metro mining appendix h2 - metro mining community and

Metro MiningBauxite Hills Project

Environmental Impact Statement

Metro MiningChapter 18 - Hazard and Safety

Environmental Impact Statement

Metro MiningAppendix H2 - Metro Mining Community andSocial Responsibility Policy

i

Table of Contents

18 Hazards and Safety ............................................................................................................................ 18-1

18.2 Regulatory Framework .................................................................................................................... 18-1 18.2.1 Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 ....................................................... 18-2 18.2.2 Work Health and Safety Act 2011 ......................................................................................... 18-2 18.2.3 Disaster Management Act 2003 ............................................................................................. 18-2 18.2.4 Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990 ......................................................................................... 18-3 18.2.5 Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 ............................................................... 18-3 18.2.6 Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 ........................................................... 18-3 18.2.7 Maritime Safety Queensland Act 2002 ............................................................................... 18-4 18.2.8 Guidelines ........................................................................................................................................ 18-4

18.3 Objectives and Performance Outcomes .................................................................................... 18-5 18.3.1 Protection Objectives.................................................................................................................. 18-5 18.3.2 Performance Outcomes ............................................................................................................. 18-5

18.4 Assessment Method ........................................................................................................................... 18-5 18.4.1 Community Values and Receptors ........................................................................................ 18-5 18.4.2 Hazards and Impacts .................................................................................................................. 18-6

18.5 Existing Environment ....................................................................................................................... 18-6 18.5.1 Sensitive Community Receptors ............................................................................................ 18-6 18.5.2 Environmentally Sensitive Receptors ................................................................................. 18-7 18.5.3 State and Local Government Controlled Roads .............................................................. 18-7

18.6 Potential Impacts ................................................................................................................................ 18-9 18.6.1 Natural Hazards ............................................................................................................................ 18-9 18.6.2 Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances ............................................................... 18-17 18.6.3 Bauxite Mining Health and Safety ....................................................................................... 18-21 18.6.4 Malicious Acts .............................................................................................................................. 18-22

18.7 Cumulative Impacts ......................................................................................................................... 18-22 18.7.1 Opportunities for Collaboration with Gulf Alumina ................................................... 18-22

18.8 Management and Mitigation Measures ................................................................................... 18-23 18.8.1 Natural Hazards .......................................................................................................................... 18-23 18.8.2 Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substance ................................................................. 18-25 18.8.3 Bauxite Hills Mining Health and Safety ............................................................................ 18-28 18.8.4 Malicious Acts .............................................................................................................................. 18-32

18.9 Qualitative Risk Assessment ........................................................................................................ 18-32 18.10 Summary............................................................................................................................................... 18-41 18.11 Commitments ..................................................................................................................................... 18-43 18.12 ToR Cross-reference ........................................................................................................................ 18-43

List of Figures

Figure 18-1 Sensitive community receptors and environmentally sensitive receptors ................................. 18-8 Figure 18-2 Australian bushfire threat ......................................................................................................... 18-10 Figure 18-3 Bushfire hazard mapping .......................................................................................................... 18-11 Figure 18-4 Indicative erosion prone area ................................................................................................... 18-13 Figure 18-5 Recorded cyclone tracks within 100 km of the Project - 1970 to 2006 .................................... 18-16 Figure 18-6 Risk and hazard assessment process ........................................................................................ 18-30

Bauxite Hills Project Hazards and Safety

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List of Tables

Table 18-1 Indicative list of hazardous substances ...................................................................................... 18-19 Table 18-2 Preliminary risk assessment for construction and operational activities .................................. 18-33 Table 18-3 Commitments – hazards and safety ........................................................................................... 18-43 Table 18-4 ToR cross-reference – hazards and safety ................................................................................. 18-43

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18 Hazards and Safety

This chapter describes potential hazards and risks associated with the development of the Bauxite

Hills Project (the Project) that may have an impact on people and property. In addition, this chapter

assesses the risk to the workforce, stakeholders, environment and local communities.

18.1 Project Overview

Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd (Aldoga), a 100% owned subsidiary of Metro Mining Limited (Metro

Mining), proposes to develop the Project located on a greenfield site on the western coastline of

Cape York, Queensland, approximately 35 kilometres (km) northeast of Mapoon. The Project will

include an open cut operation, haul roads, Barge Loading Facility (BLF), Roll on/Roll off (RoRo)

facility, transhipping and will produce and transport up to 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of ore

over approximately 12 years. The mine will not be operational during the wet season.

The Project is characterised by several shallow open cut pits that will be connected via internal haul

roads. The internal haul roads will be connected to a main north-south haul road that will link with

the Mine Infrastructure Area (MIA), BLF and RoRo facility located to the north of the pits on the

Skardon River. Bauxite will be screened in-pit and then hauled to the product stockpile using road

train trucks.

Bauxite from the Project is suitable as a Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) product (i.e. ore is extracted and

loaded directly to ships with no washing or tailings dams required). Bauxite will be transported by

barge via the Skardon River to the transhipment site, approximately 12 km offshore, and loaded into

ocean going vessels (OGVs) and shipped to customers. No dredging or bed-levelling for

transhipping is proposed as part of this Project.

OGVs of between 50,000 to 120,000 tonne (t) each will be loaded at the transhipment anchorage

site. Vessels will be loaded and bauxite will be transported to OGVs 24 hours per day with barges

having an initial capacity of approximately 3,000 t to meet early production volumes, increasing up

to 7,000 t as the Project reaches a maximum production volume of 5 Mtpa.

The construction of the mine is due to commence in April 2016 and is expected to take seven months

to complete. The first shipment of bauxite is planned for October 2017. The Project will be 100%

fly-in fly-out (FIFO) due to its remote location. The Project will operate over two 12 hour shifts per

day for approximately eight months of the year and is expected to employ up to 254 employees

during peak operations. In addition to the workforce, it is expected that the Project will result in the

employment of additional workers through local and regional businesses servicing the

accommodation camp and the construction and operation of the mine.

18.2 Regulatory Framework

Various Queensland legislation aims to manage risks, primarily to protect the environment and

safeguard human health and wellbeing. Regulatory obligations require compliance with respect to

all phases of the Project. The relevant regulatory framework associated with the Project includes:

Mining and Quarrying Safety Health Act 1999;

Work Health and Safety Act 2011;

Disaster Management Act 2003;


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Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990;

Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995;

Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994;

Maritime Safety Queensland Act 2002; and

State Planning Policy 2014.

18.2.1 Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999

The Mining and Quarrying Safety Health Act 1999 (MQSH Act) applies to mining activities within the

boundaries of land subject to a mining tenure as well as buildings for administration,

accommodation and associated facilities adjoining, adjacent to or contiguous with the mine.

The MQSH Act requires risk to a person from operations to be at an acceptable level, which means,

within acceptable limits and as low as reasonable achievable (s26). To achieve this, risk

management will incorporate as many controls as necessary, using the hierarchy of controls

(elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering, administration and personal protective

equipment (PPE)). The MQSH Act requires the following obligations:

Implement a Safety and Health Management System (SHMS);

Appoint specific roles for safety and the imposition of legal obligations and liabilities on

nominated safety roles; and

Records and reporting including accident and incidents.

18.2.2 Work Health and Safety Act 2011

The transhipment and marine working areas are not captured under the MQSH Act and as such are

subject to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). This includes any place where a worker

goes or is likely to be while at work, including, vessels, any waters and any installation on the bed of

any waters or floating on any waters.

The WHS Act sets out a number of obligations including:

Implement reasonably practicable measures to ensure health and safety taking into account the

likelihood of the hazard or the risk, the consequences and the knowledge of the hazard and the

risk and suitable controls;

Health and safety duties;

Permit requirements for certain high risk activities; and

Specific requirements for dangerous goods and major hazard facilities.

18.2.3 Disaster Management Act 2003

The objective of the Disaster Management Act 2003 is to mitigate the potential adverse effects of an

event. This is achieved by establishing disaster management groups and plans for the State, disaster

districts and local government areas. The plans relevant to the Project are the Cook Shire Local

Disaster Management Plan and the Weipa Town Authority Local Disaster Management Plan. Both

plans identify the roles, responsibilities and response measures for incidents and events that have


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the potential to cause harm, damage and or disruption. Both plans have been considered in the

Project’s emergency response planning.

18.2.4 Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990

The Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990 and subordinate regulations require the operator to establish

effective relationships with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to provide for the

prevention and response to fires and incidents endangering persons, property or environment.

Emergency response procedures will be developed in consultation with the emergency services and

other related government agencies. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services do not have a station

or plans for one in the area, therefore, it is Metro Mining’s responsibility for immediate emergency

response. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services will provide effective response subject to the

type, location and severity of the incident.

18.2.5 Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995

The Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 (CPM Act) aims to protect, conserve, manage and

rehabilitate Queensland’s coastal resources and biological diversity. The Act aims to achieve this by

preparing coastal management plans and controlling development. No regional coastal

management plan has been prepared for the Project location. The Project is located in a coastal

hazard area.

The Queensland Coastal Management Plan, made under the CPM Act, commenced on 18 March 2014.

The Coastal Management Plan provides non-regulatory policy guidance to coastal land managers.

One of the key management policies dealt with by the plan includes maintaining coastal landforms

and physical coastal processes. The principal objective of the Plan in terms of coastal erosion is the

long-term stability of dunes and other coastal landforms are preserved and physical coastal

processes including erosion, accretion and the movement of sediment are able to occur without

interruption. The Plan sets a number of coastal management outcomes to achieve this principal

objective.

18.2.6 Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994

The Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 imposes a general safety obligation on all vessel

owners, operators, masters and crew to operate vessels safely at all times. The Act allows the

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to plan and manage marine safety and other related marine

operational issues.

This Act regulates marine incidents and imposes obligations on ship masters to assist in responding

to a marine incident, reporting of the incident to MSQ, and reporting of any navigational dangers

which could cause a marine incident.

A marine incident is an event causing or involving:

The loss of a person from a ship or the death of, or grievous bodily harm to, a person caused by

a ship’s operations;

The loss or presumed loss or abandonment of a ship;

A collision with a ship or stranding of a ship;

Material damage to a ship or danger of serious damage to a ship;

Danger to a person caused by a ship’s operations;


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Danger of serious damage to a structure caused by a ship’s operations; or

A marine incident declared in a regulation.

18.2.7 Maritime Safety Queensland Act 2002

The Maritime Safety Queensland Act 2002 (MSQ Act), administered by MSQ and the Department of

Transport and Main Roads, provides advice regarding marine safety, ship-sourced pollution and

related matters. The MSQ Act facilitates the transfer of obligations from MSQ to port authorities in

port areas so that they deliver pilotage services, in particular pilotage areas. The Port of Skardon

River is operated by Ports North and activities in this area are subject to the Port Rules, including

specific pilotage requirements and the Port of Skardon River Environmental Management Plan.

18.2.8 Guidelines

18.2.8.1 State Planning Policy July 2014

The adverse impacts of bushfires, landslides and flooding have been assessed with consideration to

the State Planning Policy (SPP) – State Interest Guideline – Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience.

This policy is a statutory instrument aimed at minimising the adverse impacts of natural hazards on

people, property, economic activity, and the environment when making decisions about

development. Whilst the mining component of the Project will be exempt from assessment under

the Policy, it has been considered to ensure that natural hazards are assessed as part of the

construction and operation of the Project.

The SPP – State Interest Guideline: Emissions and Hazardous Activities, sets out the State interest

as being ‘community health and safety, sensitive land uses and the natural environment are

protected from potential adverse impacts of emissions and hazardous activities, while ensuring the

long-term viability of industrial development, and sport and recreation activities’. This guideline

sets out the objectives and policies in land use planning to achieve this, but does not prescribe a risk

assessment method. The SPP requires development involving hazardous chemicals (hazchems) that

is resilient and appropriately located with neighbours of compatible level of sensitivity.

18.2.8.2 Queensland Model Planning Scheme Development Code for Hazardous Industries and Chemicals

The Queensland Model Planning Scheme Development Code for Hazardous Industries and

Chemicals (Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, 2016) provides additional guidance for

development involving hazchems. It aims to protect the public safety of the surrounding community

in the event of an emergency involving a fire, explosion or toxic release associated with hazchems.

It does this by providing recommended thresholds and outcomes for medium impact and high

impact industry involving hazchems and outcomes for protecting Major Hazard Facilities (MHF)

from encroachment by development not compatible with the MHF risks.

This code provides model thresholds for self-assessable and assessable development based on the

storage type and quantity of hazchems onsite. It also provides guidance on model assessment

methodology and information required to demonstrate achievement of outcomes for assessable

development. This gives an indication on the level of impact assessment likely to be required by

regulatory agencies.


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18.3 Objectives and Performance Outcomes

18.3.1 Protection Objectives

As per the Terms of Reference (ToR) the Project protection objective is to:

Avoid, minimise or mitigate potential risks from natural and anthropogenic hazards so that

people and property is protected;

Maintain or enhance the community’s resilience to natural hazards; and

Strategically locate, design and construct hazardous material storage equipment to minimise

health and safety risks to communities and individuals and adverse effects on the environment.

18.3.2 Performance Outcomes

The hazards and safety performance criteria are:

Following risk treatment measures, there are no residual risks which are determined as high or

extreme and all other risks are as low as reasonably practicable; and

Prepare and implement a Risk Management Plan and an Emergency Response Plan (ERP).

18.4 Assessment Method

This section presents the methodology for assessment of hazards and risks. The assessment

involved:

Community values and receptors - identification of surrounding community values including

sensitive receptors;

Hazards and impacts - identification of hazards of the Project which may present an impact to

community safety; and

Risk assessment - including:

Evaluating risk associated with each impact

Proposing mitigation measures

Reviewing residual risk with mitigation measures in place.

18.4.1 Community Values and Receptors

Values were identified based on an understanding of the land uses associated with the surrounding

area. For the purpose of this chapter a community value is any value that is related to sensitive

receptors or property that could be affected by any hazardous material and actions associated with

the Project. A property can be a state or local government controlled road, place of residence and

work or recreational area.

Aerial imagery was used to identify sensitive receptors. The receptors identified for this chapter are

consistent with those identified in Chapter 12 – Air Quality and Chapter 13 – Noise and Vibration.


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18.4.2 Hazards and Impacts

In identifying the hazards associated with the Project, consideration was given to the Project’s

proposed activities, prefeasibility Project risk register and a review of similar bauxite mining

projects in Queensland and Australia.

Hazards and impacts for the Project were identified using the following process:

A review of the Project’s components (as outlined in Chapter 2 – Description of the Project) to

identify the activities and facilities proposed during the construction and operation phases of

the Project (for example mining, transport of material by truck, screening, barge loading and

transport, transhipment and dangerous goods storage);

Identification of hazardous materials being transported to the Project during the construction

and operation phases;

Identification of both technological and natural hazards, including:

The range of potentially hazardous incidents that may be associated with each of the

activities and facilities at the Project area (for example clearing activities, chemical

storage and stockpile management)

Potentially hazardous incidents associated with people, activities and property as a

result of the Project activities, but outside the Project area (for example oil spills,

vehicle collisions etc.)

Natural hazards that may occur in the area that can impact on the Project and

community

For each hazard identified, the potential pathway in which that hazard could cause harm was

identified.

The approach taken for applying a risk rating to the hazards and risks is described in

Chapter 1 – Introduction.

18.5 Existing Environment

In order to identify potential hazards and risks, the surrounding environment and community safety

values have been assessed. The study area for this chapter is defined as any property within 25 km

of the Project area boundary. This section describes the land use, potential sensitive receptors,

community values and landscape aspects which may be impacted by the Project.

18.5.1 Sensitive Community Receptors

Within a 25 km radius of the Project, 47 sensitive receptors were identified using aerial imagery

(see Figure 18-1). The closest residential receptor is located at Mapoon approximately 16 km

southwest of the mining lease boundary. There are two commercial receptors owned and operated

by Gulf Alumina which are the Skardon River airstrip located 3.3 km southwest and the Gulf Alumina

Skardon River Bauxite Project (SRBP) camp located 0.3 km west of the MIA.

Water users in the area have also been considered to be a sensitive community receptor, the only

groundwater user in the study area is the SRBP camp which has limited extraction from the Lunette

Aquifer. Beyond the study area and approximately 35 km southwest of the MIA, the Mapoon town


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water supply is from the Bulimba Formation. Further details on groundwater users are presented

in Chapter 10 – Water Resources.

18.5.2 Environmentally Sensitive Receptors

The Skardon River and estuary area intercepts the northern section of the Project area and is

classified as a Matter of State Environmental Significance (MSES) – High Ecological Significance

wetland. The mangroves bordering the Skardon River and the area known as Big Footprint Swamp

are classified MSES’s with High Ecological Significance.

There are a number of groundwater dependent ecosystems identified within the study area

including Big Footprint Swamp and the Skardon River and estuary which are likely to depend on

shallow groundwater. These areas also hold cultural and spiritual values to the Traditional Owners.

There is one small area of MSES Regulated Vegetation adjacent to the western edge of the Project

area.

18.5.3 State and Local Government Controlled Roads

There is no access to the site by road. All workers will be transported by aircraft and material will

be brought in and out by barge to the proposed RoRo facility, or if agreement is reached with Gulf

Alumina, to the existing Port facilities.

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and completeness of the data. CDM Smith assumes no legal liability or responsibility for any decisions or actions resulting from the information contained

within this map.

GCS GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54

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Sensitive community receptors and environmentally sensitive receptors

©COPYRIGHT CDM SMITHThis drawing is confidential and shall only be used

for the purpose of this project.

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Legend!( Sensitive receptor

WatercourseAccommodation CampBarge Loading AreaHaul RoadPit ExtentsMine Lease Area

DATA SOURCEMEC Mining; 1sSRTM v1.0 Geoscience Australia 2011;

QLD Government Open Source Data;Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric

(Geofabric) PRODUCT SUITE V2.1.1 DRG Ref: BES150115-013-R1_SR

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Barge Loading Area

Haul Road

Haul Road

Accommodation Camp

Figure 18-115/07/15


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18.6 Potential Impacts

The preliminary risk assessment provided in Table 18-2 identifies potential hazards and impacts

identified in this assessment for the construction and operational activities. The likelihood and

consequence of the Project hazards and health risks for natural hazards, emergency or incident

events from hazchem storage or other abnormal conditions which could pose hazards and impact

safety are outlined further within this section.

18.6.1 Natural Hazards

Natural hazards are identified in the SPP as a naturally occurring situation or condition, such as a

flood, bushfire, landslide or coastal hazard, including erosion-prone areas and storm tide inundation

areas, with the potential for loss or harm to the community, property or environment. For

operational purposes, tropical storms and cyclones have also been included in this chapter.

The Queensland Government’s SPP Natural Hazards map (DILGP, 2016), identifies that:

The majority of the site has a medium bushfire hazard rating;

The Skardon River is an erosion prone coastal area; and

Some lower lying parts of the Project are classified as Flood Hazard Area - Level 1.

Other natural hazards identified which are likely to impact the subject area include:

Tropical storms and cyclones;

Drought; and

Climate change.

18.6.1.1 Bushfire

The peak fire season for the Project is during winter and spring, when rainfall is at its lowest as

shown on Figure 18-2 (BoM, 2010a). During this time, the dry season, vegetation and leaf-litter can

dry out and become fuel for bushfires. The Project is predominately surrounded by Darwin

Stringybark (Eucalyptus tetradonta) woodland, which can become extremely dry and moisture-

deprived during peak fire season.

Natural and anthropogenic-related bushfires are regular occurrences within the vicinity of the

Project, commonly from lightning strikes and through annual back-burning and traditional

Indigenous burning. In recent decades the frequency of fire in the Cape York Peninsula bioregion

has been relatively high and between approximately 13% and 33% of the region is burnt each year

(Bastin and ACRIS, 2008). The majority of these fires on Cape York Peninsula are grass fires

(Crowley, 1995).


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Figure 18-2 Australian bushfire threat

Based on the Bushfire Risk Analysis for the Cook Shire and presented in the SPP online mapping, the

Project is located in a bushfire hazard area of medium potential threat, refer to Figure 18-3

(DILGP, 2016). A bushfire hazard area identifies land that is likely to support a significant bushfire

and could be subject to impacts from a significant bushfire. This mapping considers potential fire

weather severity, landscape slope and potential fuel load to determine the risk level (Rural Fire

Service, 2014).

Currently, the Cape York Fire Program and the Mapoon Land and Sea Rangers provide fire

management and coordination between land holders, the community, industry and all levels of

government. Cape York Sustainable Futures has a ten year fire history database, which is used to

establish the relationship between fire management and biodiversity along with other land

management outcomes. Cape York Sustainable Futures provide satellite fire tracking and mapping

services, promoting best practice fire management in Cape York. The Cape York Fire Program has

improved coordination and cooperation between stakeholders across all land tenures by

developing a sound base for sustainable fire management strategies and practices. Metro Mining

has had discussions with Cape York Sustainable Futures in April 2015 regarding fire management

specific to the Project.

BH6 West MLA boundary

(MLA 20689)

BH1 MLA boundary(MLA 20676)

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(MLA 20688)

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Potential Impact Buffer

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18.6.1.2 Coastal Erosion and Inundation

Coastal erosion and storm tide inundation are naturally occurring coastal processes. These coastal

processes are referred to as coastal hazards as they have the potential to impact on public safety

and development along the coast. Coastal hazard areas consist of areas at risk from sea erosion or

permanent inundation from tidal water and areas of temporary inundation resulting from a defined

storm tide event.

The potential for a high storm tide (combined tide and surge) to occur at Weipa is anticipated to be

reasonably low, with a 100 year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) of approximately 2 metre

Australian Height Datum (mAHD) (compared to a highest astronomical tide level of 1.63 mAHD).

The reasons for the predicted low storm tide level is a result of less intense cyclones tending to occur

in the area and the likelihood that a rare severe cyclone crosses at the same time as a spring high

tide is very low. The storm tide levels for the Skardon River are expected to be comparable to Weipa,

therefore, storm tides are not considered to present a significant risk in the area.

The implications of projected sea level rise and an increase in cyclone intensity for Queensland’s

coast will result in a progressive worsening of coastal hazards (EHP, 2013). Increased severe storm

activity may have the potential to impact marine infrastructure. Impacts may result from increased

erosion and higher waves and wind speeds impacting and damaging infrastructure. There still

remains considerable uncertainty, in terms of magnitude and rate related to sea level rise and

increased storm activity, as a result of the thermal expansion of the oceans, the melting of glaciers

and ice sheets and climate change. However, sufficient long-term tide gauge data exists to

demonstrate that global sea levels rose during the 20th century, with a calculated average global rate

of 1.7 ± 0.5 millimetres per year (IPCC, 2014). The short duration of the Project mitigates any

potential long-term impacts associated with climate change.

The site is located in a coastal area and the Skardon River estuary is mapped within an indicative

erosion prone area (see Figure 18-4). This is considered to be vulnerable to coastal erosion due to

storm impact and long-term trends of sediment loss and channel migration. Indicative erosion

prone areas are suggestive of the extent of erosion and permanent inundation. Only the declared

erosion prone area plans under the CPM Act are advised to be used for development assessment.

The Project area is not located within a declared erosion prone area (EHP, 2014).

BH6 West MLA boundary

(MLA 20689)

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(MLA 20688)

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Metro Mining Mine Lease Area

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18.6.1.3 Flooding

The climate at the Project location is classified as Equatorial, with a period of very low rainfall during

winter and spring followed by heavy monsoonal rains during summer and early autumn. Given that

over 80% of the region’s annual rainfall occurs during the monsoonal wet season (December to

March), flooding in the Skardon River and its tributaries is most likely to occur during this time.

Monsoonal climates can exhibit large year-to-year variations in rainfall, and a major rainfall season

(that is greater than 2,000 millimetres (mm) per annum) may occur once every one to five years in

the vicinity of the Project. The frequency of high rainfall and flooding can also be influenced by the

presence or absence of cyclones within the region, due to the predominant mechanism for river

flooding being the coincident combination of heavy rainfall and elevated ocean levels (that is storm

tides). These mechanisms are primarily associated with tropical cyclone systems.

Flood modelling of the Skardon River was carried out for a range of scenarios up to the probable

maximum flood. Simulation results indicated that the extent of inundation is generally confined

within the river waterways, with some widespread inundation of the broader floodplain caused by

the increased ocean levels associated with a storm tide. With regard to elevation, the bauxite

resource and the majority of the Project’s operations are located on a plateau that rises

approximately 8 to 15 metres (m) above the floodplain, and unlikely to be affected by riverine

flooding. The BLF and RoRo facility are located adjacent to and within the Skardon River and will be

designed to manage changes in river levels, including during periods of spring tides and storm

generated high waters.

The potential impacts as a result of flooding include:

Damage to infrastructure at the MIA resulting in land and sea contamination and human health

impacts;

Ponding of water resulting in a breeding habitat for mosquitos or other insects (vector borne

diseases are discussed in Chapter 8 – Biosecurity); and

Release of sediments into the waterways.

Flood modelling, the potential impacts of flooding and proposed mitigation strategies are described

in Chapter 11 – Flooding and Regulated Structures and Appendix E2 – Surface Water Technical

Report.

18.6.1.4 Tropical Storms and Cyclones

Tropical storms and cyclones are usually defined by strong winds and high intensity rainfall events.

Understanding historical frequencies can help the community and industry better prepare for such

events. The Project experiences approximately 50 days of lightning strikes associated with tropical

storms per annum (BoM, 2010b).

Cyclones have the potential to affect the Project during the wet season, typically between December

and April. As such, these events have been assessed to determine their frequency, severity and the

potential impacts they may have on the Project.

The severity of a tropical cyclone is described by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) in terms of

categories ranging from one to five based on the zone of maximum winds. The BoM categories are

described below:


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Category 1 (tropical cyclone) - Negligible house damage. Damage to some crops, trees and

caravans. Craft may drag moorings. The strongest winds are gales with typical gusts over open

flat land of 90 to 125 kilometers per hour (km/h). These winds correspond to Beaufort 8 and 9

(gales and strong gales);

Category 2 (tropical cyclone) - Minor house damage. Significant damage to signs, trees and

caravans. Heavy damage to some crops. Risk of power failure. Small craft may break moorings.

The strongest winds are destructive winds with typical gusts over open flat land of 125 to

164 km/h. These winds correspond to Beaufort 10 and 11 (storm and violent storm);

Category 3 (severe tropical cyclone) - Some roof and structural damage. Some caravans

destroyed. Power failures likely. The strongest winds are very destructive winds with typical

gusts over open flat land of 165 to 224 km/h. These winds correspond to the highest category

on the Beaufort scale, Beaufort 12 (hurricane);

Category 4 (severe tropical cyclone) - Significant roofing loss and structural damage. Many

caravans destroyed and blown away. Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread power failures.

The strongest winds are very destructive winds with typical gusts over open flat land of 225 to

279 km/h. These winds correspond to the highest category on the Beaufort scale, Beaufort 12

(hurricane); and

Category 5 (severe tropical cyclone) - Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction. The

strongest winds are very destructive winds with typical gusts over open flat land of more than

280 km/h. These winds correspond to the highest category on the Beaufort scale, Beaufort 12

(hurricane).

Typically, Queensland is affected by an average of 4.7 tropical cyclones per year; while an average

of approximately 0.6 cyclones affect the Project area annually (BoM, 2014). The frequency of

cyclones in Queensland is significantly impacted by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon.

During La Niña years, a doubling of cyclonic events may occur (BoM, 2014).

BoM identified 15 cyclones that have passed within 100 km of the Project between 1970 and 2006

as shown in Figure 18-5. Only three of these cyclones have reached Category 4. There have been no

Category 5 cyclones in the region.

Tropical storms and cyclones present a number of risks to the Project including:

Health and safety of employees and the community from storm surge, flooding and wind-blown

debris;

Damage to port, ferry and barge infrastructure from storm surge and waves;

Damage to other infrastructure from wind and flooding; and

Damage to revegetation from wind and heavy rain.


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Source: BoM, 2010b

Figure 18-5 Recorded cyclone tracks within 100 km of the Project - 1970 to 2006

18.6.1.5 Drought

Available meteorological history shows the Project site has never recorded less than 1,000 mm

annual rainfall. The average annual rainfall since 1914 to date is calculated as 1,784 mm. The

definition of drought for this area is therefore a matter of scale i.e. a succession of below average

rainfall years, rather than a complete lack of rainfall that may more typically be associated with

drought conditions. The last succession of less than 1,784 mm annual rainfall years was between

2005 and 2009, with annual rainfall still averaging around 1,600 mm.

Groundwater levels within the Project are subject to seasonal fluctuations and recharge during the

wet season. The water table rises to the ground surface at some of the proposed pit locations during

the wet season, it declines steadily during the dry season typically at a rate of 1 to 3 m per month.

Any long-term drought in the region may see the shallow groundwater systems levels reduced.

Metro Mining is also considering the possibility of utilising groundwater to meet the projected water

supply requirements of approximately 0.8 megalitres per day (ML/d). If shallow groundwater is

extracted during mining (the dry season) the water table will be temporarily drawn down around

pumping bores or trenches as groundwater is removed from the aquifer storage. As there is no

recharge during the dry season or less recharge during a drought period to offset the effects of

pumping, groundwater discharge rate to the Skardon River and estuary area may be reduced as a

result of pumping.


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18.6.1.6 Climate Change

Between 2007 and 2013 the Australian Government invested $129 million in the National Climate

Change Adaptation Program. This program is helping Australians to better understand and manage

risks linked to the carbon pollution already in our atmosphere and to take advantage of potential

opportunities.

The Commonwealth Department of the Environment has worked with local and international

agencies, such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and

BoM, to estimate predicted changes to the Australian climate and environment as a result of global

warming. These estimates are provided within the State of the Climate 2014 report.

The State of the Climate 2014 report predicts the following:

By 2070, with low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (that is a significant reduction in the current

trends) warming in Australia is projected to be 1.0 to 2.5oC;

By 2070, with high GHG emissions (that is a continuation of growth as seen over the past

decade) warming in Australia is projected to be 2.2oC to 5.0oC;

In northern Australia rainfall projections range from a 20% decrease to 10% increase by 2070

for low emissions; and

In northern Australia rainfall projections range from a 30% decrease to 20% increase by 2070

for high emissions (BoM, 2014).

Sea level has risen at a rate of 3.2 mm per year in the last 20 years (BoM, 2014). The expected lifetime

of the Project is approximately 12 years, from 2017 to 2028. This equates to 34.8 mm rise in sea

level during the life of the Project. Given the relatively short timeframe of the Project, the potential

changes to rainfall, temperature and winds, as a result of climate change, are negligible. In addition,

as Metro Mining does not propose to operate during the wet season, when changes related to

increased rainfall, wind speed, storm surge and tropical storm probabilities are expected to impact

the Project, the specific risk of climate change to the Project is considered low.

18.6.2 Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances

Using, storing or generating hazchems, particularly those being processed and/or in large

quantities, can generate offsite risks which require careful assessment and management. A

preliminary assessment of the nature and quantity of materials to be handled or stored as part of

the Project has been undertaken to determine the hazardous materials that will be present.

Dangerous goods are substances that present an immediate hazard to people, property or the

environment due to its chemical, physical or biological properties (WorkCover Queensland, 2016).

Hazardous substances are defined as those that can have an adverse effect on health following

worker exposure (WorkCover Queensland, 2016).

The Project will use a number of hazardous substances, including those listed in the Australian Code

for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code). The full range of hazardous

substances that will be handled, stored and used during the various phases of the Project will not be

finalised until detailed planning for the mine has been completed.

http://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/adaptation/climate-change-adaptation-program

http://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/adaptation/climate-change-adaptation-program


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The Queensland Model Planning Scheme Development Code for Hazardous Industries and

Chemicals (Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, 2016) recommends that medium impact

development involving hazchem be self-assessable and high impact development be made code

assessable. Model trigger levels have been provided for medium and high impact hazchem

development.

The only hazchem storage onsite which triggers assessment is the storage of diesel in above ground

tanks, being over 60,000 Litres (L) it is considered a high impact under the model assessable

development thresholds.

The Code for Hazardous Industries and Chemicals provides a minimum separation distance of 13 m

for storages of 500,000 L of diesel. The current proposed storage area for fuel will be located greater

than 13 m from the mining lease boundary.

The Australian special provisions of the ADG Code provide that diesel is not subject to this Code if it

does not meet the criteria of Chapter 2.3 for assignment to Class 3; i.e. if the flash point is more than

60oC and the substance is not offered for transport at a temperature above its flash point. Such

substances will normally be C1 combustible liquids which are not classified as dangerous goods for

transport purposes.

Indicative dangerous goods and their impact level, assessed against the Queensland Model Planning

Scheme Development Code for Hazardous Industries thresholds, likely to be stored within the

Project area are presented in Table 18-1.


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Table 18-1 Indicative list of hazardous substances

Chemical Name DG Class1 UN Number2 Packing Group3 Maximum Inventory

Approximate Annual Rate of Use

Medium Impact High Impact Purpose/Use

Diesel fuel 3

(Class C1) 1 1202 III 500,000 L 5,000,000 L

Above ground tanks <60,000 L

Above ground storage tanks >60,000 L

Fuel for vehicles and mobile equipment

Batteries NA 2794

2796 II

20 large batteries

As required N/A N/A Light and heavy vehicles during all phases

Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)

8 2796 II 50 L As required in conjunction with battery use

>10,000 L N/A

100% concentration for dilution with deionised water to 40% when used in batteries

Lubrication / hydraulic oils

3

(Class C2) 2 NA NA

1.5 Kilolitres (kL)

50 kL

>10,000 L Package stores with natural ventilation

N/A Hydraulic oils to lubricate plant and equipment

Nitrogen (liquid) 2.2 1977 NA 1 cylinder Infrequent

>2000 L cylinder stores with natural ventilation

N/A Equipment assembly

Oxygen gas 2.2 1072 NA 500 L 1,000 L N/A Welding/

Oxyacetylene cutting

Novec 1230 gas 2.2 3163 III 1,800 L As required N/A Fire protection

Carbon dioxide gas

2.2 1013 NA 500 L 3,000 L N/A

Welding

Liquefied petroleum gas

2.1 1075 NA 400 L 5 kL >1000 L cylinder stores with natural ventilation

N/A Heating and equipment fuel

Acetylene gas 2.1 1001 NA 500 L 1,000 L N/A Welding/

Oxyacetylene cutting


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Solvents and thinners

3 1090 II 200 L 1,825 L >10,000 L Package stores with natural ventilation

N/A Degreasing agent

Paints 3 1263 III 50 L 100 L N/A Paint during

construction and operations

Detergent 3 1198 NA 125 kilograms (kg)

2,000 kg N/A Equipment

cleaning

Grease 3 1268 NA 1,000 L 6,000 L N/A Lubricate plant

and equipment

1 DG Class = Dangerous Goods class means the hazard class of the dangerous goods as stated in the ADG Code. 2 UN numbers = Four-digit numbers that identify hazardous substances and articles (such as explosives, flammable liquids, toxic substances, etc.) in the framework of international transport. UN numbers range from UN0001 to approximately UN3500 and are assigned by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. They are published as part of their Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. 3 Packaging Group = Assigned to dangerous goods (other than Class 1, 2 and 7) according to the degree of risk the goods present (PGI – great danger; PGII – medium danger; and PGIII – minor danger).


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It is likely other dangerous goods may be required during the construction and operational phases

of the Project. In the event this occurs, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be reviewed to

ensure safety processes and storage and handling procedures are adequate and conform to

Australian Standard (AS) 1940:2004 - The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible

Liquids.

The proposed storage onsite will be 500,000 L of diesel which is equivalent to 177 t, this is well

under the 50,000 t trigger limit for major hazard facilities defined within Schedule 15 of the Work

Health and Safety Regulation 2011.

18.6.3 Bauxite Mining Health and Safety

The common health and safety risks associated with bauxite mining relate to noise, ergonomics,

trauma, fatigue and heat. Given the Project is located in a tropical environment, risks associated with

tropical diseases (i.e. Malaria, Ross River and Barmah River Viruses and Dengue Fever) and

venomous/dangerous animals are relevant. The remote location and roster of the Project may

impact the mental health of the workers. This is discussed in further detail in Chapter 16 – Social

and Economic.

Exposure to bauxite dust has not been associated with incidence of cancer and has not been

associated with clinically significant decrements in lung function (Donoghue et al., 2014). Alumina

is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Group 3, i.e. cannot be

classified as to carcinogenetic to humans. Bauxite is generally regarded as being relatively

biologically inert. It is classified for occupational hygiene purposes as a nuisance dust or “particle

not otherwise specified.” There has been a case report of mild pulmonary fibrosis—occurring in a

man exposed to bauxite crushing and transport from 1936 to 1962 (Donoghue et al., 2014). The

incidental finding on autopsy led to confirmation of the presence of bauxite within the area of

fibrosis. More recently, epidemiological studies of employees exposed to bauxite dust have been

conducted. (Beach et al., 2001 and Townsend, 1988), these studies concluded that bauxite

exposures in contemporary best-practice mining operations have not been demonstrated to be

associated with clinically significant decrements in lung function or pneumoconiosis.

Given the remote location of the site waste will be minimised and recycled onsite, where practicable.

The potential impacts of handling recycled wastes are transmission of bacteria and/or viruses by

contact. Non-mining waste management strategies and potential impacts are discussed in

Chapter 14 – Waste Management.

Noise is generated through the operation of machinery during the scrapping, excavation, loading

and conveyor operations. Exposure to noise can result in noise induced hearing loss, this can be

mitigated through design and equipment selection. Noise generation by the Project on the broader

community has been modelled and is discussed in Chapter 13 – Noise and Vibration.

Traumatic injury associated with bauxite mining can occur through vehicle rollovers, mobile

equipment, conveyor operations and barge operations, falls from heights, entrapment and

electrocution.

With the operation of barges and transhipping there is a risk of marine collisions, groundings or

vessel strikes from the movement of marine vessels. Such events may impact property, cause

physical injury and damage the marine environment. Oil spills can results from such incidents.

The impacts of health incidents onsite pose a risk to the capacity of the regions emergency services.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has advised that they do not have any station or personnel

or plans for any station in the area, therefore, Metro Mining has the responsibility of self-sufficiency


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for immediate emergency response. A delayed attendance by the Queensland Fire and Emergency

Services is available upon request for assistance. The time taken to attend and provide effective

response would be subject to the type, location and severity of the incident. The nearest paramedics

and Ambulance Stations are located at Weipa and Bamaga. The diversion of the minimal resources

at this location could impact on the Weipa and/or Bamaga communities, given response by road

could be 12 to 16 hours or more.

18.6.4 Malicious Acts

Acts of vandalism and sabotage have been considered as having the potential to create hazardous

conditions. Malicious acts pose a safety risk to the public and workers and may result in injury or

property damage. Given the remote location and the inability to access the site by road, the risks of

this is considered to be low.

18.7 Cumulative Impacts

Cumulative impacts are addressed within each chapter. Given the remote location of the Project and

the adjacent SRBP cumulative impacts are not anticipated to adversely affect sensitive receptors. It

is expected that the simultaneous operations of the Project and the SRBP may pose an increase in

risks in relation to:

Increased risk of contamination from dangerous goods storages in event of natural disaster such

as a cyclone; and

Increased risk of health and safety incident from:

- Overlap and interaction of work areas

- Increased onsite traffic volumes as a result of movement on the haul roads

- Increased risk of marine incident from increased shipping movements; and

- Potential to put a cumulative strain on emergency services. Metro Mining will work

collaboratively with Gulf Alumina and emergency services to ensure the potential impacts

to workers and the environment is avoided.

The potential cumulative strain on emergency services may be caused from a natural disaster or

extreme emergency event which requires the attendance of the emergency services to both project

sites at the same time. The risk of this occurring is relatively low and Metro Mining will work with

Gulf Alumina to have, on standby, additional emergency service responses, such as private

helicopter medical services and emergency response capability which can be activated in such an

unlikely circumstances to avoid the strain on local regional services.

18.7.1 Opportunities for Collaboration with Gulf Alumina

The overlap and interaction of the work areas includes the airstrip which is proposed to be used by

both Projects. Metro Mining are also seeking to construct a haul road within the SRBP mining lease

area and proposed bauxite extraction areas, thus there is likely to be interface between the two

operations. Failing to manage interface risks is a common and significant cause of delay, expense

and lost profits in construction projects. It also poses a higher risk of traumatic injury associated

with vehicle rollovers, mobile equipment, conveyor operations and barge operations, falls from

heights, entrapment and electrocution. There will also be overlap in the shipping routes used by


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both projects; however, given the area is highly controlled through the Skardon River Port there is

less of a risk from this interface.

18.8 Management and Mitigation Measures

Management and mitigation measures for each identified hazard and potential impact are provided

in Table 18-2. The below management and mitigation measures expand on the management

measures provided in Table 18-2.

18.8.1 Natural Hazards

18.8.1.1 Bushfire

Metro Mining is working in partnership with Mapoon Land and Sea Rangers to develop a

coordinated Fire Management Plan incorporating:

A bushfire management plan will be developed to take into account the following:

Traditional Owner / landowner bushfire management

Maintain safety of people and property by avoiding areas of high or medium bushfire

hazard

Design and siting of buildings

Firebreaks, setbacks from vegetation and access to firefighting and emergency

vehicles

Adequate road access for firefighting and other emergency vehicles

Providing an adequate and accessible water supply for fire-fighting purposes

Ensure public safety and environment are not adversely affected by the detrimental

impacts of bushfire on hazardous materials manufactured or stored in bulk

Buildings fitted with appropriate firefighting equipment and facilities;

Approximately five megalitres (ML) of water will be kept in polyethylene tanks at suitable

locations around the mine lease to be used in the event of a fire;

All welding activities, where practicable, will be conducted in the main workshop area. Where

welding and cutting are undertaken outside the workshop area, the following procedures will

take place:

The area will be cleared of flammable materials

A suitable fire extinguisher will be positioned within reach of the work area

A suitable fire break will be established and maintained around the perimeter of the

infrastructure area and camp. The fire breaks will be a minimum of 6 m wide and kept free of

flammable material;

All fire-fighting extinguishers will comply with AS/NZS 1841.1:2007. Fire-fighting equipment

will be compatible with that used by Queensland Rural Fire Service. Routine inspections of fire-

fighting equipment will take place at least weekly;


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All mining workers, including contractors, will receive basic fire control training as part of the

induction process and receive regular refresher training; and

In the event a fire cannot be controlled by mine workers, or threatens public property, the

Queensland Rural Fire Service will be contacted.

18.8.1.2 Coastal Erosion and Inundation

Given the minor nature of the predicted impacts to coastal erosion and inundation resulting from

the construction of the proposed BLF and RoRo facility there are few management measures

proposed. The following measures will be undertaken to ensure there is no unnecessary increase in

erosion as a result of the Project activities:

Avoid or minimise movement of vehicles and other machinery on beaches, where possible;

Locate all buildings, workshops and storage areas outside erosion prone area and as far

landward as practicable;

For the construction of the RoRo facility, imported clean rock fill will be used to limit the

requirement for compaction, to limit settlements and to reduce the generation of fine material

that will cause turbidity during construction. A temporary bund will be constructed around the

ramp footprint and pumped out to obtain dry working conditions. Filter cloth, reno-mattresses

and crushed rock running surface will be placed commencing at the seaward end of the ramp

and moving landwards. The reno-mattresses will be pre-filled onshore and lifted into place with

a frame to limit turbidity and sediment movement around the ramp; and

Minimal changes to the coastal environment and tide movements through design of

infrastructure.

18.8.1.3 Flooding

The design of the Project footprint has considered the various probable flood levels and has been

designed to ensure it is constructed on elevated ground. The stockpile area and other critical

infrastructure such as fuel storage, power generation and accommodation will be located at above

the maximum probable flood level. As the mine will not be operational during the wet season, site

personnel are unlikely to be affected by the impacts of flooding. However, a plan for response to a

flooding event will be developed and include immediate actions of providing an alert, monitoring

flood levels and monitoring evacuation routes (airstrip and port). See Chapter 11 – Flooding and

Regulated Structures for detailed discussion in regard to flooding.

18.8.1.4 Tropical Storms and Cyclones

Considering Project activities occur during the dry season, there is a very low risk of physical harm

to site personnel from tropical cyclones and storms. In the event that a cyclone is experienced, either

during the operational period when fully staffed or during the wet season when there is only a

limited caretaker workforce present, Metro Mining will implement a contingency plan that is

consistent with existing emergency procedures established for the broader Weipa area. Such

contingency measures will include:

Transhipment only when wave and wind conditions within designed operating parameters;

Co-ordination with the Rio Tinto Alcan’s Weipa Cyclone Control Centre including the cyclone

condition system and associated procedures depending on cyclone severity;


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Co-ordination with Gulf Alumina to implement an effective and practical contingency plan; and

Linking in to the existing warning systems established through the control centre.

Based on the BoM data provided in Section 18.6.1.4 there is a 41.6% chance of a cyclone occurring

in a year within 100 km of the Project and an 8.3% chance of one of these cyclones being a

Category 4. In the event of a cyclone during the Project, Metro Mining will assess the damage caused

by the cyclone, once it has passed, and resources will be allocated accordingly. If required, external

assistance may be requested to ensure the Project is safe for construction and operational activities

to proceed. All vessels remaining in the area will have cyclone contingency plan and cyclone rated

moorings will be available.

18.8.1.5 Drought

The potential effects that drought conditions may have upon the Project, particularly rehabilitation,

have been considered by Metro Mining. In particular, an established and reliable source of water is

crucial for the stability of operations. Raw water supply options have been considered, including

storage of surface water runoff, groundwater supply and water collection from the nearby Skardon

River or associated waterways, with the final ratio of water supply sources depending on wet season

conditions.

Onsite water reuse from sediment ponds, oil/water separators and effluent will be considered

during drought periods to minimise any impacts to groundwater supplies. Drought mitigation

measures for potential water resources are discussed in Chapter 10 – Water Resources.

18.8.1.6 Climate Change

Given the remote location and the short duration of the Project and SRBP, cumulative impacts

associated with potential changes in climate are not expected to impact either project in a

cumulative sense. Predicted changes in temperature, precipitation, humidity, sea level, storm surge

and tides, cyclones and bushfires have been considered, and the vulnerabilities of the Projects have

been assessed.

Potential consequences of climate change that have been considered include:

Flooding from intense rainfall;

Exposure to higher temperatures;

Damage from cyclonic conditions and associated wave inundation;

Erosion; and

Damage from bushfires.

It was concluded from the cumulative assessment that there is unlikely to be an impact to climate

from both projects, and that there is unlikely to be an impact from climate change to both projects.

18.8.2 Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substance

All hazardous goods will be stored in accordance with the requirements outlined in AS1940. Areas

where hazardous goods are stored will be monitored frequently to ensure spillages and incidents

are accurately observed, cleaned up and recorded. Storage areas will be roofed where required to


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ensure flooding of the bunded areas does not occur, potentially resulting in land and/or surface and

groundwater contamination.

All containers which hold dangerous or hazardous goods will be appropriately labelled and SDSs

will be made available for all substances in accordance with the National Guidelines for

Occupational Health and Safety Competency (NOHSC). In addition, all safety processes and storage

and handling procedures will be compliant with AS1940. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) will be available

onsite where these substances are to be stored or used.

Specific management measures for the bulk fuel transfer system and equipment will include the

following:

A detailed plan for transfer of fuel from supply vessels to storage tanks and from storage tanks

to barges will be undertaken;

Fuel pipelines will be designed to minimise the risk of accidental release of fuel through safety

features such as shut down mechanisms in the event of an emergency;

Fuel unloading will be continually monitored during operations;

The fuel delivery supply pipelines will be made from welded steel pipes with isolating valves

that can be turned off in case of emergency;

The coupling system from the steel pipeline to the barges refueling pipeline will be located

above a catch tray (for minor leakages) and in a fully bunded area on the wharf head - to capture

any accidental release prior to closing valves in the event of an emergency; and

All pipelines will comply with Australian Standards.

Specific management measures for the bulk fuel storages/fuel farm will include the following:

The fuel farm will consist of series of self bunded containers;

Refuelling areas and workshops will have bunding and runoff catchment with oil separators;

All fuel tanks, bunding and transfer pipes will meet AS 1940-2004: The Storage and Handling of

Flammable and Combustible Liquids and AS1692 – 2006: Steel Tanks for Flammable and

Combustible Liquids;

Management and all hazardous substances are to be stored as per manufacturer’s requirements.

This includes storing these materials within roofed, bunded areas lined with an impermeable

material to prevent leaching and spills;

Procedures to be established at the mine to ensure safe and effective fuel, oil and chemical

storage and handling. All staff to be made aware of the requirement to report spillages and leaks

and the potential for these incidents to impact the quality of groundwater;

Provision of appropriate spill control materials including booms and absorbent materials at

refuelling facilities at all times to manage accidental spillages of fuel; and

Immediate clean up so no migration and infiltration occurs.


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The following measures will be in place package stores (stored packages and intermediate bulk

containers (IBCs)):

Package stores (areas of stored packages and IBCs) shall be located outdoors only and used for

the storage of closed packages and/or IBCs only;

Flammable and combustible liquids shall be segregated from any other substance that it may

react dangerously with by greater than 5 m and stored in separate spill compounds;

Package stores shall be separated from any decanting area for flammable or combustible liquids

by greater than 6 m;

Package stores shall be provided with ventilation to allow for flammable vapours to dissipate.

Ventilation shall be in the form of an open wall or vent;

Package stores shall be provided with a spill compound (e.g. bund) that complies with all of the

following:

Is impervious

Constructed of a fire resistant material(s)

Capable of holding liquid when full

Sloped to a low point or sump

Provided with a means of being emptied

Free from any other dangerous goods

Provided with restraints or barriers to prevent packages falling outside of the bund if

packages are positioned closer than 600 mm from a bund wall

Has a minimum internal volume as per Code requirements

Provision of impact avoidance measures such as bollards and appropriate firefighting

equipment.

The following measures will be in place for gas cylinder stores onsite:

Cylinder stores shall be provided with a ventilation system capable of providing sufficient fresh

air to dilute and remove gases and allow any flammable vapours to dissipate and reduce any

risk of asphyxiation, fire or explosion;

Ventilation shall be in the form of an open wall or vents;

Cylinders within a cylinder store shall be secured to restrict their movement by railings, chains

or barriers;

Decanting cylinders located in or adjacent to vehicle manoeuvring area shall be provided with

impact protection;

Cylinder stores shall have greater than one hose reel and greater than one 9 kg ABE extinguisher

within 10 m but not closer than 3 m; and

Cylinder stores shall be kept under lock and key.


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Transport of hazardous substances will be by sea, all fuels and chemicals will be brought in by barge

to the RoRo facility. All transport by sea is subject to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods

(IMDG) Code (2008 edition) which is regulated through the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

The following spill control and response management measures will be implemented:

A detailed spills response procedure will be developed to address the following principles of

spills management:

Communicate that the spill has occurred to the relevant supervisor

Consider the risk to personal health and the environment. If possible secure the area,

identify the substance and level of response required

Cease the flow from the source

Contain the spill to minimise contamination (e.g. temporary bund, cover drains)

Clean up the spill and correctly dispose of the material

Spill control materials and equipment including booms and absorbent materials will be kept

onsite at appropriate facilities at all times;

Site personnel will be educated in spill response actions, and chemical safety and awareness

during training and inductions;

Hazardous materials will be stored in appropriate bunding in accordance with relevant

Australian standards and other relevant standards. Spill containment material and spill kits will

be located in areas where liquid waste is stored and handled. Training in spill response will be

provided for all relevant employees;

Emergency response drills for a major oil or fuel spill will be conducted in conjunction with

SRBP personnel to ensure a coordinated and known response is in place; and

A detailed site plan will be available detailing drains, sumps and the location of equipment will

be maintained.

18.8.3 Bauxite Hills Mining Health and Safety

18.8.3.1 General Health and Safety

The operations will occur primarily in the cooler months of autumn, winter and spring and as

operations will be shut down over the wet season many of the risks associated with the tropical

environment will be significantly reduced. A Weed and Pest Management Plan will be implemented

and will include mosquito-borne diseases (refer to Chapter 8 – Biosecurity).

Dust control measures in place for the stockpiling, conveyors, mining and haulage to minimise

potential dust inhalation, these measures further outlined in Chapter 12 – Air Quality.

The accommodation camp will be built in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and the

food preparation areas will be operated in accordance with the Food Act 2006 to prevent illness. The

accommodation camp will include recreational areas and sufficient and clean amenities to service

the needs of the workers.


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Noise will be managed onsite through the measure outlined in Chapter 13 – Noise and Vibration.

The risk of traumatic injury will be managed through the integrated risk management systems and

the safety and health management system outlined in further detail below.

The risk of potential encounters with venomous and dangerous animals such as snakes and

crocodiles will be particularly important during clearing activities and construction works, as well

as operations and night work. Adequate communication systems will be operational to support the

health and safety of all personnel involved in the Project.

To manage health and safety risks onsite emergency response capacity is required. The mine will

have an emergency alarm system, built into the site radios, which can be activated by the relevant

senior personnel. The emergency alarm will be broadcast across all radio frequencies at the mine.

The Project will have an air charter company and a dedicated aircraft for its fly-in fly-out operations.

In the event of an evacuation, an aircraft will be mobilised out of Cairns (2 hours) or Weipa (18

minutes) according to circumstance. Depending on the type, severity and number of injuries, it may

be more appropriate to call upon the Royal Flying Doctors out of Cairns. As a tertiary alternative

there are heli-charters that are also accessible on an hourly rate that operate out of Weipa (40

minutes) that can transport the injured to Weipa Hospital. A sufficient refuelling and landing

helicopter area will be provided for emergencies. As a last resort, the Project marine vessel fleet can

be utilised for transport to Mapoon Hospital approximately 40 km away by sea. Radio procedures

for emergency declaration will in accordance with the standard operating procedures as instructed

during site specific induction processes.

The staff will include multiple personnel trained in remote onsite first aid and suitable first aid

equipment will be available onsite, including stretchers, defibrillators and general first aid kits.

18.8.3.2 Integrated Risk Management

An Integrated Risk Management Plan for both the construction and operational phases will be

prepared prior to the commencement of construction. The plan will include the following aspects:

Occupational Health and Safety Policy;

Environmental Policy;

Operational hazard analysis;

Regular hazard audits;

Fire safety and emergency;

Response plans, including counter disaster rescue procedures;

Qualitative risk assessment; and

Construction safety.

The preliminary and ongoing method for risk and hazard analysis is illustrated in Figure 18-6. It

outlines the process involved with identifying and managing potential risks for any particular

activity. The figure also illustrates the method for continuous hazard and risk management. It is

used to guide the hazard and risk assessment for a particular activity that may have been altered or

updated.


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Given design works are ongoing, the hazard and risk assessment will be reviewed prior to the

commencement of the construction and operation phases, respectively, and continually updated

throughout the Project’s lifecycle, including decommissioning and rehabilitation phases.

18.8.3.3 Continuous Improvement of Hazard and Risk Process

Metro Mining is committed to continuous improvement of the hazard and risk process. Plans and

procedures will be implemented and undertaken to reduce the identified potential hazard and risk

impacts based on results from monitoring and reviews of relevant policies. This will result in an

improvement in the Project’s management of hazards and risks. Additionally prior to the

construction of the Project, a Hazard and Operability Assessment (HAZOP) will be undertaken to

identify all potential hazards and operational problems through a detailed review of the Project, and

its equipment and operations.

Figure 18-6 Risk and hazard assessment process

18.8.3.4 Emergency Response Plan

An ERP will be developed in accordance with Guidance Note QGN 15: Emergency preparedness for

small mines and quarries issued by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines. At a regional

level the ERP considers the Cook Shire Local Disaster Management Plan as per s57 of the Disaster

Management Act 2003. The Site Senior Executive will ensure the mine has the resources and facilities

for the mine’s preparedness in reasonably foreseeable emergencies or potential emergency

situations.

The ERP will have regard to the potential risks associated with the Project construction, identify

emergency services, measures to undertake consultation with local emergency services and a

protocol for notifying appropriate authorities following the occurrence of an incident or emergency,

and detailed incident and emergency procedures.

Continuous Risk and

Hazard Management


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The ERP will be developed as per legislative requirements and developed in consultation with the

Department of Community Safety, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Queensland Police Service

and Queensland Ambulance Service. The ERP will ensure that the potential consequence of

emergency situations, identified in the Project risk register, are minimised as far as possible. The

ERP will form a critical component of the SHMS.

All Project personnel will receive basic training, which will be incorporated into the Project

induction, regarding the prevention, the communication activities and the escalation, planning,

response to and recovery from incident or emergency. Regular environmental emergency drills are

required on high risk and likely events including marine and terrestrial spills.

To ensure the effectiveness of the Emergency Response Plan, the plan will be periodically tested,

audited and reviewed. An investigation will take place after any emergency. Inspections will take

place regularly to ensure all emergency equipment is working and has been maintained. Regular

training and testing of the emergency response workers will take place.

Contact details will be included in the Emergency Response Plan prior to commencement of

construction. Neighboring properties will be advised, as necessary.

18.8.3.5 Metro Mining SHMS

A SHMS is the highest priority for Metro Mining and the Project. The SHMS outlines the management

framework to be adhered to. The SHMS will be implemented during the following Project phases:

Conceptual and design;

Construction;

Commissioning and operations; and

Decommissioning.

The SHMS will be revised and updated as the Project progresses through its different phases.

Contractors will be required to have a SHMS which aligns with Metro Mining’s SHMS. Contractors’

Safety Management Plans will be reviewed and accepted for adoption into the Metro Mining SHMS

to ensure they meet obligations under legislated safety and health for Mines and Quarries in

Queensland.

Safe work procedures will be developed for routine tasks including, but not limited to, the following

hazards:

Driving;

Vessel loading and unloading;

Manual handling;

Slips and trips;

Interaction with mobile equipment;

Working at heights;

Working with electrical equipment, lightning;

Working with moving parts;

Falling objects;

Fatigue;

Confined spaces;


18-32

Pinch points;

Wildlife hazards;

Disease vectors;

Dust;

Noise;

Sunburn, dehydration, heat stress;

Welding and cutting; and

Hazardous substances.

18.8.4 Malicious Acts

Queensland Police Service has been identified as a key stakeholder and will be consulted in the

preparation of security plans for the Project with a view to providing assistance in terms of future

proactive patrols and enforcement activities. These will be included within the Project’s ERP.

All areas with high risk of a security breach or unauthorised public access (that is the MIA, BLF,

RoRo facility and haul roads) will be monitored and access to these areas will be from a secure entry

point. Prior to being given access to the Project area, visitors will complete mandatory registration

and an environment, health and safety induction. The scope of the induction will reflect those areas

of the Project area that the visitor will be permitted access to.

Access to Project operations will be denied to any site staff/visitor not wearing mandatory PPE that

is appropriate to the area being visited.

18.9 Qualitative Risk Assessment

A preliminary risk assessment was undertaken to identify and assess risk level and consequences

the potential hazards and risks of both natural and induced emergency situations. The emphasis of

the preliminary risk assessment is on preventing or minimising hazardous incidents onsite, which

may result in significant onsite or offsite consequences.

Prior to construction, Metro Mining will revise the preliminary risk assessment and develop risk

mitigation strategies. This will include developing SOPs, emergency planning and the completion of

a HAZOP, in accordance with the risk assessment methodologies detailed in this chapter.

The preliminary risk assessment for construction and operational hazards is summarised in Table 18-2. The table presents the preliminary results of the assessment of potential hazards to people and environment. After identifying the range of hazards considered likely to occur, the following matters were considered for each hazard in the preliminary risk assessment:

Design controls and mitigation measures identified for each hazard, including prevention and response measures;

The impact that could occur as a result of each hazard;

The consequences of each impact if they were to occur, including direct impacts of incidents and the potential for escalation and secondary incidents;

The likelihood of events occurring and leading to an impact;

The likelihood of each impact occurring, taking into account the proposed controls; and

The extent to which hazard risk profiles are reduced as a consequence of implementing control and mitigation measures (residual risk).


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Table 18-2 Preliminary risk assessment for construction and operational activities

Hazard Impact

Unmitigated Risk Mitigation Measures

Residual Risk

L C R L C R

Natural Hazards

Bushfire occurrence

Access to the Project area is restricted

for emergency services;

Ignition of fuel storages onsite;

Endanger workers and infrastructure;

and

Evacuation from the site is restricted.

5 2 M

Site specific Bushfire Management Plan established prior to the commencement

of construction;

Emergency response procedures imbedded into SHMS;

Fire protection infrastructure imbedded into site design and progressively

installed during construction;

Ongoing consultation with authorities and surrounding landholders regarding

fuel load management;

ERP to be prepared in consultation with emergency services; and

Induction and refresher training of all staff in the ERP.

5 3 L

Coastal erosion

Increased coastal erosion from

clearing of mangroves and alterations

to shoreline; and Changes to navigational channel.

2 3 H

Access restricted to defined areas to minimise impacts to shoreline and

estuarine environment; and

Construction on shoreline will incorporate protection and design to minimise

coastal erosion in location of the infrastructure.

4 4 L

Coastal processes

Potential for tugs and barges to run

aground if coastal processes are not

monitored.

4 3 M

Adhere to vessel speed limits; and

Follow designated movement channel inside Skardon River and avoid areas

designated as no-go zones.

4 4 L

Flood occurrence

Pit flooding;

Loss of chemicals and contamination

of surface water and groundwater;

Loss of bauxite into the Skardon River;

and

Damage from dislodged debris.

5 2 M

Construction activities at site shut down over wet season;

Routine monitoring;

Additional onsite resources and training provided to nominated staff to attend

to emergencies;

ERP to be prepared in consultation with emergency services; and

Induction and refresher training of all staff in the ERP.

5 3 L

Cyclone or storm event

Access to the Project area is restricted

for emergency services;

Damage to infrastructure and

potential loss of contaminants

Sediment loss to watercourses;

Health and safety of employees and

the community from storm surge,

flooding and wind-blown debris; and

2 4 M

Installation of cyclone rated moorings for barges and marine vessels in an area

nominated by MSQ;

Cyclone rated infrastructure certified as a Registered Professional Engineer of

Queensland;

Ongoing consultation with the Weipa emergency services coordination centre;

and

Weather monitoring during construction.

5 3 L


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Hazard Impact


Residual Risk

L C R L C R

Damage to conveyor and jetty

infrastructure from storm surge and

waves.

Dangerous Goods Storage and Handling

Dangerous goods leaking during transport and transfer

Contamination of soils, groundwater

and surface water;

Damage to ecological, cultural and

recreational areas; and

Health impacts to terrestrial and

marine fauna and wetlands.

4 3 M

Transport in accordance with the IMDG Code;

Ensure contractors are responsible and adhere to maritime and road rules,

speed limits and use lights while driving;

First aid, firefighting and spill response kits will be available on all marine vessels

and vehicles carrying dangerous goods and relevant personnel trained in the use

of these items;

Marine safety implemented and contractor transportation to comply with

Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994; and

All regulated contractors to comply with Transport Operations (Marine

Pollution) Act 1995.

5 3 L

Diesel transport, storage and transfer


and surface water; and

Human health impacts from

contamination of water supply.

2 3 M

Storage tanks, bunds and transfer facilities will be designed, constructed and

operated in accordance with AS1940;

PPE and spill response equipment will be available onsite;

Storage and ‘dirty’ areas will drained to dirty water dams;

All appropriate personnel will be trained in fuel storage, transport and transfer

procedures;

Pressure vent valves checked prior to fill/discharge;

Use of double-skinned logistic barge to transport fuel to the site;

Use of experienced operators to transport fuel to site; and

Water cooling system on each tank.

5 4 L


18-35

Hazard Impact


Residual Risk

L C R L C R

Fire in a storage facility caused by the inadequate storage of hazardous substances

Bushfire caused as a result of onsite

fire;

Human injury or death as a result of a

fire or explosion; and

Loss of vegetated areas as a result of

a bushfire.

4 2 H

All products appropriately segregated;

Thermal sensors and/or smoke detectors to be installed and linked to alarm;

Storage areas to be constructed and bunded in accordance with AS1940;

Flame proof wiring to be used in dangerous goods storage areas;

Suitable level of security to be maintained;

Sources of ignition strictly controlled;

Minimal quantities to be stored onsite;

All lighting to be intrinsically safe;

Drum storage or drum height restricted; and

Storage to be located at least 500 m from the Project boundary.

5 3 L

Storage facility (dangerous goods store) – catastrophic loss of containment


and surface water;

Contamination of Skardon River

given the topography of the area;

and



3 3 H

As above;

Strategies to be developed as part of emergency planning to notify stakeholders

in such an event; and

Design and construction of storage areas and bunds will be in accordance with

AS1940.

5 3 L

Diesel leaking from the storage tanks (pipework failure, overfilling, valve failure)





3 3 H

Storage tanks, bunds and transfer facilities will be designed, constructed and

operated in accordance with AS1940;

Spill response equipment will be available onsite;

Storage and ‘dirty’ areas will drained to dirty water dams;

Appropriate personnel will be trained in fuel storage, transport and transfer

procedures;

Pressure vent valves checked prior to fill and discharge; and

Water cooling system on each tank.

4 4 L

Surface material handling –contaminants from runoff and dust


and surface water;

Erosion plumes/sediment loss; and



3 3 H

Operational controls will include watering of roads and imposition of speed

restrictions;

Reduce ore stockpile if significant prolonged rainfall or flood events are

predicted; and

Secure and evacuate site if significant flooding is predicted to occur as per site

evacuation procedures.

4 4 L


18-36

Hazard Impact


Residual Risk

L C R L C R

Health and Safety

Incident involving an authorised visitor

Death or injury of authorised visitor

as a result of falls, drowning or

contact with vehicles or equipment.

4 2 H

Provide inductions for all authorised visitors prior to or directly upon entry to

the Project area;

Ensure all areas where drowning hazards may occur are adequately signed

and appropriate rescue equipment is available; and

All vehicles onsite must be approved with fixed warning lights to make

visitors aware of when they are in danger of coming in contact with them.

5 3 L

Unauthorised access to site by non-personnel

Death or injury as a result of

potential falls or contact with

equipment.

4 2 H

Ensure adequate monitoring and signage prevents unauthorised personnel

from entering the Project area; and

Maintain efficient security measures and public notification to ensure non-

personnel understand the risk of trespassing.

5 3 L

Bauxite dust Human health impacts from the

migration of bauxite dust. 4 4 L

Water sprays on unsealed roads;

Restricting vehicle speeds on unsealed haul roads to reduce dust generation

and keep vehicles to well-defined roads;

Treat or cover stockpiled material to prevent wind erosion;

Minimise topsoil and vegetation removal, and revegetate disturbed areas as

soon as possible;

Enclosed cabins to minimise operator exposure.

Limit the ore storage quantities onsite;

Dust monitoring undertaken; and

Visual monitoring of dust levels migrating from the Project area.

5 3 L


18-37

Hazard Impact


Residual Risk

L C R L C R

Traffic collisions – onsite

Human injury or death as a result of

collision. 3 2 H

Ensure operators are licensed and competent;

Enforce zero alcohol and illegal drugs policy;

Develop and enforce fatigue management policy;

Driver fatigue management to be incorporated into the SHMS;

Enforce speed restrictions;

Ensure in-vehicle communications equipment;

Ensure communication policy between vehicles in operational area;

Ensure roll-over protective structures fitted to vehicles as appropriate;

Ensure regular vehicle maintenance schedule; and

Transport of dangerous goods or hazardous substances to be carried out in

accordance with the ADG Code.

5 3 L

Marine vessel collision, grounding or strike

Property damage, human injury or

death;

Oil spill; and

Loss of contaminates to the marine

environment.

4 2 H

Adherence to navigational procedures and observation of aids;

Shipping management plan in place;

Defined pilotage regimes; and

Oil spill response equipment and training.

5 2 M

Workplace health and safety incident during the construction or operation phase

Human injury or death as a result of a

construction or operational related

accident; and


insufficient medical provisions

available onsite.

4 2 H

Fall from height controls;

Continuous site safety assessment, induction of new staff and visitors, and

regular training of staff;

Site safety management system incorporating risk assessments, SOPs, job

safety analyses (JSAs) and job hazard analyses;

Experienced supervision;

Licensed and competent operators;

Welding safety practices;

Contractor and supplier selection;

Appropriate PPE provided to all staff and required of all visitors;

Regular vehicle and equipment maintenance; and

Ensure industry standard or best practice work controls for all operations.

5 1 M


18-38

Hazard Impact


Residual Risk

L C R L C R

Oil, fuel or chemical leaks from vehicles





3 3 H

Regular vehicle maintenance at authorised repair workshops offsite, where

possible;

First aid, firefighting and spill response kits will be available on all trucks

carrying dangerous goods and all drivers will be trained in the use of these

items;

Storage and handling of hazardous materials in accordance with AS1940; and

Refuelling and material handling in spill containment areas with spill

recovery.

See Chapter 10 – Water Resources for more details on mitigation measures for

surface water and groundwater protection.

4 4 L

Oil, fuel or chemical leaks from stationary plant





3 3 H

Regular equipment maintenance of authorised offsite or contained onsite

repair workshops;

Storage and handling of hazardous materials in accordance with AS1940;

Refuelling and materials handling in spill containment areas with spill

recovery equipment;

Drainage system designed to exclude hazardous chemical spills;

Regular review of HAZOP policy and SOPs;

Regular training of staff in HAZOP policy and procedures;

SDS available at all onsite hazardous material storage and handling sites and

with Environmental Manager; and

Appropriate PPE for staff involved in handling or containing hazchems.

4 4 L

Exposure to high voltage or contact with electrified wires

Human injury or death as a result

exposure to high voltage wires. 5 2 M

All onsite power transmission sources will be appropriately designed and will

follow current industry standards and design certification requirements;

Ensure appropriate separation of construction and traffic areas from

overhead or underground electricity supply lines;

Implement a Control of Energy (isolation) procedure;

Ensure induction and site familiarity of staff; and

Ensure training of staff in first responder first aid.

5 3 L


18-39

Hazard Impact


Residual Risk

L C R L C R

Failure of the ERP Human injury or death as a result of

uncoordinated emergency response. 4 2 H

Induction and refresher training of all staff in the ERPs;

Maintained and operational backup systems for all operational areas;

Regular drills and training for various scenarios;

Zero tolerance policy of non-compliance with ERPs; and

Dedicated onsite first-aid provisions.

5 3 L

Sewage treatment facility failure





4 3 M Regular maintenance and monitoring of system and backup system; and

Secondary capture and isolation built into site water management system. 5 3 L

Use of recycled waste onsite

Transmission of bacteria and/or

viruses by contact, dispersion of

aerosols and ingestion of recycled

water.

4 3 M

Do not spray recycled water in windy conditions;

Maintain appropriate buffer zone between spray area and areas used by

people;

Provide appropriate PPE to workers exposed in recycled water areas; and

Workers to be informed of correct hygiene practices when around recycled

water.

5 3 L

Encounter with or bite from crocodiles, venomous snakes and insects and other dangerous fauna


uncoordinated emergency response. 1 4 M

Provide staff with appropriate PPE when working outdoors where venomous

snakes and/or insects may occur;

Provide workforce awareness training in relation to crocodiles, venomous

snakes and biting insects;

Ensure an appropriate portion of staff are trained in crocodiles, venomous

snake handling and first aid;

Ensure appropriate first aid equipment is readily available onsite;

Provide training to all personnel for awareness of dangerous fauna such as

wild pigs and dogs; and

Dedicated onsite first-aid provisions.

5 3 L


18-40

Hazard Impact


Residual Risk

L C R L C R

Disease vectors (e.g. insects, rodents etc.)


pest proliferation onsite. 4 2 H

Waste disposal bins will be located onsite to facilitate collection of rubbish in

a clean, safe and hygienic manner, prior to removal from site by licensed

contractors;

Dedicated and appropriately signed waste management and transfer zones;

Refuse bins will be covered to contain odour, reduce Leachate and prevent

vermin;

Waste which is known to attract vermin will be stored and handled in an

appropriate manner; and

Appropriate chemical control measures will be utilised as appropriate to

mitigate adverse health conditions.

5 3 L

Ponding of water resulting in breeding habitat for mosquitoes or other biting insects


pest proliferation onsite. 2 3 H

Develop and implement a Water Management System designated to prevent

pooling of still water or creation of favourable mosquito habitat; and

Regular maintenance of all structures associated with storage or treatment of

recycled water.

4 4 L

Tropical disease, heat exposure

Human injury or death from tropical

disease, infection or heat exposure. 2 3 H

Dedicated onsite first-aid provisions; and

Education in heat management and identification of tropical disease. 4 3 M

Cumulative strain on emergency services

State emergency services strained by

onsite emergency and are unable to

attend to another emergency.

4 3 M

Metro Mining will liaise with emergency services to understand and mitigate

limitations of resources;

Additional onsite resources and training provided to nominated staff to

attend to emergencies (onsite and support offsite emergencies); and

An ERP to be prepared in consultation with emergency services.

4 4 L

Public liability Exposing the state to claims as a

result of an onsite incident. 4 3 M

All measures proposed above implemented to minimise the likelihood of a

potential incident; and

Community liaisons undertaken to ensure local community aware of risks.

5 3 L

Malicious Acts

External/internal malicious acts

Public or worker injury; and

Damage to property. 4 3 M

Access point will be via secure entry;

Access points will be monitored; and

Visitors will complete mandatory registration and an environment, health

and safety induction.

4 4 L

(C = Consequence: L = Likelihood: R = Risk)


18-41

18.10 Summary

The hazards and risks considered in this assessment are common to barging and mining operations

in a tropical remote environment. This assessment identified the potential impacts associated with

natural hazards, dangerous goods transport and storage, bauxite mining and malicious acts.

Natural hazards, such as bushfires, coastal erosion and inundation, flooding, tropical storms and

cyclones, drought and climate change, and consequent risks are considered to be low. Natural and

anthropogenic-related bushfire are regular occurrences within the vicinity of the Project. The

Project is located in a bushfire hazard area of medium potential threat. Metro Mining will implement

a Fire Management Plan in partnership with Mapoon Land and Sea Rangers.

The site is located in a coastal area considered to be vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation.

Buildings, workshops and storage areas will be located outside erosion prone areas and as far

landward as practicable and vehicle and other machinery movements on beaches will be avoided or

minimised. The BLF will be constructed on elevated ground.

Flood modelling of the Skardon River was carried out for a range of scenarios up to the probable

maximum flood. Simulation results indicated that the extent of inundation is generally confined

within the river waterways, with some widespread inundation of the broader floodplain caused by

the increased ocean levels associated with a storm tide. With regard to elevation, the bauxite

resource and the majority of the Project’s operations are located on a plateau that rises

approximately 8 to 15 m above the floodplain, and unlikely to be affected by riverine flooding. The

BLF and RoRo facility are located adjacent to and within the Skardon River and will be designed to

manage changes in river levels, including during periods of spring tides and storm generated high

waters.

Tropical storms and cyclones have the potential to affect the Project during the wet season, typically

between December and April. These natural hazards present a risk to the health and safety of

employees, environment and the integrity of infrastructure. There is a low risk of these

aforementioned risks as the Project activities will occur during the dry season. A contingency plan

that is consistent with existing emergency procedures will be implemented to ensure that if a

tropical storm or cyclone does occur during the dry or wet season potential risks are avoided and

minimised.

Climate change is not anticipated to be a significant risk given the anticipated life of the Project is

12 years, 2017 to 2028. Climate change predictions have been made for the year 2070 therefore the

interim changes in weather patterns is not quantified but are impacts are inferred from the 2070

predictions. The potential changes to rainfall, temperature and winds, as a result of climate change,

are negligible. Metro Mining does not foresee climate change as having a discernible impact on the

Project in the short term and does not propose to make any specific changes to the Project planning

or operations as a result of predicted climate changes.

Transporting and the storage of dangerous goods and hazardous substances if managed incorrectly

could cause harm to the environment, workers and the public. All hazardous substances will be

stored in accordance with AS1940. All containers which hold dangerous or hazardous goods will be

appropriately labelled and SDSs will be made available for all substances in accordance with the

NOHSC. Transport of hazardous substances will be by sea and will be subject to the IMDG Code

(2008 edition).


18-42

Health and safety risks associated with the Project relate to noise, ergonomics, trauma, fatigue, heat,

tropical diseases and venomous/dangerous animals. Metro Mining will implement a rigorous SHMS

which will set out a framework and detailed safety procedures to manage the safety and health of

its employees. In the event of an emergency Metro Mining will have detailed processes outlined in

the ERP and prior implemented arrangements with emergency management departments to ensure

emergencies are managed in a prompt, safe and efficient manner to protect the site property,

environment and the community. Specific areas will be provided for emergency services to access

the site. A Project risk register and appropriate controls, including training, engineering, design,

procedural and physical controls will be in place to manage any onsite hazards.

Malicious acts pose a safety risk to the public and workers through injury or property damage. The

risks are considered to be low given the remote location and the inability to access the site by road.

All secure entry points will be monitored and visitors will complete mandatory registration and an

environment, health and safety induction.

It is assumed that new technologies and innovations are to be expected throughout the Project's

operational life and as such will alter current baseline risk assessment results which have been

currently undertaken.

Project construction and operational preliminary risk assessment results indicated that the baseline

health and safety risk profile varied from low to high. Once mitigation measures and design

treatments were applied to the assessed hazards, residual risk scores were reduced to ‘low’ or

‘medium’.

The assessed hazards that were ranked with a ‘medium’ residual risk level included:

Traffic collisions due to increased traffic as a result of the Project. Such collisions have the

potential to occur on any road used for access to the Project;

Cumulative strain on emergency services. Metro Mining will be required to consult with those

emergency service agencies in the area to ensure that resources are sufficient to mitigate the

increased risks associated with the Project;

Human injury or death as a result of a construction or operational related accident. A robust

SHMS will be implemented into the culture, risks will be managed through detailed SOPs and

JSAs;

Human injury or death from tropical disease, infection or heat exposure. Metro Mining will have

onsite first aid provisions and will undertake training in heat management identification of

tropical diseases; and

Property damage, human injury or ecosystem damage from a marine incident, including

collision, marine strike or grounding. Metro Mining will manage this risk by having a detailed

shipping management plan, safety navigational aids, defined pilotage regimes and oil spill

response equipment and training.

Importantly, the preliminary risk assessment did not identify any ‘extreme’ ranking risks.

Overall the risks to community receptors, environmental sensitive receptors can be considered

acceptable.


18-43

18.11 Commitments

Metro Mining’s commitments, in relation to the Project’s hazard and safety risks, are provided in

Table 18-3.

Table 18-3 Commitments – hazards and safety

Commitments

Develop an Emergency Response Plan in consultation with emergency service departments and the Weipa Town Authority, prior to construction.

Develop a Fire Management Plan.

Implement a Safety and Health Management System detailing the safety procedures to manage the health and safety of its employees. Prepare an Integrated Risk Management Plan for both the construction and operational phases prior to the commencement of construction.

Develop a Project risk register and appropriate controls to manage any onsite hazards and reassess the existing risks and identify any additional mitigation measures.

Communicate potential risks and associated mitigation measures during site inductions.

Self-sufficient initial onsite emergency response, including spill and fire response and first aid.

18.12 ToR Cross-reference

Table 18-4 ToR cross-reference – hazards and safety

Terms of Reference Section of the EIS

8.13 Hazards and Safety

Objectives

The construction and operation of the project should aim to ensure:

the risk of, and the adverse impacts from, natural and man-made hazards are avoided, minimised or mitigated to protect people and property

Noted the community’s resilience to natural hazards is maintained or enhanced

developments involving the storage and handling of hazardous materials are appropriately located, designed and constructed to minimise health and safety risks to communities and individuals and adverse effects on the environment.

Information Requirements

8.13.1 Describe the potential risks to people and property that may be associated with the project in the form of a preliminary risk assessment for all components of the project and in accordance with relevant standards.

Section 18.6 – Potential Impacts

Section 18.9 – Qualitative Risk Assessment

Note wildlife hazards discussed in Chapter 8 – Biosecurity

The assessment should include:

potential hazards, accidents, spillages, fire and abnormal events that may occur during all stages of the project, including estimated probabilities of occurrence

identifying all hazardous substances to be used, stored, processed or produced and the rate of usage

potential wildlife hazards (e.g. mosquitos, crocodiles), natural events (e.g. cyclone, storm tide inundation, flooding, bushfire) and implications related to climate change.

how the project may potentially affect hazards away from the project site (e.g. changing flooding characteristics).

8.13.2 Provide details on the safeguards that would reduce the likelihood and severity of hazards, consequences and risks to persons, within and adjacent to the project area(s).

Section 18.7 – Management and Mitigation Measures

Section 18.9 – Qualitative Risk Assessment

Identify the residual risk following application of mitigation measures.

Present an assessment of the overall acceptability of the impacts of the project in light of the residual uncertainties and risk profile.


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8.13.3 Provide an outline of the proposed integrated emergency management planning procedures (including evacuation plans and availability of health services) for the range of situations identified in the risk assessment developed in this section, including natural hazard events.

Section 18.8.3 – Bauxite Hills Mining Health and Safety

8.13.4 Outline any consultation undertaken with the relevant emergency management authorities, including the Local Disaster Management Group and health support agencies.

Chapter 1 – Introduction includes consultation.

metro mining appendix h2 - metro mining community and

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