Valeria South Project Environmental Authority Application ......Valeria South Project Environmental...

Valeria South Project

Valeria South Pty Ltd

Report

Valeria South Project Environmental Authority Application - Supporting

Information Report

Glencore Coal Assets Australia Report

Valeria South Project Environmental Authority Application - Supporting Information Report

Owner: Bronwen Morrison – Approvals Manager Status:

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Table of Contents

1 Overview............................................................................................................................ 7

Background and Proponent .................................................................................................................... 7 1.1

Approvals ................................................................................................................................................ 7 1.2

1.2.1 Environmental Authority ............................................................................................................ 7 1.2.2 Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Planning .................................................................. 13 1.2.3 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act Approval ................................... 13 1.2.4 Relevant Legislation ................................................................................................................ 13

Location ................................................................................................................................................. 14 1.3

Native Title and Cultural Heritage ......................................................................................................... 17 1.4

2 Scope ............................................................................................................................... 18

Proposed Mining Activities .................................................................................................................... 18 2.1

2.1.1 Life of Mine .............................................................................................................................. 18 2.1.2 Mine Description ..................................................................................................................... 18

Resource ............................................................................................................................................... 26 2.2

Justification ............................................................................................................................................ 27 2.3

Previous Work ....................................................................................................................................... 27 2.4

3 Environmental Aspects .................................................................................................. 28

Air ....................................................................................................................................................... 28 3.1

3.1.1 Description of Environmental Values ...................................................................................... 28 3.1.2 Emissions and Releases ......................................................................................................... 31 3.1.3 Potential Impacts and Management Practices ....................................................................... 31 3.1.4 Risk Assessment ..................................................................................................................... 32

Land....................................................................................................................................................... 32 3.2

3.2.1 Description of Environmental Values ...................................................................................... 32 3.2.2 Emissions and Releases ......................................................................................................... 38 3.2.3 Potential Impacts and Management Measures ...................................................................... 41 3.2.4 Risk Assessment ..................................................................................................................... 42

Ecology .................................................................................................................................................. 42 3.3


Surface Water ....................................................................................................................................... 58 3.4


Groundwater .......................................................................................................................................... 64 3.5

3.5.1 Proposal to Exercise Underground Water Rights ................................................................... 64 3.5.2 Description of the Area in which Underground Water Rights are Proposed to be Exercised 64 3.5.3 Groundwater Environmental Values ....................................................................................... 64 3.5.4 Description of Aquifers, Potential Area of Decline and Potential Groundwater Movement ... 68 3.5.5 Potential Impacts to the Quantity and Quality of Groundwater .............................................. 70




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3.5.6 Strategies for Avoiding, Mitigating or Managing Predicted Impacts ...................................... 72 3.5.7 Risk Assessment ..................................................................................................................... 72

Noise and Vibration ............................................................................................................................... 73 3.6


Waste .................................................................................................................................................... 76 3.7


Rehabilitation and Closure .................................................................................................................... 78 3.8

3.8.1 Strategy and Goals ................................................................................................................. 78 3.8.2 Post-mine Land Use and Completion Criteria ........................................................................ 79 3.8.3 Rehabilitation Considerations ................................................................................................. 79

Community ............................................................................................................................................ 80 3.9

3.9.1 Social Considerations ............................................................................................................. 80

4 References ...................................................................................................................... 82

Table 1 EA Application Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 8

Table 2 Prescribed ERAs for the Project ...................................................................................................................... 9

Table 3 Standard Criteria and Response ................................................................................................................... 11

Table 4 GPS Coordinates for Mine area MLA ............................................................................................................ 16

Table 5 GPS Coordinates for Access road MLA ........................................................................................................ 16

Table 6 GPS Coordinates for Registered Access over MDL219 ................................................................................ 17

Table 7 LOM Production Schedule Estimates ............................................................................................................ 20

Table 8 Stratigraphy of the Project ............................................................................................................................. 26

Table 9 Preliminary Field Validated Regional Ecosystems .................................................................................... 48

Table 10 Water Quality Objectives for the Project Groundwater ................................................................................ 67

Figure 1 Project Location ............................................................................................................................................ 15

Figure 2 Mine Plan ...................................................................................................................................................... 21

Figure 3 Mining Sequence over LOM ......................................................................................................................... 22

Figure 4 Proposed Product Coal Transportation Route ............................................................................................. 24

Figure 5 Properties and Sensitive Receptors ............................................................................................................. 30

Figure 6 Land Use ...................................................................................................................................................... 34

Figure 7 Topography .................................................................................................................................................. 36

Figure 8 Surface Geology ........................................................................................................................................... 37

Figure 9 Land Systems ............................................................................................................................................... 39

Figure 10 Soil Units .................................................................................................................................................... 40

Figure 11 State Mapped Environmentally Sensitive Areas ........................................................................................ 43




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Figure 12 State Mapped Regional Ecosystems ......................................................................................................... 45

Figure 13 State Mapped Vegetation Management Status of Regional Ecosystems .................................................. 46

Figure 14 2012 and 2018 Ecology Survey Effort ........................................................................................................ 47

Figure 15 Preliminary Field Verified Regional Ecosystems ........................................................................................ 49

Figure 16 Preliminary Field Verified Vegetation Management Status ........................................................................ 50

Figure 17 Wetlands, Springs and Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems .................................................................. 56

Figure 18 Stream Order Watercourses and Flooding................................................................................................. 59

Figure 19 Groundwater Bores in the Project Area and Surrounds ............................................................................. 66

Figure 20 Geological Section of Relative Aquifer Positions ....................................................................................... 69




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Abbreviations

Abbreviation Term

AEP Annual Exceedance Probability

ARD Acid Rock Drainage

ARI Area of Regional Interest

AWS Automatic Weather Station

bcm bank cubic metres

BAJV Blair Athol Coal Joint Venture

BOM Bureau of Meteorology

BVG Broad Vegetation Group

CHIMA Cultural Heritage Investigation Management Agreement

CHMP Cultural Heritage Management Plan

CHPP Coal handling and preparation plant

CLR Contaminated Land Register

DES Department of Environment and Science (Queensland)

DNRME Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (Queensland)

DoEE Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth)

EA Environmental Authority

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

EMR Environmental Management Register

EMS Environmental Management Strategy

EO Act Environmental Offsets Act 2014

EP Act Environmental Protection Act 1994

EP Regulation Environmental Protection Regulation 2008

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

EPC Exploration Permit Coal

EPM Exploration Permit Minerals

EPP Environmental Protection Policy

ERA Environmentally Relevant Activity

ESA Environmental Sensitive Area

GCAA Glencore Coal Assets Australia

GDE Groundwater Dependant Ecosystem

GHG Green House Gas

LGA Local Government Area

LOM Life of Mine

MDL Mineral Development Licence

MIA Mining Infrastructure Area

ML Mining Lease

MLA Mining Lease Application

MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance

MR Act Mineral Resources Act 1989

MSES Matters of State Environmental Significance

Mtpa Million tonnes per annum

NAF Non-Acid Forming

NC Act Nature Conservation Act 1992

ND No data

NEPM National Environmental Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure




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Abbreviation Term

NUMA Non-Use Management Area

OOP Out of pit

PAF Potential Acid Forming

PEM Prescribed Environmental Matters

PMSR EPBC Protected Matters Search Report

PPP Parcel Prospecting Permit

PRCP Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan

RE Regional Ecosystem

ROM Run of Mine

SCD Sediment Control Dam

SEP Stakeholder Engagement Plan

SOOP Southern out of pit dump

SSRC Act Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017

STP Sewage Treatment Plant

TEC Threatened Ecological Community

TLO Train Load Out

UWIR Underground Water Impact Report

VM Act Vegetation Management Act 1999

VS Valeria South Pty Ltd

WOOP Western out of pit dump

WQO Water Quality Objective




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1 Overview

Background and Proponent 1.1Valeria South Pty Ltd – ACN 632 279 193 (VS) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glencore Coal

Pty Limited (Glencore)) is proposing to develop a new open cut coal mining project called the

Valeria South Project (the Project), near Emerald in Central Queensland. VS proposes to

operate the Project over two Mining Leases (ML) as follows:

The Valeria South ML application (MLA) (herein referred to as the Mine area MLA) under

section 245 of the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (MR Act), encompasses the mining area

inclusive of the proposed pit, mine infrastructure area (MIA), overburden emplacement

areas and pit related surface water infrastructure.

The Valeria South Access MLA (referred to herein as the Access road MLA) under section

316 of the MR Act, encompasses the access road corridor between the Mine area MLA and

the registered access on Glencore’s Mineral Development Licence (MDL) 219.

The two MLAs have been lodged with the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and

Energy (DNRME). The MLAs must be accompanied by an Environmental Authority (EA)

application under the Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) and the MLs

will not be issued until an associated site-specific EA authorising activities on the tenure is

granted by the Department of Environment and Science (DES). This Supporting Information

Report provides additional information to that contained in the form ‘Site-specific application

for a new environmental authority for a resource activity’ (ESR/2015/1757 V. 8.01, effective

8 Dec 2018) lodged with DES for the Project.

VS’s exploration tenements, currently held in the name of Queensland Coal Pty Limited (majority holder of MDL219), and Rio Tinto Exploration (holder of Exploration Permit Coal (EPC) 25396), are expected to be transferred to VS in the second quarter of 2019, as part of

the acquisition of the Hail Creek and Valeria tenements from Rio Tinto. The Project will assist

with Glencore’s planning for the broader development of the overall Valeria coal resource,

which may serve as a source of potential replacement production from the Clermont Open

Cut operation, where mining is scheduled to finish around 2026.

This Supporting Information Report provides a preliminary assessment of the environmental

values of the Project area that may potentially be impacted by the Project, to be addressed in

more detail in the Project’s environmental impact assessment report. This Supporting

Information Report focuses on the Mine area MLA and the Access Road MLA components of

the Project. These areas (and a potential haul road, coal stockpile and train load out (TLO)

facility to the south of the MLA areas) constitute the ‘Project area’. The form of the

environmental assessment report is to be determined under provisions of the EP Act, with the

Project likely to trigger the need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Approvals 1.2

1.2.1 Environmental Authority

The Project does not meet the eligibility criteria for standard conditions and, as such the

application to which this Supporting Information Report relates is for a site-specific EA.




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1.2.1.1 Application Requirements

Sections 125 and 126A of the EP Act sets out the requirements for a properly made site-

specific EA application for a resource project. Each requirement is outlined in Table 1, with

reference to where these requirements are addressed in the EA application form or this

Supporting Information Report.

Table 1 EA Application Requirements

EP Act

Section Requirement Reference

125(1)(a) Application made to administering authority See EA application form

125(1)(b) Application made in the approved form See EA Application form

125(1)(c) Describe all environmentally relevant activities for the application Section 1.2.1.2

125(1)(d) Describe the land on which each activity will be carried out Sections 1.3 and 3.2.1

125(1)(e) Application to be accompanied by the prescribed fee Fee is paid on lodgement of the EA application and this Supporting Information Report to DES.

125(1)(f) If two or more entities jointly make the application - nominate one as the principal applicant

Valeria South Pty Ltd

125(1)(g) State whether the application is a standard, variation or site-specific application

The application is a site-specific application

125(1)(h) State whether the applicant is a registered suitable operator The applicant is a registered suitable operator, number RSO 003197.

125(1)(i) Describe any development permits or approvals if a development permit

under the Planning Act or SDA approval under the State Development Act required for the ERAs

No development permits or

approvals are thought to be required for the ERAs.

125(1)(j) If the application is a standard or variation application - declaration that each relevant activity complies with the eligibility criteria

Not applicable. This application is not a standard or variation application

125(1)(k) For a variation application - state the standard conditions the applicant

seeks to change

Not applicable. This

application is not a variation application

125(1)(l)(i) If the application is a variation or site-specific application - include an assessment of each relevant activity on the environmental values including:

A Description of environmental values likely to be affected by each activity Sections 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 3.4.1, 3.5.3, 3.6.1, 3.7.1.

B Details of any emissions likely to be generated each activity Sections 3.1.2, 3.2.2, 3.3.2, 3.4.2, 3.5.5, 3.6.2, 3.7.2.

C Description of risk and likely magnitude of impacts on environmental values Sections 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.5.5, 3.5.7, 3.6.3, 3.6.4, 3.7.3, 3.7.4.

D Details of the management practices proposed to be implemented to prevent or minimise adverse impacts

Sections 3.1.3, 3.2.3, 3.3.3, 3.5.6, 3.6.3, 3.7.3.

E Details of how the land the subject of the application will be rehabilitated after each relevant activity ceases

Sections 1.2.2 and 3.8.

125(1)(l)(ii) Include a description of the proposed measures for minimising and

managing waste generated by each activity Section 3.7.3.

125(1)(l)(iii) Include details of any site management plan that relates to the land the subject of the application

Section 3.2.1.6.

125(1)(m) If the application is for a prescribed ERA - state whether the applicant wants

an EA granted for the application to take effect on a day nominated by the applicant

The application is for a resource activity.

125(2) Despite (1)(l) if application is for a variation application, it need only include the matters mentioned in that subsection to the extent it seeks to change standard condition for the activity or authority

Not applicable.

125(3) Subsection (1)(l) does not apply for an application if either an EIS has been completed or the Coordinator General has issued conditions and an assessment of the environmental risk would be same as the assessment in the EIS

Not applicable.

125(4) Subsection (1)(l) does not apply for a variation application under section 123(2) if the application seeks only to apply the Coordinator General conditions.

Not applicable.

126A(1) This section applies to a site-specific application, involving the exercise of Section 3.5.




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EP Act Section

Requirement Reference

underground water rights, for:

(a) a resource project that includes a resource tenure that is a mineral development licence, mining lease or petroleum lease; or

The application is for a resource project that includes the resource tenure of a mining lease.

(b) a resource activity for which the relevant tenure is a mineral development licence, mining lease or petroleum lease; and

The relevant tenure is a mining lease.

126A(2) The application must also state the following-

(a) any proposed exercise of underground water rights during the period in which resource activities will be carried out under the relevant tenure

Section 3.5.1.

(b) The areas in which underground water rights are proposed to be exercised Section 3.5.2.

(c) For each aquifer affected, or likely to be affected, by the exercise of

underground rights:

(i) a description of the aquifer; and Section 3.5.4.

(ii) an analysis of the movement of underground water to and from the aquifer,

including how the aquifer interacts with other aquifers and surface water; and

Section 3.5.4.

(iii) a description of the area of the aquifer where the water level is predicted to decline because of the exercise of underground water rights; and

Sections 3.5.3 and 3.5.4.

(iv) the predicted quantities of water to be taken or interfered with because of the exercise of underwater rights during the period the resource activities are carried out;

Section 3.5.5.

(d) the environmental values that could be affected by the exercise of underground water rights and the nature and extent of the impacts

Section 3.5.3.

(e) any impacts on the quality of groundwater that will, or may, happen because of the exercise of underground water rights during or after the period in which resource activities are carried out

Section 3.5.5.

(f) strategies for avoiding, mitigating or managing the predicted impacts on the environmental values stated for paragraph (d) or the impacts on the quality of groundwater mentioned in paragraph (e)

Sections 3.5.5 and 3.5.6.

1.2.1.2 Environmentally Relevant Activities

The Project EA application seeks to authorise a resource activity that is a mining activity. The

relevant resource Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA) pursuant to Schedule 2A of the

Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 (EP Regulation) which has an aggregate

environmental score is:

ERA 13 Mining black coal.

A number of prescribed ERAs pursuant to Schedule 2 of the EP Regulation are also sought in

this application, with numbers and thresholds presented in Table 2.

Table 2 Prescribed ERAs for the Project

ERA Number and Paragraph

Description Threshold Aggregate Env. Score

Comment

8 (1)(c)

Chemical storage consisting of more than 500m3 of chemicals of class C1 or C2 combustible liquids under AS 1940 or dangerous goods class 3.

3 85 The predominant chemical to be stored on site is fuel and oils.

16 (1)(b)

Extractive and screening activities – extracting, other than by dredging, a total of 5,000 t or more (5,000 to 100,000 t) of material in a year from an area.

2 (a) 22

The proposed extraction is of quarry material from basalt areas for use in roads and blasting. It is not the result of the resource activity and as such the (2)(a) exemption is not likely to apply.

60 (1)(b)(ii)(A)

Waste disposal consisting of operating a facility for disposing of general waste and either or a combination of a quantity of limited regulated waste that is no more than 10% of the total amount of

2 (b) 27

Waste proposed to be disposed to an in-site landfill is limited to general waste with tyres proposed to be buried in-pit or in-dump (refer Section 3.7.2).




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ERA Number and Paragraph

Description Threshold Aggregate Env. Score

Comment

waste received in the facility in a year (2,000 to 5,000 t).

63 (1)(a)(i)

Sewage treatment consisting of operation 1 or more sewage treatment works at a site that have a total daily peak design capacity of at least 21 EP (21 to 100 EP if treated effluent is discharged from the works to an infiltration trench or through an irrigation scheme).

1 (a)(i) 14

A sewage treatment plant will operate for a construction workforce of approximately 60 EPs, followed by an operational workforce of approximately 75 EPs. Treated effluent is proposed to be irrigated to land (refer Section 3.7.2).

1.2.1.3 Notifiable Activities

Schedule 3 of the EP Act lists Notifiable Activities for which the associated land may need to

be included on the Environmental Management Register (EMR) or Contaminated Land

Register (CLR). The following Notifiable Activities may be carried out by the Project:

20 – Landfill: disposing of waste (excluding inert construction and demolition waste).

24 - Mine wastes:

(a) storing hazardous mine or exploration wastes, including, for example, tailings

dams, overburden or waste rock dumps containing hazardous contaminants;

or

(b) exploring for, or mining or processing, minerals in a way that exposes faces,

or releases groundwater, containing hazardous contaminants.

1.2.1.4 Environmental Impact Statement Triggers

As described below, the Project will produce approximately 2.1 to 2.5 Million tonnes per

annum (Mtpa) run of mine (ROM) with an average over the life of mine (LOM) of 2.3 Mtpa

ROM. The DES Guideline ‘Triggers for environmental impact statements under the

Environmental Protection Act 1994 for mining and petroleum activities’ (DES, 2014a) lists

three circumstances where an EIS is required for new mining projects. These are where the

mining activities would result in the:

Removal of 2 Mtpa or more of ROM ore or coal.

Removal of 1 Mtpa or more of ROM ore or coal on or under a floodplain or in a coastal

hazard area.

Introduction of a novel or unproven resource extraction process, technology or

activity.

The Project meets the first of these triggers as it will produce more than 2 Mtpa ROM.

However, the mine infrastructure will be positioned outside of any floodprone areas and

protected against flooding, and the open cut mining method proposed is extensively adopted

by mines in Queensland and is not novel or unproven. The Project is not anticipated to

involve a significant environmental impact, a high level of uncertainty about potential

impacts, but may involve a level of public interest.

In deciding whether an EIS is required for the Project, DES must consider the standard

criteria in Schedule 4 of the EP Act. These criteria and a response to each is presented in

Table 3.




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Table 3 Standard Criteria and Response

Standard Criteria (Sch 4 EP Act)

Response

(a) the following principles ofenvironmental policy as set outin the IntergovernmentalAgreement on theEnvironment—

(i) the precautionary principle;

(ii) intergenerational equity;

(iii) conservation of biologicaldiversity and ecologicalintegrity; and

Glencore understands that mining operations can have direct and indirect adverse environmental impacts and is committed to managing these impacts. All significant potential and actual impacts of its activities and operations are identified, analysed, evaluated and eliminated or otherwise treated to promote conservation of biological and ecological integrity and ensure opportunity and resources are available for the next generation.

Glencore aims to preserve the long-term health, function and viability of the natural environments affected by its operations. The precautionary principal is adopted for all aspects, with scientifically sound technologies and procedures developed and implemented for the effective management and conservation of biodiversity and landscape functions in the areas affected by its operations.

Programs are implemented and targets set to achieve continuous improvement by targeting resource efficiency, environmental performance and to prevent incidents. Systems and procedures must be implemented at each operation to provide appropriate environmental controls and to comply with applicable approvals, laws and regulations. Glencore has extensive experience in Queensland managing coal mining operations in an environmentally responsible manner and potential impacts on environmental values will be avoided or appropriately mitigated or managed.

(b) any Commonwealth or Stategovernment plans, standards,agreements or requirementsabout environmental protectionor ecologically sustainabledevelopment; and

State and Commonwealth environmental legislation embody the principals of ecologically sustainable development. The Project will comply with all legislative and regulatory requirements in developing, operating and decommissioning the Project to achieve, as much as is possible, improvement to total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends.

(d) any relevant environmentalimpact project, assessment orreport; and

This Supporting Information Report documents a preliminary assessment of environmental values, potential impacts and proposed mitigation and management measures. No further assessments or reporting have been undertaken for the Project at this stage.

(e) the character, resilience andvalues of the receivingenvironment; and

A description of environmental values is provided in this Supporting Information Report for air, land, ecology, noise, surface water, groundwater and waste.

(f) all submissions made by theapplicant and submitters; and

Other than the EA application form and this Supporting Information Report, there are no submissions currently made to DES about the Project. Further assessment of environmental values, potential impacts and management and mitigation measures is proposed to be undertaken in an environmental impact assessment report.

(g) the best practiceenvironmental management foractivities under any relevantinstrument, or proposedinstrument, as follows—

(i) an environmental authority;

(ii) a transitional environmentalprogram;

(iii) an environmental protectionorder;

(iv) a disposal permit;

(v) a development approval;and

Project activities will be managed to achieve an ongoing minimisation of environmental harm through cost-effective measures, as assessed against the measures currently used nationally and internationally for coal mining. Management of activities will ensure ongoing compliance with environmental approval conditions and regulatory requirements, the application for which this Supporting Information Report relates.

(h) the financial implications ofthe requirements under aninstrument, or proposedinstrument, mentioned inparagraph (g) as they wouldrelate to the type of activity orindustry carried out, orproposed to be carried out,under the instrument; and

Glencore as parent company of VS has adequate human, financial and technical resources capability to implement any and all requirements of an EA, Commonwealth approvals and other statutory instruments. VS will not operate the Project and is not the registered holder of any other mining or exploration tenements in Queensland. All day to day operational activities will be undertaken by Glencore.

Subsidiaries of Glencore have experience in operating and managing coal and metalliferous mines including Clermont, Collinsville, Newlands, Oaky Creek, Rolleston Mine, Ernest Henry, George Fisher, Mount Isa and Lady Loretta mines (amongst others). Since August 2018, Glencore has also operated the Hail Creek Coal Mine.

Glencore expenditure on exploration, development and rehabilitation to date is




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Standard Criteria (Sch 4 EP Act)

Response

extensive, showing commitment to seeing the coal mining operations through full LOM.

(i) the public interest; and In 2018, across its Australian coal business, Glencore:

contributed around $4.5 billion to the Australian economy spent on goods and

services, and $847 million in the form of wages and salaries;

spent approximately $465 million on capital and sustaining investment; and

provided employment for than 10,180 people.

Through its Community Assistance program, Glencore provides funding to local community organisations and not for profit groups to support local events, projects and initiatives across the communities in which its mines operate.

Currently, the Clermont Open Cut, Rolleston Open Cut and Oaky Creek Coal Community Development Plans provide support to the communities of Clermont, Rolleston/Springsure and Tieri, which are situated, along with the Project, within the greater Central Highlands and Isaac Regional Council areas.

Glencore will consult with the local communities both in development and implementation of the Project and will work proactively and collaboratively towards a shared vision for the region. This vision will be one which will see the region thrive and diversify into the future, dealing positively with change and seizing opportunities for economic and social development.

The most prominent questions or concerns raised by the local communities generally relate to water, local economy and infrastructure, local population, local employment, and direct mine impacts. Glencore engages via its main stakeholder

reference groups on these matters on a regular basis.

Investments are facilitated through an online program called Smarty Grants. This program focusses on sustainable investment initiatives and targets Mental Health, Education and Capacity Building projects in the Central Highlands area. The program typically invests around $200,000 per year.

(j) any relevant sitemanagement plan; and

Searches of the EMR and CLR (refer Section 3.2.1.6) indicate that no site management plans are recorded relevant to the Mine area MLA and Access road MLA.

(k) any relevant integratedenvironmental managementsystem or proposed integratedenvironmental managementsystem; and

Glencore Coal Assets Australia (GCAA) operates under a HSEC Management Framework and each project must maintain Environment Management Strategy (EMS), developed generally in accordance with the principles of ISO 14001. The EMS elements include:

Environmental Policy.

Planning.

Implementation and operation.

Measurement and Evaluation.

Review and Improvement.

Each operation is to identify, manage, review and document all environmental aspects and impacts relevant to the operation and undertake an annual impact assessment. This is an annual requirement with inputs from:

Baseline environmental studies.

Review of environmental performance data.

Review of any existing or proposed changes to the operations.

Review of relevant legislation, standards, codes and additional externalrequirements.

Industry experience.

Relevant stakeholders.

Management commitment, responsibility and accountability for environmental performance is established at each operation, with regular reporting and tracking of performance against objectives. Ongoing monitoring of performance is used as an

input into regular reviews by senior management of the EMS. Reviews are undertaken to determine the actual performance and effectiveness of the system and plan.

(l) any other matter prescribedunder a regulation.

ERAs, Notifiable Activities, Prescribed Environmental Matters and other matters prescribed under regulation are discussed in this Supporting Information Report.




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1.2.2 Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Planning

Provisions of the Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018 to

commence on proclamation by 1 November 2019, require that all mining projects carried out

on a ML under a site-specific EA, have a Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan (PRCP) in

place. The PRCP will comprise a section on rehabilitation planning information and a section

that presents a rehabilitation schedule. The PRCP must address the requirements of the PRCP

Guideline, currently being prepared by DES. If approved by DES, a stand-alone PRCP

schedule will be given to the applicant together with the EA, with the PRCP governing project

rehabilitation and closure activities for the period of the plan.

Glencore is currently working with State Government departments and industry groups to

understand PRCP requirements for its existing operations and proposed new projects. VS will

work with DES to understand the information to be provided in a PRCP for the Project.

Section 3.8 discusses Project rehabilitation and closure.

1.2.3 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act Approval

Environmental approval for the Project may be required under the Commonwealth

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) depending on

whether the Project has or is likely to have a significant impact on Matters of National

Environmental Significance (MNES). The MNES likely to be relevant to the Project are:

Water resources, in relation to coal seam gas and large coal mining development

(including surface water, groundwater and their interactions including Groundwater

Dependant Ecosystems (GDEs)).

Threatened species.

Threatened ecological communities.

Migratory species.

The Project may need to be referred to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment

and Energy (DoEE). If DoEE determines that the Project is a ‘controlled action’ (i.e. has or is

likely to have a significant impact on MNES) potential impacts and proposed mitigation and

management measures will be assessed, likely via the EIS bilateral assessment process

agreed to with the State of Queensland (assuming an EIS is triggered by this application).

Approval under the EPBC Act will then be required prior to carrying out any Project activities

that may impact on MNES.

1.2.4 Relevant Legislation

The EA requirements for resource projects is governed by the EP Act and EP Regulation.

Environmental Protection Policies (EPP) (2008) for air, noise and water support the

implementation of this legislation. In addition, the Project must comply with relevant

requirements of other legislation and associated regulations, including:

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003.

Biosecurity Act 2014.

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).

Environmental Offsets Act 2014.

Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018.

Mineral Resources Act 1989.




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Minerals and Energy (Common Provisions) Act 2014.

National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (Cth).

Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Planning Act 2016.

Queensland Heritage Act 1992.

Regional Planning Interests Act 2014.

Strong and Sustainable Regional Communities Act 2018.

Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.

Water Act 2000.

Water Plan (Fitzroy Basin) 2011.

Location 1.3The Project is located approximately 37 km north-west of Emerald, 38 km south-west of

Capella and 270 km west of Rockhampton. The Mine area MLA covers approximately 32.47

km2 and is located on the following properties (refer Figure 1 and Figure 5):

‘Fork Lagoon’ (Lot 1 CLM11) held in freehold by the Blair Athol Joint Venture (BAJV)

(majority-owned by Glencore). The underlying tenure is EPC25396 and Parcel Prospecting

Permit (PPP) Valeria 3.

‘Jaydena’ (Lot 5 CLM 4783) also held in freehold by BAJV on EPC25396 and PPP Valeria 5.

Access to the site is via an un-gazetted road extending north-west through the ‘Fork Lagoon’

and ‘Jaydena’ properties (under the Access road MLA and registered access on MDL219),

joining Fourteen Thousand Access Road then Capella Rubyvale Road. The Project area is

situated in the Central Highlands Local Government Area (LGA). A more detailed description

of the Project area is provided in Section 3.2.1 below. GPS coordinates for the two MLAs, and

the registered access on MDL219 are provided in Table 4, Table 5 and Table 6 respectively.

GREGORY HIGHWAY

CAPELLA

RUBYVALE

ROAD

FOURTEEN

THOUSAND ACCESS

CAPRICORNHIGHWAY

CENTRE CREEK

RETR EAT CREEK

CAPELLACREEK

RETRO CREEK

KETTLE CREEK

MAY CREEK

GORD

ON

STONE CR

EEK

WHEEL CREEK

T HERESACREEK

CARBINE CREEK

CRYSTAL C R EEK

KINGOWER BILL A BONGFORK

LAGOON ROAD

580000 590000 600000 610000

7400

000

7410

000

7420

000

7430

000

7440

000

Valeria South ProjectRe

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Figure 1 - Project Location

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© State of Queensland 2018 - Dept of Natural Resources and Mines

- Dept of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts - Dept of Environment and Resource Management

© Glencore 2018

DISCLAIMERSubject To Survey

Glencore makes every effort to ensure the quality of theinformation available on this map.

Before relying on the information on this map, users should carefully evaluate its accuracy, currency, completeness and

relevance for their purposes, and should obtain anyappropriate professional advice relevant to their

particular circumstances. Glencore cannot guarantee and assumesno responsibility for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the

information and by using this map you accept that Glencore has no liability for any loss or damage in any form whatsoever caused

directly or indirectly from the use of this map.

LegendMLA 6 (Mine area)MLA 7 (Access Road)Registered AccessEPC 25396MDL 219DPP boundary

State ForestRoadRailwayDrainage line

Coordinate System:GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55Projection: Transverse MercatorDatum: GDA 1994

Map Size: A4 PortraitDate Created: 15/03/2019

±

!

!!

!

!

!

VALERIASOUTH

PROJECT

MOUNT ISA

EMERALDGLADSTONE

BRISBANE

CAIRNS

TOWNSVILLE

CAPRICORN H IGHWAY

GREGORY HIGHWAYCA

PELLA RUB YV

ALE RD

EMERALD

CAPELLA




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Table 4 GPS Coordinates for Mine area MLA

Grid

Bearing Grid Distance

Description of Line Easting

(MGA94

Zone55)

Northing

(MGA94

Zone55)

Commencement Point 593,089.85 7,415,950.92

Then at 97°06'56" For 1152.954 Abutting the southern

boundary of Lot 7 on SP135554

To 594,233.93 7,415,808.10

Then at 97°17'42" For 1281.111 Abutting the boundary of Lot

6 on SP135554 To 595,504.67 7,415,645.43

Then at 180°22'12" For 1738.805 Abutting EPC864 To 595,493.44 7,413,906.66



Then at 270°22'26" For 1703.149 To 595,481.51 7,412,061.42

Then at 270°22'03" For 1703.143 To 593,778.40 7,412,072.34

Then at 270°21'39" For 1703.135 On the southern extent of

EPC25396 To 592,075.30 7,412,083.06



Then at 7°06'47" For 4292.428 Abutting Lot 132 on FTY1841 To 589,912.15 7,416,359.00

Then at 277°15'56" For 1226.409 Abutting the unnamed road To 588,695.59 7,416,514.10





Then at 187°19'15" For 1673.967 Abutting the boundary of Lot

7 on SP135554 To 593,089.85 7,415,950.92

Table 5 GPS Coordinates for Access road MLA

Grid Bearing

Grid Distance

Description of Line Easting (MGA94 Zone 55)

Northing

(MGA94

Zone 55)


Then at 158°23'40" For 148.47 To 590,235.74 7,419,066.99

Then at 150°09'25" For 373.47 To 590,421.58 7,418,743.04

Then at 139°05'20" For 281.74 To 590,606.09 7,418,530.12

Then at 132°43'15" For 609.915 To 591,054.18 7,418,116.34

Then at 134°17'15" For 273.93 To 591,250.27 7,417,925.07

Then at 158°09'10" For 325.115 To 591,371.26 7,417,623.30

Then at 270°21'13" For 262.235 Abutting Mine area MLA area

To 591,109.03 7,417,624.92

Then at 337°29'50" For 312.54 To 590,989.41 7,417,913.66

Then at 310°52'40" For 338.665 To 590,733.34 7,418,135.30




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Grid Bearing

Grid Distance


Northing

(MGA94

Zone 55)

Then at 311°55'55" For 439.4 To 590,406.45 7,418,428.93

Then at 313°13'40" For 100.705 To 590,333.08 7,418,497.91

Then at 330°19'05" For 734.01 To 589,969.60 7,419,135.60

Then at 71°49'30" For 222.57 Abutting the registered access on MDL219, back to the commencement point

To 590,181.06 7,419,205.03

Table 6 GPS Coordinates for Registered Access over MDL219

Grid Bearing

Grid Distance


Northing

(MGA94

Zone 55)


Then at 251°49'30" For 222.57 To 589,969.60 7,419,135.60

Then at 330°19'05" For 200.71 To 589,870.21 7,419,309.97

Then at 330°54'50" For 641.17 To 589,558.53 7,419,870.29

Then at 330°45'45" For 668.14 To 589,232.19 7,420,453.31

Then at 327°03'30" For 386.71 To 589,021.91 7,420,777.85

Then at 330°21'15" For 449.45 To 588,799.60 7,421,168.46

Then at 333°23'50" For 360.465 To 588,638.18 7,421,490.77

Then at 330°13'00" For 1294.6 To 587,995.12 7,422,614.36

Then at 7°18'20" For 331.65 Abutting Lot 2 on CLM659 and Fourteen Thousand Access Road

To 588,037.29 7,422,943.32

Then at 150°13'00" For 1576.63 To 588,820.44 7,421,574.95

Then at 162°06'40" For 78.36 To 588,844.51 7,421,500.38

Then at 150°38'30" For 806.85 To 589,240.09 7,420,797.15

Then at 147°09'30" For 555.725 To 589,541.47 7,420,330.25

Then at 143°33'40" For 704.4 To 589,959.86 7,419,763.56

Then at 158°23'40" For 600.745 Back to the commencement point

To 590,181.06 7,419,205.03

Native Title and Cultural Heritage 1.4The Western Kangoulu People are the Traditional Owners of the Project area and have a

Native Title claim (QC2013/002) over approximately 16,130 km2, including EPC25396 and

MDL219 (NNTT, 2018a and b). According to the Queensland Government Mines on Line

database (viewed 11 November 2018), the properties comprising the Mine area MLA are held

in freehold and as such, Native Title has been extinguished. Further assessment in regards

Native Title will be required as part of investigations for the southern coal transport corridor.

Indigenous cultural heritage has been identified in the broader area including on MDL219

through a number of surveys previously undertaken by the Traditional Owners. A number of




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draft management plans for sites of cultural heritage on MDL219 have previously been

prepared as well as a draft Cultural Heritage Investigation Management Agreement (CHIMA)

for MDL219. If an EIS is needed for the Project, a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP)

will be developed in consultation with the Western Kangoulu People over the Project area and

also MDL219 in compliance with requirements of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003.

There are no non-Indigenous cultural heritage sites listed on the Queensland Heritage

Register (under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992) mapped as occurring in the Mine area

MLA, Access road MLA or immediate surrounds (Queensland Government, 2016). The closest

registered heritage places to the Project area comprise: the Emerald Railway Station

Complex in Emerald; the Tomahawk Creek Huts in Rubyvale; the Clermont Cemetery; and

the Stone Farm Building in Clermont (Queensland Government, 2016). The Capella Pioneer

Village located on Pioneer Street in Capella contains over 5,000 items of non-Indigenous

heritage dating from 1869, including the Peak Downs Homestead (CHRC, 2018).

2 Scope

Proposed Mining Activities 2.1

2.1.1 Life of Mine

LOM inclusive of construction, mining and rehabilitation, is estimated to be 15 years.

Following the grant of all necessary approvals, construction activities will commence in Year 1

and mine development activities are planned to occur from Year 2. Open cut pit development

activities are anticipated to occur for seven years with rehabilitation and decommissioning

occurring between years 9 and 15. Rehabilitation of available areas will be undertaken

progressively, and once decommissioned, the site planned to be rehabilitated by year 15. The

current plans for the pit assume mining commencing in year 2022 at a rate of 2.1 to 2.5

Mtpa ROM (average over the LOM of 2.3 Mtpa ROM).

2.1.2 Mine Description

2.1.2.1 Construction

Construction works will include site preparation, vegetation and topsoil removal, topsoil

stockpiling, earthworks, civil works, construction of road access, and building of structures

and plant. The Project will be a relatively short-term operation and will require buildings

constructed to a standard commensurate with the LOM. Relocatable buildings will be required

for the mine offices, ablution blocks, training rooms, bathhouse and workshops. All buildings

for the mining operation will remain in place over the life of the Project. All buildings will be

designed and constructed to meet the Local and State Government regulations, and will be

fitted with portable fire extinguishers. General area lighting will be provided around buildings

where night time access is required.

The Project will likely involve the development and construction of:

An open cut pit with an average production capacity of up to 2.3 Mtpa ROM coal utilising

truck and shovel mining techniques.




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ROM pad and ROM hopper.

Mine access road from the Mine area MLA to join Fourteen Thousand Access Road.

Primary and secondary sizing station and linking conveyors.

Coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) comprising a single module of 500 tph

capacity, utilising a dry air process.

Product coal conveyors and a 200,000 t capacity product stockpile interfaced with a truck

load out facility.

Product coal reclaim system.

Upgrade and utilisation of the existing Fourteen Thousand Access Road to link the Project

to the Capella Rubyvale Road.

Coal transport haul road to a stockpile facility (location being investigated).

Rail siding and TLO facility (location being investigated).

Plant reject bin and load out facility.

Plant reject material storage areas.

On-site access roads.

Raw water storage and water management dams and pipelines.

Diesel electrical generator station and distribution network.

Solar farm, integrated with diesel generated power.

Communications tower.

Clean and waste water reticulation networks.

A sewage treatment plant (STP) and irrigation infrastructure to dispose of treated

effluent.

On-site landfill.

MIA which will incorporate administration and operations buildings, change rooms, fuel,

lubricants and tyre storage areas, equipment maintenance areas, hardstand areas,

warehouses, workshops, and associated facilities and services.

Re-fuelling area.

Utilities are proposed to include:

Combination of diesel generator(s) and solar facility.

Power connection point and distribution cables.

Water connection point and distribution pipelines.

A 50 ML water supply dam.

100-250 ML of water storage on site.

Information, communication, and telecommunication system.

Drainage and sediment dams.

Typical civil construction equipment will be used during the construction phase including

excavators, haul trucks, dozers, graders and cranes. It is anticipated that construction of the

surface facilities would extend for a period of 9 to 12 months from commencement.




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2.1.2.2 Mine Development

The Project is proposed to be a truck and shovel operation for removal of overburden in

addition to coal and partings for the LOM. The initial boxcut is planned to be a generally

east/west striking trench along the subcrop of the Capella seam, progressing in a generally

south/south-easterly direction (refer Figure 2). Topsoil stripped prior to mining will be

stockpiled for later use in rehabilitation. Overburden will be relocated from above the coal

seams to in-pit dumps and out of pit (OOP) dumps located on site and contiguous with the pit

excavations.

It is proposed that spoil from the initial boxcut will be placed in the western out of pit dump

(WOOP), with the waste material for subsequent strips emplaced in both in-pit and out of pit

dumps. The WOOP dump will likely be located in close proximity to the proposed operations

lowwall. Over the LOM the dump will be expanded to the south behind the advancing mining

operation with the WOOP planned to transition into an in-pit dump which will sequentially

backfill the operations void. The southern out of pit (SOOP) dump is a void management

structure designed to be built incrementally over the LOM using near-surface spoil. Taking

into account requirements of the Project PRCP, on closure the majority of this dump is

proposed to be utilised to partially backfill the void. A light vehicle road will be constructed

around the dumps. Operational equipment will likely include excavators, haul trucks, coal

trucks, loaders, drills, graders, pumps and watercarts.

2.1.2.3 ROM Production

The Project is expected to have an average production rate of 2.3 Mtpa ROM with a peak of

2.5 Mt in Year 5. The volume of ROM production is estimated to yield approximately 1.2 to

1.4 Mt product coal per annum with a peak of 1.42 Mt in Year 5. The Project is expected to

produce both export coking and thermal coals over the LOM. Table 7 details the anticipated

LOM production schedule for the Project assuming the commencement of open cut

development activities in Year 2. The mining sequence over LOM is presented in Figure 3.

Table 7 LOM Indicative Production Schedule Estimates

Year Estimated ROM (Mt) Estimated Product (Mt)

1 2.078 1.205

2 2.290 1.328

3 2.370 1.375

4 2.364 1.371

5 2.458 1.425

6 2.350 1.363

7 2.263 1.12

Total 16.171 9.379

CRYSTAL CRE E K

WHEEL CREEK

590000

7420

000


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Figure 2 - Mine Plan

0 0.5 1 1.5 2

Kilometers



© Glencore 2018








LegendMLA 6MLA 7Registered AccessMDL 219EPC 25396DPP boundaryState Forest

RoadDrainage line

Mine LayoutMIA/CHPP/ROMPitOut of Pit DumpsDam



±

ValeriaSouth

Pit

SOOP Dump

WOOP Dump

50 MLOverlandFlow Dam

50ML TurkeyNest Dam

MIACHPPROM Receival Area

SEE INSET

INSET

MLA 7MLA 6

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2.1.2.4 Coal Processing and Product Transport

At the CHPP, the Project intends to process ROM through a crusher and dry air process

known as an Air Jig. The Air Jig system destones the coal and consequently removes the

operational requirement for significant water consumption related to washing the coal, and

the need for a tailings dam. Reject material will consist of a generally dry coarse waste rock

material called chitta. Management of this waste material will depend on its geochemical risk

profile and may require burial under a specified thickness of inert spoil.

After processing, the product coal will be stockpiled at the product coal handling facility and

loaded onto trucks using a truck load out facility on the Mine area ML. Transport of product

coal from that facility will likely be along a haul road to a new TLO facility on the Emerald-

Anakie section of the Central Western Railway line. The TLO is proposed to be supplied from

a small stockpile facility located on the southern portion of the haul road corridor, as well as

an elevated conveyor system across the Capricorn Highway to the TLO facility. This facility

would allow the coal to access export markets either via Oaky Creek Mines’ TLO facility or

directly to Gladstone. The proposed product transport corridor and stockpile/load out area

(refer Figure 4) will be subject to further investigation and stakeholder consultation.

The traffic and transportation studies will address road and rail user, community and

intersection safety as well as pavement impacts, to inform the need for mitigation and

management measures. This assessment will inform discussions with Local and State

Governments as to scope and content of any infrastructure agreements. Air, noise and visual

impact assessment will also be undertaken to address any community and stakeholder

issues. The final preferred transport route will be developed following a comprehensive and

ongoing community and stakeholder engagement process.

2.1.2.5 Infrastructure

Raw Water Supply

Water is proposed to be captured from building roofs or trucked in from Capella and stored in

surface and below ground water tanks for potable use. Water captured by the clean and dirty

water surface catchment dams (supplemented by groundwater if necessary) is proposed to

provide non-potable water for dust suppression, wash down bays, workshop, sewage

treatment and ancillary activities.

Surface Catchment and Storages

Figure 2 shows the indicative location of the dams to manage mine water. Other than potable

water it is proposed to have no external sources of water, relying on potentially harvesting

surface water in a single 50 ML dam, while existing and new groundwater bores will also be

utilised to supplement water supply. This latter source however would only be required

during periods of prolonged dry weather. Additional storage capacity will be provided by a

dirty water catchment dam which will be constructed in proximity to the WOOP dump.

CAPELL ARUBY

VA

LE ROAD

14,000Access

RoadCENTRAL WESTERN RAILWAY

CAPRICORN HIGHWAY

GREGORY HIGHWAY

CAPRICORN HIGHWAYEMERALD

CAPELLA

Fork LagoonRoad

600000

7400

000

0 4 8 12 16

Kilometers

Valeria South ProjectFigure 4 - Proposed Product Coal Transportation Route

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LegendValeria South Project MLAsRegistered AccessMDL 219Proposed Project RoadHaulage Route OptionEPC 25396State ForestBlair Athol Joint Venture Land

Regional Council BoundaryRailwayRoad


Glencore makes every effort to ensure thequality of the information available on this

map.Before relying on the information on thismap, users should carefully evaluate its accuracy, currency, completeness and

relevance for their purposes, and shouldobtain any appropriate professional advicerelevant to their particular circumstances. Glencore cannot guarantee and assumes

no responsibility for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information and by using

this map you accept that Glencore has no liability for any loss or damage in any form

whatsoever caused directly or indirectly fromthe use of this map.


- Dept of Science, Information Technology,Innovation and the Arts

- Dept of Environment and ResourceManagement

© Glencore 2018

Coordinate System:GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55

Projection: Transverse MercatorDatum: GDA 1994Map Size: A4 Landscape

Date Created: 15/03/2019

±Heavy Vehicle Routes - Queensland (Published 2018/12/03), State of Queensland (Transport and Main Roads) 2018, accessed via QSpatial, November 2018




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Sediment basins will contain and manage the uncontaminated surface run-off (from both

disturbed and undisturbed areas). The sediment basins will treat the run-off water from the

catchment. Design of sediment basins will consider the requirements of the International

Erosion Control Association (Australia) guidelines (IECA, 2008) relating to flow design and

discharge rate. All dams will be provided with riser pipe outlets or equivalent to release the

water trapped in the basin over a prolonged period.

Sewage Treatment

A STP is proposed to treat sewage and grey water generated by the kitchens, showers and

toilets. The Project’s environmental impact assessment will investigate treatment options,

taking into account storage and buffering capacity, and will include options to irrigate treated

effluent to land.

Telecommunications

A mobile radio tower and/or booster system will be constructed if there is insufficient

reception available locally. Data transfer will rely on satellite connections as the Project is not

large enough to warrant the installation of optic fibre to the site. This connection will be used

to run fleet management, maintenance, and plant control systems. Radio communication will

be required on the site for communication between heavy vehicles and light vehicles within

the pit, and between the pit and the workshop.

Power Supply

The power supply for the Project is proposed to include the following:

Initial diesel powered generation for construction activities;

An option to develop a solar farm and lithium-ion battery storage facility to temporarily

replace and supplement the diesel-powered generation as the primary source of site

power.

Sufficient on-site generation is required to provide base-load power with sufficient minimum

load to ensure it can respond quickly to meet the power requirements of the process plant,

workshop, fuel station, STP and ancillary buildings.

Area lighting will be provided around the administration buildings, the mobile equipment

workshop area, and fuel tanker unloading area.

Access and Security

A dedicated turn-off lane from the Capella Rubyvale Road onto the Fourteen Thousand Access

Road will be constructed to improve intersection safety for vehicles entering and exiting the

site and local traffic, particularly at the peak times of workforce shift change. The Access road

will be constructed as an extension from the Fourteen Thousand Access Road to the main

administration building.

All site roads will be high standard gravel roads with high visibility delineators, suitably sized

windrows, and graded and drained to ensure all weather access. Subject to further

investigation and consultation, Fork Lagoon Road to the south could also be used by

emergency vehicles and as a secondary egress for light vehicles in the event that access via

Capella Rubyvale Road is restricted such as by flooding or fire.

Site security will be maintained by installing fencing around the site. Additional security

measures such as boom gates and access protocols will be developed in consultation with

relevant stakeholders.




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Workforce and Accommodation

A construction workforce of approximately 60 full time equivalent contractors will be required

at the peak of the construction period. Where available, the construction workforce will be

sourced locally. Subject to further assessment and consultation, the construction workforce is

proposed to be accommodated in existing facilitates at Capella, with Emerald acting as an

overflow option. An operational workforce of approximately 75 full-time equivalent roles will

be created over the LOM. Where possible these roles will be filled by people living locally and

in surrounding regions.

Resource 2.2The Project lies at the north of the Denison Trough towards the southern end of the Bowen

Basin and is a well-known source of coal with an extensive history of coal mining. The Project

area is located in the northern portion of the Denison Trough on the western flank of the

Bowen Basin. Coal resources within the Mine area MLA occur within 13 seams of Early to

Middle Permian age within the Reids Dome Beds and the overlying Aldebaran Sandstone. The

stratigraphic hierarchy of the coal bearing Aldebaran Sandstone and Reids Dome Beds within

the Bowen Basin are highlighted below in Table 8. Total open cut resources in the Mine area

MLA are estimated at 55 Mt, of which some 45 Mt are classified as Indicated with the

remainder 10 Mt being Inferred.

Table 8 Stratigraphy of the Project

Age Stratigraphic Unit Lithology

Cainozoic Alluvium, minor basalt, poorly sorted and consolidated sediments.

Early Permian

Aldebaran Sandstone Pebbly quartz sandstone, conglomerate, minor shale, siltstone and coal. Delta –Lacustrine depositional environment.

Cattle Creek Formation Quartzose to sub labile sandstone and mudstone. Shallow Marine – Delta depositional environment.

Reids Dome Beds Siltstone, shale, labile sandstone, lithic conglomerate and coal. Alluvial Fan/ Lacustrine depositional environment.

Late Devonian

Retreat Granite Suite Hornblende-biotite granodiorite and adamellite, biotite-hornblende tonalite, diorite, gabbro.

Late Ordovician

Fork Lagoon Beds Quartzose arenite and cleaved mudstone and siltstone, locally phacoidal; minor basalt, felsic volcaniclastics and rare bioclastic limestone and sheared marble.

Early Cambrian-Ordovician

Anakie Metamorphics Siltstone, fine sandstone, phyllite, schist, commonly cleaved and multiply deformed.




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Justification 2.3The Project is expected to produce both coking and thermal coal for export. Coking and

thermal coals are in demand globally. The Project has the following resource and market-

based justifications:

Consistent with Glencore’s announcement to cap global coal production, development of

the Valeria resource is proposed to replace production from Glencore's Clermont mine

which is planned to cease operations around 2026.

It is understood that the coal bearing Reids Dome Belt are only mined at one other

location in Queensland. The Project will allow a better understanding of the

geomechanical and geochemical properties of the coal and market fit.

The Project will test the suitability of Air Jig technology and de-risk the Capella seam

sequence mining and handibility process. This has implications for the viability of

developing MDL219 in the future.

Glencore’s acquisition of the majority interest in Hail Creek and Valeria in August 2018

facilitates early and ongoing access for environmental and technical studies.

The Project provides local and regional employment opportunities and economic activity

to support communities.

Previous Work 2.4Activities undertaken on the Mine area MLA to date include exploration, seismic surveys,

radiometric surveys, property purchases and preliminary ecological, surface water and

groundwater assessments. Extensive exploration, appraisal and environmental work has

completed over neighbouring MDL219 that is of relevance to the Project, including:

Exploration activities, inclusive of wide diameter, geomechanical and geophysical surveys.

Multiple mine plan and pit optimisation studies.

Twenty-three groundwater monitoring bores with active data loggers.

Flora, fauna and aquatic ecology surveys conducted in 2012, including part of EPC25396

adjacent to the Mine area.

Significant Indigenous cultural heritage surveys and development of a draft CHIMA with

the Western Kangoulu people.

Installation of a meteorological station that has been recording data since approximately

2012.

Purchase of a significant portion of the properties within MDL219.

VS will undertake additional work for the Project including resource analysis, mine planning

and environmental assessments for the Project area, including potential coal transportation

routes. Where relevant, this work will build on data already obtained for MDL219.




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3 Environmental Aspects

Air 3.1

3.1.1 Description of Environmental Values

The air environmental values for the Project area that are to be enhanced or protected as

required by the EPP Air, comprise the qualities of the air environmental that are conducive to:

Protecting the health and biodiversity of ecosystems.

Human health and wellbeing.

Protecting the aesthetics of the environment, including the appearance of buildings,

structures and other property.

Protecting agricultural use of the environment.

3.1.1.1 Climate

An automatic weather station (AWS) was installed in 2012 in MDL219, just north of the

Project area (Easting 586564; Northing 7430146). It has recorded rainfall, wind speed and

direction, temperature, relative humidity and radiation data since then. In addition to the

Valeria Tenure AWS, Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather stations are located at

Capella (35 km north-east of the Project area), Emerald Airport (35 km south-east of the

Project area), on the Valeria property (21 km north of the Project area), and on the Lucknow

property (22.5 km east/north-east of the Project area).

The Project lies just north of the Tropic of Capricorn and is located within a subtropical

climate zone. The Project area experiences a wet summer season between November and

March and a dry winter season from April through to October (BOM, 2018a and b). Mean

annual rainfall recorded at Emerald Airport BOM station since 2013 is 561.2 mm. The Capella

BOM station has recorded since 1899 and shows a mean annual rainfall of 587.9 mm. Mean

annual rainfall at the Valeria Property AWS between 1994 and 2012 is 423.1 mm and at the

Valeria Tenure since 2012 is 490.6 mm.

July is the coolest month of the year with a mean minimum temperature of 6.9°C and a

mean maximum temperature of 22.4°C. The warmest month of the year is December with a

mean maximum temperature of 34.8°C. Mean minimum temperatures of 21.4°C and 21.0°C

are recorded in January and February respectively. Wind direction is predominantly from the

east but ranges from north-east to south-east. Wind speeds are generally low (<6m/s). Wind

speed is greatest from November to February, peaking in January (4T, 2018).

3.1.1.2 Air Quality

There are currently no government air monitoring network stations in the vicinity of the

Project area. The air quality within the Project area and surrounds is considered to be

consistent with a rural setting and of relatively high quality. Localised air quality impacts may

result from cropping activities, dust generated from stock and farm vehicle movements, dust

of natural origin, bushfires and controlled burns, and vehicular movements on unsealed

roads. There are no known industrial activities or resources projects that emit air pollutants

located in close proximity to the Project.




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3.1.1.3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (Cth), the Project will be

required to calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy data in accordance with

the methodologies described within the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting

(Measurement) Determination 2008 (Cth). The Project’s environmental impact assessment

will consider the energy usage and greenhouse gas emission impacts of each stage of the

Project, including the construction, operation and closure stages. It will also evaluate

potential GHG emission mitigation and energy efficiency measures for the Project’s

operational activities.

Three ‘scopes’ of emissions are defined for the above GHG accounting and reporting

purposes, as outlined below:

Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions which occur from sources owned or controlled by

the reporting entity, over which they have a high level of control (such as fuel use).

Scope 2 emissions are those generated from purchased electricity consumed by the

reporting entity.

Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions that are a consequence of the activities of the

reporting entity, but occur at sources owned or controlled by another reporting entity.

The coal produced from the Project, will be managed within the production cap announced by

Glencore in February 2019.

3.1.1.4 Sensitive Receptors

The potential sensitive receptors that have been identified as relevant to the Project are listed

below and shown on Figure 5. Sensitive receptors along the coal transport corridor will be

detailed in the Project’s environmental impact assessment report.

Mine area MLA:

‘Fork Lagoon’, comprising Lot 1 CLM11 and Lot 19 2FTY1249 (State Forest). This property

is owned by BAJV and is leased for cattle grazing. The nearest homestead on this

property is located 1.5 km from the Mine area MLA boundary.

‘Jaydena’, comprising Lot 5 CLM 473. This property is owned by BAJV and leased for

cattle grazing. The nearest homestead on this property is located approximately 3.5 km

from the Mine area MLA boundary.

Private properties neighbouring Mine area MLA:

North and east: ‘Caroa’, with Lots 7 SP135554, 6 SP273885 and 8 SP135554 adjoining

the MLAs. The property is held in freehold, owned and occupied by the landholder. The

homestead is approximately 13.6 km to the north-east of the Mine area MLA boundary

and 15.2 km from the Access road MLA boundary.

East: ‘Burn Meadows’, Lot 8 CLM517 held in freehold. The homestead of this property is

located approximately 4.8 km from the Mine area MLA boundary and 2.7 km from Fork

Lagoon Road.

South: Lot 76 PT372 held in freehold, with the homestead associated with this property is

located approximately 9 km from the Mine area MLA boundary and 2.5 km from Fork

Lagoon Road. Lot 96 SP227975 held in freehold, with the homestead associated with this

property has not yet been identified.

West: ‘Pine Creek’, comprising Lot 2 CLM659 held in freehold, owned and occupied by

landholders. The homestead is located approximately 5.4 km from the Access road

(portion on MDL219) and 7.7 km from the Mine area MLA boundary.

8

8

8

88

88

8

8

8

8

8

8

Lot 132 Plan FTY1841

Lot 76Plan

PT372

PINE CREEK

FORK LAGOON

CAROA

FORK LAGOON 2FORK LAGOON 3 FORK LAGOON 4

FORK LAGOON 5

JAYDENA

STAIER

JAYDENA 2

CAPELLA RUBYVAL

EROAD

FOURTEEN THOUSAND ACCESS

BULLE RYROA D

Lot A PlanSP102767

Lot 18Plan TT27

Lot 19Plan TT27

Lot 6Plan

DSN75

Lot 5 PlanSP102767

Lot 8PlanTT49

Lot 4Plan

SP102767

Lot 1 Plan TT439

Lot 8 PlanCLM567

Lot 192 PlanFTY1249

Lot 68Plan TT117

Lot 5Plan

CLM517

Lot 2Plan

CLM79

Lot 1 PlanCLM78

Lot 1 PlanCLM11

Lot 6 PlanSP273885

Lot 9 PlanSP273885

Lot 1 PlanSP145588

Lot 8 PlanCLM517

Lot 7 PlanSP135554

Lot 5 PlanSP135554Lot 8 Plan

SP135554

Lot 180Plan FTY951

Lot 16 PlanRP620064

Lot 7Plan CLM473

Lot 5 PlanSP132166

Lot 4 PlanSP132166

Lot 132Plan

FTY1841

Lot 2 PlanCLM659

Lot 9Plan

CLM417

Lot 3 PlanSP193694

Lot182 PlanFTY1031

Lot 15 PlanCLM475

Lot 1 PlanCP903880

Lot 5Plan

CLM473

Lot 9Plan PT203

Lot 76Plan PT372

Lot 95 PlanSP227975 Lot 96 Plan

SP227975

Lot 3 PlanSP145588

Lot 21Plan TT28

Lot 20Plan TT28

Lot 2 PlanRP608836

RETREAT CREE K

CARBINE CREEK

RETRE AT CREEK

RETREAT CREEK

KETTLECREEK

MAY CREE K

RETREAT CREEK

WHEEL CR EEK

THERESA CREEK

CRYSTAL CREEKPINE CREE

K

FORK LAGOON

ROAD

575000 580000 585000 590000 595000 600000 605000 610000

7405

000

7410

000

7415

000

7420

000

7425

000

7430

000

0 2 4 6 8

Kilometers

Valeria South ProjectFigure 5 - Properties and Sensitive Receptors

Ref: \

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LegendValeria South Project MLAsRegistered AccessMDL 219EPC 25396CadastreState Forest

8 HomesteadsLand Ownership

Blair Athol Joint Venture LandState of Qld LandRoadRailwayDrainage line











© Glencore 2018




±




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3.1.2 Emissions and Releases

Emissions and releases to the ambient air environment that may result from Project activities

could comprise:

Exhaust fumes from the generator(s), machinery and equipment operating on site.

Exhaust fumes and dust generated by vehicles machinery and equipment moving within

the Project area and to and from site, including haul trucks driving to and from the TLO.

Emissions from the CHPP, conveyors and other plant.

Spontaneous combustion, caused by the oxidation of coal and related carbonaceous

materials and resultant self-heating. When the generated heat is trapped in spoil or loose

coal, the temperatures can rise until it ignites or spontaneously combust.

3.1.3 Potential Impacts and Management Practices

If unmitigated or unmanaged, potential impacts on air quality from the emissions and

releases identified above can cause environmental nuisance at sensitive receptors, impact on

human and ecological health and well-being, and impact on agricultural productivity (DES,

2017a). Dust can cause nuisance by settling on property/possessions, affecting visibility, and

contaminating tank water supplies. It can also affect human and animal respiration and the

ability of plants, including crops, to photosynthesise (EPP Air).

Glencore has extensive experience in Queensland managing coal mining operations in an

environmentally responsible manner. Therefore, the potential impacts identified on air values

will be avoided or appropriately mitigated or managed as will be outlined within the Project’s

environmental impact assessment report.

Air quality monitoring will be undertaken for the Project to determine existing baseline values

prior to commencing Project activities. On-going long term monitoring will be undertaken for

the LOM to monitor compliance with EA conditions. All air quality monitoring and modelling

will be undertaken in accordance with the EPP Air and relevant Australian Standards.

Air quality monitors will be located at representative sensitive receptors near to the Project

area to provide information on the air quality of the Project area and surrounds. Locations

will be selected in consideration of emission source locations, prevailing weather patterns and

terrain. Monitors will include wind field measurements to correlate with suspended particulate

matter concentration measurements where appropriate. Meteorological data from the Valeria

Tenure AWS will be correlated with air monitoring data as required. An observation log will

also be maintained, recording on-site or off-site dust incidents including dust storms and

bushfires that could affect measured suspended particulate concentrations.

Air dispersion modelling will be undertaken as part of the environmental impact assessment

report to predict the types of activities and weather conditions that could potentially result in

environmental nuisance at sensitive receptors, and potential for exceedance of EA conditions.

This information will be used to ensure appropriate mitigation and management measures

are in place for high-risk conditions. It will also be used to inform any mitigation and

management measures required for the Project. Mitigation and management measures will

be informed by the environmental impact assessment and may include:

Positioning site infrastructure in consideration of prevailing wind direction and location of

sensitive receptors.

Restricting vehicle and machinery speeds on un-sealed roads,

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas as soon as practicable.




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Undertaking regular maintenance to ensure all machinery is in good working order, and

does not generate excessive air emissions.

Operating vehicle, plant and machinery in proper and effective condition and minimising

idling periods.

Undertaking dust suppression activities such as watering in adverse and windy conditions.

3.1.4 Risk Assessment

Assessment of the risk of adverse impacts occurring to air environmental values will consider:

The magnitude, relative size or actual extent of any impact in relation to the

environmental value being affected.

The severity of any adverse effect or the scale of any beneficial outcome.

The duration of any effect.

An indication of the level of uncertainty of impacts and any assumptions used to address

the uncertainty in any of the data or proposed commitments to protect the environmental

values.

The above factors and associated level of risk to environmental values will be determined as

part of the Project’s environmental impact assessment.

Land 3.2


There are no prescribed environmental values relating to land for the Project. The

environmental values of land in the Project area are considered to include the following (DES,

2017b):

Soil health and function such as physical stability, structure and chemical attributes of

soil, including as it relates to erosion potential and vegetation growth.

Integrity of soil as a resource to be used in rehabilitation and to support post-mine land

use.

Stability of disturbed land ensuring it is non-polluting.

Integrity of neighbouring land use and productivity.

Landscape values including topographical continuity in a rural setting.

3.2.1.1 Tenure

The Mine area MLA partly overlies EPC25396 and an adjoining area encompassed by three

PPPs. The Access road MLA and a registered access over MDL219 will encompass the primary

access route between the Mine area MLA and Fourteen Thousand Access Road. The Mine area

MLA is situated entirely on BAJV land. The Access road MLA partly overlaps EPC8674, held by

Auriga Coal Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of QCoal. The Access road MLA will provide tenure for a road

access corridor and for the carriage of services such as power, water and communications.

Coal mining is not proposed within this MLA. Rather, the area of the Access road MLA is

required for essential infrastructure to support coal mining within the Mine area MLA.

All mining activities will be contained in EPC25396 and PPPs area. The Project area is

bordered to the south by Exploration Permit Minerals (EPMs) 25988 and 25979 (held by GCB




Version:

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5



Minerals Pty Ltd). These EPMs overlap EPC25396 but are excluded from the MLAs. There is no

petroleum tenure overlapping the Project area or surrounds.

Coal transport options and routes are being investigated and may involve additional MLAs or

planning approval through Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) via the Planning Act

2016 to construct facilities outside the mining tenure regime. Further investigations and

stakeholder consultation will be undertaken to establish the location and most appropriate

approvals pathways for this infrastructure.

3.2.1.2 Planning

The Project area and proposed southern coal transport route are located in the CHRC LGA.

The CHRC Planning Scheme (2016) (the planning scheme) identifies Fourteen Thousand

Access Road and Fork Lagoon Road as local publically gazetted roads. Capella Rubyvale Road

is identified in the planning scheme as a Local Road of Regional Significance.

Activities required for the Project but outside the extent of the two MLAs may require

separate approvals under the Planning Act 2016. This would include upgrade to Fourteen

Thousand Access Road. Subject to further corridor investigation, upgrade of the Fork Lagoon

Road or modification to watercourse crossings and works required for the coal stockpile and

TLO facility will also require approval (possibly through a combination of MLs and local

government planning processes).

The planning scheme identifies the Project area as occurring in a Rural Zone, with MDL219

shown on the Extractive and Mineral Resources Overlay Map (OM004) (CHRC, 2016).

Although mining activities on MLs authorised under the MR Act are not assessable

development under the Planning Act 2016, mining activities in the Project area are consistent

with the planning scheme and can be conditionally undertaken in the Rural Zone.

There are no areas of regional interest (ARI) under the Regional Planning Interest Act 2014

within the Mine area or Access road MLAs. The closest ARI comprising State-mapped

Strategic Cropping Land occurs in the northern part of MDL219 and adjacent to Fork Lagoon

Road near Retreat Creek, to the south of the Mine area MLA. Strategic Cropping Land is also

mapped along the northern side of the Capricorn Highway.

3.2.1.3 Land Use

As shown on Figure 6, land use in the region is mapped predominately as grazing native

vegetation. Regional land use also comprises irrigated and non-irrigated cropping, coal

exploration and production, fossicking, forestry and residential, including the townships of

Emerald, Capella and the Gemfields (Anakie, Rubyvale, and Sapphire) (CHRC, 2013;

Queensland Government, 2018a).

The main road transport routes in the area comprise the State-controlled Gregory Highway

running in a north/south direction to the east of the Project area, and the State-controlled

Capricorn Highway running in an east/west direction to the south of the Project area. An

easement (no infrastructure) held by CHRC crosses the Mine area MLA. The main rail

transport corridors comprise a branch of the Central Western Railway line that runs from

Emerald to Blair Athol via Capella, and the main line of Central Western Railway that extends

from Rockhampton to Winton via Emerald. Ergon has a power network extending into

‘Jaydena’ property from the west and into ‘Fork Lagoon’ property over Kettle Creek from the

south.

CAPELLA

RUBYVALE ROAD

FOURTEEN THOUSAND

ACCESS

BULLE RYROA D

THERES A CREEK

CENTRE CREEK

RETREATCR EEK

GORD

ONST

ONECR

EEK

CAPELLA CREEK

TAROBORAH CREEK

RETRO CREEK

KE TTLE CREEK

NOGO

A RI VERMAY CREE

K

WHEEL CREEK

CARBINECREEK

CRYSTA

LCREEK

FORK LAG

OONROAD

570000 575000 580000 585000 590000 595000 600000 605000 610000 615000

7400

000

7405

000

7410

000

7415

000

7420

000

7425

000

7430

000

7435

000

7440

000

0 3.5 7 10.5 14

Kilometers

Valeria South ProjectFigure 6 - Land Use

LegendRegistered AccessValeria South Project MLAsMDL 219EPC 25396QLD State Government TriggerMap for Strategic Cropping LandStock RouteRoadDrainage line

Land UseOther conserved areaOther minimal useResidual native coverGrazing native vegetationProduction native forestsCroppingLand in transitionIrrigated croppingIrrigated cottonIrrigated perennial horticultureIrrigated citrus

Irrigated seasonal horticultureStockyards/saleyardsManufacturing and industrialResidential and farm infrastructureUrban residentialRural residential without agriculture

Commercial servicesPublic servicesRecreation and cultureUtilitiesElectricity substations andtransmissionWater extraction and transmissionTransport and communicationAirports and aerodromesMiningReservoir/damChannel/aquedeuctSupply channel aqueduct




±

Land use mapping - 1999 to Current - Queensland (Published 2018/03/27), State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Science) 2018, accessed via QSpatial November 2018



© Glencore 2018








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The land use in the Mine area MLA predominantly comprises cattle grazing. The majority of

the Mine area MLA, particularly on the flatter areas, has been historically cleared for this

purpose. Some vegetated areas occur in the east, west and centre, associated with ridge

lines and higher topography. Part of this vegetation is mapped as production forestry

(Queensland Government, 2018a), associated with Kettle State Forest, Burn State Forest,

Crystal Creek State Forest and Llandillo State Forest (refer Figure 6).

There are no stock routes mapped as occurring in the Mine area or Access road MLAs. The

nearest stock route is located south of the Mine area MLA and runs in an east/west direction

to the immediate south of Retreat Creek. Fork Lagoon Road crosses the stock route in this

vicinity. To the immediate west of the Project area on EPC1825 are a number of government-

mapped historical copper mines including Gougers Pit and Kirby’s Selection Numbers 1 and 2

(Queensland Government, 2018a).

3.2.1.4 Topography

The Mine area MLA is relatively flat across large areas (approx. 225-230 m AHD) with slope

gradients approximating 0.8 to 1.6%. Steeper areas occur along the western and eastern

boundaries associated with the vegetated hills of the State Forest (up to 11.6%). The

topography rises to a higher elevated towards the centre of the Mine area (approx. 260 m

AHD), resulting in the delineation between tributaries of Crystal Creek flowing to the north

and tributaries of Kettle Creek flowing to the south (refer Figure 7).

3.2.1.5 Geology

The surface geology of the Mine area MLA comprises the following in stratigraphic order

(Queensland Government, 2018b) (refer Figure 8):

Quaternary colluvium (Qr\b) occurs in the north-eastern corner of the Mine area MLA

(black soil, silt and mud, residual and colluvial deposits).

Quaternary alluvium (Qa) is associated with the main tributaries to Crystal and Kettle

Creeks (clay, silt, sand and gravel, flood-plain alluvium).

Tertiary basalt (Tb) is associated with a ridge line through the central-eastern part of the

Mine area MLA (mostly olivine basalt flows and some plugs, some areas of nephelinite,

basanite etc.).

Aldebaran sandstone (Permian arenite (Pbl)) associated with elevated areas and the state

forest in the east (pebbly quartz sandstone, conglomerate, minor shale, siltstone and

coal).

Reids Dome beds (Pj) dominates the Mine area MLA and is a Permian-age sedimentary

rock (siltstone, shale, labile sandstone, lithic conglomerate and coal).

Fork Lagoons beds (Late Ordovician arenite-mudstone (Of)) in southern part of the Mine

area MLA (Quartzose arenite and cleaved mudstone and siltstone, locally phacoidal, minor

basalt, felsic volcaniclastics and rare bioclastic limestone and sheared marble).

Small areas of early-Paleozoic ultramafic rock (sp-Anakie), Ordovician/Devonian granitoid

(ODg-Anakie) and Tertiary silcrete (Td/q).

KETTLECREEK

CRY STALCREEK

W HEELCREEK

340320300

280

260

310290

300

290

280270

290270

250

260

250 240

260

240

280

270

250240

290

280 270

260

260

250

260250

220210

250240

230220

220 210

220

210

210

200

250

240

260

260

230

320

300

260

230

310

320

300

290

280

280

250

240

220

210

310300

300

290

280

290

290

280

270

270270

270

270

270

260

260

260

260

260

250 250

250

240

240

240

240

230

230

220

220220

220

220

210

200

200

220

FORKLAGO O N

RO AD

CAPELLARUBY V

ALERO AD

FO URTEENTHO USANDACCESS580000 585000 590000 595000 60000074

1000

074

1500

074

2000

074

2500

0

0 1 2 3 4

Kilom eters

Valeria South ProjectFigure 7 - Topography

Ref: \\AUSYDSRVC5590\OperationsGIS\Valeria GIS\03.MapDocuments\EA\20190314_EA_Topography_03.mxd

Legen dVa leriaRegistered Ac c ess

Coordin ate System :GDA 1994 MGA Zon e 55

Projec tion : Tra n sverse Merc atorDatum : GDA 1994Map Size: A4 La n dsc ape

Da te Created: 22/03/2019

±

DISCLAIMERSub ject To Survey

Glen c ore m a kes every effort to en sure thequa lity of the in form ation a va ila b le on thism a p.Before relyin g on the in form ation on thism a p, users should c a refully eva lua te its a c c ura c y, c urren c y, c om pleten ess a n dreleva n c e for their purposes, a n d shouldob ta in a n y appropriate profession a l a dvic ereleva n t to their partic ula r c irc um sta n c es. Glen c ore c a n n ot guara n tee a n d assum es

n o respon sib ility for the a c c ura c y, c urren c y or com pleten ess of the in form ation a n d b y usin gthis m ap you a c c ept that Glen c ore has n o lia b ility for a n y loss or da m a ge in a n y form wha tsoever c a used direc tly or in direc tly from

the use of this m ap.© State of Queen sla n d 2018

- Dept of Na tura l Resourc es a n d Min es - Dept of Sc ien c e, In form ation Tec hn ology,

In n ova tion a n d the Arts - Dept of En viron m en t a n d Resourc e

Ma n a gem en t© Glen c ore 2018

Con tours - 10 m etre in terva l - b y area of in terest – Queen sla n d (Pub lished 2016/08/16), State of Queen sla n d (Depa rtm en t of Natura l Resourc es, Min es a n d En ergy) 2018, a c c essed via QSpatia l Novem b er 2018

CAPELLA

RUBYVALE ROAD

FOURTEEN THOUSAND

ACCESS

CARBINE CREEK

RETREAT CREEK

KETTLE CRE EK

WHEELCREEK

CRYSTAL CREE K

Tb

Qpa

Td

Pbl

Pbl

Pbl

Pblk

Pbl>TQa

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spOf/v?

OfOf/v?

spOf/v?

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Td\q

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ODgTd\q

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Td\q

TQa\m

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Pj

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Ogb

Pj

Of Pwt

OfOf

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Of/v?

Ogbsp

Of

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Pbl

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Td

Td\q

Td\q

Td\q

TQa

Td

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Qpa

Td

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Td\q

Td\q

Qr

TQa

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Qr

TQa

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Qr

Pbl

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Of

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Pblk

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Td

Td\qTd

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Td\q

Td

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Of

Pbl>TQa

sp

Of

Of/v?

Pbl

Pbl

Of

Dgi?

Pbl

Pbl

Td,Qr

Pj

Td

Qr

Td\q

Qr

Td\q

Td\q

TQa

Td\q

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Pj

QrTd\qTd\q

Pbd

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Td

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Td\q

Td\q

Td\q

Td\q

Td

FORKLAGOON ROAD

580000 585000 590000 595000 600000 605000

7405

000

7410

000

7415

000

7420

000

7425

000

0 2 4 6 8

Kilometers

Valeria South ProjectFigure 8 - Surface Geology

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LegendValeria South Project MLAsRegistered AccessMDL 219EPC 25396RoadDrainage line

Surface GeologyAldebaran Sandstone (Pbl)Aldebaran Sandstone,TQa-QLD (Pbl>TQa)

Burngrove Formation (Pwg)Dg-ANAKIE (Dg)Fair Hill Formation (Pwt)Fork Lagoons beds (Of)Fork Lagoons beds/v?(Of/v?)German Creek Formation(Pbd)Kettle ConglomerateMember (Pblk)Kilmarnock Granodiorite(Dgi)Kilmarnock Granodiorite?(Dgi?)MacMillan Formation (Pbn)ODg-ANAKIE (ODg)Ogb-ANAKIE (Ogb)Qa-QLD (Qa)Qpa-QLD (Qpa)Qr-QLD (Qr)Qr\b-QLD (Qr\b)Qr\b-QLD,Td\q-QLD(Qr\b,Td\q)

Red Mountain Formation(Tr)Reids Dome beds (Pj)TQa-QLD (TQa)TQa\m-QLD (TQa\m)Taroborah Granodiorite(Dgt)Tb-QLD (Tb)Td-QLD (Td)Td-QLD,Qr-QLD (Td,Qr)Td\q-QLD (Td\q)sp-ANAKIE (sp)











© Glencore 2018




±Detailed surface geology - Queensland (Published 2018/05/24), State of Queensland (Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy) 2018, accessed via QSpatial November 2018




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3.2.1.6 Soils

The Mine area is mapped as comprising three land systems (Nogoa-Belyando Area) (CSIRO,

2018) (refer Figure 9):

Humbolt (Hu) – Plains and lowlands on acid clay, frequently gravelly, texture-contrast

soils (Retro), black-butt, brigalow scrub and scrub grass. Pasture land, sown pastures,

and native pastures on high fertility soils.

Monteagle (Mo) – Gently undulating lowlands and plains, texture-contrast soils (Luxor,

Springwood, Retro), poplar-box woodland over eastern mid-height grass. Pasture land,

native pastures.

Durrandella (Du) – Stony dissected hills, scarps, and breakaways, shallow rocky soils and

shallow red and yellow earths (Shotover, Gregory), bendee and lancewood scrub over

arid scrub grass. Native pastures suitable for light grazing.

The soil units occurring in the Project area comprise the following (CSIRO, 2016) (refer

Figure 10):

Rudosols (Bz2 sands - strongly undulating to low hilly lands with much granite outcrop:

dominant soils are shallow sands), which are usually coarse textured with a very low clay

content, strongly acid and have a low water holding capacity due to the coarse texture,

abundant stones and shallow depth.

Sodosol (Oc24 - broadly undulating lands: dominant are thin-surfaced loamy duplex

soils), which have very low agricultural potential with high sodicity leading to high

erodibility, poor structure and low permeability.

The Project area is not in a coastal area or at or below an elevation of 5m AHD. It does not

exhibit geomorphic or soils indicators for acid sulphate soils. Lot 5 CLM473 and Lot 1 CLM11

over which the Mine area and Access road MLAs and the registered access on MLD219

extend, are not listed on the EMR or CLR (DES, 2018a and b).


If unmitigated or unmanaged, potential accidental release of chemicals and fuels during

Project activities can result in short or long term soil contamination. Releases to land can also

result from inadequate management of overburden and mine affected water, whereby

potential contaminants can seep or leak from containment and storage structures and impact

underlying and adjacent soils.

The Project proposes to irrigate treated effluent from the STP to a designated area on site

(refer section 3.7). An on-site landfill is proposed for the disposal of general waste and tyres.

The size and location of the landfill is still to be determined, however placement will consider

soil characteristics, topography, drainage lines and groundwater conditions.


environmentally responsible manner. Therefore, the potential impacts on land values will be

avoided or appropriately mitigated or managed, as will be outlined in the Project’s


CAPELLA

RUBYVALE ROAD

FOURTEEN THOUSAND

ACCESS

BULLE RYROA DTHERESACREEK

KETTLE CR EEK

CARBINE CREEK

WHE ELCREEK

CRYSTAL CREEK

Ct

Le

Hu

Mo

Mo

O

Wa

Pl

Al

Mo

Cd

Mo

Mo

FORK LAGOONROAD

Hu

Hu

Al

Bl

Du

Al

Hu

Mo

Mo

Mo

Bl

O

Du

Mo

Mo

Cd

Bl

Du

Hu

Bl

Hu

K

Ho580000 585000 590000 595000 600000 605000

7410

000

7415

000

7420

000

7425

000

0 1.5 3 4.5 6

Kilometers

Valeria South ProjectFigure 9 - Land Systems


Land Systems of the Nogoa-Belyando AreaHILLS - Woodlands - Eastern mid-height grass

Hope (Ho)Copperfield (Cd)

HILLS - Woodlands - Blue GrassWaterford (Wa)

HILLS - Woodlands - Bendee and lancewood scrubsDurrandella (Du)

TABLELANDS AND LOWLANDSLennox (Le)

LOWLANDS - Cypress pine scrubPlayfair (Pl)

LOWLANDS - Woodlands - Texture-contrast soildMonteagle (Mo)

LOWLANDS - Brigalow, gidgee and blackwood scrubsHumboldt (Hu)Blackwater (Bl)

LOWLANDS - GrasslandOxford (O)

LOWLANDS - AlluviumAlpha (Al)Comet (Ct)




±Land systems - lands of the Nogoa-Belyando area - Queensland - ZCQ2 (Published 1976/01/01), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) 2018, accessed via QSpatial November 2018



© Glencore 2018








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CAPELLA

RUBYVALE ROAD

FOURTEEN THOUSAND

ACCESS

BULLE RYROA D

KETTLE CREEK

CARBINE CREEK

RE

TREAT CRE EK

THERESA CREEK

WHE ELCREEK

CRYSTAL CREEK

FORKLAGOON ROAD580000 585000 590000 595000 600000 605000

7410

000

7415

000

7420

000

7425

000

0 1.5 3 4.5 6

Kilometers

Valeria South ProjectFigure 10 - Soil Units

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LegendRegistered AccessValeria South Project MLAsRailwayDrainage lineMDL 219EPC 25396Road

Australian Soil ClassificationOrder

Kandosol (My24)Rudosol (Bz2, Fz12)Sodosol (Oc24, Oc26, Sl10,Sl9, Ub79)Vertosol (CC23, Kd7, Kb10)










- Dept of Environment and Resource Management

© Glencore 2018




±Digital Atlas of Australian Soils (Published 2009/10/21), Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) 2009, accessed via Australian Soil Resource Information System, November 2018




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3.2.3 Potential Impacts and Management Measures

Impacts from the Project to land will result from direct disturbance through construction of

the initial box cut, OOP dumps, dams, MIA and other infrastructure and through the upgrade

and construction of roads and tracks. In addition, the Project may involve quarrying basalt

material within the Mine area MLA for use in access and haul road upgrade works.

The positioning of the majority of site infrastructure to avoid watercourses and vegetated

areas will minimise environmental harm to land. Changes to topography may result from the

pit development. The design and positioning of the pit has attempted to minimise the impacts

and rehabilitation works will reshape the landform to contours consistent with the pre-mining

land use. Subsidence is not expected to result from Project activities. Rehabilitation and post-

mine land use is discussed in Section 3.8. Construction activities are described in Section

2.1.2.

The Project also has the potential to impact on surrounding land use resulting from

inappropriate design and management of the Project. The siting of the Mine area and the

road components on BAJV land and existing easements is intended to minimise the impacts

on neighbouring land uses and sterilisation of land for agricultural use.

If unmanaged or unmitigated, Project activities could cause contamination, compaction,

degradation and erosion of soils. Soil surveys of the Mine area MLA will be undertaken to

determine the physical and chemical characteristics of soils on site, and to inform mitigation

and management measures to be implemented throughout Project construction, operation

and rehabilitation. A geochemical assessment will also be undertaken to identify the

characteristics of waste rock material and suitable management measures to be implemented

over the LOM.

Treated effluent from the STP is proposed to be irrigated to land. As part of the

environmental impact assessment, the Project will investigate the sewage treatment systems

suitable for the numbers of personnel anticipated to work at the Project, and the quality of

treated effluent produced by those systems. The location and size of the irrigation area will

be determined in consideration of volumes of treated effluent requiring disposal, proximity to

the STP, topography, receiving soil characteristics, existing ground cover, and proximity to

native vegetation and watercourses/drainage lines.

Measures to mitigate and manage potential impacts to land, as determined by the

environmental impact assessment, could comprise:

Storage and handling of chemicals and fuels away from watercourse or drainage lines and

in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements and Australian Standards.

Installation and monitoring of erosion and sediment control measures, with a focus on

activities undertaken in or near drainage lines or waterways.

Appropriate soil handling measures including topsoil stripping and stockpiling.

Construction and management of storage structures in compliance with DES documents

'Structures which are dams and levees constructed as part of environmentally relevant

activities' and the 'Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic

Performance of Structures' as relevant (DES, 2016b; 2017d).

Restriction of vehicle and machinery access to clearly identified areas on the Mine area

MLA.

Management of weeds and pests as required by the Land Access Code 2016 and the

Biosecurity Act 2014.




Version:

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Assessment of the risk of adverse impacts occurring to land environmental values will

consider:







values.

The above factors and associated level of risk to land environmental values will be

determined during the Project’ environmental impact assessment.

Ecology 3.3


There are no prescribed environmental values relating to ecology for the Project area. The

environmental values of terrestrial and aquatic ecology within the Project area to be

protected or enhanced are considered to comprise:

Vegetation communities and ecosystems.

Environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) as defined by the EP Regulation.

Habitat values associated with vegetation communities, including for endangered,

vulnerable, near threatened and special least concern fauna and flora species.

Vegetation corridors that allow for habitat connectivity, including that provided by riparian

vegetation.

Aquatic ecosystems and associated habitat values for endangered, vulnerable, near

threatened and special least concern species.

GDEs including surface water/groundwater/ecology interactions and the species

supported by these ecosystems.

The Project area is located within the Isaac-Comet Downs sub-region of the Brigalow Belt

Bioregion. Lower-lying areas in the Mine area and Access road MLAs have been cleared in the

past to facilitate cattle grazing. Intact native vegetation communities are present and

associated with the undulated rises, jump-ups and stepped sandstone low hills in the eastern,

western and central portions of the Mine area MLA. A number of ESAs are State-mapped as

occurring in the Project surrounds, including the Caroa Island Paddock Nature Refuge

approximately 10 km to the north-east of the Project area (refer Figure 11).

CAPELLA

RUBYVALE

ROAD

NUTHO LM

RO AD

DAYTONA

ROAD

FO URTEEN THO USAND

ACCESS BULLERY

RO AD

AMAHRO ADCARBINECREEK

RETREATCREEK

KETTLECREEK

W HEE

LCREEK

CRY STALCREEK

THERESACREEK

KINGO W ERBILLABO NG

FO RKLAGO O NROAD

580000 585000 590000 595000 600000 6050007405

000

7410

000

7415

000

7420

000

7425

000

7430

000

0 2 4 6 8

Kilom eters

Valeria South ProjectFigure 11 - State Mapped Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Ref: \\AUSYDSRVC5590\OperationsGIS\Valeria GIS\03.MapDocuments\EA\20190314_EA_EnvSensAreas_03.mxd

Legen dVa leria South Projec t MLAsRegistered Ac c essMDL 219EPC 25396Roa dRa ilwa yDra in a ge lin e

Category BEn da n gered Region a lEc osystem s (BiodiversityStatus)Nature Refuge

Category CState Forest

DISCLAIMERSub jec t To Survey

Glen c ore m a kes every effort to en sure thequa lity of the in form a tion a va ila b le on thism a p.Before relyin g on the in form ation on thism a p, users should c arefully eva lua te its a c c ura c y, c urren c y, com pleten ess a n dreleva n c e for their purposes, a n d shouldob ta in a n y a ppropria te profession a l a dvic ereleva n t to their partic ula r c irc um sta n c es. Glen c ore c a n n ot gua ra n tee a n d assum esn o respon sib ility for the a c c ura c y, c urren c y or com pleten ess of the in form a tion a n d b y usin gthis m ap you a c c ept that Glen c ore has n o lia b ility for a n y loss or da m a ge in a n y form whatsoever c a used directly or in direc tly from

the use of this m a p.© Sta te of Queen sla n d 2018

- Dept of Natura l Resourc es a n d Min es - Dept of Sc ien c e, In form a tion Tec hn ology,



Coordin a te System :GDA 1994 MGA Zon e 55

Projec tion : Tra n sverse Merc a torDatum : GDA 1994Map Size: A4 La n dsc a pe


±Searc h from https://en viron m en t.des.qld.gov.a u/lic en c es-perm its/m aps_ of_ en viron m en ta lly_ sen sitive_ a rea s.php on 26 Novem b er 2018. Matters of state en viron m en ta l sign ific a n c e - Protected area - n a ture refuges – Queen sla n d (Pub lished 2017/06/28), State of Queen sla n d (Departm en t of En viron m en t a n d Sc ien c e) 2018, a c c essed via QSpatia l Novem b er 2018Matters of state en viron m en ta l sign ific a n c e - Regula ted vegetation - c a tegory B en da n gered or of c on c ern – Queen sla n d (Pub lished 2018/07/26), State of Queen sla n d (Departm en t of En viron m en t a n d Sc ien c e) 2018, a c c essed via QSpatia l Novem b er 2018




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The Mine area and Access road MLAs have been mapped by the Queensland Herbarium as

supporting approximately 1,274 ha of remnant vegetation (EcoSM, 2018), containing

endangered, of concern and least concern Regional Ecosystems (REs) (refer Figure 12 and

Figure 13). Most of the mapped remnant vegetation communities have been identified as

supporting a combination of two or more probable RE types (EcoSM, 2018).

In addition to the above, the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Report (PMSR) undertaken

for the two MLA areas (EcoSM, 2018) identifies the following four endangered Threatened

Ecological Communities (TECs) as having the potential to occur within the Mine area MLA

(EcoSM, 2018):

Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant).

Natural Grasslands of the Queensland Central Highlands and northern Fitzroy Basin.

Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Brigalow Belt (North and South) and Nandewar

Bioregions.

Weeping Myall Woodlands.

Preliminary field-validation of the RE mapping undertaken in late 2018 of the two MLA areas

confirmed that the area encompasses approximately 1,274 ha of remnant vegetation (refer

Figure 14). The balance of the MLA areas supports cleared or modified vegetation that no

longer has the height or vegetative cover to be classified as remnant under the Vegetation

Management Act 1999 (VM Act). Note that neither the north-western part of the Mine area

MLA nor the possible coal transport corridor to the south, were surveyed during the

preliminary vegetation assessment.

FOURTEEN

THOUSAND

ACCESS RD

FOURTEEN THOUSAND

ACCESS

WHEEL CREEK

KETTLE CREEK

CRYSTAL CREEK

590000 595000

7415

000

7420

000

0 1.5 3

Kilometers

Valeria South ProjectFigure 12 - State Mapped Regional Ecosystems

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Government Mapped RegionalEcosystems

11.10.111.10.1/11.10.311.10.11/11.9.1/11.10.7/11.10.111.10.1211.10.12/11.10.7/11.10.111.10.12/11.9.111.10.12/11.9.1/11.10.1/11.10.711.10.311.10.3/11.10.1211.10.711.11.111.11.1/11.11.1/11.11.2

11.11.1011.11.211.11.2/11.11.111.11.2/11.11.1/11.11.111.12.211.3.211.3.2/11.3.2511.3.2/11.3.25/11.3.311.3.2/11.3.3/11.3.1/11.3.2511.3.25/11.3.2/11.3.311.4.711.8.1111.8.411.9.111.9.1/11.10.7/11.10.12/11.9.511.9.1/11.10.7/11.5.311.9.511.9.5/11.9.111.9.5/11.9.1/11.10.12Non-remnant vegetation




±

Vegetation management regional ecosystem map - version 10.1 (Published 2018/11/05), The State of Queensland (Department of Natural Resources, Mine and Energy) 2018, accessed via QSpatial November 2018



© Glencore 2018








FOURTEEN

THOUSAND

ACRESACCESS RD

FOURTEEN THOUSAND

ACCESS

KETTLE CREEK

CRYS TALCREEK

WHEEL CREEK

585000 590000 595000 600000

7415

000

7420

000

0 0.9 1.8 2.7 3.6

Kilometers

Valeria South ProjectFigure 13 - State Mapped Vegetation Management Status of Regional Ecosystems

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LegendValeria South Project MLAsRegisteredMDL 219EPC 25396RoadDrainage lineNon-remnant vegetation

High Value RegrowthVegetation

EndangeredOf ConcernLeast Concern

Remnant VegetationEndangeredOf ConcernLeast Concern











© Glencore 2018




±Vegetation management regional ecosystem map - version 10.1 (Published 2018/11/05), The State of Queensland (Department of Natural Resources, Mine and Energy) 2018, accessed via QSpatial November 2018

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BULLE RYROA D

CAPELLA RUBYVALE ROAD

GREGORY HIGHWAY

FOURTEEN

THOUSAND ACCESS

CAPELLARUBYVALE ROAD

CARBINE CREEK

KETTLE C REEK

CAPELLA CREEK

RETRO CREEK

THERESA CREEK

WHEEL CREEK

CRYSTAL CREEK

GORDONSTONE CREEK

KINGOWER BILLABO NG

FORK LAGOON

ROAD

575000 580000 585000 590000 595000 600000 605000 610000 615000

7410

000

7415

000

7420

000

7425

000

7430

000

7435

000

7440

000

0 2.5 5 7.5 10

Kilometers

Valeria South ProjectFigure 14 - 2012 and 2018 Ecology Survey Effort

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LegendValeria South Project MLAsRegisteredMDL 219EPC 25396RoadRailwayDrainage line

State Mapped VegetationManagement Status of RegionalEcosystems

EndangeredOf ConcernLeast Concern

Field Verified VegetationManagement Status (EcoSM, 2012-2018)

EndangeredOf concernLeast concern

! 2012 Flora Survey Site! 2012 Fauna Survey Site! 2018 Flora Survey Site











© Glencore 2018




±Valeria South Vegetation Mapping (EcoSM, 2012, 2018)




Version:

Final

5



Fewer areas of remnant endangered vegetation were identified in the two MLAs as a result of

the preliminary vegetation assessment than identified on State Government RE mapping.

Further, only one area of remnant of concern vegetation was identified in the Mine area and

Access road MLAs, limited to a drainage basin (EcoSM, 2018) (refer Figure 15 and Figure 16).

Details of the nine REs that were found to comprise remnant vegetation within the Mine area

and Access road MLAs and their associated Broad Vegetation Group (BVG) are presented in

Table 9. Given the high-level nature of the preliminary vegetation assessment, the majority

of remnant vegetation communities within the two MLA areas have also been identified as

supporting a combination of two or more probable RE types (EcoSM, 2018). More detailed

surveys will be undertaken as part of the Project’s environmental impact assessment to

further clarify the location and extent of remnant REs within the Project area.

Table 9 Preliminary Field Validated Regional Ecosystems

RE code Short descriptions BVG Conservation status1

VM Act Biodiversity EPBC Act

11.3.2 Eucalyptus populnea woodland on alluvial plains.

17a Of concern Of concern -

11.3.25 Eucalyptus tereticornis or E.

camaldulensis woodland fringing drainage lines.

16a Least concern Of concern -

11.8.4 Eucalyptus melanophloia open woodland on Cainozoic igneous rocks.

11a Least concern No concern at present

-

11.9.1 Acacia harpophylla - Eucalyptus cambageana woodland to open forest on fine-grained sedimentary rocks.

25a Endangered Endangered Endangered

11.9.5 Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata open forest on fine-grained sedimentary rocks.

25a Endangered Endangered Endangered

11.10.1 Corymbia citriodora woodland on coarse-grained sedimentary rocks


-

11.10.3 Acacia catenulata or A. shirleyi open forest on coarse-grained sedimentary rocks. Crests and scarps.


-

11.10.7 Eucalyptus crebra woodland on coarse-grained sedimentary rocks.


-

11.10.13b Corymbia leichhardtii woodland. 12a Least concern No concern at present

-

1. Status: VM Act and Biodiversity status, EPBC Act status only applies if the vegetation meets the key diagnostic criteriaand condition thresholds for the corresponding TEC: - RE 11.9.1 and RE 11.9.5 – Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominantand co-dominant) TEC.

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Field Verified Regional Ecosystems11.10.1211.10.12/11.9.111.10.13b11.10.311.10.3/11.10.1211.10.3/11.10.711.10.3/11.10.7/11.10.111.10.7/11.10.111.10.7/11.10.1/11.10.311.10.7/11.10.311.3.211.3.2511.8.411.9.111.9.1/11.10.311.9.1/11.10.711.9.5




±Valeria South Vegetation Mapping (EcoSM, 2018)



© Glencore 2018








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Valeria South ProjectFigure 16 - Preliminary Field Verified Vegetation Management Status

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Field Verified VegetationManagement Status

EndangeredOf concernLeast concern











© Glencore 2018




±Valeria South Vegetation Mapping (EcoSM, 2018)




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3.3.1.2 Threatened Ecological Communities

A small polygon of RE 11.9.5 was identified in the north-eastern portion of the Mine area MLA

corresponding with Brigalow TEC (refer Figure 15). Three polygons of RE 11.9.1 were also

mapped in the northern and south-eastern part of the Mine area MLA (refer Figure 16). These

patches contained either no or very low densities of Brigalow and therefore do not represent

the Brigalow TEC under the EPBC Act (EcoSM, 2018).

Similarly, a number of mixed polygons of vegetation that include RE 11.9.1 as a probable

vegetation type were mapped throughout northern and eastern portion of the Mine area MLA.

These communities are also lacking sufficient coverage of Brigalow to be considered as part

of the Brigalow TEC. Given the above, approximately 1.3 ha of Brigalow TEC has been

identified in the Mine area MLA (EcoSM, 2018). No other surveyed vegetation communities

were found to support the structural or floristic characteristics of any other TECs listed under

the EPBC Act.

3.3.1.3 Flora Habitat Values

Desktop Review

There are records for three threatened flora species listed under the EPBC Act and/or Nature

Conservation Act 1992 (Qld) (NC Act) within the search area (25 km radius around the

Project area), as follows:

King Bluegrass (Dichanthium queenslandicum), listed as endangered under the EPBC Act

and vulnerable under the NC Act.

Bertya opponens (no common name), listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act.

Cyperus clarus (no common name), listed as vulnerable under the NC Act.

In addition to the above, the PMSR returned the following four flora species listed under the

NC Act and/or EPBC Act as having the potential to occur in the Project area:

Aristida annua (no common name), listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and NC Act.

Ooline (Cadellia pentastylis), listed as vulnerable under EPBC Act and NC Act.

Bluegrass (Dichanthium setosum), listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act.

Marsdenia brevifolia (no common name), listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and NC

Act.

An assessment of the likelihood of the above species of conservation significance to occur in

the Project area will be undertaken as part of the Project’s environmental impact assessment.

None of the remnant vegetation communities mapped by the Queensland Herbarium in the

Project area have been identified as essential habitat for any NC Act listed flora. The Project

area has not been mapped as occurring within a high-risk area on the Protected Plants Flora

Survey Trigger Map (EcoSM, 2018).

Field Survey

One flora species listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act was recorded during the

preliminary field survey of the MLA areas, namely Bertya opponens. Approximately 50

individuals of this species were recorded on the northern edge of a mixed polygon of

vegetation supporting wattle scrubs and occasional eucalypt woodlands. The population was

recorded in Lancewood (Acacia shirleyi) woodland to open forest (RE 11.10.3) at the edge of




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an undulated rise in the central portion of the Mine area MLA (refer Figure 16) (EcoSM,

2018).

No other EPBC Act listed species returned from database searches are considered to have a

moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence based on the lack of habitat and/or records

within the search area (EcoSM, 2018). No NC Act listed species were recorded during the

preliminary field survey. Further, no NC Act listed flora species are considered likely to have a

moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence based on the lack of habitat and/or records

within the search area (EcoSM, 2018).

3.3.1.4 Fauna Habitat Values

Desktop Review

There are records for the following 11 fauna species of conservation significance listed under

the NC Act and/or EPBC Act within the Project search area (EcoSM, 2018):

Birds:

Australian Painted Snipe (Rostratula australis), listed as endangered under the EPBC Act

and vulnerable under the NC Act.

Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus), listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and

endangered under the NC Act.

Squatter Pigeon (southern) (Geophaps scripta scripta), listed as vulnerable in the EPBC

Act and NC Act.

Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda), listed as vulnerable under the NC Act.

Mammals:

Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), listed as endangered under the EPBC Act.

Greater Glider (Petauroides volans), listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and NC Act.

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), listed as vulnerable and the EPBC Act and NC Act.

Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), listed as special least concern under the

NC Act.

Reptiles:

Ornamental Snake (Denisonia maculata), listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and NC

Act.

Yakka Skink (Egernia rugosa), listed as vulnerable as the EPBC Act and NC Act.

Golden-tailed Gecko (Strophurus taenicauda), listed as near threatened under the NC Act.

In addition to the above, the PMSR returned the following nine threatened fauna species

listed under the NC Act and/or EPBC Act as having the potential to occur in the Project area:

Birds:

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea), listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act.

Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda ruficauda), listed as endangered under the EPBC Act and

NC Act.

Southern Black-throated Finch (Poephila cinta cinta), listed as endangered under the

EPBC Act and NC Act.

Painted Honeyeater (Grantiella picta), listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and NC

Act.




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Mammals:

Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri), listed as vulnerable NC Act and EPBC Act.

Corben’s Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus corbeni), listed as vulnerable NC Act and EPBC Act.

Reptiles:

Allan’s Lerista (Lerista allanae), listed as endangered EPBC Act and NC Act.

Collared Delma (Delma torquata), listed as vulnerable EPBC Act and NC Act.

Dunmall’s Snake (Furina dunmalli), listed as vulnerable EPBC Act and NC Act.

An assessment of the likelihood for the above species of conservation significance to occur in

the Project area will be undertaken as part of the Project’s environmental impact assessment.

Field Survey

During the preliminary field assessment, the vegetation communities within the Mine area

MLA were found to support a diversity of habitat features including:

A variety of tree, shrub and groundcover species that provide a range of forage and

roosting resources.

Hollow bearing trees that provide denning resources.

Emergent trees on the crest of rises and low hills that provide opportunity for nesting

resources (e.g. raptors).

Rocky outcrops with overhangs, nooks and cracks.

Deep leaf litter layer.

Fallen timber and coarse woody debris.

Habitats within the Mine area MLA have the potential to support threatened fauna

populations. No threatened fauna species listed under the EPBC Act were recorded during the

preliminary field survey. However, the following species have been assessed as potentially

occurring in the Mine area MLA (EcoSM, 2018).

Northern Quoll (low to moderate) - suitable habitat (i.e. rocky escarpments) is present in

the Mine area MLA and the species has been recorded within 25 km of the Project area.

However, the Atlas of Living Australia database indicates the record for this species within

the search area is a preserved specimen from Mt Ball, approximately 21 km west of the

Project area, dated 1975.

Greater Glider (low to moderate) – the area of RE 11.3.25 within the Access road MLA

provides potential habitat for this species. However, this vegetation has been reduced to

a fragmented and sometimes extremely narrow fringing band.

Koala (moderate to high) – suitable habitat present in the form of remnant woodlands

dominated by preferred habitat trees (i.e. species in the Eucalyptus, Corymbia,

Angophora, Melaleuca and Lophostemon). Areas supporting REs 11.3.2, 11.3.25, 11.8.4,

11.9.1, 11.10.1 and 11.10.7 were found to be dominated by habitat trees and therefore

have the potential to be used by Koalas. Areas of REs 11.9.5, 11.10.13b and most

distributions of RE 11.10.3 were found to support lower densities or no Koala habitat

trees and therefore are less likely to provide habitat for this species.

Collared Delma (low to moderate) - there is suitable habitat for this species in the form of

Eucalypt dominated woodlands on landzones 9 and 10. However, there are no records for

this species in the search area.

Dunmall’s Snake (low to moderate) - there is suitable habitat for this species in the form

of Brigalow communities and Eucalypt woodlands on landzones 9 and 10. However, there

are no records for this species in the search area.




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Yakka Skink (low to moderate) - there are some areas of rocky habitat associated with

undulated rises and jump-ups in the Mine area MLA. A reasonable cover of fallen woody

debris was observed in some of the vegetation communities during the preliminary field

survey, particularly Lancewood woodland (RE 11.10.3) and breakaways into drainage

corridors supporting Eucalypt woodlands (RE 11.10.7).

The Short-beaked Echidna is the only species listed solely under the NC Act that has been

assessed as having a moderate to high likelihood of occurring in the Project area and is

recorded in database searches (EcoSM, 2018). This species occurs in a wide range of habitats

including grazing land and is likely to occur throughout the Project area. However, areas of

remnant vegetation are likely to be of greater habitat value for this species due to the

presence of logs and leaf litter.

The Fork-tailed Swift is the only bird species listed as migratory under the EPBC Act and

special least concern under the NC Act, assessed as having a moderate likelihood of

occurrence in the Project area (EcoSM, 2018). This species is a non-breeding migrant to

Australia, but there is the potential for it overfly the Project area during broader movements

throughout the landscape.

Habitats within the Project area are considered generally unsuitable for the remaining

migratory birds returned from the database searches, due to the lack of vegetated wetlands

and aquatic habitats, closed and wet sclerophyll forests and complex riparian communities

(EcoSM, 2018). Detailed fauna surveys will be undertaken during the Project’s environmental

impact assessment to confirm the presence/absence of the species discussed above and/or

suitable habitat in the Project area.

3.3.1.5 Matters of National and State Environmental Significance

The following MNES have been identified in the PMSR as occurring or having the potential to

occur within the Mine area MLA:

TECs comprising 1.3 ha of the Brigalow TEC in the form of RE 11.9.5 in the northern

portion of the MLA.

Threatened species in the form of:

o A population of Bertya opponens, in the central portion of the MLA.

o Potential habitat for six threatened fauna species.

Migratory species in the form of potential overfly habitat for the Fork-tailed Swift.

The following MSES have been identified or have the potential to occur within the two MLA

areas (EcoSM, 2018):

Regulated vegetation in the form of:

o 36.9 ha of remnant endangered REs consisting of:

9.2 ha of RE 11.9.1.

23.4 ha of RE11.9.1/RE 11.10.3 (85/15 combination).

3.0 ha of RE 11.9.1/RE 11.10.7 (85/15 combination).

1.3 ha of RE 11.9.5.

o 4.0 ha of remnant of concern RE 11.3.2.

Watercourse REs consisting of:




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o 3.3 ha of remnant endangered vegetation consisting of 1.4 ha of RE 11.9.1 and

1.9 ha of RE 11.9.1/11.10.3 (85/15) within 25 m of the defining bank of 1st

stream order watercourses.

o 1.4 ha of remnant of concern vegetation (RE 11.3.2) within 25 m of the defining

bank of 1st and 2nd stream order watercourses.

o 47.3 ha of remnant least concern vegetation within 25 m of the defining bank of

first and second stream order watercourses (i.e. 4.4 ha of 11.10.13b, 27.2 ha of

11.10.3/11.10.7/11.10.1, 2.3 ha of 11.10.7/11.10.1, 11.8 ha of

11.10.7/11.10.1/11.10.3 and 1.6 ha of RE 11.3.25).

Essential habitat for Ornamental Snake identified by State mapping within the Mine area

MLA. However, the preliminary field surveys have indicated that suitable habitat for this

species is unlikely to be present.

Special least concern fauna in the form of potential habitat for the Short-beaked Echidna

and migratory birds.

3.3.1.6 Aquatic Ecology

There are no State Government-mapped MSES fish habitat areas, high ecological significance

wetlands or high ecological value waters or wetlands in the Mine area MLA or immediate

surrounds. In addition, there are no wetland management areas or directory of important

wetlands State-mapped as occuring in the Mine area.

State mapping shows a number of terrestrial GDEs occurring in the Mine area MLA. The

Access road MLA crosses Crystal Creek and its tributary, associated with remnant RE with 1-

50% wetland component. There are no mapped lacustrine, palustrine or riverine wetlands in

the Mine area MLA, with the closest of these being associated with Kettle Creek and Retreat

Creek to the south, and downstream of the Access road MLA on a tributary of Crystal Creek.

There are no State-mapped subterranean or surface expression GDEs or springs occurring in

the Mine area MLA or surrounds. There are no vegetation management wetlands or Wetland

Protection Areas mapped within the Mine area MLA or surrounds (refer Figure 17).

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Valeria South ProjectFigure 17 - Wetlands, Springs and Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems

Ref: \\ausydsrvc5590\OperationsGIS\Valeria GIS\03.MapDocuments\EA\20190314_EA_GDEs_05.mxd

Legen dV a leria South Projec t M LAsRegistered Ac c essM DL 219EPC 25396State ForestDra in a ge lin e

W etla n dsLa c ustrin ePa lustrin eRiverin eRem n a n t region a l ecosystem s1-50% wetla n ds (m osa ic un its)W etla n ds on the vegetationm a n a gem en t wetla n ds m a p

Class of Groun dwater Depen den tEc osystem

Sub terra n ea n (c a ves a n da quifers) GDESurfa c e expression GDETerrestria l GDE

DISCLAIM ERSub jec t To Survey

Glen c ore m a kes every effort to en sure thequa lity of the in form a tion a va ila b le on thism a p.Before relyin g on the in form ation on thism a p, users should c a refully eva lua te its a c c ura c y, c urren c y, com pleten ess a n dreleva n c e for their purposes, a n d shouldob ta in a n y a ppropria te profession a l a dvic ereleva n t to their pa rtic ula r c irc um sta n c es. Glen c ore c a n n ot gua ra n tee a n d assum esn o respon sib ility for the a c c ura c y, c urren c y or com pleten ess of the in form a tion a n d b y usin gthis m a p you a c c ept that Glen c ore has n o lia b ility for a n y loss or da m a ge in a n y form whatsoever c a used direc tly or in direc tly from


- Dept of Natura l Resourc es a n d M in es - Dept of Sc ien c e, In form a tion Tec hn ology,


M a n a gem en t© Glen c ore 2018

Coordin a te System :GDA 1994 M GA Zon e 55

Projec tion : Tra n sverse M erc a torDatum : GDA 1994M a p Size: A4 La n dsc a pe

Date Crea ted: 15/03/2019

±Groun dwater depen den t ec osystem s a n d poten tia l a quifer m a ppin g - Queen sla n d (Pub lished 2018/05/28), State of Queen sla n d (Depa rtm en t of En viron m en t a n d Sc ien c e) 2018, a c c essed via QSpa tia l Novem b er 2018V egeta tion m a n a gem en t wetla n ds m a p - version 4.7 (Pub lished 2018/11/05), The State of Queen sla n d (Depa rtm en t of Na tura l Resourc es, M in e a n d En ergy) 2018, a c c essed via QSpa tia l Novem b er 2018.W etla n d m a ppin g — Rub yva le 100K m a p tile — 8451, W etla n dIn fo, Depa rtm en t of En viron m en t a n d Sc ien c e, Queen sla n d, viewed 3 Dec em b er 2018, <https://wetla n din fo.des.qld.gov.a u/wetla n ds/fa c ts-m a ps/tile-100k-rub yva le/>En viron m en t a n d Sc ien c e, Queen sla n d Govern m en t, Sprin gs data b a se, lic en sed un der Crea tive Com m on s Attrib ution 4.0 sourc ed on 3 Dec em b er 2018




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There are no planned emissions or releases from the Project to terrestrial or aquatic

ecosystems that would impact on environmental values.


If unmitigated or unmanaged, the following Project activities could have the potential to

impact on ecological environmental values:

Clearing for infrastructure development, resulting in vegetation and habitat loss, and

fragmentation.

Unplanned releases of sediment and contaminants to waterways resulting in a decline in

aquatic habitat values.

Unplanned releases of contaminants to soil, resulting in degradation of surrounding

vegetation and habitat.

Excessive dust generation and deposition resulting in degradation of habitation and

reduced vegetation growth.

Introduction and/or spread of weed and feral animal species resulting in degradation of

habitat, increased competition and decline in local native populations.

Wet and dry season terrestrial and aquatic ecological surveys and an assessment of GDEs will

be undertaken for the Project’s environmental impact assessment to better understand the

local and regional ecology and potential impacts.


environmentally responsible manner. Therefore, the potential impacts identified on ecological

values will be avoided or appropriately mitigated or managed, as will be outlined in the

Project’s environmental impact assessment report. Mitigation and management measures

could include:

Pre-clearance ecological survey and fauna spotter-catcher involvement.

Staged clearing of vegetation to minimise extent of disturbance area at any one time.

Restriction of vehicle and machinery access to areas approved for disturbance only.

Preferential location of infrastructure in areas historically cleared of vegetation.

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas no longer needed for operation of the Project as soon as

practicable.

Appropriate weed and pest species management.

Installation of erosion and sediment controls and informed planning of construction work

through watercourses to minimise impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

3.3.3.1 Offsets

Subject to Project impact assessment, significant impacts to MNES under the Commonwealth

EPBC Act may require biodiversity offsets. In addition, significant residual impacts to

prescribed environmental matters (PEM) may also need to be offset under the Queensland

Environmental Offsets Act 2014 (EO Act) (DES, 2016a; 2018c). These include MSES listed in

Schedule 2 of the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014, accredited MNES under the EPBC

Act, and Matters of Local Environmental Significance.




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Wet and dry season terrestrial and aquatic ecological surveys will be undertaken to identify

environmental values of the Project area and surrounds. Field-verified data for MNES and

PEM will be used in impact assessment to determine whether the Project will result in

significant or significant residual impacts under the EPBC Act and EO Act respectively, and

whether biodiversity offsets will be required.


Assessment of the risk of adverse impacts occurring to ecological environmental values will

consider:







values.

The above factors and associated level of risk to ecological environmental values will be

determined in the Project’s environmental impact assessment.

Surface Water 3.4


3.4.1.1 Watercourses and Uses

The Project area lies in the Lower Nogoa/Theresa Creek sub-basin in the central section of

the Fitzroy Basin, which is the largest river catchment that flows to the eastern coast of

Australia (4T, 2018). All surface flows from the Project area eventually flow into Theresa

Creek then into the Nogoa River. Kettle and Crystal Creeks are the receiving waterways for

surface run off from the Mine area MLA. The Access road MLA crosses Crystal Creek and one

of its tributaries. Fork Lagoon Road (potentially part of the coal transport corridor) crosses

Kettle Creek and Retreat Creek to the south. Wheel Creek and tributaries are not considered

connected to the catchment of the Project area due to topographical separation of the two

(refer Figure 18).

All streams within the Project area are highly ephemeral, with flow only occurring following

episodic rainfall events. During the wet season, median flows through Theresa Creek are 242

ML/day but can be as great as 13,503 ML/day. Outside the wet season, creeks are typically

dry (4T, 2018).

RETREATCREEK

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Strea m O rder1234≥5Roa d

DISCLAIMERSub jec t To Survey

Glen c ore m a kes every effort to en sure thequa lity of the in form a tion a va ila b le on thism a p.Before relyin g on the in form ation on thism a p, users should c arefully eva lua te its a c c ura c y, c urren c y, com pleten ess a n dreleva n c e for their purposes, a n d shouldob ta in a n y a ppropria te profession a l a dvic ereleva n t to their partic ula r c irc um sta n c es. Glen c ore c a n n ot gua ra n tee a n d assum esn o respon sib ility for the a c c ura c y, c urren c y or com pleten ess of the in form a tion a n d b y usin gthis m ap you a c c ept that Glen c ore has n o lia b ility for a n y loss or da m a ge in a n y form whatsoever c a used directly or in direc tly from


- Dept of Natura l Resourc es a n d Min es - Dept of Sc ien c e, In form a tion Tec hn ology,



Coordin a te System :GDA 1994 MGA Zon e 55

Projec tion : Tra n sverse Merc a torDatum : GDA 1994Map Size: A4 La n dsc a pe


±O rdered dra in a ge 100K - Queen sla n d - b y area of in terest – Queen sla n d (Pub lished 2017/06/23), State of Queen sla n d (Departm en t of Natura l Resourc es, Min es a n d En ergy) 2018, a c c essed via QSpatia l Novem b er 2018Queen sla n d floodpla in assessm en t overla y (Pub lished 2013/10/17), State of Queen sla n d (Queen sla n d Rec on struc tion Authority) 2018, a c c essed via QSpatia l Novem b er 2018




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The Lower Nogoa/Theresa Creek sub-basin has multiple uses that rely on surface water for

economic and recreational purposes, for which the EPP Water assigns the following

environmental values:

Aquatic ecosystem - high ecological value to moderately disturbed.

Irrigation - only in developed areas.

Farm supply - only in developed areas, suitability of domestic farm water supply, other

than drinking water.

Stock water.

Human consumption of fish and crustaceans.

Primary recreation - recreation involving direct contact with the water.

Secondary recreation - recreation involving indirect contact with the water.

Visual recreation - recreation involving the water but with no direct contact.

Drinking water - suitable for raw drinking water supply.

Industrial use - only in developed areas.

Cultural and spiritual values.

The receiving waterways of the Mine area MLA are considered to be minor waterways in the

headwaters of the Fitzroy River, and as such receive relatively little flow. Within Kettle and

Crystal Creeks there is insufficient flow to support significant irrigation or industrial use,

drinking water (other than for individual homesteads) or direct/indirect forms of recreation.

The EPP Water assigns Lower Nogoa and Theresa Creek tributaries a number of Water Quality

Objectives (WQOs) that are intended to protect moderately disturbed aquatic ecosystems.

Site-specific WQOs will be developed for the Project as part of the environmental impact

assessment to be undertaken.

3.4.1.2 Flooding and Water Quality

Floods have occurred in the region in the 1950s, 1990 and more recently in 2008, 2010 and

2016. In recent floods, Theresa Creek waters breached the stream banks and inundated a

significant area (4T, 2018). There is no publically available information on the extent of

inundation of the Project area during these events.

Figure 18 present the DNRME flood assessment overlay for the area, indicating that the pit,

MIA, dumps and other primary Project infrastructure are located outside the flood extent. The

Access road MLA across Crystal Creek is just outside the extent of the flood assessment

overlay. Flow data from the DNRME Theresa Creek – Valeria monitoring point located north-

west of the Project area (lat: 231109S, long: 1475350E) indicates that higher flows and risk

of flooding occurs between December and May (4T, 2018).

Water quality data is available for Theresa Creek to the north-west and some distance

downstream, from two DNRME gauges (Theresa Creek – Gregory Highway Crossing point

next to the Gregory Highway (lat: 232560S, long: 1480900E) and the Theresa Creek –

Valeria monitoring point identified above). However, due to their locations, results from these

gauges are not directly relevant to the Project. Surface water monitoring will be undertaken

immediately up and downstream of the Project area as part of the environmental impact

assessment.




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3.4.1.3 Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems

No springs have been identified in or around the Project area in the Queensland Government

Springs Database (4t, 2018). No important wetlands have been identified within the Project

area as mapped in the Queensland Government inventory of importance wetlands (refer

Figure 17).

As discussed in Section 3.3.1.6, State Government-mapping shows a number of terrestrial

GDEs occurring in the Mine area MLA, some being associated with drainage lines, and one

area of remnant RE with 1-50% wetland component. State mapping also identifies this RE as

occurring in the vicinity of Crystal Creek and its tributaries within the Access road MLA.

There are no State-mapped subterranean or surface expression GDEs occurring in the Mine

area or surrounds (refer Figure 17). GDEs will be assessed as part of the additional ecology,

surface and groundwater work to be undertaken for the Project environmental impact

assessment, taking into account regulatory guidelines including the Independent Expert

Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development’s (IESC)

Information Guidelines explanatory note – Assessing groundwater-dependent ecosystems

(2019).


The activities to be carried out for the Project do not involve any planned emissions or

releases to surface waters. There is no proposed release of mine affected water to

watercourses, with this water proposed to be reused on site.


Overall water usage for the Project is estimated at between 150 and 200 MLpa, proposed to

be primarily supplied through groundwater bore yield. To supplement water supply, a dam

(<50ML) will be considered, likely to be located in an area of higher elevation to catch

overland flow but without significantly impacting on any of the stream order 1 drainage lines

or downstream watercourses. An additional turkey’s nest dam (approximate capacity of 50

ML) will be required near the MIA to hold transfer water, piped from the dam or groundwater

bores. Under the Water Act 2000, the Water Plan (Fitzroy Basin) 2011 regulates capture and

use of overland flow water and the Project may require a water licence if the dam described

above is determined to be capturing overland flow.

Proposed creek crossings will comprise either culverts or bridges depending on the steepness

of the embankments, surrounding topography, and vehicle and weight loading specifications.

Other watercourse crossings proposed for use may require upgrading depending on

conditions of existing infrastructure.

If unmitigated or unmanaged, there is potential for the Project to impact on surface water

through reduction of surface water flow resulting from groundwater drawdown, modification

of the local flood regime and release of contaminants (DES, 2017c). Glencore has extensive

experience in Queensland managing coal mining operations in an environmentally responsible

manner. Therefore, the potential impacts identified on surface water values will be avoided or

appropriately mitigated or managed as will be outlined within the Project’s environmental

impact assessment report.




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3.4.3.1 Reduction in Base Flow

Reduction in base flow of watercourses within the Project area and surrounds can result from

drawdown in groundwater levels resulting from water bore extraction and inflow into the pit.

This can have impacts on the functionally of the watercourse and associated WQOs, and

ecological values. The potential impacts of groundwater drawdown is discussed in Section

3.5.

3.4.3.2 Surface Water and Flood Studies

As part of the Project environmental impact assessment, a survey will be undertaken of the

Project area to define the following:

Environmental values, baseline water quality, baseline stream flow conditions and

baseline flood conditions of the surface water.

Geomorphic, hydrologic/hydraulic and environmental features of the major drainage

features and overland flow paths.

Creek channel stability at proposed linear infrastructure crossing or upgrade locations.

Field verification of whether the surface water systems met the definition of ‘watercourse’

under the Water Act 2000 and DNRME requirements.

Results of the survey will be used to determine the potential impacts on surface water that

may result from the Project. The survey results will also inform watercourse crossing design,

surface water management measures to be implemented on site, and provide input into the

flood assessment.

A flood assessment will be required where Project activities and infrastructure has the

potential to impact on local flood behaviour. Hydrologic and hydraulic flood models may be

developed to represent the catchment areas, land-use and flow paths as well as modifications

to topography or hydraulic structures associated with the Project (e.g. dams, bunds,

transport route creek crossings, etc.). Design events (e.g. 100 and 1,000-year Annual

Exceedance Probability (AEP)) for a number of mine scenarios (e.g. maximum impact) as well

as for the access and coal transport routes will be simulated to assess the level of impact

associated with changes to the catchment and floodplain that may result from the Project.

A surface water monitoring program will be implemented upstream and downstream of the

Mine area MLA on Kettle and Crystal Creeks. The scope of the monitoring will be defined once

the surface water field survey is complete, with potential gauge locations selected during the

survey. In addition, monitoring will be undertaken to verify the operation of the site water

management system and that the water balance models are accurate.

3.4.3.3 Site Water Management

A site water balance assessment will be undertaken to identify whether the Project will

operate in a surplus or deficit, and provide a clear understanding of future water

management issues. The site water balance assessment will:

Document the location and purpose of required water infrastructure including dams as

well as the alignment of clean water catchment diversions, water pipelines etc.

Define catchment and land use for various stages of the mine progression in addition to

the final closure landform.

Include the development of a site water balance model that incorporates the catchments

and Project water management system.




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A site water management system will be designed to ensure water moves across the site in a

controlled manner and at non-erosive flow velocities. Management of construction activities

will consider natural drainage lines, where water could pool and channel, potentially creating

fast flow paths and resultant gully erosion. Erosion and sediment control measures will be

implemented for the Project as required.

The site water management system will separate clean and dirty storm water with clean

water to be diverted around disturbed land wherever practicable. Clean water catchment

diversions will be sized based on design flood estimates and stable drainage landform design

approaches. Stormwater diversion channels will divert clean water away from disturbed areas

in order to reduce the amount of potentially contaminated water which must be contained.

Dirty water (i.e. stormwater that has come in contact with disturbed land surfaces) will be

contained and collected within the site. Sediment Control Dams (SCDs) will serve to collect

and contain direct rainfall and runoff from disturbed areas including the OOP dump surfaces

and surrounds. Once suspended solids have settled out in the SCDs, water will be pumped

out and used for on-site activities at the MIA and for dust suppression.

Water storages for the Project will be designed, constructed and managed in accordance with

the DES documents ‘Manual for assessing consequences categories and hydraulic

performance of structures’ (ESR/2016/1933) and ‘Structures which are dams or levees

constructed as part of environmentally relevant activities’ (DES, 2016b; 2017d) to mitigate

against unplanned releases from water storage structures.

A consequence category assessment will be undertaken where required for proposed water

storage infrastructure to identify whether the Project will involve any new regulated

structures. The assessment will be based on the expected location, configuration, nature of

the contents and other relevant aspects of the structures. As required by the DES Manual

referenced above, all regulated structures will be recorded on a Project register.

3.4.3.4 Final Void

It is unclear at this stage whether the Project will leave a final void after rehabilitation is

complete. If a final void is proposed, an assessment of the final void hydrology and water

quality characteristics for the Project will be undertaken to determine the suitability of the

void water quality for the proposed post-mining land use(s). VS intends that any final void

resulting from the Project will be able to support a post-mining land use, so as not to

constitute a Non-Use Management Area (NUMA). The above information will feed into the

rehabilitation planning included in the PRCP (refer Section 3.8).


Assessment of the risk of adverse impacts occurring to surface water environmental values

will consider:







values.




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The above factors and associated level of risk to surface water environmental values will be

determined during the Project’s environmental impact assessment.

Groundwater 3.5

3.5.1 Proposal to Exercise Underground Water Rights

VS is proposing to exercise underground water rights associated with mining activities during

the LOM.

As required by Chapter 3 of the Water Act 2000, an Underground Water Impact Report

(UWIR) for the Project will be developed and submitted to the regulator prior to the exercise

of underground water rights (DES, 2017e). The UWIR will be developed from the impact

assessment to be undertaken for the Project and will describe, make predictions about, and

assist in managing the impacts of underground water extraction resulting from the Project.

The UWIR will:

Identify aquifers that may potentially be impacted by the Project, both in immediately

affected areas and long-term affected areas.

Nominate obligations to monitor impacts on aquifers and springs, and provide a strategy

and processes to mitigate any predicted impacts.

Establish underground water obligations including ‘make good’ obligations of VS for

private water bores (including surrounding landholder bores).

In addition, the Project will obtain a water authorisation as required under the Water Act

2000 before extracting non-associated groundwater (i.e. water that is not necessarily and

unavoidably obtained in the process of extracting a resource) for use in mining related

activities.

3.5.2 Description of the Area in which Underground Water Rights are Proposed to be Exercised

As required by s126A of the EP Act, the area in which underground water rights for the

Project are proposed to be exercised is described in Section 1.3 and Section 3.2.1 above.

Section 1.3 includes tables of GPS coordinates for the Project and Figure 1 shows the location

of the Project area. Figures 2 and 3 show the proposed mine plan and project staging.

Section 3.2.1 provides information on tenure, planning, land use of the Project area.

3.5.3 Groundwater Environmental Values

The EPP Water assigns the groundwater of the Fitzroy Basin various environmental values

based on groundwater quality and users. The Project is within a ‘Lower Nogoa Groundwaters’

zone that is considered to be an alluvial sequence with low-moderate salinity and balanced

cations, bicarbonate and chloride. Environmental values for Lower Nogoa Groundwaters

comprise:

Aquatic ecosystem.

Irrigation.

Farm supply.

Stock water.




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Primary Recreation.

Drinking water.

Industrial.

Cultural and spiritual values.

These will be confirmed for the Project area during the environmental impact assessment.

As shown on Figure 17, there are no springs mapped in the State Government databases as

occurring in the Mine area or surrounds (i.e. map extent). Section 3.3.1.6 describes the

aquatic ecology of the area.

3.5.3.1 Existing Bores

A census of bores on 13 properties, including ‘Fork Lagoon’ and ‘Jaydena’, as well as other

properties on and adjacent to MDL219, were undertaken in 2013. The census showed that

the bores are predominantly located within the alluvium of Kettle, Carbine or Theresa Creeks

and used for stock water (4T, 2018) (refer Figure 19).

Information recorded during the census included bore location, elevation, structural details of

the bore, and water use. Groundwater levels and water quality parameters (pH, electrical

conductivity, and total dissolved solids) were measured where possible. Information from the

landholder, such as drilling logs, bore depths, and date drilled were also documented.

Additional limited exploration drilling has been undertaken across the area since the bore

census was carried out in 2013 (4T, 2018). In summary, local landholders whose properties

are not located on the alluvium of Kettle, Carbine or Theresa Creeks generally rely on surface

water storages for stock watering.

Other than landholder bores, 23 groundwater monitoring bores were drilled in and around

MDL219 by Rio Tinto in 2012 (refer Figure 19). Some monitoring bores had been drilled in

the MDL at an earlier time. Multiple landholder bores in or close by the Mine area MLA

subsequently had data loggers installed.

Previous reports concluded that the standing water level across all units has a declining trend

over the monitoring period, which correlates well with a declining cumulative rainfall

departure, i.e. a period of below average rainfall (4T, 2018). The bores which screen alluvial

sediments respond to periods of more intense rainfall compared to most Permian and

basement bores.

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Figure 19 - Groundwater Bores in the Project Area and Surrounds

0 2 4 6 8

Kilometers



© Glencore 2018








LegendValeria South ProjectMLAsRegistered AccessMDL 219EPC 25396

State ForestRoadRailwayDrainage line

CBGreater ValeriaGroundwaterMonitoring Bore

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±

Rio Tinto Groundwater Drilling Program (2012); Australasian Groundwater & Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd (2013); 4T (2018)




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3.5.3.2 Water Quality Objectives

WQOs for Fitzroy Basin groundwater have been determined in accordance with the applicable

chemistry zone and depth category of drilling. The Project is located within zone 13 on the

EPP Water Central Queensland Map Series WQ1310 – Fitzroy Basin Groundwater Zones

(Basin 130) for which the EPP Water assigns the WQOs listed in Table 10 (4T, 2018). Bores

utilised by local landholders are usually less than 20 m deep with unconfined/semi-confined

water levels between 3 and 5 m deep (4T, 2018).

Table 10 Water Quality Objectives for the Project Groundwater

Parameter Shallow (<30m) Deep (>30m)

20th % 50th % 80th % 20th % 50th % 80th %

pH 7.5 8 8.3 7.5 7.9 8.2

Electrical conductivity (µs/cm)

630 1150 2509 720 1256 1950

Hardness (mg/L as CaCO3) 145 350 650 136 326 540

Alkalinity (mg/L) 249 409 626 262 355 560

Calcium (mg/L) 21 40 73 21 40 72

Magnesium (mg/L) 21 54 119 15 51 88

Sodium (mg/L) 56 135 326 75 139 279

Chloride (mg/L) 30 110 400 54 141 327

Sulfate (mg/L) 5 24 125 8 25 67

HCO3 (mg/L) 295 490 754 315 429 673

NO3 (mg/L) 0.5 3 16.39 0 1 4.93

SiO2 (mg/L) 28 46 60 18 37 56

Flouride (mg/L) 0.2 0.31 0.594 0.157 0.2 0.37

Iron (mg/L) 0 0.01 0.04 0 0.02 0.09

Mangenese (mg/L) 0 0.01 0.02 0 0.01 0.04

Zinc (mg/L) 0 0.015 0.05 0.01 0.035 0.135

Copper (mg/L) 0 0.01 0.03 0 0.01 0.035

Sodium absorption ratio 1.6 3.15 7.01 2 3..50 8.96

Residual alkaline hazard (meq/L)

0.3 1.79 4.08 0.51 2.23 3.98

Redox potential (mV) ID




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3.5.4 Description of Aquifers, Potential Area of Decline and Potential Groundwater Movement

Based on the geology of the area, a number of aquifer types are understood to occur in the

Mine area MLA. Figure 20 provides a geological cross section of the relative positions of the

aquifer types discussed below. The occurrence of these aquifer types and potential for the

Project to impact these will be determined during the Project environmental impact

assessment.

3.5.4.1 Alluvial

Groundwater flow within the alluvium of Kettle and Crystal Creeks is likely to be restricted to

the coarser sediments such as gravels and sands. Recharge to these sand and gravel lenses

could be expected to occur mainly from seasonal surface water flows. Seepage could occur

downwards through the bed and banks of the creeks when flowing. In addition, infiltration

may occur from the ground surface of the alluvium after sustained rainfall events (4T, 2018).

Vertical infiltration generally moves downwards until intersecting the saturated aquifer where

it then joins the down valley groundwater flow to the east (4T, 2018).

Where sand aquifers are in contact with underlying permeable rocks, groundwater can move

either vertically down into the underlying formation or vertically upwards from the underlying

formation depending on the relative hydraulic head difference between the aquifers. The

saturated alluvium crosses both the Reids Dome Beds and the Aldebaran Sandstone, both of

which contain aquifers generally associated with the coal seams (4T, 2018). The potential

interconnectivity of these aquifer systems and whether nearby creeks act as losing or gaining

streams seasonally will be investigated.

3.5.4.2 Regolith and Basalt

As a result of long periods of weathering of the exposed land surface, significant areas of

regolith have formed in and around the Project area, particularly to the east and north-east.

The material is thought to be predominantly fine grained, showing significant lateral

variation, and is located in elevated positions. These factors, together with the low average

rainfall, means that it is unlikely that permanent aquifers will be present within these shallow

deposits (4T, 2018).

Basalt flows can form extensive and sustainable aquifers when the conditions for placement

are present. In the Mine area MLA there are only small areas of remnant Tertiary basalt with

the main feature being a sinuous range of north-south basalt hills which almost bisects the

area (4T, 2018). There are no known landholder bores sourcing groundwater from either the

regolith or basalt deposits in the Mine area or surrounds.

Valeria South ProjectFigure 20 - Geological Section of Relative Aquifer Positions

Ref: \\AUSYDSRVC5590\OperationsGIS\Valeria GIS\03.MapDocuments\EA\20190315_EA_Aquifers_01.mxd

DISCLAIMERSu bjec t To Su rvey

Glencore m akes every effort to ensu re th equ ality of th e inform ation available on th ism ap.Before relying on the inform ation on th ism ap, u sers shou ld carefu lly evalu ate its ac c u racy, c u rrency, com pleteness andrelevance for their pu rposes, and shou ldobtain any appropriate professional ad vicerelevant to th eir partic u lar c irc u m stances. Glencore cannot g u arantee and assu m esno responsibility for th e ac c u racy, c u rrency or com pleteness of th e inform ation and by u singth is m ap you ac cept th at Glencore h as no liability for any loss or d am ag e in any form wh atsoever cau sed d irectly or ind irectly from

th e u se of th is m ap.© State of Qu eensland 2018

- Dept of Natu ral Resou rces and Mines - Dept of Sc ience, Inform ation Tec h nolog y,

Innovation and the Arts - Dept of Environm ent and Resou rce

Manag em ent© Glencore 2018

Contou rs - 10 m etre interval - by area of interest – Qu eensland (Pu blish ed 2016/08/16), State of Qu eensland (Departm ent of Natu ral Resou rces, Mines and Energ y) 2018, accessed via QSpatial Novem ber 2018




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3.5.4.3 Permian and Pre-Permian

There is potential for aquifers to occur in the Permian formations the Reids Dome Beds and

the overlying Aldebaran Sandstone. Throughout most of the Bowen Basin the fresh (non-

weathered) Permian strata may be categorised into the following hydrogeological units (4T,

2018):

Hydrogeologically ‘tight’ and hence low yielding to essentially dry sandstone/siltstone that

comprise the majority of the Permian interburden/overburden.

Low to moderately permeable coal seams which are the prime water bearing strata within

the Permian sequence.

The coal seams within the Permian sequences are expected to contain groundwater within

the cleats formed during coal deposition. Coals with higher cleat density are more permeable

than those with fewer cleats. The groundwater in these aquifers will be confined to the coal

seams by the lower permeability interburden above and below the seams and hence will flow

along hydraulic gradient within these seams (4T, 2018). These aquifers represent potential

groundwater sources for the Project, subject to the Project’s environmental impact

assessment.

Pre-Permian basement aquifers are the oldest formations in the Mine area MLA and form an

inlier surrounded (and covered in some areas) by the younger Permian formations. These

formations are composed of a variety of intrusive, sedimentary and metamorphic sequences

which will be folded and faulted in the unweathered state. There are no known landholder

bores sourcing groundwater from the Pre-Permian formations in the Mine area or surrounds.

3.5.5 Potential Impacts to the Quantity and Quality of Groundwater

Groundwater may be used as a supplementary water supply for the Project. It is yet to be

determined the volume of supplementary water required, how many bores would be needed

and where they would be located. Extraction of groundwater for use in the Project may result

in drawdown on aquifers and any interconnected systems (DES, 2016c). Drawdown may also

result from development of the pit whereby groundwater could preferentially flow into the pit

and need to be pumped out for mining activities to proceed. Activities to be carried out as

part of the Project do not involve any planned emissions or releases to groundwater.

If unmitigated and unmanaged, the Project has the potential to cause the following impacts:

Decline in groundwater levels and/or pressure at private water bores, reducing water

availability and potentially impacting groundwater environmental values.

Reduction in groundwater head potentially causing impacts to GDEs.

Reduction of baseflow to watercourses, potentially resulting in impacts to GDEs and

reduced surface water availability to potential users downstream.

Contamination of shallow groundwater systems due to the improper storage and handling

of fuels and chemicals.

Changes in groundwater quality through seepage from water storage facilities or the

proposed on-site landfill.

Changes to levels and/or quality of shallow groundwater systems from over-irrigating of

treated effluent and over-use of water for dust suppression and construction activities.


environmentally responsible manner. Therefore, the potential impacts identified on




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groundwater values will be avoided or appropriately mitigated or managed as will be outlined

in the Project’s environmental impact assessment report.

3.5.5.1 Monitoring

The existing groundwater monitoring bore network on MDL219 and surrounds and the data

gathered from this network to date will be reviewed and analysed. If required, additional

monitoring bores will be installed to provide baseline groundwater information for the Project.

The 2013 bore census will be reviewed and additional baseline bore assessment undertaken

in accordance the Water Act 2000.

A groundwater monitoring program will be implemented for the on-going and periodic

collection of groundwater samples for analytical testing, and the recording of groundwater

levels and downloading of level‐loggers. Monitoring results will be used to determine site-

specific WQOs. Groundwater will be monitored for the LOM to ensure potential groundwater

impacts are identified and mitigated/managed as early as possible, in accordance with

relevant EA and EPBC Act approval conditions and UWIR commitments.

3.5.5.2 Modelling

A groundwater model is proposed to be developed for the Project. Monitoring data and

publically available information provides a conceptual understanding of the regional and local

hydrogeological system and would likely inform the groundwater model domain. Key aspects

of the conceptual understanding to be captured in the model include:

Key surface water bodies (e.g. Kettle Creek, Crystal Creek) and associated unconsolidated

sedimentary deposits that may be influenced by groundwater depressurisation.

Hydraulic interconnectivity and compartmentalisation of the groundwater system by

geological structures.

Hydraulic connection between geological units including representation of vertical

gradients as relevant.

Interpreted zones of groundwater recharge and discharge.

The spatial distribution of active and planned coal mining of the target coal seams for

Project.

The model may be calibrated by comparing observed historical groundwater levels to

modelled groundwater levels and adjusting the model to achieve an acceptable match. The

Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines will be used to guide the model calibration

process.

Predictive Simulation

Predictive simulations for baseline conditions and Project scenarios will be undertaken to

assess the potential incremental impacts of the Project on the local and regional groundwater

system. Information to be included in the simulations comprises:

All relevant existing, proposed and approved land uses and stock watering bores that

have potential to influence groundwater levels in the vicinity of the Project.

Mine plans and schedule of development for the Project over LOM, including closure

timeframe, final land use, residual voids, topography etc.

The key modelling outputs will include Project only, and cumulative:

Drawdown on each model layer during mining and post-closure.




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Total and annual inflow rates over LOM and post-closure (by model layer and regulated

groundwater resource in accordance with the Fitzroy Basin Resource Operations Plan).

Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis

A sensitivity and uncertainty analysis will be undertaken to help quantify the uncertainty in

the groundwater model caused by uncertainty in aquifer parameter estimates, stresses and

boundary conditions. The parameter estimates, stresses and boundary conditions will be

modified within plausible ranges, and may be restricted to one parameter change at a time.

The methodology to be adopted for the sensitivity and uncertainty analysis will be in

consideration of the IESC’s draft explanatory notes on Uncertainty Analysis in Groundwater

Modelling (2018).

3.5.6 Strategies for Avoiding, Mitigating or Managing Predicted Impacts

Results from groundwater assessment will be used to determine the potential impacts of

project-related and cumulative groundwater extraction on local and regional environmental

values.

Requirements of the Water Act 2000 will be addressed including licencing for the take of non-

associated groundwater, development of a UWIR for the Project (DES, 2017e), and

implementation of ‘make good’ provisions should significant drawdown impacts on

surrounding private water bores be predicted to occur. Results of the Project’s environmental

impact assessment will also be used to further develop management strategies and

mitigation measures.

As regards potential contaminants impacting on groundwater systems, the following will be

undertaken:

Design, construct and operate all regulated structures in accordance with the

requirements of the DES ‘Manual for assessing consequences categories and hydraulic

performance of structures’ and ‘Structures which are dams or levees constructed as part

of environmentally relevant activities’ (DEHP, 2016b; 2017d) and maintain a regulated

structures register.

All fuels, chemicals and waste materials will be stored and handled in accordance with the

relevant legislative requirements and Australian Standards.

Use of water for dust suppression etc. and irrigation of treated effluent will be undertaken

in accordance with EA conditions and legislative requirements.


Assessment of the risk of adverse impacts occurring to groundwater environmental values

will consider:







values.




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The above factors and associated level of risk to groundwater environmental values and

appropriate mitigation measures will be determined through the Project’s environmental

impact assessment.

Noise and Vibration 3.6


Ambient noise levels at the Mine area MLA are expected to be typical of rural areas with the

prominent noise sources likely to be from agricultural activities and insects. Noise levels

along Capella Rubyvale Road, Fourteen Thousand Access Road and the northern section of

Fork Lagoon Road are expected to be consistent with that for rural roads. The southern part

of Fork Lagoon Road is expected to experience higher noise levels due to the proximity of the

Capricorn Highway and the Central Western Railway line.

Typical of a rural area, the night time background and ambient noise levels are expected to

be lower than those experienced during the day. Noise levels during summer are expected to

be higher than in winter as a result of prevalence of insect (e.g. cicada) noise during warmer

months (DES, 2013) and the reduced distance that sound travels due to lower ambient air

temperatures in cooler months.

The noise environmental values for the Project area that are to be enhanced or protected as

required by the EPP Noise comprise the qualities of the acoustic environment that are

conducive to (DES, 2017f):

Protecting the health and biodiversity of ecosystems.

Human health and wellbeing, including by ensuring a suitable acoustic environment for

individuals to sleep, project and learn and be involved in recreation, including relaxation

and conversation.

Protecting the amenity of the community.

As relevant to the sensitive receptors in the Project surrounds (refer section 3.1.1.4), the EPP

Noise lists the acoustic quality objectives, measured at the receptor (dB(A)). The Project

environmental impact assessment report will take into account EPP Noise objectives for

sensitive receptors.


Noise and vibration will be generated by the Project during the construction, operation and

rehabilitation and closure phases. Noise will be generated predominantly during daylight

hours during the construction period. Operational noise will be generated 24 hours per day, 7

days per week, 52 weeks of the year. Noise will also be generated during road and rail

transportation of coal product.

Noise and vibration can be constant or intermittent occurring over the short or long term.

Construction-related and intermittent noise and vibration can be generated by:

Drilling activities.

Dozers, graders and other plant and machinery used for site preparation and construction

of infrastructure, roads and tracks, bunds, dams etc.

Blasting and excavation machinery used to develop the pit boxcut.




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Trucks and vehicle movements to, from and within site.

Workshop activities including plant and equipment maintenance, refuelling etc.

Diesel generators.

Operational noise can be generated by:

Blasting and excavation of the pit.

CHPP and conveyors.

Movement of trucks and vehicles to, from and within the site.

Workshop activities including plant and equipment maintenance, refuelling etc.

Activities at the load out facilities.

Movement of trains and haul trucks along the transport route.

Rehabilitation and closure noise will be generated from:

Demolition and removal of buildings and infrastructure.

Truck, machinery and equipment movements associated with removal of access tracks

and roads, landform contouring, soil placement and revegetating landforms.


Noise and vibration becomes a nuisance when there is an unreasonable interference with an

acoustic value such as a material interference with property or the personal comfort or

quality of life of persons. Factors that can increase noise and vibration impacts include (DES,

2017f):

Character of the receiving environment (e.g. distance from sensitive receptors, existing

land uses, levels of background noise etc.)

Duration and the time of day that noise is generated.

Characteristics of the noise (i.e. tonal, impulsive, continuous at a steady state or

fluctuating etc.) and associated vibration/overpressure.

The hierarchy as described in the EPP Noise requires the following be undertaken to minimise

impacts to environmental values:

Avoid causing noise impacts.

Minimise noise impacts firstly through orientation of the activity to minimise noise and

secondly using best available technology.

Manage noise impacts.


environmentally responsible manner. Therefore, the potential impacts identified on acoustic

values will be avoided or appropriately mitigated or managed as will be outlined with the

Project’s environmental impact assessment report.

3.6.3.1 Monitoring and Modelling

The Project will undertake attended and unattended background noise monitoring at

representative sensitive receptors near to the Project area in accordance with the EPP Noise

and relevant guidelines and Australian Standards. This data, noise levels for equipment to be

utilised for the Project, and any planned noise mitigation measures will be incorporated into

the noise modelling. Noise modelling results will be compared against the EPP Noise




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objectives and inform EA noise limits for day-time, evening and night-time that are not to be

exceeded at sensitive receptors.

Vibration monitoring and modelling will be undertaken to inform EA blasting noise limits for

airblast overpressure and ground vibration peak particle velocity, for day and night-time at

sensitive receptors. A Blast Monitoring Program will be implemented to monitor EA limits at

the nearest sensitive receptor, as required.

3.6.3.2 Site Layout and Design

Project planning and design has and will continue to consider the following factors to mitigate

noise impacts:

OOP dump locations, configuration size and orientation as regards potential to provide a

noise mitigation/barrier.

Active mining locations including the pit, with particular consideration of activities which

will be undertaken at elevated or exposed locations.

Mine infrastructure locations and the nature of work to be undertaken at these sites.

Other infrastructure locations and operational aspects such as haul roads and stockpiles.

Low frequency noise produced by machinery, both rotational and reciprocating, as well as

all forms of transport and turbulence (e.g. fans, pumps, blasting, electrical installations

and diesel engines).

Hours and time of day of construction, operation and coal transportation.

Existing topography and likely topographical changes during mining operations and how

this may result in changes to the noise emissions from the operation over the LOM.

Prevailing meteorological conditions and how these may affect noise propagation.

If monitoring and modelling indicate that sensitive receptors may be impacted by Project

noise, the following will be considered:

The placement of material stockpile and dump locations to provide for maximum

operational flexibility in times when adverse weather conditions are predicted or

experienced.

The need for noise bunds or similar to potentially limit noise propagation, particularly in

relation to equipment and infrastructure locations.

Whether modified activities can be undertaken during adverse weather conditions,

including relocating equipment or temporarily ceasing operations.


Assessment of the risk of adverse impacts occurring to acoustic environmental values will

consider:







values.




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The above factors and associated level of risk to acoustic environmental values will be

determined during the Project’s environmental impact assessment.

Waste 3.7


There are currently no prescribed environmental values for waste management on the two

MLAs. The environmental values previously prescribed under the Environmental Protection

(Waste Management) Policy 2000 (repealed) provide an indication of the matters that may

be impacted by the generation and management of waste at the Project:

The life, health and wellbeing of people.

Soil, air and surface and groundwater quality.

Land use capability, having regard to economic considerations.

In the greater Project surrounds, solid and liquid wastes are generated from domestic and

commercial premises as well as agricultural, industrial and resource activities. These wastes

comprise general, recyclable and regulated wastes.


Mine waste generated by the Project will generally be limited to dry chitta reject, and

overburden and interburden (collectively called waste rock). Waste rock is the natural rock

and soil that sits above and around the ore body and which needs to be removed to allow

access to the coal seam. Waste rock includes topsoil, clay and rock, each of which will be

stored for reuse where appropriate.

Sulphides found in and along coal-bearing strata can oxidise to form sulphuric acid when it

comes in contact with water, and depending on the ability of the chemical compounds in

associated materials to neutralise or buffer the acidity, can result in Acid Rock Drainage

(ARD). Waste rock can be non-acid forming (NAF) or potential acid forming (PAF) which both

need to be handled appropriately. The expected annual volume of waste rock that will be

generated by the Project is estimated at generally 10 to 16 Mbcm per annum.

As described in Section 2.1.2, ROM coal will be processed using Air Jig technology which

produces a dry reject. No tailings or wet slurry will result from this process, significantly

reducing the overall volume of water required to operate the Project. The expected volume of

coarse reject per annum approximates 0.7 to 0.9 Mt. A geochemical assessment will be

undertaken to characterise the reject and spoil to inform management of the material.

Other waste that may be generated from the Project comprises:

General waste, including putrescible wastes that decompose easily and are recyclable by

composting, and non-putrescible wastes that are not easily decomposed but may be

recyclable.

Recyclable waste that can be reconditioned, reprocessed or reused.

Regulated waste as defined in Schedule 7 of the EP Regulation that require specific

controls and management actions as defined by legislation.

The types of waste likely to be generated by the Project along with the associated activity

phase (DES, 2017g), as well as indicative estimated volumes, are to be confirmed through




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more detailed mine planning and presented in the Project’s environmental impact assessment

report.

The Project proposes to construct an on-site landfill for the disposal of general waste and

tyres (in-pit or in-dump as is common mining practice). The location and design of the landfill

has not been determined at this stage but will consider topography, drainage lines and

groundwater as well as distance from key mining infrastructure.

The Project will require a STP. Treated effluent is proposed to be irrigated to land in

accordance with EA conditions. Sewage sludge and residue will be removed from the STP by

a licensed contractors and disposed of at an appropriately authorised facility.


As required by the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, resources used for the Project

will be managed in accordance with the waste management hierarchy. If managed

inappropriately, waste has the potential to result in the following:

Contamination of soil or water through inappropriate waste disposal, accidental release of

waste/chemicals or seepage/leakage from waste containment structures.

Impacts to the environment, land use or well-being of people , such as:

o Littering and pollution.

o Increase in vermin and associated health implications.

o Impacts on native wildlife where food waste is inappropriately managed.

The waste management hierarchy requires that the Project:

Avoids unnecessary resource consumption.

Reduces waste generation and disposal.

Reuses waste resources without further manufacturing.

Recycles waste resources to make the same or different products.

Recovers waste resources, including the recovery of energy.

Treats waste before disposal, including reducing the hazardous nature of waste.

Disposes of waste only if there is no viable alternative.

The Project will implement this hierarchy. Reuse, recycling and waste minimisation

opportunities will be undertaken where practicable, including but not limited to:

Educating and training of Project personnel and contractors in waste prevention,

reduction, recycling, re-use treatment and final disposal.

Ensuring contractors have targets for reducing waste surplus materials and recycling

where possible.

Ensuring Project activities consider existing available resources on site prior to purchasing

additional materials/equipment.


environmentally responsible manner including through effective waste minimisation and

management. Therefore, potential impacts on environmental values from waste will be

avoided or appropriately mitigated or managed as will be outlined with the Project’s





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Mitigation and management measures could include:

Geochemical characterisation of waste rock to inform ongoing management of PAF and

final landform and rehabilitation design.

Establishment of a hardstand waste area with receptacles including for recycling colour-

coded and labelled based on the waste hierarchy.

Waste receptacles that seal appropriately to avoid attracting native and feral animals

(including vermin) into the Mine area.

Putrescible waste, disposed of on site at the landfill, to be covered by earth to reduce

scavenging.

Wastes to be removed from site will be transported by a licensed waste contractor to an

appropriately licensed waste disposal facility.


Assessment of the risk of adverse impacts occurring to environmental values from waste

generated by the Project will consider:







values.

The above factors and associated level of risk to environmental values will be determined

during the Project’s environmental impact assessment.

Rehabilitation and Closure 3.8

3.8.1 Strategy and Goals

As discussed in Section 1.2.2, rehabilitation and closure planning will be undertaken for the

Project with details provided to DES in the draft PRCP to be developed and included within

the Project’s environmental impact assessment report.

There are four general goals relating to the rehabilitation of areas disturbed by mining:

Safe to humans and animals.

Non-polluting.

Geotechnically stable.

Able to sustain an agreed post mining land use.

The Project rehabilitation strategy will be defined in the PRCP to achieve these goals and

developed in consideration of site-specific aspects such as land use, climate, ML boundaries,

any existing (historic) disturbance, material properties and available biological resources for

rehabilitation. Development of the rehabilitation strategy will include the following steps as

relevant:

Describe the intended post-mining land uses.




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Identify the domains of the Project having regard to the post-mining land uses.

Establish rehabilitation objectives for each domain, considering legal requirements,

stakeholder expectations, land capability and land-use, aesthetic aspects of the

rehabilitated mine landform and water quality.

Identify indicators that support the rehabilitation objectives and can be measured reliably

over time using accepted scientific techniques.

Nominate rehabilitation success criteria to monitor the progress and ultimate success of

rehabilitation in achieving the post-mining land uses.

3.8.2 Post-mine Land Use and Completion Criteria

The post-mining land use nominated for the Project is grazing (grazing being the pre-

dominant pre-mining land use) and reinstatement of native vegetation where possible and

where that was the pre-mining land use (numbers 4 and 2 respectively in the DES

rehabilitation hierarchy (DES, 2014b)). VS intends that any final void left by the Project will

be able to support a post-mining land use, so as not constitute a NUMA.

Rehabilitation indicators and rehabilitation success criteria will be developed and incorporated

into the PRCP as relevant. Suitable indicators (e.g. pH, slope, topsoil depth) will be

nominated and measured to demonstrate and track the progress of an aspect of

rehabilitation towards the rehabilitation success criteria. The rehabilitation success criteria to

be met by the rehabilitation in achieving the nominated post-mine land uses will be selected

as objective target levels or values that can be measured to quantitatively demonstrate the

progress and ultimate achievement of the criteria. Rehabilitation of available areas will be

undertaken progressively once they become available and are no longer needed for

operational purposes.

3.8.3 Rehabilitation Considerations

The Project will consider the following key principals during landform design activities and

when preparing the PRCP:

Incorporate natural undulations and slope geometries into the final landform and aim to

minimise the use of berms, across-slope banks or drainage swales and rock drop

structures.

Reinstate natural drainage patterns disrupted by mining or acceptable drainage patterns.

Model and design for critical duration surface runoff, to make sure drainage designs are

adequate.

Minimise the long-term visual impact by creating landforms which are compatible with the

surrounding landscape.

To this end, over the LOM the WOOP dump is proposed to be expanded to the east and south

behind the advancing mining operation. The WOOP would then transition into an in-pit dump

to sequentially backfill the operational void. In addition, the SOOP has been located to allow

for pushing into the void once operations cease. These design elements will facilitate cost

efficient and effective rehabilitation.

Materials including topsoil, subsoils and waste rock will be characterised as required to

understand limitations and requirements for the treatment and management.

Characterisation of these materials will inform mine and rehabilitation planning and design

and maximise successful revegetation being achieved during mining or at closure.




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Key details to be included within the PRCP will include but not limited to:

Vegetation and topsoil removal.

Management of subsoil.

Drainage.

Topsoil placement.

Revegetation.

The Project’s environmental impact assessment report will develop a rehabilitation monitoring

program for inclusion in the PRCP. Monitoring will allow the success of rehabilitation

operations to be evaluated, identify the need for corrective action and/or maintenance works,

and review the trajectory of rehabilitation areas towards achieving completion criteria.

Community 3.9

3.9.1 Social Considerations

The Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017 (SSRC Act), has been recently

enacted to ensure that residents of communities near large resource projects benefit from

the construction and operation of those projects. Among other matters, the SSRC Act makes

an enhanced social impact assessment mandatory for large resource projects going through

an EIS process, and prioritises recruitment from local and regional communities first, then

recruitment of workers who will relocate and live in nearby regional communities.

VS intends to develop and implement a plan to prioritise the recruitment of workers from

local communities, particularly Capella, Emerald and surrounds. Consultation will also be

undertaken with the Western Kangoulu People in terms of a business, employment, training

and skills development programs.

Glencore, as parent company of VS has well established programs, including an employee

assistance program, which will be implemented at the Project to ensure the health and

wellbeing of the proposed workforce. Subject to further assessment and consultation, it is

intended that the Project construction and operational workforce (approximately 60 and 75

people respectively) will be accommodated in Capella and surrounds, in existing housing

where possible. It is not anticipated that the Project will require a camp.

The Project will seek to maximise opportunities for competitive and capable local businesses

to provide goods and services, and reduce barriers to entry for local businesses where

feasible. Local and Indigenous Business supply chain principles will be adopted and promoted

throughout the Project.

3.9.1.1 Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholders relevant to the Project include but may not be limited to:

Landholders neighbouring the Project area.

Western Kangoulu People as Traditional Owners of the Project area and surrounds.

Local and regional businesses, and community groups.

Federal, State and Local Government and agencies.

Non-government organisations and unions.




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Industry groups.

A consultative and inclusive Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) will be developed and

implemented for the Project, commencing early in the project planning phase to consider the

nature of potential beneficial and detrimental impacts and the needs of various stakeholder

groups. Stakeholders will be provided with timely and relevant information about the Project

with the aim of engagement activities being to:

Understand who is likely to be impacted by the Project and how.

Understand the affected communities.

Identify and assess potential social and community impacts.

Develop management measures to mitigate adverse impacts and enhance benefits.

Statutorily prescribed public notification periods for the MLAs, EA and EPBC Act application

and approval processes will offer the public opportunity to comment on the Project. During

these periods, application material will be advertised at a minimum on a dedicated Project

webpage (hosted on the Glencore website), on the regulator websites and in National and

State newspapers as required, for the public to respond to by way of written submissions to

the regulator. Periodic meetings will be held with Local, State and Federal Government and

regulatory agencies for both primary and secondary approvals.




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http://www.nntt.gov.au/Maps/QLD_Southern_and_Western_NTDA_Schedule.pdf

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https://environment.ehp.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/map/

https://qldglobe.information.qld.gov.au/

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