Thomson Resources Limited fined over contaminated water at SWQ site

A mining company operating near Queensland’s border has received a hefty fine for failing to act on a contaminated water threat as the environmental watchdog warns it will prosecute others who do the same.

Thomson Resources Limited who established a project in Queensland's southwest has received a major fine for failing to manage contaminated water onsite in 2022. Photo: Thomson Resourced Limited/Website

Two years after failing to manage contaminated water ahead of the 2022 wet season, a mining company has been fined for breaching environmental protection offences.

Thomson Resources Limited was sentenced in Warwick Magistrates Court this week.

The mining operator pleaded guilty to five counts of contravening an environmental protection order, one count of wilfully contravening a condition of an environmental authority and one count of contravening a condition of an EA under the Environmental Protection Act.

In November 2022 the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) issued the company with an EPO ahead of a heavy rain forecast.

The mining company received a heft fine when it appeared before Warwick Magistrates Court on December 18. Photo Warwick Daily News Archives

It is understood the EPO was issued after DETSI discovered water storage ponds on site filled with mine-affected water had reached capacity and risked overflow off the site.

The EPO required immediate action from the company to reduce the amount of water held on site and use water evaporation equipment to alleviate the potential for overflow from the site.

The court found the company had failed to comply with the five requirements of the EPO and failed to comply with two conditions of its EA requiring it maintain an operational automatic weather station and have regulated dams inspected by a suitably qualified person.

According to a statement from DETSI, the court emphasised the importance of protecting the environment, remarking on the seriousness of the offending.

The court took into account the fact the offending caused no environmental harm, the company had complied with the investigation and entered early pleas of guilty.

Thomson Resources Limited was fined $85,000 and further ordered to pay more than $5000 in legal and investigation costs.

Thomson Resources Limited who established a project in Queensland's southwest has received a major fine for failing to manage contaminated water onsite in 2022. Photo: Thomson Resourced Limited/website

DETSI Energy, Extractive and Southwest Compliance Executive Director Rachel Burgess-Dean said the environmental regulator would take strong action against those who fail to comply with the legislation.

“It is important operators comply with these laws and regulations to ensure their activities do not cause any harm to our environment, and we will take strong action against those who fail to meet these expectations,” she said in the statement.

“This particular mine has a long history of water management issues, and we have been working closely with the operator, neighbouring landholders, the local council and other key government agencies over many years to manage and address several issues associated with site.

“The treatment and storage of mine-affected water is strictly regulated to protect the health and safety of downstream communities, and the environment.”

Ms Burgess-Dean said the outcome in court reflected the seriousness of the offences and DETSI would continue to closely monitor the site’s water management.

Originally published as Thomson Resources Limited fined over contaminated water at SWQ site