Mine closure placed in new framework

THE imminent decommissioning of a WA gold mine will become a benchmark for Australian mines around the country under a new framework developed by the Federal Government and mining groups.

Although Mt Charlotte gold mine in Kalgoorlie, operated by Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines, is not expected to close until the end of the year, work already is under way to ensure environmental objectives are achieved within

the shortest timeframe possible.

“The program reflects a change in emphasis for mine-closure management in Australia, one that focuses on planning ahead,” DMPR mining operations general man-ager, environment, Bill Biggs said.

“This approach allows companies to get a series of closure activities un-der way, such as final design and progressive rehabilitation, while the mine is still operating.

“If the closure of Mt Charlotte is a success, then it will set the standard for mine closure management across Australia.”

Though not the first company to adopt the strategic framework, the sheer scale of the project, its proximity to town and the associated environ-mental concerns means the rest of the mining industry and environ-mental consultants will be watching with interest to see how the company performs.

Environmental consultant Kimseed Environmental Pty Ltd managing director Greg Hill, who is not working on the project, said KCGM had to consider the social, urban, indigenous and water resource impact, as well as look at tourism opportunities.

“This is not a typical isolated mine,” he said.

The Strategic Frame-work for Mine Closure model provides a time line in which companies can map out their statutory commitments for mine closure and devise a maintenance and monitoring program. The model will be a nationally consistent guide for mine closures, including underground mines such as Mt Charlotte.

Mr Hill, who has been an environmental consultant for the past 15 years, has observed the evolution of decommissioning practices. What was considered best practice back when he started would not even be allowed today.

“Benchmarks are continually being assess-ed and evaluated by the Mines Department, and that knowledge is taken around. If the Mines Department can see that it is done elsewhere better, then they would let the mining company know,” Mr Hill said.

But rather than grudgingly accepting legislation governing mine closure and the environment, Mr Hill sees the mining industry and the consultants as pushing the envelope.

“There is image and perception here. They (the mining company) have to demonstrate that they are leaders in certain areas,” he said.

“The playing field level keeps changing each year. It helps us in some ways because essentially it creates more work for us.”

KCGM safety and environment manager Jim Bawden said while a plan was already in place, it would not be until the mine closed in mid December that decommissioning would take place. He wouldn’t disclose how much the exercise would cost the company over the 18 months it will take to complete the task.

Mr Bawden said the company would be offering out for tender a number of programs that need to be achieved as part of the decommissioning process.