Work plan guidelines for a mining licence
Mineral Resources Development Regulations 2002
Prepared by Earth Resources Regulation Branch
Appendix drawings courtesy of:
Ian Widdowson of Bell Cochrane & Associates
Bendigo Mining Ltd.
1. INTRODUCTION
The work plan is one of the key regulatory documents for mining under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (MRSDA). All licensees must have an approved work plan in order to do any work other than low impact exploration 1 . In addition, another important role of the work plan is to inform the calculation of the rehabilitation bond for the mining licence.
Schedule 13 of the Mineral Resources Development Regulations 2002 (MRD Regs) describes the information required to be included in a work plan for a mining licence that exceeds 5 hectares (refer Appendix 1). This information includes:
I. Geological information
II. Location and regional plans
III. Site plan (or development plan).
IV. Processing methods
V. Rehabilitation plan
VI. Environmental management plan
VII. OHS plan
VIII. Community engagement plan
These guidelines are designed to assist proponents in the preparation of the work plan and are intended to complement relevant information in the MRSDA and MRD Regs. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 should also be consulted.
Every precaution has been taken in the preparation of these guidelines. However, should any conflict become apparent between the guidelines and the MRSDA or MRD Regs, then the Act and Regulations prevail.
The work plan and work authority approval process is outlined in Figure 1.
2. WORK PLANS
Scope of a work plan
The work plan is the primary document describing activities to be undertaken on a mine site. It is intended to provide guidance to operational staff at the mine as well as informing other readers such as Council or Government officers to facilitate decisions and approvals. It must be clear, concise and contain sufficient detail to enable a reader to understand the activities proposed to be undertaken at the site, their potential impacts and the control or management actions required.
Work Plans may be varied as and when necessary. However, the approval process for work plan variations is often similar in complexity to that for the initial work plan so it is not desirable from either the Department’s or proponent’s view that work plan variations are undertaken unnecessarily. To minimise unnecessary variations work plans should be sufficiently broad in scope to allow for flexibility in the site operation. However, they must also provide DPI with enough information to assess the application. DPI recognises this is challenging and the appropriate balance will be determined on a site by site basis. The Department encourages proponents to engage DPI officers as early as possible in the application process to ensure the appropriate balance is achieved.
Key principles to be applied in drafting a work plan:
- Plans should adopt as long a time horizon as possible.
- Text and plans should wherever possible provide strategies, principles or management tools rather than minute detail of activities.
- Plans should be structured so that elements likely to require early or frequent revision are separate from core elements of the plan. This can be done by judicious use of appendices or supplements. This may mean that some changes can be achieved without formal variation while variations will be simpler to process when they are necessary.
- Management commitments and control measures (environment, community, geotechnical etc) should be described generically where possible. For example, control of noise impacts could be described by setting out the principles to be applied and the techniques to be used in various circumstances rather than describing in detail the measures to be used at each work location.
- The information contained in the draft work plan relevant to the management commitments and protection measures (environment, community, geotechnical etc) should build on the Department of Primary Industries standard licence conditions for mining licences rather than simply reiterating their requirements.
Work plan variations
The following criteria indicate situations where a work plan variation may be required. Where a proposal is likely to meet one or more of these criteria, the proponent should discuss the need for a work plan variation with DPI. The Department will advise whether a variation is required and if so, what aspects should be addressed in the submission.
Criteria for requirement of a work plan variation:
The proposed new work is not described or approved under the current work plan (see Section 39(1)(ab) of the MRSDA), and any of the following apply:
a. The proposed new work requires a form of approval under other related legislation such as:
- Planning and Environment Act 1987,
- Environment Effects Act 1978 (or consideration under section 42A of the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990),
- Environment Protection Act 1970,
- Water Act 1989,
- Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988,
- Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006,
- Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994,
- Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth),
- the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth)
b. Removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation is proposed and an assessment is required under Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action 2002,
c. The proposed new work will have a material impact on the environment and/or community,
d. The proposed new work requires major amendment of the approved environmental management plan and/or rehabilitation plan,
e. The proposed new work will result in an increase in rehabilitation liability of 10% or $50,000 over the current assessment, whichever is the lower figure.
Periodic Review
In order to remain useful, work plans must provide relevant, up-to-date information and drawings for an operation. While work plans can and should be designed with longevity in mind, all work plans will eventually become outdated and require major review or replacement.
Licensees should determine a review period as part of the initial work plan development process. This period and the process to be undertaken in the review should be set out in the work plan. The review period could be expected to be quite long (say 10 years or more) in the case of slow moving operations. However, many mines will change sufficiently fast to require more frequent review of the work plan. The appropriate review period should be discussed with DPI during development of the work plan.
The scope of any periodic review of a work plan should take into account the amount of change at the operation along with the history of work plan variations for other purposes. For example, where the work plan has been successively updated for other purposes the review might identify that no change was needed at that time.
Document Control
Adoption of good design and document control measures in the initial layout of a work plan can make later changes significantly easier. It can also mean that the work plan remains clear and relevant for a longer period. It is clearly desirable for operators and the Department that the approved work plans are easily identified and that there is no confusion as to what is or is not approved. This is particularly important for long-lived operations where many variations will occur over the life of the operation.
Work plans should;
a. Include a document control panel showing the date of creation or review and a version number
b. Include a footer on all pages showing the document name, version and date
c. Include a contents page and list of figures, drawings and illustrations,
d. Be page and section numbered so that pages can be added, deleted or replaced without loss of coherence
e. Be bound in a way that allows for removal, addition or replacement of pages
Work plan variations should wherever possible be submitted as an amendment to the work plan document or its appendices rather than as a separate stand-alone document. They should in all cases include a summary outlining the changes proposed to the existing work plan.
3. OTHER LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
There may be a range of requirements under other legislation that are applicable to the proposed operation. It is not within the scope of these guidelines to provide detailed advice on these requirements. However, other legislation that may be relevant is listed in Appendix 2. (Note that this list is not exhaustive). Sources of information on natural resources are listed in Appendix 3. Proponents should ensure that all work plans are compatible with their other legal obligations. To this end, it is often desirable that the work plan include a list of relevant requirements under other Acts along with the method of compliance.
Where there may be an impact on matters of national environmental significance, assessment and approval may be needed under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Proponents should seek their own advice about the relevance of this Act and, if necessary, refer the proposal to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment.
The Environment Effects Act 1978 provides for assessment of proposed projects (works) that are capable of having a significant effect on the environment. Proponents are responsible for referring a project proposal to the Minister for Planning to decide whether an Environmental Effects Statement is required. Proponents should discuss the need for a referral with the Department of Planning and Community Development. If an EES is required, DPI cannot conclude the assessment of a work plan until the Minister for Planning has assessed the EES and made recommendations.
If this is the case, the EES documentation may become part of the work plan or alternatively the work plan must be developed in a manner consistent with the content of the EES documentation and any recommendations of the Minister for Planning arising from his/her assessment.
4. DEVELOPING A WORK PLAN
To ensure that the work plan information provided meets the requirements of DPI and those of any other relevant agencies, the Department requires that in the very early stages in the planning of a mining operation, the proponent holds a site meeting with relevant Government agencies to discuss the proposal.
Agencies that should be invited to the site consultation meeting may include the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), water authorities, local shire, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV), Regional Cultural Heritage Program Co-ordinators, Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and others. The DPI District Manager (Refer to Appendix 4) will provide advice in this area.
The proponent must consult with the owner of the land for private land proposals or the Crown Land Manager for proposed work on Crown land.
A draft work plan should be submitted to the DPI District Manager for assessment. Initial evaluation of the draft work plan will be based on it’s compliance with Schedule 13 of the MRD Regs and these guidelines. Following this step, the plan will be referred to relevant agencies for comment. The proponent will be advised in writing of the outcome of the Department’s assessment and is provided with details of any further work required.
When the draft work plan has reached the required standard, DPI will endorse it as suitable for submission for a planning permit.
5. SUBMITTING A WORK PLAN
The final work plan should be submitted to the DPI District Manager following receipt of a planning permit or completion of the EES process. In either circumstance, the work plan must comply, and be consistent with, any conditions on the planning permit or recommendations of the Minister for Planning.
Proponents should ensure all requirements shown in Figure 1 are included at the time of submission.
6. CONTENT OF A WORK PLAN
The Department’s general requirements for the information to be included in a work plan are set out in Table 1.
TABLE 1 - Work Plan Requirements - Schedule 13 MRD Regulations 2002
| Requirement/Schedule 13 provision | Guidance | ||
| 1. | Context and general information | Provide a brief introduction and background for the proposal. Include a description of the location of the site, previous work or history of the site (mining, exploration, bulk sampling etc), present and adjacent land use and an overview of the area’s environmental values. | |
| 2. | Sch 13/1. A general description of geological information including, if available, estimates of ore resources and reserves. |
This information may be incorporated into the work plans or may be presented separately with the findings summarised in the work plan text. A report on geological investigations and mineral resource estimates may include the following items:-
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| 3. | Sch13/2. A general location plan at scale of 1:100 000 or 1:50 000 |
A general location plan (refer to Appendix 6) should clearly show the location of the site and show:
NB;
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| 4. | Sch13/3. A regional plan at scale of 1:25 000 showing the extent of Crown lands, private lands, private land allotments for the proposed work plan and, where possible, parks and reserves within 2 km of the site. |
A regional plan (refer to Appendix 7) that should show:
NB:
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| 5. |
Sch13/4. A site plan at 1:1,000, 1:2,500 or other appropriate scale, including cross-sections, showing and describing existing surface contours, etc., and also including–
|
Provide a written description supported by site plans* in relation to the following operational aspects.
Plant Layout and Equipment
Depict
Method of working
Depict
Water Management
*NB. Site plan(s) - A1 or A2 size preferred (Refer to Appendices 8 and 8a), and cross sections (Refer to Appendix 9) which show the following:
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| 6. | Sch13/5. A description of the metallurgical and mineral recovery methods to be used. |
Provide a description of the proposed mineral processing and extraction activities including:
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| 7. |
Sch13/6. A rehabilitation plan that–
|
Present a written description of the proposed mine rehabilitation. It should include, consideration of any special characteristics of the land and the surrounding environment and where applicable, written information on the following subjects (this list is not exhaustive). Rehabilitation objectives
Revegetation • Include detail on the revegetation species, planting densities and any ongoing management requirements. Progressive Rehabilitation
Final Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Drawings – 1: 2,500 OR 1:1,000 scale
Where applicable incorporate those features identified in the rehabilitation proposal. Note also that the rehabilitation proposal must be discussed with the land owner. **Note. Although multiple end-uses may be proposed by the licensee, DPI requires a minimum end use to be specified that is not contingent on additional approvals. |
|
| 8. |
Sch13/7. An environmental management plan which –
|
Describe the scope and limitation of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). An Environmental Management Plan will address, where applicable the management of: Archaeological or heritage sites and relics (to be read in accordance with any requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, including a Cultural Heritage Management Plan)
Flora and Fauna
Surface and Groundwater
Air Blast and Ground Vibration
Noise (plant and operations)
Airborne Particles / Dust
Landscape Development, Slope Stability and Erosion Control
Waste Management
Record Management
Audit
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| 9. | Sch13/8. An occupational health and safety plan that demonstrates, so far as is practicable, that the works are designed and will be operated so as to be safe and without risks to health. | Present an OHS plan that demonstrates, as far as is reasonably practicable, that surface and underground work areas, and processes, are designed and operated to be safe and without risk to human health. The plan will address, where required, the design of works and proposed operation of the work areas. It should include plans of the work area and written information on the following subjects (for reference material to assist OHS plan development refer to Appendix 15): |
|
| Content of OH&S Plan | Criteria to be applied by WorkSafe | ||
| DESIGN Safe Design - A description of the process used during design to identify OH&S and mining hazards, to assess the risks associated with these hazards, and to determine and implement risk control measures. |
Is the process used applicable for the type of design work being undertaken? | ||
| Design Phase Hazards and Risk Controls - A list of hazards identified, the controls and OH&S systems to be incorporated into the design. | Has the licence holder identified all hazards (i.e. all types of hazards in every aspect of the operation)? Do the risk control measures ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the works are designed and to be operated such that they are safe and without risk to human health |
||
| OPERATIONS Management - A description of the Safety Management System that will be used once work commences (prescribed mines) |
Will the SMS, as described, be applicable to the work to be undertaken? | ||
| General OH&S - A description of how OH&S risks will be managed. | Does the licence holder have an effective approach to managing general OH&S risks? | ||
| Consultation – A description of the consultative mechanisms to be put in place for OH&S consultation. | Will the consultative mechanisms meet OH&S legislative requirements and are they applicable to the operation? | ||
| 10. | Sch13/9. A description of any significant community facilities that may be affected by the proposed works. |
Significant community facilities may include:
The work plan should identify community facilities potentially affected by the proposed works, consider the likelihood and extent of any effect and where necessary describe management or amelioration measures |
|
| 11. |
Sch13/10. A community engagement plan that— (a) identifies any community likely to be affected by mining activities authorised by the licence; and (b) includes proposals for—
(c) includes a proposal for registering, documenting and responding to complaints and other communications from members of the community in relation to mining activities authorised by the licence. |
A Community Engagement Plan must be developed and implemented to ensure effective management of potential social impacts of the operation. An electronic copy of the plan must be submitted with the work plan application. The plan will need to address a range of criteria depending on the size of the operation. This is not an exhaustive list. Refer to The Department’s Community Engagement Plan Guidelines for more details. The community engagement plan needs:
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Glossary
Approved work plan: The final work plan approved by DPI. Licensees with an approved work plan can proceed with the work described in the plan subject to obtaining any other necessary approvals and compliance with any conditions imposed in approval of the work plan. (refer to Fig 1.)
Batter: The sloped part of the mine face in an open pit. The term “batter angle” is often used to refer to the slope of the face.
Bench The horizontal step in the face of an open cut mine. A “benched” pit is one with a number of alternating benches and batters
Berm: Usually a small earthen embankment constructed beside the edge of a pit, bench or other feature to prevent mobile equipment from driving over an edge. The term is also sometimes used to refer to a Bench.
Bond: An amount of money, usually in the form of a bank guarantee held by DPI to ensure rehabilitation can be funded in the event of an operator failing meet their obligations.
Buffer: An area of the site, which is unavailable for mining and is set aside to ensure sufficient separation between mining and sensitive land uses. Buffers also ensure that mining does not encroach too close to boundaries and they may provide a natural visual screen for the site.
Cross sections/long section: a view of the site derived by (conceptually) slicing through it along a defined line.
Crown land manager (CLM): Crown land is managed by the Government. The type of Crown land, (e.g. parks, reserves, forests), will determine which government department/division is the Crown land manager. DPI can assist in identifying the appropriate point of contact.
Dewatering: Removing groundwater to enable mining works to continue at depth.
Endorsed work plan: The work plan accepted by DPI as being adequate for submission in support of an application for planning permit. Endorsement indicates that the plan is technically sound and addresses the environmental and social impacts adequately (refer to Figure 1).
Grab samples: Small amounts of soil or rock taken for analysis.
Granted work authority: Once the work plan has been approved, bond submitted and a number of other requirements met the Work Authority is granted and work can commence. (Refer to Figure 1)
Haul roads: Purpose-built roads for use by large off-highway trucks carrying waste or ore.
Magazine: Where explosives and detonators are stored.
Ore: Rock that contains economically viable minerals or metals.
Overburden: Barren insitu rock or soil which overlays the mineral deposit.
Rehabilitation: The process of reinstatement, land forming and revegetation that results in restoration of the site to an acceptable final stable form.
Sediment retention pond: an impoundment or dam designed to retain sediment laden water for a period of time prior to discharge so that sediment can settle out.
Tailing storage facility: A earthern-walled facility designed to store the solid wastes from the ore treatment process. Tailings usually comprise finely ground rock, clay and water in the form of a slurry and may include minor concentrations of chemicals used in the mineral extraction process..
Work plan: A document, also containing drawings, which clearly describes the mine establishment, operation and rehabilitation within a mining licence.
Work plan conditions: Written requirements made by the Department when a work plan is given conditional approval.
Figure 1. WORK PLAN / WORK AUTHORITY FLOW CHART FOR MINING
STAGE ONE: WORK PLAN APPROVAL
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INITIAL CONTACT WITH DEPARTMENT Contact inspector to organise site meeting (send inspector site map/location to enable Inspector to meet proponent) |
> |
SITE MEETING WITH INSPECTORSite meeting with inspector and other relevant agencies to discuss proposal |
> |
DRAFT WORK PLANSubmit draft work plan to inspector based on inspector’s comments and information provided in the guidelines |
| > |
WORK PLAN ENDORSEMENTOnce the work plan is acceptable, the inspector will endorse it and send it to the proponent |
> |
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL OF WORK PLAN:
|
STAGE TWO: WORK AUTHORITY GRANT
WORK PLAN APPROVALDepartment receives all items required including planning approval |
> |
Complete and submit “Application for Work Authority and Notice of Intention to Commence Work” including:
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> |
GRANTED WORK AUTHORITYWork authority granted Department forwards to proponent work authority instrument and registered bond and compensation agreement instruments Work May Commence |
NOTE: IT IS AN OFFENCE TO OPERATE A MINE WITHOUT A GRANTED WORK AUTHORITY
* Planning approval may be either a planning permit, assessment of an EES by the Minister for Planning or approval under s.42A of the MRSD Act.
APPENDIX 1
APPENDIX 2
ACTS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE NOTES
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES (DPI)
Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (MR(SD)A) The Act is to encourage an economically viable mining industry that is compatible with the environmental, social and economic objectives of the state.
Mineral Resources Development Regulations 2002 The regulations cover licencing and work plan requirement.
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. The Act establishes a framework for the protection and management of catchment areas through the Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs).
DEPARTMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT (DSE)
Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action 2002. The framework is designed to protect and enhance native vegetation by avoiding or minimising the impact of works on native vegetation.
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. The Act enables and promotes the conservation of Victoria’s native flora and fauna.
Forests Act 1958. The Act provides for the management and protection of State forests and regulates cutting and removal of timber.
Environment Effects Act 1978. The Act provides for the Minister administering the Act to decide if any proposed development requires an Environment Effects Statement (EES).
Planning and Environment Act 1987 The purpose of this Act is to establish a framework for planning the use, development and protection of land in Victoria in the present and long-term interests of all Victorians.
Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 The Act covers reservation of Crown lands and the management of such land.
VICTORIAN WORKCOVER AUTHORITY
Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 The Act is designed to ensure the health and safety of all employees.
Occupational Health & Safety Regulations 2007 These regulations are designed to protect people in mines against risks to their health and safety.
Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and relevant regulations. The purpose of the Act and regulations is to ensure the health and safety of persons and property in relation to the manufacture, storage, transport, transfer and sale of dangerous goods.
OTHER RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES
Water Act 1989. The Act is to ensure the fair and efficient use of water resources and to ensure their conservation and sustainable use.
Environment Protection Act 1970. The Act is concerned with all aspects of the environment and makes provision for the establishment of environmental objectives as well as management of waste discharges.
State Environment Protection Policy - Control of noise from Commerce, Industry & Trade No. N-1., A policy under the Environment Protection Act 1970. Establishes the methodology for assessment of noise from commercial or industrial premises. Has statutory application only within the Melbourne metropolitan area.
Interim Guidelines for Control of Noise from Industry in Country Victoria EPA publication N3/89. Provides guidance on the assessment of noise levels from industry in country areas.
State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) – Air Quality Management (S240). ., A policy under the Environment Protection Act 1970. Establishes policies and requirements for control of emissions to the air environment.
Protocol for Environmental Management: State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) – Air Quality Management. Mining and Extractive Industries (EPA Publication 1191). Provides guidance on the application of the SEPP Air Quality Management to the mining and extractive industries.
State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) – Waters of Victoria (EPA Publication 944) A policy under the Environment Protection Act 1970. Establishes policies and requirements for control of water discharges.
Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic) The Act provides for the protection of Aboriginal places and objects. There is also a similar Commonwealth Act that protects the places and objects and emphasises consultation with Aboriginal communities.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth). Provides a legal framework to protect and manage matters of national environmental significance . Requires that proposals that might effect a matter of national environmental significance must be referred to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment for assessment.
Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth) Provides for the establishment and protection of native title rights. Validates past acts and titles and sets down basic principles in relation to the administration of rights.
APPENDIX 3
| Natural Resource Information Sources | |
|---|---|
| Land Tenure | |
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www.dpi.vic.gov.au/earth-resources Explore Victoria Online: GeoVic |
| Landforms & Soils | |
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www.dpi.vic.gov.au -Victorian Resources Online |
| Vegetation | |
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www.dse.vic.gov.au -Biodiversity Interactive map: includes EVC layer, Bioregional conservation status and tree cover & density maps. -EVC Benchmarks and Descriptions: choose ‘Conservation and Environment’ then ‘Native Vegetation’ for Victoria’s page. GeoVic: EVC and tree covers mapping is also available on GeoVic for overlaying Tenement Boundaries and Land Status |
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www.dpi.vic.gov.au -Victorian Resources Online |
|
Contact appropriate municipality |
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Note:
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| Flora and Fauna: species information | |
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www.viridans.com.au - Victorian Flora Information System; DSE database (purchase from Viridans) - Atlas of Victorian Wildlife DSE database (purchase from Viridans) www.dse.vic.gov.au - Advisory List of Rare Or Threatened Plants In Victoria - Advisory List Of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna In Victoria DSE Flora and Fauna Planners, Biomap |
| Heritage Sites | |
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www.heritage.vic.gov.au - Heritage Register |
| Aboriginal Archaeological Sites | |
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www.aboriginalaffairs.vic.gov.au |
| Wetlands | |
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www.dse.vic.gov.au -Biodiversity Interactive Map: includes Important Wetlands and Ramsar Wetlands GeoVic: Wetlands maps are also available on GeoVic for overlaying Tenement Boundaries and Land Status www.environment.gov.au -A directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (Department of Heritage and Environment) -RAMSAR information sheets |
| Rivers and Streams | |
|
www.dpi.vic.gov.au Victorian Resources Online |
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www.vicwaterdata.net |
APPENDIX 4
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES: EARTH RESOURCES VICTORIA
CONTACTS FOR INFORMATION
| MELBOURNE |
|---|
|
Earth Resources Victoria or GPO Box 4440 Ph: 9658 4000 Fax: 9658 4400 |
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Information on planning aspects: Ph: 9658 4434 Fax: 9658 4499 Information on processes, contacts: Ph: 9658 4400 |
| BALLARAT | BENALLA |
|---|---|
|
Earth Resources Division Ph: 5333 6805 |
Earth Resources Division Ph: 5761 1611 |
| BENDIGO | TRARALGON |
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Earth Resources Victoria Ph: 5430 4689 |
Earth Resources Victoria Ph: 5172 2158 |
APPENDIX 5
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM
Example Only
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Water Monitoring Plan |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Location |
Rationale |
Frequency |
Parameters |
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No. 2 Adit precinct |
Understand site hydrology. |
Daily |
Record rainfall. |
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No. 2 Adit sump |
Measurement of discharge water from mine. Understand site hydrology. |
Daily |
Record level. |
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Weekly |
Volume, pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, turbidity, visible oil/grease |
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Monthly |
As above. + heavy metals – laboratory testing. |
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Clear Water Dam |
Measurement of discharge water from mine. |
Weekly |
As for No. 2 Adit sump. |
|
Monthly |
As for No.2 Adit sump. |
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|
Clear Water Dam |
Measurement of biological indicators of water quality |
Quarterly |
Wetland vegetation species -diversity and percentage of cover. |
|
Groundwater Bore –below clear water dam |
Measurement of (potentially) affected water. Monitor integrity of Clear Water Dam. |
Weekly |
As for No. 2 Adit sump. |
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Monthly |
As for No. 2Adit sump. |
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Noise Monitoring Plan |
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|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
Rationale |
Frequency |
Parameters |
|
No 5 Adit |
Exit for sound from exploration works. |
Monthly |
EPA, SEPP (Control of noise from Commerce, Industry & Trade) No. N-1 OR Interim Guidelines for Control of Noise form Industry in Country Victoria N3/89 |
|
Greta open stope |
Exit for sound from exploration works |
Monthly |
As for No.5 Adit |
|
Property on King Road |
Nearest Residence |
As required |
As for No.5 Adit |
|
No. 2 Adit |
Monitor sound from compressors, fans and generators. |
Monthly |
As for No.5 Adit |
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Blast Monitoring Plan |
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|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
Rationale |
Frequency |
Parameters |
|
No.5 Adit |
Exit for air blast from exploration works. |
Weekly |
115dBA, 5mm/sec. (for residence) |
|
Greta open stope |
Exit for air blast from exploration works. |
Weekly |
115dBA, 5mm/sec. (for residence) |
|
Property on King Road |
Nearest Residence |
As required |
115dBA, 5mm/sec. |
|
Dust Monitoring Plan |
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|
Location |
Rationale |
Frequency |
Parameters |
|
No.5 Adit |
Exit for dust from underground exploration works. |
Continuous |
Deposited dust (mg/m²/month) |
|
Greta open stope |
Exit for dust from underground exploration works. |
Continuous |
Deposited dust (mg/m²/month) |
|
Property on King Road |
Nearest Residence. Monitor dust from exploration works, and vehicle use on access road. |
As required |
Deposited dust (mg/m²/month) |
|
Access road (adjacent to processed sands area) |
Possibly toxic dust from processed sands |
Monthly |
Deposited dust (mg/m²/month) |
|
Weed Monitoring Plan |
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|
Location |
Rationale |
Frequency |
Parameters |
|
Entire Site |
Control existing weeds, introduction of weed species and spread from works site. |
Minimum twice yearly |
Weed species diversity and cover. |
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Progressive Rehabilitation/Site Protection Plan |
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|
Location |
Rationale |
Frequency |
Parameters |
|
Redundant tracks |
Photo point monitoring of natural revegetation of unused tracks. |
Quarterly |
50% vegetative/ natural mulch cover over 1 year. 100% cover over 2 years |
|
V drain diversion channel. |
Photo point monitoring of natural/ assisted revegetation of V drain diversion channel. Photo point monitoring of silt structures |
Quarterly |
30% vegetative/ natural mulch cover over 1 year. 50% cover over 2 years. 100% cover over 5 years. |
|
Access road cut batters. |
Photo point monitoring of natural revegetation of cut batters. |
Quarterly |
20% vegetative/ natural mulch cover over 1 year. 50% cover over 2 years. Batters stable. |
|
No. 2 Adit works area. |
Monitor silt movement from works/loading areas. |
Monthly |
Silt control structures intact, operational and maintained. |
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No. 2 Adit works area. |
Photo point monitoring of extent of works area. |
Monthly |
No incremental creep of works area into intact vegetation. |
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Site Roading Plan |
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Location |
Rationale |
Frequency |
Parameters |
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Creek Fords x 2 on access road. |
Photo-point monitoring of integrity of creek fords. Reduce contribution to stream sediment loads. |
After rainfall events. |
Trafficability of creek fords maintained. |
|
All Road culverts |
Monitor integrity of silt control structures. Reduce contribution to stream sediment loads. |
After rainfall events. |
Silt control structures intact, operational and maintained. |
|
Adjacent to processed sands area. |
Visual inspection/ photo-point monitoring to compliment dust monitoring plan. Reduce/eliminate possibly toxic dust from vehicle traffic over processed sands. |
Weekly |
Reduce dust from vehicle use of access road in the vicinity of processed sands to the practical minimum. |
|
Hydrocarbon Management Plan |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
Rationale |
Frequency |
Parameters |
|
No. 2 Adit works Area. |
Monitor Hydrocarbon management in works area. |
Weekly |
No fuel/oil storage on site. Drip trays beneath machinery and equipment maintained. Fuel spillage emergency equipment intact and on-site. |
|
Fire Management Plan |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
Rationale |
Frequency |
Parameters |
|
No. 2 Adit works Area. |
Monitor Fire Management in works area. |
Weekly in fire danger period. |
Spark arrestors fitted and operational on all machinery and equipment. Fire suppression equipment on-site and operational. No fuel build-up within works area. |
APPENDIX 6
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APPENDIX 7
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APPENDIX 8
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APPENDIX 8a
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APPENDIX 9
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APPENDIX 10
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APPENDIX 10a
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APPENDIX 11
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APPENDIX 12
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APPENDIX 13 & 14
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APPENDIX 15
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN
|
REFERENCE |
RELEVANT TO |
LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
|
Minerals Industry Safety Handbook – NSW Department of Minerals Resources 2002 |
Section 1.5 Hazard identification Risk assessment |
DPI NSW website |
|
National Minerals Industry Safety and Health Risk Assessment Guideline, Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre, 2005 |
Section 4 Hazard identification Risk assessment Risk control measures |
Minerals Industry Health and Safety Centre, University of QLD |
|
Guidance note MPV-GN-02 Hazard Identification Victorian Department of Primary Industries |
Hazard identification |
DPI VIC website |
|
Major Hazard Facilities Guidance note 13 Hazard Identification WorkSafe Victoria |
Hazard identification |
WorkSafe website |
|
AS 4360:2004 Risk Management, Standards Australia |
Risk management overall (systems focused) |
Standards Australia |
|
HB 436:2004 Risk Management Guidelines Companion to AS/NZS 4360:2004 |
Risk management overall (systems focused) |
Standards Australia |
|
Guidance note MPV-GN-03 Risk Assessment and Control, Victorian Department of Primary Industries |
Risk assessment |
DPI website |
|
Guidance note MPV-GN-05 Safety Assessment Victorian Department of Primary Industries |
Safety assessment |
DPI website |
|
Major Hazard Facilities Guidance note 14 Safety Assessment WorkSafe Victoria |
Safety assessment |
WorkSafe website |
|
Controlling OHS hazards and risks – A handbook for workplaces |
Hazard identification Risk assessment Risk control measures |
WorkSafe website |
|
Major Hazard Facilities Guidance note 29 Review and Revise, WorkSafe Victoria |
Review and revise of hazard identification and safety assessment |
WorkSafe website |
1 Activities permitted without work plan approval under the definition of “low impact exploration” are set out in section 4 of the MRSDA. Additional low impact activities may be made from time to time by Ministerial declaration under section 7B. Information on the latter can be obtained from DPI.
