A rare earth elements mine has been recommended for conditional approval by the Environmental Protection Authority.
The Browns Range Project at Browns Range, about 160 km southeast of Halls Creek, will produce approximately 4,000 tonnes of high purity mixed rare earth oxide each year.
The proposal by Northern Minerals Limited has an expected mine life of up to 10 years and includes a borefield for water supply, access and haul roads and supporting infrastructure including an ore processing facility, accommodation village, tailings storage facility, workshops, evaporation ponds, diesel power supply and airstrip.
The final product _ a high purity mixed rare earth oxide _ will be transported in shipping containers using public roads to either Darwin or Wyndham Port for export.
EPA Chairman Dr Paul Vogel said the proposal had been examined carefully, with the EPA also consulting with the Radiological Council and the Department of Mines and Petroleum throughout the assessment.
“The Radiological Council and the Department of Mines and Petroleum are responsible for ensuring radiation risks are managed within international and national standards to protect human and environmental health,” Dr Vogel said.
“Together with the regulation provided by these two key agencies, the proponent has also committed to developing a Project Radiation Management Plan which would be finalised for regulatory approval prior to construction and operation.”
Dr Vogel said the EPA had also provided advice to the DMP to ensure pit lakes, which form at the conclusion of mining, are monitored and managed effectively.
In addition to this advice, the EPA has recommended several conditions, including a requirement for the proponent to develop a Conservation Significant Fauna Management Plan prior to the commencement of any ground-disturbing activities. The plan, to be developed in consultation with the Department of Parks and Wildlife, will ensure impacts to conservation significant species of terrestrial fauna are minimised during the construction and operation of the mine. The Plan also includes surveying, monitoring and management details.
The EPA’s report to the Minister for Environment is now open for a two-week public appeal period. Appeals close September 1, 2014 and can be made at www.appealsconvenor.wa.gov.au Appeals are administered by the Appeals Convenor and determined by the Minister for Environment. The Minister for Environment will make the final decision.
EPA Report 1523 is available at www.epa.wa.gov.au
Media Contact: Nadia Miraudo 0400 866 450
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