Dam extensions approved by environmental authority as mine awaits federal decision
As a mining company waits years for a federal decision on a controversial tailings storage facility proposal, it has just been given the first green light for a short term solution.
Tasmania
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A major Tasmanian mine is one step closer to securing valuable extra time as an interim storage solution for its tailings on the West Coast gains approval from the environmental regulator.
The Tasmania Environmental Protection Authority approved embankment raises at Hong Kong listed MMG’s existing Bobadil Tailings storage facility (TSF), with conditions, in order to provide two years of interim additional tailings capacity.
The proposal will enable the deposition of an additional 2.24 million tonnes of tailings- the materials leftover when an ore is separated into its constituent parts.
The Bobadil TSF was expected to reach capacity in 2024 and the company is awaiting a Federal decision on preliminary feasibility works for a controversial tailings dam proposed for South Marianoak for a long-term tailings solution.
The embankment raises are subject to approval from the West Coast Council, and if approved the works are expected to start early 2025 and would take up to 9 months complete.
Rosebery Mine General Manager Steve Scott said the Bobadil Stage 11 and 12 raises had the potential to extend the life of the existing tailings facilities through to 2030.
Mr Scott said the Rosebery mine had a strong future, and the company’s key focus was on securing a tailings solution for the next 100 years.
To limit the impacts to flora and fauna the EPA has required adherence to “strict pre-clearance protocols”.
“The Board has imposed a number of conditions to ensure that tailings and waste are managed appropriately and impacts to water and groundwater are minimised. The proponent is also required to undertake ongoing monitoring of dust, groundwater and the tailings pond,” EPA chair Andrew Paul said.
MMG has been looking at South Marionoak for a tailings storage solution since lodging a notice of intent in 2021.
Before work can begin Federal environment minister Tanya Plibersek has to first make a decision on whether the works to determine if the site is technically feasible can go ahead under the Environment and Biodiversity Protection Act, and then a further decision on the dam itself.
These delays have caused MMG to look outside of South Marionoak for a tailings solution, although it remains a focus.
The Mercury understands MMG is exploring locations across its mining and exploration tenements around Rosebery for suitable sites for a TSF.
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