dysart east coal mine project

a

Report Dysart East Coal Mine Project

Rehabilitation Strategy

17 February 2014 42627233/01/2

Prepared for: Bengal Coal Pty Ltd

Prepared by URS Australia Pty Ltd

AUSTRALIA

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DOCUMENT PRODUCTION / APPROVAL RECORD

Issue No. Name Signature Date Position Title

Prepared by

Brent Forbes

17/02/2014 Senior Associate Soil Scientist

Checked by

Dr Tony Jong

17/02/2014 Principal Geochemist

Approved by

David Curwen

17/02/2014 Principal Environmental Scientist

Report Name: Dysart East Coal Mine Project Sub Title: Rehabilitation Strategy Report No. 42627233/01/2 Status: Final Client Contact Details: Nick Lodge Bengal Coal Pty Ltd Level 10 12 Creek Street Brisbane, QLD 4000

DOCUMENT REVISION RECORD

Issue No. Date Details of Revisions

Rev1 05/02/2014 Draft Report

Rev 2 17/02/2014 Revised Report

Issued by: URS Australia Pty Ltd Level 17, 240 Queen Street Brisbane, QLD 4000 GPO Box 302, QLD 4001 Australia T: +61 7 3243 2111 F: +61 7 3243 2199 © Document copyright of URS Australia Pty Limited. No use of the contents, concepts, designs, drawings, specifications, plans etc. included in this report is permitted unless and until they are the subject of a written contract between URS Australia and the addressee of this report. URS Australia accepts no liability of any kind for any unauthorised use of the contents of this report and URS Australia reserves the right to seek compensation for any such unauthorised use. Document Delivery. URS Australia provides this document in either printed format, electronic format or both. URS Australia considers the printed version to be binding. The electronic format is provided for the client’s convenience and URS Australia requests that the client ensures the integrity of this electronic information is maintained. Storage of this electronic information should at a minimum comply with the requirements of the Electronic Transactions Act 2000 (Cth).

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FIGURES

Figure 1-1 Location of Dysart East Coal Project .......................................................................................... 2

Figure 1-2 Conceptual final landform ........................................................................................................... 5

APPENDICES

Appendix A Rehabilitation Requirements and preliminary success criteria

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Objectives of the Rehabilitation Strategy ................................................................................... 1

1.3 Proposed Infrastructure, Mining and Rehabilitation Activities ................................................ 3

1.4 Rehabilitation activities ................................................................................................................ 3

2 REHABILITATION STRATEGY ..................................................................................................... 6 2.1 General principles ......................................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Final landform and planning ........................................................................................................ 7

2.3 Progressive rehabilitation ............................................................................................................ 7

2.4 Revegetation .................................................................................................................................. 7

2.5 Topsoil Management .................................................................................................................... 8

2.5.1 Topsoil stripping, stockpiling and re-use ................................................................................... 8 2.6 Rehabilitation monitoring ............................................................................................................. 8

2.7 Rehabilitation requirements and proposed success criteria ................................................... 9

3 REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 10

4 LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 11

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

A rehabilitation strategy has been developed, based on available information received for the Dysart East Coal Project (the Project) on behalf of Bengal Coal Pty Ltd (Bengal Coal). The Dysart East Project is located either side of the Golden Mile Road approximately 7 kilometres (km) east of Dysart Township. The project area comprises a total area of approximately 765 hectares (Figure 1-1).

Historically the project area has been extensively cleared and is currently being utilised for beef cattle grazing, with some dry land cropping of sorghum occurring in the north of the project area. Prior to clearing, the original vegetation consisted of Brigalow softwood scrub in the south and Mountain Coolabah downs in the north. An area of mixed riverine vegetation, consisting of remnant Poplar Box and Brigalow occurs along the north-east to south-west running central to the ephemeral creek line through the project area. Extensive areas of regrowth exist in the south of the project area.

The geology of the area consists of re-deposited Tertiary sediments, basalt or shale. The subsequent partial or complete removal of the old Tertiary land surface and deep weathered zone has determined the major characteristics of soils and the land in general. The topography of the project area consists typically of gently undulating to gently sloping plains of generally less than 3 per cent (%) slope.

1.2 Objectives of the Rehabilitation Strategy

The purpose of the rehabilitation strategy is to set objectives for the rehabilitation of disturbed land that will occur as a result from the proposed Project, including specifically the following key objectives:

• Achievement of acceptable post-disturbance land use suitability – Mining and rehabilitation will aim to create a stable landform with land use capability and/or suitability similar to that prior to disturbance (if possible), unless other beneficial land uses are pre-determined and agreed. This will be achieved by setting clear rehabilitation success criteria and outlining the monitoring requirements that assess whether or not these criteria are being accomplished.

• The decided post mining land use will ensure that the rehabilitated areas, be used only in accordance with the limits of the agreed post mining agricultural suitability class in order to sustain the land use without degradation.

• Creation of a stable post-disturbance landform – Mine wastes (a mixture of spoil and rejects) and areas of disturbed land, will be rehabilitated to a self-sustaining condition or to one where maintenance requirements are consistent with the agreed post-mining land use(s).

• Preservation of downstream water quality – potentially contaminated water originating from the mining lease, will be captured and suitably treated in appropriately engineered structures before being re-used or stored. Current and future water quality will be maintained at required regulatory levels.

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REHABILITATION STRATEGY42627233-g-062.mxd Drawn: RG Approved: BF Date: 20-02-2014

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DYSART EAST COAL MINEBENGAL COALPTY LTD REGIONAL LOCATION

Whilst every care is taken by URS to ensure the accuracy of the digital data, URS makes no representation or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness, suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and liability ( including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any expenses,losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which may be incurred as a result of data being inaccurate in any way for any reason. Electronic files are provided for information only. The data in these files is not controlled or subject to automatic updates for users outside of URS.

Source: Client Supplied Data

Rev.A

This map may contain data sourced from: © Mapinfo Australia Pty Ltd and PSMA Australia Ltd., © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia) 2012 , © The State of Queensland 2012, Bing Maps © Microsoft Corporation and its data suppliers.

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The following guidelines have been used in the preparation of the Rehabilitation Strategy:

• Queensland Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Guidelines 18: Rehabilitation Requirements for Mining Projects; and

• Technical Guidelines for the Environmental Management of Exploration and Mining in Queensland (1995).

1.3 Proposed Infrastructure, Mining and Rehabilitation Activities

The Project involves the development and operation of a new open-cut coal mine (using trenching and highwall techniques) and associated infrastructure within Mineral Development Licence (MDL) 450 (ML 70507) to produce approximately 1.9 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of run-of-mine (ROM) coal.

Specifically, the Project will primarily comprise:

• Surface mining of several seams within the Moranbah Coal Measures (P, Harrow Creek, and Dysart seams) using trenching and highwall mining methods;

• Construction and operation of a relocatable modular coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP); and

• Hauling ROM coal by haul road to the CHPP where it will be crushed, sized and washed before being transported by rail to export facilities.

• Building of mine infrastructure (MIA), which will consist of administration and operations buildings, fuel storage areas, equipment maintenance areas, workshops, hard stand areas and other associated services.

Over a 21 year life of mine (LOM), the Project will produce a total of 201 million tonnes of spoil waste and 37 million tonnes run-of-mine (ROM) coal (i.e. raw coal) (Bengal Coal, 2013). Based on the predicted proportion of rejects to ROM coal (30 %), the Project is estimated to produce 11 million tonnes of rejects.

Mine waste disposal includes backfilling of spoil into mine voids or placed within the out-of-pit waste rock dumps. All reject materials (coarse rejects and fine rejects) from the relocatable modular coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) will be mixed with spoil and disposed in in-pit dumps and within out-of-pit waste rock dumps. There is no anticipated requirement to construct a tailings storage facility (TSF).

1.4 Rehabilitation activities

All rehabilitation, where possible will take place progressively and the rehabilitation strategy that is adopted, should ensure that areas of disturbed land are returned as close reasonably practicable to a similar pre-mining Agricultural Land Suitability Class.

In areas not subjected to significant landscape disturbance (mine infrastructure areas and un-mined lease areas), the proposed impacts are considered to be manageable and the proposed post-mining land use of low density cattle grazing is considered achievable, with these areas to remain as agricultural beef cattle grazing classes 2, 3 and 4.

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In areas impacted by significant landscape modification (final voids and waste dumps), the post mining agricultural suitability will decrease. The remaining final void will become Class M – not suitable for agricultural use. Waste dumps, will become class 4 grazing land from previously class 2 and 3 grazing land.

A Strategic Cropping Land (SCL) Protection Decision Application will be sought for areas of potential SCL, which will be permanently impacted by the proposed mining activities. Areas of potential SCL within the project area (dryland cropping classes 2 and 3), will become class 3 and 4 grazing land.

A conceptual final landform is provided in Figure 1-2.

CHPP andStockpiles

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Dump 3RL 220

Dump 1RL 240

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REHABILITATION STRATEGY42627233-g-063c.mxd Drawn: VH Approved: BF Date: 24-02-2014

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DYSART EAST COAL MINEBENGAL COALPTY LTD

CONCEPTUALFINAL LANDFORM

Whilst every care is taken by URS to ensure the accuracy of the digital data, URS makes no representation or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness, suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and liability ( including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any expenses,losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which may be incurred as a result of data being inaccurate in any way for any reason. Electronic files are provided for information only. The data in these files is not controlled or subject to automatic updates for users outside of URS.

Source: Client Supplied Data

This map may contain data sourced from: © Mapinfo Australia Pty Ltd and PSMA Australia Ltd., © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia) 2012 , © The State of Queensland 2012, Bing Maps © Microsoft Corporation and its data suppliers.

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Mining Development Lease (MDL)

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Final Voids, Overburden and Spoil (waste) Dumps (445.16ha)

MIA - Infrastructure (99.09ha)

Un-mined Lease Area (223.36ha)

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2 REHABILITATION STRATEGY

2.1 General principles

All areas significantly disturbed by mining activities will be rehabilitated to a stable landform with a self-sustaining vegetation cover. Rehabilitation of disturbed land will generally proceed within two years of the areas becoming available for rehabilitation. In areas where it is not possible for complete rehabilitation to take place due to integration into other active mining activities, temporary rehabilitation methods should be carried out on these areas to the provide short-term stabilisation of these areas. A Rehabilitation Management Plan detailing the rehabilitation strategy and techniques will be developed and refined over the LOM through an ongoing process of monitoring at the project site, and recognising and implementing other industry experiences where relevant.

To achieve the objectives outlined in Section 1.2, rehabilitation of disturbed land at the mine site will be conducted so that:

• Suitable species of vegetation are planted and established to achieve the post-mine land uses;

• Potential for water and wind erosion is minimised;

• Surface water and seepage released from the site is such that releases of contaminants are not likely to cause environmental harm;

• Water quality of any residual water bodies meets regulatory criteria so as to not cause environmental harm; and

• Final landform is stable, safe and not subject to slumping or erosion.

Progressive rehabilitation of out-of-pit waste rock dump and other mining areas will occur as the mine develops in order to minimise the total land area disturbed by mining so that erosion and potential impacts to off-site water quality will be minimised.

The rehabilitation strategy, final landform and out-of pit waste rock dump design parameters for the Project will be obtained from studies undertaken during the development of the mine. In general, rehabilitation and revegetation strategies are well established at existing mines in the Bowen Basin.

Waste rock dumps typically have a minimum of two metres of cover comprising three layers: a barrier layer to minimise moisture inflow and oxygen ingress; a protection layer suitable for plant root growth and to provide some protection to the underlying barrier layer from seasonal variations in moisture content; and a topsoil layer suitable as a plant growth medium.

Where necessary, small amounts of alkaline material (e.g. Aglime) will be applied to areas to lower the acidity and increase the pH (to an upper pH limit of 8.5) of localised acidic near-surface spoil areas. This will minimise the potential for acidity to impact upon the performance of the rehabilitated cover system for the waste rock dumps.

The major land uses in the vicinity of the Project are grazing (low intensity), limited dryland cropping, and mining. In view of this, it is anticipated that the waste rock dumps and other disturbed areas will be revegetated with native pasture for a post-mining land use of low intensity grazing or a combination of native grasses supplemented with introduced pasture species in areas where continuous pasture cover is necessary for erosion control. The

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establishment of bushland on waste rock dumps is not recommended as the integrity of the cover layer can be affected by tree roots and tree falls.

2.2 Final landform and planning

Rehabilitation planning will ensure that the total area of disturbance is minimised at any one time, to minimise the potential impacts, such as erosion, dust generation, increased sediment laden runoff and the visual impacts of mining.

Rehabilitation will be designed to achieve a stable landform, compatible with the surrounding landscape. In-pit and out-of-pit waste spoil dumps will be designed to meet the requirements of the rehabilitation criteria to be outlined within mine rehabilitation management plan, and additional re-vegetation and erosion and sediment control (ESC) works will be implemented (if required) to ensure erosion is controlled effectively and successful sustaining vegetation cover is achieved. All re-contouring will be undertaken so that is reflects the topography of the surrounding natural landscape where possible. It is proposed that the final land-use of the rehabilitated site will include low intensity grazing, with minor areas of native habitat.

2.3 Progressive rehabilitation

In order to reduce the amount of disturbed land at any one time, rehabilitation will be progressively undertaken on areas that cease to be used for mining or mining-related activities within two years of becoming available. Results from successful progressive rehabilitation will be used to refine the proposed rehabilitation methods including aspects such as the selection of appropriate drainage measures/structures and plant species for re-establishment.

2.4 Revegetation

An effective re-vegetation strategy will be implemented to complement and ultimately achieve the desired post-mining land uses of low intensity grazing, whilst minimising erosion and weed infestation.

Re-vegetation activities will occur following re-shaping, contouring, ESC design and implementation and topsoil re-spreading. Where possible respreading of topsoil and re-vegetation with suitable seed material should take place in autumn or spring, immediately following the completion of preliminary ground preparation works to minimise the potential for erosion and weed invasion. Rapidly growing annual cover crops, such as Japanese millet (summer) and oats (winter) are to be used to provide quick effective groundcover, until the native pasture species are established.

All areas will be shallow ripped/scarified along the contour prior or slopes ‘walked’ with a tracked implement prior to sowing to provide a suitable environment that encourages water infiltration in the soil and reduces runoff. Large rocks will be removed from the ripped/scarified soil surface prior to sowing. The seeding will be undertaken as soon as possible after ripping scarifying in order to limit surface crusting and sealing to occur. This will enhance the likelihood of successful seed germination. On excessive slopes, hydro mulching will be used to establish vegetation.

Grazing will be excluded from all re-vegetated areas to ensure the successful establishment of pasture grasses occurs. The establishment of bushland on waste rock dumps is not recommended as the integrity of the cover layer can be affected by tree roots and tree falls.

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All rehabilitated areas will be monitored to ensure the long term success, resilience and natural regeneration of the planted vegetation. Revegetation techniques will be continually developed and refined over the life of mine through an ongoing process of monitoring on the site.

2.5 Topsoil Management

Topsoil suitability, stripping depths and topsoil management are outlined in detail within the Dysart East Coal Project – Soil and Land Assessment Report (URS, 2013). Bengal Coal recognises the importance of appropriate soil identification, accurate topsoil stripping depth identification and topsoil management practices to successful rehabilitation.

2.5.1 Topsoil stripping, stockpiling and re-use

Topsoil identification and distribution will be validated on the ground prior to stripping, with marker pegs used to outline and indicate the required stripping depths for machinery operators. Stripping will not take place of excessively wet soils as the soil workability and handling of the heavier textured soils can lead to excessive compaction.

Stripped soil material will be placed directly onto re-shaped areas of in-pit and out-of-pit spoil dumps if possible, to avoid stockpiling. Where immediate placement is not possible due to operational constraints or unfavourable weather, material will be stripped directly into windrows with graders or dozers for loading into dump trucks for stockpiling. Handling will be minimised at all times to prevent structural breakdown and loss of organic matter from topsoils. The stockpile surface condition will be maintained in a “rough” state to minimise surface runoff and facilitate infiltration.

Stockpiles will be located in areas that are outside of drainage lines and drainage from upslope positions will be diverted to prevent stockpile erosion. Appropriate erosion and sediment control measures will be installed downslope of the stockpiles to minimise runoff and trap sediment. Stockpiles will be clearly sign-posted for easy identification, and to facilitate the correct future reuse of material. Establishment of weeds on the stockpiles will be monitored and controlled.

2.6 Rehabilitation monitoring

Regular monitoring of the rehabilitated sites will take place during the initial vegetation and post vegetation establishment to assess if the objectives of the rehabilitation strategy are being met. Monitoring will be carried out and annual reviews conducted to assess trends in the monitoring data and the effectiveness of the monitoring program. In addition to the rehabilitated areas, a minimum of two appropriate reference sites will be identified within the unmined areas and monitored to allow a comparison and success of the rehabilitation against an undisturbed site.

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2.7 Rehabilitation requirements and proposed success criteria

Rehabilitation requirements and preliminary success criteria for the rehabilitation areas (disturbance areas) are provided in Appendix A. The success criteria are performance objectives or standards against which rehabilitation success in achieving a sustainable system for the proposed post-mine land use is demonstrated. The preliminary success criteria comprise indicators for vegetation, fauna, soil, stability, land use and safety on a domain basis and reflect the nominated post-mine land use of low intensity grazing.

For each element, standards that define rehabilitation success at mine closure are provided. Based on the generic indicators in Appendix A, each criterion will be further developed to be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and outcome based, and to reflect the principle of sustainable development. This will be based on results of further research and ongoing monitoring of the progressive rehabilitation areas. These preliminary success criteria will be reviewed regularly (three to five years) with stakeholder participation to ensure the success criteria remain realistic and achievable.

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3 REFERENCES

Bengal Coal (2013). Dysart East Coal Project Stage 2 Initial Advice Statement, June 2013

Queensland Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Guidelines 18: Rehabilitation Requirements for Mining Projects

Technical Guidelines for the Environmental Management of Exploration and Mining in Queensland (1995).

URS (2013). Dysart East Coal Project – Soil and Land Assessment Report

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4 LIMITATIONS

URS Australia Pty Ltd (URS) has prepared this report in accordance with the usual care and thoroughness of the consulting profession for the use of Bengal Coal Pty Ltd and only those third parties who have been authorised in writing by URS to rely on this Report.

It is based on generally accepted practices and standards at the time it was prepared. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the professional advice included in this Report.

It is prepared in accordance with the scope of work and for the purpose outlined in the contract dated 20 November 2013.

Where this Report indicates that information has been provided to URS by third parties, URS has made no independent verification of this information except as expressly stated in the Report. URS assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in or omissions to that information.

This Report was prepared between 20 January 2014 and 17 February 2014 and is based on the information reviewed at the time of preparation. URS disclaims responsibility for any changes that may have occurred after this time.

This Report should be read in full. No responsibility is accepted for use of any part of this report in any other context or for any other purpose or by third parties. This Report does not purport to give legal advice. Legal advice can only be given by qualified legal practitioners.

Except as required by law, no third party may use or rely on this Report unless otherwise agreed by URS in writing. Where such agreement is provided, URS will provide a letter of reliance to the agreed third party in the form required by URS.

To the extent permitted by law, URS expressly disclaims and excludes liability for any loss, damage, cost or expenses suffered by any third party relating to or resulting from the use of, or reliance on, any information contained in this Report. URS does not admit that any action, liability or claim may exist or be available to any third party.

Except as specifically stated in this section, URS does not authorise the use of this Report by any third party.

It is the responsibility of third parties to independently make inquiries or seek advice in relation to their particular requirements and proposed use of the site.

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APPENDIX A REHABILITATION REQUIREMENTS AND PRELIMINARY SUCCESS CRITERIA

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Appendix A: Rehabilitation requirements and preliminary success criteria

Rehabilitation Goal Rehabilitation Objectives Indicators Completion Criteria

Infrastructure (Includes Roads, Hardstands, Buildings, Water Storages, CHPP, Laydown Areas, ROM Stockpile)

Long-term Safety 1. Safe

Site is safe for humans and animals, now and in the foreseeable future

Appropriate decommissioning of infrastructure (not required by the future landholder)

Certification by a suitably qualified person in the site rehabilitation report that the infrastructure has been decommissioned and rehabilitated.

Safety assessment of landform stability

Risk assessment has been completed and risk mitigation measures have been implemented. Where risk mitigation measures include bunds, safety fences and warning signs, these have been erected generally in accordance with relevant guidelines and Australian Standards.

Landform design meets the design requirements of the rehabilitation criteria to be outlined in the Rehabilitation Management Plan

Geotechnical studies Landform design meets the design requirements of the rehabilitation criteria to be outlined in the Rehabilitation Management Plan

Density and species composition of riparian vegetation

Certification by an appropriately qualified person that the species diversity and densities to be identified in the Rehabilitation Management Plan has been achieved.

Landform Stability Capping Landfill is capped to a depth to be defined in field trials that includes a minimum topsoil depth of 200 mm on the cap.

Erosion control Erosion mitigation measures have been applied to ensure slope stability Average annual soil loss is <40 tonnes/ha/yr (sheet erosion). Dimensions and frequency of occurrence of erosion rills and gullies are no greater than that in reference sites2 that exhibit similar landform characteristics.

Surface water drainage Use of contour banks and diversion drains to direct water into stable areas or sediment control basins.

Water quality Physical and chemical parameters

Ensure receiving waters affected by surface water runoff have contaminant limits of electrical conductivity maximum of 2,000 µS/cm and pH range of 5.5 to 9.5, or as determined to be sustainable subject to future investigations and setting water quality objectives.

Water storages Stable landform Clean water storages to be stabilised and left as required. Dirty water storages to be cleaned out and rehabilitated to a stable non-polluting condition.

2. Non-polluting Removal of potential pollution sources

Road infrastructure removed (where not required by future landholder)

Evidence in the rehabilitation report that all infrastructures that could continue to create a pollution hazard is appropriately decommissioned as nominated in the site Decommissioning Strategy

Hazardous materials adequately managed

Exposure to and availability of heavy metals and other toxic materials

Evidence in the rehabilitation report that surface water quality monitoring has complied with specified guideline values. OR Evidence in the rehabilitation report that surface water quality poses negligible risk of environmental harm. OR

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Evidence in the rehabilitation report that surface water quality is comparable to designated reference site(s).

Polluted water contained on site

Monitoring of receiving surface waters

Ensure receiving waters affected by surface water runoff have contaminant limits of electrical conductivity maximum of 2,000 µS/cm and pH range of 5.5 to 9.5, or as determined to be sustainable subject to future investigations and setting water quality objectives.

Final Landform water storages are contained on site, with no overflows into external surface water systems

Certification by a suitably qualified person that surface water quality is not negatively impacted by the post mining landform.

All permanent regulated structures will meet approved design criteria.

The regulated structures are certified by an appropriately qualified person to be in compliance with the EA and that environmental harm is minimised by the regulated structure and the regulated structure is compliant with all other relevant rehabilitation requirements of this authority.

All non-permanent regulated structures will be decommissioned in accordance with the environmental authority.

The non-permanent regulated structures are certified by an appropriately qualified person to be in compliance with the EA and that environmental harm is minimised by the regulated structure and the regulated structure is compliant with all other relevant rehabilitation requirements of this authority.

Water storages Stable landform Clean water storages to be stabilised and left as required. Mine Water Dams to be rehabilitated to a stable non-polluting condition. (Note: Any regulated structures to be constructed in Domain 1 will be rehabilitated in accordance with the requirements outlined below for Regulated Structures.

Rehabilitation or conversion of exploration drill holes and groundwater monitoring bores

All non-artesian exploration drill holes undertaken have been rehabilitated or converted to a water bore.

Certification by an appropriately qualified person that all non-artesian exploration drill holes converted to water bore are compliant with the requirements of the Water Act 2000.

All monitoring bores have been rehabilitated.

Certification by an appropriately qualified person that all monitoring bores have been rehabilitated in accordance with the ‘Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia’ (Australian Government, February 2012) or latest edition.

3. Stable Landform design achieves appropriate erosion rates.

Slope angle and length Evidence in the rehabilitation report that the rehabilitated slopes have been designed to the specifications outlined in the Rehabilitation Strategy.

Areas other than pits and dumps will be returned to as close as reasonable practicable to natural topography.

Evidence in the rehabilitation report that the rehabilitated slopes have been designed to the specifications outlined in outlined in the Rehabilitation Strategy

Engineered structure to control water flow

Evidence in the rehabilitation report that any required contour banks, channel linings; surface armour, engineered drop structures etc. are in place and functioning.

Rates of “soil” loss Certification by a suitably qualified person that all land disturbed by the mining activities does not exhibit erosion greater than 20 % of that exhibited in the comparable reference site (to be addressed in the Rehabilitation Management Plan). The applicable reference site must have the same chemical and physical characteristics including slope, slope length and fire regime as that of the rehabilitated landform.

Vegetation cover to minimise erosion

Vegetation type and density Evidence that the vegetation type and density are of species suited to the soil, slope, aspect, climate and other factors. To be addressed in the Rehabilitation Management Plan

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Foliage cover Minimum of 70 % vegetative cover is present (or 50 % if rocks, logs or other features of cover are present). No bare surfaces > 20 m2 in area or >10 m in length down slope.

Leaf litter, humus, depth and growing medium

Evidence in the rehabilitation report that nutrient cycling is occurring and the presence of leaf litter is assisting in limiting erosion of the soil/spoil surface.

Leaf litter, humus, depth of growing medium is comparable with the relevant reference site.

Soil properties support the desired land use

Chemical properties (e.g. pH, salinity, nutrients, trace elements) of topsoil and in the soil profile support the proposed vegetation

Certification in the Rehabilitation Report that the topsoil chemical properties stipulated in the site rehabilitation criteria, are being met in the rehabilitation areas. To be addressed in the Rehabilitation Management Plan

Physical and chemical parameters

Nutrient accumulation and recycling processes are occurring as evidenced by the presence of a litter layer, mycorrhizae and/or other microsymbionts. Adequate macro and micro-nutrients are present. Soil salinity content is <0.6 dS/m. Soil pH is between 5.5 and 8.5. Soil Exchange Sodium Percentage (ESP) is <15 %.

Physical Properties (e.g. depth of topsoil, plant available water capacity (PAWC)).

Certification in the Rehabilitation Report that the topsoil depths and PAWC stipulated in the site rehabilitation criteria To be addressed in the Rehabilitation Management Plan

Biological properties (e.g. nutrient cycling, microbial biomass, invertebrates)

Nutrient accumulation and recycling processes are occurring as evidenced by the presence of a litter layer, microrrhizae and/or other microsymbionts. Adequate macro and micro nutrients are present.

The following parameters are comparable with reference sites: • Organic Matter; • Invertebrate activity; • Topsoil depth; • Growth Media Depth; • Physical and chemical

property limits; • Soil nutrients; • Foliar nitrogen and

phosphorus.

Certification by a suitably qualified person that the indicators are comparable for each area of rehabilitation with comparable reference sites. Certification by a suitably qualified person there is a presence of representatives for a broad range of functional invertebrate species indicator groups involved in different ecological processes.

Rehabilitation monitoring to establish positive trends for the rehabilitation of the site compared with reference landscapes, including: • Soil stability;

Rehabilitation monitoring identifies for each area of rehabilitation to be identified in the Rehabilitation Management Plan that the rehabilitation at a site is functioning in a manner consistent with the reference site. Water infiltration, aggregate stability and bulk density of the rehabilitated areas are comparable to rates at designated reference sites, which are representative of the post-mining land use.

Nutrient cycling processes are comparable to designated reference sites which are representative of the post mining land use.

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• Infiltration Capacity; • Nutrient cycling; • Species recruitment; • Habitat complexity; • Vegetation dynamics; and • Seasonal Change.

4. Self-sustaining

Establish self-sustaining natural vegetation or habitat

Records that all machinery, plant and equipment used for rehabilitation have been inspected to ensure they are free of declared plant seed by an appropriately qualified person prior to entering and leaving the site.

Records indicating that all machinery, plant and equipment used for rehabilitation was free of declared plant seed and reproductive material prior to entering site.

The following parameters are comparable with reference sites: • Organic Matter; • Invertebrate activity; • Topsoil depth; • Growth Media Depth; • Physical and chemical


phosphorus.

Certification by a suitably qualified person that the indicators are comparable for each area of rehabilitation with comparable reference sites Certification by a suitably qualified person there is a presence of representatives for a broad range of functional invertebrate species indicator groups involved in different ecological processes.

Community structure Groundcover and understorey structure to that of appropriate reference site(s)2.

Resilience to disturbance Established species survive and/or regenerate after disturbance. Weeds do not dominate native species after disturbance or after rain. Pests do not occur in substantial numbers or visibly affect the development of native plant species.

Sustainability More than 75 % of individual grasses and shrubs are healthy when ranked healthy, sick or dead.

Safety State and federal OH&S requirements

Risk assessment has been undertaken in accordance with relevant guidelines and Australian Standards and risks reduced to levels agreed with the stakeholders.

Low intensity cattle grazing Grazing suitability classes 33,44

Cattle stocking trials indicate areas nominated for cattle grazing as a post mining land use are sustaining an equal to or better stocking rate than that calculated for each relevant reference site(to be

Certification by an appropriately qualified person that sites nominated in the Rehabilitation Management Plan for cattle grazing are meeting and maintain an equal to or better stocking rate than that calculated for each reference site

Determination of safe carrying capacity for future land use and future management strategies/agreements in place.

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addressed in the Rehabilitation Management Plan)

Presence of key plant species as required by the corresponding reference sites

Certification by a suitably qualified person that key species identified for each reference site identified are established in locations identified in the Rehabilitation Management Plan.

Density and composition of key plant species as required by the corresponding reference site

Certification by a suitably qualified person that the density and composition of key plant species for each reference site identified are established in locations identified in the Rehabilitation Management Plan

Certification by an appropriately qualified person that groundcover, understory and over story structure is similar to each of the reference sites identified in the Rehabilitation Management Plan.

Landform stability when grazed. Safety of landform for stock and for undertaking management activities associated with stock.

Land maintenance requirements are comparable to designated reference sites (to be addressed in the Rehabilitation Management Plan).

Plant regeneration

Species in rehabilitated areas show evidence of flowering, viable seed setting, germination and emergence.

Evidence of generational succession of grasses or trees and shrubs apparent in rehabilitated areas.

The following indicators are comparable with reference sites: • Organic Matter; • Invertebrate activity; • Topsoil depth; • Growth Media Depth; • Physical and chemical


phosphorus.

Certification by a suitably qualified person that the indicators are comparable for each area of rehabilitation with comparable reference sites Certification by a suitably qualified person there is a presence of representatives for a broad range of functional invertebrate species indicator groups involved in different ecological processes.

Rehabilitation monitoring to establish positive trends for the rehabilitation of the site compared with reference landscapes, including: • Soil stability; • Infiltration Capacity; • Nutrient cycling; • Species recruitment; • Habitat complexity; • Vegetation dynamics;

Rehabilitation monitoring identifies for each area of rehabilitation to be identified in the Environmental Management Plan that the rehabilitation at a site is functioning in a manner consistent with the reference site.

Water infiltration, aggregate stability and bulk density of the rehabilitated areas are comparable to rates at designated reference sites, which are representative of the post-mining land use.

Nutrient cycling processes are comparable to designated reference sites2 which are representative of the post mining land use

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Seasonal Change; and • Slope gradient.

Pits/Voids/ Overburden and Spoil (waste) Dumps

1. Safe Landform stability Slope Gradient

All final void slopes exhibit geotechnical stability, and a geotechnical assessment has been completed by a competent geotechnical engineer, using industry standard modelling techniques.

No less than 75 % of the area of the rehabilitated spoil dumps has slopes of less than 10 degrees, and up to 25 % of the area of the rehabilitated spoil dumps has slopes greater than10o degrees. Where reject layers are present, the reject material must be capped with at least 1.5 m of overburden material.

Erosion and Sediment Control Erosion control structures are installed commensurate with the slope of the landform. Average annual soil loss is less than 40 tonnes/ha/yr (sheet erosion). Dimensions and frequency of occurrence of erosion rills and gullies are no greater than that in reference sites2 that exhibit similar landform characteristics.

Surface Water Drainage Use of contour banks and diversion drains to direct water into stable areas or sediment control basins

Water quality Physical and chemical parameters

Electrical conductivity of any void water may exceed 2,000 µS/cm if an ecological assessment shows that the long-term ecological stability and regional groundwater quality is not adversely affected.

Surface water runoff entering receiving waters have contaminant limits of electrical conductivity no greater than 2,000 µS/cm and a pH range of 5.5 to 9.5, or other limits determined to be sustainable subject to future investigations and setting water quality objectives.


Construction of a trench and a 2 m safety berm, as well as a 2.1 m security fence along the entire length of the remaining high wall. Suitable signs, clearly stating the risk to public safety and prohibiting public access will be erected at 50 m intervals along the security fence. Where risk mitigation measures include bunds, safety fences and warning signs, these have been erected generally in accordance with relevant guidelines and Australian Standards.

2. Non-polluting Topsoil Physical and chemical soil parameters

Nutrient accumulation and recycling processes are occurring as evidenced by the presence of a litter layer, mycorrhizae and/or other microsymbionts. Macro nutrient concentrations are generally consistent with pre-disturbance concentrations in topsoil and micro nutrient concentrations are not detrimental to plant growth. Soil salinity content is less than 0.6 dS/m. Soil pH is between 5.5 and 8.5. Soil exchange sodium percentage (ESP) is less than15 %.

3. Stable Vegetation Land use Where practicable area accomplishes and remains as sustainable grazing and/or as a healthy working bushland ecosystem.

Surface Cover Surface cover Minimum of 70 % vegetative cover is present (or 50 % if rocks, logs or other features of

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cover are present). No bare surfaces greater than 20 m2 in area or greater than 10 m in length down slope.

Species composition For grazing land grasses representative of regionally occurring vegetation communities where possible OR palatable, nutritious pasture grass and legume species are present. Bushland vegetation comprises a mixture of native trees, shrubs and grasses representative of regionally occurring woodland to open forest.

Community structure Groundcover, understorey and over storey structure similar to that of appropriate reference site(s) 2.

Resilience to disturbance Established species survive and/or regenerate after disturbance. Weeds do not dominate native species after disturbance or after rain. Pests do not occur in substantial numbers or visibly affect the development of native plant species.

Sustainability Species are capable of setting viable seed, flowering or otherwise reproducing. Evidence of second generation of tree/shrub species. Vegetation develops and maintains a litter layer evidenced by a consistent mass and depth of litter over subsequent seasons. More than 75 % of shrubs and/or trees are ranked as “healthy”.

Fauna Vertebrate Species Representation of a range of species characteristics (e.g. activity pattern, habitat usage, diet, dispersal character etc.) Sighting of species of conservation significance or indicators of the presence of species of conservation significance. The number of vertebrate species does not decrease by more than 25 % in the successive seasons prior to mine lease relinquishment or by more than 40 % over the two successive seasons prior to mine lease relinquishment.

Invertebrate species Presence of representatives of a broad range of functional indicator groups involved in different ecological processes.

Habitat structure Typical food, shelter and water sources required by the majority of vertebrate and invertebrate inhabitants of that ecosystem type are present.


Risk assessment has been undertaken in accordance with relevant guidelines and Australian Standards and risks reduced to as low as reasonably practicable.

4. Self-sustaining Low intensity cattle grazing Grazing suitability classes 3,4

Cattle stocking trials indicate areas nominated for cattle grazing as a post mining land use are sustaining an equal to or better stocking rate than that calculated for each relevant reference site (to be addressed in the rehabilitation management plan)

Certification by a suitably qualified person that sites nominated in the Rehabilitation Management Plan for cattle grazing are meeting and maintain an equal to or better stocking rate than that calculated for each reference site (to be addressed in the rehabilitation management plan).

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Un-mined lease area (Tracks, un-disturbed lease area, security fencing

1. Safe Vegetation Land use Roads (except those used by the public) and other infrastructure have been removed unless stakeholders have entered into formal written agreements for their retention. Areas are readily accessible and conducive to safe cattle management activities. Predicted economics and /or benefits have been defined and agreed by the stakeholders. Minor dozer reshaping work will be undertaken to ensure surface level consistency with the surrounding areas. Any creek crossings (i.e. culverts, etc.) will be removed and the pre-existing drainage line re-instated where applicable. If required the area will be deep ripped to loosen compacted material. A light vehicle access road is to be maintained to enable inspections of the site following closure of the mine. Fertiliser and pasture/tree seed will be applied to assist establish pasture post-mine land use if required.


Risk assessment has been completed and risk mitigation measures have been implemented. Where risk mitigation measures include safety fences and warning signs, these have been erected generally in accordance with relevant guidelines and Australian Standards.

2. Non-polluting Water quality Physical and chemical parameters

A ground and surface water monitoring program will remain in place to closely monitor any changes to water chemistry within the site boundary.

1 Completion Criteria must be measurable. Certification from a suitably qualified and experienced person is not a completion criteria. 2 Reference sites will be determined during the preparation of the Rehabilitation Management Plan 3 Grazing Suitability Class 3 – suitable for the proposed landuse, with moderate limitations due to slope, PAWC and fertility 4 Grazing Suitability Class 4 – marginal land with severe limitations would require major inputs to ensure sustainability of the proposed landuse.

Land suitability classes are per the Technical Guidelines for the Environmental Management of Exploration and Mining in Queensland - Land Suitability Assessment Techniques (Department of Minerals and Energy 1995).

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