MMG has submitted a new referral under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) for drilling and other preliminary works necessary to inform the design of a new tailings storage facility (TSF) at South Marionoak.
Acting General Manager Steve Scott said MMG had decided to submit the new referral to clearly delimit the scope of proposed works and ensure these limited investigations can be completed as quickly as possible.
“We want to give the community every confidence that we are following due process as we work to secure the future of the Rosebery Mine and the 500 people it employs,” said Mr Scott.
“The preliminary works will include geotechnical drilling and sampling to assess the suitability of the site for a tailings storage facility.”
“We will also conduct additional natural values surveys and mapping of vegetation communities and habitat, as well as any fauna nests or dens. This work is critical to inform the design of the TSF, avoidance footprints and their relative proportions.”
“Our priority is to ensure we can continue to provide employment for 500 Tasmanians when existing facilities reach capacity.”
The EPBC referral will be open for public comment shortly, after which the Federal Minister for Environment will make a decision on the proposed actions.
MMG’s substantive proposal for a TSF at South Marionoak has been determined to be a controlled action, and is already being formally assessed under Tasmanian environmental laws and the EPBC Act.
MMG is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance with Guidance from the Tasmanian EPA. The EIS will be accredited and assessed under the EPBC Act pursuant to a Bilateral Agreement between Tasmania and the Commonwealth of Australia.
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Victoria Clements
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