The state environmental watchdog says there was no problem with Magellan Metals' licence to transport lead from Wiluna to Fremantle, but has recommended a series of tough new restrictions to be added, if and when the Canadian-owned miner resumes lead exports.
The Environmental Protection Authority today recommended Magellan to investigate the feasibility and environmental impacts of downstream processing of the lead carbonate concentrate into solid ingots to reduce transport risks as part of its licencing requirements.
The EPA also recommended further inspection of shipping containers at Leonora to ensure they are free from mud containing lead; and independent reviews of all sampling and analysis methods to ensure reliability.
The original conditions of the licence included the transport of lead carbonate concentrate in sealed bulk bags inside shipping containers.
The conditions also called for comprehensive sampling in soil, water, and air along the transport route from Wiluna to Fremantle.
Magellan's exports have been in hiatus since April, after a series of incidences of potential non-compliance to its licence conditions.
The first incident involved the detection of lead carbonate in air samples taken outside double sealed bags in shipping containers, in December last year.
A subsequent investigation found the lead carbonate to have been below national standard levels.
Magellan’s exports were suspended again in March, after trains carrying lead carbonate deviated from the allowed route.
Magellan ultimately put its mine on care and maintenance in April, after the discovery of lead-contaminated mud stuck to the side of a shipping container at Fremantle Port.
The EPA report is now with Environment Minister Bill Marmion for evaluation.
EPA chairman Paul Vogel said the newly recommended conditions met the authority’s objective to protect human health and the environment.
Dr Vogel said the EPA recognised downstream processing of the lead carbonate may reduce the transport risks, but any environmental impacts of the processing would have to be determined.
“One of the conditions the review recommends is that Magellan report to the office of the EPA by July 31, 2012, detailing options for downstream processing against best environmental practice and providing potential locations for a downstream processing plant,” Dr Vogel said.
