Strict conditions on the way Magellan Metals transports lead carbonate concentrate should remain, the Environmental Protection Authority has recommended.
A review into the original conditions as well as interim conditions placed on the company by Environment Minister Bill Marmion in February supports the rigorous requirements.
The EPA also recommends further changes to ensure they are clearly enforceable and achievable.
Magellan Metals was issued a stop order in late December 2010 after two instances of potential non compliance.
The interim conditions strengthened the auditing, monitoring and reporting requirements, allowing Magellan to resume transportation.
Magellan has approval to transport lead carbonate concentrate from their Wiluna mine site in sealed bulk bags inside steel shipping containers. The existing conditions require the comprehensive sampling for lead carbonate concentrate in soil, water and air along the transport route from Wiluna to Fremantle.
The EPA has assessed the existing conditions and has recommended further improvements, which include:
- ensuring the shipping containers are free from visible mud containing lead carbonate prior to leaving the mine site and prior to being loaded onto the train at Leonora; and
- requiring independent review of all sampling and analysis methods to ensure results are reliable.
EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said the recommended conditions met the EPA’s objective to protect human health and the environment.
Minister Marmion also asked the EPA to consider the environmental impact of transporting lead carbonate concentrate in alternative forms, including ingots.
Dr Vogel said the EPA recognises that downstream processing of lead carbonate concentrate may reduce the risk of lead being released into the environment during transport, however this would need to be carefully weighed up against the potential environmental impacts from downstream processing.
"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," he said.
This report will be reviewed by an independent expert.
The EPA Report 1415, available at www.epa.wa.gov.au, is now with the Minister for consideration. Magellan Metals’ operations remain suspended.
EPA Media contact: Nadia Miraudo, 08 6467 5263, 0400 866 450
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