❓ A parliamentary question regarding the collapse of a tailings dam at MZI Resources' Keysbrook mining project, covering the cause, impact, and regulatory response. The government's response details the timeline, cause, proximity to dwellings, environmental impact, and ongoing investigation.
AnsweredQoN 5021Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the collapse of the tailings dam at MZI Resources Ltd's Keysbrook mining project and ask: (a) how many days after the commencement of operations did the tailings dam collapse; (b) why did the tailings dam collapse; (c) how close is the failed tailings dam to the nearest occupied dwelling; (d) has a review been ordered into the environmental engineering of all other aspects of MZI's activities; (e) how many litres were discharged into the nearby river; (f) how many tonnes of top soil were eroded because of the flooding event caused by the tailings dam collapse; (g) what level of impact has the failed tailings dam had on the environment; and (h) why has MZI not been prosecuted for environmental harm?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
15 March 2016
Responded by
Minister for Environment
Response time
27 days
(a) 58 days.
(b) The collapse of the failed section of the wall is attributed to the tailings wall containing insufficient clay. The Department of Mines and Petroleum conducted a site inspection on 22 January 2016 and issued an improvement notice to the company. Further site inspections have occurred to ensure the quality of the tailings dam wall is fit for purpose.
(c) 1350 metres.
(d) No
(e) Estimated at approximately five million litres.
(f) It is estimated 750 kilograms of mobilised sediment was discharged into the Balgobin Brook.
(g) Nil to minimal. Balgobin Brook is the licensed discharge point for discharge water from the tailings dam. Water samples were obtained and water is safe for livestock to drink.
(h) The Department of Environment Regulation has not concluded its investigation of the matter.
(b) The collapse of the failed section of the wall is attributed to the tailings wall containing insufficient clay. The Department of Mines and Petroleum conducted a site inspection on 22 January 2016 and issued an improvement notice to the company. Further site inspections have occurred to ensure the quality of the tailings dam wall is fit for purpose.
(c) 1350 metres.
(d) No
(e) Estimated at approximately five million litres.
(f) It is estimated 750 kilograms of mobilised sediment was discharged into the Balgobin Brook.
(g) Nil to minimal. Balgobin Brook is the licensed discharge point for discharge water from the tailings dam. Water samples were obtained and water is safe for livestock to drink.
(h) The Department of Environment Regulation has not concluded its investigation of the matter.
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