environmental effects report for didymium pilot plant services pty... · 2.1.1 business environment...

Environmental Effects Report for Didymium Pilot Plant

Prepared for: Lynas Services Pty Ltd

Prepared by: ENVIRON Australia Pty Ltd

Date: 13 June 2013

Project Number: AS140190

AS140190 ENVIRON

Prepared by: Authorised by: Name: Anthony Lazarus/ PBoyle Name: Peter Boyle

Title: Environmental Consultant Title: Office Manager

Phone: 9606 1505 Phone: 9606 1501

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Signature: Date: 13/6/13 Signature: Date: 13/6/13

This document is issued in confidence to Lynas Services Pty Ltd for the purposes gaining environmental approval for a pilot plant in Bell Bay, Tasmania. It should not be used for any other purpose.

The report must not be reproduced in whole or in part except with the prior consent of ENVIRON Australia Pty Ltd and subject to inclusion of an acknowledgement of the source. No information as to the contents or subject matter of this document or any part thereof may be communicated in any manner to any third party without the prior consent of ENVIRON Australia Pty Ltd.

Whilst reasonable attempts have been made to ensure that the contents of this report are accurate and complete at the time of writing, ENVIRON Australia Pty Ltd disclaims any responsibility for loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this report.

© ENVIRON Australia Pty Ltd

VERSION CONTROL RECORD Document File Name

Date Issued Version Author Reviewer

Lynas EER 1 February 2013 Draft 1 P Boyle

Lynas EER 7 February 2013 Draft 2 P Boyle

Lynas EER 28Feb2013 4 March 2013 Draft 3 A Lazarus/P Boyle P Boyle

Lynas EER 10Apr2013 15 Apr 2013 Draft 4 A Lazarus/P Boyle P Boyle

Lynas EER 28May2013 28 May 2013 Draft 5 A Lazarus/P Boyle P Boyle

Lynas EER 13June013 15 Apr 2013 Final A Lazarus/P Boyle P Boyle

AS140190 ENVIRON

Executive Summary

An Environmental Effects Report (EER) has been undertaken to provide information about the effects of the proposed research & development 100tpy plant for Lynas Services Pty Ltd. The purpose of the pilot plant will be to conduct controlled experiments to test a process that achieves high efficiency and controls inputs and outputs for the production of Didymium (Dd) and Lanthanum (La) metals. A comprehensive study was undertaken looking at the project area, potential environmental effects and management commitments for the plant. No significant issues were identified in the EER.

AS140190 ENVIRON

Contents Page

1 Proponent Information 3

2 Project Description 3 2.1 Description of Project 3

2.1.1 Business Environment 3

2.1.2 Existing Process for Production of Didymium and Lanthanum 4 2.1.3 The Proposed Plant 4

2.1.4 Timeline of Project 7 2.1.5 Proposed Plant Inputs and Outputs 7

2.1.6 Operation 11

2.2 Project Area 11 2.3 Map and site Plan 11 2.4 Rationale and Alternative 17

3 Potential Environmental Effects 18

3.1 Wildlife Sanctuary 18 3.2 Flora and Fauna 18

3.3 Rivers, creeks, wetlands and estuaries 18 3.4 Significant Areas 18 3.5 Coastal Zone 18

3.6 Marine Areas 18 3.7 Air Emissions 18 3.7.1 Overview of the HF Emissions 21

3.7.2 Pilot Plant Base case 22 3.8 Naturally Occuring Radioactive Material 25

3.9 Health 26

3.10 Liquid Effluent 27 3.11 Solid Wastes 29 3.12 Noise Emissions 29

3.13 Transport Impacts 29

3.14 Other off-site impacts 29 3.15 Dangerous substances and chemicals 29

3.16 Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment 30 3.17 Site Contamination 32 3.18 Sustainability and Climate Change 32

3.19 Cultural Heritage 32

3.20 Sites of High Public Interest 32 3.21 Decommissioning and Rehabilitation 33

3.22 Monitoring and Review 33 3.22.1 Management system 33

3.22.2 Mass Balances 33

3.22.3 Sampling 33

AS140190 ENVIRON

4 Management Commitments 36

5 Public Consultation 37

6 Limitations 38 6.1 User Reliance 38

List of Appendices

Appendix A: MSDS Appendix B: Air Report

Lynas Services Pty Ltd Environmental Effects Report Page 1

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Glossary of Terms

Didymium A mixture of the elements praseodymium and neodymium

Lanthanum A chemical element with the symbol La and atomic number 57.

Lanthanum is a silvery white metallic element that belongs to group 3 of the periodic table and is the first element of the lanthanide series. It

is found in some rare-earth minerals, usually in combination with cerium and other rare earth elements.

Praseodymium A chemical element that has the symbol Pr and atomic number 59.

Praseodymium is a soft, silvery, malleable and ductile metal in the lanthanide group.

Neodymium A chemical element with the symbol Nd and atomic number 60. It is a soft silvery metal that tarnishes in air.

Electrolytic reduction An electrolytic cell is an electrochemical cell that undergoes

a redox reaction when electrical energy is applied. It is most often used

to decompose chemical compounds.

Ferromanganese A ferroalloy with high content of manganese, is made by heating a mixture of the oxides MnO2 and Fe2O3, with carbon, usually as coal and coke, in either a blast furnace or an electric arc furnace-type

system, called a submerged arc furnace.



LIST OF ACRONYMS

ANSTO Australian Nuclear Scientific & Technology Organisation BoM Bureau of Meteorology CO Carbon monoxide CO2 Carbon dioxide CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation DGLC Design ground level concentration EPCM Engineering Procurement & Construction ManagementF Fluoride GDA GLC

Geocentric Datum of Australia Ground level concentrations

HF Hydrogen Fluoride N North NOx Oxides of nitrogen N2O Nitrous Oxide NORM Naturally Occuring Radioactive Materials NPI National Pollution Inventory OHS Occupational Health and Safety OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration (USA) PA Pacific Aluminium REO Rare Earth Oxide S South SE Southeast SD Standard Deviation SO2 Sulphur Dioxide USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency VOC Volatile Organic Compounds WHO World Health Organisation

UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

°C Degree Celsius d Day kg Kilogram K Kelvin kpa Kilo Pascals km Kilometre m Metre m3 Cubic metre mg Milligram ppb Parts per billion ppm Parts per million µg Microgram t Tonnes tpy Tonnes Per Year



1 Proponent Information

Lynas Services Pty Ltd, ABN 31 103 936 232, is the Proponent. Lynas Services is an Australian subsidiary of Lynas Corporation Ltd, www.lynascorp.com, an ASX 100 listed company with a strategy to create a reliable, fully integrated source of products from mine to market. Products include Didymium, Neodymium, Praseodymium and Lanthanum. The foundation of this strategy is the Mt Weld ore deposit in Western Australia which is now producing concentrate and a state of the art cracking, separating and solvent extraction plant (LAMP) in Malaysia to produce oxides commenced operation in December 2012.

Contact details for Lynas are:

Mr Mike Vaisey

Vice President, Research & Technology

Lynas Services Pty Ltd

Level 1, 7 Tully Road East Perth WA 6004

Phone 08 6241 3801

Correspondence regarding this project are to be sent to:

A R Kjar Gibson Crest Pty Ltd

23 Laurel Grove, Blackburn, Vic 3130

Phone 0411 255 384

2 Project Description

2.1 Description of Project

2.1.1 Business Environment

There is a rapidly growing market for Didymium, Neodymium (Nd), Praseodymium (Pr) and Lanthanum (La) metals, particularly in renewable energy and energy saving applications.

Didymium based permanent magnets are used in all computer and DVD motors as well as small motors in modern cars, domestic appliances and internals for MRI medical scanning equipment. It is anticipated that the major growth area will be for use of permanent magnets in the next generation of larger wind turbines greater than 5MW, as it will allow the elimination of costly to maintain gear boxes, and enable quieter and more energy efficient systems, as well as in air conditioner motors. Lynas has entered into an MOU with Siemens of Germany to produce permanent magnets.



The nickel metal hydride battery (containing Lanthanum metal) is the technology of choice for hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius. It is also anticipated that the use of Nickel metal hydride battery alloy will continue to grow significantly.

2.1.2 Existing Process for Production of Didymium and Lanthanum

These metals are produced commercially by the electrolytic reduction of the oxide from a fluoride electrolyte. Production is almost entirely in China, with smaller amounts produced by Japanese and Chinese companies operating in Japan and Vietnam using rare earth oxides sourced from China. The supply of the oxides and the technology is tightly held by the Chinese and export is restricted.

The technology is currently undertaken in electrolytic cells ranging in current capacity from 1kA up to 10kA , with a few reported to be up to 30kA. The operations are small scale, inefficient, manually intensive and environmentally unacceptable for a modern Western application.

The Chinese process has some similarities to aluminium production, but at a much smaller scale, eg aluminium cells operating up to 500kA with those at Bell Bay in Tasmania operate up to 125kA.

The existing process utilizes cells to reduce the oxide and use consumable graphite anodes and inert Molybdenum (Mo) or Tungsten (W) cathode in a vertical configuration. The metal forming on the cathode drops to an internal Mo receiving dish which is periodically removed from the cell for casting into ingot. The cells have no anode adjustment capability or anode cathode distance control. Temperature is controlled by varying the current - requiring that each cell has its own independent power supply in contrast to an aluminium pot line configuration. The current is varied by hand control based on a visual estimation of cell temperature and results in significant temperature variations leading to an excess generation of fume. Feeding of oxide is manual with typically one operator per cell. Fluoride emissions from the cells are high and there is no dry scrubbing process. Wet scrubbing is employed in some smelters.

2.1.3 The Proposed Plant

Lynas intends to extend its business to the production of Didymium (Dd) and Lanthanum (La) metals. Gibson Crest has been engaged to assist the Research and Development of a process that will meet western standards in terms of efficiencies, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and environmental compliance.

To this end a strategy has been approved by Lynas for the establishment of a 100 tpy pilot plant. The best practice management measures based on modern aluminium practice objectives are:

Proving a commercial prototype cell design that is superior to the Chinese cells. - The emphasis will be on minimizing inputs, maximizing automation and obtaining high productivity.

The cells will have -

‐ Design features that include operating the cell at constant amperage to aid the achievement of heat balance control and process control of voltage. This will result in the reduction of temperature variations and reduce the generation of



fume (HF gas and dust) that goes to the scrubber or out as fugitive emissions and oxide sludge.

‐ Hooding connected to an exhaust system and scrubber so as to reduce fugitive HF and dust emissions to the atmostphere.

‐ Proving of a dry gas scrubbing option that will significantly reduce HF emissions to the atmosphere.

Particular emphasis will be on reducing fugitive emissions. Three cells will be installed in the pilot plant - a small cell enabling short term experimental campaigns at 1.5kA to test particular material properties as required, and two commercial prototypes operating at 10kA evaluating radically different design configurations. Provisional patent applications have been lodged.

Proving a fluoride fume collection and recycle system based on dry gas scrubbing that will meet future anticipated license conditions for large scale commercial plants. - A provisional patent application has been lodged for one alternative.

Establishing metal handling procedures and product quality specifications.

Overall, the purpose of the pilot plant will be to conduct controlled experiments to test a process that achieves high efficiency and controls inputs and outputs compared to the existing Chinese approach.

External research by the world leaders in different aspects of electrolysis and characterization of materials and the establishment of design conditions has been commissioned. Engineering groups have been engaged to model the process and design of the cells. An Australian EPCM has been engaged to carry out the implementation. The requirements for the Pilot Plant are outlined in Table 1.

Table 1: Hire of Pilot Plant Building Generic Specification.

Specifications

1. Operate for up to 36 months from 1 July 2013. 2. Lynas Services Pty Ltd will be the tenant. 3. At least four offices and normal services such as power, water and sewerage. 4. Client will fit a wet scrubber, hooding and fan to stack and some small cells, approx

2m x 2m x 3m flat on the floor. Later a dry gas scrubber will be tested. 5. Client will connect a rectifier to the incoming power supply for the electrolysis

process. Requirement is 800kVA. 6. Production could be classified as Level 1 in Tasmania. Not a noisy, dirty operation.

There is not any odour. 7. Will test several different electrolysis designs over a period of 24 hours per day, 7

days per week. 8. Graphite anodes will be supplied complete and metal will be cast into a simple air

cooled mould. 9. Plant will be operated by Lynas staff under well-established LYNAS HSE policy,

systems and procedures. 10. Some of the chemicals to be used / stored are classified as hazardous and have

appropriate MSDS descriptions. They include Nd oxide, Pr oxide, PrNd oxide, Nd fluoride and Li fluoride. The process is similar to but not identical to that used safely for aluminium smelting. Pilot plant requirement is for a concrete floor and smooth



Table 1: Hire of Pilot Plant Building Generic Specification.

walls. Approximate working area is 20m x 20m plus a similar storage area and fitted with an overhead crane.

11. Client will pay for all outgoings. 12. Client will take out Buildings and Contents, Workers Compensation, Vehicle and

Public Liability Insurances.



2.1.4 Timeline of Project

The intended timeline for the project implementation and operation is presented in the following figure.

Figure 1. Proposed Timeline

2.1.5 Proposed Plant Inputs and Outputs

At this stage for the EER assessment, the inputs are based on the Chinese approach and are estimated in Table 2. One purpose of the pilot plant is to develop a process that minimizes significantly these inputs, particularly of the oxides.

Table 2: Inputs to the Process

Material t/t metal Source MSDS data sheet available

PrNd oxide or La Oxide (Note 1)

1.25 LAMP, shipped by container

Yes. (Note 1)

Nd or La Fluoride <0.1 Japan Yes. (Note 1)

Graphite anodes <0.45 China or Japan. Fully formed with some cutting

and gluing on site

Later

Mo, W cathodes Liners

<0.1 USA, China. Fully formed

Later

SiC refractory, Carbon lining, insulating material

<0.1 USA, Europe, China. Cut and fitted on site

Later. Standard as used in Aluminium industry

Li Fluoride <0.01 China, India Yes



Table 2: Inputs to the Process

Material t/t metal Source MSDS data sheet available

Industrial gases Nitrogen, Argon

tbd Tasmania

Caustic Wet Scrubber Liquid

Tbd in operation Local

Lime or Calcium Carbonate[1]

<0.15t/t Local

Power 6 to 12kWh/kg. Approx 180 kVA in normal operation

Local

Note 1: Lime for the wet scrubber and calcium carbonate for the dry scrubber

The outputs from the process are presented in Table 3.

Table 3: Outputs from the Process

Material t/t metal Destination

Dd or La metal 1 International by container

Gaseous F Up to 7kg F/t metal. To be minimized in pilot plant testing.

Stack, via scrubber and fugitive emissions

PrNd or La oxide in dust to atmostphere

Up to 5 kg/t metal, to be minimized in pilot plant testing.

Stack, via scrubber and fugitive emissions

PrNd or La oxide slag <0.1. To be determined in plant operation.

Ground and fed back to cell, or sold to specialist company for reclaim of PrNd

Spent anodes <0.15 unused portion of anode and disposed to cement plant as fuel. <0.3 used in process and exits as carbon dioxide

Unused portion disposed to cement plant as fuel.

Spent cell linings <0.2 The cell linings may contain small amounts of Lithium compounds.

Failed cells will be analysed and a lithium mass balance constructed.

It is not considered likely that any

lithium will be lost in the oxide slag.Any hazardous material will be disposed through a specialist contractor.

Spent M or Wo cathodes Sold for metal scrap

Liquid from wet scrubber

Nil under normal conditions Bleed is via the 20% moisture calcium fluoride.

Calcium fluoride 0.15t/t Controlled waste disposal 20% moisture form from wet scrubber Dry form from dry gas scrubber



Table 3: Outputs from the Process

Material t/t metal Destination

CO2-e offgas 1.1t/t

Gaseous, PFC’s To be determined in operation of pilot plant

Stack, via scrubber

An approximate mass balance for effluents from the plant for Didymium production is shown in Fig. 2. This is based on Chinese technology. The Pilot Plant will focus on reducing emissions from the Electrolysis Cell. Impurities are presented in Table 4.

Figure 2. Mass balance for Didymium

The mass balance for Lanthanum production is comparable to Didymium as the properties of the oxides and the electrolysis technology are reasonably similar.

Table 4: Material Specification for Impurities1

Property Unit Specification

PrNd oxide

Specification

Nd Fluoride

Specification

Li Fluoride

REO% % > 99

La2O3/REO % < 0.15

CeO2/REO ppm < 0.3

Pr6O11/REO % < 22.5±1



Table 4: Material Specification for Impurities1

Property Unit Specification

PrNd oxide

Specification

Nd Fluoride

Specification

Li Fluoride

Nd2O3/REO % < 77.5±1

Sm2O3/REO % < 0.05

Eu2O3/REO % <0.01

Gd2O3/REO % <0.01

Tb4O7/REO % <0.01

Dy2O3/REO % <0.05

Y2O3/REO % -

SO4 % <0.015 0.05

Cl % <0.01

ZnO % <

Fe2O3 % < 0.01

CaO % < 0.01 <0.01

SiO2 % < 0.05 <0.02

Na2O % <

MgO % < 0.01

Al2O3 % < 0.05

PbO % < 0.01

Loss of Ignition % < 0.2

NdF % >82

F- % >26

SO4(2-) % <0.2

Fe2O3 % <0.01

CaO+MgO % <0.02

P2O5 % <0.01

PbO % <0.01

H2O % <0.1 0.1

LiF % >99

Na+F % 0.05

Fe % 0.01

Ca % 0.05

Mg % 0.01

Cl % 0.005

Al % 0.01

Thorium1 Bq/kg Trace, <20 Trace, <20

Note

1. To be measured by ANSTO Minerals using a range of techniques including gamma spectrometry, fusion digest/inductively

coupled plasma mass spectrometry, delayed neutron activation, neutron activation analysis and X-ray fluorescence

spectrometry.



2.1.6 Operation

Initially approximately 8 staff will be employed on site on contract. They will generally be sourced from the local area. It is intended to employ a mix of operators and technical staff with electrolysis experience.

The operation will be 4 shifts x 7 days per week on a continuous basis, but will be flexible to reflect the discontinuous nature of pilot plant trials.

Environmental incidents and complaints will be processed through the Lynas Integrated Operating Management System Standards version February 2012. Within the Lynas system the Plant Manager will initially receive and respond to any environmental complaints and incidents.

Providing that the pilot plant work is successful, and other conditions can be met including gaining relevant planning and permit approvals, there is a chance in the medium term that the development in Tasmania can be expanded incrementally so as to make up to 4000tpy of metal, employ 50 to 80 staff in a high tech emerging market.

2.2 Project Area

A suitable building has been identified at Bell Bay, next to the existing 180,000 tpy Pacific Aluminium (PA) Smelter and within the Bell Bay Industrial Zone. The Bell Bay aluminium smelter has been operating for 57 years in the Bell Bay industrial area. Other industries in the area include TEMCO, a base metals 250,000 tpy ferromanganese arc furnace plant managed by BHP Billiton which has been operating for around 50 years, and Ecka Granules, a 15,000 tpy aluminium powder and paste plant.

The identified building had been established in 1989 as Comalco Research & Technology Development Centre (RTDC) and was used to prove elements of the electrolysis process. Over the last 20 years it has been used as a base to develop induction furnace production of Titanium Diboride and to mix, coat and cure phenolic resins on carbon cathode blocks for use in new designs of cells that were tested at Bell Bay and in New Zealand. Over the period approximately 1000t of coated cathode product was produced. No fluoride emissions were generated.

It is proposed to locate the Didymium pilot plant within the existing Pilot Plant building. No major structural modifications will be required. There will not be any visible changes to the building as seen from the East Tamar Highway. The power consumption, movement of materials in and out as well as number of people employed will be less compared to the historical use of the building.

An application to the George Town Council has been made for the grant of a Permit for purposes of Research & Development.

2.3 Map and site Plan

An MOU has been signed with Rio Tinto Aluminium (Bell Bay) Limited for a lease of the fenced land on a portion of Lot P129437, SP 50763, subject to Lynas gaining

Support from the Tasmanian Government for the Project,

EPA approval, and



George Town Council approval for planning and permit.

The location of the proposed pilot plant is presented in Figure 3a and 3b.


AS140190 X:\PROJECTS & CLIENTS\Lynas\Reports\Lynas EER Final 13June2013.docx ENVIRON

Figures 3a & 3b. Location of the Pilot plant



Figure 3c. Boundary of Site – Pilot Plant is Located in the Eastern Section in SP 50763 (The pilot plant stack position is in the line above the 13.00 ha notation).

Figure 4. Google Earth photograph of the Pilot Plant



The project area is flat and was previously cleared and replanted. There are no wetlands or major water courses on the site. All storm water is returned to the Pacific Aluminium smelter prior to discharge from the much larger smelter site.

Ecka Granules is located to the west of the pilot plant building with the aluminium smelter to the south of the site. The large block of land fringed by eucalypt trees running east to west is owned by the smelter. The nearest residential building is 2.14km from the pilot plant boundary at 4690 East Tamar Highway near the Skills Centre Other buildings are to the north east along the road to Bridport. The closest larger group of houses, hospital and schools is at George Town, some 3.5km away to the west.

There will not be any change to the internal roads or entrances. There will not be any change to the private plant entry road (7m wide) or the existing 22 space car park.

The existing pilot plant structure is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5. The Existing Pilot Plant

There will be no change to the visual view from the East Tamar Highway.

The existing incoming power line and transformer, switch gear, crane, office buildings, control room, laboratory and storage facilities will be used. Apart from the installation of a rectifier of 20m2 there will be no increase in the footprint of the 1000m2 building on the site. The new rectifier will be located outside the main building. The proposed changes to the building are shown in Fig.6.

Lynas Services Pty Ltd Environmental Effects Report

Page 16


Figure 6. Proposed changes to the building.



New reduction cells (approx 6m2) will be located within the pilot plant building. They will be connected by ducts and hooding to the scrubber.

Design of the scrubber is in progress and will be based on achieving a minimum efficiency of 85% (wet option and used for air quality estimates in this EER) or 95%+ (dry option). The wet scrubbing option involves use of the existing piping and absorption columns and the fitting of a new filter press, feed system and controls. The dry scrubbing option involves the installation of a small proven proprietary Torftech dry gas scrubber based on the use of calcium carbonate and connected to a fabric filter. A much larger Torftech design dry gas scrubber based on an alumina absorption medium was installed by Pacific Aluminium in 2002.

At the far end of the building incoming raw materials will be stored in vented containers and outgoing product and solid waste will be stored prior to shipment. A maximum of 101t of material will be stored on site at any one time. Approximate mass are shown in Table 5.

Table 5 - Details of materials to be stored on site. (All are solids)

Material Type Raw material

(tonnes) In process (tonnes)

Final Product (tonnes)

Ready for disposal (tonnes)

PrNd, La oxides 33 1 10 -

PrNd, La Fluorides 10 - - -

LiF 2 - - -

Lime or Calcium Carbonate

10 - - -

Graphite 10 - - -

Other - - - 25

Total 65 1 10 25

2.4 Rationale and Alternative

A number of sites were investigated in Australia located in business parks, industrial parks and industrial areas. The Bell Bay site was selected based on an assessment of

Suitability of the area for a small scale Pilot Plant using a Fluoride based electrolytic process, preferably associated with a well-managed aluminium smelter.

Suitability of an existing, available Pilot Plant Building

Good access to key professional staff

Good access to suitable local resources.



3 Potential Environmental Effects

3.1 Wildlife Sanctuary

Pacific Aluminium advises that the sanctuaries in the area are -

Lauriston Park, owned by Pacific Aluminium and used as public recreation.

Wet land on the smelter site

Tipporee Hills. A forest reserve to the east of Pacific aluminium land.

These areas will not be impacted in any significant way by the Pilot Plant.

3.2 Flora and Fauna

The site has been established as a pilot plant operation for over 20 years. There is no native vegetation or potential habitat for native fauna on the site. However, the site is surrounded by eucalypts planted by Pacific Aluminium, potentially as part of a visual buffer between the smelter and the highway. There will not be any ground disturbance in adding the rectifier to the pilot plant.

3.3 Rivers, creeks, wetlands and estuaries

The Tamar River is the closest water body to the proposed plant. The storm water from the site flows into a formed drain and returns to the aluminium smelter where it joins the drainage from the much larger smelter site. It is discharged into the Tamar River as a licensed discharge, 1.5km from the Pilot Plant.

The potential for pollutants to become entrained in the storm water has been assessed as being very small. All raw materials prior and during use will be stored within the building. Any metal product will be containerised for shipment. Any waste material will be stored within the building prior to disposal by licensed contractors.

There is no liquid waste generated in the process. The plant will be dry swept so as to keep it clean. The fugitive dust load from the plant is low and is unlikely to impact water bodies in the area.

3.4 Significant Areas

The site is not located within or adjacent to an existing reserved area.

3.5 Coastal Zone

No part of the site is located within 300 metres of the coast.

3.6 Marine Areas

The production process is unlikely to impact on sensitive marine areas, conservation areas, or areas extensively used for recreation or commercial fishing activities. The atmospheric emissions are very low and are similar in nature to those from other industries in the industrial area.

3.7 Air Emissions

The air emissions from the plant will consist mainly of HF, Carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide and smaller amounts of perfluorcarbons (PFC’s), fluoride and PrNd oxide dust and the impact is shown in Table 6.



Table 6: Air Emissions Impact

Emission Impact

Carbon monoxide,

Carbon dioxide

These arise from the conversion of carbon in the cell to oxides. The

quantities are small relative to other industries in the area and will have little

additional impact on the atmosphere. Levels will be measured as part of

verifying the results of a successful campaign.

PFC’s These arise from the effect of over voltage in the cell. They also occur in

aluminium production. One object of the development is to minimize these

effects. The number of anode effects and duration will be measured through

the control system.

PrNd oxide dusts It is estimated that the level of PrNd dusts will be less than

0.5 tpy and are likely to fall close to the plant or contained in the sludge

removed from the cell. The dust load and sludge will be measured as part of

verifying the results of a successful campaign.

F in air The gaseous fluoride emissions are at 0.7 tonne per year and are very small

when compared to the total air-shed of Bell Bay.

The emissions will be discharged initially from the scrubber through an

existing stack (14m high) as well as through the volume source ground level

fugitive emissions.

LiF Any fluorine loss will report to the air and lithium to the spent cell lining.

Odour There is no significant odour from the plant.

Emissions to air of gaseous HF from the proposed Didymium Pilot Plant will be from a scrubber stack and from fugitive sources emanating from the pilot plant building. An assessment of Air Quality of HF Emissions has been made by Graeme Ross of Consulting Air Pollution Modelling and Meteorology (CAMM) in April 2013 and is included in Appendix B. The assessment was based on ‘worst case scenario’ with the conservative assumption that all sources are operating continuously (i.e. 24 hours per day, 7 days per week).

The plant will be started up using a cell of 10kA design and operated for approximately six months. There will be a break, possibly followed by the second 10kA design, depending on the results of the first design and the longer term testing of the preferred designs.

The 1.5kA cell will only be used for short periods to test particular material properties. In the initial testing program it is anticipated that there may be stops and starts to the operation so as to make improvements. Present planning is to start up the plant with dry scrubbing based on the use of calcium carbonate.

Figure 7 presents the display region. The pilot plant is illustrated by a labelled black diamond, the PA ‘licence boundary’ as a solid black line, the PA ‘landholdings’ within the display region are illustrated as a green solid line, and eight ambient monitoring/discrete receptor sites within this region are shown as labelled black crosses. The location of the



nearest residences at 4690 East Tamar Highway, is 2.14 km from the Pilot Plant boundary and close to the SC monitoring point. Ambient monitoring sites are presented in Table 7.

Figure 7. Display Region

Table 7: Ambient Air Monitoring Sites - HF

ID Site Name Measurements

MS Met Station 7-day average HF, meteorology

GC Golf Club 7-day average HF

SC Skills Centre 7-day average HF

WC Woodchip 7-day average HF

BF Brodies Farm 7-day average HF

BY Banyandah East 7-day average HF

GAMS George Town Air Monitoring Station 7-day average HF



Table 7: Ambient Air Monitoring Sites - HF


MtG Mount George 7-day average HF

Potential air quality impacts as a result of additional sources of gaseous HF from a proposed Didymium Pilot Plant at Bell Bay, have been determined in the area surrounding the Pacific Aluminium smelter site. Atmospheric dispersion modelling using the CALPUFF model has been undertaken to predict the potential impacts of emissions to air of gaseous hydrogen fluoride during Year 2011 for the following cases:

‘Existing conditions’ (i.e., with emissions from just the PA smelter).

‘Proposed conditions’ (i.e., with the addition of the proposed pilot plant emissions).

3.7.1 Overview of the HF Emissions An assessment of the combined PA and pilot plant emissions indicates that the 24 hour, 7 day, 30 day and 90 day average emissions result in a small increase in the size of the impact zone around the pilot plant with

A relatively small increase at the discrete receptors examined, apart from those at the site boundary of the pilot plant,

The PA Design limit is predicted to remain satisfied at the PA licence boundary, and

The design criteria are not exceeded at the locations of the nearest residences. The impact of the pilot plant is very small.

Beyond the site boundary, for the 24 hour, the proposed conditions represent a maximum increase in HF emissions of 10% at a discrete receptor when compared with existing conditions.

Beyond the site boundary, for the 7 day average, the proposed conditions represent a maximum increase in HF emissions of 4% at a discrete receptor when compared with existing conditions.



Based on the small predicted increases in HF emissions, they are unlikely to have any significant impacts on human health or serious impact to the environment outside the boundary of the proposed facility.

The modeling is based on the current ‘Chinese’ approach, and that in relation to air emissions this is considered a ‘worst case scenario’. The proposed pilot plant differs from that of the ‘Chinese’ approach, in that –



Estimates were used for HF and oxide dust emissions. It is expected that the actual emissions would be less once the cell operation is stabilised.

As part of air emission best practice measures, temperature fluctuations are to be controlled so as to significantly reduce emissions compared to the ‘Chinese’ approach to cell management.

Based on HF monitoring results across 8 monitoring stations and a stack monitoring program that includes isokinetic stack sampling, there is an ongoing commitment to a program of pollution reduction to ensure compliance of HF Emissions. One of the primary goals of the pilot plant is to refine the smelting technique so as to reduce emissions during the production of the Didymium and Lanthanum metals. 3.7.2 Pilot Plant Base Case Using the Chinese Data and assuming wet gas scrubbing, the design criteria are exceeded at the pilot plant boundary along the East Tamar Highway before the road and railway reserve, for the 24 hour, 7 day and 90 day emissions. They decay across the road and into

the railway reserve and are unlikely to have any impact to flora in the area. The results are outlined in Appendix 1 of Appendix B of the air report and figures are reproduced below.

Figure 8: 1st highest predicted, 24-hour average, glc of 2.9 μg/m3 for HF (Pilot Plant sources only (stack+fugitive)

Contour levels: 2.9, 1.45 and 0.29 µg/m3

Table 8: Predicted 24-hour Average ‘Maximum’ GLC’s for HF – Discrete Receptors – Pilot

Plant sources only

Design Criterion: 2.9 (µg/m3)

Location

Maximum GLC (µg/m3)

NR1 – nearest residence towards George Town 0.073

NR2 – nearest residence to north-east along Bridport Rd 0.029

S1 – site boundary 3.63





Figure 9: 1st highest predicted, 7-day average, glc of 1.7μg/m3 for HF (Pilot Plant sources only (stack+fugitive)

Contour levels: 1.7, 0.85 and 0.17 µg/m3

Table 9: Predicted 7-Day Average ‘Maximum’ GLC’s for HF – Discrete Receptors – Pilot Plant

sources only


Location

Maximum GLC (µg/m3)








Figure 10: 1st highest predicted, 90-day average, glc for HF

(Pilot Plant sources only (stack+fugitive) Contour levels: 0.5, 0.25 and 0.05 µg/m3

Table 10: Predicted 90-Day Average ‘Maximum’ GLC’s for HF – Discrete Receptors – Pilot Plant sources only


Location Maximum GLC (µg/m3)


NR2 – nearest residence to north-east along Bridport 0.00



S3 – site boundary 1.01 It is intended to start up the plant incorporating a dry gas scrubber based on the use of calcium carbonate. Assuming a 95% efficiency, which is at the low end of the range, the 24 hour and 7 day design criteria at the pilot plant boundary will be satisfied. When the design efficiency of 99% for the dry gas scrubber is reached and a modest reduction from 3 kg/t down to 2 kg/t of fugitive emissions is achieved through better cell control and hooding in the pilot plant design, all the design criteria will be satisfied. A monitoring site will be established close to the boundary as outlined in 3.22.3.



3.8 Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material

The level of radioactivity of the imported oxide and fluoride materials is expected to be very low or negligible and similar to other refined metal oxides such as alumina and titanium dioxide pigment.

Packages of Didymium oxide currently produced in China using a separation and solvent extraction process with bastnaesite ore containing low levels of radioactivity have been tested at the University of Auckland. The packages were surveyed by the Hazards and Containment Manager of the Faculty of Science using a Thermo FH40 G-L survey meter fitted with a FHZ 732GM survey probe (designed to detect alpha, beta and gamma emissions) and no detectable emissions above background were detected.

The material to be sourced from the LAMP plant uses a similar separation and solvent extraction process to handle monazite ore. This ore contains a small amount of thorium. Similar results to the University of Auckland tests are expected. The LAMP production was measured at 3 to 6 Bq/kg Thorium 228 using a gamma spectrometer. A control limit has been set at 20 Bq/kg at LAMP.

This level is well below the exemption level in the Australian NORM Safety Guide (Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM), Radiation Protection Series Publication No. 15, Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), August 2008). The applicable regulations in Tasmania are:

Radiation Protection Act 2005, and Radiation Protection Regulations 2006.

It also should be noted that certain changes are proposed in Tasmanian Radiation Protection Legislation, as reported on the Internet site of the Department of Health and Human Services of Tasmania.

The Regulation 34(1) of the Tasmanian Radiation Protection Regulations 2006 state –

34. Exemptions for certain large quantities of radioactive material

(1) An amount of more than one tonne of radioactive material that contains less than one becquerel per gram of naturally occurring radioactive material is exempt from the operation of sections 13(1), 14 and 38 of the Act and Parts 5 and 7 of these regulations.

At the first examination it appears that Tasmanian Radiation Protection Regulations 2006 will not apply to the Lynas material. Further consultation with the Department of Health on this issue will occur. The process will be qualified to be capable of producing product within the specification in Table 4 prior to shipment.

It is not anticipated that there will be any significant build up in the process due to recycle or separating effects as there are no major recycles and the thorium should report to the product metal.

A NORM Management Plan will be prepared, if required, in accordance with the Australian NORM Safety Guide (Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM),



Radiation Protection Series Publication No. 15, Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), August 2008).

Initially measurements of inputs, outputs and inventory will be taken for each campaign using an independent consultant with a mass balance constructed. The mass balance will include PrNd, La, F and NORM measurements. Appropriate action will be taken to ensure that all products retain the exemption classification.

3.9 Health

The plant will be operated by Lynas under the Lynas Health and Safety System, which is described by:

Lynas Zero Harm Policy Critical Risk Management Standards

Detailed Process Operating Practices will be prepared prior start up with training carried out and subject to audit and review. Personal Protective Equipment used will be similar to that used by Pacific Aluminium at the Bell Bay smelter operation.

The (OSHA) Occupational Limits of 8 hour exposure for aluminium production will be used. The permissible limits are 15 mg/m3 for total particulate, 5 mg/m3 for respirable dust and 3ppm for hydrogen fluoride.

Detailed Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are included in Appendix A. An outline of the MSDS and responses is shown in Table 11.

Table 11: A summary of MSDS and responses

Material Classification Hazard Category Safety Poison

Nd2O3 4.Not 3,7

Pr6O11 4.Not 3,7

La2O3 4.Not 3,7

NdF3 5, 6 3,7

LiF 9 3,7

CaF2 8 S6

LaF3 10 3,7

Notes:

1. Nuisance dust limit 10 mg/m3. USA.

2. Avoid contact with eyes, skin

3. Use protective clothing, gloves and safety glasses when

handling

4. EC Criteria

5. Exposure Limit 2.5mg (F)/m3.

6. HMIS Ratings: Health 2, Flammability 0, Reactivity 1.

7.Use respirator

8. NFPA rating: Health 1, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0. 9. HMIS rating: Health 2, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0. 10. HMIS rating: Health 2, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0.



A comparison with aluminium smelting is shown in Table 12.

Table 12: Analysis of MSDS and comparison with aluminium smelting

Material Classification Hazard Category Safety Poison

Al2O3 Not

AlF3 5,2,10,11.Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin, and swallowed.

3,6 S6

Notes

2. Avoid contact with eyes, skin

3. Use protective clothing, gloves and safety glasses when handling

5. Exposure Limit 2.5mg (F)/m3.

6. HMIS Ratings: Health 2, Flammability 0, Reactivity 1.

10. Safe work Australia: Hazardous substance

11. For transport by road: Dangerous goods

Protective clothing and use of a respirator at all times within the production area will be enforced, similar to the practice use for aluminium smelting.

3.10 Liquid Effluent

Sewage from the toilets and showers enters the Pacific Aluminium existing Rising Main system as shown on BD-500-802 in Figure 11. There is no liquid effluent generated in the process. Any liquid leaks from the cells will be contained within bunds constructed around the cells. Liquids will be recycled through the process.



Figure 11. Plan of Existing Pilot Plant, showing Sewerage



3.11 Solid Wastes

At this stage there will not be any liquid bleed from the caustic based wet scrubbing plant other than through the 20% moisture filter cake.1 There will be a liquid recycling system within the scrubber. The solid waste will be stored in covered dumpsters and will be removed from site by a registered waste disposal firm.

General refuse from the plant will be principally timber packing material. This will be collected by a waste firm for disposal. Any process spills will be swept up and returned to the cells. All material to site will be stored in solid form.

Sludge from the process containing PrNd oxides will be stored in vented drums within the building. It will be analysed and ground and fed back into the process, sold to a specialist contractor for the reclamation of the PrNd material or returned to the LAMP plant for reprocessing. Any transport of material (e.g spent anodes) will be in containers that are waterproof and vented to minimise the impact of the hygroscopic nature of the material and stacked in the building prior to disposal. Options for the disposal of spent carbon anodes include cement plants such as Cement Australia works at Railton or through a specialist processing company such as Regain Pty Ltd. Total quantity of spent anode waste is expected to be 15 tonnes per year and will be transported in dumpster bins. This represents the unused anode portions. The spent cell lining will be hand separated on site. Non carbon material will be disposed by a registered contractor into land fill. Other carbon containing material will be disposed in a similar manner to the spent anodes. Total quantity of cell lining waste is expected to be less than 10 tonnes per year. It will be transported in covered dumpster bins. 3.12 Noise Emissions

Noise levels in the process are low and are inherent to the nature of the electrolytic process. Noise generating activity is likely to be associated with installation of the rectifier and adhoc maintenance activity during the operation of the plant.

3.13 Transport Impacts

There will be approximately one 10t to 20t container per week to or from shipping at Devonport, Burnie or Bell Bay. This will have a minimal impact on external roads.

3.14 Other off-site impacts

Effort will be made to maximise the use of the infrastructure available at Bell Bay and George Town. It is not expected that there will be other offsite impacts.

3.15 Dangerous substances and chemicals

The solid materials into and out of the plant have a high monetary value. They will be transported in locked 10 to 20t containers.

1 Note: It is currently not planned to use the wet scrubber.



Transport will comply with the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail of Dangerous Substances (Safe Handling) Act 2005 and associated regulations. Generally these materials are similar to those used in aluminium smelting.

Solid waste will be transported in vented but water tight containers to avoid potential formation of flammable gases such as methane or hydrogen in an enclosed space that might arise due to the potential hygroscopic nature of the material.

The Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008) does not apply to NORM with a concentration of less than 1Bq/g. The material being transported is equivalent to 0.02Bq/g. Details of nature and quantity of goods to be stored is discussed in Section 2.1.3. Any spillages will be swept up as part of the normal housekeeping procedures.

3.16 Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment

A preliminary analysis of the potential for any hazard event to occur has been carried out. Of particular note:

There are no significant combustibles in the process.

There is no water used in the casting process which might facilitate a molten metal explosion.

None of the materials are flammable.

All anodes and cathodes are fabricated off site, there will be no on site formulation or baking of anodes.

Similar hazards to aluminium smelting such as isolation, electrical and gas and particulates will be present but managed.

Ways to safely work in an environment where fluoride gases and dusts are present is well known for aluminium smelting and similar safeguards will be applied.

There is no working from height required apart from equipment maintenance.

The rectifier and electrical switch gear will comply with the relevant standards and installation will be overseen / audited by the supplier.

Fine Didymium and Lanthanum Oxide materials can potentially gather oxygen or release hydrogen when wet. Practices will be put in place to ensure storage and associated housekeeping is of a high standard.

A fire plan, in consultation with the local fire brigade will be prepared prior to commissioning. A plan of the existing fire Services is shown in Figure 12.



Figure 12. Plan of Existing Pilot Plant, showing Fire Services



A more detailed assessment and development of procedures will be led by the Plant Manager prior to start up.

3.17 Site Contamination

The site has been used previously for a single purpose for 20 years. All solid wastes were stored within the building prior to disposal off site. There were no site storage facilities outside the building. All liquid effluent from the existing wet scrubber went to a storage vessel and was then removed from site. Diesel for emergency power was contained within a bunded area. All tanks have been removed from site.

As it is a lease of the building, the building will be handed over to Lynas in a clean condition with maintenance of the baseline condition a requirement at the termination of the lease. All activities on site will be undertaken within the building structure on a hard paved surface. It is highly unlikely that there will be site contamination from the proposed activities.

3.18 Sustainability and Climate Change

As noted previously, the aim of the pilot plant is to produce Didymium and similar metals in a more sustainable way than current practices. These metals are increasingly used in ‘green technology’ applications, and to this end, Lynas has entered into a joint venture with Siemens to supply metals (specifically Didymium), to be used as an alloy addition to produce NdFeB permanent magnets. The testing will identify the most energy and material efficient approach to producing Didymium.

Greenhouse gas estimation has been undertaken of the project as presented below. The predicted annual emissions represents less than 0.003% of the total Tasmanian Emissions based on 2009 data. Table 13 lists the greenhouse gas emissions. Table 13: Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Material or Activity

Quantity per Year Emissions (t CO2-e) t CO2-e/yr

Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3

Power 800 MWh 232

Carbon Anodes 20

PFC emission (CF4, C2F6)

To be determined in Pilot Plant

~ 5

Transport 9000km1 5

Total (t CO2-e) 25 232 5 262

Note 1. Assumes 300 tpy, 10t/load , an average distance of 150 km plus return, fuel consumption 25l/100km.

3.19 Cultural Heritage

There are no known cultural heritage sites that will be affected by the proposed plant.

3.20 Sites of High Public Interest

Online searches have indicated that there are no known sites of high public interest in the vicinity.



3.21 Decommissioning and Rehabilitation

The building will be handed back to Pacific Aluminium in a condition similar to that when it was received. Equipment will be removed and any waste will also be removed and disposed through existing waste management providers.

There will be no external site storage.

3.22 Monitoring and Review

3.22.1 Management system

Operation of the plant will be controlled by use of the Lynas Management System. There will be a strong focus on:

Procedures. Recruitment of staff experienced in an electrolytic reduction process. Training.

3.22.2 Mass Balances

The purpose of the pilot plant will be to conduct controlled trials and to minimize input materials. Assessment and control will be based on the finalization of a mass balance after each major campaign. Reporting will be undertaken on an annual basis. Most analysis results and measurements will be carried out by specialist independent laboratories.

3.22.3 Sampling

The sampling program will be constructed to reflect the issues in the pilot plant and what may be needed to reduce the consumption of raw materials.

It is expected that the air emissions stack testing will be used in conjunction with mass balance calculations to determine total fluoride during operations. The monitoring program will consist of the following parameters.

(a) A monitoring site for HF and dust will be established on the northern boundary of the pilot plant at S3 (as shown in Figure 14) in semi open land. Tests will be carried out to establish whether it is representative and an open site across the East Tamar Highway opposite road will also be considered. Monitoring will be similar to the existing eight sites managed by Pacific Aluminium and will be carried out in accordance with AS 3580.13.2-1991, Method 13.2. Readings will be taken once/week, starting after the receipt of the Planning Permit and continue while the Pilot plant is in operation.



Figure 13. Location of Monitoring Site – S3

(b) The stack exhaust will be measured once each day using Ringlemann charts as a reference. This will provide a visual aid in assessing performance. Visual observations will also be made on fugitive emissions.

(c) PFC’s will be estimated from the control system by measuring anode effects and duration over a campaign.

(d) Fugitive emissions will be reported as the difference between fluoride inputs and the stack emissions (based on stack testing) and any absorption in the carbon in the cell at the end of a campaign. Scrubber efficiency will be measured at the end of a campaign using spot stack monitoring for HF.

A Total Monitoring Programme Summary is outlined in Table 14



Table 14: Monitoring Program Summary

Stage Extent of

Monitoring Parameters

Type of Testing

Frequency of sampling

Frequency of

Reporting to EPA

Pre-Commissioning

Ambient air

HF gas and soluble

particulate fluorides

AS 3580.13.2 1/week Prior to start

up

Raw materials Specifications Chemical

analysis and NORM

Industry standards

Qualify process,

then chemical analysis before

shipment

In operation Stack and fugitive

emissions Visual

Ringlemann charts as a reference

1/day

Ambient air

HF gas and soluble

particulate fluorides

AS 3580.13.2 1/week

Ambient air HF gas US EPA 13B stack

monitoring

When process is

stable

yearly

PFC’s Anode

effects and frequency

From control system

Continuous

Mass balance of oxides and fluorides

weighing in, metal out and

sludge

Inputs-outputs

Weights and differences

After each campaign

1/day plus after each campaign

Yearly report Summary of

emission results Yearly



4 Management Commitments

Lynas will undertake a number of commitments to ensure the proposed plant is operated efficiently. These are presented in Table 15.

Table 15: Management Commitments

No. Area Commitment Completion

Date By Whom

1 Air The initial focus control based on the use of mass balances. When the process is stable stack measurements will be carried out, including isokinetic stack sampling for Total Fluoride using Sampling Procedure/Method USEPA 13B, with results processed at a NATA approved laboratory.

6 months of operation

2 Air The plant will start up with a calcium carbonate dry gas scrubber. Alternative dry scrubber to the calcium carbonate system will be investigated and implemented if a better result can be obtained.

During Operation

3 Air Upgrading of Wet Scrubber Prior to operation

4 Training Training provided to staff on occupation health and safety and environment.

On commencement

of operation

5 General Housekeeping will be of a high level

During Operation

6 General Operational EMP developed Prior to Operation

7 Radiation Material coming to site and product leaving site will be tested to ensure that levels are below Exempt requirements.

During Operation

8 Radiation A NORM management plan will be developed.

Prior to Operation

9 Waste Management

Waste disposal will be undertaken by licensed contractors

During Operation

10 Dangerous Goods

All materials stored in the building

During Operation

11 Checking Audits of facility will be undertaken under the Lynas management system.

During Operation

12 Monitoring Program

As per Table 14 Pre and Post Start-up



5 Public Consultation

The timeline of consultation that has been undertaken is presented below.

A briefing of the Project was given to Mark Kelleher, head of Tasmanian Dept of Industrial development on 19 July, 2012 and on 4 April 2013.

An initial meeting was held with Malcolm Budd, Section Head Compliance & Investigations Section, EPA Division and Dave Oldmeadow on 1 Nov 2012. Review was held on 16 Jan 2013.

A follow up meeting with Dave Oldmeadow and Barbara Shields, Dept of Health was held on 2 Nov 2012.

Inspection of the site by the George Town Council was held on 7 Dec 2012

Inspection of the site by the EPA was on 11 Jan 2013.

One to one briefings will be given to closest neighbours in the area, in consultation with the Pacific Aluminium Communications Team and the Department of Health. Consultation will be undertaken with local community members in addition to the public notification of this EER. The large industrial plants in the area will be consulted.



6 Limitations

ENVIRON Australia prepared this report in accordance with the scope of work as outlined in our proposal to Lynas Services Pty Ltd dated January 2013 and in accordance with our understanding and interpretation of current regulatory standards.

A representative program of sampling and laboratory analyses was undertaken as part of this investigation, based on past and present known uses of the site. While every care has been taken, concentrations of contaminants measured may not be representative of conditions between the locations sampled and investigated. We cannot therefore preclude the presence of materials that may be hazardous.

Site conditions may change over time. This report is based on conditions encountered at the site at the time of the report and ENVIRON disclaims responsibility for any changes that may have occurred after this time.

The conclusions presented in this report represent ENVIRON’s professional judgment based on information made available during the course of this assignment and are true and correct to the best of ENVIRON’s knowledge as at the date of the assessment.

ENVIRON did not independently verify all of the written or oral information provided to ENVIRON during the course of this investigation. While ENVIRON has no reason to doubt the accuracy of the information provided to it, the report is complete and accurate only to the extent that the information provided to ENVIRON was itself complete and accurate.

This report does not purport to give legal advice. This advice can only be given by qualified legal advisors.

6.1 User Reliance

This report has been prepared exclusively for Lynas Corporation and may not be relied upon by any other person or entity without ENVIRON’s express written permission.



Appendix A

MSDS

p. 1

0 2 0

He a lt h

Fire

Re a c t iv it y

Pe rs o n a lPro t e c t io n

2

0

0

E

Material Safety Data SheetLithium fluoride MSDS

Section 1: Chemical Product and Company Identification

Product Name: Lithium fluoride

Catalog Codes: SLL1864

CAS#: 7789-24-4

RTECS: OJ6125000

TSCA: TSCA 8(b) inventory: Lithium fluoride

CI#: Not available.

Synonym:

Chemical Name: Not available.

Chemical Formula: LiF

Contact Information:

Sciencelab.com, Inc.14025 Smith Rd.Houston, Texas 77396

US Sales: 1-800-901-7247International Sales: 1-281-441-4400

Order Online: ScienceLab.com

CHEMTREC (24HR Emergency Telephone), call:1-800-424-9300

International CHEMTREC, call: 1-703-527-3887

For non-emergency assistance, call: 1-281-441-4400

Section 2: Composition and Information on Ingredients

Composition:

Name CAS # % by Weight

Lithium fluoride 7789-24-4 100

Toxicological Data on Ingredients: Lithium fluoride LD50: Not available. LC50: Not available.

Section 3: Hazards Identification

Potential Acute Health Effects:Very hazardous in case of ingestion, of inhalation. Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant).

Potential Chronic Health Effects:CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available. The substance is toxic to lungs, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolongedexposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.

Section 4: First Aid Measures

Eye Contact:Check for and remove any contact lenses. Immediately flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelidsopen. Cold water may be used. Do not use an eye ointment. Seek medical attention.

http://www.sciencelab.com/

p. 2

Skin Contact:After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of water. Gently and thoroughly wash the contaminated skin with runningwater and non-abrasive soap. Be particularly careful to clean folds, crevices, creases and groin. Cover the irritated skin with anemollient. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

Serious Skin Contact:Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial cream. Seek medical attention.

Inhalation: Allow the victim to rest in a well ventilated area. Seek immediate medical attention.

Serious Inhalation: Not available.

Ingestion:Do not induce vomiting. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. If the victim is not breathing, performmouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Seek immediate medical attention.

Serious Ingestion: Not available.

Section 5: Fire and Explosion Data

Flammability of the Product: Non-flammable.

Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not applicable.

Flash Points: Not applicable.

Flammable Limits: Not applicable.

Products of Combustion: Not available.

Fire Hazards in Presence of Various Substances: Not applicable.

Explosion Hazards in Presence of Various Substances:Risks of explosion of the product in presence of mechanical impact: Not available. Risks of explosion of the product inpresence of static discharge: Not available.

Fire Fighting Media and Instructions: Not applicable.

Special Remarks on Fire Hazards: Not available.

Special Remarks on Explosion Hazards: Not available.

Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

Small Spill:Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal container. Finish cleaning by spreading water onthe contaminated surface and dispose of according to local and regional authority requirements.

Large Spill:Use a shovel to put the material into a convenient waste disposal container. Finish cleaning by spreading water on thecontaminated surface and allow to evacuate through the sanitary system. Be careful that the product is not present at aconcentration level above TLV. Check TLV on the MSDS and with local authorities.

Section 7: Handling and Storage

Precautions:Do not breathe dust. Wear suitable protective clothing In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment Ifyou feel unwell, seek medical attention and show the label when possible. Avoid contact with skin and eyes

Storage:No specific storage is required. Use shelves or cabinets sturdy enough to bear the weight of the chemicals. Be sure that it isnot necessary to strain to reach materials, and that shelves are not overloaded.

p. 3

Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Engineering Controls:Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommendedexposure limits. If user operations generate dust, fume or mist, use ventilation to keep exposure to airborne contaminantsbelow the exposure limit.

Personal Protection:Splash goggles. Lab coat. Dust respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or equivalent. Gloves.

Personal Protection in Case of a Large Spill:Splash goggles. Full suit. Dust respirator. Boots. Gloves. A self contained breathing apparatus should be used to avoidinhalation of the product. Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient; consult a specialist BEFORE handling thisproduct.

Exposure Limits:TWA: 2.5 (mg/m3) Consult local authorities for acceptable exposure limits.

Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical state and appearance: Solid. (Crystals solid.)

Odor: Not available.

Taste: Not available.

Molecular Weight: 25.94 g/mole

Color: Colorless.

pH (1% soln/water): Not available.

Boiling Point: 1681°C (3057.8°F)

Melting Point: 845°C (1553°F)

Critical Temperature: Not available.

Specific Gravity: 2.64 (Water = 1)

Vapor Pressure: Not applicable.

Vapor Density: Not available.

Volatility: Not available.

Odor Threshold: Not available.

Water/Oil Dist. Coeff.: Not available.

Ionicity (in Water): Not available.

Dispersion Properties: Not available.

Solubility: Very slightly soluble in cold water.

Section 10: Stability and Reactivity Data

Stability: The product is stable.

Instability Temperature: Not available.

Conditions of Instability: Not available.

Incompatibility with various substances: Not available.

p. 4

Corrosivity: Non-corrosive in presence of glass.

Special Remarks on Reactivity: Not available.

Special Remarks on Corrosivity: Not available.

Polymerization: No.

Section 11: Toxicological Information

Routes of Entry: Absorbed through skin. Eye contact. Inhalation. Ingestion.

Toxicity to Animals:LD50: Not available. LC50: Not available.

Chronic Effects on Humans: The substance is toxic to lungs, mucous membranes.

Other Toxic Effects on Humans:Very hazardous in case of ingestion, of inhalation. Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant).

Special Remarks on Toxicity to Animals: Not available.

Special Remarks on Chronic Effects on Humans: Human: passes through the placenta, excreted in maternal milk.

Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans: Not available.

Section 12: Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not available.

BOD5 and COD: Not available.

Products of Biodegradation:Possibly hazardous short term degradation products are not likely. However, long term degradation products may arise.

Toxicity of the Products of Biodegradation: The products of degradation are more toxic.

Special Remarks on the Products of Biodegradation: Not available.

Section 13: Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal:

Section 14: Transport Information

DOT Classification: Not a DOT controlled material (United States).

Identification: Not applicable.

Special Provisions for Transport: Not applicable.

Section 15: Other Regulatory Information

Federal and State Regulations:Pennsylvania RTK: Lithium fluoride Massachusetts RTK: Lithium fluoride TSCA 8(b) inventory: Lithium fluoride

Other Regulations: OSHA: Hazardous by definition of Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

p. 5

Other Classifications:

WHMIS (Canada): CLASS D-2B: Material causing other toxic effects (TOXIC).

DSCL (EEC): R36/38- Irritating to eyes and skin.

HMIS (U.S.A.):

Health Hazard: 2

Fire Hazard: 0

Reactivity: 0

Personal Protection: E

National Fire Protection Association (U.S.A.):

Health: 2

Flammability: 0

Reactivity: 0

Specific hazard:

Protective Equipment:Gloves. Lab coat. Dust respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or equivalent. Wear appropriate respiratorwhen ventilation is inadequate. Splash goggles.

Section 16: Other Information

References: Not available.

Other Special Considerations: Not available.

Created: 10/10/2005 08:21 PM

Last Updated: 11/01/2010 12:00 PM

The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the best information currently available to us. However, wemake no warranty of merchantability or any other warranty, express or implied, with respect to such information, and we assumeno liability resulting from its use. Users should make their own investigations to determine the suitability of the information fortheir particular purposes. In no event shall ScienceLab.com be liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any third party or forlost profits or any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages, howsoever arising, even if ScienceLab.comhas been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Neodymium Fluoride

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

E-Mail: [email protected]@espimetals.com

Product Name: Neodymium Fluoride

Formula: NdF3

CAS Number: 13709-42-7

II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components: Neodymium Fluoride

Percent (%): 0-100

OSHA/PEL: 2.5 mg(F)/m3

ACGIH/TLV: 2.5 mg(F)/m3

mailto:[email protected]


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HMIS Ratings:

Health: 2

Flammability: 0

Reactivity: 1

III. PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point: 2300 oC

Melting Point: 1410 oC

Specific Gravity: 6.5 g/cc

Solubility in H2O: Insoluble

Appearance and Odor: Pale lilac crystals, powder, or pieces, no odor

IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point: N/A

Flammability: Non-flammable

Autoignition Temperature: N/A

Flammable Limits: Upper: N/A Lower: N/A

Extinguishing Media: Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear a full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: When heated to decomposition, or on contact with acids or acid fumes, neodymium fluoride may emit highly toxic fluoride fumes, hydrogen fluoride vapors, and fluorine gas.

V. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of neodymium fluoride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Neodymium is considered a rare earth metal. These metals are moderately to highly toxic. The symptoms of toxicity of the rare earth elements include writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on the toes with arched back and sedation. The rare earth elements exhibit low toxicity by ingestion exposure. The production of skin and lung granulomas after exposure requires extensive protection to prevent such exposure. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Inorganic fluorides are generally highly irritating and toxic. Acute effects resulting from exposure to fluorine compounds are due to hydrogen fluoride. Chronic fluorine poisoning, or ‘fluorosis’, occurs among miners of cryolite, and consists of sclerosis of the bones, caused by fixation of the calcium by fluorine. There may also be some calcification of the ligaments. The teeth are mottled and there is osteosclerosis and osteomalacia. Large doses can cause very severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal burning and cramp-like pains. Can cause or aggravate attacks of asthma and severe bone changes, making normal movements painful. Fluorides are also irritants to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Loss of weight, anorexia, anemia, wasting and cachexia, and dental defects are among the common findings in chronic fluorine poisoning. There may be an eosinophilia and impairment of growth in young workers. Symptoms of intoxication include gastric, intestinal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous complaints and skin rashes. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause irritation to the respiratory system and mucous membrane of the nose and throat.

Ingestion: No acute health effects recorded.

Skin: May cause irritation

Eye: May cause irritation and serious injury.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause fluorosis, pulmonary fibrosis, severe bone changes, hyperemia, cellular eosinophilia and vascular granulomata, acute chemical pneumonitis, subacute bronchitis and focal hypertrophic emphysema.

Ingestion: No chronic effects recorded.

Skin: May cause dermatitis.

Eye: No chronic effects recorded.

Medical Conditions Aggravated by Overexposure: Respiratory diseases.

Carcinogenicity: IARC: No NTP: No ACGIH: No OSHA: No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYE: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI. REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: Moisture.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Acids, water/moisture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products or Byproducts: Hydrogen fluoride, fluoride fumes, fluorine gas, and neodymium oxides.

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.

VII. SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII. Isolate spill area and provide ventilation. Sweep or scoop up or vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal. Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII. SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved respirator.

Ventilation: Handle in a dry, controlled atmosphere. Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels. Good general ventilation is recommended.

Protective Gloves: Neoprene

Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields.

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers. Avoid breathing dusts. Avoid direct or prolonged contact with skin and eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not rub eyes with soiled hands.

Other Precautions: Hygroscopic, protect from water/moisture.

Work Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking. Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air. Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

TSCA Listed: Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class: 6.1

Identification Number: UN3288

Packing Group: III

Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Neodymium fluoride)

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by: S. Dierks

Revised/Verified: May 2008

Praseodymium




ESPI Metals


Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313


Product Name: Praseodymium

Formula: Pr



Hazardous Component: Praseodymium Particulates not otherwise regulated

Percent (%): 0-100 0-100

OSHA/PEL: N/E 15 mg/m3 (dust), 5 mg/m3 (resp)

ACGIH/TLV: N/E 10 mg/m3 total dust



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III. PHYSICAL DATA



Specific Gravity: 6.77 g/cc

Solubility in H2O: Decomposes

Appearance and Odor: Silver metallic, no odor


Flash Point: N/A

Autoignition Temperature: N/E

Explosive Limits: Lower: N/A Upper: N/A

Extinguishing Media: Dry powder, Class D extinguisher. DO NOT USE WATER.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes. Fumes from fire are hazardous. Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: May react with water or steam when heated to produce flammable hydrogen gas. May react with air.



To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of praseodymium metal have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Praseodymium is considered a rare earth metal. These metals are moderately to highly toxic. The symptoms of toxicity of the rare earth elements include writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on the toes with arched back and sedation. The rare earth elements exhibit low toxicity by ingestion exposure. However, the intraperitoneal route is highly toxic while the subcutaneous route is poison to moderately toxic. The production of skin and lung granulomas after exposure to them requires extensive protection to prevent such exposure. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membrane. Dusts may cause asthma attacks and lung damage such as lung granulomas. Large doses may cause immediate defecation, writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and cardiovascular failure.

Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Skin: May cause irritation, rashes and skin granulomas.

Eye: May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: Prolonged or repeated inhalation may cause writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and cardiovascular failure.

Ingestion: May affect the coagulation rate of the blood.

Skin: May cause dermatitis, sensitivity to heat, itching and skin lesions.

Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs: May affect the respiratory system, blood and skin.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No


INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.

INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention. Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water, seek medical attention if irritation persists.

EYE: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

VI. REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: Avoid heat, moisture.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Air, water, halogens, acids and oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen gas.

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.


Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII. Isolate spill area and provide ventilation. Sweep up and place in an appropriate closed container. Vacuuming should be prohibited. Use non-sparking tools. Clean up residual material by washing area with water.

Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations.


Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved dust respirator.

Ventilation: Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low levels. Handle in a inert gas such as argon, in a controlled process.

Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves

Eye Protection: Safety glasses

Other Protective Equipment: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.


Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Praseodymium metal is air and moisture sensitive. Handle in an inert gas such as argon and store under oil.

Other Precautions: Thin foils and finely divided metal can oxidize rapidly in air.

Work Practices: Do not store, use, and/or consume foods, beverages, tobacco products, or cosmetics in areas where this material is stored. Wash hands and face carefully before eating, drinking, using tobacco, applying cosmetics, or using the toilet. Wash exposed skin promptly to remove accidentally splashes of contact with this material. Maintain a sink, safety shower and eyewash fountain in the work area. Have oxygen readily available.

SARA Title III: Sec. 302 (EHS): No Sec. 304 RQ: No Sec. 313: No

HMIS Ratings: Health: 2 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 2

HMIS Protective Equipment: G: glasses, gloves, combination respirator

DOT Regulations:

Pieces, Ingot, Rod, Sheet:

Hazard Class: None

Powders:

Hazard Class: 4.2


Packing Group: I

Proper Shipping Name: Pyrophoric metal, n.o.s. (praseodymium)

Thin Foils:

Hazard Class: 4.1


Packing Group: III

Proper Shipping Name: Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (praseodymium)


Issued by: S. Dierks

Date: December 2005

SDS: Lanthanum Oxide

This SDS is valid on the day of issue. Lynas Corporation has no obligation to inform you of any changes or revisions to this document. If you are dealing with the material referred to in this SDS, you should contact your Lynas Corporation representative to ensure that you have the

current version of this SDS. Issued: 14.01.13 Version: 1.0 Page: 1 of 7

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1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE MATERIAL AND SUPPLIER

Product name Lanthanum Oxide Synonyms La Oxide, Recommended use Catalysis CAS-No. 1312-81-8 Supplier Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd PT 17212 Jln Gebeng 3

Kawasan Perindustrian Gebeng 26080 Balok Kuantan Pahang Darul Makmur

Malaysia Company Number 752289-D Address Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd PT 17212 Jln Gebeng 3


Telephone Within Malaysia +609 582 5200 International +609 582 5200

Emergency Contacts

Lynas Malaysia Within Malaysia +609 582 5200 International +609 582 5200

Sydney Office (9am-5:30pm) Within Australia 02 8259 7100 International +61 2 8259 7100

POISON CENTRE MALAYSIA 1800 888 099 (office hours)

SDS Date 14th January 2013

2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

NOT CLASSIFIED AS HAZARDOUS ACCORDING TO CLASSIFICATION, PACKAGING, AND LABELLING OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS REGULATION IN MALAYSIA NON HAZARDOUS ACCORDING TO GLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING OF CHEMICALS (GHS) NON HAZARDOUS ACCORDING TO CRITERIA OF SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA,. NOT CLASSIFIED AS DANGEROUS GOODS BY THE CRITERIA OF INTERNATIONAL AIR, ROAD, AND SEA TRANSPORT (UNTDG, IMDG, IATA) NOT CLASSIFIED AS DANGEROUS GOODS BY THE CRITERIA OF EUROPEAN AND AUSTRALIAN DANGEROUS GOODS CODES FOR TRANSPORT BY ROAD OR RAIL.

Malaysian Poisons Act / Australian Poison Schedule Not applicable. Appearance: White moist solid, odourless. Other hazards: Avoid generating dust.




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3. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Component CAS Number Concentration % wt/wt

Lanthanum oxide 1312-81-8 75-100 Moisture 7732-18-5 0-25

4. FIRST AID MEASURES

Ingestion Rinse mouth with water. Give plenty of water to drink. If vomiting occurs give further water. Seek medical advice.

Eye contact Irrigate with copious quantities of water for 15 minutes. In all cases of eye

contamination it is a sensible precaution to seek medical advice, especially if irritation persists.

Skin contact If skin contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing and wash affected skin

thoroughly. If irritation occurs seek medical advice. Inhalation If excess dust is inhaled, remove to fresh air. Allow patient to assume most

comfortable position and keep warm. Keep at rest until fully recovered. Seek medical advice.

Notes to physician Treat symptomatically.

5. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Specific hazards Non flammable solid Not combustible Not explosive Extinguishing Non flammable

Use waterfog, foam, carbon dioxide or dry agent to cool intact containers and nearby storage areas and/or fight fire. Suppress dust. Prevent contamination of drains, sewers and waterways and collect spilt material.

Fire fighting further advice Non-combustible solid. Fire fighters should wear approved, positive pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing when

appropriate. Hazchem Code None allocated




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6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES For large spills contact emergency services and supplier. Recover using mechanical means. Avoid generating dust. Collect and contain recoverable material for recycling or disposal. Do not allow contamination to drains, sewers or waterways.

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE Handling Carefully read the product label or other instructions prior to use. Safe work

practices should be employed to avoid eye or skin contact and inhalation. Observe good personal hygiene, including thoroughly washing hands before eating. All eating, drinking and smoking should be prohibited in work areas.

Usage Mixing, cutting, crushing, sanding or grinding will release respirable dust. Use all

appropriate measures of dust control or suppression, and PPE. Housekeeping Avoid actions that cause the material to become airborne during clean-up such

as dry sweeping or using compressed air. Use HEPA vacuum or thoroughly wet with water to clean up dust. Use personal protective equipment.

Clothing Remove and launder clothing that is dusty or wet with material. Thoroughly

wash skin after exposure to this material. Storage Avoid generating dust. Consider dust suppression techniques to control dust.

Store in a dry, well ventilated area, and away from oxidising agents, acids and foodstuffs. Ensure product is adequately labelled.

8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION

Occupational Exposure Limits: No value assigned for this specific material by Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) or Safe Work Australia. However, Exposure Standards for elemental components are as follows (1,9,11): Inhalable nuisance dust

Malaysia PEL 10 mg/m3 TWA (the value is for inspirable dust). ACGIH TLV 15 (total dust), 3 (respirable fraction) mg/m3 TWA Safe Work Australia OES 10 mg/m3 TWA (the value is for inspirable dust). Definitions: TWA - the Time-Weighted Average (TWA) airborne concentration over an eight-hour working day, for a five-day working week over an entire working life. According to current knowledge this concentration should neither impair the health of, nor cause undue discomfort to, nearly all workers. The Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) or Occupational Exposure Standards (OES) are guides to be used in the control of occupational health hazards. All atmospheric contamination should be kept to as low a level as is workable. These Exposure Limits or Standards should not be used as fine dividing lines between safe and dangerous concentrations of chemicals. They are not a measure of relative toxicity.




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Engineering measures: Ensure ventilation is adequate and that air concentrations of components are controlled below Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) or Occupational Exposure Standards (OES). Personal Protection Equipment: The selection of PPE is dependant on a detailed site specific risk assessment. The risk assessment should consider the work situation, the physical form of the material, handling methods and environmental factors. Eye: Wear safety glasses/goggles to avoid eye contact. Skin Protection: Wear appropriate work clothing or overalls and gloves to avoid prolonged direct skin contact. Respiratory Protection: Avoid generating and inhaling dusts. If dust exists, wear dust respirator meeting the requirements of appropriate standards (for example: AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716). Use approved respiratory protection as specified by an Industrial Hygienist or other qualified professional.

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Form / Colour / Odour: White moist solid, odourless. Specific Gravity : 6.57g/cm3 Bulk Density : 6.80 g/cm3 Vapour Density : N App Boiling Point : N App Vapour Pressure : N App Melting Point : N App Flash Point : N App Decomp. Temp (°C) : N App Flammability Limits : Non Flammable Sublimation Point : N App Autoignition Temp : N App pH : N App % Volatile by volume : N App Viscosity : N App Solubility in water : Insoluble Evaporation Rate : N App (Typical values only - consult specification sheet) N Av = Not Available N App = Not Applicable

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Stability Stable under normal conditions of use, storage, and transportation as shipped. Conditions to Avoid Can react with acids and release carbon dioxide Hazardous Decomposition Will not occur. Hazardous Polymerization Will not occur.




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11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION No adverse health effects expected if the product is handled in accordance with this Safety Data Sheet. Health Effects of Lanthanide minerals: Lanthanide elements have a low order of acute toxicity (2). The acute toxicity of lanthanide elements following a single oral administration to experimental animals ranges from > 2000 mg/kg to 7650 mg/kg (2, 3, 4). Skin and eye irritation studies conducted to OECD test guidelines are available for lanthanum concentrate bastnasite concentrate, cerium carbonate, cerium concentrate, neodymium oxide and praseodymium oxide (2), these rare earth concentrates and compounds were non irritating to the skin. Lanthanum carbonate was not genotoxic in a range of studies including cell culture and whole animal studies (5, 6). Lanthanum carbonate was not carcinogenic when tested in lifetime studies with experimental animals (4). Not expected to be a skin sensitiser based on human use experience.

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Avoid contaminating drains, sewers and waterways. Ecotoxicity: Lanthanide minerals The toxicity of lanthanides to aquatic organisms is dependent on environmental conditions such as water hardness, pH and salinity (7). The lanthanide minerals can act to replace calcium in biological systems thus an excess of calcium may directly compete with soluble lanthanide ions and thus reduce the toxicity of lanthanide elements (8). It is likely that the aquatic toxicity of lanthanide elements will increase as pH decreases and toxicity is likely to increase with decreasing water hardness. Cerium hydrous oxide (10). 96 hour LC50 (acute toxicity test) with Zebra fish (Brachydanio rerio): >216 μg/L (no effects observed on fish at the highest concentration tested) 96 hour EC50 (acute toxicity test) Water Flea (Daphnia magna): >17 μg/L (no effects observed on aquatic invertebrates at the highest concentration tested) 96 hour algae (Raphidocelis subcapitata ) growth inhibition test IC50 = 6.51 μg/L. The authors of this test argue that this result is an artificat of the test system and therefore should not be considered representative for classification or environmental assessment. Growth inhibition was observed to correlate with the level of phosphate (ie algal essential nutrient) in the solution. When additional phosphate was added to the test media, no toxicity was observed (10). Environmental Fate Lanthanide elements are insoluble in water and are thus more likely to partition to soil or sediment. Although there is limited data on bioaccumulation they are not considered either highly bioavailable for animals and biomagnification is considered unlikely (7).




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13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS Disposal Instructions: Reuse or recycle material whenever possible. Material may be disposed of in a landfill in accordance with local environmental authority requirements. 14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION Not classified as Dangerous Goods for transport by sea (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code 2006). Not classified as Dangerous Goods for Air Transport (International Air Transport Authority – IATA) Not classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the European and Australian Dangerous Goods Codes for transport by road or rail. 15. REGULATORY INFORMATION Not classified as hazardous according to classification, packaging, and labelling of hazardous chemicals regulation in Malaysia. Non hazardous according to globally harmonized system of classification of chemicals (GHS) Not classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of international air, road, and sea transport (UNTDG, IMDG, IATA) Not classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of European and Australian dangerous goods codes for transport by road or rail. Chemical inventories: AICS: Lanthanum oxide (CAS-No. 1312-81-8) is listed on the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS).

16. OTHER INFORMATION

Literary references (1) Safe Work Australia (2012). Exposure Standards for Atmosphere Contaminants in the Occupational

Environment. Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS), accessed online 28th March 2012. http://hsis.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/SearchES.aspx .

(2) Lambert, C., E., Barnum, E., C., and Shapiro, R (1990). Summary of acute toxicological testing for Lanthanum Concentrate, Bastnasite Concentrate, Cerium Carbonate, Cerium Concentrate, Neodynium oxide and Praesydium oxide). Unocal Product Safety Labs USA.

(3) Patty’s Toxicology (2001). The Lanthanides, Rare Earth Metals. Patty’s Toxicology. Fifth edition. Volume 1. (Bingham, E., Cohrssen, B. and Powell, C.H. (eds)). John Wiley & Sons Inc. http://www.knovel.com/knovel2/Toc.jsp?BookID=706 (Accessed November 2007).

http://www.knovel.com/knovel2/Toc.jsp?BookID=706




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(4) Bruce, D.W., Hietbrink, B.E. and DuBois, K.P. (1963). The acute mammalian toxicity of rare earth

nitrates and oxides. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 5: 750-759. (5) Damment, S.J.P., Beevers, C. and Gatehouse, D.G. (2005). Evaluation of the potential genotoxicity of

the phosphate binder lanthanum carbonate. Mutagenesis 20(1): 29-37. (6) Greenwood, N.N. and Earnshaw, A. (1997). The lanthanide elements. Chemistry of the elements,

second edition. Butterworth-Heinemann, Great Britian. http://www.knovel.com/knovel2/Toc.jsp?BookID=402 (Accessed December 2007).

(7) ANZECC (2000). Australian and New Zealand guidelines for fresh and marine water quality, 2000. Volume 2, Chapter 8 – Aquatic Ecosystems, Part 3 – Toxicants. Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand. Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council.

(8) RIVM (2000). Maximum permissible concentrations and negligible concentrations for rare earth elements (REEs). RIVM report 601501 011. National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), The Netherlands. http://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/601501011.pdf (Accessed November 2007).

(9) ACGIH (2012). Guide to Occupational Exposure Values. Compiled by ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). Cincinnati USA.

(10)

NICNAS (1998) Full Public Assessment Report for Cerium Sulphide. Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme.

(11) Malaysian legislation, Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards Of Exposure Of Chemicals Hazardous To Health) Regulations 2000 Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 [ACT 514] P.U. (A) 131/2000 Malaysian Government

Reason for Issue: First issue. Safety Data Sheets are updated frequently. Please ensure that you have a current copy. This Safety Data Sheet is maintained by Lynas Corporation Ltd in consultation with Golder Associates. This SDS summarises at the date of issue our best knowledge of the health and safety hazard information of the product, and in particular how to safely handle and use the product in the workplace. Since Lynas Corporation Ltd cannot anticipate or control the conditions under which the product may be used, each user must, prior to usage, review this SDS in the context of how the user intends to handle and use the product in the workplace. If clarification or further information is needed to ensure that an appropriate assessment can be made, the user should contact Lynas Corporation Ltd. Our responsibility for products sold is subject to our standard terms and conditions, a copy of which is sent to our customers and is also available upon request. Abbreviations

IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer IATA International Air Transport Association IMDG International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code mg/m3 Milligram per cubic metre NOHSC National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, also known as Safe Work Australia. OES Occupational exposure standard. PEL Permissible exposure limit TWA Time weighted average STEL Short term exposure limit UNTDG United Nations Transport of Dangerous Goods AS/NZS Australian Standard / New Zealand Standard LD50 Lethal dose of a chemical which kills 50% of a sample population. EC50 /IC50 Concentration of a chemical which causes an effect for 50% of a sample population.


http://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/601501011.pdf

SDS: Neodymium Oxide



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Product name Neodymium Oxide Synonyms Nd Oxide Recommended use Raw material to produce energy efficient, environmental protection and digital

technology applications. CAS-No. 1313-97-9 Supplier Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd PT 17212 Jln Gebeng 3




Telephone Within Malaysia +609 582 5200

International +609 582 5200 Emergency Contacts




SDS Date 04th December 2012


NOT CLASSIFIED AS HAZARDOUS ACCORDING TO CLASSIFICATION, PACKAGING, AND LABELLING OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS REGULATION IN MALAYSIA NON HAZARDOUS ACCORDING TO GLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING OF CHEMICALS (GHS) NON HAZARDOUS ACCORDING TO CRITERIA OF SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA,. NOT CLASSIFIED AS DANGEROUS GOODS BY THE CRITERIA OF INTERNATIONAL AIR, ROAD, AND SEA TRANSPORT (UNTDG, IMDG, IATA) NOT CLASSIFIED AS DANGEROUS GOODS BY THE CRITERIA OF EUROPEAN AND AUSTRALIAN DANGEROUS GOODS CODES FOR TRANSPORT BY ROAD OR RAIL. Malaysian Poisons Act / Australian Poison Schedule Not applicable. Appearance: Purple to blue dry solid, odourless. Other hazards: Avoid generating dust.




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Neodymium oxide 1313-97-9 75-100 Moisture 7732-18-5 0-25

















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Form / Colour / Odour: Purple to blue dry solid, odourless. Specific Gravity : approx. 2.29 Bulk Density (t/m3) : approx. 0.6 – 1.5 Vapour Density : N App Boiling Point : N App Vapour Pressure : N App Melting Point : 2233oC Flash Point : N App Decomp. Temp (°C) : 3760oC Flammability Limits : Non Flammable Sublimation Point : N App Autoignition Temp : >400oC pH : N App % Volatile by volume : N App Viscosity : N App Solubility in water : 3.95 mg/l (at 20oC) Evaporation Rate : N App (Typical values only - consult specification sheet) N Av = Not Available N App = Not Applicable






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Safety Data Sheet

]

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS Disposal Instructions: Reuse or recycle material whenever possible. Material may be disposed of in a landfill in accordance with local environmental authority requirements. 14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION Not classified as Dangerous Goods for transport by sea (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code 2006). Not classified as Dangerous Goods for Air Transport (International Air Transport Authority – IATA) Not classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the European and Australian Dangerous Goods Codes for transport by road or rail. 15. REGULATORY INFORMATION Not classified as hazardous according to classification, packaging, and labelling of hazardous chemicals regulation in Malaysia. Non hazardous according to globally harmonized system of classification of chemicals (GHS) Not classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of international air, road, and sea transport (UNTDG, IMDG, IATA) Not classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of European and Australian dangerous goods codes for transport by road or rail. Chemical inventories: AICS: Neodymium oxide (CAS-No. 1313-97-9) is listed on the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS).






(4) Bruce, D.W., Hietbrink, B.E. and DuBois, K.P. (1963). The acute mammalian toxicity of rare earth nitrates and oxides. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 5: 750-759.





Safety Data Sheet

]

(5) Damment, S.J.P., Beevers, C. and Gatehouse, D.G. (2005). Evaluation of the potential genotoxicity of






(10)







SDS: Praseodymium Oxide



Safety Data Sheet

]


Product name Praseodymium Oxide Synonyms Pr Oxide Recommended use Raw material to produce energy efficient, environmental protection and digital

technology applications. CAS-No. 12037-29-5 Supplier Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd PT 17212 Jln Gebeng 3




Telephone Within Malaysia +609 582 5200

International +609 582 5200 Emergency Contacts




SDS Date 04th December 2012


NOT CLASSIFIED AS HAZARDOUS ACCORDING TO CLASSIFICATION, PACKAGING, AND LABELLING OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS REGULATION IN MALAYSIA NON HAZARDOUS ACCORDING TO GLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING OF CHEMICALS (GHS) NON HAZARDOUS ACCORDING TO CRITERIA OF SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA,. NOT CLASSIFIED AS DANGEROUS GOODS BY THE CRITERIA OF INTERNATIONAL AIR, ROAD, AND SEA TRANSPORT (UNTDG, IMDG, IATA) NOT CLASSIFIED AS DANGEROUS GOODS BY THE CRITERIA OF EUROPEAN AND AUSTRALIAN DANGEROUS GOODS CODES FOR TRANSPORT BY ROAD OR RAIL. Malaysian Poisons Act / Australian Poison Schedule Not applicable. Appearance: Dark brown to black dry solid, odourless. Other hazards: Avoid generating dust.




Safety Data Sheet

]



Praseodymium Oxide 12037-29-5 75-100 Moisture 7732-18-5 0-25

















Safety Data Sheet

]
















Safety Data Sheet

]



Form / Colour / Odour: Dark brown to black dry solid, odourless. Specific Gravity : approx. 2.29 Bulk Density (t/m3) : approx. 0.6 – 2.0 Vapour Density : N App Boiling Point : N App Vapour Pressure : N App Melting Point : 2200oC Flash Point : N App Decomp. Temp (°C) : N App Flammability Limits : Non Flammable Sublimation Point : N App Autoignition Temp : >400oC pH : N App % Volatile by volume : N App Viscosity : N App Solubility in water : 3.95 mg/l (at 20oC) Evaporation Rate : N App (Typical values only - consult specification sheet) N Av = Not Available N App = Not Applicable






Safety Data Sheet

]







Safety Data Sheet

]

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS Disposal Instructions: Reuse or recycle material whenever possible. Material may be disposed of in a landfill in accordance with local environmental authority requirements. 14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION Not classified as Dangerous Goods for transport by sea (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code 2006). Not classified as Dangerous Goods for Air Transport (International Air Transport Authority – IATA) Not classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the European and Australian Dangerous Goods Codes for transport by road or rail. 15. REGULATORY INFORMATION Not classified as hazardous according to classification, packaging, and labelling of hazardous chemicals regulation in Malaysia. Non hazardous according to globally harmonized system of classification of chemicals (GHS) Not classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of international air, road, and sea transport (UNTDG, IMDG, IATA) Not classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of European and Australian dangerous goods codes for transport by road or rail. Chemical inventories: AICS: Praseodymium oxide (CAS-No. 12037-29-5) is listed on the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS).






(4) Bruce, D.W., Hietbrink, B.E. and DuBois, K.P. (1963). The acute mammalian toxicity of rare earth nitrates and oxides. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 5: 750-759.





Safety Data Sheet

]

(5) Damment, S.J.P., Beevers, C. and Gatehouse, D.G. (2005). Evaluation of the potential genotoxicity of






(10)







Lanthanum Fluoride




ESPI Metals


Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313


Product Name: Lanthanum Fluoride

Formula: LaF3



Hazardous Component: Lanthanum Fluoride

Percent (%): 0-100

OSHA/PEL: 2.5 mg(F)/m3

ACGIH/TLV: 2.5 mg(F)/m3

HMIS Ratings:

Health: 2

Flammability: 0

Reactivity: 0



http://www.espimetals.com/index.php/msds/631-lanthanum-fluoride?tmpl=component&print=1&page=

http://www.espimetals.com/index.php/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=018674b0f1bef90609be2461ecc6258d7ee83441

http://www.espimetals.com/index.php/msds/631-lanthanum-fluoride?tmpl=component&print=1&page=�

http://www.espimetals.com/index.php/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=018674b0f1bef90609be2461ecc6258d7ee83441�

III. PHYSICAL DATA



Specific Gravity: 5.936 g/cc at 20 oC

Solubility in H2O: Insoluble

Appearance and Odor: White powder or pieces, no odor.


Flash Point (Method Used): N/E or N/A

Autoignition Temperature: N/E or N/A

Explosive Limits: Upper: N/A Lower: N/A

Extinguishing Media: Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes. Fumes from fire are hazardous. Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards: When heated to decomposition, or on contact with acid or acid fumes, lanthanum fluoride emits highly toxic fluoride fumes, hydrogen fluoride vapors and fluorine gas.



To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of lanthanum fluoride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Lanthanum is considered a rare earth metal. These metals are moderately to highly toxic. The symptoms of toxicity of the rare earth elements include writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on the toes with arched back and sedation. The rare earth elements exhibit low toxicity by ingestion exposure. However, the intraperitoneal route is highly toxic while the subcutaneous route is poison to moderately toxic. The production of skin and lung granulomas after exposure to them requires extensive protection to prevent such exposure.

Inorganic fluorides are generally highly irritating and toxic. Acute effects resulting from exposure to fluorine compounds are due to hydrogen fluoride. Chronic fluorine poisoning, or “fluorosis”, occurs among miners of cryolite, and consists of a sclerosis of the bones, caused by fixation of the calcium by the fluorine. There may also be some calcification of the ligaments. The teeth are mottled, and there is osteosclerosis and osteomalacia. Large doses can cause very severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal burning and cramp like pains. Can cause or aggravate attacks of asthma and severe one changes, making normal movements painful. Fluorides are also irritants to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Loss of weight, anorexia, anemia, wasting and cachexia, and

dental defects are among the common findings in chronic fluorine poisoning. There may be an eosinophilia and impairment of growth in young workers. Symptoms of intoxication include gastric, intestinal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous complaints, and skin rashes. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials.)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause irritation of the respiratory system and mucous membrane of the nose and throat.

Ingestion: No acute health effects recorded.

Skin: May cause irritation.

Eye: May cause irritation and serious injury.

Chronic Effects:

Skin: May cause dermatitis. No other chronic health effects recorded.

Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory and skin disorders.

Target Organs: May affect the respiratory system, central nervous system, skeleton, kidneys, skin and eyes.

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No


INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.

INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI. REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Acids

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Fluoride fumes, hydrogen fluoride, fluorine gas and lanthanum oxide.

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur


Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII. Isolate spill area and provide ventilation. Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal. Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method: Disposal must be made in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations.


Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): NIOSH approved respirator

Ventilation: Local exhaust ventilation to control any air contaminants to within their PEL’s or TLV’s during the use of this product. Good general ventilation is recommended.

Protective Gloves: Neoprene

Eye Protection: Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.


Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in a cool, dry area. Store in tightly sealed containers. Wash thoroughly after handling.

Work Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking. Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air. Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.


Prepared By: S. Dierks

Dated: July 2004



Appendix B

Air Report

Graeme Ross & Associates Pty Ltd A.C.N. 063 931 420 A.B.N. 94 063 931 420 PO Box 292, Ashburton, Vic, Australia. 3147

Tel: (03) 9889 8009, Mobile: 0418 371 826, Email: [email protected]

AIR QUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT:

DIDYMIUM PILOT PLANT,

BELL BAY, TASMANIA

HYDROGEN FLUORIDE EMISSIONS

Report to:

Gibson Crest Pty Ltd

Consulting Air pollution Modelling & Meteorology (CAMM) CAMM Report No. 2/13

June 2013

CAMM Report 2/13



Project Title Air Quality Impact Assessment: Hydrogen Fluoride – Didymium Pilot Plant, Bell Bay, Tasmania

Client Gibson Crest Pty Ltd Project No. 2/13 Project manager Graeme Ross QA/QC Graeme Ross Report Author Graeme Ross Report Internal Restricted Open Research Rel. No. Date of Issue Checked by Approved by Reason for Update 00 25 January 2013 GR GR Draft report 01 5 February 2013 GR GR Final report 02 11 April 2013 GR GR Response to EPA Tas

comments/requests 03 24 May 2013 GR GR Further response to EPA Tas

comments/requests 04 11 June 2013 GR GR Correction to Fig A1.3 DISCLAIMER

This report was prepared by Consulting Air pollution Modelling & Meteorology (CAMM) on behalf of Gibson Crest Pty Ltd. The material within reflects CAMM’s best judgement at the time of preparation. Any use which any party makes of this report is the responsibility of such party. CAMM accepts no responsibility whatsoever for damages, if any, which are suffered by any party in reliance on information contained in this report.

CAMM Report 2/13



CONTENTS

Page No. 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. IMPACT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 2 3. METHODOLOGY 3

3.1 Overview of Modelling Approach 3

3.1.1 Simulation Period 4

3.1.2 Modelling Domain 4

3.1.3 CALPUFF Configuration 7

3.1.4 TAPM Configuration 7

3.2 Meteorology 10

3.2.1 General Characteristics 10

3.2.2 Simulation Period – Year 2011 10

3.2.3 TAPM Performance Evaluation 15

3.3 Source Representation and Emission Characteristics 16 4. CONCENTRATION PREDICTION RESULTS 18

4.1 Model Output 18 4.2 Results – 24-hour average 20

4.3 Results – 7-day average 23



5. CONCLUDING REMARKS 32 REFERENCES 33 APPENDIX 1: Pilot Plant Emissions only 34

CAMM Report 2/13, Page 1 of 40.



1. INTRODUCTION Consulting Air pollution Modelling & Meteorology (CAMM) has been engaged by Gibson Crest Pty Ltd to conduct an air impact assessment of emissions to air of gaseous Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) from a proposed Didymium Pilot Plant close to the existing Pacific Aluminium (PA) smelter in Bell Bay in north-central Tasmania. Potential air quality impacts resulting from the additional sources of gaseous HF have been determined in the area surrounding the Pacific Aluminium smelter site for the following cases:

o . ‘Existing conditions’ (i.e., with emissions from just the PA smelter).

o ‘Proposed conditions’ (i.e., with the addition of the proposed pilot plant emissions).

o ‘Pilot Plant only’ (see Appendix 1). The air quality modelling results have been obtained using the latest version of the CALPUFF (version 6) dispersion model with the simulations:

Based on emissions from 100 tonne per year of Dd metal production.

Accounting for the full 3D meteorology associated with the complex geographic characteristics of the airshed for calendar Year 2011.

Assessed with respect to:

o Compliance with the ambient air design criteria for Tasmania and the site Environmental Protection Notice (EPN) limits for the PA smelter.




2. IMPACT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The CALPUFF modelling results presented in this report have been assessed with respect to compliance with the following:

Site EPN limits for the PA smelter:

PA Smelter EPN Limits – Gaseous Hydrogen Fluoride (HF)

7-day average concentration of 1.7 g/m3.



Note that:

These limits are based on the former Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Councils (ANZECC) National Goals for Ambient Air and Forage 1990. These limits are applied outside the PA Smelter ‘licence boundary’.

Ambient air design criteria for Tasmania1:

Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004 – Schedule 2

Fluoride




* Based on a toxic properties.

Note that:

These limits are applied at or beyond the boundary of the land on which the industrial activity is located.

1 DPIWE (2004).




3. METHODOLOGY 3.1 Overview of Modelling Approach The modelling approach, simulation period, modelling domain and model configurations are those adopted by CAMM for a recent air impact assessment for PA (see CAMM, 2012) and are used in the current assessment with the permission of PA and for ease of comparison between the following cases:

o ‘Existing conditions’ (i.e., with emissions from just the PA smelter).


o ‘Pilot Plant only’ (see Appendix 1). The modelling results have been obtained using the CALPUFF dispersion model (version 6.262), with ‘3D meteorology’ provided by the TAPM (version 4.0.4) prognostic meteorological model and the CALMET (version 6.326) diagnostic meteorological model. Figure 3.1 provides a schematic of the process and flow of data.

Observed Winds Synoptic Met Topography & Landuse

Generates 3D met fieldTAPM

Produces input format & micro-met for CALPUFF CALMET

Models transport & dispersionCALPUFF

Figure 3.1: Schematic of the Process and Flow of Data




3.1.1 Simulation Period The modelling simulation has been conducted for the calendar year “Year 2011”. 3.1.2 Modelling Domain Figure 3.2 shows a map of the region surrounding the Pacific Aluminium smelter and the proposed Didymium Pilot Plant. The spatial extent of the horizontal domain used for the CALMET/CALPUFF modelling is illustrated as a black dashed rectangle, where a 500 m resolution has been adopted for the meteorology. The solid black rectangle is the ‘display region’ used to illustrate predicted concentration contours (see Figure 3.3). A ‘nested’ 125 m resolution grid has been used for the dispersion modelling, together with a series of discrete receptors. The PA smelter ‘landholdings’ are shown as a solid brown line

475 480 485 490 495 500 505

AMG Easting (km)

5435

5440

5445

5450

5455

AM

G N

ort

hin

g (

km)

Figure 3.2: Area Map and Modelling Domain




Figure 3.3 illustrates the ‘display region’ used to illustrate predicted concentration contours in terms of a background map. The figure also illustrates the PA smelter ‘licence boundary’2 as a solid black line, the PA ‘landholdings’ within the display region as a solid green line, five of the eight ambient air monitoring sites3 at which PA collected 7-day average HF concentrations during 2011 as labelled black crosses, and the location of the nearest residences (NR1 – 4690 East Tamar Road, approximately 2.14 km from the site towards George Town; and NR2 – approximately 3.5 km to the north-east of the site along Bridport Road). Table 3.1 lists the eight ambient air monitoring sites, while Figure 3.4 illustrates their location as labelled black crosses.

484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494

AMG Eas ting (m)

5445

5446

5447

5448

5449

5450

5451

AM

G N

ort

hin

g (

m)

MS

GAMS

GC

SC

MtG

PILOT PLANT

NR1

NR2

Figure 3.3: Display Region. (The pilot plant is illustrated by a labelled black diamond, the pilot plant land site is shown as a blue hatched

area, the PA ‘licence boundary’ as a solid black line, the PA ‘landholdings’ within the display region are illustrated as a green solid line, the 5 ambient air monitoring sites within this region are shown as labelled

black crosses, and the nearest residences labelled as NR1 and NR2.)4

Table 3.1: Ambient Air Monitoring Sites - HF


MS Met Station 7-day average HF, meteorology GC Golf Club 7-day average HF SC Skills Centre 7-day average HF WC Woodchip 7-day average HF BF Brodies Farm 7-day average HF BY Banyandah East 7-day average HF

GAMS George Town Air Monitoring Station 7-day average HF MtG Mount George 7-day average HF

2 Also corresponds to the Bell Bay Industrial Zone. 3 The 3 remaining monitoring sites are outside the display region. 4 Australian Map Grid coordinates – AGD 1966 AMG Zone 55.




Figure 3.4: Location of Ambient Air Monitoring Sites - HF. (The ‘licence boundary’ is illustrated as a solid black line, the ‘landholdings are illustrated as a green solid

line, and the ambient air monitoring sites are shown as labelled black crosses.)




3.1.3 CALPUFF Configuration The key CALPUFF model options selected include:

Tracer mode for gaseous HF. Turbulence characteristics determined from micrometeorological parameters provided by

CALMET. PDF dispersion algorithm. Partial penetration mode. Partial plume terrain adjustment. Hourly-varying file for HF emissions.

Further details of the CALPUFF model configuration are contained in the input files which are available on request. 3.1.4 TAPM Configuration5 The TAPM prognostic meteorological model and the CALMET diagnostic meteorological model have been used to produce fully 3D meteorological fields for “Year 2011”.

TAPM (version 4) has been configured for the current application with a series of nested grids (30 x30) point grids at 30 km, 10 km, 3 km, 1 km and 0.5 km grid spacing) chosen to ensure good communication and transfer of information from the broad synoptic to the local scale (see Figure 3.5). As such, the TAPM predictions of meteorology are consistent with any larger scale temporal and spatial variations arising from synoptic and other complex events associated with land-sea induced influences, as well as from topographical influences on both regional and local scales6. In regards to the latter, it is relevant to note that observational wind data from the PA meteorological station and the George Town Air Monitoring Station (GAMS) have been synthesised and used as input to the data assimilation component of TAPM.

‘Pseudo’ surface (225 surface stations) and upper air (89 upper air profiles) data has been

extracted from TAPM for input to the CALMET model. CALMET has then been used to construct fully 3-D meteorological fields for the simulation period. Figure 3.6 illustrates the location of the surface and upper air profiles extracted from TAPM. Note that the surface and upper air data have been input to CALMET as observations with the ‘objective analysis’ option and no adjustments. Testing has confirmed that the resulting wind and temperature fields generated by CALMET reproduce those predicted by TAPM.

TAPM and CALMET have been each run for the four quarters of year 2011. This has

enabled the production of four sequential meteorological data files for input to CALPUFF.

5 The TAPM configuration and resulting meteorology are those adopted by CAMM for a recent air impact assessment for PA and are used in the current assessment with the permission of PA. 6 The TAPM simulations have been based on the default databases for terrain and land-use and supplemented with detailed local terrain and land-use databases for Tasmania (supplied by Tas EPA).




30-km grid

10-km grid

3-km grid

1-km grid

0.5-km grid

Figure 3.5: Illustration of the 5 nested computational grids selected for the TAPM configuration




Figure 3.6: Location of 225 surface stations (red dots) and 89 upper air profiles (yellow rectangles) extracted

from inner TAPM grid.




3.2 Meteorology 3.2.1 General Characteristics

The local airshed surrounding the PA smelter is strongly influenced by the proximity of the ocean and the complex terrain of the Tamar Valley. As such, the transport and dispersion of airborne contaminants is governed by a complex interaction between the sea breeze, cold drainage (katabatic) winds, and channelling of winds by topography. The seasonal characteristics of the surface wind flows are as follows:

Summer: During the summer months there is a high frequency of winds from the NW,

WNW and W, and the winds are often moderate to strong in strength. Both synoptic winds and sea breezes contribute to this pattern of wind direction. The sea breeze onset is typically between 0900 hours EST and 1000 hours EST, and may last over 10 hours. Wind from a SE, and to a lesser extent from a SSE, wind direction are associated with nocturnal valley winds. In the early part of the evening, katabatic winds with a NW wind direction are also frequent, originating in the local hills to the NE of Bell Bay.

Autumn: During the autumn months the frequency of winds from the SE increases as the

valley winds intensify. In contrast, the NW, WNW and W wind directions are less frequent as the sea breeze becomes less dominant. The typical sea breeze duration is 7 to 8 hours, with onset at about noon.

Winter: Moderate winds from the SE and SSE continue to be significant during the winter

months, along with wind from the NW sector which are associated with synoptic winds and frontal systems. The sea breeze during this time of year is very weak and may last for less than 3 hours.

Spring: The sea breeze is very strong during the spring months, and usually comes from a

NW or WNW direction. Valley wind in a SE or ESE direction still persists, and strengthens during the period. Katabatic winds with a NW wind direction also become more significant during the spring months.

3.2.2 Simulation Period – Year 2011

Figures 3.7 and 3.8 illustrate sseasonal and annual surface wind roses at the PA meteorological station and the GAMS monitor, respectively, for the simulation period. The wind roses have been generated from wind observations available at each station. Note that the seasonal characteristics of the surface wind flows at each station are consistent with the general characteristics described above.




Average = 3.18 m/sec

Figure 3.7(a): Annual Wind Rose – ‘PA meteorological station’

(1 January to 31 December 2011)





Summer


Autumn


Winter


Spring

Figure 3.7(b): Seasonal Wind Roses – ‘PA meteorological station’






Figure 3.8(a): Annual Wind Rose – ‘GAMS’






Summer


Autumn


Winter


Spring

Figure 3.8(b): Seasonal Wind Roses – ‘GAMS’





3.2.3 TAPM Performance Evaluation General A variety of model verification studies have been undertaken by CSIRO (www.dar.csiro.au/tapm/) and other users of the model. The results indicate good performance of TAPM, compared to other models and to available data, both for meteorology and air pollution predictions of primary and secondary pollutants. TAPM Performance Evaluation – GAMS CAMM (2011) compared TAPM predictions with wind data for Year 2010 at the GAMS monitor at George Town using the statistical performance measures adopted by CSIRO for their various validation/verification studies. The results indicated that the winds at the GAMS site were predicted very well. Note that unlike the current simulation, wind observations from the GAMS site were not available for direct assimilation into TAPM for the Year 2010 and instead were used for a performance evaluation of the predicted TAPM winds.




3.3 Source Representation and Emission Characteristics Existing Sources The existing sources emitting gaseous HF to the atmosphere are primarily the Reduction Line Bays and the Potline and CBF stacks at the PA smelter. CAMM (2012) contains the results of an air impact assessment of these emissions for Year 2011. Gibson Crest Pty Ltd has obtained approval from PA to utilise these results in the current assessment of the Pilot Plant. Pilot Plant Sources Advice from Gibson Crest Pty Ltd indicate that emissions to air of gaseous HF from the proposed Didymium Pilot Plant will be from a wet scrubber stack and from fugitive sources emanating from the process plant building. The emission characteristics are illustrated in Table 3.2 in the form used as input to CALPUFF, where it should be noted that the CALPUFF modelling results have been based on: Emission data as provided by Gibson Crest Pty Ltd for the case of 100 tonne/year Dd metal

production. The conservative assumption that all sources are operating continuously (i.e. 24 hours per

day, 7 days per week) with the emissions characteristics listed. Note that:

The physical characteristics of the wet scrubber stack (i.e. location, height and outlet diameter), together with the exit velocity and temperature have been provided by Gibson Crest Pty Ltd.

The influence of pilot plant building on the dispersion of the wet scrubber stack plume has been included in the modelling, with building dimensions and characteristics determined from a site plan provided by Gibson Crest Pty Ltd.

The fugitive emissions arise essentially from the process plant building vented to the atmosphere and as such has been modelled as a volume source with dimensions based on the dimensions of the building (see Table 3.2 (b) below).




Table 3.2 (a): Exhaust Stack Characteristics - Wet Scrubber Stack – HF

Wet Scrubber Stack

Stack Location (AMG, km) (489.560; 5447.654)

Stack height (metres) 14

Stack outlet diameter (m) 0.25

Gas exhaust velocity (m/s) 4.5

Exhaust temperature (C) 40.0

Mass emission rate HF (g/sec) 0.01277

Table 3.2 (b): Volume Source Characteristics – Fugitive Emissions - HF

Fugitive Sources

Building Centriod Location (AMG, km) (489.564; 5447.661)

Source height (metres) 6

Initial vertical spread (m) 3

Initial horizontal spread (m) 7.7

Mass emission rate HF (g/sec) 0.00958

7 400 kg/annum. 8 300 kg/annum.




4. CONCENTRATION PREDICTION RESULTS 4.1 Model Output The CALPUFF (version 6) model has been used with the configuration and inputs described in Section 3 to determine the following outputs:

The 1st highest, 24-hour average ground level concentration of HF.

The 1st highest, 7-day average ground level concentration of HF.



Note that:

These outputs have been chosen to ensure consistency with the ambient air design criteria for Tasmania and the PA EPN site limits described in Section 2.

These outputs are presented as:

o Contour plots.

o Tables illustrating the predicted maximum ground level concentration (GLC) at the following discrete receptors for the ‘existing’ and ‘proposed’ cases:

The eight ambient air monitoring sites (see Figure 3.4) – chosen for ease of comparison between the ‘existing’ and ‘proposed’ cases.

Two discrete receptors (NR1 and NR2) at the nearest residences.

Three discrete receptors (S1, S2 and S3) - chosen as representative of impacts at the boundary of the land leased for the pilot plant in order to assist in the assessment for compliance with the ambient design criteria for Tasmania.

The figure below illustrates the location of the discrete receptors NR1, NR2 and S1 – S3.




487 488 489 490 491 492 493

AMG Easting (km)

5447

5447.5

5448

5448.5

5449N

orth

ing

(km

)

PILOT PLANT

NR1 NR2

S1S2S3




.2 Results – 24 hour average

Figure 4.1 illustrates the 1st highest 24-hour average ground level concentration (GLC) of HF predicted by CALPUFF for the following case:

o ‘Proposed conditions’ (i.e., with existing emissions from the PA smelter and the addition of the proposed pilot plant emissions).

Note that the figure displays:

The PA site ‘licence boundary’ as a black solid line. The PA ‘landholdings’ within the display region as a solid green line. The location of the PA monitoring sites within the display region The spatial impact zone within which the design criterion of 2.9 μg/m3 is

exceeded. The Pilot Plant land site as a hatched blue area. The location of the nearest residences to the Pilot Plant (NR1 & NR2).

It is important to note that the CALPUFF model predicts a GLC value at each of the receptors considered (gridded and discrete), for each hourly record of meteorological data contained in the meteorological file. In this case, there are 8760 records, with Figure 4.1 containing contours of the 1st highest of the 365 ‘24-hour average’ GLC’s predicted at each individual receptor. Table 4.1 illustrates the maximum ground level concentration (GLC) at the discrete receptors for the following cases:



Note that the 24-hour average GLC’s at the discrete receptors are based on rolling 24-hour average predictions. The results in Figures 4.1 and Table 4.1 indicate that: The addition of the pilot plant emissions results in:

An increase in the size of the ‘2.9 μg/m3 ‘ impact zone, but mainly in the vicinity of the pilot plant.

Relatively small increases at the discrete receptors examined, apart from those along the site boundary of the pilot plant.

The PA EPN limit of 2.9 µg/m3 predicted to remain satisfied beyond the PA licence boundary.

The design criterion for HF of 2.9 µg/m3 predicted to be exceeded at the site boundary of the pilot plant, but not at the location of the nearest residences.

:

Appendix 1 contains predictions for the pilot plant emissions in isolation.




Table 4.1: Predicted 24-hour Average ‘Maximum’ GLC’s for HF – Discrete Receptors

Description

Design Criterion: 2.9 (g/m3)

Location Maximum GLC (g/m3)

‘Existing conditions’ ‘Proposed conditions’

Met Station 2.91 2.91

Golf Club 0.98 1.00

Skills Centre 0.34 0.37

Woodchip 0.56 0.57

Brodies Farm 0.73 0.74

Banyandah East 0.45 0.45

George Town Air Monitoring Station 0.38 0.40

Mount George 1.50 1.50

NR1 – nearest residence towards George Town 0.39 0.49

NR2 – nearest residence to north-east along Bridport Rd 0.68 0.69

S1 – site boundary 1.90 4.32






484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494

AMG Easting (m)

5445

5446

5447

5448

5449

5450

5451

AM

G N

ort

hin

g (

m)

MS

GAMS

GC

SC

MtG

PILOT PLANT

NR1

NR2

‘Proposed conditions’

Figure 4.1: 1st highest predicted, 24-hour average, glc of 2.9 μg/m3 for HF

(The area predicted to exceed the relevant HF air quality criterion is indicated by red shading. Location of Pilot Plant land site is shown as a blue hatched area and nearest residences to the land site (NR1 and NR2) are shown as labelled blue crosses. Location of PA ‘licence boundary’ is shown as a solid black line, the

‘landholdings’ as a green solid line, and the ambient monitoring sites within the display region are shown as labelled black crosses).




4.3 Results – 7-day average

Figure 4.2 illustrates the 1st highest 7-day average ground level concentration (GLC) of HF predicted by CALPUFF for the following case:



The site ‘licence boundary’ as a black solid line. The PA ‘landholdings’ within the display region as a solid green line. The location of the monitoring sites within the display region The spatial impact zone within which the design criterion of 1.7 μg/m3 is


Note again that the CALPUFF model predicts a GLC value at each of the receptors considered, for each of the 8760 hourly record of meteorological data contained in the meteorological file, with Figure 4.2 containing contours of the 1st highest of the 52 ‘7-day average’ GLC’s predicted at each individual receptor. Table 4.2 illustrates the maximum ground level concentration (GLC) at the discrete receptors for the following cases:



Note that the 7-day average GLC’s at the discrete receptors are based on rolling 7-day average predictions. The results in Figures 4.2 and Table 4.2 indicate that: The addition of the pilot plant emissions results in:





:

Appendix 1 contains predictions for the pilot plant emissions in isolation.




Table 4.2: Predicted 7-day Average ‘Maximum’ GLC’s for HF – Discrete Receptors

Description





Golf Club 0.79 0.80


Woodchip 0.44 0.44













484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494

AMG Easting (m)

5445

5446

5447

5448

5449

5450

5451

AM

G N

ort

hin

g (

m)

MS

GAMS

GC

SC

MtG

PILOT PLANT

NR1

NR2


Figure 4.2: 1st highest predicted, 7-day average, glc of 1.7μg/m3 for HF

(The area predicted to exceed the relevant HF air quality criterion is indicated by red shading. Location of Pilot Plant land site is shown as a blue hatched area and nearest residences to the land site (NR1 and NR2) are shown as labelled blue crosses. Location of PA ‘licence boundary’ is shown as a solid black line, the ‘landholdings’ as a green solid line, and the ambient monitoring sites within the display region are shown as labelled black crosses).










Table 4.3 illustrates the maximum ground level concentration (GLC) at the discrete receptors for the following cases:







Note that there is no Tasmanian ‘design criterion’ for this averaging time.





Description





Golf Club 0.39 0.40


Woodchip 0.15 0.15













484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494

AMG Easting (m)

5445

5446

5447

5448

5449

5450

5451

AM

G N

ort

hin

g (

m)

MS

GAMS

GC

SC

MtG

PILOT PLANT

NR1

NR2


Figure 4.3: 1st highest predicted, 30-day average, glc of 0.84 μg/m3 for HF











Table 4.4 illustrates the maximum ground level concentration (GLC) at the discrete receptors for the following cases:








: Appendix 1 contains predictions for the pilot plant emissions in isolation.





Description





Golf Club 0.27 0.27


Woodchip 0.09 0.09













484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494

AMG Easting (m)

5445

5446

5447

5448

5449

5450

5451

AM

G N

ort

hin

g (

m)

MS

GAMS

GC

SC

MtG

PILOT PLANT

NR1

NR2


Figure 4.4: 1st highest predicted, 90-day average, glc of 0.5μg/m3 for HF





5. CONCLUDING REMARKS

Potential air quality impacts resulting from the additional sources of gaseous HF from a proposed Didymium Pilot Plant at Bell Bay have been determined in the area surrounding the Pacific Aluminium smelter site. Atmospheric dispersion modelling using the CALPUFF model has been undertaken to predict the potential impacts of emissions to air of gaseous hydrogen fluoride during Year 2011 for the following cases:

o . ‘Existing conditions’ (i.e., with emissions from just the PA smelter).


o ‘Pilot Plant only’ (see Appendix 1).

The results of the air impact assessment demonstrate that:

24-hour average

The addition of the pilot plant emissions results in: An increase in the size of the ‘2.9 μg/m3 ‘ impact zone, but mainly in the vicinity of the pilot plant. Relatively small increases at the discrete receptors examined, apart from those along the site

boundary of the pilot plant. The PA EPN limit of 2.9 µg/m3 predicted to remain satisfied beyond the PA licence boundary. The design criterion for HF of 2.9 µg/m3 predicted to be exceeded at the site boundary of the

pilot plant, but not at the location of the nearest residences.

7-day average




30-day average9


boundary of the pilot plant. The PA EPN limit of 0.84 µg/m3 predicted to remain satisfied beyond the PA licence boundary.

90-day average




The following points should be noted in regards to the assessment for compliance with the Tasmanian ambient air ‘design criteria’:

9 Note that there is no Tasmanian ‘design criterion’ for this averaging time.




Despite the design criteria being exceeded at the boundary of the pilot plant site, they are very easily satisfied at the nearest residence. Indeed, the introduction of the pilot plant is predicted to result in only a very small increase in the existing impacts at this site.

The fugitive emissions from the pilot plant building dominate the predicted impacts at the site boundary. As such, it is important to note the conservative approach adopted to represent these emission sources.

REFERENCES

CAMM (2011)

Air Quality Impact Assessment: Hydrogen Fluoride Emissions – Year 2010, Bell Bay Smelter, George Town, Tasmania. Report to Rio Tinto Aluminium Bell Bay. CAMM Report No 2/11, February 2011.

CAMM (2012)

Air Quality Impact Assessment: Hydrogen Fluoride Emissions – Year 2011, Bell Bay Smelter, George Town, Tasmania. Report to Rio Tinto Aluminium Bell Bay. CAMM Report No 2/12, February 2012.

DPIWE (2004)

Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment.




APPENDIX 1:

Pilot Plant Emissions only

* Note that results are not presented for a 30-day averaging time given that there is no Tasmanian ‘design criterion’ for this averaging time.




Results - 24-Hour Average Table A1.1: Predicted 24-hour Average ‘Maximum’ GLC’s for HF – Discrete Receptors – Pilot Plant sources

only

Description











487 488 489 490 491 492 493

AM G Easting (km )

5447

5447.5

5448

5448.5

5449N

orth

ing

(km

)

PILOT PLANT

NR1 NR2

S1S2S3

Figure A1.1: 1st highest predicted, 24-hour average, glc for HF Pilot Plant sources only (stack + fugitive) Contour levels: 2.9, 1.45 and 0.29 μg/m3




Results – 7-Day Average Table A1.2: Predicted 7-Day Average ‘Maximum’ GLC’s for HF – Discrete Receptors – Pilot Plant sources

only

Description











487 488 489 490 491 492 493

AMG Easting (km )

5447

5447.5

5448

5448.5

5449N

orth

ing

(km

)

PILOT PLANT

NR1 NR2

S1S2S3

Figure A1.2: 1st highest predicted, 7-Day average, glc for HF Pilot Plant sources only (stack + fugitive) Contour levels: 1.7, 0.85 and 0.17 μg/m3




Results – 90-Day Average Table A1.3: Predicted 90-Day Average ‘Maximum’ GLC’s for HF – Discrete Receptors – Pilot Plant sources

only

Description











487 488 489 490 491 492 493

AMG Easting (km)

5447

5447.5

5448

5448.5

5449N

orth

ing

(km

)

PILOT PLANT

NR1 NR2

S1S2S3

Figure A1.3: 1st highest predicted, 90-Day average, glc for HF Pilot Plant sources only (stack + fugitive) Contour levels: 0.5, 0.25 and 0.05 μg/m3

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