❓ A WA parliamentary question probes the environmental management of tailings storage facilities at Kundana Gold Mine, focusing on seepage control, liner requirements, and the rationale behind departmental directives, particularly concerning hypersaline groundwater and officer qualifications.
AnsweredQoN 1368Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to a letter which I understand is dated February 14 2002 signed by Eugene Bouwhuis, Environmental and Rehabilitation Officer, from the Department of Minerals and Energy addressed to Registered Manager, Goldfields Limited, Kundana Gold Mine -
(1) Is it correct that part of the letter dated February 14 2002 under the heading of ‘Tailings Storage Facilities - No. 1, No. 2 & No. 3 Mining Leases 16/72 & 16/73’ states ‘I note that seepage from the No. 1 (decommissioned), and No. 2 (active), Tailings Storage facilities (TSF) continues however I acknowledge the significant improvement with respect to seepage collection and management. Can the Minister confirm if the borrow pits located at the Northern end of the TSF No. 1 which are used to hold seepage water have a permeability of 10
-9
metres per second or less. If not, an appropriate liner must be installed’?
(2) If no to (1), will the Minister table a copy of this letter?
(3) Can the Minister state the rationale and justification as to why the borrow pits located at the ‘Northern end of TSF No. 1 which are used to hold seepage water must have a permeability of 10
-9
metres per second or less’ given that any seepage would seep into groundwater which is predominantly hypersaline and can be claimed to be of no beneficial use?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Can the Minister state the rationale and justification as to why the departmental officer directed that an ‘appropriate liner’ must be installed to hold seepage water given that any seepage would seep into groundwater which is predominantly hypersaline and can be claimed to be of no beneficial use?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Can the Minister state why the officer recommended that Goldfields Limited continue to undertake all necessary measures to determine the cause and extent of the seepage and identify the most appropriate method to control seepage and negate impacts on the surrounding environment?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
(9) Is it correct that part of the letter dated February 14 2002 states ‘Management of the location and size of the supernatant pond associated with the Tailings Storage Facility No. 2 requires attention. An excessively large supernatant pond was observed. This will increase the hydraulic loading on the facility and exacerbate seepage’?
(10) If yes to (9), can the Minister state what qualifications and experience does Mr Bouwhuis have to be capable and competent as a government officer to state ‘This will increase the hydraulic loading on the facility and exacerbate seepage’?
(11) If no to (9), can the Minister quote the specific text of the letter dated February 14 2003?
(12) Can the Minister state why an excessively large supernatant pond will increase the hydraulic loading on the facility and exacerbate seepage?
(13) If no to (12), why not?
(1) Is it correct that part of the letter dated February 14 2002 under the heading of ‘Tailings Storage Facilities - No. 1, No. 2 & No. 3 Mining Leases 16/72 & 16/73’ states ‘I note that seepage from the No. 1 (decommissioned), and No. 2 (active), Tailings Storage facilities (TSF) continues however I acknowledge the significant improvement with respect to seepage collection and management. Can the Minister confirm if the borrow pits located at the Northern end of the TSF No. 1 which are used to hold seepage water have a permeability of 10
-9
metres per second or less. If not, an appropriate liner must be installed’?
(2) If no to (1), will the Minister table a copy of this letter?
(3) Can the Minister state the rationale and justification as to why the borrow pits located at the ‘Northern end of TSF No. 1 which are used to hold seepage water must have a permeability of 10
-9
metres per second or less’ given that any seepage would seep into groundwater which is predominantly hypersaline and can be claimed to be of no beneficial use?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Can the Minister state the rationale and justification as to why the departmental officer directed that an ‘appropriate liner’ must be installed to hold seepage water given that any seepage would seep into groundwater which is predominantly hypersaline and can be claimed to be of no beneficial use?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Can the Minister state why the officer recommended that Goldfields Limited continue to undertake all necessary measures to determine the cause and extent of the seepage and identify the most appropriate method to control seepage and negate impacts on the surrounding environment?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
(9) Is it correct that part of the letter dated February 14 2002 states ‘Management of the location and size of the supernatant pond associated with the Tailings Storage Facility No. 2 requires attention. An excessively large supernatant pond was observed. This will increase the hydraulic loading on the facility and exacerbate seepage’?
(10) If yes to (9), can the Minister state what qualifications and experience does Mr Bouwhuis have to be capable and competent as a government officer to state ‘This will increase the hydraulic loading on the facility and exacerbate seepage’?
(11) If no to (9), can the Minister quote the specific text of the letter dated February 14 2003?
(12) Can the Minister state why an excessively large supernatant pond will increase the hydraulic loading on the facility and exacerbate seepage?
(13) If no to (12), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
2 December 2003
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for State Development
Response time
39 days
1. Yes. 2. Not applicable. 3. Yes. (Permeability of 10-9 m/sec is an acceptable level of permeability for containment of potentially contaminated liquor and salty). 4. Not applicable. 5. Yes. (The uncontrolled loss of potentially contaminated and salty water to the environment is not an acceptable practice when it can be contained.) 6. Not applicable. 7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
2. Not applicable. 3. Yes. (Permeability of 10-9 m/sec is an acceptable level of permeability for containment of potentially contaminated liquor and salty). 4. Not applicable. 5. Yes. (The uncontrolled loss of potentially contaminated and salty water to the environment is not an acceptable practice when it can be contained.) 6. Not applicable. 7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
3. Yes. (Permeability of 10-9 m/sec is an acceptable level of permeability for containment of potentially contaminated liquor and salty). 4. Not applicable. 5. Yes. (The uncontrolled loss of potentially contaminated and salty water to the environment is not an acceptable practice when it can be contained.) 6. Not applicable. 7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
4. Not applicable. 5. Yes. (The uncontrolled loss of potentially contaminated and salty water to the environment is not an acceptable practice when it can be contained.) 6. Not applicable. 7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
5. Yes. (The uncontrolled loss of potentially contaminated and salty water to the environment is not an acceptable practice when it can be contained.) 6. Not applicable. 7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
6. Not applicable. 7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
13. Not applicable.
2. Not applicable. 3. Yes. (Permeability of 10-9 m/sec is an acceptable level of permeability for containment of potentially contaminated liquor and salty). 4. Not applicable. 5. Yes. (The uncontrolled loss of potentially contaminated and salty water to the environment is not an acceptable practice when it can be contained.) 6. Not applicable. 7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
3. Yes. (Permeability of 10-9 m/sec is an acceptable level of permeability for containment of potentially contaminated liquor and salty). 4. Not applicable. 5. Yes. (The uncontrolled loss of potentially contaminated and salty water to the environment is not an acceptable practice when it can be contained.) 6. Not applicable. 7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
4. Not applicable. 5. Yes. (The uncontrolled loss of potentially contaminated and salty water to the environment is not an acceptable practice when it can be contained.) 6. Not applicable. 7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
5. Yes. (The uncontrolled loss of potentially contaminated and salty water to the environment is not an acceptable practice when it can be contained.) 6. Not applicable. 7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
6. Not applicable. 7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
7. Yes. To control or minimise the seepage situation. 8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
8. Not applicable. 9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
9. Yes. 10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
10. Officers are appointed as inspectors under the provision of Section 11 of the Mining Act 1978 and Part VI A of the Mining Regulations 1981. All departmental officers are selected on the basis of relevant skills and experience detailed in job descriptions and selection criteria. These positions are advertised widely. In addition officer may seek specialist or expert advice as and when required. 11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
11. Not applicable. 12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
12. Yes. (This is a principle of Darcey’s Law [see attached]) which does apply to this section. See tabled paper. 13. Not applicable.
13. Not applicable.
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