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Alligator Rivers Region Advisory Committee Meeting 39 Meeting Summary 22 March 2013
Alligator Rivers Region Advisory Committee
Meeting 39
Meeting Summary
22 March 2013
Agenda
1 Welcome2 Apologies and Observers3 ARRAC38 Meeting Summary and Actions4 Governance/Appointments5 Energy Resources of Australia Ltd Report6 Supervising Scientist Report7 NT Department of Mines and Energy Report8 Member Reports8.1 Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation 8.2 Northern Land Council 8.3 Environment Centre NT 8.4 Cameco Australia Pty Ltd8.5 NT Environment Protection Authority 8.6 NT Department of Health 8.7 Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency 8.8 Australian Government - Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism 8.9 Australian Government - Parks Australia 8.10 Uranium Equities Ltd8.11 Afmeco Mining and Exploration Pty Ltd / Areva Group8.12 West Arnhem Shire Council
9 Other Business9 Next Meeting
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1 WELCOMEThe Chair (Professor Webb) welcomed members and observers to the meeting. Mr Parker provided a facilities and safety brief.
2 APOLOGIES AND ATTENDANCEThe following apologies were noted.ApologiesMembers/Deputy members OrganisationRichard O’Brien Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety AgencyJoe Potter Afmeco Mining and Exploration Pty Ltd (AREVA Group)Michael Sheldrick Australian Government - Department of Resources, Energy and TourismNicole Hinton Australian Government - Department of Resources, Energy and TourismXavier Schobben Northern Territory Government - Department of HealthMelissa Taylor Uranium Equities Limited (report tabled)Cat Beaton Environment Centre NTScott Perkins (appointment pending) Representing the Office of the Administrator of the Northern TerritoryBill Freeland (appointment pending) Northern Territory Government – Environment Protection AuthorityRussell Ball Northern Territory Government - Department of Mines and EnergyPeter Cochrane Parks AustraliaAnna Morgan Parks Australia (report tabled)
The attendance of the following members and observers was noted.AttendanceMembers/Deputy members OrganisationCharles Webb Independent ChairDamien Ewington Cameco Australia Pty LtdTim Eckersley (appointment pending) Energy Resources of Australia Pty LtdTodd Simms Energy Resources of Australia Pty LtdJustin Tutty (appointment pending) Environment Centre Northern TerritoryRussell Robinson Northern Territory Government - Department of HealthGillian Jan Representing the Office of the Administrator of the Northern TerritoryJustin O’Brien Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation (by phone: 10.00 – 10.45)Adam Thompson Northern Land CouncilPeter Johnston Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety AgencyPeter Waggitt Northern Territory Government - Department of Mines and EnergyAlan Hughes Supervising Scientist DivisionRichard McAllister Supervising Scientist DivisionObservers OrganisationJean-Pierre Issaverdis Parks Australia Sally Strohmayr Northern Territory Government - Department of ResourcesVirginia Leitch Australian Government - Department Resources Energy and TourismPaul Martin Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety AgencyAlly Sinclair Supervising Scientist DivisionRick van Dam Supervising Scientist DivisionShannon Traut Supervising Scientist Division (Secretariat)Scott Parker Supervising Scientist Division (Secretary)
3 DRAFT MINUTES AND ACTIONS ARISING– ARRAC38The draft ARRAC38 minutes were approved with the following changes:
Page 4. Swap Ms Lauren Cooper and Ms Virginia Leitch in the attendance table. Page 13. Replace “... Commonwealth Ministers and submitted....” with “Commonwealth Minister for
Resources, Energy and Tourism and submitted...”.
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The status of the following ARRAC38 actions was noted.
No. Action StatusARRAC38:1 ERA to confirm Mr Robinson has been provided a copy of the Ranger Radiation Monitoring Plan. CompletedARRAC38:2 ERA to report back to ARRAC on the relevance of recent incidents (e.g. the incorrect fitting of a
potable water hose and discovery of slightly radioactive material in work shed) to ERA’s undertakings in response to past incidents of a similar nature.
Completed1
4 GOVERNANCE/APPOINTMENTS (MR PARKER)Mr Parker advised that the process for appointing a number of members and deputy members nominated by various stakeholder organisations has been delayed due to concerns in relation to the gender balance of the Committee. He advised that the Australian Government has a gender equity target of 40% female representation on government boards and committees and ARRAC is currently below this. It was noted that the Department has written to relevant stakeholder organisations regarding this matter and work to address gender equity on the Committee is ongoing.
5 ERA REPORTBUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENTS – RANGER (MR ECKERSLEY)
Mr Eckersley acknowledged the Mirrar as the Traditional Owners of the land on which Ranger is located and provided a status report covering Ranger operations, developments and safety performance. Key points raised are summarised below.
Safety and people – ERA recorded a record All Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR) of 0.52 in 2012 which was a 10% improvement from 2011. Five recordable injuries occurred in 2012 with all employees making a full recovery and returning to full duties. ERA was awarded the Australian Road Safety Founder’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in relation to road safety initiatives at the Australian Road Safety Awards in 2012. Of the 621 people currently employed/contracted by ERA, 16% are indigenous and 17% are female.
2012 Operational Overview – ERA maintained very strong performance during period with total production of 3,710 t of uranium oxide and net after tax loss of $219M. As at 31 December 2012, ERA had achieved a $75M cumulative cost saving out of the $150M target.
Community Relations – ERA finalised Ranger S44 and Mining Agreements in January 2013. These cover the existing mining/processing operations under the current Authority only. A Relationship Committee and Suitability Trust have been established with ERA/GAC contributions. ERA continues to support the Jabiru community through the West Arnhem College educational partnership, George Chaloupka scholarship, quarterly business updates and continued sponsorship of the Mahbilil and Stone festival.
Ranger production forecast (excluding R3Deeps) – Pit#3 is now closed. 2012 production was 3700 tonnes. Production will continue to decline over time based on a constant mill rate of 2-2.4Mt/pa. ERA will continue to treat lower grade ore post 2016 depending on price, foreign exchange rates and the outcomes of further studies into low grade ore processing.
1 Mr Simms noted that the incident in question had involved the modification of a connection to the potable water system by a contractor without the required authorisation. This had not resulted in any risk to human health or the environment. He noted that following the previous potable water incident, a number of controls had been implemented including the use of different connectors for the potable and process water systems to mitigate potential for cross connection. Mr Simms noted the other incident mentioned had involved the placement of slightly radioactive process slurry in a general skip bin instead of a controlled waste skip bin. As both types of skip bins are disposed in Pit 1, there was minimal risk of the material moving offsite. He noted that ERA had investigated the incident and provided a report to regulators.
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Brine concentrator - Construction of the Brine Concentrator (BC) was approved by the ERA Board in February 2012. Civil works were completed and all major components were safely delivered to Ranger in December 2012. Commissioning is expected in Q3 2013. The BC has a nominal capacity to process 1.83 billion litres of clean water per year.
Ranger 3 deeps – The Ranger 3 Deeps exploration decline is on schedule and budget. The decline is currently 300m long and approximately 70m below ground. Exploration drilling is expected to commence in May 2013. The proposal was submitted under EPBC Act in November 2012 and has been determined to be a controlled action. The project will be subject to an Environmental Impact Statement level assessment by both the Commonwealth and NT Governments. ERA is hoping to commence mining in late 2015 subject to the project securing the necessary environmental, TO approval and ERA Board approvals. It was noted the next step is the development of guidelines for the EIS.
Pit 3 backfilling – Backfilling of Pit#3 and the Integrated Tailings Water and Closure Prefeasibility Study are progressing well. ERA rehabilitation provision was $640M as at 31 December 2012 and is based on the Ranger Environmental Requirements as prescribed in the section 41 Authority including that the rehabilitated area could be incorporated into the Kakadu National Park by 2026 and tailings must be safely and permanently stored in the mined out pits.
2013 Rehabilitation projects – Rehabilitation of the Jabiluka pond is scheduled to be undertaken during the 2013 dry season. Water in the pond needs to be drained before rehabilitation can commence. Rehabilitation of the Magela LAA and adjoining borrow pit rehabilitation is scheduled to commence this year. Planning for Pit#1 rehabilitation is well advanced; over 7000 wicks have been installed and preparatory works are expected to be completed by the time Pit#3 backfill is completed. It was noted that the water in the pond is of high quality and is essentially rainwater. ERA is looking at option of irrigating the water onto surrounding land.
Water management - ERA is continuing to place a high priority on water management at Ranger. A number of water management measures have been implemented including raising the TSF by 2.3m, installation of contingency pumping systems, the construction of a 1GL pond water retention pond (RP6) and the construction of the Brine Concentrator.
Independent Surface Water Working Group (ISWWG) – the ISWWG study was initiated by GAC in response to concerns about surface water management. The group was chaired by Professor Barry Hart and included representatives from GAC, ERA, NLC and SSD. Professor Mark Taylor (Macquarie University) was appointed as the independent science advisor. The review confirmed that the current surface water management system at Ranger, and associated monitoring programs, are consistent with world’s leading practice. The report made 15 recommendations including the establishment of real time monitoring of surface water systems, the assessment of potential metals in sediments and the development of compliance triggers for Gulungul Creek.
2012-13 wet season – the current wet season is well below average. The current pond water inventory is less than 500ML. Water treatment was undertaken in January 2013 to maintain the level of water in RP2 to minimise seepage and maintain geo-technical stability in Pit#3. ERA is unlikely to treat or release any water for the rest of the season. It was noted, as a contingency measure, ERA plans to take water from Magela Creek (subject to agreed conditions) to meet ongoing operational requirements, including maintaining the power supply for Jabiru.
DISCUSSION
Prof Johnston noted that ERA mentioned at last meeting the Ranger 3 Deeps decline may be extended to take a bulk sample. Mr Eckersley advised that a bulk sample is no longer in scope and is not being considered by ERA2. Mr Tutty advised that ECNT welcomed the findings of the ISWWG review and the progress to date with 2 On 4 April 2013, Energy Resources of Australia Ltd requested the following correction to the meeting record: “Mr Eckersley’s response to Prof Johnston’s question at ARRAC on 22 March was in relation to ERA’s previous ARRAC presentation in which it was proposed to mine a trial stope to recover a 30,000t bulk sample for subsequent
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the Brine Concentrator. He asked if the geo-technical stability of Pit#3 was still an issue. Mr Eckersley advised that the south wall of Pit#3 has caused some stability issues over the past few years and as the Pit#3 got deeper, ERA had noticed some minor failures across the North-eastern benches which had propagated to minor cracking in the crest of Pit. As ERA was concerned that water could move through cracks and cause failures, ERA had proposed the construction of a levee to prevent water from accessing the Pit. Mr Eckersley advised that monitoring of stability in the Pit#3 wall shows it has returned to the levels seen in previous years. Mr Tutty asked if ERA was able to discuss the issue of exports of uranium to Russia. Mr Eckersley indicated he was not able to provide any specific advice on this, but offered to follow up any questions if necessary.
6 SUPERVISING SCIENTIST DIVISION REPORT SUPERVISION AND ASSESSMENT (Ms Sinclair)
Ms Sinclair presented the SSD ARRAC Supervision, Assessment and Monitoring report. Key points are summarised below.
INSPECTIONS AND AUDITS
Regular periodic inspections (RPI) were undertaken at Ranger (6), Jabiluka (2) and Nabarlek (1) during the reporting period. Audits were also conducted of Alligator Energy (Myra Camp), Cameco (King River Camp) and UXA. A wet season inspection of the South Alligator Valley containment was also undertaken.
Ranger - The Ranger RPIs followed up on previous Audit findings, incidents and also looked at on site developments such as the brine concentrator and exploration decline. Two audit findings remain unresolved pending finalisation of the Ranger Land Use Management Plan.
Jabiluka – RPIs were undertaken in November 2012 and February 2013. Items covered included the IWMP dewatering, access road condition, revegetation of the hardstand and Djarr Djarr revegetation.
West Arnhem Exploration Audits – The Alligator Energy audit was undertaken on 19 September 2012 and focused on compliance with the Mining Management Plan. There were no significant audit findings and 5 observations. It was noted that rehabilitation works at Caramel were performing well. The Cameco audit was undertaken on 27 August 2012 and there were 5 conditional findings. No audit was undertaken at Nabarlek as there was limited activity on the site during 2012, however an inspection of rehabilitation works on the site was undertaken on 21 November 2012. The UXA audit was undertaken on 18 September 2012 and there were no significant findings.
South Alligator Valley – An inspection of the El Sherana containment was undertaken on 30 January 2013. It was noted that the previous wet season erosion had been repaired but a more permanent solution is required. It was also noted that the revegetation is progressing well but fire risk has increased.
MONITORING
It was noted that SSD monitoring activities include continuous data collection (Magela Creek, Gulungul and Ngarradj), event auto sampling with fortnightly QC, bioaccumulation studies, in-situ monitoring of snail egg production (Magela and Gulungul Creeks) and community studies (invertebrates and fish). It was noted there were no radium results for Magela Creek to date. The 2012-13 wet season has been well below average which has resulted in lower flows.
geometallurgical testing through the existing Ranger processing plant. Upon subsequent discussions with Stakeholders, ERA has revised the proposal to a “drive and strip” cross cut through the orebody to recover a 10,000t bulk sample to trial the radiometric sorter as part of the current R3D prefeasibility study. There will be no processing of the ore to uranium oxide. The radiometric sorter will sort the unraniferous ore from the barren carbonate host rock. Should the bulk sample proposal be approved via the MTC, the small quantity sorted ore will be separately stockpiled until completion of the statutory approval process. If the project is not approved the material will be placed in the exploration decline and rehabilitated.”
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Magela Creek – compared to last 3 years, flows this year are very low with a maximum discharge for a brief period of 20 cumecs in March. Results for EC and continuous EC are also low compared to last year. There was one peak in turbidity downstream due to a localised rainfall event – there was no rainfall upstream. Uranium and Manganese levels were both very low and sulfate levels were trending with EC levels. Mussels were sampled in October 2012 and the results were very similar to 2008 -10 and was one of the lowest values since 2000. Uranium levels in mussel flesh is trending lower and was the lowest recorded in the last 12 years. The Annual Committed Effective Dose from 226Ra and 210Pb for a 10 year old child eating 2kg mussels collected at Mudginberri Billabong was also very low. The sampling location was changed from the bank to a sand bank near the inlet. The mussels collected are of smaller age class and numbers were less due to the sandy habitat. Liquid scintillation analysis will be conducted to confirm the results. Snail egg production was very high both upstream and downstream compared to last year and this is thought to be due to the low flows. These results are similar to the early 2006-07 wet season, which also had low rainfall and flows prior to the big flood event.
Gulungul Creek – there was significant fluctuation in EC levels. The small catchment size means that results are sensitive to localised rainfall events. EC levels varied with first flush events and as changes in water level. High levels recorded when probe out of water and lower once water level increased and probes covered. EC responded to each rainfall event flush of solutes with peaks occurring at the upstream site. Over the past few weeks, more regular rainfall events have sustained flows but water levels are dropping. Turbidity levels were also higher upstream and related to localised rainfall events. Uranium levels were low and around 5% of the ecotox limit. Manganese levels peaked upstream and generally trended with EC as did sulfate.
Ngarradj – there was very little flow this season. EC levels started around 20 µS/cm and trended downwards to around 10 µS/cm.
Atmospheric Radiological Monitoring - Potential alpha energy concentration (PAEC) in the air at Jabiru (Jabiru Town) and Mudginberri (Four Gates Road) was monitored on hourly basis. As expected, Radon Decay Products increased during the dry season due to cracking in the drier ground enabling the radon gas to escape. Similarly, Long Lived Alpha Activity (LLAA) was higher during the dry season due to the dustier conditions.
DISCUSSION
Prof Johnston noted the SSD report mentioned (p.2) the earthquake in December 2012 and asked if ground accelerations were measured. Mr McAllister noted that SSD had mentioned this in the context of the stability of the Pit#3 wall. Mr Eckersley advised that ERA monitors the pit wall stability but doesn’t measure ground acceleration. He noted that nothing was detected on the monitoring but offered to follow this up if required. Prof Johnston also noted that the second of the three limits identified in the SSD report (p.31) is not a limit and that the main one is in fact medical exposure which exceeds these by a number of orders of magnitude.
Prof Johnston asked about the status of erosion at El Sherana and Mr McAllister advised that SSD has recommended to Parks that a more permanent solution be applied to address erosion on the site. Mr Issaverdis advised that further work was expected to be undertaken in April this year. Prof Johnston noted that the LLAA came up with a very small mine related dose and asked how this was derived. Mr McAllister advised this was based on the assumption that all exposure comes from the mine. Prof Johnston suggested that all exposure is actually background.
Mr Tutty asked about the significance of having a limit on exposure if levels are so low. Prof Johnston advised that, generally, if it is expected that workers will receive a higher dose then individual monitoring is necessary. Designated workers do require individual monitoring. Mr Tutty noted there would likely be higher exposures involved in underground mining. Mr Eckersley advised that ERA expects an annual dose of around 3 mSv with the limit for designated workers of 20 mSv. So if a worker is receiving around 5 mSv then it would be appropriate to take action. Mr Eckersley noted that these issues will be addressed as part of the EIS process. Prof Johnston noted that most of the ground surrounding the mine has higher background levels so it is not
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inconceivable that exposure couldn’t also be higher away from the mine. Mr Eckersley advised that ERA would be happy to share data at future meetings.
ARRAC39 Action 1: ERA to provide further details and data on potential radiological exposure (annual dose) to workers associated with underground mining at Ranger.
Mr Tutty noted that uranium levels in Gulungul were stated as being low but there was no indication of what this was being compared to. He noted there had been previous discussion about including the relevant statutory limits on graphs to make this clearer. Ms Sinclair advised that this information would be added for next meeting. Mr McAllister noted that the graphs on the SSD website already include this information.
ARRAC39 Action 2: SSD to show relevant statutory limits for contaminants in monitoring result graphs used in future presentations and reports to ARRAC.
7 NT DEPARTMENT OF MINES AND ENERGY REPORT (MS STROHMAYR)Ms Strohmayr provided the NT DME report for the period July 2012 to March 2013. Key points are summarised below. It was noted the report includes check monitoring data that wasn’t presented last meeting, but no data for check monitoring at Jabiluka due to the lack of surface flows due to the below average wet season.
Minesite Technical Committees (MTC) – there were 4 meetings of the Ranger and Jabiluka MTCs held during the reporting period. In December 2012, MTC considered and approved the application to vary the Maximum Operating Level (MOL) for the Tailings Storage Facility at Ranger following the lift of the clay core. The Authorisation was varied to reflect a new dry season MOL of RL59.2m and wet season MOL of RL57.9m. A Certificate of Completion was received by NTDME on 16 November 2012. The wet season MOL is based on crest height of RL60.5m, less a 120 hr Probable Maximum Precipitation of 2590mm. ERA conducted a test of the tailings dam to Pit#3 contingency transfer system in February 2013.
Ranger Uranium Mine – the current wet season is below average with rainfall to date of 835mm compared to 1437.2mm last year. Key events at Ranger included the completion of mining in Pit#3 and commencement of backfilling, completion of the installation of 7700 wicks in Pit#1, the construction of retention pond (RP6 with capacity of 1GL) and the start of construction of the Brine Concentrator with 1.8GL capacity.
Proposal and approvals – key approvals for Ranger included the construction of the earthen levee between the mine access road and Magela Creek and the TSF MOL increase. ERA has proposed to control release the water in the pond at Jabiluka to Swift Creek once flow is above 5 cumecs at the downstream monitoring station. There were no proposals for Nabarlek.
Environmental incidents – there were 48 incident reported for Ranger (including an unplanned burn in CCLAA), 2 for Jabiluka (including a fauna death and a fire at Djarr Djarr) and nil for Nabarlek.
Statutory reporting - statutory reports were received for Ranger (Quarterly water quality data submission; 2011-12 Ranger Wet Season Report; Ranger Water Management Plan 2012-13; Annual Plan of Rehabilitation #38; Ranger Annual Environment Report) and Jabiluka (2011-12 Jabiluka Wet Season Report; Annual Interpretative Report).
Surface and Groundwater check monitoring – NTDME surface water monitoring program includes five statutory monitoring sites at Ranger and Jabiluka. No surface water samples were collected at Jabiluka due to the dry conditions. NTDME conducted concurrent sampling at the Ranger check monitoring sites with ERA in January 2013. There was generally good conformity (i.e. within 10%) but some minor discrepancies with field parameters. NTDME groundwater monitoring of 21 bores (4 statutory (Authorisation) and 17 operational) was conducted in September 2012. Data were presented for bores RN23010 (Magela Creek/Pit#3); RN22930
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(adjacent Georgetown Billabong); RN8708 (Corridor Creek/downstream TSF) and RN23551 (Coonjimba/RP1). It was noted that there is generally reasonable conformity between NTDME and ERA data. The variable levels reported mostly fall within historical trends. Ms Strohmayr advised that relatively stable EC and low analyte concentrations have been observed in deep bores around the TSF area.
DISCUSSION
Prof Johnston asked if the two incidents involving vehicles reported for Ranger could indicate a more systematic weakness in relation to vehicle management at the site. Mr Simms noted the amount of “grey material” observed at the gatehouse was very small. Prof Johnston suggested the issue wasn’t necessarily the volume of material but rather that a potentially contaminated vehicle was able to get to the gate without being detected. Mr McAllister noted that it wasn’t clear that the material involved was actually mine derived. Prof Johnston acknowledged the large numbers of contractors currently on site would present significant challenges regarding vehicle management. Mr Simms advised the last notable incident involving vehicles occurred in 2011. He added that, in response to that incident, ERA had installed electronic devices into non-controlled vehicles to better management their movements on and off site. Mr Simms noted that ERA reports all incidents including those which do not involve any risk to the environment. Mr McAllister noted SSD also monitors and follows up on such reports through its regular inspections and audits. Mr Waggitt advised that all incidents are discussed at MTC meetings and follow up actions are tracked. He noted all of the incidents reported had been adequately explained and detailed follow up was not required. Mr Robinson noted that the NTDME report contains a number of incorrect references to repealed NT legislation. He also suggested it would be useful to have a topographic diagram showing the location of the Ranger 3 Deeps decline portal on the site in future reports.
8 STAKEHOLDER REPORTS8.1 GUNDJEIHMI ABORIGINAL CORPORATION (MR O’BRIEN – BY PHONE)
Mr O’Brien joined the meeting by phone. He strongly endorsed the comments made by Mr Eckersley regarding the outcomes from the Independent Surface Water Working Group (ISWWG) process which were recently publically launched by GAC and ERA. He noted that an importance difference to the previous independent groundwater study was the involvement of the Supervising Scientist, which was valuable and much appreciated. Mr O’Brien advised that GAC is looking forward to working with ERA on implementing the ISWWG recommendations and associated arrangements.
8.2 NORTHERN LAND COUNCIL (MR THOMPSON)
Nil to report.
8.3 ENVIRONMENT CENTRE NORTHERN TERRITORY (MR TUTTY)
Mr Tutty advised that the Environment Centre NT welcomed the recent incorporation of Koongarra into Kakadu National Park which represents a major milestone for the protection of the Alligator Rivers Region environment. He congratulated Parks Australia and others involved and particularly recognised the efforts of Traditional Owner, Mr Jeffrey Lee, whose untiring commitment and foresight was instrumental in achieving this historic outcome.
8.4 CAMECO AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (MR EWINGTON)
Mr Ewington provided a status report on behalf of Cameco Australia. Mr Ewington advised that the AIFR of 11.8 achieved in 2012 was an all time record low and is continuing to reduce. The operation also received two Cameco safety awards for the period. The 2012 exploration program was completed in October and involved 12500 m of drilling across 35 drill holes together with geophysical ground and airborne surveys. All procedures continue to be updated and aligned with Cameco Head Office requirements. The annual statutory audit was undertaken in August 2012 and there were no non-conformances identified. Static photo monitoring of rehabilitated drill holes is ongoing and updated regularly for vegetation monitoring purposes.
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Some feral animal control activity was also undertaken last year with the assistance of TOs. The exploration program will continue in 2013 and work is expected to commence in next few weeks. It is expected the King River Camp will be mobilised in mid June and will operate until mid October.
Discussion
Mr Tutty asked what activities are planned for the Wellington Range and Mr Ewington advised proposed work included a number of drill holes over a two month period probably commencing in July. Mr Tutty noted a number of recent newspaper articles (Global Mail; The Guardian - 8 March 2013) regarding potential threats to cave art in sites in the Wellington Range. Mr Ewington advised he was aware of the news articles which related to Cameco Australia’s Angularli prospect. He advised that work in that area is purely at the exploration stage only and Cameco has not submitted any other proposals. Mr Ewington advised that Cameco had informed the journalist concerned that all Cameco exploration activities are subject to close consultation and clearances from the relevant Traditional Owners and that a number of no-go areas have been identified through this process. Mr Ewington stressed that Cameco takes its responsibilities in this regard very seriously and is committed to ensuring every drill site has been subject to the appropriate heritage clearance surveys with the assistance of NLC. He advised that, if unidentified heritage sites were discovered once drilling had commenced the holes would either be moved or all necessary actions taken to ensure the ongoing protection of those sites.
8.5 NT ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY (DR FREELAND - APOLOGY)
Nil to report.
8.6 NT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (MR ROBINSON)
Mr Robinson advised that NTDoH has nothing to report apart from noting the NTDME report includes a number of incorrect references to repealed NT legislation.
8.7 AUSTRALIAN RADIATION PROTECTION AND NUCLEAR SAFETY AGENCY (PROF JOHNSTON)
Nil to report.
8.8 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT - DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES, ENERGY AND TOURISM (MS LEITCH)
Ms Leitch advised that meetings of the Uranium Council are now being held annually and that the next meeting was expected to be held in Darwin in the mid-year.
8.9 PARKS AUSTRALIA (MR ISSAVERDIS)
A status report from Parks Australia was tabled. Mr Issaverdis advised that groundwater monitoring at the El Sherana containment site was undertaken by Trevlyn Radiation and Environment in November 2012. Sampling is scheduled to occur again at the end of the wet season and a report will be prepared following analysis of the data. A contract for monitoring the containment cover is currently being drafted and expected to be finalised by March 2013. SSD is assisting with drafting an Acceptable Dose Limits report for the site. Erosion remediation was undertaken on the gullies in the south east corner of the containment in January 2013. Work has been delayed by rain but should be completed by May. Clearing has been completed around monitoring stations and signage has been finalised. Further weed and fire management works are planned for the perimeter of the facility in April/May. Mr Issaverdis advised Parks should be in position to present the first groundwater monitoring report at the next ARRAC meeting.
ARRAC39 Action 3: Parks Australia to provide update on results of groundwater monitoring at El Sherana containment and copy of groundwater monitoring report to next ARRAC meeting.
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8.10 URANIUM EQUITIES LTD (MS TAYLOR - APOLOGY)
A status report from Uranium Equities Ltd was tabled. It was noted that no on-site exploration activity was undertaken during 2012. Weed spraying was undertaken in February 2013 and a second campaign is planned for mid-march. Planting of 2750 tube stock was undertaken in late February 2013 in the sewerage, old camp area, waste rock dump and plant run-off areas. Rehabilitation Plans for the Radiological Anomalous Area and Plant Infrastructure were submitted to NTDME and comments were received from all stakeholders. UEL relinquished exploration leases EL24711- EL24713 in December 2012.
8.11 AFMECO MINING AND EXPLORATION PTY LTD / AREVA GROUP (MR POTTER - APOLOGY)
Nil to report.
8.12 WEST ARNHEM SHIRE COUNCIL
Nil to report.
9 OTHER BUSINESSMr Hughes advised that this would be his last meeting as Supervising Scientist as he is going on long term leave prior to retiring. He advised that Mr Richard McAllister would be acting as Supervising Scientist until permanent arrangements for the position have been determined by the Department. On behalf of ARRAC members, Prof Webb commended Mr Hughes on his significant contribution to the work of ARRAC and the protection of the ARR environment over the past 12 years. ARRAC members wished Mr Hughes every success in his future endeavours.
10 NEXT MEETINGIt was agreed the next meeting of ARRAC would be held in Jabiru in August or September 2013. It was suggested that a tour of Ranger mine also be arranged subject to ERA’s agreement. The Secretariat will contact members regrading their availability in due course. The meeting concluded at 12.00pm.
ARRAC39 Action 4: ARRAC Secretariat to seek ERA assistance with arranging a mine tour of Ranger Mine prior to the next ARRAC meeting.
Mr Scott ParkerARRAC Secretariat22 March 2012
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ARRAC39 ACTIONSNo. Action ResponsibilityARRAC39: 1 ERA to provide further details and data on potential radiological exposure
(annual dose) to workers associated with underground mining at Ranger.Mr Eckersley
ARRAC39: 2 SSD to show relevant statutory limits for contaminants in monitoring result graphs used in future presentations and reports to ARRAC.
Mr McAllister
ARRAC39: 3 Parks Australia to provide update on results of groundwater monitoring at El Sherana containment and copy of groundwater monitoring report to next ARRAC meeting.
Mr Issaverdis
ARRAC39: 4 ARRAC Secretariat to seek ERA assistance with arranging a mine tour of Ranger Mine prior to the next ARRAC meeting.
Secretariat
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