Minister for Primary Industryand Resources, Paul Kirby has approved an amendment to the existing minemanagement plan (MMP) for the McArthur River Mine, creating a pathway for theimplementation of all 30 recommendations made by the NT Environment ProtectionAuthority (NTEPA).
Following on the back of therecent environmental approval provided by the Commonwealth Government, theapproval means that under strict regulatory conditions McArthur River Mine isnow authorised to begin works related to the Overburden Management Project(OMP).
The Federal and TerritoryGovernment approvals will result in improved mine management and long-termencapsulation of reactive waste rock, and include mandating that furtherstudies and extensive monitoring programs are required to be implemented.
Works that can take place underthis approved amendment include:
- Thedevelopment of the Northern Overburden Emplacement Facility (NOEF) and wasterock placement in two sections of the NOEF consistent with the OMPmethodologies,
- Thecommencement of trials for the NOEF cover system to inform optimum wasteencapsulation strategy,
- NOEFflood proofing works,
- TheTailings Storage Facility (TSF) Cell 2 lift and reuse of TSF Cell 1 fortailings deposition and construction of TSF seepage interception system; and
- Targetedgeological, hydrological and engineering site investigation works.
In their assessment report, theNTEPA found that the McArthur River is in good condition and that maintainingriver health must be the central focus for all future stages of the mine.
The McArthur River Mine hasoperated for over 25 years, currently employs over 1000 people and engageshundreds of Territory contractors and companies.
As stated by Minster for Primary Industry and Resources,Paul Kirby:
The Territory Government is supporting jobs and protectingthe environment, delivering strict regulation for the McArthur River Mine andits future operations.
We have listened to our independent environmental watchdog,the NTEPA, and have created a pathway through todays approval for theimplementation of all 30 recommendations made in the NTEPAs assessment report.
Ongoing development of the mining industry in the NorthernTerritory is important. Our Government expects it to be done in a sustainableand responsible manner, maximising economic benefits while focusing onminimising environmental impact.
See attachmentsfor the Variation of Authorisation for McArthur River Mine and a guide tovariations.
