western turner syncline stage 2: b1 and section 17...
TRANSCRIPT
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
EPA Referral Supporting Documentation
Prepared for Rio Tinto by Strategen May 2012
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
EPA Referral Supporting Documentation
Strategen is a trading name of Strategen Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd Level 2, 322 Hay Street Subiaco WA ACN: 056 190 419 May 2012
Disclaimer and Limitation
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of the Client, in accordance with the agreement
between the Client and Strategen (“Agreement”).
Strategen accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for it in respect of any use of or reliance upon
this report by any person who is not a party to the Agreement.
In particular, it should be noted that this report is a qualitative assessment only, based on the scope of
services defined by the Client, budgetary and time constraints imposed by the Client, the information
supplied by the Client (and its agents), and the method consistent with the preceding.
Strategen has not attempted to verify the accuracy or completeness of the information supplied by the
Client.
Copyright and any other Intellectual Property arising from the report and the provision of the services in
accordance with the Agreement belongs exclusively to Strategen unless otherwise agreed. This document
may not be reproduced or disclosed to any person other than the Client without the express written
authority of Strategen unless the document has been released for referral and assessment of proposals.
Client: Rio Tinto
Report Version Revision
No. Purpose
Strategen author/reviewer
Submitted to Client
Form Date
Preliminary Draft Report A Review N Zago Electronic 26 April 2012
Draft Report B Review N Zago/K Oliver Electronic 3 May 2012
Final Report C Submission to EPA Hardcopy 4 May 2012
Filename: PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C - 4 May 2012
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12
Table of contents 1. Introduction 1
1.1 Overview 1
1.2 The Proponent 1
1.3 Background 1
1.4 Project timing 1
1.5 EP Act assessment process 4
1.6 Tenure 4
1.7 Environmental legislation 6
1.8 Stakeholder consultation 6
2. Proposal description 10
2.1 Proposal overview 10
2.2 Key Proposal characteristics 12
2.3 Detailed Proposal description 12
2.3.1 Site preparation and mining method 12
2.3.2 Mineral waste management 12
2.3.3 Water extraction and management 13
2.3.4 Mine support infrastructure 13
2.3.5 Infrastructure corridor (B1 to S10) 14
2.3.6 Power supply 14
2.3.7 Workforce accommodation 14
2.3.8 Site access road 14
2.3.9 Investigative and monitoring activities 15
2.4 Exclusions from the Proposal 15
3. Existing environment 16
3.1 Physical environment 16
3.1.1 Climate 16
3.1.2 Geology and soils 16
3.1.3 Surface hydrology 16
3.1.4 Hydrogeology 16
3.2 Biological environment 19
3.2.1 Vegetation and flora 19
3.2.2 Terrestrial fauna 20
3.2.3 Subterranean fauna 20
3.3 Social environment and land use 20
4. Potential environmental impacts and management 21
4.1 Environmental management overview 21
4.2 Flora and vegetation 22
4.2.1 Introduction 22
4.2.2 Description of factor 22
4.2.3 Key potential impacts 31
4.2.4 Management measures 38
4.2.5 Planned studies/investigations 38
4.3 Fauna 39
4.3.1 Introduction 39
4.3.2 Description of factor 42
4.3.3 Key potential impacts 46
4.3.4 Management measures 48
4.3.5 Planned studies/investigations 48
4.4 Subterranean fauna 49
4.4.1 Introduction 49
4.4.2 Description of factor 49
4.4.3 Key potential impacts 52
4.4.4 Management measures 52
4.4.5 Planned studies/investigations 52
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12
4.5 Surface water 53
4.5.1 Introduction 53
4.5.2 Description of factor 53
4.5.3 Key potential impacts 54
4.5.4 Management measures 54
4.5.5 Planned studies/investigations 54
4.6 Groundwater 55
4.6.1 Introduction 55
4.6.2 Description of factor 55
4.6.3 Key potential impacts 56
4.6.4 Management measures 56
4.6.5 Planned studies/investigations 56
4.7 Closure 57
4.7.1 Introduction 57
4.7.2 Description of factor 57
4.7.3 Key potential impacts 60
4.7.4 Management measures 60
4.7.5 Planned studies/investigations 62
4.8 Other environmental factors 63
4.8.1 Greenhouse gas emissions 63
4.8.2 Aboriginal heritage 63
4.8.3 Visual amenity 63
4.8.4 Air quality (dust) 63
4.8.5 Noise and vibration 64
4.8.6 Public risk and safety 64
4.8.7 Hazardous materials 64
4.8.8 Non-mineral waste 65
5. Environmental principles, sustainability and management 66
5.1 Principles of environmental protection 66
5.2 Environmental offsets 67
6. References 71
List of tables Table 1-1 Commonwealth and State legislation of relevance to the Proposal 6
Table 1-2 Key issues identified during stakeholder consultation 7
Table 2-1 Key characteristics of the Proposal 12
Table 4-1 Conservation significant flora recorded in the study area 22
Table 4-2 Vegetation communities of the Western Turner Syncline area 29
Table 4-3 Potential clearing impact to conservation significant vegetation communities 31
Table 4-4 Potential impacts to conservation significant flora 32
Table 4-5 Fauna habitat unit descriptions 42
Table 4-6 Conservation significant vertebrate terrestrial fauna species recorded in the Western Turner
Syncline area 43
Table 4-7 Potential SREs recorded in the Western Turner Syncline area 43
Table 4-8 Conservation significant aquatic fauna in the Western Turner Syncline region 44
Table 4-9 Impacts to conservation significant terrestrial fauna recorded in the study area 47
Table 4-10 Stygofauna recorded in the vicinity of B1 and S17 deposits 49
Table 4-11 Potential troglofauna recorded in the vicinity of B1 and S17 deposits 49
Table 4-12 Mineral waste volumes and erodibility classification 57
Table 5-1 Principles of environmental protection 66
Table 5-2 Environmental offsets assessment form 68
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12
List of figures Figure 1-1 Regional Location 2
Figure 1-2 Project locality 3
Figure 1-3 Project tenure 5
Figure 2-1 Indicative Project layout 11
Figure 3-1 B1 deposit geological sections 17
Figure 3-2 S17 deposit geological sections 18
Figure 4-1 Vegetation and flora 23
Figure 4-2 Vegetation legend 25
Figure 4-3 Conveyor alignment and sheetflow-dependent vegetation 35
Figure 4-4 Groundwater drawdown contours for B1 main pit and vegetation in the Western Turner Syncline
area 37
Figure 4-5 Fauna habitat and conservation significant fauna records in the Western Turner Syncline area 40
Figure 4-6 Fauna habitat legend 41
Figure 4-7 Modelled extent of groundwater discharge, and aquatic fauna sampling sites, in Western Turner
Syncline region 45
Figure 4-8 Subterranean fauna recorded in the vicinity of the B1 deposit 50
Figure 4-9 Subterranean fauna recorded in the vicinity of the S17 deposit 51
Figure 4-10 Hydrogeological conceptualisation of the B1 main pit void 59
List of appendices All appendices are contained on a data CD ROM attached to the inside the hard cover of this report or on
the disc containing the electronic version of this report.
Appendix 1 Biota 2012a, West Turner Syncline Phase 2 Vegetation and Flora Report
Appendix 2 Biota 2012b, West Turner Syncline Fauna Survey Summary Report
Appendix 3 WRM 2012b, Western Turner Syncline: Baseline Assessment of Aquatic Fauna & Water Quality
– Wet & Dry 2011 Survey
Appendix 4 Biota 2012c, West Turner Syncline Stage 2 B1 and Section 17 Deposits Subterranean Fauna
Survey
Appendix 5 Rio Tinto 2012b, Western Turner Syncline B1 Dewatering Strategy – Groundwater numerical
modelling
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 1
1. Introduction 1.1 Overview Hamersley Iron Pty Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto) proposes to develop the Western
Turner Syncline (WTS) Stage 2; B1 and Section 17 Deposits (the Project), located approximately 30 km
west of Tom Price in the central Pilbara region of Western Australia (Figure 1-1). The Project involves
open-pit mining of the B1 and Section 17 (S17) iron ore deposits, the transport of ore to the existing WTS
Section 10 (S10) mine (approximately 12 km west of the B1 deposit) and the construction/operation of
associated infrastructure (Figure 1-2). The Project will operate at production rates of up to approximately
32 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa).
The Project will be integrated into the current Rio Tinto Greater Tom Price mining operation. After
transport to the WTS S10 mine, ore will be transferred via an existing transportation corridor to the Tom
Price mine for further processing, and subsequently to port facilities at Cape Lambert and Dampier via the
existing Rio Tinto rail network. 1.2 The Proponent The Proponent for the Proposal is Hamersley Iron Pty Limited (Hamersley).
Hamersley is part of the Rio Tinto group of companies and comprises a significant component of its global
iron ore business, that includes several wholly-owned subsidiaries and joint venture initiatives in the
Pilbara region of northwest Western Australia. Rio Tinto assets in the Pilbara integrate multiple iron ore
mines, approximately 1650 km of railway, and ports at both Dampier and Cape Lambert.
The Rio Tinto contact person in relation to the assessment of the WTS Stage 2 Project under Part IV of the
Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act) is:
Jeremy English
Environmental Approvals Specialist
Rio Tinto
GPO Box A42, Perth WA 6837
Telephone: (08) 9366 5153
Email: [email protected] 1.3 Background The WTS Stage 2 Project proposes mining of the B1 and S17 deposits, located approximately 30 km west
of the existing Rio Tinto Tom Price minesite. Mining operations commenced at Mount Tom Price in 1965,
with the majority of pits mined during the operation being located within a 7 km radius of the central
processing facilities. In 2010, the Tom Price operation incorporated mining of the WTS S10 deposit
(located 20 km to the north west) to supplement and sustain production. An infrastructure corridor links
S10 to Tom Price, enabling ore transport via road trains on a dedicated haul road, with an ore
transportation conveyor currently under construction. Mining of the S10 deposit, and construction/
operation of the infrastructure corridor, was approved in Statement 807 on 17 September 2009. The
development of the B1 and S17 deposits will further supplement and sustain production from the Tom
Price operation. 1.4 Project timing A Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the Project was completed in March 2012, and a Feasibility Study will be
undertaken from April 2012 to May 2013. Project construction is planned to commence in Q1–Q2 2014.
The expected mine life is at least 15 years.
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
2
Fig
ure
1-1
Re
gio
na
l Lo
cation
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
3
Fig
ure
1-2
Pro
ject
loca
lity
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 4
1.5 EP Act assessment process The Proposal (as defined in Section 2 of this document) has been referred to the Environmental Protection
Authority (EPA) under s. 38 of the EP Act. Rio Tinto considers the Proposal warrants an Assessment on
Proponent Information (API) level of assessment, based on consideration of the criteria identified in the
Environmental Impact Assessment Administrative Procedures 2010 (EPA 2010a), as follows:
1. The Proposal raises a limited number of significant environmental factors that can be readily
managed (as demonstrated in Section 4 of this document). The environmental factors raised by the
Proposal are similar to numerous other iron ore mines in the Pilbara that are subject to
implementation conditions imposed by the Minister for Environment (the Minister) under s. 45 of the
EP Act. This demonstrates that there is an established condition-setting framework for the
environmental factors raised by the Proposal.
2. The Proposal is consistent with established environmental policy frameworks, guidelines and
standards, as detailed in Section 4 of this document.
3. Appropriate and effective consultation with key stakeholders has been undertaken and stakeholders
have not identified any intractable issues with the Project (refer to Section 1.8 of this document).
Ongoing stakeholder consultation will be undertaken during preparation of the EIA document that will
be submitted for assessment. 1.6 Tenure All proposed infrastructure is located on current and pending tenure (Figure 1-3), as follows:
1. The B1 and S17 deposits, and the majority of support infrastructure near B1, are located on State
Agreement tenure ML4SA granted pursuant to the Iron Ore (Hamersley Range) Agreement Act 1963.
2. Stockpiles and waste dumps near S17 are located on pending Mining Leases under the Mining Act
1978 (Mining Act). These areas are in the process of being converted into State Agreement tenure
pursuant to the Iron Ore (Hamersley Range) Agreement Act 1963.
3. Applications for Miscellaneous Licences under the Mining Act have been submitted where required
for infrastructure corridors and potential access road routes.
4. Applications for leases under s 79 of the Land Administration Act 1997 (Land Administration Act)
have been made where required for infrastructure, and where potentially required for stockpiles and
waste dumps.
The Proposal boundary incorporates some 'off tenure' areas where tenure is held by third parties
(Exploration Licences under the Mining Act). Project infrastructure is not planned to be located in these
areas. However, to reduce the potential for EP Act s. 45C applications should locations of infrastructure
be modified during ongoing Project planning, the Proposal boundary incorporates some additional 'off-
tenure' areas in proximity to planned infrastructure. If any 'off-tenure' areas are required due to
modifications in planned infrastructure location, suitable tenure and approvals required under relevant
legislation will be obtained prior to implementing activities within these areas.
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
5
Fig
ure
1-3
Pro
ject
tenu
re
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 6
1.7 Environmental legislation The Proposal is subject to compliance with Commonwealth and State environmental legislation, as
summarised in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1 Commonwealth and State legislation of relevance to the Proposal
Commonwealth legislation
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (which operates concurrently with any existing State laws in so far as those laws would not be consistent with this Act)
Native Title Act 1993
State legislation
Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act) Iron Ore (Hamersley Range) Agreement Act 1963
Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 Land Administration Act 1997
Agricultural and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 (ARRP Act)
Local Government Act 1995
Bush Fires Act 1954 Mining Act 1978 (Mining Act)
Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 Native Title (State Provisions) Act 1999
Contaminated Sites Act 2003 Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
Country Areas Water Supply Act 1947 Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 (RIWI Act)
Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945
Health Act 1911 Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) 1.8 Stakeholder consultation Identified key stakeholders for this project include:
• Government agencies:
∗ Office of the Environmental Protection Authority (OEPA)
∗ Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) – Pilbara regional office and Perth office
– Environmental Management Branch (EMB)
∗ Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP)
∗ Department of State Development (DSD)
∗ Department of Water (DoW) – Pilbara regional office and Perth office
∗ Shire of Ashburton.
• Traditional Owners:
∗ Eastern Guruma Group
∗ Yinhawangka Group.
A number of discussions and meetings have been held with the OEPA, DEC and other stakeholders (refer
to Table 1-2) and Rio Tinto will continue to consult with relevant stakeholders during the environmental
approval process.
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
7
Ta
ble
1-2
K
ey issu
es id
en
tifie
d d
urin
g s
take
ho
lde
r co
nsu
ltatio
n
Sta
kehold
er
and d
ate
of
consultation
Topic
s/issues r
ais
ed
Pro
ponent
response
OE
PA
29 F
ebru
ary
2012
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed d
eta
iled o
verv
iew
of
the P
roje
ct, c
urr
ent/
pla
nned e
nvironm
enta
l stu
die
s,
pote
ntial environm
enta
l im
pacts
and p
roposed m
anagem
ent.
OE
PA
advis
ed k
ey issues for
Pro
ject lik
ely
to b
e a
ssocia
ted w
ith c
losure
. R
io T
into
will
addre
ss c
losure
as a
key issue d
uring E
nvironm
enta
l Im
pact
Assessm
ent
(EIA
) fo
r th
e P
roje
ct, a
nd w
ill p
rovid
e a
clo
sure
pla
n p
repare
d
in a
ccord
ance w
ith the G
uid
elin
es for
Pre
paring M
ine C
losure
Pla
ns
(DM
P/E
PA
2011)
as p
art
of th
e P
roje
ct E
IA d
ocum
ent subm
itte
d t
o the
EP
A.
OE
PA
advis
ed r
efe
rral should
inclu
de a
ssessm
ent
of re
quirem
ent fo
r an o
ffset
in a
ccord
ance w
ith
Appendix
2 o
f E
PA
Guid
ance S
tate
ment
No.
19.
This
docum
ent
inclu
des a
n a
ssessm
ent
of
requirem
ent fo
r an o
ffset
(refe
r to
Section 5
.2).
D
EC
– P
ert
h o
ffic
e (
EM
B)
20 F
ebru
ary
2012
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed d
eta
iled o
verv
iew
of
the P
roje
ct, c
urr
ent/
pla
nned e
nvironm
enta
l stu
die
s,
pote
ntial environm
enta
l im
pacts
and p
roposed m
anagem
ent, w
ith f
ocus o
n b
iolo
gic
al is
sues.
DE
C a
dvis
ed the p
roposed a
ppro
ach to identify
are
as w
here
pote
ntially
sheetflo
w-d
ependent
vegeta
tion m
ay b
e im
pacte
d w
as r
easonable
. R
io T
into
will
pro
ceed w
ith c
urr
ent appro
ach,
and w
ill p
rovid
e d
eta
il on
pote
ntial im
pacts
and p
roposed m
anagem
ent in
the P
roje
ct E
IA
docum
ent.
DE
C a
dvis
ed the p
roposed a
ppro
ach to a
ssessm
ent of im
pacts
on t
roglo
fauna identified in t
he
Pro
ject are
a (
genetic a
naly
sis
, habitat assessm
ent)
was r
easonable
. R
io T
into
will
pro
ceed w
ith c
urr
ent appro
ach,
and w
ill p
rovid
e d
eta
il on
pote
ntial im
pacts
and p
roposed m
anagem
ent in
the P
roje
ct E
IA
docum
ent.
DE
C q
ueried t
he p
ote
ntial fo
r fu
rther
“gorg
e a
nd g
ully
” vegeta
tion to o
ccur
outs
ide t
he P
roje
ct
boundary
. R
io T
into
will
continue t
o p
lan for
surv
ey o
f additio
nal are
as o
f th
e W
TS
outs
ide the c
urr
ent P
roje
ct
boundary
in 2
012.
DE
C q
ueried t
he t
imefr
am
e t
o f
urt
her
develo
p u
nders
tandin
g o
f lik
ely
pit lake w
ate
r qualit
y at th
e
B1 d
eposit, and p
roposed m
anagem
ent.
Rio
Tin
to w
ill p
rovid
e f
urt
her
deta
il on c
urr
ent
and p
lanned p
it lake w
ate
r in
vestigations in the P
roje
ct E
IA d
ocum
ent.
D
EC
– P
ilbara
Regio
n
1 M
arc
h 2
012
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed d
eta
iled o
verv
iew
of
the P
roje
ct, c
urr
ent/
pla
nned e
nvironm
enta
l stu
die
s,
pote
ntial environm
enta
l im
pacts
and p
roposed m
anagem
ent.
Weed m
onitoring m
eth
odolo
gy w
as d
iscussed in t
he c
onte
xt o
f curr
ent
refinem
ents
to t
he R
io T
into
w
eed m
anagem
ent str
ate
gy,
and e
xpecte
d M
inis
terial conditio
ns f
or
the P
roje
ct.
Rio
Tin
to t
o a
lign w
eed m
onitoring m
eth
odolo
gy w
ith r
efined w
eed
managem
ent str
ate
gy,
and e
xpecte
d M
inis
terial conditio
ns f
or
the P
roje
ct.
The p
ote
ntial fo
r baselin
e m
onitoring o
f pote
ntially
sheetflo
w-d
epend
ent
vegeta
tion a
nd w
eeds in
2012 w
as d
iscussed. D
EC
advis
ed E
MB
as the first
poin
t of conta
ct to
dis
cuss m
onitoring
meth
odolo
gie
s.
Note
d.
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
8
Sta
kehold
er
and d
ate
of
consultation
Topic
s/issues r
ais
ed
Pro
ponent
response
DM
P –
Min
era
ls B
ranch
28 F
ebru
ary
2012
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed d
eta
iled o
verv
iew
of
the P
roje
ct, c
urr
ent/
pla
nned e
nvironm
enta
l stu
die
s,
pote
ntial environm
enta
l im
pacts
and p
roposed m
anagem
ent, w
ith f
ocus o
n w
aste
chara
cte
risation
and c
losure
issues.
DM
P p
rovid
ed c
om
ment
on a
range o
f P
roje
ct-
specific
issues, pre
dom
inantly a
ssocia
ted w
ith m
ine
clo
sure
, in
clu
din
g:
•
pote
ntial fo
r dew
ate
ring o
f M
ount M
cR
ae S
hale
(M
CS
) to
genera
te A
cid
and M
eta
llife
rous
Dra
inage (
AM
D)
•
pote
ntial im
pacts
of
dew
ate
ring d
ischarg
e o
n w
ate
rcours
e v
egeta
tion
•
waste
chara
cte
risation a
nd v
olu
mes o
f m
ate
rial to
be m
anaged
•
location o
f to
psoil
sto
ckpile
s p
refe
rably
in p
roxi
mity
to r
ehabili
tation a
reas
•
pote
ntial to
recover
mate
rial oth
er
than t
opsoil
for
utilis
ation a
s g
row
th m
ediu
m in r
ehabili
tation
•
com
mitm
ents
in r
ela
tion to c
losure
need t
o b
e r
ealis
tic, site-s
pecific
, consid
er
availa
ble
baselin
e d
ata
, and d
em
onstr
ate
a p
lan is in p
lace to a
ddre
ss k
now
ledge g
aps
•
ensure
any p
ote
ntial risk o
f fibro
us m
ate
rial is
addre
ssed.
DM
P a
lso p
rovid
ed g
enera
l advic
e o
n e
xpecta
tions r
egard
ing m
ine c
losure
pla
ns.
Rio
Tin
to w
ill c
onsid
er
DM
P a
dvic
e d
uring d
evelo
pm
ent
of th
e m
ine
clo
sure
pla
n f
or
the P
roje
ct.
DM
P a
dvis
ed R
io T
into
to e
nsure
Mis
cella
neous L
icences a
re g
rante
d p
rior
to s
ubm
issio
n o
f M
inin
g P
roje
cts
under
the M
inin
g A
ct.
Note
d.
D
oW
– P
ilbara
Regio
n
1 M
arc
h 2
012
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed d
eta
iled o
verv
iew
of
the P
roje
ct, c
urr
ent/
pla
nned e
nvironm
enta
l stu
die
s,
pote
ntial environm
enta
l im
pacts
and p
roposed m
anagem
ent.
DoW
advis
ed k
ey issues o
f in
tere
st
to a
ddre
ss in E
IA w
ere
:
•
low
connectivity
of th
e o
rebody a
quifer
to t
he r
egio
nal aquifer
•
facto
rs lik
ely
to influence the p
it lake w
ate
r qualit
y
•
min
imis
ation o
f dis
charg
e w
ate
r volu
mes.
Rio
Tin
to w
ill a
ddre
ss t
hese issues in the P
roje
ct E
IA d
ocum
ent.
D
OW
– P
ert
h O
ffic
e
2 M
arc
h 2
012
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed d
eta
iled o
verv
iew
of
the P
roje
ct, c
urr
ent/
pla
nned e
nvironm
enta
l stu
die
s,
pote
ntial environm
enta
l im
pacts
and p
roposed m
anagem
ent, w
ith f
ocus o
n w
ate
r m
anagem
ent
issues.
DoW
indic
ate
d t
he p
roposed a
ppro
ach t
o d
ischarg
e w
ate
r qualit
y m
anagem
ent str
ate
gy w
as
reasonable
and w
as w
illin
g t
o p
rovid
e f
urt
her
advic
e o
n d
raft s
trate
gy.
Rio
Tin
to w
ill p
roceed w
ith c
urr
ent appro
ach t
o d
ischarg
e w
ate
r qualit
y
managem
ent str
ate
gy a
nd w
ill lia
ise w
ith D
oW
as n
ecessary
.
DoW
suggeste
d a
site v
isit w
ould
be b
eneficia
l.
Rio
Tin
to w
ill f
acili
tate
a s
ite v
isit o
n d
ate
s r
equeste
d b
y D
oW
.
D
SD
– P
ert
h
16 N
ovem
ber
2011
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed a
n u
pdate
on t
he P
roje
ct
and s
tatu
s o
f P
art
IV
refe
rral at m
onth
ly m
eeting w
ith
DS
D.
Rio
Tin
to t
o c
ontinue c
onsultation w
ith D
SD
regard
ing t
he P
roje
ct.
15 D
ecem
ber
2011
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed a
n u
pdate
on t
he P
roje
ct
at m
onth
ly m
eeting w
ith D
SD
. R
io T
into
to c
ontinue c
onsultation w
ith D
SD
regard
ing t
he P
roje
ct.
25 J
anuary
2012
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed a
n u
pdate
on t
he P
roje
ct
at m
onth
ly m
eeting w
ith D
SD
. R
io T
into
to c
ontinue c
onsultation w
ith D
SD
regard
ing t
he P
roje
ct.
22 M
arc
h 2
012
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed a
n u
pdate
on t
he P
roje
ct
at m
onth
ly m
eeting w
ith D
SD
. R
io T
into
to c
ontinue c
onsultation w
ith D
SD
regard
ing t
he P
roje
ct.
30 A
pril 2012
The P
roje
ct w
as inclu
ded in a
pre
senta
tion p
rovid
ing o
verv
iew
of
Rio
Tin
to o
pera
tions.
Rio
Tin
to t
o c
ontinue c
onsultation w
ith D
SD
regard
ing t
he P
roje
ct.
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
9
Sta
kehold
er
and d
ate
of
consultation
Topic
s/issues r
ais
ed
Pro
ponent
response
Tra
ditio
nal O
wners
–
Easte
rn G
uru
ma G
roup
14 S
epte
mber
2011
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed a
n o
verv
iew
of
the P
roje
ct during s
ite v
isit.
Rio
Tin
to t
o c
ontinue c
onsultation w
ith t
he E
aste
rn G
uru
ma r
egard
ing t
he
Pro
ject.
4 O
cto
ber
2011
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed o
verv
iew
of
the P
roje
ct.
Rio
Tin
to t
o c
ontinue c
onsultation w
ith t
he E
aste
rn G
uru
ma r
egard
ing t
he
Pro
ject.
24 A
pril 2012
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed o
verv
iew
of
the P
roje
ct, e
nvironm
enta
l stu
die
s,
pote
ntial environm
enta
l im
pacts
and p
roposed m
anagem
ent,
tenure
requirem
ents
, overv
iew
of
clo
sure
pla
nnin
g.
Pote
ntial im
pacts
to p
lanned E
aste
rn G
uru
ma lease n
ear
Beasle
y R
iver,
appro
xim
ate
ly 8
km
nort
h
west
of B
1 d
eposit. P
rim
ary
concern
was t
raff
ic o
n m
ain
site a
ccess r
oad (
e.g
., n
ort
h f
rom
B1
deposit to W
hite Q
uart
z R
oad),
suggeste
d a
ccess r
oad b
e locate
d a
s far
east
as p
ractical.
Pre
ferr
ed a
ccess r
oute
join
s W
hite Q
uart
z R
oad 8
km
east
of th
e r
ele
vant
are
a,
impacts
due t
o s
ite tra
ffic
expecte
d to b
e m
inim
al.
Vis
ual im
pacts
on M
t T
urn
er.
C
urr
ent
infr
astr
uctu
re layout
does n
ot
directly im
pact
Mt T
urn
er.
A
waste
dum
p w
ill b
e locate
d a
ppro
xim
ate
ly 2
.5 k
m t
o the s
outh
east. V
isual
am
enity a
ssessm
ent of th
e P
roje
ct w
ill b
e u
ndert
aken,
and inclu
ded in
P
roje
ct E
IA d
ocum
ent.
Genera
l in
tere
st
in t
he e
xtent
of
dew
ate
ring d
ischarg
e, in
clu
din
g p
ossib
le b
eneficia
l uses s
hould
dis
charg
e r
each p
lanned E
aste
rn G
uru
ma lease.
Dis
charg
e n
ot
exp
ecte
d t
o r
each the p
lanned E
aste
rn G
uru
ma lease,
and
for
majo
rity
of P
roje
ct lif
e, is
not
exp
ecte
d to r
each t
he B
easle
y R
iver.
Exi
sting p
revale
nce o
f w
eeds o
n the B
easle
y R
iver
was d
iscussed, in
conte
xt o
f how
to
diffe
rentiate
betw
een im
pacts
of catt
le a
nd d
ew
ate
ring.
Rio
Tin
to w
ill im
ple
ment a w
eed m
onitoring/m
anagem
ent str
ate
gy o
n t
he
dis
charg
e w
ate
r cours
e. T
he p
ote
ntial fo
r som
e m
onitoring "
contr
ol"
sites
to b
e locate
d w
ithin
the p
lanned f
enced a
rea o
n the E
aste
rn G
uru
ma
lease w
ill b
e d
iscussed furt
her.
T
raditio
nal O
wners
-
Yin
haw
angka G
roup
17 J
une 2
011
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed b
rief
overv
iew
of
pla
nned R
io T
into
exp
ansio
n p
roje
cts
, in
clu
din
g W
TS
Sta
ge 2
. R
io T
into
to c
ontinue c
onsultation w
ith t
he Y
inhaw
angka r
egard
ing t
he
Pro
ject.
10 O
cto
ber
2011
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed o
verv
iew
of
the P
roje
ct.
Rio
Tin
to t
o c
ontinue c
onsultation w
ith t
he Y
inhaw
angka r
egard
ing t
he
Pro
ject.
28 M
arc
h 2
012
Dis
cussio
n r
egard
ing t
enure
requirem
ents
for
the P
roje
ct, w
ith f
ocus o
n a
reas w
ithin
Yin
haw
angka
native t
itle
cla
im a
rea.
Rio
Tin
to t
o c
ontinue c
onsultation w
ith t
he Y
inhaw
angka r
egard
ing t
he
Pro
ject.
S
hire o
f A
shburt
on
9 A
pril 2011
Rio
Tin
to p
rovid
ed o
verv
iew
of
the P
roje
ct, inclu
din
g p
lans for
work
forc
e a
ccom
modation,
pote
ntial
requirem
ent fo
r tr
affic
managem
ent
on the N
anuta
rra-M
unjin
a r
oad a
dja
cent to
S17 d
uring b
lasting,
and m
ine c
losure
.
The S
hire q
ueried p
roposed m
anagem
ent
of w
ate
r ext
racte
d d
uring d
ew
ate
ring.
Rio
Tin
to a
dvis
ed m
ajo
rity
of
wate
r ext
racte
d f
or
dew
ate
ring o
f B
1 p
it
exp
ecte
d t
o b
e u
tilis
ed o
n s
ite, w
ith e
xcess d
ischarg
ed t
o a
wate
rcours
e.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 10
2. Proposal description 2.1 Proposal overview The Proposal comprises mining of iron ore from the B1 and S17 deposits, transport of ore to the existing
WTS S10 mine and construction/operation of required support infrastructure.
The main components of the Proposal comprise the following elements:
1. Open pit mining of iron ore at up to approximately 32 Mtpa from the B1 deposit (one main pit and four
small satellite pits) and S17 deposit (eight pits) for at least 15 years.
2. An infrastructure corridor (approximate length of 12 km) linking B1 to the S10 mine site, including a
conveyor system, light and heavy vehicle access roads, above-ground power lines, water pipelines
and communications.
3. Mine support infrastructure (located predominantly near B1) including primary crushing facilities,
ROM pad, workshops, fuel storage/refuelling facility, waste disposal facilities, explosives storage
facility, communications infrastructure, heavy and light vehicle access roads, power distribution
infrastructure, administration facilities, and other ancillary facilities as required.
4. Dewatering of the B1 main pit via in-pit bores at extraction rates of approximately 13 ML/day to
enable mining at a depth of approximately 185 m below water table (BWT). Required rates of
dewatering are expected to peak in the first two years of operation and then decline. The four B1
satellite pits are above water table (AWT).
5. Minor dewatering of S17 pits 3 and 8 to enable mining to approximately 10 m BWT. The other six
pits at S17 are AWT.
6. Water supply from mine dewatering with current demand predicted to average 6 ML/day. Should
dewatering rates be insufficient to meet operational requirements, additional water supply would be
sourced from existing or new borefields in the vicinity of the Proposal.
7. Discharge of dewatering in excess of operational requirements to a watercourse north of the B1
deposit.
8. Mineral waste disposal in approximately two permanent out-of-pit waste dumps. Progressive backfill
of the B1 satellite pits, and the S17 pits, will be undertaken where practical, with prioritisation to
ensure S17 pits 3 and 8 are backfilled to a level sufficient to prevent formation of pit lakes.
9. Stockpiling of high grade and low grade ore in approximately five out-of-pit stockpiles.
10. Stockpiling of topsoil and subsoil.
11. Clearing of up to 2500 ha of native vegetation within the Proposal boundary (9000 ha).
The Proposal boundary, and indicative layout of the main mine and infrastructure components (at
completion of PFS), is illustrated in Figure 2-1. The proposed extent of clearing (2500 ha) within the
Proposal boundary allows for an approximately 30% larger footprint than the current indicative layout. This
is to allow for:
• potential design modifications during the Project Feasibility Study, and construction and
operational phases
• temporary construction disturbance
• additional minor infrastructure components and activities, as detailed in Section 2.3 of this
document.
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
11
Fig
ure
2-1
Ind
ica
tive
Pro
ject
layo
ut
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 12
2.2 Key Proposal characteristics Key characteristics of the Proposal are presented in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1 Key characteristics of the Proposal
Proposal characteristic Detail
Mine life At least 15 years.
Area of disturbance Approximately 2500 ha within the Proposal boundary.
Dewatering B1 dewatering of main pit at approximately 13 ML/day, to enable mining approximately 185 m BWT.
S17 minor dewatering of pits 3 and 8, to enable mining to approximately 10 m BWT.
Water disposal Preferential use to meet on-site requirements, excess discharged to a watercourse north of the B1 deposit.
Water supply Mine dewatering, supplemented by existing or new borefields if required.
Power supply Operational requirements from existing Rio Tinto power supply network. 2.3 Detailed Proposal description 2.3.1 Site preparation and mining method Initial site works Initial site works will involve vegetation clearing, topsoil and subsoil stripping, overburden stripping, bulk
earthworks, and establishment of borrow pits. Topsoil and subsoil will be stockpiled for subsequent use in
rehabilitation. Mining operations Open pit mining will be undertaken using standard drill and blast, truck and shovel type operations. Ore
from B1 and S17 deposits will be transported by truck to a ROM pad near B1, via dedicated haul roads.
Initially, it is expected that ore will be transported by road train from B1 to S10. Following construction of
the primary crusher at B1 and the conveyor system, ore will be crushed at B1 and transported by conveyor
to S10. Maximum ore production over the life of the operation will be approximately 32 Mtpa.
As part of managing ore supply and specification requirements for the Greater Tom Price operation,
stockpiling of both high grade and low grade ore will be required. Due to current limitations in suitable on-
tenure area in proximity to the B1 deposit, stockpiling will predominantly take place in the vicinity of the
S17 deposit. 2.3.2 Mineral waste management Mineral waste will be placed in several permanent out-of-pit waste dumps (Figure 2-1). Due to current
limitations in suitable on-tenure area in proximity to the B1 deposit, waste dumps will predominantly be
located in the vicinity of the S17 deposit.
Progressive backfill of the B1 satellite pits and the S17 pits will be undertaken where practical, with
prioritisation of backfill to ensure S17 pits 3 and 8 are backfilled to a level sufficient to prevent formation of
pit lakes. Progressive backfill of the B1 main pit during operations is not practical due to the required pit
design and operational constraints.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 13
2.3.3 Water extraction and management At B1, the water table is a minimum of 40 m below ground level (mbgl). Approximately 62% of the B1
resource is BWT. The orebody aquifer is considered to be isolated from the regional groundwater system
by low permeability un-mineralised Brockman Iron Formation and Mount McRae Shale Formation (MCS).
To enable mining to a maximum depth of approximately 185 m BWT, dewatering of the B1 main pit via in-
pit bores is required at extraction rates of up to approximately 13 ML/day. Required rates of dewatering
are expected to peak in the first two years of operation and then decline. The four B1 satellite pits are
AWT.
At S17, the water table is approximately 40 to 125 mbgl. Approximately 3% of the S17 resource is BWT.
Minor dewatering of S17 pits 3 and 8 (planned to be undertaken via in-pit sumps) is required to enable
mining to a depth of approximately 10 m BWT. The other six pits at S17 are AWT.
Water supply during construction and operation will be preferentially sourced from mine dewatering
(current demand predicted at average 6 ML/day). If dewatering rates are insufficient to meet operational
requirements, additional water supply will be sourced from existing or new borefields in the vicinity of the
Proposal. An integrated water management strategy is planned to manage supply and demand for both
the Proposal and the S10 minesite.
Dewatering in excess of operational requirements will be discharged to a watercourse north of the B1
deposit. At maximum potential discharge rates of approximately 13 ML/day, discharge is predicted to
extend to approximately 13 km downstream of the discharge point. Based on the expected declining rates
of dewatering required over the life of the B1 main pit, and the ongoing operational water demand of
approximately 6 ML/day, maximum discharge rates are expected to be substantially less than 13 ML/day,
and are expected to decline further over the life of the Proposal. 2.3.4 Mine support infrastructure Mine support infrastructure (located predominantly near B1) will be required (Figure 2-1), including:
• primary crushing facilities and ROM pad
• workshops for heavy and light vehicle maintenance, and fixed plant maintenance
• hazardous material storage (including fuel storage and refuelling facilities) and an explosive
storage facility; the explosives storage facility will be located either:
∗ east of the preferred access road from the B1 deposit to White Quartz Road (requires grant of
new tenure), or
∗ between B1 and S10, located on existing tenure.
• power supply facilities (including powerlines and associated infrastructure) will be distributed as
required through the Proposal area
• heavy and light vehicle haul/access roads
• communications facilities including a communications tower, currently planned to be located east
of the B1 area
• waste disposal facilities as required, including waste water treatment facilities
• other miscellaneous ancillary facilities as required, including administration buildings, warehouse,
borrow pits, water pipelines and tanks, turkey nests, washdown facilities.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 14
2.3.5 Infrastructure corridor (B1 to S10) An infrastructure corridor approximately 12 km long is required to link B1 to S10 (Figure 2-1). The
infrastructure corridor will include the following:
1. Conveyor system that will tie in to the conveyor from S10 to Tom Price.
2. Heavy vehicle access road to enable haulage of ore to S10, and to transport heavy equipment
between B1 and S10/Tom Price. The road will be sand sealed where practical and water trucks will
be used to provide dust suppression where necessary.
3. An ore transfer pad will be constructed at the S10 end of the heavy vehicle access road.
4. Light vehicle access tracks to enable infrastructure maintenance.
5. Above ground power lines to enable connection to the existing 33 kV distribution system at S10.
6. Water pipelines and associated infrastructure.
7. Communications cabling/infrastructure. 2.3.6 Power supply Power required during the operational phase of the Proposal will be supplied from the existing Rio Tinto
power supply network. Thirty three (33) kilovolt (kV) power lines will be constructed along the
infrastructure corridor to connect to the existing power distribution system at S10, which is connected to
the Rio Tinto power supply network via powerlines to Tom Price. Approximately three diesel generators
will be installed at B1 as emergency back-up to the power supply. 2.3.7 Workforce accommodation The operations workforce will be based primarily in Tom Price and will commute to site.
Several options are being considered for accommodation of the construction workforce, including a
construction camp adjacent to the B1 area. As specified in Section 2.4 of this document, establishment of
the construction camp and associated infrastructure is not part of the Proposal. Following Ministerial
approval for the Proposal, operation of the camp and associated infrastructure will be managed in
alignment with Ministerial conditions. 2.3.8 Site access road An all-weather access road to the B1 area will be required to enable establishment of the construction
camp (Figure 2-1); therefore, construction of this access road (including required borrow pits and topsoil
stockpiles) is not part of the Proposal, as specified in Section 2.4 of this document. Following Ministerial
approval for the Proposal, the access road will be utilised during Proposal construction and operational
phases; therefore, any required upgrades and maintenance of the road during Proposal construction and
operational phases are considered part of the Proposal.
The preferred access road option (Option 1) is a 6 km route northeast from B1 to the White Quartz road
(Figure 2-1). Alternative options include:
• Option 2: a route northwest from B1 to White Quartz road
• Option 3: a route southeast from B1 to Nanutarra-Munjina road.
These options all require new tenure; however, Rio Tinto expects tenure for the preferred option (Option 1)
will be secured.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 15
2.3.9 Investigative and monitoring activities A range of ongoing geotechnical, mineralogical, hydrogeological and environmental investigations and
monitoring activities will be undertaken as part of Proposal implementation following Ministerial approval,
including activities such as drilling, bore construction and test pumping, test pitting, environmental and
heritage surveys, associated track establishment/maintenance, etc.
As specified in Section 2.4 of this document, investigation and monitoring activities required to support
ongoing Project planning prior to Ministerial approval are not part of the Proposal. 2.4 Exclusions from the Proposal A range of activities will be undertaken prior to Ministerial approval for the Proposal; therefore, these
activities are not part of the Proposal. Approval for these activities will be obtained as required under
relevant legislation:
1. Geotechnical, mineralogical, hydrogeological and environmental investigation and monitoring
activities required to support ongoing Project planning, including activities such as drilling, bore
construction and test pumping, test pitting, environmental and heritage surveys, associated track
establishment/maintenance, etc.
2. Establishment of a construction camp and associated infrastructure, including an all-weather access
road. Clearing required at the planned camp location is authorised via a permit to clear native
vegetation (CPS 4780/1) granted under s. 51E of the EP Act.
3. Water extraction from existing/new bores for supply purposes. Extraction from current bores at B1 is
authorised by GWL107418(13) under s. 5C of the RIWI Act, and is currently utilised to augment water
supply to S10 via an existing pipeline.
.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 16
3. Existing environment 3.1 Physical environment 3.1.1 Climate The Pilbara region has an arid tropical climate with two distinct seasons; a summer wet season and a
winter dry season (Gentilli 1972). The region experiences very low rainfall, high evaporation rate and high
daytime temperatures. The closest meteorological station to the Proposal is 30 km east at Tom Price town
site, where the mean monthly maximum temperatures range from 38°C in January to 23°C in July, and
mean monthly minimum temperatures range from 23°C in January to 7°C in July. Average annual rainfall
at Tom Price is approximately 400 mm; however, rainfall is highly variable in frequency and magnitude.
Intense rainfall events occasionally occur as a result of cyclonic activity, usually during the months of
January to March (Bureau of Meteorology 2012). 3.1.2 Geology and soils The B1 and S17 deposits occur within the Brockman Iron Formation of the Hamersley Group, and are
typical of similar Banded Iron Formation (BIF) derived deposits that occur throughout the Pilbara. The
Brockman Iron Formation comprises four members (Yandicoogina Shale, Joffre, Whaleback Shale, and
Dales Gorge), and is underlain by the MCS. Mineralisation at B1 and S17 occurs primarily within the
Dales Gorge and Joffre Members, and to a lesser extent within the Whaleback Shale Member (Figure 3-1,
Figure 3-2). Both B1 and S17 are predominantly bedded deposits, although some deposits of secondary
surficial ironstone have also accumulated within the Brockman Iron Formation. Rio Tinto has extensive
experience mining similar deposits at other mines in the Pilbara. 3.1.3 Surface hydrology The Proposal is located within the Hardey River and the Beasley River sub-catchments of the Ashburton
River catchment (Figure 1-2). The combined area of these sub-catchments (approximately 4200 km2),
represents less than 6% of the total Ashburton catchment. The upper Hardey River channel is south of the
Proposal (closest point approximately 1 km east of S17 pit 8) and the upper Beasley River channel is north
of the Proposal (closest point approximately 7 km northwest of the B1 main pit). 3.1.4 Hydrogeology Aquifers within the Proposal area are associated with fractured basement rocks and are generally confined
or semi-confined. The hydraulic conductivity of these rocks is low (ranging between 0.001 m/d and 1 m/d)
with the exceptions of the dolomite of the Wittenoom Formation, which strikes in parallel with the regional
structural trend, and the B1 and S17 orebodies. Elsewhere in the Pilbara, the Wittenoom Formation and
the orebodies exhibit relatively high permeability (around 5 m/d and 6 m/d, respectively) with similar
characteristics expected at WTS.
Regional groundwater levels range from 550 m Australian height datum (mAHD) in the northeast of the
WTS, to 490 mAHD to the southwest where the Hardey River cuts through the southwest ridgeline of the
WTS. Regional groundwater flows in a broadly southwest direction sub-parallel with the WTS axis.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 17
Figure 3-1 B1 deposit geological sections
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 18
Figure 3-2 S17 deposit geological sections
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 19
3.2 Biological environment The Proposal is located within the Hamersley sub-region of the Pilbara bioregion as defined by the Interim
Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) (Environment Australia 2000)1
. The Hamersley sub-
region is a mountainous area of Proterozoic sedimentary ranges and plateaux, dissected by basalt, shale
and dolerite gorges. Ranges within the sub-region typically feature snappy gum (Eucalyptus leucophloia)
over Triodia brizoides on skeletal soils. Valley floors within the sub-region comprise low mulga woodlands
over bunch grasses on fine textured soils (Kendrick 2003).
The Proposal boundary intersects six of the 63 land systems (Payne et al. 1988; van Vreesyck et al. 2004)
that occur within the Hamersley sub-region; the Boolgeeda, Newman, Platform, Robe, Rocklea and Table
land systems. All six of these land systems are relatively extensive within the Hamersley sub-region
(Biota 2012a). 3.2.1 Vegetation and flora The Proposal is located within the Fortescue Botanical District of the Eremaean Botanical Province as
defined by Beard (1975a, 1975b). Two vegetation units mapped by Beard (1975a, 1975b) are intersected
by the Proposal boundary:
• Hamersley 82 – Eucalyptus leucophloia low woodland over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland
• Hamersley 567 – Acacia aneura, A. pyrifolia open shrubland over Triodia basedowii, T. pungens
open hummock grassland.
Both these vegetation units are widespread throughout the Pilbara. Vegetation communities of conservation significance No Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) or Priority Ecological Communities (PECs) have been
identified as occurring within, or in proximity to, the Proposal boundary. The closest known TEC to the
Proposal is located approximately 30 km to the north and is described as "Themeda grasslands on
cracking clays". No PECs have been identified within 50 km of the Proposal area. Conservation significant flora There are currently two species of threatened flora (WC Act, EPBC Act) known from the Pilbara bioregion:
1. Lepidium catapycnon (Hamersley lepidium) is a woody perennial herb or shrub occurring mainly on
hillsides in skeletal soils. Two stands of this species were recorded near the Tom Price minesite to
the south east of the Proposal (Biota 2007). Seven additional locations of Lepidium catapycnon have
been recorded within 50 km of the Proposal.
2. Thryptomene wittweri is a spreading, perennial shrub occurring in skeletal stony soils on breakaways
and in drainage channels, typically high in the landscape. Thryptomene wittweri has not been
previously recorded within 50 km of the Proposal.
These two species have not been recorded in the Proposal boundary (Biota 2012a).
A total of 36 Priority flora species have previously been recorded from within approximately 50 km of the
Proposal, and nine Priority species have been recorded within the Proposal boundary (Biota 2012a).
Further detail on conservation significant flora species and potential impacts of the Proposal are provided
in Section 4.2 of this document.
1
The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia divides the Australian continent into 85 bioregions, and then into 405 sub-regions according to the major geomorphic features in each bioregion.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 20
3.2.2 Terrestrial fauna The WTS area comprises 14 main fauna habitat units, distinguished on the basis of differences in
substrate, vegetation and landform, and are considered common and widespread throughout the
Hamersley sub-region (Biota 2012b).
Two hundred and forty nine (249) species of native vertebrate fauna, and six species of introduced non-
volant mammals, have the potential to occur in the WTS area (Biota 2011). Eighteen (18) species of
conservation significant fauna (listed under EPBC Act, WC Act, or as Priority species by DEC) are
considered to potentially occur in the WTS area (Biota 2011). To date, six of these species have been
recorded (Biota 2009a, 2009b, 2011). Further detail on conservation significant fauna species and
potential impacts of the Proposal are provided in Section 4.3 of this document. 3.2.3 Subterranean fauna The B1 and S17 deposits occur predominantly within Brockman Iron Formation on Proterozoic rock
groups. The Brockman Iron Formation characteristically exhibits a structurally consolidated, massive
texture which does not typically constitute core habitat for subterranean fauna. Subterranean fauna
surveys of the B1 and S17 deposits have indicated troglobitic and stygobitic populations of low density and
potentially limited diversity (Biota 2012c). Further detail on subterranean fauna species and potential
impacts of the Proposal are provided in Section 4.4 of this document. 3.3 Social environment and land use The Proposal is located within the Shire of Ashburton (Pilbara Region), approximately 30 km west of the
town of Tom Price.
The Proposal occurs within the traditional lands of the Eastern Guruma people, and the Yinhawangka
people. The B1 deposit occurs within the Eastern Guruma native title claim area (WC97/89). Rio Tinto
entered into an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the Eastern Guruma People on 13 February
2008. The S17 deposit occurs within the Yinhawangka native title claim area (WC10/16). Rio Tinto has a
Multiple Project Binding Agreement with the Yinhawangka people, and are currently in negotiations with a
view to reaching a commercial Participation Agreement, that will be registered later as an ILUA.
The Rocklea pastoral station (owned and operated by Rio Tinto) is partially intersected by the northern
Proposal boundary, and occurs in close proximity to the west (4 km) and south (200 m) of the Proposal
boundary.
The Hardey River borefield, that provides water to the Tom Price mining operation, occurs to the south
east of the Proposal boundary, on a Land Act lease held by Rio Tinto.
Mining operations in proximity to the Proposal include the WTS S10 mine (12 km to the east of B1), the
Tom Price mine (30 km southeast of B1) and the Brockman 4 mine (22 km northwest of B1), all owned and
operated by Rio Tinto (Figure 1-2). White Quartz Road, which passes through the north of the Proposal
boundary, is a sealed private road owned by Rio Tinto that provides access to the Brockman 4 minesite.
The Proposal boundary intersects, and occurs in proximity to, several Mining Act Exploration Licences held
by third parties, as outlined in Section 1.6 of this document. A proposed 500 ha lease (under s. 79 of the
Land Administration Act) to be leased to the Eastern Guruma, is located approximately 6 km northwest of
the B1 main pit (Rio Tinto has agreed to excise this area from the Rocklea pastoral station). The proposed
lease is north of White Quartz Road on the Beasley River, and is outside the Proposal boundary.
Karijini National Park, 30 km east of the Proposal area, is the only registered location in the vicinity of Tom
Price listed on the Australian Heritage Database. No Heritage Council of Western Australia listed sites
occur within the Proposal area.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 21
4. Potential environmental impacts and management Environmental factors of relevance to the Proposal are discussed in Sections 4.2 to 4.8, with greater detail
provided on:
• flora and vegetation
• fauna
• subterranean fauna
• surface water
• groundwater
• closure.
These sections focus on assessment of the key potential impacts to these factors. Further assessment of
additional potential impacts (considered of secondary importance) will be provided in the EIA document. 4.1 Environmental management overview Rio Tinto has developed and refined environmental management policies, systems and procedures over
decades of operational mining experience in the Pilbara region, that are successfully applied at multiple
iron ore mine sites in the Pilbara. The key components that will be implemented during the WTS Stage 2
Project include:
1. The Rio Tinto Iron Ore group Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Policy (HSEQ Policy). The
HSEQ Policy is the guiding document for environmental management and provides context and
direction for continuous improvement.
2. The Rio Tinto Iron Ore (WA) Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) Management System,
that is ISO14001 certified (since 2003). The HSEQ Management System is a continuous
improvement model covering:
• systematic assessment of environmental risk and legal requirements
• systems for training, operational control, communication, emergency response and corrective
actions
• the development of objectives and targets for improvement
• audits and review.
3. A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) that will interface with the HSEQ
management system, to manage potential environmental impacts of construction activities for the
Project.
4. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the operational phase of the Project. The EMP will
interface with the HSEQ Management System and address all relevant environmental aspects of the
Project.
5. The Rio Tinto Closure Standard will continue to guide Project closure planning and implementation
via the following requirements:
• address the development of a Closure Knowledge Base
• develop and maintain a Closure Strategy
• develop and maintain a Closure Management Plan
• undertake stakeholder consultation
• provide financial provisioning for closure
• review closure plans on a regular basis
• develop a final decommissioning plan five years prior to scheduled closure.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 22
4.2 Flora and vegetation 4.2.1 Introduction Studies/investigations completed to date Multiple flora and vegetation surveys undertaken between 2007 and 2011 (Biota 2007, 2009a, 2009b,
2011) have surveyed 22 300 ha of the WTS area (the study area) to Level 2 standard (EPA 2002a,
2004a), including the 9000 ha area within the Proposal boundary (Figure 4-1). The report West Turner
Syncline Phase 2 Vegetation and Flora Report (Biota 2012a) consolidates the results of all flora and
vegetation surveys completed to date in the WTS area (Appendix 1). Relevant guidelines Flora and vegetation surveys, and associated reports, have been developed with consideration of the
following EPA guiding documents:
1. Position Statement No. 2, Environmental Protection of Native Vegetation in Western Australia
(EPA 2000).
2. Position Statement No. 3, Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection
(EPA 2002a).
3. Guidance Statement No. 51, Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004a). 4.2.2 Description of factor Flora A total of 635 native vascular flora taxa and nine Priority species as listed by the DEC were recorded from
the study area (Biota 2012a) (Table 4-1, Figure 4-1). No species of threatened flora listed under the
EPBC Act or the WC Act were recorded from within the study area.
Table 4-1 Conservation significant flora recorded in the study area
Species Conservation status No. of locations1
Dampiera anonyma P3 9
Eremophila magnifica subsp. velutina P3 82
Goodenia sp. East Pilbara (A.A. Mitchell PRP 727) P3 6
Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek (S. van Leeuwen 4301) P3 88
Nicotiana umbratica P3 1
Ptilotus subspinescens P3 79
Sida sp. Barlee Range (S. van Leeuwen 1642) P3 106
Eremophila magnifica subsp. magnifica P4 49
Goodenia nuda P4 1 1 multiple individuals at each location.
A total of 21 introduced flora taxa (weeds) were recorded from the study area (Biota 2012a). None of
these species are currently listed as Declared Plants in the Pilbara region under the ARRP Act. However,
five species (Acetosa vesicaria, Aerva javanica, Argemone ochroleuca subsp. ochroleuca, Cenchrus
ciliaris and Vachellia farnesiana) are considered to be serious environmental weeds in WA (Biota 2012a).
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 23
Figure 4-1 Vegetation and flora
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 24
This page has intentionally been left blank.
AanTmTw Acacia aneura tall shrubland over Triodia melvillei, (T. wiseana) open hummock
grassland
AxAanTw Acacia xiphophylla, (A. aneura) tall shrubland over Triodia wiseana very open hummock grassland
AanAxTaffpTm
AanAprArTeTw
AanApr
Acacia aneura, A. xiphophylla tall open shrubland over Triodia aff. pungens, (T. melvillei)
open hummock grassland
Acacia aneura, A. pruinocarpa, A. rhodophloia tall shrubland over Triodia epactia, T. wiseana hummock grassland
Acacia aneura, (A. pruinocarpa) tall shrubland over mixed scattered hummock grasses
Page 1 of 3
WTS Stage 2 Vegetation Legend
Vegetation of Stony Plains and Low Spurs
AxAanTaTlo
ExPlTaTlo
AiERfTaTlo
Acacia xiphophylla, A. aneura tall shrubland over Triodia angusta, T. longiceps very open
hummock grassland
Eucalyptus xerothermica scattered low trees over Petalostylis labicheoides scattered tall
shrubs over Triodia angusta, T. longiceps closed hummock grassland
Acacia inaequilatera scattered tall shrubs over Eremophila fraseri subsp. fraseri scattered shrubs over Triodia angusta, T. longiceps hummock grassland
ElAbTaTlo Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia bivenosa
open shrubland over Triodia angusta, T. longiceps open hummock grassland
ElCdAsppTw
EsMeAbTaTw
ChAiAaTe Corymbia hamersleyana scattered low trees over Acacia inaequilatera, A. ancistrocarpa
scattered tall shrubs over Triodia epactia open hummock grassland
Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia, Corymbia deserticola subsp. deserticola scattered low trees over mixed Acacia scattered tall shrubs over Triodia wiseana open
hummock grassland
Eucalyptus socialis subsp. eucentrica low open mallee woodland over Melaleuca eleuterostachya, Acacia bivenosa scattered shrubs over Triodia angusta, T. wiseana open hummock grassland
ElTloTe Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia low open woodland over Triodia longiceps, T.
epactia hummock grassland
ElTwTa Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia scattered low trees over Triodia wiseana, (T.
angusta) open hummock grassland
CdAanAprGbTe Corymbia deserticola subsp. deserticola scattered low trees over Acacia aneura, A. pruinocarpa, Grevillea berryana tall shrubland over Triodia epactia hummock grassland over Aristida contorta very open tussock grassland
AbTw Acacia bivenosa scattered shrubs over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland
ElAanTe Eucalyptus leucophloia low open woodland over Acacia aneura tall shrubland over Triodia epactia hummock grassland
PDE0095025v1, April 2012
ElTbr Eucalyptus leucophloia scattered low trees over Triodia brizoides hummock grassland
ElAmTbr Eucalyptus leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia maitlandii tall shrubland over
Triodia brizoides hummock grassland
ElEgAhAmrSTsTw
ElAhAprAmTbrTeERIm
ElEgAsppTbr
Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia, E. gamophylla low open woodland over Acacia hamersleyensis, A. marramamba, Stylobasium spathulatum open shrubland over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland
Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia low open woodland over Acacia hamersleyensis, A. pruinocarpa tall open shrubland over Acacia maitlandii open shrubland over Triodia brizoides, T. epactia open hummock grassland with Eriachne
mucronata very open tussock grassland
Eucalyptus leucophloia, E. gamophylla low open woodland over mixed Acacia open shrubland over Triodia brizoides open hummock grassland
Vegetation of Stony Hills and Slopes
ElAhAmTbrTw
ElAmTw
ElAhAmTw
Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia hamersleyensis, (A. maitlandii) tall open shrubland over Triodia brizoides, T. wiseana
open hummock grassland
Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia maitlandii tall shrubland over Triodia wiseana open hummock grassland
Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia hamersleyensis, (A. maitlandii) tall open shrubland over Triodia wiseana open hummock
grassland
ElAhTwTe Eucalyptus leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia hamersleyensis tall open
shrubland over Triodia wiseana, T. epactia open hummock grassland
ElAsppTe
ElChAiTw
AiERfTw Acacia inaequilatera scattered tall shrubs over Eremophila fraseri subsp. fraseri scattered
shrubs over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland
Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia scattered low trees over mixed Acacia spp.
open shrubland over Triodia epactia hummock grassland
Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia, Corymbia hamersleyana scattered low trees
over Acacia inaequilatera scattered tall shrubs over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland
ElEgAprTeTw Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia, E. gamophylla low open woodland over Acacia pruinocarpa tall open shrubland over Triodia epactia, T. wiseana hummock grassland
ElAprTw Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia pruinocarpa
tall open shrubland over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland
AanAxTbr Acacia aneura, A. xiphophylla tall shrubland over Triodia brizoides open hummock grassland
AanAxTe Acacia aneura, A. xiphophylla tall shrubland over Triodia epactia open hummock
grassland
AanAprTbr Acacia aneura, (A. pruinocarpa) low open forest over Triodia brizoides open hummock grassland
Page 2 of 3
WTS Stage 2 Vegetation Legend
PDE0095025v1, April 2012
ExAciApyTeCEc Eucalyptus xerothermica low open woodland over Acacia citrinoviridis tall shrubland over Triodia epactia open hummock grassland with *Cenchrus ciliaris open tussock grassland
ExChAciAbTeTlo Eucalyptus xerothermica, Corymbia hamersleyana low open woodland over Acacia citrinoviridis, A. bivenosa tall shrubland over Triodia epactia, T. longiceps open hummock grassland
EcEvAci
EvMgERIt
EvAciTeCEc
Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. refulgens, E. victrix woodland over Acacia citrinoviridis tall open scrub
Eucalyptus victrix low open woodland over Melaleuca glomerata tall open shrubland over Eriachne tenuiculmis very open tussock grassland
Eucalyptus victrix scattered trees over Acacia citrinoviridis tall shrubland over Triodia
epactia open hummock grassland and/or *Cenchrus ciliaris open tussock grassland
Vegetation of Creeks, Flowlines and Floodplains
AciAbTaCEc
ExElAbAaTa
ExElPlAbAciTwTa
Acacia citrinoviridis, A. bivenosa tall open scrub over Triodia angusta very open hummock grassland with *Cenchrus ciliaris open tussock grassland
Eucalyptus xerothermica, E. leucophloia subsp. leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia bivenosa, (A. ancistrocarpa) tall open scrub over Triodia angusta very open hummock grassland
Eucalyptus xerothermica, E. leucophloia subsp. leucophloia low open woodland over Petalostylis labicheoides, Acacia bivenosa, A. citrinoviridis tall shrubland over Triodia
wiseana, T. angusta hummock grassland
ElAbAmTe Eucalyptus leucophloia low open woodland over Acacia bivenosa, A. maitlandii tall open shrubland over Triodia epactia open hummock grassland
AaCEc
CfAanAciTbrTeERIm
ElCfGOrTe Eucalyptus leucophloia, Corymbia ferriticola low open woodland over Gossypium robinsonii tall open scrub over Triodia epactia open hummock grassland
Acacia ancistrocarpa shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris open tussock grassland
Corymbia ferriticola low open woodland over Acacia aneura, A. citrinoviridis tall shrubland over Triodia brizoides, T. epactia open hummock grassland with Eriachne mucronata very open tussock grassland
ElChAciApyAmoTe Eucalyptus leucophloia, Corymbia hamersleyana low open woodland over Acacia citrinoviridis, A. pyrifolia, A. monticola tall open scrub over Triodia epactia open hummock grassland
AaTlo Acacia ancistrocarpa open shrubland over Triodia longiceps open hummock grassland
AanAciTspp Acacia aneura, A. citrinoviridis tall open scrub over mixed Triodia open hummock grassland
AanAciCEc Acacia aneura, A. citrinoviridis tall shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris open tussock
grassland
AanAprAbERfTeTw Acacia aneura, A. pruinocarpa tall shrubland over Acacia bivenosa, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii open shrubland over Maireana georgei, Tribulus suberosus scattered low
shrubs over Triodia epactia, T. wiseana hummock grassland
Disturbed
Other
Page 3 of 3
WTS Stage 2 Vegetation Legend
PDE0095025v1, April 2012
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 28
Vegetation Within the study area, 52 different vegetation units were identified (Figure 4-1), as detailed in Biota (2012a)
(Appendix 1). No vegetation units recorded within the study area are considered to correspond to any
current TEC endorsed by the Minister, or PEC listed by the DEC (Biota 2012a). The 52 vegetation units
were broadly classified into three groups based on associated landforms, and each group was further
classified into sub-groups (or vegetation communities). General descriptions of each are provided in
Table 4-2.
Three vegetation communities were considered by Biota (2012a) to be equivalent to "ecosystems at risk"
within the Hamersley IBRA sub-region (as identified by Kendrick 2003), and are considered to have
elevated conservation significance compared to other vegetation within the study area (Biota 2012a):
1. 'Hills and slopes dominated by mulga (Acacia aneura)' (Biota 2012a), considered equivalent to 'Lower
slope mulga' (Kendrick 2003). Threatening processes are considered to comprise frequent fires
preventing regeneration (Kendrick 2003).
2. 'Plains and low spurs dominated by mulga (Acacia aneura) and snakewood (A. xiphophylla)' (Biota
2012a), considered equivalent to 'Valley floor mulga' (Kendrick 2003). Threatening processes are
considered to comprise cattle grazing pressure, feral animals (donkey, horse and cattle), weeds (ruby
dock), large fires killing mulga stands, and drainage shadow from linear infrastructure (Kendrick
2003).
3. 'Major creeks dominated by coolibahs (Eucalyptus victrix) and/or river red gums (E. camaldulensis
subsp. refulgens)', considered equivalent to 'Major ephemeral watercourses' (Kendrick 2003).
Threatening processes are considered to comprise cattle grazing pressure, feral animals (donkey,
horse and cattle), and weeds (buffel grass, ruby dock) (Kendrick 2003).
Additionally, vegetation community sub-group 'gullies and gorges' was considered to have elevated
conservation significance compared to other vegetation within the study area, as this community is likely to
provide refuge for fire-sensitive species and other species which prefer rocky, mesic habitats
(Biota 2012a).
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 a
nd Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
29
Ta
ble
4-2
V
eg
eta
tio
n c
om
mu
nitie
s o
f th
e W
este
rn T
urn
er
Synclin
e a
rea
Landfo
rm
Vegeta
tion c
om
munity
Description
Vegeta
tion u
nit(s
)
Vegeta
tion o
f sto
ny p
lain
s
and low
spurs
Pla
ins a
nd
lo
w s
pu
rs d
om
inate
d b
y
mu
lga (
Acacia
an
eu
ra)
an
d s
nakew
oo
d
(A.
xip
ho
ph
ylla) 1
Acacia
aneura
and A
. xip
hophylla
dom
inate
d s
hru
bla
nds, ty
pic
ally
associa
ted w
ith
A.
pru
inocarp
a a
nd A
. rh
odophlo
ia,
over
Triodia
spp. (T
. m
elv
illei, T
. epactia/p
ungens,
T. w
iseana; and o
n c
alc
are
ous s
ubstr
ate
s, T
. angusta
and/o
r T
. lo
ngic
eps).
AanA
xTaff
pT
m
AanA
pr
AanA
prA
rTeT
w
AanT
mT
w
AxA
anT
w
AxA
anT
aT
lo
Pla
ins a
nd low
spurs
dom
inate
d b
y
baderi (
Acacia
inaequila
tera
) A
cacia
inaequila
tera
scatt
ere
d tall
shru
bs o
ver
Ere
mophila
fra
seri s
ubsp. fr
aseri s
cattere
d
shru
bs o
ver
Triodia
angusta
, T
. lo
ngic
eps h
um
mock g
rassla
nd.
AiE
RfT
aT
lo
AbT
w
Pla
ins a
nd low
spurs
dom
inate
d b
y
Pilb
ara
box
(Eucaly
ptu
s x
ero
therm
ica)
Eucaly
ptu
s x
ero
therm
ica s
cattere
d low
tre
es o
ver
Peta
losty
lis labic
heoid
es s
catt
ere
d tall
shru
bs o
ver
Triodia
angusta
, T
. lo
ngic
eps c
losed h
um
mock g
rassla
nd.
ExP
lTaT
lo
Pla
ins a
nd low
spurs
dom
inate
d b
y
snappy g
um
(E
ucaly
ptu
s leucophlo
ia
subsp.
leucophlo
ia)
Eucaly
ptu
s leucophlo
ia s
ubsp. le
ucophlo
ia d
om
inate
d w
oodla
nds o
ver
mix
ed A
cacia
spp.
shru
bla
nds o
ver
Triodia
spp.
(T.
angusta
, T
. lo
ngic
eps, T
. epactia/p
ungens a
nd
T. w
iseana).
ElA
bT
aT
lo
ElT
loT
e
ElT
wT
a
ElC
dA
sppT
w
ElA
anT
e
Pla
ins a
nd low
spurs
dom
inate
d b
y r
ed
malle
e (
Eucaly
ptu
s s
ocia
lis s
ubsp.
eucentr
ica)
Eucaly
ptu
s s
ocia
lis s
ubsp.
eucentr
ica low
open m
alle
e w
oodla
nd o
ve
r M
ela
leuca
ele
ute
rosta
chya, A
cacia
biv
enosa s
catt
ere
d s
hru
bs o
ver
Triodia
angusta
, T
. w
iseana o
pen
hum
mock g
rassla
nd.
EsM
eA
bT
aT
w
Pla
ins a
nd low
spurs
dom
inate
d b
y
Cory
mbia
ham
ers
leyana
Cory
mbia
ham
ers
leyana s
catt
ere
d low
tre
es o
ver
Acacia
inaequila
tera
, A
. ancis
trocarp
a
scatt
ere
d tall
shru
bs o
ver
Triodia
epactia o
pen h
um
mock g
rassla
nd.
ChA
iAaT
e
Pla
ins a
nd low
spurs
dom
inate
d b
y
Cory
mbia
desert
icola
subsp.
desert
icola
C
ory
mbia
desert
icola
subsp.
desert
icola
scattere
d low
tre
es o
ver
Acacia
aneura
, A
. pru
inocarp
a,
Gre
vill
ea b
err
yana t
all
shru
bla
nd o
ver
Triodia
epactia h
um
mock g
rassla
nd
over
Aristida c
onto
rta v
ery
open t
ussock g
rassla
nd.
CdA
anA
prG
bT
e
Vegeta
tion o
f cre
eks,
flow
lines a
nd
floodpla
ins
Majo
r cre
eks d
om
inate
d b
y c
oo
lib
ah
s
(Eu
caly
ptu
s v
ictr
ix)
an
d/o
r ri
ver
red
g
um
s (
E. cam
ald
ule
nsis
su
bsp
. re
fulg
en
s) 1
Eucaly
ptu
s v
ictr
ix (
som
etim
es c
o-d
om
inant
with E
. cam
ald
ule
nsis
subsp.
refu
lgens)
dom
inate
d w
oodla
nd,
typic
ally
over
Acacia
citrinovirid
is a
nd/o
r M
ela
leuca g
lom
era
ta o
ver
tussock g
rasses (
*Cenchru
s c
iliaris, E
riachne t
enuic
ulm
is)
and T
riodia
epactia/p
ungens.
EcE
vA
ci
EvA
ciT
eC
Ec
EvM
gE
RIt
Modera
te c
reeks
Modera
te c
reeks t
ypic
ally
support
ed b
y A
cacia
citrinovirid
is w
oodla
nds o
ver
mix
ed A
cacia
spp. shru
bs o
ver
*Cenchru
s c
iliaris w
ith T
riodia
epactia/p
ungens o
r T
. lo
ngic
eps.
Scatt
ere
d tre
es inclu
ded E
ucaly
ptu
s x
ero
therm
ica a
nd C
ory
mbia
ham
ers
leyensis
.
ExA
ciA
pyT
eC
Ec
ExC
hA
ciA
bT
eT
lo
AciA
bT
aC
Ec
Min
or
flow
lines
Min
or
flow
lines w
ere
typic
ally
mix
ed A
cacia
spp.
and P
eta
losty
lis labic
heoid
es o
ver
Triodia
epactia/p
ungens, T
. w
iseana,
T.
angusta
and o
ccasio
nally
*C
enchru
s c
iliaris. S
catt
ere
d
trees inclu
ded E
ucaly
ptu
s x
ero
therm
ica, E
. le
ucophlo
ia s
ubsp. le
ucophlo
ia a
nd C
ory
mbia
ham
ers
leyana.
ExE
lPlA
bA
ciT
wT
a
ExE
lAbA
aT
a
ElA
bA
mT
e
ElC
hA
ciA
pyA
moT
e
AaT
lo
AaC
Ec
Gu
llie
s a
nd
go
rges
1
Cory
mbia
ferr
itic
ola
and E
ucaly
ptu
s leucophlo
ia s
ubsp. le
ucophlo
ia d
om
inate
d w
oodla
nds
over
tall
shru
bs, ty
pic
ally
Acacia
aneura
, A
. citrinovirid
is (
som
etim
es inclu
ded in t
he tre
e
str
atu
m)
and G
revill
ea b
err
yana o
ver
Triodia
epactia/p
ungens.
CfA
anA
ciT
brT
eE
RIm
ElC
fGO
rTe
Flo
odpla
ins a
nd b
road d
rain
age p
lain
s
Acacia
aneura
dom
inate
d w
oodla
nds, ty
pic
ally
with A
. citrinovirid
is a
nd A
. pru
inocarp
a,
over
Triodia
sp.
(typic
ally
T.
epactia/p
ungens a
nd T
. w
iseana).
A
anA
ciT
spp
AanA
ciC
Ec
AanA
prA
bE
RfT
eT
w
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 a
nd Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
30
Landfo
rm
Vegeta
tion c
om
munity
Description
Vegeta
tion u
nit(s
)
Vegeta
tion o
f sto
ny h
ills a
nd
slo
pes
Hill
s a
nd s
lopes w
ith s
nappy g
um
(E
ucaly
ptu
s leucophlo
ia s
ubsp.
leucophlo
ia)
Eucaly
ptu
s leucophlo
ia s
ubsp. le
ucophlo
ia d
om
inate
d w
oodla
nds (
co-o
ccurr
ing w
ith
E.
gam
ophylla
malle
es o
n talle
r hill
ranges a
nd o
ccasio
nally
co-o
ccurr
ing w
ith C
ory
mbia
ham
ers
leyensis
) over
Acacia
spp., inclu
din
g A
. ham
ers
leyensis
, A
. m
arr
am
am
ba,
A.
pru
inocarp
a a
nd A
. m
aitla
ndii,
over
Triodia
bri
zoid
es,
T. w
iseana a
nd
T.
epactia/p
ungens.
ElE
gA
hA
mrS
TsT
w
ElE
gA
sppT
br
ElA
hA
prA
mT
brT
eE
RIm
ElT
br
ElA
mT
br
ElA
hA
mT
brT
w
ElA
hA
mT
w
ElA
mT
w
ElA
hT
wT
e
ElE
gA
prT
eT
w
ElA
prT
w
ElA
sppT
e
ElC
hA
iTw
Hill
s a
nd s
lopes d
om
inate
d b
y w
att
les
(Acacia
spp.)
S
hru
bla
nds d
om
inate
d b
y A
cacia
spp.
(A. biv
enosa o
r A
. in
aequila
tera
) over
Triodia
w
iseana.
AiE
RfT
w
AbT
w
Hil
ls a
nd
slo
pes d
om
inate
d b
y m
ulg
a
(Acacia
an
eu
ra) 1
A
cacia
aneura
and A
. xip
hophylla
dom
inate
d s
hru
bla
nds, ty
pic
ally
associa
ted w
ith
A.
pru
inocarp
a,
over
Triodia
bri
zoid
es o
r T
. epactia/p
ungens.
AanA
xTbr
AanA
xTe
AanA
prT
br
1C
om
munitie
s c
onsid
ere
d t
o h
ave e
levate
d c
onserv
ation s
ignific
ance c
om
pare
d to o
ther
vegeta
tion w
ithin
the s
tudy a
rea.
* In
troduced s
pecie
s.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 31
4.2.3 Key potential impacts Vegetation clearing Approximately 2500 ha of native vegetation will be cleared within the 9000 ha Proposal boundary. As
stated in Section 2, the proposed extent of clearing (2500 ha) within the Proposal boundary allows for a
footprint approximately 30% larger than the current indicative infrastructure layout (Figure 4-1).
Four vegetation communities were considered to have elevated conservation significance compared to
other vegetation within the study area (Biota 2012a); greater than 50% of the surveyed extent of three of
these communities occurs outside the Proposal boundary (Table 4-3, Figure 4-1). Approximately 90% of
the 'gorges and gullies' community surveyed to date occurs within the Proposal boundary (Figure 4-1).
Based on helicopter reconnaissance by botanists in April 2012, this community is expected to occur
throughout the extensive incised ridges in the northwest of the WTS area that have not yet been surveyed
(flora and vegetation survey of this area is planned for 2012). The current indicative infrastructure layout
intersects a relatively small proportion of the four communities; an approximation of the likely clearing
impact within the Proposal boundary is provided in Table 4-3. Clearing of these communities within the
Proposal boundary is not expected to result in significant local or regional impacts.
Table 4-3 Potential clearing impact to conservation significant vegetation communities
Vegetation community
Area within WTS study area
Area within Proposal boundary Area intersected by indicative
infrastructure footprint1
ha ha % of total
surveyed area ha
% of total surveyed area
Lower slope mulga 603 296 49 67 11
Valley floor mulga 2507 694 28 112 4
Major ephemeral watercourses 1287 57 4 0 0
Gorges and gullies 136 122 89 20 15
Total 4533 1169 26 199 4
1 Based on indicative infrastructure layout at completion of Project PFS. Infrastructure layout is subject to change during
Project Feasibility Study, construction and operational phases. Proposed extent of clearing (2500 ha) within the
Proposal boundary (9000 ha) allows for a footprint approximately 30% larger than the current indicative infrastructure
layout, as detailed in Section 2 of this document.
Of the nine species of Priority flora recorded within the study area, eight species occur within the Proposal
boundary; therefore, some locations of these species may be impacted by the Proposal (Figure 4-1).
Based on the current indicative infrastructure layout, clearing of several locations of three Priority species
is expected. A summary of the extent of potential impacts to Priority species is provided in Table 4-4. The
Proposal is not expected to have significant local or regional impacts on these species.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 a
nd Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
32
Ta
ble
4-4
P
ote
ntia
l im
pa
cts
to c
on
se
rva
tio
n s
ign
ific
an
t flo
ra
Specie
s
Conserv
ation
sta
tus
Locations
within
WT
S
stu
dy a
rea
Locations w
ithin
P
roposal boundary
Locations w
ithin
in
dic
ative infr
astr
uctu
re
layout1
Pote
ntial im
pact
#
#
% o
f to
tal in
stu
dy a
rea
#
% o
f to
tal in
stu
dy a
rea
Dam
pie
ra
anonym
a
P3
9
7
78
0
0
Appro
xim
ate
ly 6
0 indiv
iduals
of th
is s
pecie
s w
ere
record
ed a
t nin
e locations o
n u
pper
slo
pes o
f th
e r
idges in the w
est
of th
e s
tudy a
rea.
These locations a
re n
ot
within
clo
se p
roxi
mity to the
indic
ative infr
astr
uctu
re layout.
D. anonym
a h
as b
een p
revio
usly
record
ed a
t eig
ht oth
er
locations w
ithin
50 k
m o
f th
e s
tudy
are
a.
The P
roposal is
not exp
ecte
d t
o h
ave s
ignific
ant
local
or
regio
nal im
pacts
on t
his
specie
s.
Ere
mophila
m
agnific
a
subsp. velu
tina
P3
82
76
93
0
0
Over
1100 indiv
iduals
of th
is s
pecie
s w
ere
record
ed a
t 82 locations, concentr
ate
d o
n s
cre
e
slo
pes o
f hill
s in t
he e
ast
of th
e s
tudy a
rea.
These locations a
re n
ot w
ithin
clo
se p
roxi
mity
to the
indic
ative infr
astr
uctu
re layout. T
his
specie
s h
as b
een p
revio
usly
record
ed a
t fo
ur
oth
er
locations
within
50 k
m o
f th
e s
tudy a
rea. T
he P
roposal is
not exp
ecte
d t
o h
ave s
ignific
ant lo
cal or
regio
nal
impacts
to t
his
specie
s.
Goodenia
sp.
East P
ilbara
(A
.A.
Mitchell
PR
P 7
27)
P3
6
1
17
0
0
Appro
xim
ate
ly 7
0 indiv
iduals
of th
is s
pecie
s w
ere
record
ed f
rom
six
locations d
istr
ibute
d
rela
tively
wid
ely
thro
ugh t
he c
entr
e o
f th
e s
tudy a
rea. A
ll re
cord
s w
ere
within
vegeta
tion u
nits
EsM
eA
bT
aT
w a
nd E
lTw
Ta o
n c
alc
rete
outc
rop. T
hese locations a
re g
enera
lly n
ot
within
clo
se
pro
xim
ity t
o t
he indic
ative infr
astr
uctu
re layout. T
his
specie
s h
as b
een p
revio
usly
record
ed a
t five o
ther
locations w
ithin
50 k
m o
f th
e s
tudy a
rea. T
he P
roposal is
not
exp
ecte
d t
o h
ave
sig
nific
ant
local or
regio
nal im
pacts
on this
specie
s.
Indig
ofe
ra s
p.
Bungaro
o C
reek
(S.
van
Leeuw
en 4
301)
P3
88
78
89
5
6
Appro
xim
ate
ly 6
00 indiv
iduals
of th
is s
pecie
s w
ere
record
ed a
t 88 locations fro
m a
variety
of
habitats
within
the s
tudy a
rea, in
clu
din
g s
cre
e s
lopes,
gulli
es a
nd c
reek lin
es. T
his
specie
s h
as
pre
vio
usly
been r
ecord
ed a
t 17 o
ther
locations w
ithin
50 k
m o
f th
e s
tudy a
rea.
Although s
om
e
locations o
f th
is s
pecie
s w
ithin
the P
roposal boundary
are
in c
lose p
roxi
mity to t
he indic
ative
infr
astr
uctu
re layout
and w
ill p
ote
ntially
be c
leare
d, th
is is n
ot exp
ecte
d t
o h
ave s
ignific
ant
local
or
regio
nal im
pacts
on t
his
specie
s.
Nic
otiana
um
bra
tica
P3
1
1
100
0
0
This
specie
s w
as r
ecord
ed a
t one location in a
cre
ek b
ed w
ithin
the v
egeta
tion u
nit E
vM
gE
RIt.
T
he s
pecie
s w
as n
ot re
cord
ed d
uring a
subsequent surv
ey b
ut it is lik
ely
that it w
as n
ot
pre
sent
or
identifiable
at th
e t
ime g
iven r
ain
fall
was low
prior
to the s
urv
ey.
This
specie
s h
as n
ot
pre
vio
usly
been r
ecord
ed w
ithin
50 k
m o
f th
e s
tudy a
rea. T
he s
pecie
s w
as n
ot lo
cate
d w
ithin
clo
se p
roxi
mity
to the indic
ative infr
astr
uctu
re layout. T
he P
roposal is
not exp
ecte
d t
o h
ave
sig
nific
ant
local or
regio
nal im
pacts
to t
his
specie
s.
Ptilo
tus
subspin
escens
P3
79
75
95
0
0
Appro
xim
ate
ly 9
60 indiv
iduals
of th
is s
pecie
s w
ere
record
ed f
rom
79 locations,
on t
he low
sto
ny
undula
ting p
lain
s s
upport
ing T
riodia
hum
mock g
rassla
nds a
nd s
catt
ere
d E
ucaly
ptu
s leucophlo
ia
trees in t
he n
ort
hern
section o
f th
e s
tudy a
rea. T
he s
pecie
s h
as p
revio
usly
been r
ecord
ed a
t 239
locations w
ithin
50 k
m o
f th
e s
tudy
are
a.
The m
ajo
rity
of
locations o
f th
e s
pecie
s w
ere
not
record
ed w
ithin
clo
se p
roxi
mity t
o the indic
ative infr
astr
uctu
re layout. A
lthough s
om
e locations o
f th
is s
pecie
s w
ithin
the P
roposal boundary
are
exp
ecte
d t
o b
e c
leare
d,
this
is n
ot exp
ecte
d t
o
have s
ignific
ant lo
cal or
regio
nal im
pacts
to this
specie
s.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 a
nd Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
33
Specie
s
Conserv
ation
sta
tus
Locations
within
WT
S
stu
dy a
rea
Locations w
ithin
P
roposal boundary
Locations w
ithin
in
dic
ative infr
astr
uctu
re
layout1
Pote
ntial im
pact
#
#
% o
f to
tal in
stu
dy a
rea
#
% o
f to
tal in
stu
dy a
rea
Sid
a s
p. B
arlee
Range (
S.
van
Leeuw
en 1
642)
P3
106
94
89
6
6
Appro
xim
ate
ly 5
00 indiv
iduals
of th
is s
pecie
s w
ere
record
ed a
t 106 locations w
idely
dis
trib
ute
d
thro
ughout
the s
tudy a
rea. T
his
specie
s h
as p
revio
usly
been r
ecord
ed a
t 15 locations w
ithin
50 k
m o
f th
e s
tudy a
rea. A
lthough s
om
e locations o
f th
is s
pecie
s w
ithin
the P
roposal boundary
are
exp
ecte
d t
o b
e c
leare
d, th
is is n
ot
exp
ecte
d t
o h
ave s
ignific
ant lo
cal or
regio
nal im
pacts
on
this
specie
s.
Ere
mophila
m
agnific
a
subsp.
magnific
a
P4
49
49
100
13
27
Appro
xim
ate
ly 5
40 indiv
iduals
of th
is s
pecie
s w
ere
record
ed f
rom
49 locations o
n the s
cre
e
slo
pes o
f th
e w
este
rn a
nd c
entr
al nort
hern
hill
s o
f th
e s
tudy a
rea. T
his
specie
s h
as p
revio
usly
been r
ecord
ed a
t 2 locations w
ithin
50 k
m o
f th
e s
tudy a
rea. A
lthough s
om
e locations o
f th
is
specie
s w
ithin
the P
roposal boundary
are
expecte
d t
o b
e c
leare
d, th
is is n
ot
exp
ecte
d to h
ave
sig
nific
ant
local or
regio
nal im
pacts
on this
specie
s.
Goodenia
nuda
P4
1
0
0
0
0
Six
indiv
iduals
at one location w
ere
record
ed,
on a
fla
t sto
ny p
lain
in a
ssocia
tion w
ith v
egeta
tion
unit E
lAsppT
e, in
the s
outh
east corn
er
of
the s
tudy a
rea. T
his
locatio
n is n
ot
within
the P
roposal
boundary
. T
his
specie
s h
as p
revio
usly
been r
ecord
ed a
t tw
o locations w
ithin
50 k
m o
f th
e s
tudy
are
a.
The P
roposal is
not
exp
ecte
d t
o h
ave s
ignific
ant
local or
regio
nal im
pacts
on t
his
specie
s.
1 B
ased o
n indic
ative infr
astr
uctu
re layout
at com
ple
tion o
f P
roje
ct P
FS
. Infr
astr
uctu
re layout is
subje
ct
to c
hange d
uring P
roje
ct F
easib
ility
Stu
dy, constr
uction a
nd o
pera
tional phases. P
roposed e
xtent
of
cle
aring (
2500 h
a)
within
the P
roposal boundary
(9000 h
a)
allo
ws f
or
a f
ootp
rint
appro
xim
ate
ly 3
0%
larg
er
than t
he c
urr
ent in
dic
ative infr
astr
uctu
re layout, a
s d
eta
iled in S
ection 2
of th
is d
ocum
ent.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 34
Disruption of surface water flows Proposal infrastructure has the potential to alter surface water drainage patterns which could impact
vegetation. However, the potential for disruption to watercourses to cause significant impacts to
downstream vegetation is considered minimal, as there are no major watercourses within the Proposal
boundary. Additionally, surface water management is a key consideration during the infrastructure design
process; therefore, proposed infrastructure (such as dumps and stockpiles) has been located to avoid
disruption to watercourses where practical, and where watercourses are intersected (such as on conveyor
and haul/access road routes), culverts will generally be installed.
Disruption to overland flow (sheetflow) may impact downstream sheetflow-dependent vegetation.
Generally, mulga groves in areas of minimal slope (i.e., <2%) are considered potentially sheetflow-
dependent, with impacts considered to potentially occur where linear infrastructure is located within 50 to
200 m upslope of these areas; this is based on previous management plans developed for other projects
in the Pilbara (e.g., FMG 2008, BHPBilliton 2009, Astron 2010). Within the WTS area, the vegetation
community considered equivalent to 'valley floor mulga' (Kendrick 2003) is considered to have the highest
potential for sheetflow dependency. Slope analysis of contours has indicated that the central WTS has
substantial areas where slope is <2%, and the most extensive areas of the 'valley floor mulga' community
generally coincide with these areas of lower slope (Figure 4-3). The potential for impacts to sheetflow-
dependent mulga was a factor considered during assessment of potential routes for the infrastructure
corridor from B1 to S10 during the PFS, and in alignment of the proposed route. The proposed route for
the infrastructure corridor is located on the lower slopes of the northern ridgeline of the WTS where
watercourses are generally well defined, and is at least several hundred metres north of the main areas of
valley floor mulga on <2% slope (Figure 4-3).
Further assessment of the potential for impacts to sheetflow-dependent vegetation will be undertaken
during the Project Feasibility Study, and management measures developed to minimise potential impacts,
with consideration of approaches previously adopted by other proponents to manage this issue. The
outcome of this assessment (and proposed management measures) will be detailed in the Proposal EIA
document. At a minimum, management measures will comprise:
(a) culvert installation where areas of fill intersect watercourses along the infrastructure corridor
(b) installation of environmental culverts every 50 m in areas where disruption to sheetflow by
embankments may significantly impact downstream sheetflow-dependent vegetation. Discharge of surplus water Discharge of surplus groundwater from dewatering of the B1 main pit has the potential to affect flora and
vegetation in the discharge watercourse by:
• providing favourable conditions for competing species (e.g., annuals, weeds) due to increased
soil moisture and/or increased nutrient availability
• causing plant death or decline due to water-logging, or exposure to discharge water of poor
quality (saline, detrimental elemental concentrations, etc.).
Dewatering in excess of operational requirements will be discharged to a watercourse (located north of the
B1 deposit) that joins the Beasley river approximately 10 km downstream (Figure 4-7). At maximum
potential discharge rates of approximately 13 ML/day, continual discharge is predicted to extend to
approximately 13 km downstream of the discharge point (Rio Tinto 2012a). Based on the expected
declining rates of dewatering required over the life of the B1 main pit, and the ongoing operational water
demand of approximately 6 ML/day, maximum discharge rates are expected to be substantially less than
13 ML/day, and are expected to decline further over the life of the Proposal. At continual discharge rates
of 5 ML/day and 10 ML/day, discharge is expected to extend to approximately 8 km and 12 km
respectively, downstream of the discharge point (Figure 4-7).
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 a
nd Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
35
Fig
ure
4-3
Co
nve
yo
r a
lign
men
t an
d s
he
etflo
w-d
ep
en
de
nt
ve
ge
tatio
n
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 36
Analysis of groundwater from the B1 aquifer indicates discharge water is of good quality, all analytes are
less than ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) default trigger values for drinking water, and for protection of 80% of
species in freshwater aquatic ecosystems (WRM 2012a). The discharge water quality is not expected to
cause significant impacts to vegetation in the discharge watercourse. However, this aspect of water
quality will be considered in the development of a Project discharge water quality management and
monitoring strategy (including site-specific water quality trigger values) that will be developed in
accordance with the ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) water quality management framework.
Major vegetation units potentially impacted by the proposed discharge comprise:
1. Within the upper 4 km of the discharge watercourse, the dominant vegetation comprises Eucalyptus
xerothermica low open woodland over Acacia citrinoviridis tall shrubland over Triodia epactia open
hummock grassland with *Cenchrus ciliaris open tussock grassland (ExAciApyTeCEc), with potential
impacts at continual discharge rates of <5 ML/day.
2. Within the lower 6 km of the discharge watercourse, the dominant vegetation comprises Eucalyptus
victrix scattered trees over Acacia citrinoviridis tall shrubland over Triodia epactia open hummock
grassland and/or *Cenchrus ciliaris open tussock grassland (EvAciTeCEc), with potential impacts at
continual discharge rates of <5 ML/day to <10 ML/day.
3. Within the Beasley River, the dominant vegetation comprises Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp.
refulgens, E. victrix woodland over Acacia citrinoviridis tall open scrub (EcEvAci), with potential
impacts to approximately a 3 km section of this vegetation at continual discharge rates between
>5 ML/day to 13 ML/day.
Although vegetation may be detrimentally impacted by the increased availability of water due to dewatering
discharge, this impact is not considered significant as:
• the maximum area potentially impacted by discharge is relatively confined, and discharge is
expected to decline over the life of the Proposal
• vegetation communities are expected to recover after cessation of discharge, towards the end of
the mine life.
Potential increased diversity or abundance of weeds within the discharge watercourse will be monitored
during Proposal implementation, and management implemented as appropriate. Groundwater drawdown At B1, the water table is a minimum of 40 mbgl. To enable mining to a maximum depth of approximately
185 m BWT, dewatering of the B1 main pit via in-pit bores is required at extraction rates of up to
approximately 13 ML/day. As the orebody aquifer is considered to be isolated from the regional
groundwater system by low permeability un-mineralised Brockman Iron Formation and MCS Formation,
the modelled groundwater drawdown is relatively limited in extent, with 5 m drawdown up to 1 km north of
the B1 main pit, and up to 3 km south of the B1 main pit (Figure 4-4).
The only flora species within the WTS area considered likely to have a high degree of groundwater
dependency is Eucalyptus camaldulensis, which is a dominant species within the vegetation unit EcEvAci
(Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. refulgens, E. victrix woodland over Acacia citrinoviridis tall open scrub).
This vegetation unit only occurs in association with the Beasley and Hardey Rivers, at least 6.5 km from
the B1 main pit; no impacts to these areas are expected due to groundwater drawdown. Weeds As weed species are present within the Proposal boundary, disturbance associated with Proposal
earthworks may provide conditions favourable for weed establishment. Introduction of weeds may also
occur via soil containing weed propagules being transported to site on dirty vehicles, or via importation of
contaminated construction materials to site. Dewatering discharge may provide favourable conditions for
weeds due to increased soil moisture and/or increased nutrient availability.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 a
nd Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
37
Fig
ure
4-4
Gro
un
dw
ate
r d
raw
do
wn
co
nto
urs
fo
r B
1 m
ain
pit a
nd v
eg
eta
tio
n in
the
Weste
rn T
urn
er
Synclin
e a
rea
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 38
4.2.4 Management measures The following key mitigation and management measures will be implemented to minimise potential impacts
to flora and vegetation:
1. Minimising planned vegetation clearing during mine planning and design phases to areas necessary
for safe construction and operation of the Project.
2. Avoid and minimise clearing of elevated conservation significance vegetation and flora where
practical.
3. Implementing the Rio Tinto internal ground disturbance authorisation procedure, including internal
assessment and authorisation prior to any clearing of vegetation, and physical demarcation of areas
to be cleared.
4. Mine planning and design to incorporate consideration of surface water management, including
avoiding disruption to watercourses where practical, and installation of culverts as required where
watercourses are intersected.
5. In areas where linear infrastructure is assessed as potentially impacting downstream sheetflow-
dependent vegetation, management measures will be implemented, including installation of
environmental culverts every 50 m in embankments.
6. A Project discharge water quality management and monitoring strategy (including site-specific water
quality trigger values) will be developed in accordance with the ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) water
quality management framework, with consideration of potential impacts to vegetation.
7. Management of weeds will be carried out in accordance with the HSEQ Weed Management Strategy,
Equipment Hygiene Inspections Procedure, Borrow Pit Specification and Management Procedure,
and Soil Resource Management Procedure, including the following actions:
(a) Weed monitoring will be undertaken within the discharge watercourse and management
implemented as appropriate.
(b) A weed action plan will be developed and implemented during construction and operations.
(c) All equipment will be inspected as being clean and free of built up mud, rock, soil and
vegetation prior to entry to, and departure from, site.
(d) Areas to be cleared will be assessed for weeds, and topsoil cleared from weed infested areas
will be separated from other stockpiles and/or managed to prevent the spread of weeds.
(e) Borrow pit locations will avoid areas with weed infestations. If they cannot be avoided,
appropriate weed treatment, hygiene and control will be implemented prior to disturbance. 4.2.5 Planned studies/investigations 1. Further assessment of the potential for impacts to sheetflow-dependent vegetation, and management
measures to minimise potential impacts (outcomes to be provided in Proposal EIA document).
2. Establishment of weed monitoring sites in the discharge watercourse to enable collection of baseline
data for weed monitoring.
3. A flora and vegetation survey of the extensive incised ridges in the northwest of the WTS area
(outside the Proposal boundary).
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 39
4.3 Fauna 4.3.1 Introduction Studies/investigations completed to date
Multiple fauna surveys undertaken between 2007 and 2011 (Biota 2007, 2009a, 2009b, 2011) have
surveyed 22 300 ha of the WTS area (the study area) to Level 2 standard (EPA 2002a, 2004b), including
the 9000 ha area within the Proposal boundary (Figure 4-1). The Biota report, West Turner Syncline
Fauna Survey Summary Report (Biota 2012b [Appendix 2]), summarises the key findings of these surveys
in relation to conservation significant fauna species, and provides consolidated fauna habitat mapping of
the WTS area (Figure 4-5).
Aquatic fauna within the WTS area was surveyed via wet and dry season sampling in 2011 of sites on both
the Hardey and Beasley Rivers, including control sites and sites potentially impacted by dewatering
discharge (WRM 2012b [Appendix 3]). Relevant guidelines Fauna surveys and associated reports have been developed with consideration of the following EPA
guiding documents:
1. Position Statement No. 3, Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection
(EPA 2002a).
2. Guidance Statement No. 20, Sampling for Short Range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna for
Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2009).
3. Guidance Statement No. 56, Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in
Western Australia (EPA 2004b).
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 a
nd Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
40
Fig
ure
4-5
Fa
un
a h
abita
t a
nd
con
se
rva
tion
sig
nific
an
t fa
un
a r
eco
rds in
th
e W
este
rn T
urn
er
Syn
clin
e a
rea
Habitat 6: Eucalypt woodland over Acacia citrinoviridis shrubland on major creeks
Habitat 12: Eucalypt woodland over Acacia spp. shrubland over tussock grassland on minor drainages
Habitat 2: Acacia spp. tall shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris tussock grassland on minor drainages and flowlines
Habitat 14: Eucalypt woodland over Acacia spp. shrubland over Triodia hummock grassland on incised flowlines
Habitat 9: Eucalyptus victrix woodland over Melaleuca glomerata shrubland over tussock grassland on major creeks
Habitat 13: Corymbia spp. and eucalypt open woodland over mixed Acacia spp. shrubland over tussock grasslands in gullies and gorges
Habitat 8: Eucalyptus leucophloia woodland over Acacia spp. shrubland over Triodia hummock grassland on
spurs and hill slopes
Habitat 4: Corymbia spp. open woodland over mixed Acacia spp. shrubland over tussock grasslands on low hills and stony plains
Habitat 11: Mulga and Acacia shrublands over Triodia hummock grasslands on rocky hill slopes
Habitat 1: Acacia inaequilatera tall shrubs over Triodia hummock grassland on low hills
Habitat 7: Eucalypt woodland over Acacia spp. shrubland over Triodia hummock grassland on stony plains and slopes
Habitat 10: Mixed Acacia spp. shrublands over Triodia hummock grasslands on stony plains and low hills
Habitat 3: Acacia xiphophylla shrubland over Triodia hummock grassland on clay plains
Habitat 5: Disturbed
WTS Stage 2 – Fauna Habitat Legend PDE0095036v1, April 2012
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 42
4.3.2 Description of factor Terrestrial fauna habitat The combined terrestrial fauna study area comprises 14 main habitat units, distinguished on the basis of
differences in substrate, vegetation and landform (Biota 2012b). Figure 4-5 illustrates the distribution of
these fauna habitats within the study area. Descriptions of each habitat unit are provided in Table 4-5
along with a summary of their comparative extents. Three habitat units (units 7, 8 and 10) make up a
combined total of more than 75% of the study area.
Table 4-5 Fauna habitat unit descriptions
No. Habitat description
Area within WTS study
area
Area within Proposal boundary
Area within indicative Proposal footprint
1
ha ha % of area in study area
ha % of area in study area
1 Acacia inaequilatera tall shrubs over Triodia hummock grassland on low hills.
37 0 0 0 0
2 Acacia spp. tall shrubland over *C. ciliaris tussock grassland on minor drainages and flow lines.
176 39 22 0.1 0.1
3 Acacia xiphophylla shrubland over Triodia hummock grassland on clay plains.
982 318 32 37 4
4 Corymbia spp. open woodland over mixed Acacia spp. shrubland over tussock grasslands on low hills and stony plains.
1567 31 2 0 0
5 Disturbed. 35 27 77 0.5 1.4
6 Eucalypt woodland over Acacia citrinoviridis shrubland on major creeks.
1283 53 4 0 0
7 Eucalypt woodland over Acacia spp. shrubland over Triodia hummock grassland on stony plains and slopes.
5930 2258 38.1 560 9
8 Eucalyptus leucophloia woodland over Acacia spp. shrubland over Triodia hummock grassland on spurs and hill slopes.
8691 5116 58.9 1090 13
9 Eucalyptus victrix woodland over Melaleuca glomerata shrubland over tussock grassland on major creeks.
4 4 100 0 0
10 Mixed Acacia spp. shrublands over Triodia hummock grasslands on stony plains and low hills.
2380 507 21.3 159 7
11 Mulga and Acacia shrublands over Triodia hummock grasslands on rocky hill slopes.
603 296 49.1 67 11
12 Eucalypt woodland over Acacia spp. shrubland over tussock grassland on minor drainages.
315 141 44.9 16 5
13 Corymbia spp. and eucalypt open woodland over mixed Acacia spp. shrubland over tussock grasslands in gullies and gorges.
136 122 89.4 21 15
14 Eucalypt woodland over Acacia spp. shrubland over Triodia hummock grassland on incised flow lines.
173 53 31 3 2
TOTAL 22 313 8971 40 1953 9 1 Based on indicative infrastructure layout at completion of Project PFS. Infrastructure layout is subject to change during
Project Feasibility Study, construction and operational phases. Proposed extent of clearing (2500 ha) within the Proposal boundary (9000 ha) allows for a footprint approximately 30% larger than the current indicative infrastructure layout, as detailed in Section 2 in this document.
* Introduced species.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 43
Vertebrate terrestrial fauna A total of 124 vertebrate species of terrestrial fauna were recorded within the Proposal area and surrounds
(Biota 2009a). This represents approximately 50% of the total number of species (249) that could be
expected to occur in the area (Biota 2012b). The majority of species recorded were either reptiles or birds.
Eighteen (18) species of conservation significant fauna (listed under EPBC Act, WC Act, or as Priority
species by DEC) are considered to potentially occur in the WTS area; six of these species have been
recorded (as listed in Table 4-6) at locations illustrated in Figure 4-5 (Biota 2009a, 2009b, 2011, 2012b).
Table 4-6 Conservation significant vertebrate terrestrial fauna species recorded in the Western Turner
Syncline area
Fauna group
Species Conservation status
(EPBC Act) Conservation status
(State) Habitat unit(s)
Bats Rhinonicteris aurantius (Pilbara form) (Pilbara leaf-nosed bat, orange leaf-nosed bat)
Vulnerable Schedule 1 9
Reptiles Liasis olivaceus barroni (Pilbara olive python)
Vulnerable Schedule 1 7
Notoscincus butleri Priority 4 2
Mammals (excl. bats)
Pseudomys chapmani (western pebble-mound mouse)
Priority 4 7, 8, 10
Birds Ardeotis australis (Australian bustard)
Priority 4 7
Merops ornatus (rainbow bee-eater)
Migratory Schedule 3 2, 6, 7, 10, 11 Invertebrate terrestrial fauna Six possible short-range endemic (SRE) taxa were recorded within the WTS area (Biota 2012b). Of these,
two taxa (Austrostrophus stictopygus and Rhagada sp. ‘Mt Brockman’) are known to occur elsewhere in
the Pilbara and are considered to be widespread; therefore, these are not considered to represent SRE
species (Biota 2012b). The two pseudoscorpion taxa (Synsphyronus sp. and Afrosternophorus sp.) are
considered to have a low likelihood of short-range endemism given the same genus (and probably the
same species) has been recorded more widely in the Pilbara (Biota 2012b). The two trapdoor spider taxa,
Barychelidae sp. and Aname sp. (Table 4-7; Figure 4-5), may represent SREs (Biota 2012b); however,
based on spatial spread of records and morphotype, these taxa are considered unlikely to be restricted to
the WTS study area (Biota 2012b). Neither taxon has a current State or EPBC Act conservation status.
Table 4-7 Potential SREs recorded in the Western Turner Syncline area
Fauna group Taxa Habitat unit(s) recorded
SREs Aname sp. 7, 8, 10
Barychelidae sp. 2, 7, 10
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 44
Aquatic fauna Aquatic fauna were sampled in April and August 2011 from ephemeral pools within the Beasley River
upstream (control) and downstream (potential impact) of the junction with the discharge watercourse, and
at control sites in pools on the Hardey River and a western channel of the Beasley River (Figure 4-7). No
ephemeral pools were present on the discharge watercourse between the discharge point and the junction
with the Beasley River, 10 km downstream (WRM 2012b).
A total of 321 aquatic fauna taxa were recorded from sites located on the Beasley and Hardey Rivers
(Figure 4-7), and comprised microinvertebrates2
, hyporheic3
fauna, macroinvertebrates and fish
(Table 4-8).
Table 4-8 Conservation significant aquatic fauna in the Western Turner Syncline region
Fauna group Taxa Conservation status Recorded from
Hardey or Beasley River
Control or Potential
Impact site EPBC Act State IUCN
Micro-invertebrates
Lecane noobijupi Both Both
Synchaeta sp. (undescribed)
Beasley Control
Hyporheic fauna
Microcyclops varicans Both Both
Scirtidae spp. Both Control
Oligochaeta spp. Both Both
Pentaneura sp. Beasley Potential Impact
Limbodessus occidentalis
Beasley Control
Macro-invertebrates
Hemicordulia koomina
(Pilbara emerald dragonfly)
Near Threatened
Both Both
Eurysticta coolawanyah
(Pilbara pin damselfly)
Near Threatened
Beasley Both
Haliplus pilbaraensis Beasley Both
Fish Leiopotherapon aheneus
(Fortescue grunter)
Priority 4 Lower Risk Near
Threatened
Beasley Both
2
Animals without backbones which are not large enough to be seen by the unaided eye. 3
Hyporheic zone is a region beneath and alongside a stream bed, where there is mixing of shallow groundwater and surface water.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 a
nd Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
45
Fig
ure
4-7
Mo
de
lled
exte
nt
of g
rou
nd
wa
ter
dis
cha
rge
, a
nd a
qua
tic f
au
na
sam
plin
g s
ite
s, in
Weste
rn T
urn
er
Syn
clin
e r
egio
n
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 46
4.3.3 Key potential impacts Vegetation clearing Clearing of vegetation, and associated habitat disturbance, is considered to comprise the key potential
impact to terrestrial fauna. Approximately 2500 ha of native vegetation will be cleared within the 9000 ha
Proposal boundary (Figure 4-5). As stated in Section 2, the proposed extent of clearing (2500 ha) within
the Proposal boundary allows for a footprint approximately 30% larger than the current indicative
infrastructure layout.
Greater than 50% of the surveyed extent of most habitat units is outside the Proposal boundary, whereas
<50% of the surveyed extent of habitat units 8, 9 and 13 occurs outside the Proposal boundary
(Table 4-5). Habitat unit 8, that aligns with the 'gorges and gullies' vegetation community, is expected to
occur throughout the extensive incised ridges in the northwest of the WTS area that have not yet been
surveyed based on helicopter reconnaissance by botanists in April 2012 (flora, vegetation and fauna
survey of this area is planned for 2012). The current indicative infrastructure layout intersects a relatively
small proportion of all fauna habitat units, providing an approximation of the likely clearing impact within
the Proposal boundary (Table 4-5). The fauna habitats within the study area are common and widespread
throughout the Hamersley sub-region (Biota 2012b); therefore, clearing of these communities within the
Proposal boundary is not expected to result in significant local or regional impact to fauna. An assessment
of potential impacts to each species of conservation significant vertebrate terrestrial fauna recorded in the
study area is provided in Table 4-9 (Biota 2009a, 2009b, 2011, 2012b).
The two invertebrate terrestrial taxa recorded within the study area that may represent SREs (Aname sp.
and Barychelidae sp.) are considered unlikely to be restricted to the WTS study area (Biota 2012b). Both
taxa were recorded at multiple locations in the WTS area, both within and outside the Proposal boundary
(Figure 4-5); therefore, impacts to these taxa are not expected to be significant. Discharge of surplus water Dewatering discharge will potentially impact aquatic fauna via changes in surface water quality and flow
regimes. At maximum potential discharge rates of approximately 13 ML/day, continual discharge is
predicted to extend to approximately 13 km downstream of the discharge point (Rio Tinto 2012a). No
ephemeral pools were present along the discharge watercourse between the discharge point and the
junction with the Beasley River (10 km downstream); however, several ephemeral pools were recorded
with the 3 km section of the Beasley River that may be impacted at maximum potential discharge rates.
Analysis of groundwater from the B1 aquifer indicates discharge water is of good quality, all analytes are
less than ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) default trigger values for drinking water, and for protection of 80% of
species in freshwater aquatic ecosystems (WRM 2012a). Analytes that exceed ANZECC/ARMCANZ
(2000) default trigger values for protection of 95% of species in freshwater aquatic ecosystems are
generally also elevated in pools sampled on the Beasley River (WRM 2012a), including nutrient
concentrations (P and N). Discharge of water with elevated nutrient concentrations could potentially
impact aquatic fauna if eutrophication occurs. A Project discharge water quality management and
monitoring strategy (including site-specific water quality trigger values) will be developed in accordance
with the ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) water quality management framework, to manage the potential
impacts of discharge water quality on aquatic fauna.
All aquatic fauna species recorded within the area potentially impacted by dewatering discharge were also
recorded at control sites (on the Beasley or Hardey River) or have been recorded elsewhere in the Pilbara
(WRM 2012b). While the fauna within the area affected by discharge may change from species adapted to
ephemeral pools to species adapted to more permanent water bodies, the presence of potential
recruitment sources upstream and within the surrounding area indicates these species will repopulate the
area after cessation of discharge. Based on species identified to date, the presence of similar habitat in
the surrounding area, and the relatively limited area affected by discharge, dewatering discharge from the
Proposal is unlikely to cause significant impacts to aquatic fauna.
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
47
Ta
ble
4-9
Im
pacts
to
co
nse
rva
tio
n s
ignific
an
t te
rrestr
ial fa
un
a r
eco
rde
d in
the
stu
dy a
rea
Specie
s
Conserv
ation s
tatu
s
Assessm
ent
Rhin
onic
teris a
ura
ntius
(Pilb
ara
form
)
(Pilb
ara
leaf-
nosed b
at,
ora
nge leaf-
nosed b
at)
Vuln
era
ble
, S
chedule
1
The P
ilbara
leaf-
nosed b
at
was r
ecord
ed f
rom
calls
at a s
ingle
site w
ithin
a g
org
e a
ppro
xim
ate
ly 4
km
south
west
of th
e B
1 m
ain
pit (
Habitat
9)
- an a
rea
within
the P
roposal boundary
but outs
ide the c
urr
ent
indic
ative P
roje
ct fo
otp
rint
(Fig
ure
4-5
).
Giv
en t
hat
this
was t
he o
nly
record
of th
e s
pecie
s d
uring
all
investigations, it is c
onsid
ere
d u
nlik
ely
that th
ere
is a
roost of any s
ignific
ance in the a
rea (
Bio
ta 2
012b).
T
he r
ecord
is c
onsid
ere
d t
o r
epre
sent
an
itin
era
nt
indiv
idual and t
he h
abitats
within
the s
tudy a
rea a
re u
nlik
ely
to b
e 'c
ritical to
the s
urv
ival'
of th
e s
pecie
s (
Bio
ta 2
012b).
Lia
sis
oliv
aceus b
arr
oni
(Pilb
ara
oliv
e p
yth
on)
Vuln
era
ble
, S
chedule
1
A s
ingle
Pilb
ara
oliv
e p
yth
on w
as r
ecord
ed f
rom
just
beyond the e
aste
rn e
xtent
of
the s
tudy a
rea,
appro
xim
ate
ly 2
0 k
m s
outh
east
of th
e P
roposal
boundary
(lo
cation o
uts
ide a
rea d
ispla
yed in F
igure
4-5
).
With
in the s
tudy a
rea, H
abitat 13 r
epre
sents
the m
ost suitable
habitat
for
this
specie
s. H
abitat 6 r
epre
sents
pote
ntially
suitable
habitat w
hen w
ate
r is
availa
ble
. T
he f
auna h
abitats
found w
ithin
the s
tudy a
rea a
re c
om
mon a
nd w
idespre
ad t
hro
ughout
the H
am
ers
ley s
ub-r
egio
n (
Bio
ta 2
012b);
there
fore
, m
inim
al im
pact to
this
specie
s is e
xpecte
d.
Noto
scin
cus b
utleri
Priority
4
N.
butleri w
as r
ecord
ed in m
ixed A
cacia
open s
hru
bla
nd o
ver
spin
ifex
(Triodia
sp.)
hum
mock g
rassla
nd (
Habitat 2)
near
the H
ard
ey R
iver,
south
of th
e
Pro
posal boundary
(F
igure
4-5
). T
he f
auna h
abitats
found w
ithin
the s
tudy a
rea a
re c
om
mon a
nd w
idespre
ad t
hro
ughout
the H
am
ers
ley s
ub-r
egio
n
(Bio
ta 2
012b);
there
fore
, m
inim
al im
pact to
this
specie
s is e
xpecte
d.
Pseudom
ys c
hapm
ani
(weste
rn p
ebble
-mound
mouse)
Priority
4
Active p
ebble
-mounds w
ere
locate
d a
t fo
ur
sites, both
within
and o
uts
ide the P
roposal boundary
(F
igure
4-5
), w
ith a
sin
gle
indiv
idual re
cord
ed a
t one o
f th
ese s
ites.
The f
auna h
abitats
found w
ithin
the s
tudy a
rea a
re c
om
mon a
nd w
idespre
ad t
hro
ughout th
e H
am
ers
ley s
ub-r
egio
n (
Bio
ta 2
012b);
there
fore
, m
inim
al
impact to
this
specie
s is e
xpecte
d.
Ard
eotis a
ustr
alis
(Austr
alia
n b
usta
rd)
Priority
4
The A
ustr
alia
n b
usta
rd w
as r
ecord
ed a
t one location to t
he s
outh
of
the P
roposal boundary
(F
igure
4-5
). T
his
specie
s is r
ela
tively
wid
espre
ad a
nd
mobile
and, as t
he f
auna h
abitats
found w
ithin
the s
tudy a
rea a
re c
om
mon a
nd w
idespre
ad t
hro
ughout th
e H
am
ers
ley s
ub-r
egio
n (
Bio
ta 2
012b),
m
inim
al im
pact to
this
specie
s is e
xpecte
d.
Mero
ps o
rnatu
s
(rain
bo
w b
ee-e
ate
r)
Mig
rato
ry,
Schedule
3
The r
ain
bow
bee-e
ate
r w
as r
ecord
ed a
t seven s
ites d
istr
ibute
d t
hro
ughout
the s
tudy a
rea (
Fig
ure
4-5
). T
he s
pecie
s h
as a
wid
e r
angin
g d
istr
ibution a
nd
it is h
ighly
mobile
and, as t
he fauna h
abitats
found w
ithin
the s
tudy a
rea a
re c
om
mon a
nd w
idespre
ad thro
ughout
the H
am
ers
ley s
ub-r
egio
n
(Bio
ta 2
012b),
min
imal im
pact to
this
specie
s is e
xpecte
d.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 48
4.3.4 Management measures The key potential impact of the Proposal on terrestrial fauna (e.g., habitat disruption due to clearing) will
generally be minimised via management measures to minimise potential impacts on flora and vegetation,
as outlined in Section 4.2.4. In addition, the following management measures will be implemented to
manage potential impacts on fauna:
1. A Project discharge water quality management and monitoring strategy (including site-specific water
quality trigger values), will be developed in accordance with the ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) water
quality management framework, to manage the potential impacts of discharge water quality on
aquatic fauna.
2. Food wastes appropriately disposed of in bins/waste facilities to discourage scavenging by both feral
and native animals, and bin lids securely closed.
3. Fencing of dams/turkey nests to prevent access to permanent water sources by feral animals, and
the installation of fauna egress mats in lined facilities.
4. Internal reporting of all incidents involving fauna death.
5. Implementing and enforcing appropriate vehicular speed limits on site access roads. 4.3.5 Planned studies/investigations 1. Fauna survey of the extensive incised ridges in the northwest of the WTS area (outside the Proposal
boundary).
2. Re-sampling of aquatic fauna monitoring sites in wet and dry seasons (2012–2013) to more
comprehensively characterise the aquatic fauna and water quality of the area.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 49
4.4 Subterranean fauna 4.4.1 Introduction Studies/investigations completed to date Subterranean fauna investigations have been completed within and adjacent to the B1 and S17 deposits,
with sampling undertaken in 2009 and 2011 (Biota 2012c [Appendix 4]). Relevant guidelines Studies to date have been developed with consideration of the following guiding documents, where
practical:
1. Guidance Statement No. 54, Sampling of subterranean fauna in groundwater and caves (EPA 2003).
2. Guidance Statement No. 54a, Sampling Methods and Survey Considerations for Subterranean
Fauna in Western Australia (EPA 2007). 4.4.2 Description of factor Subterranean fauna was recorded in the vicinity of both the B1 and S17 deposits, as shown in Figure 4-8
and Figure 4-9 (Biota 2012c). A total of 16 stygobites were recorded, representing two orders
(Table 4-10), and 77 potential troglobites were recorded, representing five orders (Table 4-11). Given the
sampling effort, the results suggest that subterranean fauna populations in the area occur in low densities
and with potentially limited diversity (Biota 2012c).
Table 4-10 Stygofauna recorded in the vicinity of B1 and S17 deposits
Class Order Family Taxa Deposit Sites Total No. of individuals
Malacostraca Amphipoda Paramelitidae Paramelitidae sp. B22 B1 3 15
Copepoda Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Diacyclops sp. S17 1 1
Table 4-11 Potential troglofauna recorded in the vicinity of B1 and S17 deposits
Class Order Taxon Deposit Sites Total No. of individuals
Diplopoda Polyxenida Polyxenida sp. B1 & S17 10 30
Insecta Blattodea Nocticolidae sp. B1 & S17 8 29
Hemiptera Hemiptera sp. S17 4 16
Myriapoda Pauropoda Pauropoda sp. S17 1 1
Symphyla Symphyla sp. S17 1 1
The stygofauna results generally indicate a low density stygal community, with the amphipod species from
B1 deposit being widespread throughout the Pilbara and the single copepod from S17 likely to be
widespread (Biota 2012c). Therefore; the data suggest that no significant groundwater fauna occurs in the
locality.
The troglobitic specimens collected could not be readily resolved to species level. The polyxenid millipede
specimens collected during this study were troglomorphic; however, the degree to which they are obligate
subterranean animals is unclear. A recent genetic study of polyxenids on the mainland Pilbara has shown
that there appear to be two commonly collected widespread species (Biota & Helix 2011). True troglobites
display short-range endemism at small spatial scales. As it appears that polyxenid species may generally
be widespread in the region, it is unlikely that they are troglobitic (Biota & Helix 2011). Given these
findings from elsewhere in the region, it is likely that all the polyxenids recorded from B1 and S17
represent the same species (genetic analysis is being undertaken to confirm).
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
50
Fig
ure
4-8
S
ub
terr
an
ea
n f
aun
a r
eco
rde
d in
th
e v
icin
ity o
f th
e B
1 d
epo
sit
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
51
Fig
ure
4-9
Su
bte
rran
ea
n f
aun
a r
eco
rde
d in
th
e v
icin
ity o
f th
e S
17 d
ep
osit
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 52
Similarly, a recent genetic study on troglomorphic Blattodea specimens from the Brockman area,
approximately 20 km north of the WTS area (Helix 2010), indicated that there appear to be two distinct
Nocticolidae lineages and that both lineages are not restricted at small spatial scales. Given the
distribution of Nocticolidae specimens at both B1 and S17 deposits, and the continuity of the potential
habitat between the deposits (e.g., the northwest ridgeline of the WTS), it is likely the specimens are the
same species, and are distributed across the local habitat (genetic analysis is being undertaken to
confirm). 4.4.3 Key potential impacts Mining activities such as direct disturbance/excavation and dewatering can affect subterranean fauna
habitat. Considering the sampling effort (Biota 2012c), the results suggest that subterranean fauna
populations occur in low densities and potentially limited diversity. Similar sampling effort at other sites
known to support stygobitic and troglobitic communities typically yield greater numbers of these animals
(Biota 2002, 2006).
The Proposal is not expected to have a significant impact on stygofauna, as only B1 requires substantial
dewatering. The B1 aquifer supports a limited stygal population from a species complex that is
widespread throughout the Pilbara.
The Proposal is unlikely to have a significant impact to troglofauna, as troglobitic habitat at both deposits
extends beyond the pit shell, and the occurrence of Polyxenida and Nocticolidae specimens at both the B1
and S17 deposits suggests the troglobitic population is distributed at low densities across the locality.
Genetic analysis of the Polyxenida and Nocticolidae specimens is currently being undertaken to confirm
the general distribution patterns of troglofauna in the vicinity of the Proposal, and confirm that restriction of
troglofauna to areas of potential impact is unlikely. 4.4.4 Management measures Management measures are not expected to be required for the management of subterranean fauna;
however, management measures will be developed, if required. 4.4.5 Planned studies/investigations Further studies are being undertaken to assess the general distribution patterns of troglofauna in the
vicinity of the Proposal, including genetic studies to confirm troglobitic species (Polyxenida and Blattodea
specimens) recorded at S17 and B1 are the same species (results to be provided in proposal EIA
document).
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 53
4.5 Surface water 4.5.1 Introduction Studies/investigations completed to date Studies undertaken to date include:
1. Modelling of the extent of dewatering discharge within the watercourses downstream of the proposed
discharge point north of the B1 main pit (Rio Tinto 2012a).
2. A preliminary assessment of surface water management in relation to the B1 and S17 pits
(BG&E 2011).
3. An assessment of water quality in ephemeral pools in the WTS area, including pools potentially
impacted by dewatering discharge (WRM 2012b). Relevant guidelines Studies to date have been developed with consideration of the following guiding documents, where
practical:
1. Water Quality Protection Guidelines No. 6, Mining and Mineral Processing – Stormwater
(WRC 2000a).
2. Water Quality Protection Guidelines No. 11, Mining and Mineral Processing – Mine dewatering
(WRC 2000b).
3. ANZECC Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC/ARMCANZ 2000). 4.5.2 Description of factor The Proposal is located within the Hardey River and the Beasley River sub-catchments of the Ashburton
River catchment (Figure 1-2). The B1 deposit is located within a low point in northern ridgeline of the WTS
that forms the catchment divide between the Beasley River catchment to the north, and the Hardey River
catchment to the south. The Beasley River channel is approximately 7 km northwest of the B1 deposit.
The S17 deposit is located on the western ridgeline of the WTS, which forms a local surface water divide
within the Hardey River Catchment. The Hardey River trends in a south westerly direction through the
centre of the WTS. The Hardey River channel is approximately 1 km east of S17 pit 8. Both the Hardey
and Beasley Rivers are ephemeral watercourses, and in the vicinity of the WTS, may also support
ephemeral pools. In April 2011, ephemeral pools were present in both the Hardey and Beasley River
channels; however, by August 2011 pools had contracted, and were only present within the Beasley River
(WRM 2012b).
There are no major watercourses within the Proposal boundary. Surface water drainage within the
Proposal boundary generally comprises numerous minor ephemeral drainage lines which are subject to
short periods of flow following significant rainfall events. No ephemeral pools were located on the minor
watercourses within the Proposal boundary during helicopter reconnaissance in April and August 2011
(WRM 2012b), although pools may be potentially be present for short periods following significant rainfall
events.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 54
4.5.3 Key potential impacts Altered hydrology Proposal infrastructure has the potential to alter surface water drainage patterns, and impact downstream
environments. The potential for disruption to watercourses to cause significant impacts to downstream
environments is considered minimal, as there are no major watercourses within the Proposal boundary.
As the B1 and S17 deposits occur on surface water divides, local runoff generally flows away from the
proposed pit voids, which are anticipated to predominantly receive incidental rainfall only. An assessment
of sub-catchments upstream of the B1 and S17 pits indicated these catchments are not expected to
contribute significant volumes of runoff to downstream environments. Additionally, surface water
management is a key consideration during the infrastructure design process; therefore, proposed
infrastructure (such as dumps and stockpiles) has been located to avoid disruption to watercourses where
practical, and where watercourses are intersected (such as on conveyor and haul/access road routes),
culverts will generally be installed. Discharge of surplus water Dewatering in excess of operational requirements will be discharged to a watercourse north of the B1
deposit, that joins the Beasley river approximately 10 km downstream (Figure 4-7). At maximum potential
discharge rates of approximately 13 ML/day, continual discharge is predicted to extend to approximately
13 km downstream of the discharge point (Rio Tinto 2012a). Based on the expected declining rates of
dewatering required over the life of the B1 main pit, and the ongoing operational water demand of
approximately 6 ML/day, maximum discharge rates are expected to be substantially less than 13 ML/day,
and are expected to decline further over the life of the Proposal. At continual discharge rates of 5 ML/day
and 10 ML/day, discharge is expected to extend to approximately 8 km and 12 km respectively,
downstream of the discharge point (Figure 4-7).
Discharge of surplus groundwater from dewatering of the B1 main pit has the potential to affect vegetation
and aquatic fauna in the downstream environment, via alteration to hydrological regimes, or detrimental
water quality; these impacts are discussed in Section 4.2 for vegetation and Section 4.3 for aquatic fauna. 4.5.4 Management measures Key management measures will include the following:
1. Mine planning and design will continue to incorporate consideration of surface water management,
including avoiding disruption to watercourses where practical.
2. A Project surface water management plan will be developed and implemented, with the objective of
minimising adverse impacts to water courses, water quality and the downstream environment.
3. A Project water management strategy will be developed and implemented, and will be integrated with
water management at the S10 minesite. The strategy will prioritise beneficial use of water extracted
during dewatering, predominantly via utilisation to meet operational requirements for the Project and
the S10 minesite, with discharge to the environment the least preferred management option.
4. A Project discharge water quality management and monitoring strategy (including site-specific water
quality trigger values), will be developed in accordance with the ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) water
quality management framework, to manage the potential impacts of discharge water quality on the
downstream environment. 4.5.5 Planned studies/investigations Re-sampling of aquatic fauna monitoring sites in wet and dry seasons (2012-2013) will be undertaken that
will more comprehensively characterise the surface water quality of the area.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 55
4.6 Groundwater 4.6.1 Introduction Studies/investigations completed to date The following groundwater studies have been undertaken to date:
1. A hydrogeological drilling investigation at B1 in 2008, including installation of three production bores
and 11 monitoring bores (URS 2009).
2. Development of a conceptual hydrogeological model, and numeric groundwater model for the B1
deposit (MWH 2009).
3. Review of the conceptual hydrogeological model, development of an updated numerical groundwater
model, and prediction of dewatering requirements, for the B1 deposit (Rio Tinto 2012b [Appendix 5]).
4. Development of a preliminary water balance and water strategy to assess and manage life-of-mine
water supply and demand for the Project, with integration of the S10 minesite (Rio Tinto 2012c).
5. Assessment of groundwater quality of the B1 orebody aquifer (WRM 2012b). Relevant guidelines Studies to date have been developed in consideration of the following guiding documents, where practical:
1. State-wide Policy No. 3, Policy Statement on Water Sharing (WRC 2000c).
2. State-wide Policy No. 5, Environmental Water Provisions Policy for Western Australia (WRC 2000d).
3. Water resource allocation planning series Report No. 34, Pilbara water in mining guideline
(DoW 2009).
4. Pilbara Region Water Plan 2010–2030 (DoW 2010).
5. ANZECC Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC/ARMCANZ 2000). 4.6.2 Description of factor The B1 orebody aquifer is considered to be isolated from the regional groundwater system by low
permeability un-mineralised Brockman Iron Formation to the south and MCS Formation to the north
(Rio Tinto 2012b; Figure 4-10). The orebody aquifer is considered to be isolated from the aquifer in the
Wittenoom formation to the north of the deposit, by the low permeability MCS and Mt Silvia Formations.
The water table at B1 is relatively flat at approximately 535 mAHD, and is considered to represent a
groundwater col (or divide) between north or north westerly trending flow and southerly trending flow. The
mineralised ore is permeable and reasonable bore-yields have been recorded. Recharge to the orebody
aquifer is expected to predominantly occur via direct rainfall infiltration, which is likely to be very low.
Groundwater discharge from the orebody aquifer is considered to be negligible owing to low hydraulic
gradients from the orebody to the adjacent low permeability un-mineralised Brockman Iron Formation and
MCS Formation (Rio Tinto 2012a).
The water table is approximately 40 mbgl in the central area of the B1 deposit, and approximately 62% of
the B1 resource is BWT (Figure 4-10). To enable mining to a maximum depth of approximately
185 m BWT, dewatering of the B1 main pit via in-pit bores is required at extraction rates of up to
approximately 13 ML/day. Required rates of dewatering are expected to peak in the first two years of
operation and then decline (Rio Tinto 2012b). The modelled groundwater drawdown is relatively limited in
extent, with 5 m drawdown up to 1 km north of the B1 main pit, and up to 3 km south of the B1 main pit
(Figure 4-4).
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 56
Analysis of groundwater from the B1 aquifer indicates the water is of good quality; all analytes are less
than ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) default trigger values for drinking water, and for protection of 80% of
species in freshwater aquatic ecosystems (WRM 2012a). Analytes that exceed ANZECC/ARMCANZ
(2000) default trigger values for protection of 95% of species in freshwater aquatic ecosystems are
generally also elevated in pools sampled on the Beasley River (WRM 2012b).
The S17 orebody aquifer is considered to be isolated from the regional groundwater system by low
permeability un-mineralised Brockman Iron Formation and MCS Formation. The water table at S17 is
approximately 40 to 125 mbgl and approximately 3% of the S17 resource is BWT. Minor dewatering of
S17 pits 3 and 8 (planned to be undertaken via in-pit sumps) is required to enable mining to a depth of
approximately 10 m BWT. The other six pits at S17 are AWT. 4.6.3 Key potential impacts Abstraction of groundwater at B1 is expected to have minimal impact on surrounding local groundwater
resources, as the available data indicate the orebody aquifer is isolated by low permeability un-mineralised
Brockman Iron Formation and MCS Formation. Extraction of groundwater from the S17 aquifer is
expected to have minimal impact on surrounding local groundwater resources due to the minor volumes
extracted, and the orebody aquifer is considered to be isolated by low permeability un-mineralised
Brockman Iron Formation and MCS Formation.
Impacts of groundwater drawdown on vegetation and fauna due to dewatering of B1 are considered in
Sections 4.2 and 4.3 respectively, and are not expected to be significant.
Potential impacts of pit voids that extend BWT at cessation of mining are considered in Section 4.7. 4.6.4 Management measures Key management measures will include the following:
1. Monitoring of water levels and abstraction rates during B1 dewatering, and ongoing validation of the
hydrogeological conceptual model and numerical groundwater model.
2. A Project water management strategy will be developed and implemented, and will be integrated with
water management at the S10 minesite. The strategy will prioritise beneficial use of water extracted
during dewatering, predominantly via utilisation to meet operational requirements for the Project and
the S10 minesite, with discharge to the environment the least preferred management option.
3. A Project discharge water quality management and monitoring strategy (including site-specific water
quality trigger values), will be developed in accordance with the ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) water
quality management framework, to manage the potential impacts of discharge water quality on the
downstream environment.
Management of pit voids that extend BWT at cessation of mining are considered in Section 4.7. 4.6.5 Planned studies/investigations 1. Review of the B1 conceptual hydrogeological model and numerical groundwater model utilising data
collected from bores during 2012, with focus on further verifying the isolation of the orebody aquifer.
2. A hydrogeological drilling and investigation program to install additional bores within the orebody and
surrounds, currently scheduled for 2013.
3. Further develop the Project water balance and water strategy during the Project Feasibility Study.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 57
4.7 Closure 4.7.1 Introduction Studies/investigations completed to date Studies and investigations undertaken to date include:
1. Comprehensive program of geochemical waste characterisation predominantly complete, with kinetic
testing in progress.
2. Preliminary assessment of geochemical risk associated with mining of the B1 and S17 deposits
(Rio Tinto 2012d).
3. Preliminary assessment of B1 pit lake water quality under a range of scenarios (KCB 2012).
4. Assessment of post-closure groundwater recovery in the B1 pit void (Rio Tinto 2012e).
5. Preliminary ecological risk assessment, focussed on final closure landforms
(Equinox Environmental 2012).
6. Assessment of erodibility of major waste types.
7. Preliminary assessment of surface water management for final landforms.
8. A mine closure plan is well progressed, developed in accordance with the Rio Tinto Closure Standard
and the Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans (DMP/EPA 2011). Relevant guidelines Studies to date have been developed in consideration of the following guiding documents, where practical:
1. Global Acid Rock Drainage (GARD) Guide (INAP 2010).
2. Managing Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (DITR 2007).
3. ARD Test Handbook (AMIRA International 2002).
4. Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans (DMP/EPA 2011).
5. Mine Void Water Resource Issues in Western Australia (Johnson & Wright 2003).
6. ANZECC Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC/ARMCANZ 2000). 4.7.2 Description of factor Key aspects of the Proposal related to closure are outlined in the following sections. Mineral waste volumes and physical characteristics Based on the current mine plan, a total of approximately 131 Mt of mineral waste material will be mined
from the B1 and S17 pits (Table 4-12). Mineral waste materials have been classified into erodibility
classes of 'Low' or 'Medium-high', based on known characteristics of Brockman Iron Formation mineral
wastes at multiple existing Rio Tinto iron ores mines (HSEQ Landform Design Guidelines). Approximately
55% of waste from B1 and 58% of waste from S17 is classified as 'Low' erodibility; consequently, sufficient
competent mineral waste will be available to build stable waste dumps.
Table 4-12 Mineral waste volumes and erodibility classification
Erodibility classification
Geozone B1 waste (Mt) S17 waste (Mt)
Low Dales Gorge, Joffre, Footwall Zone, Hydrated (Dales Gorge, Joffre)
59 15
Medium-high Detritals, MCS, Whaleback Shale, Hydrated (Detritals, MCS, Whaleback Shale)
47 10
Total 106 25
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 58
Geochemical characterisation of mineral waste A comprehensive program of geochemical waste characterisation is predominantly complete. The
program comprised analysis of the percentage of sulfur (S%) in all drillhole samples, and analysis of a
suite of elemental concentrations in a representative selection of drillhole samples. Further analysis of
dominant waste types and higher risk material was undertaken via static acid base accounting testwork
and short-term leach tests. Sequential leach and kinetic testing of dominant waste types and higher risk
material has commenced.
A preliminary acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD) risk assessment for the B1 and S17 deposits was
undertaken, utilising available results from the geochemical waste characterisation program, and the
extensive knowledge base derived from mining the Brockman Iron Formation at multiple existing Rio Tinto
iron ores mines (Green & Borden 2011; Rio Tinto 2012d). The risk assessment identified a moderate AMD
risk for the B1 deposit, and a low-moderate risk for the S17 deposit. This is primarily due to the presence
of potentially acid forming (PAF) unoxidised MCS with elevated S% (generally 0.1–0.3%) in proximity to
some BWT areas of the deposits.
Additionally, the potential for limited volumes of material containing alunite was identified in several
lithologies, based on elevated S% in AWT material, and recent analysis of similar material from the
Brockman 2 mine. Alunite can potentially solubilise4
and release a low flux of acid (alunite poses a
significantly lower geochemical risk compared to unoxidised MCS). Further mineralogical analysis is being
undertaken to quantify the volume of waste material potentially containing alunite; however, at worst case,
the volume was calculated as approximately 9 Mt, representing a minor proportion of the total waste
volume, which can be easily managed. Pit voids and lakes At S17, pits 3 and 8 will be mined to approximately 10 m BWT; these pits will be preferentially backfilled to
a level sufficient to prevent formation of pit lakes. The remaining pits at S17 are AWT, and backfill will be
undertaken where practical; however, pit voids are expected to remain at closure.
The B1 main pit will be mined to a maximum depth of approximately 225 m, and up to approximately
185 m BWT (Figure 4-10). The four B1 satellite pits are AWT and will be progressively backfilled where
practical. Progressive backfill of the B1 main pit during operations is not practical due to the required pit
design and operational constraints.
A pit lake is expected to form in the B1 main pit void, and modelling has been undertaken to predict
groundwater recovery (Rio Tinto 2012b). The most likely scenario is considered to comprise water level
recovery to approximately 485 mAHD after 140 years (pre-mining groundwater table 535 mAHD), resulting
in a maximum pit lake depth of approximately 130 m, and a pit lake surface approximately 90 mbgl
(Figure 4-10) (Rio Tinto 2012b). As the B1 pit void will form a groundwater sink with minimal groundwater
inflow or outflow, the dominant mechanisms influencing water level recovery will be rainfall recharge and
evaporation (Rio Tinto 2012b).
Preliminary modelling and assessment of the potential B1 pit lake water quality was undertaken based on
available hydrogeological and geochemical data, with a focus on the potential effects of the unoxidised
MCS, and consideration of a range of possible scenarios (KCB 2012). The assessment indicated that for
the most probable scenarios, the pit lake will have circumneutral5
pH, and salinise due to evaporative
concentration. More comprehensive modelling and assessment of the potential pit lake water quality will
be undertaken during the Project Feasibility Study, with the outcomes of this work to be provided in the
Proposal EIA document.
4
To make a substance soluble or more soluble, or become soluble or more soluble. 5
Nearly neutral: having a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 59
Figure 4-10 Hydrogeological conceptualisation of the B1 main pit void
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 60
4.7.3 Key potential impacts Mining of material susceptible to erosion can result in environmental impacts, due mainly to sedimentation
from landforms (waste dumps, tailings facilities, etc.) that have been designed and constructed without
consideration of material properties and surface water management. Successful revegetation may also be
compromised on landforms prone to erosion.
Mining of material with potentially deleterious geochemical properties can result in waste dumps, pit wall
exposures, and pit lakes that generate runoff or seepage that is acidic and/or contaminated with metals
and metalloids. Environmental impacts can occur via contamination of surface water and groundwater if
appropriate management is not implemented.
AMD related to oxidation of sulfides and some sulfate minerals includes:
• acid drainage, which involves elevated concentrations of contaminants (metals and metalloids) at
low pH
• neutral drainage, which includes elevated concentrations of contaminants at near-neutral pH
(INAP 2010; DITR 2007).
Additionally, poor quality drainage may result from exposure of unstable minerals to the atmosphere via
dissolution of readily soluble salts at neutral pH (HSEQ Mineral Waste Management Plan).
Pit lakes of poor water quality may impact the surrounding environment via contamination of surrounding
groundwater, or via impacts to fauna accessing the pit lake (DMP/EPA 2011). The potential for impact on
surrounding groundwater resources is largely dependent on the hydrogeological environment, that will
determine if the mine void will comprise a groundwater sink, a groundwater throughflow cell or a
groundwater recharge area (Johnson & Wright 2003; DMP/EPA 2011).
Generally, significant impacts to groundwater are unlikely for pit voids that form a groundwater sink,
whereas pit voids that form a groundwater throughflow cell or recharge cell have a higher potential for
impact to surrounding groundwater (Johnson & Wright 2003; DMP/EPA 2011). 4.7.4 Management measures Closure plan A mine closure plan will be developed in accordance with the Rio Tinto Closure Standard and the
Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans (DMP/EPA 2011), and will be integrated with the HSEQ
Management System. The closure plan for the Project is well progressed, and will be provided with the
Proposal EIA documentation. The proposed closure objectives for the Project comprise:
1. Preserve, protect and manage the cultural heritage values of the area, in cooperation with the
Traditional Owners and other stakeholders.
2. Develop and implement strategies for closure which consider the implications on local communities.
3. Achieve completion criteria which have been developed with stakeholders and agreed with
Government.
4. Develop landforms that are safe and stable and compatible with the surrounding environment and
post-mining land use.
5. Achieve environmental outcomes that are compatible with the surrounding environment.
6. Implement a workforce strategy which addresses the impacts of closure on employees and
contractors.
7. Achieve successful closure in a cost-effective manner.
8. Pit voids do not cause significant adverse impacts on the regional groundwater resource, or
environmental values of the WTS area.
The closure plan will address management of the key closure-related issues for the Proposal, as outlined
in the following sections.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 61
Waste dump design The HSEQ Landform Design Guidelines will continue to be implemented to ensure waste dumps meet
closure objectives. The waste dumps have been designed with consideration of the volumes and physical
properties of waste material, and surface water management, to ensure the dumps are stable and not
susceptible to excessive erosion. The waste dump designs will be further refined during the Project
Feasibility Study. Significant environmental impacts due to erosion of waste dumps are considered
unlikely. Management of geochemical risk The HSEQ Mineral Waste Management Plan and the HSEQ Spontaneous Combustion and ARD (SCARD)
Management Plan will continue to be implemented, to ensure waste material is adequately geochemically
characterised during Project planning and operational stages, and material with potentially deleterious
geochemical properties is appropriately managed. A comprehensive program of geochemical waste
characterisation for the Proposal is predominantly complete, with kinetic testing and further targeted
investigations in progress. A preliminary AMD risk assessment has identified a low-moderate AMD risk
due to the presence of unoxidised MCS below the water table in the vicinity of the B1 and S17 deposits,
and potential for limited volumes of material containing alunite in several waste lithologies
(Rio Tinto 2012d).
The B1 and S17 pit shells will be revised (based on new geotechnical data) as part of the Project
Feasibility Study and avoidance/minimisation of potential intersections with unoxidised MCS will be a key
consideration during pit shell revisions. Although not currently expected, if redesigned pit shells intersect
unoxidised MCS, specific detail on management would be provided in the Proposal EIA document;
management would be in accordance with the HSEQ SCARD plan (as successfully implemented at
multiple Rio Tinto iron ore mines).
Further mineralogical analysis is being undertaken to quantify the volume of waste material potentially
containing alunite; however, at worst case, the volume was calculated as approximately 9 Mt, representing
a minor proportion of the total waste volume. If present in bulk and in mineable units, this material will be
managed via encapsulation within a minimum of 3 m of inert waste, with a store and release cover
constructed on the dump surface. Currently the B1 satellite pits (AWT) have been identified as the
preferred location for disposal of this material, if required. Pit voids and water quality At S17, pits 3 and 8 will be mined to approximately 10 m BWT; these pits will be preferentially backfilled to
a level sufficient to prevent formation of pit lakes. The remaining pits at S17 are AWT, and backfill will be
undertaken where practical; however, pit voids are expected to remain at closure.
Progressive backfill of the B1 main pit during operations is not practical due to the required pit design and
operational constraints, and a pit lake is expected to form in the pit void. Preliminary modelling and
assessment of the potential B1 pit lake water quality indicated the pit lake will have circumneutral pH, and
salinise due to evaporative concentration. As the pit lake is expected to form a groundwater sink, no
significant impacts of the pit lake on surrounding groundwater are expected.
Due to the B1 main pit void geometry, and the predicted pit lake surface stabilising approximately 40 to
120 mbgl, fauna exposure to the pit lake is expected to be minimal. Further modelling and assessment of
the potential pit lake water quality, and associated ecological risk, will be undertaken during the Project
Feasibility Study, with the outcomes of this work to be provided in the Proposal EIA document.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 62
Rio Tinto is committed to ensuring the B1 pit lake will meet closure objectives, with particular focus on
objective 8. During the operational phase, Rio Tinto will update assessments of the potential B1 pit lake
water quality and associated ecological risk, based on ongoing improvements in geological,
hydrogeological, geotechnical and environmental knowledge. A Decommissioning Plan will be prepared
five years prior to scheduled mine closure in consultation with the OEPA and relevant stakeholders, which
will include final completion criteria in relation to the pit lake (as agreed with stakeholders). Monitoring
post-closure will be undertaken until it has been demonstrated that completion criteria have been met, or
as otherwise agreed with Government and key stakeholders.
Potential closure strategies to ensure the B1 pit lake achieves closure objectives and completion criteria,
which will be considered and assessed during ongoing refinement of the closure plan, include:
1. No backfilling of the B1 pit void. This is the preferred closure strategy, and will remain the preferred
strategy if ongoing investigations indicate the pit lake is likely to meet closure objectives and
associated completion criteria (potentially with implementation of additional management measures).
Potential additional management measures include, but are not limited to:
(a) allowing, or diverting, watercourses to discharge into pit voids, to enhance rate of recovery in
groundwater levels, or remediate poor quality pit lake water and/or groundwater
(b) extraction and treatment, or treatment in-situ, to remediate poor quality pit lake water and/or
groundwater.
2. Backfilling of B1 pit void to prevent formation of a pit lake. This is a non-preferred closure strategy,
as backfilling cannot be undertaken progressively during operations, significant volumes of material
would be required to prevent formation of a pit lake, and investigations to date indicate the pit lake
should not cause significant environmental impacts. However, backfilling of the B1 pit void is a
management option that will be considered if ongoing investigations, and/or monitoring, establish that
predicted or actual impacts from a pit lake managed via the preferred closure strategy will not meet
closure objectives and completion criteria. 4.7.5 Planned studies/investigations 1. Completion of a mine closure plan prepared in accordance Rio Tinto Closure Standard and the
Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans (DMP/EPA 2011) that will be provided with the Proposal
EIA document.
2. Completion of current kinetic testing of mineral waste.
3. Completion of mineralogical analyses to more accurately quantify the volume of mineral waste that
potentially contains alunite.
4. Update of the AMD risk assessment for the B1 and S17 deposits to incorporate results of additional
geochemical/mineralogical analysis, which will be provided with the Proposal EIA document.
5. Further modelling and assessment of the potential pit lake water quality, and associated ecological
risk, that will be provided with the Proposal EIA document.
6. Review of the B1 conceptual hydrogeological model and numerical groundwater model utilising data
collected from bores during 2012, with focus on further verifying the isolation of the orebody aquifer.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 63
4.8 Other environmental factors 4.8.1 Greenhouse gas emissions Annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from the Proposal will average approximately 190 000 tonnes
of CO2 equivalent per year (tCO2-e/year).
In accordance with the Rio Tinto GHG Emissions Standard, and the Rio Tinto Iron Ore (WA)
Environmental Design Principles, opportunities for GHG emission reduction and energy efficiency
improvement will be identified during Project design/engineering phases and implemented where practical.
An updated assessment of GHG emissions will be provided with the Proposal EIA document. 4.8.2 Aboriginal heritage Aboriginal heritage surveys are at various stages of completion. Initial archaeological surveys of the area
in proximity to the B1 deposit have been completed, with 18 new sites identified. Archaeological surveys
of the area in proximity to the S17 deposit are in progress with no sites identified to date. Archaeological
surveys of remaining areas (e.g., infrastructure corridors) are expected to be completed by August 2012.
An ethnographic survey has been conducted over the entire Eastern Guruma Native Title Claim portion of
the Proposal area, with no sites identified. An ethnographic survey over the Yinhawangka Native Title
Claim portion of the Proposal area is expected to be completed by August 2012.
Aboriginal heritage values will be addressed during planning and implementation of the Proposal by:
• avoiding disturbance to heritage sites where practical
• obtaining approval for any required disturbance to identified sites in accordance with s. 18 of the
Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA)
• protecting all identified sites located near construction or operational areas that are not approved
to be disturbed under s. 18 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) (e.g., through the installation
of physical barriers)
• documenting the location of all protected sites in the Rio Tinto Iron Ore Geographic Information
System (GIS) database and on site plans. 4.8.3 Visual amenity Proposal infrastructure, particularly waste dumps and the S17 pits, are expected to be visible from the
Nanutarra-Munjina Road. Waste dump design is undertaken in accordance with the HSEQ Landform
Design Guidelines and with consideration of closure objectives for the Proposal, to achieve final landforms
that are considered aesthetically compatible with the surrounding landscape. Waste dumps for the
Proposal have been designed to abut the ridges in the vicinity of S17 and it is expected that, after
rehabilitation and revegetation, these landforms will not significantly impact visual amenity of the area. An
assessment of the visual impact of the Proposal will be conducted and provided in the Proposal EIA
document. 4.8.4 Air quality (dust) Dust will be generated as a result of the Proposal primarily through construction clearing and earthworks,
blasting, materials handling, crushing of ore, transport of ore via the conveyor system, and haulage and
light traffic on unsealed roads.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 64
Management measures to minimise dust will include:
• the application of water (or appropriate suppressants) to haul roads, working surfaces and
stockpiles (as required)
• sand sealing of the haul road from B1 to S10 where practical
• sealing of the main site access road
• incorporation of dust controls in key infrastructure, such as water sprays at the ROM bin, and dust
collectors at major dust generating centres (primary crusher, conveyor transfers)
• implementing and enforcing appropriate vehicular speed limits on site access roads. 4.8.5 Noise and vibration Noise and vibration will be generated from activities such as blasting and operation of machinery, conveyor
system and crushing facilities. Due to the remoteness of the proposed operation, noise and vibration are
not expected to affect any sensitive premises. The nearest sensitive premises to the proposed mine site
are located in the town of Tom Price approximately 35 km to the east, and will not be impacted by the
Proposal. The generation of noise and vibration from the Proposal will be managed in accordance with the
Rio Tinto Noise and Vibration Control Standard. 4.8.6 Public risk and safety The Proposal will require interaction with Nanutarra-Munjina Road, a public, unsealed, low-traffic road.
Due to the proximity of the S17 deposit to the Nanutarra-Munjina Road, it is likely the road will need to be
temporarily closed (for durations of up to approximately 1 to 2 hours) during blasting of the most south
easterly pits. Temporary road closures would be carried out in accordance with a traffic management plan
developed in consultation with, and approved by, Main Roads WA. All other road interactions (e.g., heavy
vehicle access, intersections, signage, etc.) would be carried out in accordance with the requirements of
the relevant road authority, and relevant legislation.
The Proposal will require transportation of personnel, construction materials, fuel, explosives, hazardous
materials and waste via public roads (primarily the Nameless Valley Road from Tom Price). The preferred
route for the main site access road (e.g., north from B1 to White Quartz Road) will enable utilisation of the
Rio Tinto private White Quartz Road for a significant proportion of the route from Tom Price (Figure 1-2),
thereby reducing interactions with public traffic. Transport of any fuel, explosives or hazardous materials
would be undertaken in accordance with the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 and associated
Dangerous Goods Safety Regulations 2007, at minimum, and in accordance with the HSEQ Hazardous
Materials Management Work Practice, which mandates practices to minimise adverse health, safety and
environment risks from the use, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous substances. 4.8.7 Hazardous materials The Proposal would involve the use of a number of hazardous materials such as fuels (including distillate
and liquefied petroleum gas) and ammonium nitrate. Inappropriate handling and/or storage of hazardous
materials has the potential to result in discharges to the environment (i.e., contamination) and creating
health or safety hazards.
All hazardous material storage facilities will comply with the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 and
associated Dangerous Goods Safety Regulations 2007, at minimum. Hazardous materials will be
managed in accordance with the HSEQ Hazardous Materials Management Work Practice, which
mandates practices to minimise adverse health, safety and environment risks from the use, storage,
transport and disposal of hazardous substances.
Any accidental discharges of hazardous materials will be managed in accordance with the HSEQ Spill
Response Procedure.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 65
4.8.8 Non-mineral waste Non-mineral waste includes domestic solid and liquid wastes (including general office waste), sewage and
controlled waste (e.g., paints, acids, hydrocarbon waste). Inert and putrescible waste will be disposed of
at either an on-site licensed landfill, or at appropriate off-site licensed facility. Sewage effluent will be
treated on-site in sewage treatment plants, or disposed of at an appropriate off-site licensed facility. All
non-mineral waste generated by the Proposal will be managed in accordance with the HSEQ Non-Mineral
Waste Management Work Practice that ensures:
• waste management practices meet all relevant regulatory and Rio Tinto requirements
• the generation of waste is minimised and the reuse and recycling of waste is maximised where
practical
• appropriate processes for the storage, transportation and disposal of waste products are
undertaken which reduce potential risks and minimises any residual impact on the environment
• all personnel are adequately trained and aware of their responsibilities in regard to waste
management.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 66
5. Environmental principles, sustainability and management 5.1 Principles of environmental protection The EP Act includes a core set of Principles that are applied by the OEPA in formal assessments. These
include the:
• precautionary principle
• principle of intergenerational equity
• principle of the conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity
• principles relating to improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms
• principle of waste minimisation.
These principles have been considered in the assessment of the environmental impacts associated with
the Proposal (refer to Table 5-1).
Table 5-1 Principles of environmental protection
Principle Consideration given in Proposal
1. Precautionary principle
Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.
In the application of the precautionary principle, decisions should be guided by:
a. careful evaluation to avoid, where practicable, serious or irreversible damage to the environment
b. an assessment of the risk-weighted consequences of various options.
During Project planning and design phases, Rio Tinto will continue to undertake comprehensive baseline studies, investigations and modelling of Project aspects that may affect the surrounding environment. Where significant potential environmental impacts are identified, measures have been, and will continue to be, incorporated into Project design and management to avoid or minimise these impacts where practical.
2. Intergenerational equity
The present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations.
The Rio Tinto Iron Ore group HSEQ Policy incorporates the principles of sustainable development. This includes the commitment to:
• strive to implement the best available practices to deliver HSEQ excellence, minimise impacts to land, make a positive contribution to biodiversity and improve efficiency in water and energy use
• be active contributors to the climate change solution and ensure the effective implementation of climate change work programs
• positively contribute to local communities in the areas of health, safety and environment to provide a lasting benefit.
3. Conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity
Conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration.
Biological investigations are undertaken by Rio Tinto during the Project planning process to identify aspects of the environment that are of conservation significance. Where significant potential environmental impacts are identified, measures have been, and will continue to be, incorporated into Project design and management to avoid or minimise these impacts where practical. The Rio Tinto HSEQ Management System has well established rehabilitation procedures for restoring disturbed environments.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 67
Principle Consideration given in Proposal
4. Improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms
a. environmental factors should be included in the valuation of assets and services
b. the polluter pays principle – those who generate pollution and waste should bear the cost of containment, avoidance or abatement
c. the users of goods and services should pay prices based on the full life cycle costs of providing goods and services, including the use of natural resources and assets and the ultimate disposal of any wastes
d. environmental goals, having been established, should be pursued in the most cost-effective way, by establishing incentives structures, including market mechanisms, which enable those best placed to maximise benefits and/or minimise costs to develop their own solutions and responses to environmental problems.
Environmental factors have been considered during the Project planning phase, and will continue to be considered during the operational and closure phases of the Project. Project planning, design and operational management will continue to investigate and implement opportunities to minimise waste, pollution and energy consumption, where practical, in accordance with the Rio Tinto Iron Ore group HSEQ Policy.
5. Waste minimisation
All reasonable and practicable measures should be taken to minimise the generation of waste and its discharge into the environment.
Project planning, design and operational management will continue to investigate and implement opportunities to minimise waste, pollution and energy consumption, where practical, in accordance with the Rio Tinto Iron Ore group HSEQ Policy. 5.2 Environmental offsets
An assessment of requirement for an offset has been undertaken, in accordance with EPA Position
Statement No. 9, Environmental offsets (EPA 2006), and EPA Guidance Statement No. 19, Environmental
Offsets – Biodiversity (EPA 2008) (Table 5-2). An offset is not considered to be required for the Proposal.
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
68
Ta
ble
5-2
E
nvir
on
men
tal o
ffse
ts a
ssessm
en
t fo
rm
Se
cti
on
A:
Ad
min
istr
ati
ve
in
form
ati
on
.
Pro
po
sa
l o
r s
ch
em
e n
am
e:
Weste
rn T
urn
er
Syn
clin
e S
tage
2;
B1
an
d S
ectio
n 1
7 D
ep
osits
Su
mm
ary
of
pro
po
sa
l o
r s
ch
em
e:
Ha
me
rsle
y I
ron
Pty
Lim
ite
d (
a w
ho
lly-o
wn
ed
su
bsid
iary
of
Rio
Tin
to)
pro
po
se
s to
de
ve
lop
th
e W
este
rn T
urn
er
Synclin
e (
WT
S)
Sta
ge
2;
B1
and
S
ectio
n 1
7 D
ep
osits (
the
Pro
ject)
, lo
cate
d a
pp
roxim
ate
ly 3
0 k
m w
est
of
To
m P
rice in
th
e c
en
tra
l P
ilba
ra r
eg
ion o
f W
este
rn A
ustr
alia
(F
igu
re 1
-1).
T
he
Pro
ject
invo
lves o
pe
n-p
it
min
ing
of
the
B1
an
d S
ectio
n 1
7 (
S1
7)
iro
n o
re d
ep
osits,
the
tra
nspo
rt o
f o
re to
the
exis
ting
WT
S S
ectio
n 1
0 (
S1
0)
min
e (
ap
pro
xim
ate
ly 1
2 k
m w
est
of th
e B
1 d
ep
osit)
an
d th
e
co
nstr
uction
/ope
ratio
n o
f associa
ted
in
frastr
uctu
re. T
he
Pro
ject
will
op
era
te a
t p
rodu
ctio
n r
ate
s o
f up
to
ap
pro
xim
ate
ly 3
2 m
illio
n t
onn
es p
er
an
nu
m (
Mtp
a).
Th
e P
roje
ct w
ill b
e in
teg
rate
d in
to t
he
cu
rre
nt R
io T
into
Gre
ate
r T
om
Pri
ce
min
ing
op
era
tio
n.
Aft
er
tra
nsp
ort
to
the
WT
S S
10
min
e, o
re w
ill b
e t
ran
sfe
rred
via
an
exis
tin
g
tra
nsp
ort
atio
n c
orr
ido
r to
the
To
m P
rice
min
e f
or
furt
he
r p
roce
ssin
g, a
nd s
ub
seq
uen
tly t
o p
ort
facili
ties a
t C
ap
e L
am
be
rt a
nd
Da
mp
ier
via
th
e e
xis
tin
g R
io T
into
rail
ne
two
rk.
Se
cti
on
B:
Typ
e o
f e
nvir
on
me
nta
l as
se
t(s
) –
sta
te w
he
ther
Cri
tic
al
or
Hig
h V
alu
e,
de
scri
be
th
e e
nvir
on
me
nta
l va
lues
an
d a
ttri
bu
tes
.
En
vir
on
men
tal a
sse
ts th
at m
ay b
e a
ffecte
d b
y t
he P
rop
osa
l, a
nd
co
uld
be c
on
sid
ere
d ‘cri
tica
l’ asse
ts if sig
nific
ant
ad
ve
rse im
pa
ct o
ccu
rs a
s d
efin
ed
in
Po
sitio
n S
tate
me
nt N
o.
9,
En
vir
on
me
nta
l o
ffse
ts (
EP
A 2
00
6).
Cri
tical asse
t ca
tego
ry (
ii) N
ative
Ve
ge
tatio
n -
n
ative
ve
ge
tatio
n g
row
ing in
, o
r in
associa
tion
with
, a
n e
nvir
on
me
nt a
ssocia
ted
with
a w
ate
rco
urs
e o
r w
etla
nd
:
1.
A m
ajo
r e
ph
em
era
l w
ate
rco
urs
e v
eg
eta
tio
n c
om
mu
nity (
EcE
vA
ci)
occu
rs o
n t
he
Be
asle
y R
ive
r, 1
0 k
m d
ow
nstr
eam
of
the d
ew
ate
rin
g d
isch
arg
e p
oin
t.
App
roxim
ate
ly 3
km
of
this
co
mm
unity m
ay b
e im
pacte
d b
y a
lte
red
su
rfa
ce
wa
ter
flo
w r
eg
imes a
t m
axim
um
dis
ch
arg
e r
ate
s. E
xte
nsiv
e a
rea
s o
f th
is v
eg
eta
tio
n c
om
mu
nity w
ere
map
pe
d in
th
e W
TS
are
a,
an
d w
ill n
ot
be im
pacte
d b
y t
he
Pro
posa
l (r
efe
r to
Sectio
n 4
.2 f
or
de
scri
ptio
n o
f fa
cto
r a
nd
asse
ssm
en
t o
f im
pacts
).
Cri
tical asse
t ca
tego
ry (
iii)
Bio
div
ers
ity -
Decla
red
Th
rea
ten
ed
Fa
una
(lis
ted
pu
rsua
nt
to W
C A
ct)
:
2.
A s
ing
le c
all
of R
hin
on
icte
ris a
ura
ntiu
s (
Pilb
ara
fo
rm)
(Pilb
ara
le
af-
no
se
d b
at,
ora
nge
lea
f-n
ose
d b
at)
wa
s r
eco
rde
d w
ith
in P
rop
osa
l bo
und
ary
, a
pp
roxim
ate
ly 4
km
so
uth
we
st
of
the
B1
ma
in p
it.
Giv
en
th
is w
as t
he o
nly
reco
rd o
f th
e s
pecie
s d
urin
g a
ll in
ve
stig
atio
ns, it is c
onsid
ere
d u
nlik
ely
th
at
the
re is a
roo
st o
f an
y s
ign
ific
an
ce in t
he
are
a (
Bio
ta 2
01
2b
).
Th
e r
eco
rd is c
on
sid
ere
d t
o r
ep
resen
t an
itin
era
nt
ind
ivid
ua
l a
nd
the
hab
ita
ts w
ith
in t
he s
tud
y a
rea
are
unlik
ely
to
be
'critica
l to
the
su
rviv
al'
of
the
sp
ecie
s (
Bio
ta 2
01
2b
).
No
d
ire
ct
imp
act
to ind
ivid
ua
ls o
f th
is s
pecie
s a
re e
xp
ecte
d (
refe
r to
Section
4.3
fo
r d
escrip
tion
of
facto
r an
d a
sse
ssm
en
t of
imp
acts
).
Cri
tical asse
t ca
tego
ry (
iii)
Bio
div
ers
ity -
Prio
rity
sp
ecie
s lis
ted
by D
EC
:
1.
Mu
ltip
le loca
tio
ns o
f se
ve
n P
rio
rity
3 f
lora
sp
ecie
s w
ere
re
co
rde
d w
ith
in th
e P
rop
osa
l b
oun
da
ry (
Da
mp
iera
an
onym
a,
Ere
mo
ph
ila m
ag
nific
a s
ub
sp.
ve
lutin
a,
Goo
de
nia
sp
. E
ast
Pilb
ara
(A
.A.
Mitch
ell
PR
P 7
27),
In
dig
ofe
ra s
p.
Bun
ga
roo
Cre
ek (
S.
va
n L
eeu
we
n 4
30
1),
Nic
otia
na
um
bra
tica
, P
tilo
tus s
ubsp
ine
sce
ns,
Sid
a s
p.
Ba
rle
e R
an
ge
(S
. va
n L
ee
uw
en
1
64
2))
. S
om
e lo
ca
tio
ns o
f th
ese
sp
ecie
s m
ay b
e im
pacte
d b
y c
lea
rin
g fo
r th
e P
ropo
sal (r
efe
r to
Sectio
n 4
.2 f
or
descrip
tion
of
facto
r a
nd a
ssessm
en
t o
f im
pacts
).
2.
Mu
ltip
le loca
tio
ns o
f tw
o P
rio
rity
4 f
lora
sp
ecie
s w
ere
reco
rded
with
in P
ropo
sal bo
un
da
ry (
Ere
mo
ph
ila m
ag
nific
a s
ubsp
. m
ag
nific
a,
Go
ode
nia
nud
a).
S
om
e lo
catio
ns o
f th
ese
sp
ecie
s m
ay b
e im
pacte
d b
y c
lea
rin
g f
or
the
Pro
posa
l (r
efe
r to
Se
ctio
n 4
.2 fo
r de
scri
ptio
n o
f fa
cto
r a
nd
assessm
ent
of im
pa
cts
).
3.
On
e t
err
estr
ial P
rio
rity
4 fa
una
sp
ecie
s (
Pse
ud
om
ys c
hap
ma
ni -
we
ste
rn p
eb
ble
-mo
und
mo
use
) w
as r
eco
rded
with
in th
e P
rop
osa
l bo
und
ary
. S
om
e in
div
idu
als
ma
y b
e im
pacte
d
by c
lea
rin
g fo
r th
e P
rop
osa
l (r
efe
r to
Se
ctio
n 4
.3 fo
r de
scri
ptio
n o
f fa
cto
r a
nd
assessm
en
t of
impa
cts
).
4.
On
e a
qua
tic P
rio
rity
4 f
au
na
sp
ecie
s (
Le
iop
oth
era
po
n a
he
neu
s -
Fo
rtescue
gru
nte
r) w
as r
eco
rded
with
in e
ph
em
era
l po
ols
on
the
Be
asle
y R
ive
r a
t le
ast 1
0 k
m d
ow
nstr
ea
m o
f th
e
de
wa
teri
ng
dis
ch
arg
e p
oin
t.
So
me
im
pa
ct to
in
div
idu
als
ma
y o
ccu
r d
ue
to a
lte
red
su
rfa
ce w
ate
r flo
w r
eg
imes a
t m
axim
um
de
wa
teri
ng
dis
ch
arg
e r
ate
s (
refe
r to
Se
ctio
n 4
.3 fo
r d
escri
ptio
n o
f fa
cto
r a
nd a
ssessm
en
t o
f im
pa
cts
).
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
69
En
vir
on
men
tal a
sse
ts th
at m
ay b
e a
ffecte
d b
y t
he P
rop
osa
l, a
nd
co
uld
be c
on
sid
ere
d ‘hig
h v
alu
e’ en
vir
onm
en
tal a
sse
ts,
as d
efin
ed
in E
PA
20
06
.
1.
Th
ree
ve
ge
tatio
n c
om
mun
itie
s w
ere
co
nsid
ere
d b
y B
iota
(201
2a
) to
be
eq
uiv
ale
nt to
"e
co
syste
ms a
t risk"
with
in t
he
Ha
me
rsle
y I
BR
A s
ub
-re
gio
n (
as id
en
tifie
d b
y K
end
rick 2
00
3)
an
d a
re c
on
sid
ere
d t
o h
ave
ele
va
ted
co
nse
rva
tion
sig
nific
ance
co
mp
are
d t
o o
the
r ve
ge
tatio
n w
ith
in th
e s
tud
y a
rea
(B
iota
20
12a
) (r
efe
r to
Se
ctio
n 4
.2 for
de
scri
ptio
n o
f fa
cto
r a
nd
a
sse
ssm
en
t o
f im
pacts
).
2.
A t
ota
l o
f 60
3 h
a o
f th
e 'l
ow
er
slo
pe
mu
lga
' com
mu
nity w
as s
urv
eye
d in
th
e W
TS
are
a,
of
wh
ich 2
96 h
a (
49
%)
occu
rs w
ith
in t
he
Pro
posa
l b
oun
da
ry a
nd
ma
y b
e im
pa
cte
d b
y
cle
arin
g fo
r th
e P
rop
osa
l.
3.
A t
ota
l o
f 25
07
ha
of
the
'va
lley f
loo
r m
ulg
a' c
om
mu
nity w
as s
urv
eye
d in
th
e W
TS
are
a,
of
wh
ich 6
94 h
a (
28
%)
occu
rs w
ith
in t
he
Pro
posa
l b
oun
da
ry a
nd
ma
y b
e im
pa
cte
d b
y
cle
arin
g fo
r th
e P
rop
osa
l.
4.
A t
ota
l o
f 12
87
ha
of
the
'ma
jor
ep
hem
era
l w
ate
rcou
rse
' com
mu
nity w
as s
urv
eye
d in t
he W
TS
are
a,
of
wh
ich 5
7 h
a (
4%
) o
ccu
rs w
ith
in t
he P
rop
osal b
oun
da
ry a
nd m
ay b
e
imp
acte
d b
y c
lea
rin
g fo
r th
e P
rop
osa
l.
Ad
ditio
nally
, ve
ge
tation
co
mm
un
ity 'g
ulli
es a
nd
go
rges' w
as c
onsid
ere
d to
ha
ve
ele
va
ted
co
nse
rva
tio
n s
ign
ific
an
ce c
om
pa
red
to o
the
r ve
ge
tation
with
in t
he
WT
S a
rea,
as t
his
co
mm
unity is lik
ely
to p
rovid
e r
efu
ge
fo
r fire
-se
nsitiv
e s
pecie
s a
nd
oth
er
sp
ecie
s w
hic
h p
refe
r ro
cky, m
esic
ha
bita
ts (
Bio
ta 2
01
2a
).
A to
tal o
f 13
6 h
a o
f th
e 'g
ulli
es a
nd
go
rge
s'
co
mm
unity w
as s
urv
eye
d in
the
WT
S a
rea
, of
wh
ich
12
2 h
a (
89
%)
occu
rs w
ith
in t
he P
rop
osa
l b
ou
nd
ary
an
d m
ay b
e im
pacte
d b
y c
lea
ring
fo
r th
e P
rop
osa
l.
Base
d o
n h
elic
op
ter
reco
nn
ais
sa
nce
by b
ota
nis
ts in
Ap
ril 2
012
, th
is c
om
mu
nity is e
xp
ecte
d t
o o
ccu
r th
roug
ho
ut th
e e
xte
nsiv
e in
cis
ed
rid
ges in th
e n
ort
hw
est
of th
e W
TS
are
a,
tha
t h
ave
not
ye
t b
ee
n
su
rve
ye
d.
A flo
ra a
nd v
eg
eta
tio
n s
urv
ey o
f th
is a
rea
is p
lanne
d f
or
20
12
(re
fer
to S
ectio
n 4
.2 f
or
de
scri
ptio
n o
f fa
cto
r a
nd
asse
ssm
en
t o
f im
pacts
).
Se
cti
on
C:
Sig
nif
ica
nt
imp
acts
(d
esc
rib
e t
he
sig
nif
ica
nt
ad
ve
rse
en
vir
on
me
nta
l im
pa
cts
re
late
d t
o t
he
pro
po
sa
l o
r s
ch
em
e b
efo
re m
itig
ati
on
me
as
ure
s a
re a
pp
lied
).
Th
e P
rop
osa
l is
co
nsid
ere
d u
nlik
ely
to
ha
ve
sig
nific
an
t ad
ve
rse
im
pacts
to
an
y c
ritica
l o
r h
igh
va
lue a
sse
ts,
as d
eta
iled
in S
ectio
n 4
(P
ote
ntial e
nviro
nm
en
tal im
pa
cts
an
d
ma
nag
em
en
t) o
f th
is d
ocu
me
nt
(sp
ecific
section
s c
ross r
efe
ren
ced
in S
ectio
n B
of
this
fo
rm).
Se
cti
on
D:
Mit
iga
tio
n m
ea
su
res
(d
esc
rib
e a
ll m
ea
su
res
to
Avo
id,
Min
imis
e,
Re
cti
fy a
nd
Re
du
ce
).
Ma
na
ge
me
nt m
easu
res to
avoid
, m
inim
ise
, re
ctify
an
d r
ed
uce
th
e im
pa
cts
of
the P
rop
osal w
ill b
e im
ple
men
ted
in
acco
rda
nce w
ith
th
e H
SE
Q m
an
agem
en
t syste
m,
an
d a
s o
utlin
ed in
S
ectio
n 4
of
this
docu
me
nt.
M
ea
su
res o
f p
art
icu
lar
rele
va
nce
to
im
pact o
n c
ritical o
r hig
h v
alu
e a
sse
ts inclu
de
:
Avo
id:
1.
Avo
id a
nd m
inim
ise
cle
arin
g o
f ve
ge
tatio
n a
nd
flo
ra o
f ele
va
ted
co
nse
rva
tio
n s
ign
ific
an
ce
wh
ere
pra
ctical (r
efe
r to
Se
ctio
n 4
.2).
T
his
me
asu
re h
as b
een
im
ple
me
nte
d d
urin
g th
e
de
sig
n o
f th
e c
urr
en
t in
dic
ative in
frastr
uctu
re la
yo
ut.
2.
Min
e p
lan
nin
g a
nd
de
sig
n to
inco
rpo
rate
co
nsid
era
tio
n o
f su
rfa
ce
wa
ter
ma
nag
em
en
t (in
clu
din
g a
vo
idin
g d
isru
ptio
n t
o w
ate
rco
urs
es w
he
re p
ractica
l) a
nd
th
e in
sta
llatio
n o
f cu
lve
rts a
s r
equ
ire
d w
he
re w
ate
rco
urs
es a
re in
ters
ecte
d (
refe
r to
Section
4.5
).
Th
is m
ea
su
re h
as b
ee
n im
ple
me
nte
d d
uring
th
e d
esig
n o
f th
e c
urr
ent
infr
astr
uctu
re.
3.
Ma
na
ge
me
nt o
f w
ee
ds w
ill b
e c
arr
ied
out
in a
cco
rda
nce
with
th
e H
SE
Q W
eed
Ma
na
ge
men
t S
tra
teg
y,
Equ
ipm
ent
Hyg
iene
In
spe
ctio
ns P
roce
du
re,
Bo
rrow
Pit S
pe
cific
atio
n a
nd
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Pro
ced
ure
, a
nd S
oil
Reso
urc
e M
an
ag
em
en
t P
roce
du
re (
refe
r to
Se
ctio
n 4
.2).
Min
imis
e:
4.
Min
imis
atio
n o
f pla
nne
d v
ege
tatio
n c
lea
rin
g d
uri
ng
bo
th m
ine
pla
nn
ing
an
d d
esig
n p
ha
se
to
th
at re
quir
ed
fo
r sa
fe c
on
str
uction
and
ope
ratio
n o
f th
e P
roje
ct
(refe
r to
Se
ctio
n 4
.2).
T
his
mea
su
re h
as b
ee
n im
ple
me
nte
d d
uri
ng t
he d
esig
n o
f th
e c
urr
en
t in
dic
ative
in
fra
str
uctu
re la
yo
ut.
5.
In a
reas w
he
re lin
ea
r in
fra
str
uctu
re is a
sse
ssed
as p
ote
ntia
lly im
pacting
do
wn
str
ea
m s
hee
tflo
w-d
ep
en
de
nt
ve
ge
tatio
n, m
an
ag
em
en
t m
ea
su
res w
ill b
e im
ple
men
ted
, in
clu
din
g
insta
llation
of e
nvir
onm
enta
l cu
lve
rts e
ve
ry 5
0 m
in
em
ba
nkm
en
ts (
refe
r to
Se
ctio
n 4
.2).
Western Turner Sy
ncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Dep
osits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C
4-May-12
70
6.
A P
roje
ct
wa
ter
man
age
men
t str
ate
gy w
ill b
e d
eve
lope
d a
nd im
ple
me
nte
d,
an
d w
ill b
e inte
gra
ted
with
wa
ter
ma
nag
em
ent
at
the
S1
0 m
ine
site
. T
he
str
ate
gy w
ill p
rio
ritise
b
en
eficia
l u
se
of
wa
ter
extr
acte
d d
urin
g d
ew
ate
rin
g,
pre
do
min
an
tly v
ia u
tilis
ation
to
me
et
op
era
tio
nal re
qu
irem
ents
fo
r th
e P
roje
ct
and
the
S1
0 m
ine
site
, w
ith
dis
ch
arg
e t
o th
e
en
vir
onm
en
t th
e le
ast
pre
ferr
ed
man
ag
em
ent
optio
n.
7.
A P
roje
ct
dis
ch
arg
e w
ate
r q
ualit
y m
ana
gem
en
t a
nd m
on
ito
ring
str
ate
gy (
inclu
din
g s
ite
-sp
ecific
wa
ter
qua
lity t
rig
ge
r va
lues),
will
be
de
ve
lope
d in
acco
rdan
ce
with
the
A
NZ
EC
C/A
RM
CA
NZ
(2
00
0)
wa
ter
qua
lity m
ana
gem
en
t fr
am
ew
ork
, to
ma
nag
e t
he
pote
ntial im
pa
cts
of
dis
ch
arg
e w
ate
r qu
alit
y o
n t
he
do
wn
str
ea
m e
nviro
nm
en
t (r
efe
r to
S
ectio
n 4
.2).
Re
ctify
an
d R
edu
ce:
8.
Are
as c
lea
red
fo
r th
e P
ropo
sa
l (e
xclu
din
g p
it v
oid
s)
will
be
reh
ab
ilita
ted
in
acco
rda
nce
with
HS
EQ
re
qu
irem
en
ts a
nd
the
min
e c
losure
pla
n (
refe
r to
Sectio
n 4
.7).
9.
A w
ee
d a
ctio
n p
lan
will
be
im
ple
me
nte
d fo
r th
e a
pp
rop
ria
te c
on
tro
l o
f w
ee
d p
op
ula
tio
ns if
the
se
are
in
tro
du
ced
by t
he
Pro
po
sal (r
efe
r to
Se
ctio
n 4
.2).
10
. A
Pro
ject
dis
ch
arg
e w
ate
r q
ualit
y m
ana
gem
en
t a
nd m
on
ito
ring
str
ate
gy (
inclu
din
g s
ite
-sp
ecific
wa
ter
qua
lity t
rig
ge
r va
lues),
will
be
de
ve
lope
d in
acco
rdan
ce
with
the
A
NZ
EC
C/A
RM
CA
NZ
(2
00
0)
wa
ter
qua
lity m
ana
gem
en
t fr
am
ew
ork
, to
ma
nag
e t
he
pote
ntial im
pa
cts
of
dis
ch
arg
e w
ate
r qu
alit
y o
n t
he
do
wn
str
ea
m e
nviro
nm
en
t (r
efe
r to
S
ectio
n 4
.2).
Se
cti
on
E:
Sig
nif
ica
nt
res
idu
al
imp
ac
ts (
de
sc
rib
e a
ll t
he
sig
nif
ican
t a
dve
rse
res
idu
al
imp
ac
ts t
ha
t re
ma
in a
fte
r a
ll m
itig
ati
on
att
em
pts
ha
ve
bee
n e
xh
au
ste
d).
Th
e P
rop
osa
l is
co
nsid
ere
d u
nlik
ely
to
ha
ve
sig
nific
an
t ad
ve
rse
im
pacts
to
an
y c
ritica
l o
r h
igh
va
lue a
sse
ts;
the
refo
re, n
o s
ignific
an
t re
sid
ua
l im
pa
cts
to
an
y c
ritical o
r h
igh
va
lue
asse
ts a
re e
xp
ecte
d.
Se
cti
on
F:
Pro
po
se
d o
ffse
ts f
or
ea
ch
sig
nif
ica
nt
res
idu
al im
pa
ct
(id
en
tify
dir
ec
t a
nd
co
ntr
ibu
tin
g o
ffs
ets
). I
nc
lud
e a
de
sc
rip
tio
n o
f th
e la
nd
te
nu
re a
nd
zo
nin
g/r
es
erv
ati
on
s
tatu
s o
f th
e p
rop
os
ed
off
set
sit
e.
Id
en
tify
an
y e
nc
um
bra
nc
es
or
oth
er
res
tric
tio
ns
on
th
e l
an
d t
ha
t m
ay i
mp
ac
t th
e i
mp
lem
en
tati
on
of
the p
rop
os
ed
off
se
t a
nd
pro
vid
e
evid
en
ce
de
mo
ns
tra
tin
g h
ow
th
es
e i
ss
ues
ha
ve
bee
n r
es
olv
ed
.
Giv
en
no
sig
nific
an
t re
sid
ua
l im
pacts
are
exp
ecte
d t
o o
ccu
r a
s a
re
sult o
f th
e P
rop
osal, n
o o
ffsets
ha
ve
bee
n c
onsid
ere
d.
Se
cti
on
G:
Sp
ati
al d
ata
rela
tin
g t
o o
ffse
t s
ite
/s (
se
e E
PA
Gu
ida
nc
e S
tate
me
nt
No
. 1
9:
en
vir
on
me
nta
l o
ffs
ets
- b
iod
ive
rsit
y,
Ap
pe
nd
ix 4
).
No
t A
pp
licab
le.
Se
cti
on
H:
Re
leva
nt
da
ta s
ou
rce
s a
nd
evid
en
ce
of
co
nsu
lta
tio
n (
co
nsu
lta
tio
n w
ith
ag
en
cie
s,
rele
va
nt
sta
ke
ho
lders
, c
om
mu
nit
y a
nd
re
fere
nce
s t
o s
ou
rce
s o
f d
ata
/in
form
ati
on
).
Inc
lud
e d
eta
ils
of
sp
ec
ific
en
vir
on
men
tal,
tec
hn
ica
l o
r o
the
r re
leva
nt
ad
vic
e a
nd
in
form
ati
on
ob
tain
ed
to
ass
ist
in t
he
fo
rmu
lati
on
of
the
off
se
t.
No
t A
pp
licab
le.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 71
6. References AMIRA International 2002, ARD Test Handbook. Project P387A Prediction and Kinetic Control of Acid
Mine Drainage, Ian Wark Research Institute and Environmental Geochemistry International Pty Ltd,
Melbourne.
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council & Agriculture and Resource
Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (ANZECC/ARMCANZ) 2000, Australian and New
Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality, National Water Quality Management
Strategy Paper No. 4, Canberra.
Astron Environmental Services (Astron) 2010, West Pilbara Iron Ore Project Risk Assessment of Potential
Railway Impacts on Sheet Flow Dependent Vegetation, unpublished report prepared for API
Management Pty Ltd, Perth.
Beard JS 1975a, Pilbara Explanatory Notes and Map Sheet, 1:1,000,000 Series, Vegetation Survey of
Western Australia, University of Western Australia Press, Nedlands.
Beard JS 1975b, Vegetation Survey of Western Australia, 1:100,000 Vegetation Series Mapsheet 5 –
Pilbara, University of Western Australia Press, Nedlands.
BG&E 2011, Surface Water Management Plan for Mine B1 and S17, unpublished report prepared for Rio
Tinto, Perth.
BHPBilliton 2009, Rail Operations - Chichester Deviation Surface Water Management Plan, unpublished
report prepared by BHPBilliton, Perth.
Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2002, Exmouth Limestone Project Troglobitic Fauna Sampling
Programme Phase III, unpublished report prepared for Exmouth Limestone, Perth.
Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2006, Mesa A and Robe Valley Mesas Troglobitic Fauna Survey,
unpublished report prepared for Robe River Iron Associates, Perth.
Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2007, A Vegetation and Flora Survey of the West Turner Section 10
Area and Infrastructure Corridor, unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore, Perth.
Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2009a, A Two-Phase Fauna Survey of the West Turner Syncline
Area, unpublished report prepared for Pilbara Iron Company, Perth.
Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2009b, West Turner Syncline Section 10 Development Two-Phase
Fauna Survey, unpublished report prepared for Pilbara Iron Company, Perth.
Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2011, West Turner Targeted Fauna Survey, unpublished report
prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore, Perth.
Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2012a, West Turner Syncline Phase 2 Vegetation and Flora Report,
unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto, Perth.
Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2012b, West Turner Syncline Fauna Survey Summary Report,
unpublished memo prepared for Rio Tinto, Perth.
Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2012c, West Turner Syncline Stage 2 B1 and Section 17 Deposits
Subterranean Fauna Survey, unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto, Perth.
Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) & Helix 2011, Polyxenid Millipede Regional Molecular Analysis,
unpublished Report for Rio Tinto Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Perth.
Bureau of Meteorology 2012, Climate Statistics for Australian Locations [Online], Available from
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_005072.shtml [20 February 2012].
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 72
Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources (DITR) 2007, Managing Acid and Metalliferous Drainage,
Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.
Department of Mines and Petroleum & Environmental Protection Authority (DMP/EPA) 2011, Guidelines
for Preparing Mine Closure Plans, Perth.
Department of Water (DoW) 2009, Pilbara Water in Mining Guideline, Water Resource Allocation Planning
Series Report No. 34, Perth.
Department of Water (DoW) 2010, Pilbara Region Water Plan 2010-2030, Perth.
Environment Australia 2000, Revision of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA)
and Development of Version 6.1, Summary Report, Perth.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2000, Environmental Protection of Native Vegetation in Western
Australia, Position Statement No. 2, Perth.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2002a, Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of
Biodiversity Protection, Position Statement No. 3, Perth.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004a, Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia, Guidance Statement No. 51, Perth.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2004b, Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia, Guidance Statement No. 56, Perth.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2006, Environmental Offsets, Position Statement No. 9, Perth.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2008, Environmental Offsets – Biodiversity, Guidance Statement
No. 19, Perth.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2009, Sampling for Short Range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna for
Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia, Guidance Statement No. 20, Perth.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2010a, Environmental Impact Assessment Administrative
Procedures 2010, Perth.
Equinox Environmental 2012, Interim Report – WTS Stage 2 Project Ecological Risk Assessment,
unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto, Perth.
Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) 2008, Pilbara Iron Ore and Infrastructure Project - Rail Corridor: Surface
Water Management Plan [Online], Available from
http://reports.fmgl.com.au/ENVIRO/EMP/Rail%20Corridor%20Surface%20Water%20Management%
20Plan.pdf [26 April 2012].
Gentilli J 1972, Australian Climate Patterns, Nelson.
Green R & Borden RK 2011, 'Geochemical Risk Assessment Process for Rio Tinto’s Pilbara Iron Ore
Mines', Integrated Waste Management, volume 1 (Ed. Sunil Kumar), 365-390.
International Network for Acid Prevention (INAP) 2010, Global Acid Rock Drainage (GARD) Guide,
[Online], available from http://www.gardguide.com/index.php/Main_Page [26 April 2012].
Johnson SL & Wright AH 2003, Mine Void Water Resource Issues in Western Australia, Water and Rivers
Commission, Hydrogeological Record Series, Report HG 9, Perth.
Kendrick P 2003, Pilbara 3 (PIL3 – Hamersley Subregion), in A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia’s 53
Biogeographical Subregions, Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.
Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB) 2012, Western Turner Syncline B1 Pit Post Closure Water Quality
Assessment, unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto, Perth.
Western Turner Syncline Stage 2: B1 and Section 17 Deposits
PIR11250_01 R004 Rev C 4-May-12 73
MWH 2009, B1 Groundwater Model: A Transient Numerical Groundwater Model of the Dewatering of the
Proposed B1 Mine Site in the Western Turner Syncline using MODFLOW 2000, unpublished report
prepared for Rio Tinto, Perth.
Payne AL, Mitchell AA & Hoffman WF 1988, An Inventory and Condition Survey of Rangelands in the
Ashburton River Catchment, Western Australia, Western Australian Department of Agriculture,
Technical Bulletin No. 62, Perth.
Rio Tinto 2012a, Baseline Hydrology Assessment for Local Creek Discharge from WTS B1, unpublished
report prepared by Rio Tinto, Perth.
Rio Tinto 2012b, Western Turner Syncline B1 Dewatering Strategy – Groundwater Numerical Modelling,
unpublished report prepared by Rio Tinto, Perth.
Rio Tinto 2012c, Memo: WTS Stage 2 PFS – Water Balance and Water Strategy, unpublished report
prepared by Rio Tinto, Perth.
Rio Tinto 2012d, Western Turner Syncline B1 and Section 17 AMD Risk Assessment, unpublished report
prepared by Rio Tinto, Perth.
Rio Tinto 2012e, Western Turner Syncline B1 Groundwater Modelling for Closure Option, unpublished
report prepared by Rio Tinto, Perth.
URS 2009, Western Turner Syncline Hydrogeological Bore Completion Report, unpublished report
prepared for Rio Tinto, Perth.
van Vreesyck AME, Payne AL, Leighton KA & Hennig P 2004, An Inventory and condition Survey of the
Pilbara Region, Western Australia. Department of Agriculture, Perth.
Water and Rivers Commission (WRC) 2000a, Mining and Mineral Processing – Minesite Stormwater,
Water Quality Protection Guidelines No. 6, East Perth.
Water and Rivers Commission (WRC) 2000b, Mining and Mineral Processing – Mine Dewatering, Water
Quality Protection Guidelines No. 11, East Perth.
Water and Rivers Commission (WRC) 2000c, Policy Statement on Water Sharing, State-wide Policy No. 3,
East Perth.
Water and Rivers Commission (WRC) 2000d, Environmental Water Provisions Policy for Western
Australia, State-wide Policy No. 5, East Perth.
Wetland Research and Management (WRM) 2012a, WTS2 - Groundwater Quality & Development of
Operational Surface Water Quality Guidelines, memo prepared for Rio Tinto Pty Ltd, Perth.
Wetland Research and Management (WRM) 2012b, Western Turner Syncline: Baseline Assessment of
Aquatic Fauna & Water Quality – Wet & Dry 2011 Survey, unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto
Pty Ltd, Perth.