................... 34 Table 18 Regulatory Requirements Relating to Post Mining Land Use and Rehabilitation ............ 38 Table 19 Primary and Secondary Domains ..................................................................................... 49 Table 20 Domain Rehabilitation Objectives ..................................................................................... 50

Table 21 Summary of Rehabilitation Phases Proposed for Completion at end of the MOP Term .. 54 Table 22 Decommissioning Phase .................................................................................................. 56 Table 23 Landform Establishment Phase ........................................................................................ 62 Table 24 Growth Medium Development Phase ............................................................................... 67 Table 25 Ecosystem and Land Use Establishment Phase .............................................................. 69 Table 26 Ecosystem and Landuse Sustainability Phase ................................................................. 72 Table 27 Status of Primary and Secondary Domains at MOP Commencement ............................. 77

Table 28 Proposed Rehabilitation Activities During the MOP Term ................................................ 78 Table 29 Typical Pasture Species for Open Grassland ................................................................... 83 Table 30 The MOC Open Woodland Species and Seeding rates ................................................... 83 Table 31 Typical Native Revegetation Species Mix for Central Hunter Ironbark Spotted Gum Grey Box Forest .................................................................................................................................... 85 Table 32 Summary of Disturbance and Rehabilitation Proposed during the MOP Term ................ 87 Table 33 Data Summary of Rehabilitation Proposed during the MOP Term ................................... 87 Table 34 Key Threats to Rehabilitation Updated According to MOP Risk Assessment ................ 100 Table 35 Trigger Action Response Plan ........................................................................................ 102 Table 36 Responsibilities for Implementation of this MOP ............................................................ 110

APPENDICES

Appendix A MOP Plans Appendix B Land Ownership Register Appendix C MOP Rehabilation Risk Assessment Appendix D Tailings Management Plan Appendix E Government Consultation

(DO NOT DELETE SECTION BREAK)



Revised Submission Page 1


1 INTRODUCTION

This Mining Operations Plan (MOP) describes the proposed mining operations and rehabilitation at the

Mount Owen Complex (MOC) for the term (1 January 2017 31 December 2021). The MOC is

located in the Hunter Coalfields at Hebden in the Hunter Valley of NSW, approximately 20 kilometres

(km) northwest of Singleton and 24 km south east of Muswellbrook.

Mount Owen Pty Limited (Mount Owen), a subsidiary of Glencore Coal Pty Limited, owns and

operates the three existing open cut operations in the MOC: Mount Owen (North Pit), Ravensworth

East (Bayswater North Pit [BNP]) and Glendell (Barrett Pit). The mining operations at the MOC

include the integrated use of the Mount Owen coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP), coal

stockpiles and the rail load out facility.

The MOC is a large open-cut operation classified as a Level 1 Mine and consists of three mining

areas: Mount Owen (North Pit) with an approved extraction rate of 10 million tonnes per annum

(Mtpa) of run of mine (ROM) coal, which is blended with Ravensworth East (approved 4 Mtpa) and

Glendell (approved 4.5 Mtpa) ROM coal. The three operations feed the Mount Owen CHPP and

associated infrastructure, which has a total approved capacity of 17 Mtpa of ROM coal. Processed

coal, both semi soft and thermal, are primarily transported via the Main Northern Rail Line to the Port

of Newcastle for export, or by conveyor or rail for domestic use as required.

On 3 November 2016, Glencore gained development approval for the Mount Owen Continued Operations Project (SSD 5850) The approval allows the MOC operations to maintain the current North Pit and Ravensworth East pit extraction rates, with approximately 74 million tonnes (Mt) and 12 Mt of ROM coal to be extracted from the North Pit Continuation and BNP, respectively.

Schedule 3 Condition 45 of SSD 5850 outlines requirements for a Rehabilitation Management Plan (RMP) for the site. The RMP is to be approved by the Division of Resources and Energy within the Department of Industry (DRE) and prepared with any relevant DRE guideline. This MOP has been prepared to meet the requirement of this condition. Further details of the statutory approvals relating to the MOC are outlined in Section 1.2.

This MOP has been prepared in accordance with the NSW Trade and Investment Division of Resources and Energy (DRE) guideline ESG3: Mining Operations Plan (MOP) Guidelines, September 2013 (ESG3) (DRE, 2013).





1.1 Brief History of Mining Operations at the MOC

Mining operations at the MOC commenced at the Ravensworth East Mine (previously known as

Swamp Creek Mine) and dates back to the early 1960s.

1.1.1 History of Ravensworth East Mine

In 1997, a new mining lease (ML 1415) was issued to the former Swamp Creek Mine after a period of

care and maintenance. Subsequently, DA 52-03-99 was granted in March 2000 allowing the

Ravensworth East Mine to produce up to 4Mtpa ROM coal.

Ravensworth East Mine has continued to operate since that time and been subject to various

modifications to approve integration with Mount Owen through changes to the transport and

processing of Ravensworth East ROM coal through the Mount Owen CHPP and emplacement of

tailings from the Greater Ravensworth Area under the Greater Ravensworth Area Water and Tailings

Scheme (GRAWTS) within the Ravensworth East void.

1.1.2 History of Glendell Mine

Glendell mine was originally approved in 1983 pursuant to DA 80/952. In 1997, DA 80/952 was

modified to amend a number of mine plans and operational methods. Glendell was acquired by

Xstrata in 2003, and in 2008 DA 80/952 was modified (in part) to increase the rate of ROM coal

extraction to 4.5 Mtpa, and facilitate integration with the Mount Owen and Ravensworth East

operations. Following earlier site preparation, mining commenced in 2009. DA 80/952 MOD 3 was

approved in1 December 2016 to allow for the relocation of a 132 kV powerline from an area adjacent

to the mining area. Under current mining schedules, operations are expected to continue at Glendell

Mine until 2022.

1.1.3 History of Mount Owen Mine

Mining operations within the Mount Owen Mine commenced in 1993, pursuant to Development

Consent (DA 63/91) granted in 1991, with an extraction limit of 1.4 Mtpa, under the management of

Hunter Valley Coal Corporation Pty Limited (HVCC).

Approval was granted in 2004 for the continuation to open cut mining operations at Mount Owen over

a 17 to 21 year mine life with an increase in ROM coal production of 10 Mtpa (DA 14-1-2004). This

approval also allowed for the integration of Glendell Mine into the MOC. Following approval of DA 14-

1-2004, Mining Lease (ML) 1561 was granted on 17 February 2005 to cover the additional mining

areas at Mount Owen Mine.

DA 14-1-2004 was modified in November 2010 to accommodate the rail refuelling facility on the Mount

Owen Rail Spur, and again in November 2014 to increase the throughput at the Mount Owen CHPP to

17 Mtpa ROM coal. The Mount Owen Mine currently operates pursuant to State Significant

Development (SSD) consent SSD 5850 (Development Consent), which was granted on 3 November

2016. This approval allows for the continuation of open cut operations at both Mount Owen and

Ravensworth East Mine and extends the southern boundary of the North Pit by approximately 1.6

kilometres.





1.1.4 Mount Owen Complex

Following the acquisition of Ravensworth East Mine by Glencore (formerly Xstrata) in 2002 and

Glendell Mine in 2003, Ravensworth East, Mount Owen and Glendell mines were integrated into the

MOC, under the management of Xstrata Mount Owen Pty Ltd. Thiess Pty Ltd currently operates the

Mount Owen North Pit (excluding the CHPP and associated infrastructure) under a contractual

agreement with Mount Owen. Glencore operates the Mount Owen CHPP, the Ravensworth East and

the Glendell mines.

Glencore have developed synergies between Mount Owen, Ravensworth East and Glendell, including:

Integrated environmental management system;

Shared use of infrastructure;

Increased flexibility to meet market demand;

Development of life of mine tailings disposal and water management strategies;

Construction of haul roads to enable the Mount Owen CHPP to receive and process ROM coal from Ravensworth East and Glendell Mines;

Use of the Mount Owen CHPP to process ROM coal from Mount Owen, Ravensworth East and Glendell mines; and

Use of the MOC rail loop and train load-out facility for the filling of trains for coal transport to the Port of Newcastle.

This culminated in the approval of SSD 5850 on 3 November 2016, which provided for a combined development consent for Mount Owen and Ravensworth East Mines. A history of MOPs for the MOC is outlined in Table 1 below:

Table 1 History of Mining Operations Plans for the MOC

Document Title Amendment Issue Date Expiry Date Status

Mount Owen

MOP September 2000 Original MOP September 2000 December 2004

Superseded

MOP September 2000 Amendment A December 2004 December 2005

Superseded

MOP September 2000 Amendment B June 2005 December 2005

Superseded

Amendment C November 2005 December 2006

Superseded

Ravensworth East

MOP July 2000 Original MOP July 2000 December 2003

Superseded

MOP July 2000 Amendment A December 2002 December 2003

Superseded

MOP July 2000 Amendment B September 2003 December 2005

Superseded

MOP July 2000 Amendment C October 2003 December 2005

Superseded

Mount Owen and Ravensworth East

MOP October 2006 Original MOP October 2006 December 2010

Superseded

MOP October 2006 Amendment 1 August 2007 December 2010

Superseded





Document Title Amendment Issue Date Expiry Date Status

MOP January 2009

Original MOP January 2009 January 2014 Superseded

Amendment 1 August 2011 January 2014 Superseded

Amendment 2 October 2012 January 2014 Superseded

Amendment 3 September 2014 January 2016 Superseded

Glendell

MOP December 2007 Original February 2008 December 2012

Superseded

Amendment 1 February 2009 December 2012

Superseded

Amendment A June 2011 December 2012

Superseded

Amendment B July 2012 December 2012

Superseded

MOP Extension December 2012 May 2013 Superseded

MOP March 2013 Original MOP May 2013 December 2019

Superseded

MOP December 2014 Original MOP November 2014 June 2015 Superseded

MOC

MOP January 2015 Original MOP May 2015 December 2019

Current

Proposed activities within the MOC during the MOP term includes:

Open cut mining in the BNP Pit (within the Ravensworth East Mine), North Pit (within the Mount Owen Mine) and Barrett Pit (Glendell) at a combined rate of up to 18.5 Mtpa ROM coal;

Continuation of the North Pit footprint to the south of the current approved North Pit mining limit;

Overburden emplacement out of pit and in-pit;

Co-disposal of coarse rejects with overburden within the North Pit Continuation and the West Pit / BNP as mining progresses;

Continued use of the Ravensworth East voids for tailings emplacement;

Continued participation (receipt and transfer of tailings and water) as part of the Greater Ravensworth Area Water and Tailings Scheme (GRAWTS);

Continued utilisation of all existing mining infrastructure, including the existing crushing plant for the crushing of overburden, the product coal conveyor to Bayswater and Liddell power stations and the CHPP;

Continuation of ROM coal processing at the CHPP at a capacity of 17 Mtpa ROM, to produce thermal and semi-soft coal product;

Transportation of up to 2 Mtpa ROM coal and crushed gravel on an as required basis via the existing overland conveyor to Liddell Coal Operations and the Ravensworth Coal Terminal (RCT), in addition to maintaining the current approval to transport ROM coal to Bayswater and Liddell power stations;

Upgrades to infrastructure, including the CHPP and Mine Infrastructure Area (MIA); and

Progressive rehabilitation of tailings pits that have reached capacity and completed areas of overburden dumps.





1.2 Current Consents, Authorisations and Licences

1.2.1 Development Consents

Table 2 summarises the current federal approval, development consents and modification history,

including key features approved.

Table 2 MOC Consents

Consent Details Issue Date Expiry Date

Mount Owen and Ravensworth East

SSD 5850 Approved the continuation of Ravensworth East and Mount Owen Mines, including extension of the North Pit to the south.

3 November 2016

31 December 2031

2013-6978 EPBC Act Approval 19 January 2017 31 December 2037

Glendell

DA 80/952 Approval for Glendell Mine. 2 May 1983 2 May 2013

DA 80/952 MOD 1 Approval to amend original mine plans and mining methods.

17 February 1997

2 May 2013

DA 80/952 MOD 2 Approval to amend mine sequence to a north south progression, alter the out of pit dump footprints and increase ROM extraction rate to 4.5 Mtpa.

February 2008 30 June 2024

DA 80/952 MOD 3 Approval for relocation of a 132 kV powerline. 1 December 2016

30 June 2024

1.2.2 Mining Titles

Table 3 lists the mining titles applicable to the MOC.

Table 3 MOC Mining Tenements

Mining Title Company Issue Date Expiry Date

CL 358 Glendell Tenements Pty Limited 27 Mar 1990 27 Mar 2032

CL 383 Mount Owen Pty Limited 12 Nov 1991 12 Nov 2033

CL 715 Mount Owen Pty Limited 26 Apr 1989 12 Sep 2019

ML 1355 Mount Owen Pty Limited 26 Jul 1994 26 Jul 2015 (renewal sought)

ML 1410 Glendell Tenements Pty Limited 12 May 1997 4 Jul 2020

ML 1415 Mount Owen Pty Limited 7 Aug 1997 4 Jul 2020

ML 1419 Mount Owen Pty Limited 28 Apr 1997 12 Nov 2012

(renewal sought)

ML 1453 Mount Owen Pty Limited 8 May 2001 4 Jul 2020

ML 1475 Mount Owen Pty Limited 24 Nov 2000 24 Nov 2021

ML 1476 Glendell Tenements Pty Limited 24 Nov 2000 24 Nov 2021

ML 1561 Mount Owen Pty Limited 17 Feb 2005 17 Feb 2026

ML 1608 Mount Owen Pty Limited 19 Dec 2007 19 Dec 2028

ML 1629 Mount Owen Pty Limited 9 Mar 2009 9 Mar 2030

ML 1694 Mount Owen Pty Limited 22 Oct 2013 22 Oct 2034





Mining Title Company Issue Date Expiry Date

AL8 (MLA 512)

Mount Owen Pty Limited 11 Jul 2003 10 July 2013 (renewal sought)

MPL 343 Glendell Tenements Pty Limited 17 June 1996 4 Jan 2026

ML 1673 Mount Owen Pty Limited 26 Sept 2016 11 Nov 2033

1.2.3 Ancillary Licences and Approvals

Environment Protection Licences

The MOC currently operates under three separate Environment Protection Licences (EPLs) detailed in

Table 4.

Table 4 Environment Protection Licences Relevant to the MOC

Site EPL Anniversary

Date Comments

Mount Owen 4460 1 July EPL 4460 outlines water quality, air quality, noise and blast monitoring criteria and results are reported to the EPA in the Annual Return

Ravensworth East 10860 1 July EPL 10860 outlines water quality, air quality and blast monitoring criteria and results are reported to the EPA in the Annual Return

Glendell Mine 12840 3 April EPL 12840 outlines water quality, air quality, noise and blast monitoring criteria and results are reported to the EPA in the Annual Return

During the term of the MOP, Mount Owen will seek to vary EPL 4460 to incorporate the Ravensworth East operations and align with SSD 5850. Following approval of the variation, Mount Owen will surrender EPL 10860.

Groundwater Licences

Groundwater licences are regulated by DPI-Water, with those in place at the MOC shown in Table 5.

Table 5 Groundwater Licences

Licence Expiry Date Details Area

(Lot/Section/DP)

20BL169337 14 March 2020 Groundwater excavation 37//752462

100//752462

206//752462

30//752462

207//752462

101//752462

58//752462

205//752462

21//6830

60//752462

102//752462

20BL169544 Awaiting Reissue

Saline water excavation bore

353//867083

20BL170294 16 May 2017 Groundwater excavation 17//6830





Licence Expiry Date Details Area

(Lot/Section/DP)

5//859544

6//859544

7//859544

8//859544

20BL170295 16 May 2017 Groundwater excavation Pt32//535087

Pt9//6842

Pt11//6842

Pt232//752470

Pt3//859544

Pt2//859544

7//6842

Pt2//865784

20BL168209 12 February 2017

Saline water excavation bore

353//867083

Surface Water Licences

Surface water licences are regulated by DPI-Water. Those in place at the MOC are shown in Table 6.

Table 6 Surface Water Licences

Water Access Licence (WAL)

Work + Use Approval

(WA / CA)

Allocation

(units/year)

Expiry Date

(WA / CA)

Land Parcels

(Lot/Section/DP)

Hunter Regulated River Water Source (Glennies Creek)

High Security

WAL 704 20CA200608 3 30 June 2017 1//998045

WAL 1118 20CA201623 3 30 June 2017 112//850055

WAL 7814 20WA200723 1,00W0 3 January 2019 1//780607

WAL 9521 20WA201228 50 30 June 2017 112//850054

General Security

WAL 612 20CA200382 147 6 February 2019 1//780607

WAL613 20CA200390 192 30 June 2017 2//770733

WAL 637 20CA200445 384 30 June 2017 1//655757

WAL 705 20CA200608 27 30 June 2017 112//850054 111//850056

WAL 1119 20CA201623 60 30 June 2017 112//850056

WAL 1215 20CA201862 48 30 June 2017 1//998046

Supplementary Licences

WAL 1364 20CA201623 2.2 30 June 2017 112//850057

WAL 1420 20CA200382 29 6 February 2019 1//780608

Domestic and Stock

WAL 706 20CA200608 8 30 June 2017 112//850054; 111//850057

WAL 754 20WA200727 16 8 October 2018 3//810452

WAL 1218 20WA201868 3 5 January 2018 10//1169092

WAL 7817 20CA200779 3 29 December 2017 65//752499; 622//1097524

WAL 7823 20WA201677 9 28 June 2018 3//810452

Jerrys Water Source (Bowmans Creek)





WAL 18310 20WA210993 200 31 July 2022 27//6830; 26//6830;

190//752462

Creek Diversion Approvals

Creek diversion approvals are regulated by DPI-Water. Those in place at the MOC are listed in Table

7 below.

Table 7 Creek Diversion Licences

Works Approval

Expiry Date Details

20WA210993 31 July 2022 Swamp Creek upper diversion

20WA211425 31 July 2022 Swamp Creek middle diversion

20WA211430 31 July 2022 Swamp Creek lower diversion

20WA211429 15 May 2023 Yorks Creek Diversion

20WA212187 17 October 2022 Bettys Creek upper and middle diversion

20WA212660 7 February 2023 Bettys Creek lower diversion

Tailings Emplacement Approvals

Tailings emplacement approvals held for operations at the MOC are listed in Table 8 below.

Table 8 Miscellaneous Emplacement Licences

Instrument Authority Issue Date Expiry Date

Section 126 Emplacement Approval (Stages 1 (NVS1) and 2 (NVS2))

DMR/DRE 6 Nov 1996 N/A

Section 126 Emplacement Approval (Stages 3 and 4 (TP1))

DPI/DRE 23 Dec 2003 N/A

S100 Approval Eastern Rail Pit & RW Pit Tailings Emplacement

DRE 28 Oct 2011 1 Oct 2016 (process of being replaced)

S100 Approval West Pit Tailings Emplacement

DRE 11 Aug 2014 8 Aug 2021

S101 Approval North Void Stage 1 Discontinue Tailings Emplacement

DRE 28 Oct 2011 28 October 2016 (process of being replaced)

Table 9 includes details regarding high risk activity notifications for tailings facilities.

Table 9 High Risk Activity Notifications

Tailings Dam Authority Commencement Date Expiry Date

Stage 2 Tailings Dam DRE 12 May 2015 N/A

RW Tailings Pit DRE 1 January 2017 N/A





1.3 Land Ownership and Land Use

The area within and surrounding the MOC is dominated by open cut and underground mining

activities, as illustrated on Plan 1C. Other land uses in the vicinity include the Ravensworth State

Forest to the north of the MOC and power generation at the Bayswater and Liddell power stations to

the west. The nearest private residences are located to the east and south east of the Complex, in the

Middle Falbrook locality approximately 1 km from the boundary of the MOC.

Glencore or its subsidiaries own all land within the area approved for disturbance at the MOC and

large areas of land within the surrounding area. Most of the land outside of operational areas is

managed for cattle grazing and breeding by Colinta Holdings Pty Limited, a Glencore subsidiary. A

number of small parcels of Crown land and Crown roads are located outside of disturbance areas.

A large portion of the land to the south and south east of the Complex is owned by Ashton Coal Mines

Pty Limited (Ashton Coal Project) and Bloomfield Coal (Rixs Creek North).

Land to the west and south-west of the MOC is predominately owned by Glencore and Macquarie

Generation.

Land ownership and land use is illustrated on Plan 1C and detailed in Appendix B.

1.4 Stakeholder Consultation

Glencore has a public commitment to effective environmental management in all its operations, both

domestically and internationally. One of the key focus areas for ongoing dialogue with stakeholders is

progress with the mine closure and rehabilitation planning and the implementation process.

Proposed consultation activities for this MOP term are summarised in the sections below and further

detailed in the MOC Stakeholder Engagement Plan available on the Mount Owen website

(www.mtowencomplex.com.au).

1.4.1 Community Consultation

The MOC has an ongoing community engagement program which includes regular engagement with

both individuals and groups from the local and regional communities via a range of mechanisms

including:

Operation of a 24-hour Community Response Line;

Maintenance of a MOC website, which provides on line access to approvals, environmental management plans, environmental monitoring data and other community information;

Contribution to biannual Greater Ravensworth Area newsletters to update the community on the existing operations, environmental performance and MOC initiatives;

Face to face meetings with individuals and/or groups as required/requested, including any meetings required in response to complaints;

Regular meetings with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Working Group, allowing for ongoing consultation and involvement of Aboriginal stakeholders in the conservation and / or management of Aboriginal cultural heritage on site;

Regular forums with nearby neighbours, focussing on land management issues, such as pest and weed control, rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation and cultural heritage management;

Regular meetings with the MOC Community Consultative Committee (CCC). The MOC hosts a joint CCC with the neighbouring Integra Underground Mine, and comprises community representatives and Singleton Council and MOC representatives; and





Engaging local residents through Glencores regular 3-yearly Community Survey.

1.4.2 Statutory Authorities

The MOC regularly engages with various government agencies to report on its environmental

performance, including:

Singleton Council representation on the CCC;

Regular consultation with relevant government agencies in relation to reviews and revisions of site environmental management plans and the requirements under those plans;

Provision of the Annual Review to relevant government agencies;

Liaison and reporting to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in relation to the EPLs, including provision of Annual Returns; and

Provision of the National Pollution Inventory (NPI) to Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy.

The statutory authorities that are relevant to the MOC are identified in the Stakeholder Engagement

Plan available on the MOC website (www.mtowencomplex.com.au).

1.4.3 Other Stakeholders

An electronic database of all identified external stakeholders is maintained at the MOC, which

includes, but is not limited to;

Nearby residents;

Mount Owen Property Tenants;

MOC CCC;

Mount Pleasant Schools;

Workforce at the MOC;

Singleton Council;

Regulators (i.e. NSW Department of Planning and Environment, OEH, DRE, DPI Water, Dams Safety Committee),

Forestry corporation of NSW;

Local Land Services NSW;

ARTC and Hunter Valley Coal Chain Coordinator;

Infrastructure owners, including Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and AusGrid;

Neighbouring mining operations including Ashton and Rixs Creek North;

Non-governmental organisations; and

Registered Aboriginal parties and Knowledge Holder groups.

ARTC are consulted in relation to blasting impacts on the Main Northern Railway to the south of

Glendell. Similarly, AusGrid are consulted in relation to blasting impacts on electricity transmission

towers located to the west of the Glendell mine.

The MOC will continue consultation with nearby mining operations in relation to management of

regional cumulative aspects of mining, such as noise, blasting, air quality, water and tailings

management and any other issues that arise from time to time.

file://///au.slr.local/Corporate/Projects-SLR/630-SrvNTL/630-NTL/630.11773%20Mt%20Owen%20MOP%20(2016)/04%20Reports/www.mtowencomplex.com.au





1.4.4 MOP Consultation

In accordance with Schedule 3, Condition 45(a) of SSD 5850, Mount Owen consulted with the DP&E,

OEH, DPI Water, DPI, Council and the CCC during the preparation of this MOP (Rehabilitation

Management Plan), prior to the final draft MOP being submitted to the DRE for approval.

A meeting was held on 6th August 2016 with the DRE (Neil McElhinney) to discuss the scope of this

MOP. Key discussion points include proposed activities, rehabilitation and tailings management.

A presentation on the draft MOP, focussing on rehabilitation and final landform, was made to the MOC

CCC on 11 November 2016 and feedback recorded at that meeting. Subsequently, a copy of the draft

MOP was provided to all members of the CCC, along with all the required government agencies on

25th January 2017. A meeting was also held with Singleton Council on 10

th February 2017 to provide

a briefing on the draft MOP.

1.4.5 Revision of the MOP Following Government Consultation

Following receipt of responses from the government agencies listed above, revision was made to the MOP to address comments where appropriate. A copy of the response from these government agencies and how they queries have been addressed is outlined in Appendix E.





2 PROPOSED MINING ACTIVITIES

2.1 Project Description

The MOC has development consent to carry out mining operations at Glendell Mine (Barrett Pit) until

30th June 2024 and Mount Owen (North Pit and BNP) until 31

st December 2031.

During the MOP term open cut mining will be carried out at CL 383, ML 1355, ML 1694, ML 1415, ML 1475, CL 358, ML 1476 and ML 1673. Mining will continue in a south eastern direction in the northern area of Ravensworth East (BNP) and northerly in the Barrett Pit (Glendell). Open cut mining will continue in a south eastern direction in the North Pit (Mount Owen).

Key mining activities to be undertaken in the MOP term include:

Open cut mining in the BNP, Barrett and North Pits;

ROM coal processing at the CHPP to produce thermal and semi-soft coal product;

Overburden emplacement out of pit and in-pit;

Co-disposal of coarse rejects with overburden in-pit;

Continued tailings emplacement at the West Pit void;

Continued use of the rail loading facility and product coal conveyor to Bayswater and Liddell power stations; and

Progressive rehabilitation of tailings pits that have reached capacity and completed areas of overburden dumps.

Proposed activities in the MOP term are further discussed in Section 2.3.

2.2 Post Mining Land use - Asset Register

The asset register (Table 10) provides a summary of the key features of each primary domain (refer to

Section 2.3), and principal activities required for rehabilitation. This asset register is intended to

provide a suitable level of context for the Rehabilitation Cost Estimate (RCE). The register below

includes the activities required for closure based on the maximum disturbance footprint throughout the

MOP period.

In addition to the detail contained within Table 10 below, the RCE prepared and submitted with the

MOP includes specific detail relating to the lengths, volumes and size of individual assets that are

intended to be decommissioned as part of the eventual closure of the mine.

The areas for each secondary domain represent the total disturbance footprint for each domain in

Plan 3A.

Table 10 Asset Register

Major Assets Decommissioning/ Rehabilitation

Activities Approvals Required

Area/ Length

Domain 1 - Active Mining

Bayswater North Pit

Barrett Pit

North Pit

Progressively backfill open cut pit with overburden

Develop Final Void design

Regrade final void highwalls and lowwalls, and cap all exposed coal, in

Final Void Detailed Design and Management Plan

275.9 ha







Area/ Length

accordance with design.

Rehabilitate

Domain 2 Water Management

Water management system including dams, drains, pumping infrastructure and monitoring bores

De-silt and stabilise dirty water dams to be retained

Remove pumping infrastructure

Seal open bores

Rehabilitate

EDG01 Borehole Sealing Requirements on Land

39.9 ha

Domain 3 Infrastructure

Mount Owen CHPP

Removal of site services (electricity, telecommunications etc.)

Demolish buildings and fixed plant

Remove roadways around the CHPP

Fill open drains

Dismantle sewage treatment plant

Drain and remove raw water dam

Remove product stockpile area and seal reclaim tunnel

Undertake minor earth works to ensure site is stable and free draining to local watercourses

Undertake contamination assessment and remediate any contaminated areas

Rehabilitate with appropriate vegetative cover

Radiation licence/s

Demolition certificates

Phase 1 and, if required, Phase 2 Contamination Assessments

312.9 ha

Mount Owen Mining Infrastructure Area (MIA)

Removal of site services (electricity, telecommunications etc.)

Demolish buildings and fixed plant

Remove light and heavy vehicle wash pads

Remove roadways and car parks

Fill open drains

Remove fuel farms & waste oil/lubricant storage areas/in-pit refuelling station


Undertake minor earth works to grade landform to be free draining to local watercourses

Rehabilitate with appropriate vegetative cover

Demolition certificates

Phase 1 and, if required, Phase 2 Contamination Assessments

Rav East MIA

Glendell MIA

Rail line loop and load out Removal of site services (electricity,

telecommunications etc.)

Demolition certificate

Phase 1 and, if required, Phase 2 Contamination







Area/ Length

Dismantle rail load out

Remove rail loop track and formation

Remove locomotive refuelling facility


Undertake earth works where required to grade landform to be free draining to local watercourses

Rehabilitate

Assessments

Domain 4 Tailings Storage Facility

Stage 2 Tailings Dam Remove pumping infrastructure

Desiccation / settlement

Develop approved detailed capping design and High Risk Activity application

Cap tailings1

Rehabilitation2

High Risk Activity notification

De-list TP1 from Schedule of Prescribed Dams

De-list Stage 2 Tailings Dam embankments from Schedule of Prescribed Dams

158.3 ha TP1

RW Void

Eastern Rail Pit

West Pit

Domain 5 Overburden Emplacement Area

Footprint of overburden emplacements including areas of active dumping. Areas of rehabilitated overburden are covered under Domain 7.

582.9 ha

Domain 6 Soil Stockpiles

Soil Stockpiles Rehabilitation as per the MOP None 13.2ha

Domain 7 Current Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation as per the MOP None 1272.9 ha

2.2.1 Rehabilitation Cost Estimate

The Rehabilitation Cost Estimate (RCE) has been calculated to undertake the necessary works to

achieve the desired final land use (refer to Section 4 and Plan 4). The RCE provides for third party

rates to undertake the following:

Decommissioning and demolition of all surface infrastructure;

Rehabilitation of all areas disturbed by mining as depicted in Plan 2, with the exception of some dams that will be retained for post mining use; and

Mobilisation costs, project management and contingencies.

A copy of the RCE was submitted to DRE with this MOP for approval.

2.3 Activities over the MOP Term

The following section outlines the operational activities that are proposed within the term of the MOP.

2.3.1 Exploration

The MOC will continue to undertake exploration and prospecting activities across the approved lease

areas for the purposes of geotechnical, geological, hydrogeological and gas investigations. These





leases include CL 358, ML 1355, ML 1415, ML 1475, ML 1476, ML 1561, ML 1629 and ML 1694.

More specifically, exploration work will involve core and/or open holes for structural definition, coal

quality sampling, geotechnical assessment, groundwater monitoring and greenhouse gas assessment.

The techniques used for exploration and prospecting may include, but are not limited to:

Aerial photograph interpretation;

Field assessments (soil, vegetation, etc);

Drilling allowing for lithological and geophysical logging and / or coal quality sampling;

Drilling associated with collecting gas concentration samples,

Geophysical investigations;

Magnetic surveys;

Seismic surveys; and

Excavation and bulk samples.

Any exploration or prospecting activities undertaken will comply with DRE EDG 10 Surface Disturbance Notice for exploration activities or other relevant guidelines.

2.3.2 Construction

Construction activities proposed in the MOP term are:

Construction of a water transfer pipeline and associated infrastructure from Integra Underground Mine to the MOC;

Construction of tailings pipeline network and to allow for the receipt of tailings from Ravensworth CHPP and Liddell CHPP, as part of the GRAWTS;

Construction of a flocculent plant within the vicinity of the West Pit Void at Ravensworth East, to allow flocculants to be mixed with tailings immediately prior to deposition in the emplacement area;

Various refurbishment works within the Mount Owen MIA, including upgrades to the existing fuel and lubrication system, augmentation works to the existing raw water system and vehicle wash facilities, upgrades to the fire water system, and civil/earthworks associated with upgrades to the existing light vehicle access road and lighting;

Ongoing development and construction of water management structures as depicted on Plan 3A to Plan 3E to support the mining operation;

Drainage improvement works at targeted locations within the Yorks Creek catchment;

Product stockpile extension and improvements to increase processing capacity at the Mount Owen CHPP;

Construction of CHPP stores shed (maximum 300 square metres in size);

Construction of additional demountable offices at Glendell;

Relocation of 132 kV power lines to the south-west of Glendell; and

The addition of three bays to the existing maintenance workshop and additional offices at Glendell Mine. No additional disturbance is required for the extension of the Maintenance Workshop and additional administrative offices.





2.3.3 Mining Operations

Open cut mining at the MOC is undertaken using similar mining methods across all operations. The mining sequence involves land preparation to salvage suitable vegetative matter and soils that are suitable for rehabilitation resources, removal of overburden and interburden and excavation of coal using excavators and trucks. The typical mining equipment fleet and ancillary equipment for each operation is listed in Table 11.

The MOC will continue to review the mining fleet in the MOP term to ensure that efficient, productive and commercially viable mining activities are undertaken. There may be changes to the mining fleet where it is appropriate to ensure efficient and viable operations, however this will be undertaken in accordance with approvals and regulatory requirements.

Key stages of the mining sequence are described in the sections below.

Table 11 Typical Mining and Key Ancillary Equipment

Equipment Type Mount Owen Mine Ravensworth East Mine Glendell Mine

250 t Excavator 1 1 2

400 t Excavator 1 - -

500 t Excavator - 1 3

600 t Excavator 3 - -

800t Excavator 1 - -

Bulldozers (both wheeled and tracked)

15 4 7

Rear dump truck (Overburden) 31 4 10

Rear dump truck (Coal) 10 -3 6

Drill 4 1 2

Scraper 1 - 1

Grader 4 1 2

Water cart 4 1 3

Fuel and service truck 4 1 2

Loaders 4 - -

2.3.4 Land Preparation

Land preparation is the process of clearing vegetation and salvaging rehabilitation resources including

suitable topsoils, subsoils, mulched vegetation and habitat features such as large rocks, woody debris

and hollow bearing timber. Land preparation works will be undertaken in accordance with the site

clearing and topsoil stripping procedures.

Prior to any disturbance, the Environment and Community Manager (or delegate) will approve a

Ground Disturbance Permit (GDP) that defines the limits of disturbance (clearing limits) and identifies





environmentally sensitive features such as heritage site locations, and documents mitigation and

management measures such as exclusion zones and required erosion and sediment controls.

During the MOP term land will be cleared ahead of mining in progressive campaigns to minimise the

total area of disturbance at any one time. The majority of vegetation proposed to be cleared is

Derived Native Grassland located in the southern portion of the North Pit (Plan 1B) and small areas of

Central Hunter Bulloak Forest Regeneration in the western extent of the Barrett Pit.

Additional details regarding land preparation works and procedures of are included in the MOC

Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) (Umwelt 2016b).

2.3.5 Soil Stripping and Stockpiling

All topsoils and suitable subsoils (that are not determined to be dispersive in nature) will be stripped

and salvaged for rehabilitation purposes. Topsoil stripping closely follows clearing operations and, if

vegetation has been mulched, the mulch is incorporated into the topsoil during the stripping operation.

Topsoil activities are closely monitored to ensure that only the top layer of topsoil or suitable sub soils

is taken (nominally 100 mm to 150 mm). Research and observation of rehabilitated areas at Mount

Owen has shown that an approximate 100 mm of topsoil spread over an area is sufficient for

germination and growth of vegetation.

In some instances, there may be a requirement to disturb areas that have previously been

rehabilitated. Where this is planned to occur, the site Environment and Community Manager or

delegate will undertake an assessment of the areas and where appropriate, require that the topsoil be

stripped for re-use. This would generally not occur where the soil is assessed as containing weeds, or

it is too shallow to effectively strip without taking with it the underlying overburden material.

Stripped soils are preferably spread directly onto prepared rehabilitation areas where available. Where

direct spreading is not practicable, the stripped soil will be stockpiled for future use in accordance with

the stripping and stockpiling procedures below:

Topsoil will be stripped using appropriate equipment (e.g. dozer or scraper) to the appropriate depths identified ion the Agricultural Impact Assessment (Umwelt, 2014a) for the MOC operation or in accordance with the outcomes of further investigations undertaken as required;

Soils will be stripped when in a moist condition (when possible) to minimise loss of soil structure and dust generation;

Stockpiles will be established away from traffic areas and at an appropriate distance from watercourses;

Appropriate sediment controls will be installed around topsoil stockpiles;

Where possible stockpiles will be windrowed no more than 3 m high to maximise surface exposure and retain biological activity;

Stockpiles retained longer than three months will be shaped, ripped and seeded with a suitable cover crop to minimise soil erosion, the invasion of weed species and dust generation, and maintain biological health, and preserve the soil seed bank;

Topsoil and subsoil stripping activities are to be restricted during adverse weather conditions to minimise the potential for dust generation;

Where required, machinery used to handle and transport topsoil shall be washed down prior to and at the completion of works to minimise the transfer of weeds;

Weed growth (such as Kikuya) will be monitored and subsequently controlled if necessary;

Prior to re-spreading, any weed growth will be scalped from the top of stockpiles to minimise the transport of weeds into rehabilitated areas; and





Stockpiles will be appropriately identified to minimise the potential for inadvertent use or disturbance.

2.3.6 Waste Rock Removal and Emplacement

Following progressive removal of vegetation and soils, overburden will generally be blasted, stripped

and emplaced in-pit behind mining and out of pit. Blasting is undertaken in accordance with the MOC

Blast Management Plan. Blast management is discussed in Section 3.2.7.

Overburden will continue to be emplaced in-pit and out of pit in the MOP term as shown on Plan 3A to Plan 3E. Overburden will be emplaced on CL 383, ML 1355, ML 1419, ML 1694, ML 1415, ML 1475, ML 1608, CL 358, ML 1410, ML 1476, ML 1673, and MPL 343. The Ravensworth East emplacement area receives overburden from BNP and has an approved maximum height of 160 m Australian Height Datum (AHD). The Barrett Pit emplacement area has an approved maximum height of 160 m AHD. The Western-Out-of-Pit (WOOP) emplacement area, which receives overburden from the North Pit, has an approved maximum height of 190m AHD, while the North Pit in-pit emplacement area has approval to a maximum height of 230m AHD.

Apart from the selective handling of carbonaceous material for the prevention of spontaneous

combustion and the avoiding of placing excessively blocky material near the finished surface, no other

overburden materials require selective placement in the overburden tip areas.

General principles for overburden emplacement at spoil dumps are:

Limit the height of dump to within the final landform design;

Dump any carbonaceous material in discrete, separate and compacted layers that will be capped; and

Grade dumps to direct water away from the tip face to maintain face stability.

The current landform design been constrained by the available space and are typical of other post

mining landforms in the Hunter Valley. Notwithstanding, the MOC has recognised the need to consider

landforms that have a more natural design and as such has undertaken some preliminary work in this

area that was included as part of the Stage 2 rehabilitation area.

Further, the landforms planned as part of the MOC have been designed to incorporate natural

landform principles to increase the topographic variation and reduce the need for engineered drainage

structures. For example areas of micro relief will be incorporated in Mount Owen and Ravensworth

East Mine landform.

Forecast volumes of waste rock for each year of the MOP are provided in Table 13, 14 and 15.

2.3.7 Coal Stockpiling and Processing

ROM coal extracted from all pits is hauled via internal haul roads to ROM stockpiles at the Mount

Owen CHPP. When required ROM coal is stored in-pit prior to being transported to the CHPP.

The existing Ravensworth East (domestic) ROM pad, located within the Ravensworth East MIA will be

used on an as required basis for the transportation of ROM coal and crushed gravel to either Liddell

Coal Operations, the RCT and / or Bayswater and Liddell power stations. The 30,000 tonne domestic

ROM pad receives domestic coal to be crushed and conveyed directly to Bayswater and Liddell Power

Stations via an overland conveyor system without any additional processing.

The CHPP consists of a South ROM stockpile and North ROM stockpile of an approximate 350,000

and 300,000 tonne capacity respectively. Raw coal is passed through three stages of sizing using





Abon sizers, and the sized ROM coal is then conveyed to a 2,000 tonne surge bin that feeds the

CHPP. ROM coal is crushed, sized, screened, separated and dewatered.

Rejects comprise approximately 60% coarse rejects (particles greater than 2 mm) and 40% tailings

(fines less than 2mm). Product coal is conveyed to the product stockpile that has an approximate

capacity of 600,000 tonnes with the assistance of dozer push-out. Coal is placed on the stockpile via

a luffing stacker and is recovered via a system of eight valves beneath the stockpile that load a 5,000

tonne per hour conveyor that feeds the 700 tonne rail load out bin. The valves are fed through dozer

assist.

2.3.8 Coal Transport

Product Coal for export is transported via rail from the MOC to the Port of Newcastle. Trains travel on

a rail loop and spur line that joins the Main Northern Rail Line. The rail loader is approved to operate

24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

The MOC has approval to transport up to 2 Mtpa coal directly to Bayswater and Liddell Power

Stations. Crushed coal is loaded at the Ravensworth East domestic ROM pad. A network of overland

conveyors transports the coal (approximately) 9 km to the power stations.

2.3.9 Coarse Rejects and Tailings Disposal

Forecast coarse and fine rejects volumes for each year of the MOP term are provided in Table 12

below. The management of coarse rejects and tailings is outlined in the sections below.

Coarse Rejects

Coarse rejects will be co-disposed with overburden in-pit. Reject is back loaded from the ROM area

using the coaling trucks and is either placed within the active dumps or used as fill material on running

surfaces. Rejects are emplaced at depth to avoid coaliferous material being exposed on final

rehabilitation surfaces.

Tailings

Active tailings emplacements at the commencement of the MOP term is West Pit, located in a former

open cut void (Plan 2). Tailings were previously pumped to the ERP, RW, TP1, Stage 1 and Stage 2

tailings dams however these emplacement areas and are in various stages of capping and

rehabilitation.

In February 2016, a modification of the Ravensworth East Mine Development Consent (DA52-03-99

MOD 6) was approved to permit the receival and emplacement of piped tailings from Ravensworth

Operations and Liddell Coal Operations CHPPs within the West Pit void at Ravensworth East for the

period 2017 to 2021. This linked system of tailings infrastructure and storage, known as the GRAWTS,

forms part of the approved modification which specifically provides for:

Construction of approximately 11 kilometre tailings pipeline network connecting both the Ravensworth CHPP and Liddell CHPP to the West Pit Void at Ravensworth East; and

Construction of a Flocculent Plant within the vicinity of the West Pit Void at Ravensworth East, to allow for flocculants to be mixed with tailings immediately prior to deposition in the emplacement area, a process known as secondary flocculation; and

The staged emplacement of tailings generated from Ravensworth Operations (approximately 12.5 million cubic metres of wet tailings between approximately 2017 and 2021) and Liddell Coal Operations (approximately 2 million cubic metres wet tailings between approximately 2018 and 2020) within the West Pit at Ravensworth East.





Given the recent approval of the Mount Owen Continued Operations Project, DA52-03-99 MOD 6 has

been incorporated into the consolidated development consent.

The staging of tailings capping and rehabilitation works is depicted on Plan 3A to 3E.

In this MOP term, tailings emplacement will continue in the West Pit void in accordance with the

Section 100 approval. The status or tailings emplacements is summarised in Table 12.

Table 12 Status of Tailings Emplacements in the MOP Term

Tailings Dam Current Status Decommissioning Status

Capping Status

Stage 1 Capped, final landform

works underway Decommissioned in

2004 Capped 2013

Stage 2 Tailings Dam

Inactive / Partially Rehabilitated

Decommissioned in 2015

Commenced 2015 Planned Completion 2018

TP1 Inactive Decommissioned in

2015 Commenced 2016 Planned

Completion 2019

RW Pit Void Inactive Decommissioned in

2015 To be Commenced 2017 Planned Completion 2018

Eastern Rail Pit Inactive Decommissioned in

2015 To be Commenced 2018 Planned Completion 2020

West Pit Active End of Mine Life End of Mine Life

Further details regarding tailings management, including rehabilitation and capping management, are

provided in the MOC Tailings Management Plan (Appendix D). Capping timing of tailings dams is

dependent on geotechnical testing of tailings crust to enable safe capping methodology to be

developed.

2.3.10 Decommissioning and Demolition Activities

Decommissioning activities in the MOP term are associated with the rehabilitation of tailings

emplacements as outlined in Section 2.3.9. Stage 2, TP1, RW Pit Void and Eastern Rail Pit tailings

emplacements will be capped and rehabilitated in accordance with Section 101 or High Risk Activity

notifications. Tailings Pit 1 and the Stage 2 embankments are prescribed dams under the Dams

Safety Act 1978 and the rehabilitation will be completed in consultation with the Dam Safety

Committee.

Progressive decommissioning and rehabilitation of the tailings emplacement areas is depicted on

Plan 3A to 3E.

In addition, exploration bore holes will be decommissioned in accordance with DRE requirements.

2.3.11 Progressive Rehabilitation and Completion

Rehabilitation at the MOC is undertaken progressively over the life of the mine, with overburden

emplacements and backfilled pits shaped and rehabilitated as areas become available. At the

commencement of the MOP, approximately 1272.8 ha of mined land have been rehabilitated at the

MOC.





Rehabilitation progress in the MOP term is depicted on Plans 3A to 3E. It is anticipated that at the

end of the MOP term approximately 1838.9 ha of land disturbed my mining will be undergoing

rehabilitation. It is not anticipated that any rehabilitation areas will be relinquished in the MOP term.

2.3.12 Material Production Schedule

The material production schedule during the MOP term at the Mount Owen, Ravensworth and

Glendell is provided in Table 13, 14 and 15. Any proposed changes to this schedule will be outlined in

the Annual Review.

Table 13 Mount Owen Material Production Schedule

Material Unit 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Rock/overburden Mbcm 36.5 35.5 35.6 35.0 35.3

ROM Coal Mt 8.7 8.8 8.8 8.9 8.6

Coarse Reject Material

Mt 2.4 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.5

Tailings Reject Material

Mt 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7

Product Mt 4.8 4.8 4.7 4.8 4.4

Table 14 Ravensworth East Material Production Schedule

Material Unit 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021


ROM Coal Mt 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.6 2.5


Mt 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.6


Mt 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.4

Product Mt 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.5

Table 15 Glendell Material Production Schedule

Material Unit 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021


ROM Coal Mt 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5


Mt 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0


Mt 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.6

Product Mt 2.9 2.9 2.8 2.9 2.9





3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

3.1 Environmental Risk Assessment

The MOC undertook a risk assessment in accordance with the MOP Guidelines on 18 August 2016

(See Appendix C), which had a focus on closure and rehabilitation related issues. The risk

assessment addressed a number of key aspects and how they related specifically to the success of

the rehabilitation.

During this rehabilitation MOP risk assessment 20 key risks were identified. Of these risks, 13 were

ranked as low and 7 were ranked as medium. There were none ranked as being high risk. Table 16

below is a summary of those items that were determined to be a medium risk where in the MOP

document risk mitigation has been addressed.

Eighteen risks were identified as having current controls that are managing the risk at a satisfactory

level whilst two of the risks were identified as requiring improvement and have been added to a works

program.

A copy of the Risk Register developed for the MOP risks to rehabilitation workshop is attached as

Appendix C.





Table 16 Summary of Risks to Rehabilitation MOP Risk Assessment (medium or higher ranking only)

Key Element Issue Caused By Consequence Current Controls

(are in place )

Consequence Category

Expected Risk

Consequence Risk

Likelihood

Current Risk

Rating Where addressed in

the MOP

Mine Subsidence and Settlement

Failure to achieve the rehabilitation outcome prescribed in the MOP

Settlement of tailings dams

Settlement of rehabilitation landform resulting in ponding on tailings capped surfaces

Capping design considers potential settlement Inspection and maintenance

Environment 2 B M Section 3.3.1

Soil Type(s) and Suitability

Inadequate volume and/or quality of topsoil to achieve the rehabilitation outcome prescribed in the MOP

Inadequate topsoil available

Less Than Adequate (LTA) topsoil quality

Sacrificing weed infested topsoil

Poor recovery of topsoil in rehab areas

Inability to reach closure and relinquishment of the lease

Cost of sourcing ameliorants and alternatives

Topsoil mass balance estimate (stockpile quantities generally known and material ahead of operations is estimated)

Conservative estimate of in situ topsoil reserves

Biosolids have been trialled

Selective use of sub-soil has been successfully used

Financial Impact

2 B M

Section 2.3.4 3.3.3 3.3.6 7.3.3

Spontaneous Combustion

Spon com impedes rehabilitation

Poor management of materials with propensity for spon com.

Inability to complete rehab. Impact on established rehabilitation Cost of managing spontaneous combustion

Spontaneous Combustion Management Plan

Bayswater North Mining Project will remove legacy site issues

Environment 2 C M Section 3.3.5






(are in place ) Consequence

Category

Expected Risk

Consequence Risk

Likelihood

Current Risk


the MOP

outbreak

Flora

Failure to achieve the rehabilitation commitments prescribed in the MOP

Not considering requirements in rehabilitation planning

Failure to manage weeds

Pest species / grazing pressures (kangaroos, rabbits etc.)

Inability to reach closure and relinquish lease

Endemic species used in rehabilitation


Annual Weed Plan

Biodiversity Management Plan

Rehabilitation Monitoring Program

Research and development on rehabilitation outcomes

Environment 3 C M Section 3.2.1 7.3.4 8.1.4

Final Landform Design

Tailings crust does not consolidate sufficiently to allow capping to progress as planned

Poor water management with respect to recovering water from the tailings surface

LTA management of rise during tailings deposition

LTA

Inability to reach closure and relinquishment of the lease

Delayed capping

Surface water management

GRAWTS Management Strategy including pipehead floc Financial

Impact 3 D M

Section 2.3.9 3.3.3






(are in place ) Consequence

Category

Expected Risk

Consequence Risk

Likelihood

Current Risk


the MOP

understanding of material properties with respect to GRAWTS

Contaminated Land

Contaminated land occurring on the site at closure

Long term use of the site

Spills, leaks etc.

Impact on environment

Constraint for future land use

Financial issue

Contaminated Sites Register

Incident and Spill response process (PIRMP)

Bioremediation area (Glendell & Mount Owen)

Hydrocarbon Management Plan

Environment 3 D M Section 3.3.4

Cultural Heritage

Disturbance of cultural heritage site (Aboriginal or European)

Unintended interaction with Aboriginal site due to lack of awareness

Closure or rehabilitation activities

Prosecution

Loss of culturally significant site

Loss of historic site/s

MOC ACHMP & Historic Heritage Management Plan

Ground Disturbance Permits

Legal & Compliance

2 C M Section 3.2.3





3.2 Environmental Risk Management

The MOC maintains an Environmental Management System (EMS) as a means to facilitate

compliance with environmental standards and requirements. The EMS provides a framework for

managing all environmental and community aspects, impacts and performance of the mining

operations. The MOCs EMS has been developed generally in accordance with ISO 14001, and is

consistent with the Glencore Coal Assets Australia Environmental Management Framework.

As part of the EMS, management plans, procedures and standards have been developed to meet

statutory requirement, manage activities on site to minimise the risks of impact to the environment and

to continually improve the performance of operations. The following management plans are in place

for the MOC:

Environmental Management Strategy;

Rehabilitation Strategy;

Water Management Plan (including Site Water and Salt Balance, Surface Water Management Plan, Groundwater Management Plan, Bettys & Swamp Creek Diversion Plans, Erosion and Sediment Control Plan);

Air Quality Management Plan;

Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Plan (Glendell only);

Noise Management Plan;

Blast Management Plan;

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan;

Historic Heritage Management Plan; and

Biodiversity Management Plan.

These management plans will be updated as required with the approval of the DP&E. Copies of the

current versions of these management plans are available on the MOC website

(www.mtowencomplex.com.au). Future revisions to any environmental management plan will be

reported in the Annual Review.

3.2.1 Flora and Fauna

Existing vegetation communities and recorded occurrences of threatened species are shown on

Plan 1B. Management strategies to minimise impacts to flora and fauna are documented in the

Biodiversity Management Plan and are summarised in this MOP.

Regular flora and fauna monitoring has been in place since 1995 is conducted seasonally in

accordance with the requirements outlined in the Biodiversity Management Plan.

http://www.mtowencomplex.com.au/





Surveys have recorded the following vegetation communities found in the immediate surrounds of the

MOC area:

Barrington Footslopes Dry Spotted Gum Forest;

Hunter Lowlands Red Gum Forest;

Central Hunter Swamp Oak Forest; and

Central Hunter Ironbark Spotted Gum Grey Box Forest.

The management of biodiversity within offset areas is managed under the Biodiversity Management

Plan. These areas (shown on Plan 2) form key habitat linkages between native vegetation

rehabilitation areas proposed in the final landform (refer to Section 4.2). In addition to offset areas

and conservation areas, the Ravensworth State Forest is located within the northern extent of the

project boundary. The Ravensworth State Forest area is managed by Forests NSW.

Flora and fauna management strategies for rehabilitation and offset areas at the MOC are outlined in

the Biodiversity Management Plan and include:

Management of the remnant vegetation and fauna habitat on the site and in the offset areas;

Implementation of the biodiversity offset strategy;

Integration of the biodi

Mount Owen Complex of Mine Mount Owen Complex MOP Commencement Date 01/1/2017 MOP Completion Date...

Documents

Transcript of Mount Owen Complex of Mine Mount Owen Complex MOP Commencement Date 01/1/2017 MOP Completion Date...