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The core environmental issues at the Duralie operation are efficient handling, storage and use of both mine water and potential acid forming (PAF) waste rock.
During 2004 GCL :
- completed construction of the expanded mine water dam to 1,200 mega litres, more than doubling its previous capacity,
- expanded the mine water irrigation and evaporation system to approximately 6 mega litres per day.
- commissioned stage 2 of the Coal Shaft Creek diversion around the progressing open cut workings.
- completed the encapsulation of PAF waste in clays cells within the out of pit dump.
- commenced placement of PAF waste in the mined out void in accordance with predetermined methods.
- initiated an independent audit of PAF waste management practices including review of monitoring results. No significant issues were identified through the audit.
Other environmental issues included:
- During a significant rain event in March 2004 a portion of the stage 1 of Coal Shaft Creek Diversion failed, resulting in a discharge of a small volume of sediment from the Duralie Site. The incident was fully investigated by Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), resulting in a minor infringement notice.
- two blasts recorded overpressure above the upper rigger limit of 120 dB, resulting in greater than 5% of all blasts above the lower 115dB trigger limit.
- a minor fuel spill, fully contained on site, caused by the mining contractor resulted in a minor infringement notice from DEC.
- minor short term monitoring equipment failures.
Other than the above issues Duralie mine was measured as operating within its environmental monitoring criteria.
Rehabilitation commenced in 2004 with progress made in shaping of the out of pit waste dump, drainage works and relocation of topsoil for spreading and revegetation.
No public complaints were recorded during 2004 in relation to the Duralie operations.
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