Regulation of mining resources
The EPA has an important regulatory role in South Australia’s mining resources sector through the licensing of a range of mines (mineral ore production and processing) and extractive industries (resource quarries) where activities under the EP Act and RP Act are triggered. It works collaboratively with the DSD, the principal mining regulator in South Australia, to ensure that appropriate environmental controls are developed and maintained by the mining industry. As at June 2014, there are 20 mines and 34 extractive industries with EPA licences.
In addition to the above, the EPA has a key role in the review of mining lease, retention lease and miscellaneous purposes licence applications submitted to DSD under the Mining Act 1971 where specialist advice is required. Throughout 2013–14, the EPA continued working with DSD, the mining industry and other government agencies to collectively address environmental matters relating to new mining resources proposals. Table 4 highlights the EPA’s involvement.
Table —Mining application reviews (non-uranium and uranium)
| Company | Project | Action/involvement by EPA in 2013–14 |
| Quasar Resources Pty Ltd/Alliance Craton Pty Ltd Joint Venture | Beverley Four Mile Uranium Mine | Issue of licence to carry out mining or mineral processing |
| Rex Minerals Ltd | Proposed Hillside Mine (Ardrossan) | Assisted DSD by assessing and advising on: mining lease proposal (MLP) and management plan Rex Minerals Ltd response to public and agency submissions on the MLP draft assessment report being prepared by DSD to assess the MLP. |
| Hillgrove Resources | Kanmantoo Copper | Assessed and commented on revised Program for Environment Protection and Remediation (PEPR) for proposed mine expansion |
| Magnesium Developments P/L | Mt Hutton | Environmental assessment of Extractive Minerals Lease (EML) proposal |
| Terramin Aust Ltd | Angas Zinc Mine | Provided advice and assistance to DSD in the progression of mine closure proposal, including post-closure management of potential impacts |
| Oz Minerals Ltd | Carapateena | Continued to monitor progress of this project, and provided assistance to DSD and the proponent, who are undertaking feasibility studies |
In the mining sector, the EPA continued its focus on the major environmental aspects relating to air quality and water management and/or quality. The EPA has also been involved (either through licensing and/or advice) with mining associated infrastructure developments that have a direct connection with mine sites, such as the assessment of proposed port facilities (ie Port Bonython Common User Facility) and water desalination plants. A number of smaller extractive mineral lease proposals referred from DSD were also assessed and commented on during 201314.
Mine closure
The EPA worked closely with DSD through the Mine Closure Working Group (MCWG) to clarify processes to be followed in the event of proposed closure of mines and the relinquishing of leases and licences in accordance with South Australian legislation. The objectives of the group include developing a process for assessing long-term, post-closure risks and developing a suitable methodology for mitigating and managing any associated risk. The MCWG also worked to identify any shortfalls in current legislation and other potential obstacles to the implementation of mine closure processes.
Adelaide Hills extractive industries
In 201314 the EPA initiated a project to better understand and quantify the impacts of site stormwater discharges from three significant quarries that have irregular point source discharges to adjacent waterways. The results will help the EPA to scientifically assess the environmental risk of these discharges and to determine whether further regulatory controls are warranted.
Golden Grove Extractive Industry Zone (GGEIZ)
The EPA became aware of significant levels of community concern from Golden Grove residents in relation to the adjacent Extractive Industry Zone, which has five EPA licensed sites. In particular, dust and noise emissions were identified by the community as being problematic. In response to this, the EPA is working closely with DSD, the City of Tea Tree Gully and industry operators as part of an established community reference group to engage the community and address issues.
The reference group was established to share information, educate and inform stakeholders, and prioritise a plan of action to seek improvements and reduce dust impacts. The EPA has undertaken audits of each site and is developing an ambient dust monitoring program to identify where improvements can be initiated.