❓ Question on Notice regarding a 1993 file note concerning KCGM's Fimiston Stage II Tailings Storage dewatering trench, specifically addressing seepage, stability, and departmental review processes. The Minister declined to answer, citing the ongoing Cooke Inquiry.
AnsweredQoN 1377Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to a file note which I understand is dated August 12 1993 titled ‘Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines Fimiston Stage II Tailings Storage proposed Dewatering Trench’ addressed to Director Mining Operations Division -
(1) Is it correct that part of the file note states ‘It is apparent from the LOI that there is arising water table and associated increased salinity and cyanide concentrations immediately outside the perimeter wall of the Fimiston II storage. However no details are provided of the extent of this problem. KCGM are apparently being proactive in taking control measures, and propose to install a 5m deep interception and dewatering trench to at least 1000m long, to attempt to control the environmental impacts’?
(2) If no to (1), will the Minister table the file note?
(3) Is it correct that part of the file note states ‘It is apparent that the aspects of seepage and stability were not given any serious consideration at the time of design and construction in 1991. The GSD have no record of any additional information being received for assessment. The present LOI is not supported by any technical justification and appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to the problem. While KCGM have been undertaking a range of investigation on the Golden Mile tailings storages during 1993, there is no indication of any results to support the decision to utilise a trench of 5m depth rather than any other remedial technique such as pumping bores’?
(4) If no to (3), will the Minister quote the specific text of the file note concerning this matter?
(5) Can the Minister explain why the department did not in the first instance when the notice of intent was lodged carefully review the document so that aspects of seepage and stability were given serious consideration before giving approval to KCGM to design and construct the dam in 1991?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(1) Is it correct that part of the file note states ‘It is apparent from the LOI that there is arising water table and associated increased salinity and cyanide concentrations immediately outside the perimeter wall of the Fimiston II storage. However no details are provided of the extent of this problem. KCGM are apparently being proactive in taking control measures, and propose to install a 5m deep interception and dewatering trench to at least 1000m long, to attempt to control the environmental impacts’?
(2) If no to (1), will the Minister table the file note?
(3) Is it correct that part of the file note states ‘It is apparent that the aspects of seepage and stability were not given any serious consideration at the time of design and construction in 1991. The GSD have no record of any additional information being received for assessment. The present LOI is not supported by any technical justification and appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to the problem. While KCGM have been undertaking a range of investigation on the Golden Mile tailings storages during 1993, there is no indication of any results to support the decision to utilise a trench of 5m depth rather than any other remedial technique such as pumping bores’?
(4) If no to (3), will the Minister quote the specific text of the file note concerning this matter?
(5) Can the Minister explain why the department did not in the first instance when the notice of intent was lodged carefully review the document so that aspects of seepage and stability were given serious consideration before giving approval to KCGM to design and construct the dam in 1991?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
2 December 2003
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for State Development
Response time
39 days
1-6 The questions asked and issues raised are the subject of the Cooke Inquiry. The Minister for State Development understands that the final report on the Inquiry is going to be released soon and he does not wish to pre-empt its findings.
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