nullagine gold project (ngp) health and hygiene management

NULLAGINE GOLD PROJECT (NGP)

HEALTH AND HYGIENE MANAGEMENT

Plan

Disclaimer

The information contained in these documents is confidential, privileged and only for the

information of the intended recipient and may not be used, published or redistributed without

the prior written consent of Novo Resources Corp.

This document is uncontrolled when printed or when accessed from a location other than the authorised procedures library.

NGP HEALTH & HYGIENE MANAGEMENT

Document ID: Type: Version: Release Date: Review Period: Next Review: Department: Document Owner: Page:

NVO-SS-HST-PLN-0012 Plan 1 05/10/21 1 Year 05/10/2022 HST GM of Operations 2

CONTENTS

1. Document Control ................................................................................................................ 4

2. Revision History .................................................................................................................... 4

3. Related Documents .............................................................................................................. 4

4. References ........................................................................................................................... 4

5. Definitions............................................................................................................................ 6

6. Responsibilities .................................................................................................................... 7

7. Purpose & Scope .................................................................................................................. 9

7.1. Purpose ................................................................................................................................... 9

7.2. Scope ....................................................................................................................................... 9

8. Site Overview ....................................................................................................................... 9

8.1. Operation Overview ................................................................................................................ 9

8.2. Workforce ............................................................................................................................. 10

8.3. Mineralogy and Lithology ..................................................................................................... 10

8.4. Exploration Overview ............................................................................................................ 18

8.5. Mining Overview ................................................................................................................... 18

8.6. Potable Water ....................................................................................................................... 19

8.7. Power .................................................................................................................................... 19

8.8. Village and Accommodation ................................................................................................. 19

8.9. Airport ................................................................................................................................... 19

8.10. Processing Plant ................................................................................................................ 19

9. Health Risk Assessment ...................................................................................................... 21

9.1. Characterise the Workplace.................................................................................................. 21

9.2. Identify the Health Hazards .................................................................................................. 21

9.3. Establish/Review Similar Exposure Groups........................................................................... 21

9.4. Qualitative Assessment ......................................................................................................... 21

9.5. Exposure Monitoring ............................................................................................................ 23

9.6. Quantitative Analysis ............................................................................................................ 25

9.7. Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) ................................................................................. 26

9.8. Noise ..................................................................................................................................... 26

9.9. Vibration ............................................................................................................................... 27

9.10. Radiation ........................................................................................................................... 27

10. Workplace Health Hazards .............................................................................................. 28

10.1. General .............................................................................................................................. 28

11. Health Hazard Control ..................................................................................................... 31

11.1. Overview ........................................................................................................................... 31

11.2. Control Verification ........................................................................................................... 31

11.3. Health Hazard Control Summary ...................................................................................... 33

11.4. Personal Protective Equipment ........................................................................................ 37




11.5. Potable Water Management ............................................................................................ 38

11.6. Thermal Stress ................................................................................................................... 38

11.7. Hazardous Substances Management ................................................................................ 39

11.8. Solar Ultraviolet Radiation ................................................................................................ 40

11.9. Control Monitoring and Verification Table ....................................................................... 40

12. Health Monitoring .......................................................................................................... 45

12.1. Medical Assessment .......................................................................................................... 45

12.2. Agent Specific Health Monitoring ..................................................................................... 45

12.3. Vaccinations and Prophylactic Treatments....................................................................... 45

12.4. Biological Monitoring ........................................................................................................ 45

12.5. Audiometry ....................................................................................................................... 46

13. Training and Communication ........................................................................................... 46

14. Consultation ................................................................................................................... 46

15. Reporting and Notification .............................................................................................. 47

15.1. Exceedances of WES Values .............................................................................................. 47

15.2. Reporting and Notifications .............................................................................................. 47

16. Records .......................................................................................................................... 48

17. Employee Acknowledgement .......................................................................................... 49

18. Appendices ..................................................................................................................... 50

18.1. NGP Workplace Exposure Standards ................................................................................ 50




1. DOCUMENT CONTROL

2. REVISION HISTORY

3. RELATED DOCUMENTS

4. REFERENCES

Reference: Title:

Legislation Western Australian Mines Safety and Inspection Act. (1994).

Western Australian Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations. (1995).

National Standards and Guidance Notes

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. (2016). Introduction to the Biological Exposure Indices.

Australian Government (National Occupational Health and Safety Commission). (2005). Guidance Notes on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres. NOHSC:3003(2005). (2)

IRSST. (2015). Guide for the adjustment of permissible exposure values (PEVs) for unusual work schedules.

National Health and Medical Research Council. (2011). Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Safe Work Australia. (2013). Hazardous Chemicals Requiring Health

Document ID: Type: Version: Release Date:

NVO-SS-HST-PLN-0012 Plan 1 05/10/2021

Review Period: Review Date: Document Department: Document Owner:

1 Year 05/10/2022 HST GM of Operations

Version: Review Date: Version Summary: Revised By: Approved By:

1 05/10/2021 Initial Creation for NGP Tendai Mapondera

Chris Mardon

Reference: Title:

NVO-SS-HST-POL-0001 Novo Health and Safety Policy

NVO-SS-HST-FRM-0091 Novo Risk Matrix

NVO-ENH-PLN-0001 NGP Drinking Water Quality Management Plan

NVO-SS-HST-PLN-0013 NGP Fibrous Materials Management Plan

NVO-SS-HST-PLN-0008 NGP Dangerous Goods Management Plan

NVO-OPS-MIN-PLN-0001 NGP Explosives Management Plan

NVO-SS-HST-PLN-0046 Hearing Conservation Management Plan

NVO-SS-HST-PLN-0047 Respiratory Protective Equipment Management Plan




Reference: Title:

Monitoring.

SafeWork Australia. (2018). Workplace Exposure Standard for Airborne Contaminants.

Western Australia Government

Government of Western Australia. (2008). Mine Site Drinking Water Quality. Department of consumer and employment protection. Circular Letter from State Mining Engineer (MJK: JS Gmi480ON).

Government of Western Australia. (2008). Risk-based health surveillance and biological monitoring. Department of consumer and employment protection. Guidelines

Government of Western Australia. (2010). Model Drinking Water Quality Management Plan. Department of health.

Government of Western Australia. (2010). Small Community Sampling Grid. Department of Health.

Government of Western Australia. (2010). Systems Compliance and Routine Reporting Requirements for Mine Sites and Exploration Camps. Department of Health.

Government of Western Australia Guidelines. (2014). Management of noise in Western Australian mining operations. Department of Mines and Petroleum. Guidelines.

Government of Western Australia. (2015). Management of fibrous minerals in Western Australian mining operations. (second edition). Department of Mines and Petroleum. Guidelines.

Government of Western Australia. (2018). Preparation of a health and hygiene management plan – guide. Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

Government of Western Australia. (2016). Adjustment of atmospheric contaminant exposure standards – guide. Department of Mines and Petroleum- Resources Safety.

Government of Western Australia. (2018). Material and substances used in drinking water. Department of health.

Australian Standards Standards Australia. (1998). Water quality-sampling (Part 1: Guidance on the design of sampling programs, sampling techniques and preservation and handling of samples) (AS/NZS 5667.5).

Standards Australia. (1998). Water quality- sampling (Part 5: Guidance on sampling of drinking water and water used for food and beverage processing) (AS/NZS 5667.5).

Standards Australia. (2001). Selection of containers and preservation of water samples for microbiological analysis (AS/NZS 2031).

Standards Australia. (2006). Health and Safety in welding and allied processes (AS3853.1).

Standards Australia. (2009). Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment (AS/NZS 1715).

Standards Australia. (2009). Workplace Atmospheres- Method for




Reference: Title:

sampling and gravimetric determination of inhalable dust (AS 3640).

Standards Australia. (2009). Workplace Atmospheres- Method for sampling and gravimetric determination of respirable dust (AS 2985).

Standards Australia. (2014). Occupational noise management series (AS/NZS 1269).

Guidance Documents Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene (AIOH) Simplified Occupational Hygiene Risk Management Strategies (2006).

NIOSH Occupational Exposure Sampling Strategy Manual (4th edition)

5. DEFINITIONS

Term: Definition;

Additive Exposure An additive exposure is where a person is exposed to two or more contaminants that have the same target organ or mechanism of action and the effect on the body is equal to the sum of the effects from the individual substances

Biological Exposure

Index (BEI)

The index provides a warning level of biological response to a substance or agent, or warning levels of the substance or agent or its metabolite(s) in the tissues, fluids or exhaled air of an exposed person

Ceiling or Peak

Exposure

A maximum or peak airborne concentration of a substance which, if instantaneous monitoring is not feasible, is measured over the shortest practical analytical time which does not exceed 15 minutes

Contaminant A chemical, thermal, physical or biological entity that may cause harmful effects in an exposed worker.

DMIRS Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation, and Safety

Geometric Standard

Deviation (GSD)

The standard deviation for a lognormal distribution

Lands Exact 95%

UCL

Indicates the probable upper range of the mean exposure of that population. However, there remains a 2.5% probability that the mean exposure will be higher.

95th percentile Refers to the point below which 95% of a large number of measurements are likely to lie.

Lognormally Distributed Lognormal “Skewed” Distribution, best fit for most OH data

Mean Arithmetic average of a set of values

Minimum Variance

unbiased Estimate

(MVUE)

For lognormal distributed data, the MVUE is the best estimate of an arithmetic mean

Normally Distributed Normal “Bell Curve” Distribution




Term: Definition;

Personnel For the purposes of this Plan, refers to Novo employees, contractors, sub-contractors, and visitors.

Shall Specification is mandatory

Short Term Exposure

Limit (STEL)

A 15-minute TWA exposure which should not be exceeded even if the eight-hour TWA average is within the TWA exposure standard. Exposures at the STEL should not be repeated more than four times per day and with at least 60 minutes between successive exposures at the STEL

Should Specification is recommended but not mandatory

Similar Exposure

Group (SEG)

Similar Exposure Group are groups of people having the same general exposure profile because of the similarity and frequency of the tasks that they perform, the materials and processes with which they work, and the similarity of the way that they perform the tasks in like locations.

Safety Regulation System (SRS)

SRS allows users to lodge documents and data with the Department electronically. This includes approvals, compliance, notifications, health and hygiene sampling information, levy assessment and licence and certification management. Some functions also enable customers to monitor the progress of their submissions and to upgrade and manage their licence details online.

Standard Deviation Is a measure of the variability of a data set, or a probability distribution. A low standard deviation indicates that the data points tend to be very close to the same value (the mean), while high standard deviation indicates that the data are “spread out” over a large range of values.

Synergistic Exposure A synergistic exposure is where the effect of combined exposure to two or more contaminants is much greater than the sum of the effects of the individual agents

Time Weighted

Average (TWA)

The airborne concentration of a substance when averaged out over a normal eight-hour day for a five-day week

Workplace

Exposure Standard (WES)

The level of an agents exposure to which, according to current knowledge, should not cause adverse health effects or undue discomfort to nearly all people.

6. RESPONSIBILITIES

Position: Responsibilities:

NGP Registered Manager)

Ensure that sufficient resources are available to implement this Health & Hygiene Management Plan within their area of responsibility and ensure that Supervisors and personnel receive training and instruction to effectively implement this plan in their workplace.

Monitor the effective implementation of the plan within their area of responsibility.

Ensure Ventilation Officer(s) have been appointed to meet the statutory requirements outlined in the Mines Safety and Inspection Act and





Regulations.

Health, Safety, and Training (HST) Manager

Audit and assess the requirements of this plan have been implemented.

Schedule and arrange monitoring programs to meet the requirements of this plan.

Develop and implement training programs associated with this plan.

HST Advisor

Surface Ventilation Officer

A Ventilation Officer for a surface mining operation is responsible for:

• Regularly inspecting and testing workplaces, travel ways, and locations where personnel may travel at the mine to determine whether atmospheric contaminants at the mine are maintained at levels as low as can reasonably be achieved.

• Ensuring that any sampling of atmospheric contaminants requested by an inspector is carried out, recorded, and reported accurately.

• Examining, and reporting on, the means and effectiveness of dust suppression or dust collection devices and systems at the mine.

• Operating, calibrating and maintaining any metering or monitoring device used to determine the levels of emission of toxic or other atmospheric contaminants from any plant or equipment at the mine.

• Reporting promptly to the manager or the manager’s representative:

i. Any defect or deficiency of which the ventilation officer is aware in the ventilation system at the mine; and

ii. Any atmospheric contaminant level in a workplace at the mine that exceeds the exposure standard.

• Enter, date and sign records in the Ventilation Logbook

Supervisors Shall work to this plan and ensure that personnel utilise the available resources to manage health hazards within their work area.

Ensure that personnel are aware of the risk factors and control measures to minimise the risk of health hazards and that these are documented on the task hazard identification and control process.

Conduct workplace inspections and engage and participate with HST team to participate in the hygiene monitoring program.

Engage with work teams during Pre-start / Safety Toolbox Meetings focusing on the relevant health hazard associated with their work.

Report any signs or symptoms of any occupational diseases or injuries, immediately, to the site HST Advisor and the site Medic.

Personnel Attend occupational exposure related disease prevention programs when offered.

Use protective measures identified to prevent occupational illness or injury.





Do not modify, alter or deliberately damage PPE provided for use by their employer.

Use engineering controls and PPE as per the manufacturer’s requirements

Report any signs or symptoms of any occupational diseases or injuries, immediately, to their Supervisor.

Do not modify, alter or deliberately damage equipment used in the sampling and monitoring of health hazards.

7. PURPOSE & SCOPE

7.1. Purpose

This Health and Hygiene Management Plan (HHMP) has been developed to enable Novo

Resources Corp - NGP) to effectively anticipate, recognize, evaluate, communicate and control

potential occupational health hazards in the workplace to prevent occupational illness and

disease.

7.2. Scope

This HHMP applies to all activities associated with Novo Resources Corp - NGP operation. It

includes activities by contractors, their employees and sub-contractors.

8. SITE OVERVIEW

8.1. Operation Overview

Novo Resources Corporation (Novo) operates NGP, which comprises of multiple deposits on

granted mining leases. The largest deposit, Beatons Creek (BC), is located approximately 1.2 km

North of the Nullagine township between the major regional centres of Newman and Port

Hedland, within the Shire of East Pilbara in Western Australia.

The NGP operations consists of open cut mining of gold bearing ore at Beatons Creek and

operation of a carbon-in-leach (CIL) treatment plant, capable of processing at a nominal rate of

1.5 million tonnes per annum, at Golden Eagle (GE), approximately 10km south of Nullagine

township.

The East Pilbara region has an arid continental climate characterized by very high summer

temperatures and large daytime temperature variations (>13.2°C) throughout the year.

December and January are the hottest months with average maximum temperatures above 40°C

and record highs over 48°C. From October to February the average monthly maximum

temperature exceeds 36°C. Maximum temperatures above normal body temperature occurs for 6

months of the year. The lowest temperatures occur in the winter months between June and

August when average maximum temperatures are below 30°C and average minimum

temperatures are 12-13°C.

The East Pilbara region is influenced by both northern (tropical cyclone) and southern

(temperate) rainfall systems, which bring rains in the summer and winter months, respectively.




However, rainfall in the region is generally light and infrequent.

Nullagine has an average annual rainfall of 357 mm, mostly falling between January and March.

Little rain usually falls between July and November, with September and October the driest

months.

Except for a few isolated pools, creeks are generally dry throughout most of the year, but can rise

rapidly and flood large areas after heavy rains (predominantly during the summer months).

Because a high proportion of the rainfall can be from a small number of large storms, flooding

near major river and creek systems is not unusual. The Nullagine River is subject to flooding, and

the town of Nullagine is located in a Floodplain Management Area.

Figure 1 – Nullagine Gold Project Location

8.2. Workforce

Most personnel work a Fly-in/Fly-out (FIFO) roster into Ginbata Airport.

There are approximately 200 full time equivalent personnel working at NGP, where 70 are Novo

employees with the remaining 130 being contractor personnel. Most personnel work a 12-hour

shift on a 2 weeks on and 1 week off, 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off or an 8 days on and 6 days off

rosters.

8.3. Mineralogy and Lithology

The Nullagine sub-basin or Nullagine Synclinorium is a >60 km long, NNE trending half-graben

formed in response to WNW–ESE directed extension during the initial stages of continental

break-up. Widespread mafic dykes of the Black Range Suite (interpreted feeders to the Mount

Roe Basalt) mostly trend NNE also implying WNW–ESE-directed extension during lower Fortescue

Group deposition.




The Nullagine sub-basin opens into the Hamersley Basin to the south and is partly bound by syn-

depositional normal faults along its eastern margin. Progressively younger Fortescue Group strata

on-lap basement rocks towards the south.

The Fortescue Group unconformably overlies a wide variety of older Archaean rocks around the

perimeter to the Nullagine sub-basin. Along much of the northeast margin to the sub-basin the

Fortescue Group unconformably overlies the Mosquito Creek Formation, which occupies a 30 km

by 65 km ENE trending belt east of the town of Nullagine.

The Geological Survey of Western Australia’s ‘Geology of the Nullagine 1:100,000 Sheet’ by L.

Bagas and the Geoscience Australia-Australian Stratigraphic Units Database details the geology of

the Mosquito Creek Formation as consisting of two parts:

• Lower Part: interbedded conglomerate, massive coarse-grained sandstone, siltstone and

shale:

• Upper part: thinly bedded sandstone interbedded with siltstone and shale” all of which

exhibits a mid to high greenschist facies metamorphism.

Figure 3 below depicts the summarized geology of the Nullagine area, showing the distinct

contacts between the Hamersley formation and the Mosquito Creek Formation.

“Amphibole and serpentine minerals are major components of mafic and ultramafic rocks found

in Western Australia’s “greenstone belts”, which contain the State’s major gold and base metal

deposits. Amphibole minerals may also be encountered in the banded iron formations of the

Hamersley Basin (Ayres, 1972; Klein and Gole, 1981).

Although in the same broader geographic location as the Asbestos hosting Hamersley Basin, the

NGP has no exposure to this rock unit within its tenement area and as described above the

geology of the Mosquito Creek formation does not consist of mafic and ultramafic rocks

susceptible to Serpentine and Amphibole mineral development.

NGP is located in the Northern Pilbara Craton (Figure 2) wholly within the Mosquito Creek

Formation. As such Novo / NGP considers the risk profile with respect to airborne contamination

due to Asbestiform minerals known to have health effects to be Low.




Figure 2 - A geological map of the Pilbara Craton showing the Mosquito Creek Basin’s (Mosquito Creek Formation) geographical location.




Figure 3 - 1:100,000 summarized geological map of the Nullagine Area




Figure 4 - Legend for 1:100,000 Nullagine Map Sheet (Figure 3) above

8.3.1. Bulk Ore Material Chemical Composition - Mining

A full metal screen was undertaken for each bulk ore material sample. Figure identifies the

analytes which were present at > 0.1%. The composition and relative abundances of analytes

across the six (6) representative bulk ore material samples were consistent.

Silica, in the form of silicon dioxide, typically made up approximately 80% of each sample.

Additional analysis was undertaken to determine the respirable dust and subsequent

respirable crystalline exposure potential.




It should be noted that concentration of certain elements may occur during the refining

process and occupations such as gold room employees may encounter higher concentrations

that those reported here.

Figure 5 - Relative elemental abundances at Beaton’s Creek.

Size Weighted Respirable Fraction (SWeRF)-Analysis

The SWeRF technique performs a particle size separation which results in a segregation of

fractions into aerodynamic diameters equivalent to adopted health related size fractions5.

Client ID

Size Fraction (by aerodynamic diameter) Volume Percent

Non-inhalable Inhalable, PM100

Thoracic, PM10 Respirable, PM4

EP2106977_001 97.4 2.6 1.0 0.22

EP2106977_002 92.0 8.0 3.1 0.68

EP2106977_003 93.9 6.1 2.3 0.65

EP2106977_004 98.9 1.1 0.4 0.14

EP2106977_005 97.1 2.9 1.2 0.34

EP2106977_006 93.0 7.0 2.8 0.72

Table 3 - Health Related size Fractions

This analysis shows the ore materials are typically coarse with low quantities of fine

particles. The crystalline silica content of the respirable fraction of each sample was

quantitatively determined to derive the % Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in the overall size

weighted fraction of the bulk material.




Table 4 contains the overall estimates for the percentage of three crystalline silica

polymorphs present in the bulk material as sampled. This estimate is closer to a “real world”

exposure scenario where material generated in mining operations is handled and processed.

Client ID Respirable (PM4) wt. % of the Bulk Material for Mineral Phase

α-Quartz Cristobalite Tridymite

EP2106977_001 0.007 <0.001 <0.001

EP2106977_002 0.013 <0.001 <0.001

EP2106977_003 0.015 <0.001 <0.001

EP2106977_004 0.004 <0.001 <0.001

EP2106977_005 0.012 <0.001 <0.001

EP2106977_006 0.016 <0.001 <0.001

Table 4 - % Respirable Crystalline Silica in the Bulk Materials

In all samples of milled bulk material, mineral phases identified as potential pneumoconiotic

hazards were detected; the primary hazard identified was quartz.

Crystalline silica dust inhalation has the potential to be a health risk within the Mining and

Exploration drilling areas. Sedimentary rocks have high concentrations of quartz (SiO2) and

with weathering; grinding or drilling of these rocks the silica particles are then released into

the air.

8.3.2. Bulk Ore Material Chemical Composition – Gold Room

Elemental analysis of bulk samples taken from various stages at the Process Plant was

undertaken which consisted of an eighteen (18) metal suite.

To provide an indication of the potential exposure risk, the maximum percentage

composition of the ore samples was calculated and for those elements that have an assigned

workplace exposure standard (WES), a potential inhalable airborne exposure was calculated

utilising an estimated inhalable dust exposure of 5mg/m3 (representative of the unadjusted

action level).

All elements were found to have a calculated exposure less than 10% of the unadjusted

workplace exposure standard. A summary of the results is presented in Table 5.

It should be noted that concentration of certain elements may occur during the refining

process and occupations such as gold room employees may encounter higher elemental

concentrations than those reported here.




^ Based on an inhalable dust concentration of 5mg/m3 * The reported WES refers to the oxide form of the element.

Element WES Electrowinning – Pregnant

Elution solution Acacia Reactor/Electrowinning –

Pregnant (Gold and Silver laden solution) Electrowinning Barren

Solution (Gravity Circuit) Electrowinning –Barren solution (Elution Circuit)

Tailings solution, sent to Tailings storage facility

Max Composition

Max % Composition

Calculated mg/m3^

% WES

Silver 0.01 14.2 2.14 87.4 0.4 0.04 87.4 0.00874 0.000437 4.4

Aluminium 10 18.6 228 220 19.6 0.4 228 0.0228 0.00114 0.0

Arsenic 0.05 4.7 9 7.8 4.6 <0.10 9 0.0009 0.000045 0.1

Barium 0.5 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0 0 0 0.0

Calcium* 2 1.5 1.5 3.5 1.5 509 509 0.0509 0.002545 0.1

Cadmium 0.01 <0.05 <0.05 0.1 <0.05 <0.05 0.1 0.00001 0.0000005 0.0

Cobalt 0.05 0.5 2.5 2.3 0.4 1.45 2.5 0.00025 0.0000125 0.0

Chromium 0.5 <0.10 0.1 0.3 <0.10 <0.10 0.3 0.00003 0.0000015 0.0

Copper 0.1 23.2 9.78 9.34 17.9 5.62 23.2 0.00232 0.000116 0.1

Iron* 5 9.2 446 423 8.7 10.4 446 0.0446 0.00223 0.0

Mercury 0.05 0.058 0.12 7.28 0.058 0.026 7.28 0.000728 0.0000364 0.1

Magnesium* 10 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 12 12 0.0012 0.00006 0.0

Manganese 1 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0 0 0 0.0

Molybdenum 5 0.05 0.85 0.75 0.05 0.15 0.85 0.000085 0.00000425 0.0

Nickel 0.1 176 9.45 8.75 167 3.85 176 0.0176 0.00088 0.9

Lead 0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.2 <0.05 <0.05 0.2 0.00002 0.000001 0.0

Vanadium* 0.05 0.04 0.36 0.34 0.02 <0.02 0.36 0.000036 0.0000018 0.0

Zinc* 5 1.02 29.5 5.7 0.28 0.7 29.5 0.00295 0.0001475 0.0

Table 5 - Elemental Analysis Results

There is no indication of any potential issues with heavy metal contaminants in considering either workplace exposures or technical processing of the ore.




8.4. Exploration Overview

The current explorations works underway are as follows:

• RC drilling at Beatons Lower Prospect – plus planned drilling at Beaton’s extended and Skyfall Prospects as part of an approx. 3,000m program utilising the Castle Drilling grade control rig.

• Additional prospects in the ex-Millennium and Creasy tenements will be added to this list as they are worked up and approvals received (POWs; heritage clearances etc.).

• A series of small soil sampling programs have been planned for 2021 in the ex-Millennium and Creasy tenements; programs already completed at Blue Spec South, Sayshell Trend and Parnell South.

• Similarly mapping and rock chip sampling have been conducted across several areas in the ex-Millennium and Creasy tenements, as part as the work up of above prospects in #2 above.

Surface exploration is scheduled to operate at various times through the year. The surface exploration fleet consists of:

• 1 x Atlas Copco ROC L8 drill rig on grade control operated by Castle Drilling.

8.5. Mining Overview

The NGP is located over the following three (3) leases but operates as a single site:

• - M46/ 9

• - M46/10

• - M46/11

• - M46/532

The main mining contractor is IMC. There is one drill rig on drill & blast activities for the entire operation operated by the Drill & Blast contractor - Ozland.

8.5.1. Mining

Mining is undertaken using conventional open pit mining methods involving excavators loading trucks with dozers also used where applicable to clear waste and push-up ore.

Material is trucked to a Run of Mine (ROM) pad from where the material is loaded onto road trains and transported to the Golden Eagle (GE) processing plant.

The mining fleet currently consists of:

• 1 x Komatsu PC1250-8 Excavator

• 2 x Komatsu PC850 Excavator

• 6 x Caterpillar 777C Dump Truck

• 1 x Caterpillar 9726G IT Tyre Handler

• 2 x Hino 2628 6x4 Service Truck

• 8 x various road trains

• 3 x Komatsu WA 500 loaders

• 1 x Doosan Loader, DL200 or similar

• 2 x Hitachi AH400 articulated dump truck

• 2 x Caterpillar 745 Watercart

• 1 x Mack Mentroliner 6x4 Service Truck

• 3 x CAT D10R Dozer

• 1 x Caterpillar 14M Grader

• 1 x CATD9 dozer

• 1 x CAT 140H grader

• 1 x Cat 336DL excavator

• 1 x Tamrock 1500

• 6 x CAT 745 Dump Truck (WPH)




8.5.2. Mining Maintenance

Workshop facilities have been established for the repair and maintenance of mine equipment, as follows:

• Beatons Creek IMC Workshop

• Golden Eagle LV Workshop

Hydrocarbons and chemicals for maintenance are stored at the workshops.

8.6. Potable Water

The NGP water supply scheme involves a network of production bores and turkey nests (TN) that are connected via high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipelines.

Groundwater extraction occurs via a series of production bores equipped with electric submersible pump units powered by a combination of generator and mains power.

8.7. Power

Power is currently supplied to the village / site infrastructure by diesel generators.

8.8. Village and Accommodation

There is a 250-person accommodation village (Main and Exploration) and associated messing / recreational facilities available.

8.9. Airport

NGP utilises the airport at Ginbata to mobilise personnel to site.

Flights to and from Perth occur on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. These flights are supplemented by flights to / from Newman.

Personnel are either transported by bus or drive light vehicles between NGP and these locations.

8.10. Processing Plant

Ore is hauled via the Marble Bar Road using road trains from the Mining operation at the Beatons Creek mine site to a 150,000 tonnes capacity ROM at Golden Eagle, approximately 10km south of Nullagine.

After being tipped from the road trains on the GE ROM the ore is stockpiled until it is transferred by a front-end loader into a ROM crusher feed bin.

After being crushed the ore is transferred via conveyor to be processed at a 1.5 Mtpa nameplate CIL ore treatment plant.

The ore processing / gold extraction process requires the use of Cyanide, Lime, Hydrochloric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide (caustic) and LPG.

This process is depicted in Figure 5.




Figure 6 - Flow chart of the NGP Process Plant.




9. HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT

An annual Health Risk Assessment (HRA) shall be undertaken at NGP which aligns with the Australian

Institute of Occupational Hygiene (AIOH) principles – “The Simplified Occupational Hygiene Risk

Management Strategies’’ and AS4360 - Risk Management.

The HRA process is cyclic. Each new cycle in the process involves reviewing previous assessments,

collecting additional information to improve upon the previous assessments, and making new

decisions based on the accumulated information. Further detail of each stage of the health risk

assessment process are outlined below. Outcomes from the HRA review shall be documented in the

NGP HRA Register.

9.1. Characterise the Workplace

A site characterization shall be undertaken to include the following:

• Define critical processes, equipment and tasks;

• Describe the workforce including organization and staffing;

• Identification of hazards including identifying relevant exposure standards;

• Identify existing risk controls.

9.2. Identify the Health Hazards

Identification of occupational health hazards shall be undertaken through a combination of the

following processes:

• Completion of a site walk-through survey including task observations of representative activities;

• Review of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and / or stock registers;

• Review of existing exposure monitoring data;

• Review of management system documentation;

• Undertaking interviews with key stakeholders and personnel;

• Industry comparisons.

9.3. Establish/Review Similar Exposure Groups

Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs) shall be identified based on the results of the site characterisation

process and each SEG shall undergo further assessment (qualitative and / or quantitative) to

develop a health risk profile for each identified health risk.

9.4. Qualitative Assessment

A qualitative assessment of the relevant exposure level shall be undertaken in accordance with

the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene (AIOH) principles using the tables provided in

Simplified Occupational Hygiene Risk Management Strategies (2006).

The qualitative assessment shall be conducted by a person who is competent in Occupational




Hygiene. Department Managers, Supervisors, HST Advisors, Ventilation Officers, Medic’s, and

Health and Safety Representatives with sufficient knowledge of the operation to identify and

understand the risk factors shall also be involved in this process as required.

A qualitative assessment shall be undertaken every two years, or sooner if significant change

occurs to the operation.

9.4.1. Risk Ratings

Overall risk ratings shall be determined using the likelihood and consequence of exposure to

the relevant health hazard.

Likelihood ratings represent the exposure level associated for each of the identified health

hazards. Where no exposure monitoring data is available for statistical and professional

review, a qualitative assessment of the relevant exposure level shall be undertaken using

professional judgement. The Likelihood ratings used are based on those outlined in the AIOH

guidebook “Simplified Occupational Hygiene Risk Management Strategies”. Likelihood

(exposure) ratings shall not consider personal protective equipment (PPE) controls. Table 1

provides an overview of the relevant NGP likelihood ratings.

Table 1 – Likelihood Ratings

Likelihood: Detail: Rating:

Almost

Certain (5)

Regular contact / exposure at very high levels (>1000% WES,

>96dB(A))

5

Likely (4) Periodic contact / exposure at very high levels (100-1000% WES,

85-96dB(A))

4

Possible (3) Regular contact / exposure at moderate levels (50-100% WES, 82-

85 dB(A))

3

Unlikely (2) Periodic contact / exposure at moderate levels (10-50% WES, 79-

82 dB(A))

2

Rare (1) Periodic contact / exposure at low levels (<10% WES, <79 dB(A)) 1

The consequence ratings of the identified hazards are a property of the particular hazard and

in most cases are not dependent on the exposure scenario. These ratings are dependent on

the potential health effects, for example; in the case of a carcinogen, the outcome of cancer

remains the same, while only the likelihood of this outcome is variable.

Consequence ratings are based on those outlined in the AIOH guidebook “Simplified

Occupational Hygiene Risk Management Strategies”.

Table 3 provides an overview of the relevant NGP consequence ratings.




Table 3 – Consequence Ratings

Consequence Detail Rating

Severe (5) Significant irreversible effects. 5

Major (4) Irreversible health effects or disabling illness. 4

Moderate (3) Severe, reversible health effects of concern. 3

Minor (2) Reversible health effects of concern. 2

Negligible (1) Reversible health effects of little concern. 1

The risk rating of each hazard is determined utilising the Risk Matrix shown in Table 3 which

is based on the risk matrix provided in the AIOH guidebook “Simplified Occupational Hygiene

Risk Management Strategies”.

Table 3 – Health Risk Matrix

9.5. Exposure Monitoring

An occupational hygiene monitoring plan shall be developed to further quantitatively assess

potential exposures to occupational hygiene health hazards and is to be reviewed on an annual

basis or where a new process is introduced.

All exposure monitoring is to be undertaken in accordance with a recognised standard by a

qualified Occupational Hygienist or Occupational Hygiene Technician with a Western Australian

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Surface Ventilation Technician (SVT)

qualification.

Equipment used for hygiene monitoring is to be appropriate for the method selected, calibrated

and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and industry

standards.

Consequence Rating (health effect)

1

NEGLIGIBLE

2

MINOR

3

MODERATE

4

MAJOR

5

SEVERE

Like

liho

od

Rat

ing

5

ALMOST

CERTAIN

Moderate

11

High

16

High

20

Extreme

23

Extreme

25

4

LIKELY

Moderate

7

Moderate

12

High

17

High

21

Extreme

24

3

POSSIBLE

Low

4

Moderate

8

Moderate

13

High

18

High

22

2

UNLIKELY

Low

2

Low

5

Moderate

9

Moderate

14

High

19

1

RARE

Low

1

Low

3

Low

6

Moderate

10

Moderate

15




9.5.1. Baseline Exposure Monitoring

Baseline exposure monitoring shall be undertaken where:

• A Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) exists as per Section 7.7; and

• Qualitative assessment indicates that the risk of exposure to an agent is greater than or equal to Moderate.

Minimum baseline sample numbers shall be developed in accordance with the NIOSH

Occupational Exposure Sampling Strategy Manual (4th edition) Table A-4 Sample Size for Top

20% and confidence 0.95. The number of samples required per SEG size is shown below in

Table 4.

Table 4 – NIOSH Occupational Exposure Sampling Strategy Manual (4th Edition) Table A-4

POPULATION SIZE (N)

7-8 9-11 12-14 15-18 19-26 27-43 44-50 >50

REQUIRED NO. OF SAMPLES

(n) 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14

Note: Use n = N if N is ≤6

9.5.2. Routine Exposure Monitoring

Routine monitoring sample numbers at minimum shall be developed in consideration of

Table 4 over a two-year period (e.g. If a SEG contains 11 personnel, 7 samples divided by 2

years = 3.5 or 4 samples per year rounding up) unless the following criteria is met:

• Where the likelihood of exposure has been determined to be less than or equal to 10% of the relevant WES or, where the overall health risk rating has been assessed to be Low:

o No ongoing monitoring is required and review every two years for changes to risk profile through qualitative assessment.

• Where professional judgement requires that sampling numbers are amended from following the above:

o Documented justification shall be provided.

9.5.3. Non-Routine Occupational Hygiene Monitoring

In some instances, the completion of routine occupational hygiene monitoring techniques to

quantitatively assess exposures may not be practical due to conditions such as ad hoc work

patterns; task-based exposure duration and / or short-term exposures.

As a result, the following monitoring strategies for the above-described scenarios shall be

developed by a suitably qualified occupational hygienist.

Campaign Exposure Monitoring

Campaign exposure monitoring can be deployed where exposures to health hazards such as

airborne asbestos, welding fumes or volatile organic compounds are infrequent and




dependent on the task and activity.

Such monitoring shall be denoted as being “As Required” when being entered into the WA

DMIRS Safety Regulation System (SRS).

Occupational Hygiene Surveys

Occupational hygiene surveys for health hazards including noise, thermal stress and

vibration shall be completed in conjunction with the relevant baseline and / or routine

exposure monitoring program.

Such monitoring shall be undertaken in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards

and legislative requirements (i.e. guidelines and codes etc.).

9.6. Quantitative Analysis

Quantitative analysis shall be undertaken to determine each SEGs exposure risk profile on an

annual basis where the number of samples per agent for each SEG is greater than or equal to six

(6). No more than three-years of data shall be used to determine the SEG’s exposure risk profile.

Analysis shall be undertaken to determine the likelihood of health exposure exceeding the

Workplace Exposure Standard as outlined in Section 7.7.

Statistical analysis is used to aid the overall risk assessment process. In all instances exposure

data sets shall be reviewed to establish the suitability of the data set and consider the following:

• The Lands 95th percentile UCL for logarithmically distributed data;

• The 95th per cent UCL of the arithmetic mean for normally distributed;

• The 95th percentile of the exposure distribution for acute agents;

• GSD or SD (measure of the variability of a data set);

• Mean or MVUE exposures (exposure averages).

For those airborne samples that return a result less than the limit of detection (LOD), the value of

half of the LOD shall be used for statistical analysis, e.g. a Respirable Silica result of <0.01 mg/m3

shall be statistically analysed as 0.005 mg/m3.

9.6.1. Risk Acceptability Criteria

Assessed risks at Nullagine Gold Project shall be communicated to and addressed by

specified Supervisors and Managers, as appropriate to the nature and magnitude of the risk.

The following table outlines the risk acceptability criteria for NGP and the required action.

Table 5- Acceptability Criteria

Risk Rating: Acceptability Criteria:

Extreme Needs urgent and immediate senior management attention.

High Requires proactive management.




Risk Rating: Acceptability Criteria:

Moderate Requires active monitoring.

Low No active management required other than existing routine procedures.

9.7. Workplace Exposure Standards (WES)

9.7.1. Airborne Contaminants

Safe Work Australia’s Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants 2011 states

that an “Exposure standard represents the airborne concentration of a particular substance

or mixture that must not be exceeded.”

The NGP Workplace Exposure Standards for atmospheric contaminants have been derived

from the following sources:

• Mines Safety Inspection Regulations (1995) r.9.11. (2)

• Safe Work Australia “Adopted National Exposure Standards for Atmospheric

Contaminants in the Occupational environment [NOHSC: 1003(1995)]”.

• Department of Mines and Petroleum, 2013, Management of diesel emissions in Western

Australian mining operations — guideline: Resources Safety, Department of Mines and

Petroleum, Western Australia.

NGP Workplace Exposure Standards are outlined in Appendix 18.1

9.7.2. Workplace Exposure Standard Extended Shift Adjustment

Where extended work shifts are undertaken, the relevant Workplace Exposure Standard

(WES) requires adjustment to account for the potential health impact of the sampled

contaminant. Shift adjustments at NGP are undertaken in accordance with “Adjustment of

atmospheric contaminant exposure standards – guide” (DMP, 2019).

9.7.3. Additive and Synergistic Health Effects

When the body is exposed to two or more contaminants, an additive or synergistic effect can

occur when contaminants have the same target organ or the same mechanism of action. In

this situation, the total effect upon the body is greater than or equal to the sum of effects

from the individual substances. The chemical exposures identified through the HRA process

shall be reviewed for additive and synergistic effects.

9.8. Noise

The Noise exposure standard “action level” of 85dB(A) averaged over an eight-hour period and a

linear weighted peak sound pressure level L(lin) peak of 140 dB(lin) have been derived from the

WA Mines Safety Inspection Regulations (1995) r.7.3.(a).

The LAeq, 8hr noise exposure levels shall be calculated (normalised and adjusted for extended

work shifts) in accordance with AS:1269.1 Occupational noise management Part 1: Measurement

and assessment of noise immission and exposure.




9.9. Vibration

Vibration Exposure Standards are derived from the Directive 2002/44/EC of the European

Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2002 on the minimum health and safety requirements

regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (vibration).

9.9.1. Whole Body Vibration

Exposure Action Value

If daily vibration exposure is likely to exceed an A(8) of 0.5 m/s2 or a vibration dose value of

9.1 m/s1.75 action shall be taken to reduce exposure to below this value.

Exposure Limit Value

Controls shall be put in place to ensure personnel are not exposed under any circumstances

to a daily vibration exposure A(8) of more than 1.15 m/s2 or vibration dose value of 21 m/s.

9.9.2. Hand Arm Vibration

Exposure Action Value

If daily vibration exposure is likely to exceed an A(8) of 2.5 m/s2 action should be taken to

reduce exposure to below this value.

Exposure Limit Value

Controls shall be put in place to ensure personnel are not exposed under any circumstances

to a daily vibration exposure A(8) of more than 5.0 m/s2.

9.10. Radiation

Radiation Exposure Standards (ionising and non ionising) are derived from the Radiation Safety

Act 1975 and the Radiation Safety (General) Regulations 1983

For ionising radiation:

• Effective dose of 100mSv over 5 years

• Maximum of 50mSv in one year

For Ultraviolet Radiation

• UV Index




10. WORKPLACE HEALTH HAZARDS

10.1. General

Workplace health hazards can generally be defined as any exposure for which there is statistically significant evidence (based on scientific study) that

exposure to them can cause short term (acute) or long term (chronic) detrimental health effects. The term ‘health hazard’ includes an array of hazards

that can be broken down into five categories:

1. Chemical Hazards (e.g. Dusts, Quartz; Diesel Particulate; Asbestos; Volatile Organic Compounds)

2. Physical Hazards (e.g. Noise; Thermal Environment; Radiation; Vibration)

3. Ergonomic Hazards (e.g. Manual Handling; Ergonomics)

4. Biological Hazards (e.g. Legionella, Mould, Faecal Coliforms)

5. Psychological (e.g. Stress, Fatigue)

Each health hazard identified at NGP that may present a health risk to personnel under current conditions is summarised in Table 6.

Table 6 – Summary of Consequence of Exposure by Health Hazard

Hazard: Area: Source: Health Impact1: Consequence:

Ammonia Gold Room Electrowinning cells Eye damage, upper respiratory tract (URT) irritation

Moderate (3)

Ammonium Nitrate Mining Blasting activities Irritant Minor (2)

Asbestos Exploration / Mining / Maintenance

Orebody Carcinogen Major (4)

Biological Exploration / Mining / Maintenance

Water / Human Waste Allergic or Acute lung disease

Moderate (3)

Borax Gold Room Flux additive Oral irritation and respiratory effects

Minor (2)

Caustic Soda Processing Process Plant Reagent Skin Irritant / burns / Moderate (3)





Respiratory tract irritant

Calcium Hydroxide Processing Process Plant Reagent Skin Irritant / burns / Respiratory tract irritant

Minor (2)

Chromium (III), (IV) Mining Maintenance Welding Respiratory Tract Irritant, Chronic lung disorders, Carcinogen

Major (4)

Copper Mining Maintenance Welding Respiratory Tract Irritant, Chronic lung disorders

Moderate (3)

Crystalline Silica Exploration / Mining / Maintenance

Orebody Carcinogen, Obstructive Lung disease

Major (4)

DIBK (Diisobutyl ketone) Laboratory Laboratory reagent Irritant, aspiration hazard Major (4)

Ergonomics Exploration / Mining / Maintenance

Tools, Plant and Machinery Musculoskeletal disorders Moderate (3)

Hand Arm Vibration Exploration / Mining / Maintenance

Tools, Plant and Machinery Progressive neurological disorder

Moderate (3)

Hydrocarbons Exploration / Mining / Maintenance

Fuel, Oil Dermatitis, CNS Effects Moderate (3)

Hydrochloric Acid Processing/Laboratory Process Plant Reagent, Laboratory reagent

Corrosive Moderate (3)

Inhalable Dust Exploration / Mining / Maintenance

Orebody URT Irritant effects Moderate (3)

Iron Oxide (fume) Maintenance Welding Respiratory Tract Irritant,

Chronic lung disorders

Moderate (3)

Lightning Processing / Maintenance Workplace lighting, environmental conditions

Eye strain, Headache Minor (2)





Microbiological Administration/ Mining Medical treatment, emergency situations

Blood borne virus,

gastrointestinal illness.

Moderate (3)

Nickel Maintenance Welding Respiratory Tract Irritant,

Chronic lung disorders,

Carcinogen

Major (4)

Nitric Acid Laboratory Laboratory reagent URT Irritant effects and

illness

Moderate (3)

Noise Exploration / Mining / Maintenance

Tools, Plant and Machinery Progressive loss of sense Major (4)

Potassium Nitrate Gold Room Reagent URT Irritant effects Minor (2)

Psychological Site Wide Bullying, Fatigue Mental Health Minor (2)

Respirable Dust Exploration / Mining / Maintenance

Orebody Chronic lung disorder Major (4)

Thermal Stress Exploration / Mining / Maintenance

Atmospheric Conditions, Underground

Acute thermoregulatory

injury

Moderate (3)

Welding Fumes Workshop Welding Chronic lung disorders Major (4)

Whole Body Vibration Exploration / Mining / Processing / Maintenance

Tool, Plant and Machinery Progressive neurological

and orthopedic disorder

Moderate (3)

Zinc Maintenance Welding Respiratory Tract Irritant,

Chronic lung disorders

Moderate (3)




11. HEALTH HAZARD CONTROL

11.1. Overview

The hierarchy of hazard controls requires control measures to be assessed and determined on

the basis of the following, in order of priority and whichever is practicable, via:

• Elimination (of the hazard)

• Substitution (e.g. using a less hazardous process)

• Engineering (e.g. using mechanical ventilation to remove air contaminants)

• Administrative (e.g. using health & safety procedures, or reducing the time of exposure to a

hazard)

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Use of PPE is always viewed as the last line of defence or as a supplement to other controls.

In selection of risk treatment measures, personnel shall be involved, as required, in the decision-

making process. This is achieved through:

• Communication via the Safety Committee Structure;

• During Tool Box Meeting;

• By involvement of personnel in Project Planning meetings;

• By involvement on the job.

11.2. Control Verification

The success of risk treatment to achieve an acceptable residual risk is confirmed by a variety of

methods. These verification processes include, as appropriate:

• In field visual inspections

• Occupational Hygiene monitoring

• Ventilation Assessments

• Discussions with personnel

• Lessons learned from a variety of sources

• Confirmation that design standards have been achieved for new projects and additions to

existing facilities

• Audits and verifications

11.2.1. Maintenance of Integrity

Effective, programmed maintenance at NGP plays a key role in ensuring that adverse health

impacts do not occur through wear and tear of equipment. Maintenance at NGP is defined

as:




• Preventative Maintenance

o Undertaken to keep an item in a specified operating and safe condition, through

regular maintenance and systematic examination to detect and prevent potential

failures.

o These potential failures shall be identified at NGP via appropriate surveillance

inspections, condition monitoring and functional checks.

o Data is assessed on a regular basis and the preventive maintenance program revised,

as required, so that failure rates and occurrences of loss of integrity is continually

reduced.

• Corrective Maintenance

o Repair works to restore plant and equipment to a specified condition by replacing or

repairing items.

o Corrective maintenance is carried out in response to failures or unsatisfactory

conditions detected during preventative maintenance checks.

• Breakdown Maintenance

o Repair work arising from situations where the potential for failure has not been

detected by preventative maintenance techniques.

o Confirmation of the adequacy of risk treatments is recorded and records maintained

by relevant personnel for audit purposes.

11.2.2. Inspections

Inspections are an important tool at NGP in identifying if risk treatment measures are

performing within their specified performance criteria. Inspections are also used to check

whether preventative and breakdown maintenance has been performed correctly.

Hazards identified during inspection shall be rectified immediately if possible. If this is not

possible, the area shall be made safe and a Hazard Report raised and recorded.

Other formal planned inspections and pre-start checks shall be undertaken at an operational

level as appropriate for the following areas / plant / systems:

• Chemical and dangerous goods storage areas;

• Mobile equipment;

• Plant;

• Dust Control Systems.

Ventilation Officer Inspections

The Surface Ventilation Officers (SVO) shall hold a Certificate of Attendance in Surface

Ventilation Officer Course and be a current registered sampler with the WA Department of

Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. Responsibilities of the SVO are outlined in Section 6.

Ventilation Officer inspections shall be undertaken for all work areas on a rotational basis.




These formal inspections are required to be undertaken on a regular basis and shall be

customised to reflect area hazards and requirements for hazard controls.

Results from ventilation inspections shall be documented in the site Surface Ventilation

Logbook.

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Assessments

Scheduled LEV assessments shall be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that the site LEV

systems are operating effectively to reduce exposures to levels below the respective WES.

LEV systems shall be tested against a the ACGIH manual “Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of

Recommended Practice” (2015) or Australian Standards, AS 2243.8 ‘Safety in laboratories

Part 8: Fume cupboards’ where applicable.

Specific areas that require regular LEV assessments at NGP include:

• Lab Fume Cupboards: 6 Monthly

• Sample Preparation Lab: Annually

• Gold Room: Annually

11.3. Health Hazard Control Summary

In accordance with the relevant Western Australian legislative and related document

requirements (refer to Section 3 & 4, and in consideration of the above identified health hazards

(refer to Section 10), the following health hazard control summaries have been outlined.

11.3.1. Atmospheric Contaminants

Dust management shall be implemented as specified by the requirements of the

Government of Western Australia, Mines Safety Inspection Regulations (1995).

Atmospheric Contaminant Monitoring and Assessment

NGP shall:

• An exposure risk assessment shall be carried out to determine potential atmospheric

contaminant hazards for all identified SEGs.

• Complete the approved workplace atmospheric contaminant annual sampling strategy

for all identified SEGs.

• Ensure atmospheric contaminant sampling is undertaken in accordance with the relevant

regulations and standards.

• Ensure all sample results that exceed 50% of the relevant workplace exposure standard

are investigated in aim of improving the effectiveness of controls and reducing workplace

exposures.

• Ensure there is a system of providing feedback of results to personnel.

• Ensure personnel have been educated on the hazards associated with the relevant

atmospheric contaminants in their work area.




• Undertake regular inspection of work areas and identify controls where practicable to

reduce atmospheric contaminant exposure through the hierarchy of control.

The exposure risk assessment shall be reviewed on an annual basis considering any changes

that have occurred in the operations in the preceding 12 months and forecast changes in the

upcoming 12-month period.

11.3.2. Noise

NGP shall effectively manage noise and noise induced hearing loss in accordance with the

requirements of the Government of Western Australia Guideline, Management of noise in

Western Australian mining operations, shall be aimed at meeting the expected requirements

of a noise policy, and include the following.

Noise Monitoring and Assessment

NGP shall undertake a detailed Noise Survey of all plant and equipment to;

• Identify noise sources within work areas, plant and equipment that exceed 83 dB(A) to

determine the adequacy and placement of hearing protection signage.

• Identify SEGs who require inclusion in the Hearing Conservation Program where noise

levels are likely to exceed LAeq 12hr of 82 dB(A).

• Identify SEGs who require pre-employment and ongoing audiometric testing where noise

levels area likely to exceed LAeq 12hr of 82 dB(A).

• Determine the adequacy of hearing protection provided for under protection (≥80 dB(A))

and over protection (≤70 dB(A)).

• Identify controls where practicable to reduce noise exposure through the hierarchy of

control.

The noise survey shall be reviewed at least every 5 years or where there is a significant

change in tasks, equipment, or noise exposure levels. These surveys shall be completed by a

DMIRS approved Noise Officer.

Hearing Conservation Program

Where the results of exposure monitoring or other noise assessment indicates exposure in

excess of 82 dB(A), a hearing conservation program shall be implemented in accordance with

AS1269 and address the requirements of the Government of Western Australia Guideline,

Management of noise in Western Australian mining operations.

The program shall include the following components at minimum:

• Noise management goals and targets;

• Measuring and monitoring noise;

• New Plant / Equipment design and Buy Quiet processes;

• Noise control planning;




• Hearing Protection program;

• Education, awareness and training;

• Medical surveillance program.

11.3.3. Vibration

Vibration that affects human health is expressed in the following ways:

• Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

• Hand Arm Vibration (HAV)

WBV is usually associated with the operation of mobile plant and vehicles, whereas HAV is

associated with the operation of hand operated tools and equipment that require grip to

operate.

Whole Body Vibration Assessment

Where the HRA or task specific risk assessment identifies a moderate or greater risk from

WBV from the operation of mobile plant or vehicles, vibration monitoring shall be

undertaken by a qualified Occupational Hygienist a minimum of once every 5 years. The

results from this type of monitoring shall be compared against the exposure standards

outlined in section 9.7.

The implementation of additional WBV controls shall be considered including but not limited

to:

• Improve and maintain road surfaces;

• Implement a seat maintenance program to ensure vibration dampened seats are

maintained in good condition;

• Implement speed limits;

• Implement regular work breaks, posture changes or job rotation;

• Provide training, information and supervision on adjusting and using equipment e.g.

seats; and

• Implement safe work procedures and standard operating procedures.

Hand Arm Vibration Assessment

Where the HRA or task specific risk assessment identifies a moderate or greater risk from

HAV from the operation of hand operated tools, vibration monitoring shall be undertaken by

a qualified Occupational Hygienist a minimum of once every 5 years. The results from this

type of monitoring shall be compared against the exposure standards outlined in section 9.7.

The implementation of additional HAV controls shall be considered including but not limited

to:

• Where practicable, use alternative methods or processes to eliminate the need to use

vibrating handheld tools;




• Purchase or select tools with low vibration emissions;

• Train personnel to recognise and report early signs and symptoms of hand arm disorders;

• Train in preventive measures such as using gloves, heating pads, tools with heated

handles, warm weatherproof clothing, and organising personnel work rotation;

• Encourage reporting of old or faulty equipment in order to minimise excessive vibration;

• Build flexibility into job design and encourage personnel to take necessary rest breaks;

and

• Involve specialists such as engineers and ergonomists in the various stages of work

activity design and development.

11.3.4. Lighting

Measurement of the average illuminance may be necessary to:

• Check the calculated value of a new lighting system;

• Determine compliance with standards, as well as legislative and company requirements;

• Identify the need for maintenance, modifications or replacement of lighting;

• Assist in improving workplace lighting conditions where there is concern about lighting

adequacy; and

• Identify specific lighting needs for visually impaired personnel.

In accordance with regulation 13.6 of the Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995,

NGP shall provide adequate lighting for the nature of the tasks and work being undertaken.

A lighting survey shall be undertaken at least every 5 years and reviewed where there is a

significant change in tasks, equipment or lighting levels. These surveys shall be completed by

a qualified Occupational Hygienist.

Results shall be compared to the relevant levels outlined in the Australian Standard 1680

suite.

11.3.5. Fitness for Work

Fit for Work (FFW) means that an individual is in a state (physically, mentally and

behaviourally), which enables them to perform assigned tasks competently and, in a

manner, which does not compromise or threaten the safety or health of themselves or

others.

NGP shall assess the FFW of all personnel on a regular ongoing and company wide basis. The

primary method for assessing an individual’s FFW is through face-to-face discussion between

Supervisors and personnel throughout the work period. Where appropriate, other FFW

assessment methods may be utilised.

These include:

• Assessment of personnel general health / wellness i.e. coughs, cold and other infectious

diseases;




• Fatigue self-assessment and reporting;

• Risk assessment conducted on high risk and repetitive work;

• Drug and alcohol testing;

• Pre-employment medical assessments; and

• Other recognised assessments as appropriate.

11.3.6. Manual Hazardous Tasks/ Ergonomics

A hazardous manual task is a task requiring a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or

otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing involving one or more of the

following:

• Repetitive or sustained force;

• High or sudden force;

• Repetitive movement;

• Sustained or awkward posture; or

• Exposure to vibration.

These hazards directly stress the body and can lead to an injury. Where the HRA or task

specific risk assessment identifies a moderate or greater risk from a manual task, NGP shall:

• Ensure systems are in place to deliver heavy items to the point of use to eliminate

multiple handling;

• Replace hand tools with power tools to reduce the level of force required to do the task;

• Isolate vibrating machinery from the user (where practicable);

• Encourage the use of mechanical lifting aids and trolleys;

• Provide workstations that are height adjustable (where relevant);

• Rotate personnel between different tasks;

• Develop lifting procedures including what devices should be used, how many personnel

are required to operate them what training those personnel need.

11.4. Personal Protective Equipment

11.4.1. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

The use of respirator protective equipment is required:

• Where personnel are exposed to atmospheric contaminants at levels exceeding the WES;

• In mandatory RPE areas; and

• Where identified in task specific procedures or risk assessments.

Where personnel are required to wear respiratory protective equipment, they shall be

enrolled in a program inclusive of RPE fit testing for all negative pressure face fitting




respirators in accordance with AS1715. Fit testing at minimum shall be undertaken on an

annual basis.

Specific requirements for respiratory protective equipment are outlined in NVO-SS-HST-PLN-

0047 Respiratory Protective Equipment Management Plan.

11.4.2. Hearing Protective Equipment

Where the results of exposure monitoring or other noise assessment indicates exposure in

excess of 82 dB(A), a hearing protection program shall be implemented in accordance with

AS1269.

All personnel who are required to utilise hearing protective equipment shall undergo fit

checking (quantitative or qualitative) to verify an appropriate fit can be achieved.

Specific requirements for hearing protective equipment are outlined in NVO-SS-HST-PLN-

0046 Hearing Conservation Management Plan

11.5. Potable Water Management

Where potable water is supplied by NGP it shall be managed in accordance with the WA

Department of Mines and Petroleum, State Mining Engineer, Circular Letter, Mine site Drinking

Water (MJK: JS Gmi480ON), subsequent Government of Western Australia Department of

Health (DoH) requirements and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

The NGP NVO-ENH-PLN-0001 Drinking Water Quality Management Plan has been developed to

address the specific requirements for potable water management outlined in WA Department

of Mines and Petroleum, State Mining Engineer, Circular Letter, Mine site Drinking Water (MJK:

JS Gmi480ON) and includes the following components:

• Potable water system summary (i.e. water supply; treatment systems and storage types).

• Potable water risk assessment.

• Monitoring and measurement (i.e. microbiological; chemical and physical).

• System maintenance and control.

• Education, awareness and training.

• Incident reporting and emergency management.

• Reporting and notifications including Department of Health.

11.6. Thermal Stress

A Thermal Stress procedure is in place addressing the requirements of the WA Mines

Regulations, Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995. The management procedure

ensures that whilst activities are undertaken in conditions identified to be a medium or high

thermal risk:

• All affected employees are provided with training on measures to be undertaken to avoid

any harmful effects from extreme temperature conditions.




• Appropriate workplace controls are in place to mitigate the health effects.

• A program for monitoring the health of employees is implemented.

Thermal Stress Training

Training is provided for all at risk employees at the Novo NGP encompassing the causes,

controls and symptoms of heat illness so that they may monitor themselves and work mates for

any symptoms.

Hydration Monitoring

Novo shall make available urine specific gravity test strips for any employee who wishes to

monitor their urine concentration.

Urine Specific Gravity is a scientific measure of hydration by measuring the density of a urine

sample with 1.000 being the equal of water. The normal SG of human urine should range

between 1.010-1.028, with dehydration being greater than 1.028. (Refer to table 1 below Urine

Specific Gravity (SG) values chart).

Table 7– Urine Specific Gravity (SG) values chart

Urine SG Reading: Comment: Suggested Action:

1.000 – 1.010 Below Normal range Excess fluid intake (moderate fluid

intake)

1.010 – 1.028 Within normal range No action required

1.029 – 1.035 Above normal range –

Dehydrated

Insufficient fluid intake (increase fluid

intake immediately)

>1.035 Abnormal Seek medical advice

Random testing of the workforce shall be conducted during at risk times. Testing shall be

carried out by a competent person. If an unacceptable level of hydration is displayed, the

employee shall rehydrate and if required seek medical advice.

11.7. Hazardous Substances Management

For all chemicals being brought on site consideration shall be given to the potential adverse

health effects from exposure to chemical, physical or biological agents.

Personnel utilising chemicals shall be familiar with the hazards of the particular chemical(s).

Information can be obtained Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ChemAlert. Hard copies of current SDS

(less than 5 years old) shall be located where the chemicals are stored.

Bringing new chemicals to site and ongoing chemical management shall be conducted in

accordance with NVO-SS-HST-PLN-0008 NGP Dangerous Goods Management Plan.




11.8. Solar Ultraviolet Radiation

Personnel who spend all or part of the day working outdoors are at risk of skin cancer and

adverse health effects to their eyes. All skin types can be damaged by exposure to solar UVR,

however those with fairer skin are at an increased risk. Damage is permanent and irreversible and

increases with each exposure. Solar UVR can reach personnel directly from the sun. It can also be

scattered by particles in the air and reflected by ground surfaces like metal, concrete and sand.

Where the HRA or task specific risk assessment identifies a moderate or greater risk from solar

UVR, NGP shall:

• Provide shade (either permanent or portable) depending on practicability.

• Where practicable, ensure that routine work undertaken outdoors is performed early in the

morning or later in the afternoon when levels of solar UVR are lower.

• Plan work routines so indoor or shaded work tasks are done during the middle of the day

when levels of solar UVR are strongest.

• Personnel shall be provided with adequately rated sun protective work clothing, sun

protective attachable brims for hard hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.

• Provide training and information that covers the following:

o The harmful health effects of exposure to solar UVR;

o Factors affecting levels of solar UVR;

o Effective identification, application and use of sun protection control measures;

o Risk factors for skin cancer;

o How to check for skin cancer and what to look for; and

o What to do if you find something.

11.9. Control Monitoring and Verification Table

Exposure controls shall be formally reviewed annually as part of the HRA process. Table 8 outlines

the identified key critical control and verification processes for each area.




Table 8 – Control Monitoring and Verification Table

Health Hazard Area Controls Monitoring /

Verification Elimination Substitution Engineering Administration PPE

Dust (Inhalable, Respirable, Silica, Metals)

Site Wide

Dust Suppression

Systems (water)

Road Design Water Carts

Dust Awareness Presentations

Hygiene Monitoring

Preventative Maintenance

Area Inspections

Geological Monitoring

Exploration Low Grade Metals in Orebody

Diamond Drilling

Cyclone Chimney

Wet Drilling Operator Positioning RPE P2 Dust Mask

Mining Low Grade Metals in Orebody

Pressurised Enclosed

Cabins Mine

Ventilation

Windows Up Policy RPE P2 Dust Mask Ventilation

Survey

Asbestos

Site Wide Not

Present in Orebody

Geological Monitoring Inspection

Exploration Cyclone Chimney

Wet Drilling

Stop Drilling After Interception Isolate Area

Coveralls RPE P2 Dust Mask

Hygiene Monitoring

Welding Fume Site Wide Low fume

emissions rods and wires

Natural Ventilation

Body Positioning P2 Dust Mask

PAPR Units Hygiene

Monitoring

Radiation Mining No NORM detected

Geological Monitoring






Noise Site Wide

Design Criteria

Low Noise Vehicles

Design Criteria

Hearing Awareness Training

HPE Signage Job Rotation

Hearing Protection

Preventative Maintenance

Noise Monitoring

Mining Enclosed Cabs

Whole Body Vibration Site Wide

Road maintenance Equipment,

seat and suspension

design Adjustable

seating Gel seats

Rubber floor matting

Driving to conditions Reporting.

Task rotation

Equipment and workplace inspections

Baseline survey

equipment Health

Surveillance Vibration

Monitoring

Hand Arm Vibration Site Wide

Tool Design

Rubber Mats for vibrating

tools

Task rotation Anti‐vibration

gloves


Baseline survey

equipment Health

Surveillance Vibration

Monitoring






Hazardous Manual Tasks

Site Wide Design criteria

Lighter items/Packaging

Load design

Forklift / Machinery

Storage practices

Equipment design

Manual handling training

Team lifting with Communication

Risk Assessments Weights

identification Manual handling

standards

Gloves Back braces

Aprons


Incident report Accident and

injury information.

Heat Stress Site Wide

Airconditioned Cabs / Offices

/ Control Rooms Mine

Ventilation

Heat stress Awareness

Presentations Access to cool water and ice for drinking.

Camel Backs Ice vests

Mine Ventilation

Survey

Microbiological Site Wide Controlled Water Sources

Potable Water Management Plan

Water

Complaint with ADWG

Biological Hazards Site Wide

Information on infectious diseases immunisations for first‐aid personnel Infection control

measures

Disposable gloves Sharps containers

Recording of immunisations

including Hepatitis

UV Radiation Site Wide

Work Inside Buildings

Work Underground

Awareness sessions on sun protection

Full length Clothing

Hats Sunscreen






Hazardous Substances Site Wide

Rejection of high risk chemicals

where practical

Using less hazardous substances

where practical

Using enclosed

dosing systems where

practical

Specific Procedures for using chemicals

SDS available in workplace

PPE based on SDS Chemical

Audits and Inspections

Lighting Site Wide Lighting in

areas where required

Clear Glasses in

Workshop / Night time

Fatigue / Fitness for Work / Stress / Mental Health

Site Wide

Education and awareness program

for shiftwork (particularly new

workers) Task rotation

Fatigue considered during roster design Physical and mental task requirements

considered in procedures

Monitoring of hours

Employee Assistance Program Reviews

Incident Data Reviews

Medical Assessments




12. HEALTH MONITORING

12.1. Medical Assessment

All personnel employed at NGP shall be assessed as physically and mentally capable of

conducting their work in a safe manner. This process involves pre-employment medicals and

other medicals on a risk-based frequency.

Only a suitably qualified and competent health professional shall conduct medical assessments —

i.e. an allied Health Professional as minimum with appropriate qualifications and skills to conduct

the assessments required. Pre-employment medical assessments shall be conducted under the

guidance / direction of a recognised medical practitioner.

12.2. Agent Specific Health Monitoring

Personnel exposed to hazardous agents >50%WES as listed in the Safe Work Australia guidance

document Hazardous Chemicals Requiring Health Monitoring (2013) shall be required to undergo

specific health monitoring. These agents at NGP include:

• Crystalline Silica

Specific requirements and monitoring procedures shall be developed for each agent as required

in accordance with SafeWork Australia Hazardous Chemicals Requiring Health Monitoring (2013).

12.2.1. Spirometry

In addition to the above, all SEG's with exposure >50%WES to other agents (i.e. inhalable

dust, diesel particulate) with a potential to impact lung function or cause respiratory disease

shall undergo periodic spirometry testing on a three yearly basis.

Those undertaking spirometry shall be trained through a recognised training organisation or

supervised by a trained and competent person and conducted in accordance with the

American Thoracic Society / European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) guidelines

Standardisation of Spirometry (2005).

12.3. Vaccinations and Prophylactic Treatments

Where personnel are exposed to blood borne viruses and infectious disease, immunisations and

vaccinations shall be required to control occupational disease risk. This includes:

• Hepatitis injections for Medics and Water Treatment Plant (WTP) personnel

• COVID-19 vaccine for Medics.

12.4. Biological Monitoring

Where personnel are at risk of reasonable exposure (i.e. airborne exposures greater than 50% of

the WES and / or dermal exposures qualitatively assessed to be significant) to agents which have

an established Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) in accordance with the American Conference of

Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) ‘Introduction to the Biological Exposure Indices (BEI),

they shall be enrolled in NGP biological monitoring program




The choice and frequency of the test shall be undertaken in consideration of the cost-

effectiveness; risk of harm to personnel, benefit of doing the test, and test accuracy and validity

shall be undertaken.

There are currently no known specific agents identified at NGP requiring biological monitoring.

12.5. Audiometry

Audiometric testing shall be provided within three months of a personnel commencing work.

Where personnel are exposed to noise levels greater than 82dB(A) LAeq,8h, follow-up

audiometric testing is required to be undertaken a minimum of every two years in accordance

with the Safe Work Australia, Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss At Work (2015) code

of practice.

Where personnel are exposed to ototoxic substances greater than 50% WES, audiometric testing

is conducted for noise exposures greater than 80 dB(A) LAeq,8h or L(Lin)peak greater than 135

dB(C).

More frequent audiometric testing (e.g. every six months) may be needed if exposures are at a

high LAeq,8h, i.e. is equal or greater than 100 dB(A).

Those undertaking audiometry shall be trained through a nationally recognised training

organisation or supervised by a trained and competent person and testing shall be undertaken in

accordance with AS1269.4 Occupational noise management - Auditory assessment.

13. TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION

Training Programs at NGP are an essential control measure to ensure all personnel are aware of the

health hazards they are exposed to. Minimum training for all personnel at NGP is as follows:

• Induction Training:

o General Site;

o Visitor;

o Short term Worker;

o Area;

o Department.

• Awareness Training (in key areas including health and hygiene);

• Job specific training / retraining / awareness of role specific operating and work procedures

14. CONSULTATION

Information shared across the site includes matters that affect or may affect the health and hygiene

of personnel. Involvement of all personnel in the management of health, safety and loss control

activities is essential for achieving health, safety and loss control performance objectives and for the

provision and sustainability of safe, secure, healthy and environmentally sound workplaces.

Consultation is undertaken at NGP through the following processes:




• Pre-start meetings;

• Scheduled / periodic (usually weekly) Weekly Safety Toolbox Meetings;

• Toolbox Topics;

• Lessons Learned from internal and External Safety Alerts (e.g. DMIRS notifications) and event

investigations;

• With Health & Safety Representatives (HSRs)

• Notice Boards

15. REPORTING AND NOTIFICATION

15.1. Exceedances of WES Values

Where an individual sample results exceeds NGP adjusted WES, sufficient information should be

collected and recorded to enable an exceedance review to be completed including:

• Ventilation Officer to coordinate exceedance reviews as required.

• Sites to assist in completing exceedance reviews as required.

• Investigation of the causes of overexposure by people with relevant knowledge.

• Implementation of interim controls.

• Ventilation Officer to record and update the Ventilation Logbook.

15.2. Reporting and Notifications

15.2.1. DMIRS Reporting

All occupational hygiene monitoring data is to be uploaded into the DMIRS SRS System. Each

site SRS Administrator is responsible for reviewing and uploading the SRS Import File into the

SRS Bulk Upload system.

Where samples meet the requirement of a DMIRS exceedance, individual exceedance

reviews shall be undertaken and documented in the SRS system.

15.2.2. Communication of Results to Site Personnel

All exposure monitoring reports and feedback letters shall be reported to the participating

personnel so potential health effects of the exposure are understood, while also providing

evidence of participation in the occupational hygiene program.

15.2.3. HHMP and Annual HRA Summary Submissions

This HHMP shall be submitted to the DMIRS through the SRS system on a five-yearly basis, or

to be updated and resubmitted where a significant change to the operation occurs. An

annual summary Health Risk Assessment report is required to be submitted to DMIRS which

outlines the updated Health Risk Profile and Monitoring Plan for the year.




16. RECORDS

Health and hygiene reporting documentation and records shall be collected, stored and maintained

via a shared electronic drive folder ensuring its integrity, accuracy and consistency to meet internal

and external reporting obligations.

All records such as registers, monitoring reports, surveys, medical assessments, internal audits,

training records and audit outcomes shall be kept and maintained for a minimum of 30 years or in

accordance with local legislative requirements.




17. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This is to acknowledge that I have reviewed this Procedure (PRO)

I understand that I am responsible for complying with the requirements described in this Procedure and should refer any questions to my immediate supervisor for clarification.

I further understand that the Novo Resources reserves the right to change, modify and/or revise any of the requirements set forth in this Procedure at any time.

Employee Name: Signature: Date:




18. APPENDICES

18.1. NGP Workplace Exposure Standards

Contaminant: Exposure

Type: Wes: Units: Reference:

Inhalable Dust TWA 10 mg/m3 WA Mines Safety

Inspection Regulations

Inorganic Lead TWA 0.15 mg/m3 Safe Work Australia

Inorganic Arsenic TWA 0.05 mg/m3 Safe Work Australia

Respirable Dust TWA 3 mg/m3 WA Mines Safety

Inspection Regulations

Crystalline Silica (Quartz)

TWA 0.05 mg/m3 Safe Work Australia

Asbestos TWA 0.1 fibres/mL Safe Work Australia

Welding Fume TWA 5 mg/m3 Safe Work Australia

Iron Oxide (fume) TWA 5 mg/m3 Safe Work Australia

Zinc Oxide (fume) TWA 5 mg/m3 Safe Work Australia

Manganese (fume) TWA 1 mg/m3 Safe Work Australia

Nickel (metal) TWA 1 mg/m3 Safe Work Australia

Copper (fume) TWA 0.2 mg/m3 Safe Work Australia

Chromium (metal) TWA 0.5 mg/m3 Safe Work Australia

Copper (dust) TWA 1 mg/m3 Safe Work Australia