NT Mining Operations Pty Ltd has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Union Reefs North Underground Mine to be exhibited for public review over seven weeks.
NT Mining Operations Pty Ltd is proposing to develop and mine a new underground gold mine on the existing Union Reefs mine site near Pine Creek, Northern Territory. The proposal requires: dewatering up to 100 megalitres from an existing mine pit lake, construction of underground access portal and mine, and progressively returning most waste rock to the underground void. The proposal will use existing infrastructure for processing, tailings and workforce. Less than 1 hectare of surface clearing is required and an estimated maximum annual water requirement of 63 megalitres will be sourced from an existing on-site dam.
The NT EPA decided that the Union Reefs North Underground Mine requires assessment under the Environmental Assessment Act 1982. The proposal is a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; controlling provisions are sections 18 and 18A (listed threatened species and communities). The proposal will be assessed as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the bilateral agreement between the NT and Australian governments.
The draft EIS is available for public comment. Comments are to be submitted on or before COB 17 January 2020.
To obtain a copy of the draft Environmental Impact Statement and to make a submission visit www.ntepa.nt.gov.au/envirocomment