❓ Hon Paul Llewellyn questions the Department of Industry and Resources' (DOIR) decisions regarding KCGM's mining operations and their impact on nearby residents, specifically concerning infrastructure usage, dismantling of structures, relocation of gates, and the safety of a conveyor belt. The Minister defends the Department's actions based on risk assessment and monitoring.
AnsweredQoN 3370Legislative Council
Asked
4 April 2006
Member
Portfolio
Resources and Assisting the Minister for State Development
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to question on notice number 2874 of 10 November 2005, and a letter signed by Roy Burton (enquiries Bob Stevens), Department of Industry and Resources (DOIR) dated 31 January 2006, addressed to Mr Peter Shaw (departmental reference 7321/99) -
(1) In relation to the answer to part (7) of the question, can the Minister explain why the Department did not request that KCGM cease using all of the ‘infrastructure complained of” in accordance with section 20(5) of the
Mining Act 1978
until written consent was obtained from Mr Shaw?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) In relation to the answer to part (15) of the question, can the Minister explain why the Department considers that it was reasonable for the concrete/brick shed and surrounding fencing known as the KCGM Williamstown switchboard to be dismantled and removed?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) In relation to the answer to part (13) of the question, can the Minister explain why the Department considers that it was reasonable for KCGM to relocate gates and fencing erected across the haul road to a position further than 100 metres from the resident’s property?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Can the Minister define and explain the nature of the activity relating to the large conveyor belt and why there is no significant risk of harm to persons who live within 100 metres of this infrastructure?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
(9) Can the Minister define and explain the nature of the activity relating to the large conveyor belt and why there is no significant risk to the environment for persons who live within 100 metres of this infrastructure?
(10) If no to (9), why not?
(1) In relation to the answer to part (7) of the question, can the Minister explain why the Department did not request that KCGM cease using all of the ‘infrastructure complained of” in accordance with section 20(5) of the
Mining Act 1978
until written consent was obtained from Mr Shaw?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) In relation to the answer to part (15) of the question, can the Minister explain why the Department considers that it was reasonable for the concrete/brick shed and surrounding fencing known as the KCGM Williamstown switchboard to be dismantled and removed?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) In relation to the answer to part (13) of the question, can the Minister explain why the Department considers that it was reasonable for KCGM to relocate gates and fencing erected across the haul road to a position further than 100 metres from the resident’s property?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Can the Minister define and explain the nature of the activity relating to the large conveyor belt and why there is no significant risk of harm to persons who live within 100 metres of this infrastructure?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
(9) Can the Minister define and explain the nature of the activity relating to the large conveyor belt and why there is no significant risk to the environment for persons who live within 100 metres of this infrastructure?
(10) If no to (9), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
2 May 2006
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Resources and Assisting the Minister for State Development
Response time
28 days
(1-2) The Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) has no statutory authority to request or direct KCGM to cease using the infrastructure in question because its use does not pose any significant risk of an adverse impact on the environment. (3-6) Refer to my answer to Parts (10) and (11) of Question on Notice no 3369. (7-10) The Minister is informed that the conveyor belt is now being used to transport crushed waste rock from KCGM's open cut mining operations to the company's Mt Charlotte underground mining operation for the purpose of backfilling underground voids in order to provide passive support for vertical walls and, by extension, the surrounding land surface. DoIR considers that, based on its monitoring of the conveyor belt's use over the past ten years, this constitutes a relatively benign operation with minimal impact in relation to dust or noise on nearby residents or the environment.
(3-6) Refer to my answer to Parts (10) and (11) of Question on Notice no 3369. (7-10) The Minister is informed that the conveyor belt is now being used to transport crushed waste rock from KCGM's open cut mining operations to the company's Mt Charlotte underground mining operation for the purpose of backfilling underground voids in order to provide passive support for vertical walls and, by extension, the surrounding land surface. DoIR considers that, based on its monitoring of the conveyor belt's use over the past ten years, this constitutes a relatively benign operation with minimal impact in relation to dust or noise on nearby residents or the environment.
(7-10) The Minister is informed that the conveyor belt is now being used to transport crushed waste rock from KCGM's open cut mining operations to the company's Mt Charlotte underground mining operation for the purpose of backfilling underground voids in order to provide passive support for vertical walls and, by extension, the surrounding land surface. DoIR considers that, based on its monitoring of the conveyor belt's use over the past ten years, this constitutes a relatively benign operation with minimal impact in relation to dust or noise on nearby residents or the environment.
(3-6) Refer to my answer to Parts (10) and (11) of Question on Notice no 3369. (7-10) The Minister is informed that the conveyor belt is now being used to transport crushed waste rock from KCGM's open cut mining operations to the company's Mt Charlotte underground mining operation for the purpose of backfilling underground voids in order to provide passive support for vertical walls and, by extension, the surrounding land surface. DoIR considers that, based on its monitoring of the conveyor belt's use over the past ten years, this constitutes a relatively benign operation with minimal impact in relation to dust or noise on nearby residents or the environment.
(7-10) The Minister is informed that the conveyor belt is now being used to transport crushed waste rock from KCGM's open cut mining operations to the company's Mt Charlotte underground mining operation for the purpose of backfilling underground voids in order to provide passive support for vertical walls and, by extension, the surrounding land surface. DoIR considers that, based on its monitoring of the conveyor belt's use over the past ten years, this constitutes a relatively benign operation with minimal impact in relation to dust or noise on nearby residents or the environment.
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