1926 NewmontBoddingtonGold Closure Plan2012

Newmont Boddington Gold
Closure Plan
M70/21, M70/22, M70/23, M70/24, M70/25, M70/564, M70/799, M70/1031, ML264SA(1),
ML264SA(2), G70/215, G70/218, G70/219, L70/28, L70/95, L70/96
Submission Date December 2012

Version Number CR35945
Contact Details Javier Brodalka, Environment Manager
Phone: (08) 9883 4251
Email: javier.brodalka@newmont.com
Date Revision Description of Originator Reviewer(s) Approval
Revision
December ‐ ‐ K. De Sousa M. Durack, S. J. Brodalka
2012 Myles, R. Kok, A.
James
Newmont Boddington Gold – Closure Plan
Closure Plan Checklist
No. Mine Closure Plan Checklist Y/N/NA Section Comments

1 Has the Checklist been endorsed by a senior Y Checklist
representative within the tenement holder/
operating company?
2 How many copies were submitted to DMP? Hard copies = 2
Electronic copies = 1
Cover Page, Table of Contents
3 Does the cover page include: Y Cover Page
 Project title
 Company name
 Contact details (including telephone
numbers and email addresses)
 Document ID and version number
 Date of submission
4 Has a Table of Contents been provided? Y Table of
Contents
Scope and Project Summary
5 State why the MCP is submitted. Y 1.2
6 Does the project summary include: Y Section 2
 Land ownership details 2.2
 Location of the project 2.1
 Comprehensive site plans 2.4
 Background information on the history 2.3
and status of the project
Legal Obligations and Commitments
7 Has a consolidated summary or registers of Y Section 3 Appendices 1‐3
closure obligations and commitments been
included?
Data Collection and Analysis
8 Has information relevant to mine closure been Y Section 4 Appendices 4 ‐ 8
collected for each domain or feature (including
pre‐mining baseline studies, environmental and
other data)?
9 Has a gap analysis been conducted to determine Y 4.4
if further information is required in relation to
closure of each domain or feature?
Stakeholder Consultation
10 Have all stakeholders involved in closure been Y 5.1
identified?
11 Has a summary or register of stakeholder Y 5.2
consultation been provided, with details as to
who has been consulted and the outcomes?
Final Land Use(s) and Closure Objectives
12 Does the MCP include agreed post‐mining land Y Section 6
use(s), closure objectives and conceptual
landform design diagram?
i
Closure Plan Checklist
No. Mine Closure Plan Checklist Y/N/NA Section Comments

13 Does the MCP identify all potential (or pre‐ Y Section 6
existing) environmental legacies, which may
restrict the post‐mining land use (including
contaminated sites)?
Identification and Management of Closure Issues
14 Does the MCP identify all key issues impacting Y Section 7 Appendix 11
mine closure objectives and outcomes?
15 Does the MCP include proposed management or Y Section 7
mitigation options to deal with these issues?
16 Has the process, methodology and rationale been Y Section 7
provided to justify identification and
management of the issues?
Closure Criteria
17 Does the MCP include an appropriate set of Y Section 8
specific closure criteria and/or closure
performance indicators?
Closure Financial Provisioning
18 Does the MCP include costing methodology, Y Section 9
assumptions and financial provision to resource
closure implementation and monitoring?
19 Does the MCP include a process for regular Y Section 9
review of the financial provision?
Closure Implementation
20 Does the reviewed MCP include a summary of Y 10.2
closure implementation strategies and activities
for the proposed operations or for the whole
site?
21 Does the MCP contain a closure work program Y 10.3
for each domain or feature?
22 Have site layout plans been provided to clearly Y 10.1
show each type of disturbance?
23 Does the MCP contain a schedule of research and Y 10.3
trial activities?
24 Does the MCP include a schedule of progressive Y 10.3
rehabilitation activities?
25 Does the MCP include details of how unexpected Y 10.3
closure and care and maintenance will be
handled?
26 Does the MCP contain a schedule of Y 10.3.5
decommissioning activities?
27 Does the MCP contain a schedule of performance Y Section 11
monitoring and maintenance activities?
Closure Monitoring and Maintenance
28 Does the MCP contain a framework, including Y Section 11
methodology, quality control and remedial
strategy for closure performance monitoring
including post‐closure monitoring and
maintenance?
ii
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Scope and Purpose....................................................................................................................... 1‐1
1.1 Scope.................................................................................................................................... 1‐1
1.2 Purpose ................................................................................................................................ 1‐1
1.3 Structure .............................................................................................................................. 1‐2
1.4 Closure Planning Framework ............................................................................................... 1‐3
1.4.1 Closure Review Technical Team................................................................................... 1‐3
1.4.2 Closure Plan Review Process........................................................................................ 1‐4
1.4.3 Schedule ....................................................................................................................... 1‐4
2 Project Overview.......................................................................................................................... 2‐1
2.1 Project Location and Tenure ................................................................................................ 2‐1
2.2 Land Ownership ................................................................................................................... 2‐1
2.3 Project History ..................................................................................................................... 2‐2
2.4 Overview of Operations ....................................................................................................... 2‐3
2.4.1 Open Pit Mines............................................................................................................. 2‐4
2.4.1.1 Wandoo North and South Open Pits ....................................................................... 2‐4
2.4.1.2 Satellite Open Pits .................................................................................................... 2‐4
2.4.2 Jarrah Decline............................................................................................................... 2‐4
2.4.3 Waste Rock Landforms ................................................................................................ 2‐5
2.4.3.1 Waste Rock Landforms 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 .......................................................... 2‐5
2.4.3.2 Q3 Waste Rock Landform ........................................................................................ 2‐5
2.4.4 ROM Pad and Medium Grade Ore Stockpile ............................................................... 2‐5
2.4.5 Primary Crusher ........................................................................................................... 2‐6
2.4.6 Conveyor Corridor........................................................................................................ 2‐6
2.4.7 Processing Plant ........................................................................................................... 2‐6
2.4.8 Residue Disposal Areas ................................................................................................ 2‐6
2.4.8.1 R4 RDA...................................................................................................................... 2‐7
2.4.8.2 F1/F3 RDA ................................................................................................................ 2‐7
2.4.8.3 Future RDA ............................................................................................................... 2‐8
2.4.9 Water Storage Reservoirs and Dams ........................................................................... 2‐8
2.4.10 Support Infrastructure ................................................................................................. 2‐8
2.4.11 Accommodation Village ............................................................................................... 2‐9
3 Closure Obligations and Commitments ....................................................................................... 3‐1
3.1 Legislation ............................................................................................................................ 3‐1
3.1.1 Mining Act 1978 ........................................................................................................... 3‐1
3.1.2 Environmental Protection Act 1986............................................................................. 3‐2
3.1.3 Contaminated Sites Act 2003....................................................................................... 3‐3
3.1.4 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ........................... 3‐3
3.2 Guidelines ............................................................................................................................ 3‐3
3.3 Regulatory Approvals ........................................................................................................... 3‐4
3.3.1 Licence for Prescribed Premises .................................................................................. 3‐4
3.3.2 Minister for the Environment Approvals ..................................................................... 3‐5
3.3.2.1 Environmental Protection Act 1986......................................................................... 3‐5
3.3.2.2 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ....................... 3‐5
3.3.3 Department of Mines and Petroleum Approvals......................................................... 3‐6
4 Closure Data................................................................................................................................. 4‐1
4.1 Environmental and Community Aspects.............................................................................. 4‐1
4.1.1 Meteorology................................................................................................................. 4‐1
4.1.2 Geology ........................................................................................................................ 4‐2
4.1.3 Landform and Soils....................................................................................................... 4‐3
4
Table of Contents
4.1.3.1 Native Soil Profile ..................................................................................................... 4‐3

4.1.3.1.1 Topsoils and Gravel Subsoils.............................................................................. 4‐4
4.1.3.1.2 Oxide Clays......................................................................................................... 4‐4
4.1.3.2 Rehabilitation Materials........................................................................................... 4‐6
4.1.3.2.1 Rehabilitation Materials Inventory and Reconciliation ..................................... 4‐7
4.1.3.3 Post‐Closure Impacts on Landforms and Soils ....................................................... 4‐11
4.1.4 Surface Water ............................................................................................................ 4‐11
4.1.4.1 Surface Water Flow................................................................................................ 4‐11
4.1.4.2 Surface Water Chemistry ....................................................................................... 4‐12
4.1.4.3 Ecological Values and Beneficial Uses.................................................................... 4‐13
4.1.4.4 Post‐Closure Impacts on Surface Water ................................................................ 4‐13
4.1.5 Groundwater.............................................................................................................. 4‐14
4.1.5.1 Groundwater Systems............................................................................................ 4‐14
4.1.5.1.1 Seasonal Shallow Groundwater System .......................................................... 4‐14
4.1.5.1.2 Weathered and Fractured Upper Bedrock Groundwater System ................... 4‐15
4.1.5.1.3 Deep Fractured Bedrock Groundwater System............................................... 4‐15
4.1.5.1.4 Influence of Mining .......................................................................................... 4‐15
4.1.5.2 Groundwater Chemistry ........................................................................................ 4‐17
4.1.5.3 Post‐Closure Impacts on Groundwater.................................................................. 4‐18
4.1.6 Biodiversity................................................................................................................. 4‐18
4.1.6.1 Flora and Vegetation.............................................................................................. 4‐19
4.1.6.1.1 Flora and Vegetation of Thirty‐Four Mile Brook and Hotham River................ 4‐21
4.1.6.1.2 Post Closure Impacts on Flora ......................................................................... 4‐21
4.1.6.2 Fauna...................................................................................................................... 4‐21
4.1.6.2.1 Stygofauna and Troglofauna............................................................................ 4‐23
4.1.6.2.2 Short‐Range Endemic Species.......................................................................... 4‐23
4.1.6.2.3 Aquatic Fauna .................................................................................................. 4‐24
4.1.6.2.4 Post Closure Impacts on Fauna........................................................................ 4‐25
4.1.7 Noise .......................................................................................................................... 4‐27
4.1.7.1 Post‐Closure Impacts on Noise .............................................................................. 4‐27
4.1.8 Air Quality .................................................................................................................. 4‐27
4.1.8.1 Post‐Closure Impacts on Air Quality ...................................................................... 4‐28
4.1.9 Land Use..................................................................................................................... 4‐28
4.1.9.1 Post‐Closure Impacts on Land Use......................................................................... 4‐29
4.1.10 Cultural Heritage ........................................................................................................ 4‐29
4.1.10.1 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage............................................................................... 4‐29
4.1.10.2 Other Cultural Heritage...................................................................................... 4‐30
4.1.10.3 Post‐Closure Impacts on Cultural Heritage ........................................................ 4‐31
4.1.11 Social Setting and Community ................................................................................... 4‐31
4.1.11.1 Post‐Closure Impacts on Social Setting and Community ................................... 4‐32
4.2 Research Programs, Studies and Trials .............................................................................. 4‐33
4.2.1 Waste Rock Landforms .............................................................................................. 4‐33
4.2.1.1 Geochemistry and Waste Rock Management ....................................................... 4‐33
4.2.1.2 Landform Design .................................................................................................... 4‐34
4.2.1.2.1 Waste Rock Landform Placement.................................................................... 4‐35
4.2.1.2.2 Slope Geometry ............................................................................................... 4‐36
4.2.1.3 Cover Design .......................................................................................................... 4‐37
4.2.1.3.1 Information Review ......................................................................................... 4‐38
4.2.1.3.2 Modelling of Cover Performance..................................................................... 4‐39
4.2.1.3.3 Steep Slope Trials............................................................................................. 4‐40
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Table of Contents
4.2.2 Residue Disposal Areas .............................................................................................. 4‐41

4.2.2.1 Residue Characterisation ....................................................................................... 4‐41
4.2.2.1.1 Physical Properties........................................................................................... 4‐41
4.2.2.1.2 Chemical Properties......................................................................................... 4‐41
4.2.2.2 Cover Design .......................................................................................................... 4‐42
4.2.2.2.1 Oxide Residue Cover Trials .............................................................................. 4‐43
4.2.3 Open Pits .................................................................................................................... 4‐44
4.2.3.1 Pit Lake Chemistry and Filling Period ..................................................................... 4‐44
4.2.3.2 Surface Water Management.................................................................................. 4‐50
4.2.4 Rehabilitation Techniques ......................................................................................... 4‐50
4.2.4.1 Satellite Open Pits .................................................................................................. 4‐50
4.2.4.2 Trials ....................................................................................................................... 4‐52
4.2.4.2.1 Rehabilitation Prescription .............................................................................. 4‐52
4.2.4.2.2 Fertiliser Application ........................................................................................ 4‐52
4.2.4.2.3 Recalcitrant Species ......................................................................................... 4‐53
4.2.4.2.4 Impact of Grazing............................................................................................. 4‐53
4.2.5 Black Cockatoos ......................................................................................................... 4‐54
4.3 Learning’s from Other Mines ............................................................................................. 4‐55
4.3.1 Relevant Mine Sites.................................................................................................... 4‐55
4.3.1.1 Alcoa World Alumina Australia .............................................................................. 4‐56
4.3.1.2 Wesfarmers Premier Coal ...................................................................................... 4‐56
4.3.1.3 Bemax Resources Limited ...................................................................................... 4‐57
4.3.1.4 Newmont Waihi Gold............................................................................................. 4‐57
4.3.2 Applicable Learning’s ................................................................................................. 4‐57
4.4 Information Gaps ............................................................................................................... 4‐59
5 Stakeholder Consultation............................................................................................................. 5‐1
5.1 Stakeholder Engagement Process........................................................................................ 5‐1
5.2 Stakeholder Engagement Register....................................................................................... 5‐2
5.3 Community Visioning for SuperTowns Initiative ................................................................. 5‐8
6 Post‐Mining Land Use and Closure Objectives ............................................................................ 6‐1
6.1 Post‐Mining Land Use .......................................................................................................... 6‐1
6.2 Closure Objectives ............................................................................................................... 6‐2
6.3 Closure Strategy and Final Form of Landforms.................................................................... 6‐3
6.3.1 Mining Areas ................................................................................................................ 6‐4
6.3.1.1 Main Open Pits......................................................................................................... 6‐4
6.3.1.2 Satellite Open Pits .................................................................................................... 6‐4
6.3.1.3 Jarrah Decline........................................................................................................... 6‐4
6.3.2 Waste Rock Landforms ................................................................................................ 6‐5
6.3.3 Residue Disposal Areas ................................................................................................ 6‐5
6.3.4 Infrastructure and Services .......................................................................................... 6‐5
6.3.5 Water Management Structures ................................................................................... 6‐5
6.3.6 Accommodation Village ............................................................................................... 6‐6
6.3.7 Temporary Stockpiles................................................................................................... 6‐6
6.3.8 Concentrate Storage Shed ........................................................................................... 6‐6
7 Identification and Management of Closure Issues ...................................................................... 7‐1
8 Development of Completion Criteria........................................................................................... 8‐1
8.1 Completion Criteria – Mine Operations............................................................................... 8‐1
8.2 Review of Completion Criteria ............................................................................................. 8‐2
8.3 Completion Criteria – Accommodation Village.................................................................... 8‐7
9 Financial Provision for Closure..................................................................................................... 9‐1
6
Table of Contents
10 Closure Implementation ............................................................................................................ 10‐1

10.1 Closure Management Units ............................................................................................... 10‐1
10.2 Closure Implementation Strategy and Standard Rehabilitation Approach ....................... 10‐2
10.3 Closure Implementation Plans ........................................................................................... 10‐7
10.3.1 CMU0 – Whole of Operations.................................................................................... 10‐9
10.3.1.1 Description ......................................................................................................... 10‐9
10.3.1.2 Closure Implementation Plan ............................................................................ 10‐9
10.3.1.3 Unplanned Closure Activities ........................................................................... 10‐13
10.3.2 CMU1 – Mining Areas .............................................................................................. 10‐14
10.3.2.1 Description ....................................................................................................... 10‐14
10.3.2.2 Closure Implementation Plan .......................................................................... 10‐16
10.3.3 CMU2 – Residue Disposal Areas .............................................................................. 10‐19
10.3.3.1 Description ....................................................................................................... 10‐19
10.3.4 CMU3 ‐ Waste Rock Landforms ............................................................................... 10‐26
10.3.4.1 Description ....................................................................................................... 10‐26
10.3.5 CMU4 ‐ Infrastructure .............................................................................................. 10‐32
10.3.5.1 Description ....................................................................................................... 10‐32
10.3.6 CMU5 ‐ Water Management Structures .................................................................. 10‐40
10.3.6.1 Description ....................................................................................................... 10‐40
10.3.6.2 Closure Implementation Program.................................................................... 10‐42
10.3.7 CMU6 ‐ Services ....................................................................................................... 10‐43
10.3.7.1 Description ....................................................................................................... 10‐43
10.3.8 CMU7 ‐ Accommodation Village .............................................................................. 10‐45
10.3.8.1 Description ....................................................................................................... 10‐45
10.3.9 CMU8 ‐ Temporary Stockpiles ................................................................................. 10‐49
10.3.9.1 Description ....................................................................................................... 10‐49
10.3.10 CMU9 – Storage Shed at Bunbury Port................................................................ 10‐51
10.3.10.1 Description ....................................................................................................... 10‐51
10.4 Social Responsibility Plan ................................................................................................. 10‐52
10.4.1 Cultural Heritage Management ............................................................................... 10‐52
10.4.2 Stakeholder Engagement ......................................................................................... 10‐52
10.4.3 Social Impact Management Plan ............................................................................. 10‐53
10.4.3.1 SuperTowns Initiative ...................................................................................... 10‐53
10.5 Workforce Transition Program ........................................................................................ 10‐54
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Table of Contents
11 Closure Monitoring and Maintenance ....................................................................................... 11‐1

11.1 Post‐Closure Monitoring Programme ................................................................................ 11‐1
11.1.1 Surface Water Monitoring ......................................................................................... 11‐2
11.1.2 Pit Lake Monitoring.................................................................................................... 11‐3
11.1.3 Groundwater Monitoring........................................................................................... 11‐4
11.1.4 Rehabilitation Monitoring.......................................................................................... 11‐5
11.2 Remedial Activities............................................................................................................. 11‐7
11.3 Post‐Closure Maintenance Programme............................................................................. 11‐8
12 Management of Information and Data...................................................................................... 12‐1
13 References ................................................................................................................................. 13‐1
14 Abbreviations, Acronyms and Glossary ..................................................................................... 14‐1
14.1 Abbreviations and Acronyms ............................................................................................. 14‐1
14.2 Glossary.............................................................................................................................. 14‐2
Tables
Table 2‐1 NBG tenements.................................................................................................................... 2‐1
Table 2‐2 NBG project development approvals................................................................................... 2‐3
Table 2‐3 Wandoo North and Wandoo South open pit slope design parameters .............................. 2‐4
Table 2‐4 Waste rock landform footprint areas .................................................................................. 2‐5
Table 2‐5 Residue Disposal Areas key parameters .............................................................................. 2‐7
Table 3‐1 NBG Minister for the Environment Approvals (State) ......................................................... 3‐5
Table 4‐1 NBG design storm depths (adapted from GHD, 1992) ........................................................ 4‐2
Table 4‐2 Chemical and physical properties of topsoil, subsoil and regolith oxide clay at NBG (from
OES, 2010)............................................................................................................................................ 4‐5
Table 4‐3 Summary of average physical and chemical properties of rehabilitation materials and
topsoil at NBG ...................................................................................................................................... 4‐7
Table 4‐4 Rehabilitation materials inventory ...................................................................................... 4‐8
Table 4‐5 Reconciliation of rehabilitation materials for mining area for current disturbance ........... 4‐9
Table 4‐6 Reconciliation of rehabilitation materials for mining area for LOM.................................... 4‐9
Table 4‐7 Reconciliation of rehabilitation materials for the RDA area for current disturbance ....... 4‐10
Table 4‐8 Reconciliation of rehabilitation materials for the RDA area for LOM................................ 4‐10
Table 4‐9 Calculated runoff coefficients for rehabilitated slopes at NBG ......................................... 4‐12
Table 4‐10 Groundwater chemistry at NBG....................................................................................... 4‐17
Table 4‐11 Representation of NBG vegetation complexes in conservation estate ........................... 4‐19
Table 4‐12 Priority flora species recorded at NBG............................................................................. 4‐20
Table 4‐13 Conservation significant fauna species recorded at NBG ................................................ 4‐22
Table 4‐14 Short‐range endemic species habitats............................................................................. 4‐23
Table 4‐15 Short‐range endemic species........................................................................................... 4‐24
Table 4‐16 Main habitat restoration options for black cockatoo habitat.......................................... 4‐26
Table 4‐17 Aboriginal heritage sites requiring active management.................................................. 4‐29
Table 4‐18 SIBERIA modelling with assumed parameters – comparison of total eroded volume .... 4‐36
Table 4‐19 SIBERIA modelling with assumed parameters – comparison of gully depth ................... 4‐36
Table 4‐20 SIBERIA modelling with calibrated parameters – comparison of total eroded volume .. 4‐37
Table 4‐21 SIBERIA modelling with calibrated parameters – comparison of average gully depth ... 4‐37
Table 4‐22 Summary of conceptual waste rock landform cover designs .......................................... 4‐39
Table 4‐23 Summary of outcomes from steep slope trials................................................................ 4‐40
Table 4‐24 Physical characteristics of oxide and basement residue at NBG ..................................... 4‐41
Table 4‐25 Chemical characteristics of oxide and basement residue at NBG ................................... 4‐42
Table 4‐26 Total metal concentrations for oxide and basement residue at NBG ............................. 4‐42
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Table of Contents
Table 4‐27 Summary of outcomes from oxide residue cover trial .................................................... 4‐44
Table 4‐28 Closure water balance model climate scenarios ............................................................. 4‐45
Table 4‐29 Base case pit inflows during filling and at steady state ................................................... 4‐46
Table 4‐30 Results of closure water balance sensitivity analyses ..................................................... 4‐47
Table 4‐31 Indicative post‐closure water quality............................................................................... 4‐50
Table 4‐32 Summary of outcomes from fertiliser application trial ................................................... 4‐53
Table 4‐33 Summary of outcomes from impact of grazing trial ........................................................ 4‐54
Table 4‐34 Summary of learning’s from other mines ........................................................................ 4‐58
Table 4‐35 Analysis of information gaps............................................................................................ 4‐60
Table 5‐1 Stakeholder engagement tools ............................................................................................ 5‐3
Table 5‐2 Stakeholder engagement register........................................................................................ 5‐4
Table 5‐3 Community visioning for SuperTowns initiative (adapted from Hames Sharley, 2012)...... 5‐9
Table 6‐1 Closure aspects and objectives ............................................................................................ 6‐3
Table 8‐1 Completion criteria framework for mine operations .......................................................... 8‐3
Table 10‐1 NBG Closure Managements Units.................................................................................... 10‐1
Table 10‐2 Closure implementation strategy .................................................................................... 10‐3
Table 10‐3 Standard rehabilitation approach .................................................................................... 10‐6
Table 10‐4 Closure Implementation Plan for CMU0........................................................................ 10‐11
Table 10‐5 Environmental risks to be evaluated for care and maintenance period ....................... 10‐13
Table 10‐6 Summary of CMU1 ......................................................................................................... 10‐14
Table 10‐8 Summary of CMU2 ......................................................................................................... 10‐19
Table 10‐10 Area available for progressive rehabilitation of the F1/F3 RDA embankments .......... 10‐24
Table 10‐11 Unplanned closure RDA inspection activities .............................................................. 10‐25
Table 10‐12 Summary of CMU3 ....................................................................................................... 10‐26
Table 10‐13 Closure Implementation Plan for CMU3...................................................................... 10‐29
Table 10‐14 Area available for progressive rehabilitation of the waste rock landforms ................ 10‐30
Table 11‐1 Rehabilitation monitoring programme ............................................................................ 11‐6
Table 11‐2 Remedial activities ........................................................................................................... 11‐7
Figures
Figure 1‐1 NBG location plan ............................................................................................................... 1‐5
Figure 1‐2 Continuous closure planning (from ICMM, 2008) ............................................................. 1‐6
Figure 2‐1 NBG tenement plan .......................................................................................................... 2‐10
Figure 2‐2 NBG major components ‐ Current .................................................................................... 2‐11
Figure 2‐3 NBG major components ‐ LOM......................................................................................... 2‐12
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Table of Contents
Figure 2‐4 Waste rock landforms ‐ LOM ............................................................................................ 2‐13

Figure 2‐5 Oxide pit slope design profile ........................................................................................... 2‐14
Figure 2‐6 Bedrock pit slope design profile ....................................................................................... 2‐14
Figure 2‐7 NBG satellite open pits ..................................................................................................... 2‐15
Figure 4‐1 Precipitation and evaporation at NBG.............................................................................. 4‐68
Figure 4‐2 Wandoo North geology .................................................................................................... 4‐69
Figure 4‐3 Wandoo South geology..................................................................................................... 4‐70
Figure 4‐4 Regional surface water regime ......................................................................................... 4‐71
Figure 4‐5 Catchment boundaries ..................................................................................................... 4‐72
Figure 4‐6 Main water management structures at NBG ................................................................... 4‐73
Figure 4‐7 Groundwater level contours (m) September 2011........................................................... 4‐74
Figure 4‐8 Difference in groundwater level pre‐mining (1987) to 2011............................................ 4‐75
Figure 4‐9 Groundwater salinity contours (TDS mg/L) September 2011 .......................................... 4‐76
Figure 4‐10 Difference in groundwater salinity pre‐mining (1987) to 2011...................................... 4‐77
Figure 4‐11 Vegetation complexes at NBG ........................................................................................ 4‐78
Figure 4‐12 Site‐vegetation types at NBG.......................................................................................... 4‐79
Figure 4‐13 Aboriginal heritage sites at NBG..................................................................................... 4‐81
Figure 4‐14 Analysis of waste rock landform placement (a. no secondary constraints; b. existing
tenure only)........................................................................................................................................ 4‐82
Figure 4‐15 SIBERIA modelling with assumed parameters – slope geometries ................................ 4‐83
Figure 4‐16 SIBERIA modelling with calibrated parameters – slope geometries .............................. 4‐84
Figure 4‐17 Conceptual waste rock landform cover designs............................................................. 4‐85
Figure 4‐18 Schematic closure flow circuit ........................................................................................ 4‐86
Figure 4‐19 Base case pit lake filling curves....................................................................................... 4‐87
Figure 4‐20 South pit filling curves for alternative climate scenarios ............................................... 4‐88
Figure 4‐21 South pit filling curves for alternative evaporation rates............................................... 4‐89
Figure 4‐22 Satellite pit rehabilitation areas ..................................................................................... 4‐90
Figure 4‐23 Tree stocking rate at less than one year......................................................................... 4‐91
Figure 4‐24 Trend in tree stocking rate ............................................................................................. 4‐92
Figure 4‐25 Species richness at less than three years ....................................................................... 4‐93
Figure 4‐26 Trend in species richness ................................................................................................ 4‐94
Figure 4‐27 Trend in diversity ............................................................................................................ 4‐95
Figure 4‐28 Understorey species live cover at less than three years ................................................ 4‐96
Figure 4‐29 Understorey species live density at less than three years ............................................. 4‐97
Figure 4‐30 Trend in native understorey species live density ........................................................... 4‐98
Figure 4‐31 Trend in native understorey species live cover .............................................................. 4‐99
Figure 6‐1 Final form of main open pits and waste rock landforms after cessation of mining ........... 6‐7
Figure 6‐2 Final form of satellite open pits (rehabilitated pits L2 and L3)........................................... 6‐8
Figure 6‐3 View from Boonering Hill during operational stage ........................................................... 6‐9
Figure 6‐4 View from Boonering Hill after rehabilitation of RDAs and waste rock landforms............ 6‐9
Figure 6‐5 View from Pinjarra‐Williams Road during operational stage ........................................... 6‐10
Figure 6‐6 View from Pinjarra‐Williams Road after rehabilitation of waste rock landforms ............ 6‐10
Figure 10‐1 – NBG Closure Management Units ............................................................................... 10‐55
Figure 10‐2 Progressive rehabilitation F1/F3 RDA – saddle dams 1, 2 and 10 ............................... 10‐56
Figure 10‐3 Progressive rehabilitation F1/F3 RDA – saddle dams 7, 8, 9 and 10 ............................ 10‐57
Figure 10‐4 Progressive rehabilitation F1/F3 RDA – saddle dams 5 and 7 ...................................... 10‐58
Figure 10‐5 Progressive rehabilitation F1/F3 RDA – saddle dams 3, 4, 5 and 7 .............................. 10‐59
Figure 10‐6 Progressive rehabilitation F1/F3 RDA – saddle dams 3 and 4 ...................................... 10‐60
Figure 10‐7 Rehabilitation zones for waste rock landforms ............................................................ 10‐61
Figure 10‐8 Progressive rehabilitation waste rock landforms ‐ 2024 .............................................. 10‐62
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Figure 10‐9 Progressive rehabilitation waste rock landforms ‐ 2027 .............................................. 10‐63
Figure 10‐10 Progressive rehabilitation waste rock landforms ‐ 2028 ............................................ 10‐64
Figure 10‐13 Progressive rehabilitation waste rock landforms – 2039 ........................................... 10‐67
Figure 10‐14 Progressive rehabilitation waste rock landforms – 2041 ........................................... 10‐68
Figure 10‐15 Progressive rehabilitation waste rock landforms – 2042 onwards ............................ 10‐69
Plates
Plate 4‐1 Mt Wells Fire Tower (from Shire of Boddington, 2011) ..................................................... 4‐30
Plate 4‐2 Tullis Bridge (from Shire of Boddington, 2011) .................................................................. 4‐31
Appendices
Appendix 1 – Ministerial Conditions
Appendix 2 – Approval Document Commitments
Appendix 3 – Tenement Conditions
Appendix 4 – Newmont Boddington Gold Mine Rehabilitation Resources Inventory November 2012
Appendix 5 – Research Programs, Studies and Trials
Appendix 6 – Newmont Asia Pacific Boddington Gold Mine R4 Oxide Residue Rehabilitation Trial
Assessment
Appendix 7 – Initial Comparison of the Erosional Performance of Alternative Slope Geometries
Appendix 8 – SIBERIA Modelling Calibration of Erosion Parameters and Initial Erosion Assessment
Appendix 9 – Information Review – Slope Design and Rehabilitation Parameters
Appendix 10 – Newmont Boddington Gold Mine Site Wide Water Balance Model and Hydrochemical
Model for Closure
Appendix 11 – Learning’s from Other Mines
Appendix 12 – Closure Risk Register
Appendix 13 – Review of Closure Commitments and Expectations and the Development of Proposed
Completion Criteria
11
Scope and Purpose
1 SCOPE AND PURPOSE

1.1 Scope
Newmont Boddington Gold (NBG) is located in the southwest of Western Australia, within the
Darling Plateau (Figure 1‐1). The principal features of the NBG operations are the:
 Open pits;
 Waste rock landforms;
 Residue disposal areas (RDAs);
 Processing plant; and
 Associated infrastructure
This Closure Plan (the Plan) covers the tenements in the Boddington area under the control of
Newmont Boddington Gold Pty Ltd. The Plan covers the remaining mine life and post‐closure period
for the NBG operations and documents the plan for:
 Closure of the site in 2041 (planned closure); and
 A care and maintenance phase (unplanned closure).
This document addresses the following key elements:

 Closure obligations;
 Closure risks;
 Post‐mining land use;
 Closure objectives and strategy;
 Process for developing completion criteria;
 Monitoring programme for the closure and post‐closure phases;
 Implementation plans for closure and rehabilitation activities to be completed
during the operational, closure and post‐closure phases; and
 Methodology for estimating the cost for closure of the operations.
The following sections provide a summary of the:

 Purpose and structure of this document (Section 1.2 and 1.3); and
 Framework within which ongoing closure planning and implementation of closure
activities will be conducted for the NBG operations (Section 1.4).
1.2 Purpose
This Closure Plan documents the proposed progressive rehabilitation and closure activities for the
NBG operations. It also includes details of contingency activities to be undertaken in the situation of
unplanned closure. This is a dynamic document that will be regularly reviewed and updated
throughout the remaining mine life to ensure changes in areas such as the regulatory environment,
stakeholder expectations or technical closure planning information are captured and incorporated
into decision making.
This Plan has been developed and submitted as part of approval documentation and to meet
Ministerial Statement conditions (MS 591) and tenement conditions. The Plan has been prepared by
Newmont to fulfil the requirements of:
 Stakeholders of the NBG operations;
 Objectives of Newmont policies and standards;
 Mining tenement conditions;
 Ministerial Statement 591;
 The Australian Minerals Industry Code of Environmental Management;
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Scope and Purpose
 The Strategic Framework for Mine Closure (Australian and New Zealand Minerals
and Energy Council and Minerals Council Australia);
 The Planning for Integrated Mine Closure: Toolkit (International Council on Mining &
Metals); and
 Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans (Department of Mines and Petroleum
and Environmental Protection Authority).
The primary purpose of this Plan is to provide details of the activities and resources required for
progressive decommissioning and rehabilitation of all components of the operations. This Plan allows
Newmont, stakeholders and regulatory bodies to be aware of and satisfied that the project will be
completed in a manner that meets the applicable environmental management standards and
sustainable development objectives.
1.3 Structure
The structure of this Closure Plan is as follows:
Section 1: Scope and Purpose

Describes the purpose of the Closure Plan, the structure of the report and the framework
within which the Plan was developed and will continue to be reviewed.
Section 2: Project Overview

Provides a summary of the NBG operations, including history and status of the project.
Section 3: Closure Obligations and Commitments

Summarises the legal conditions and commitments relevant to mine closure for the NBG
operations. This section also lists relevant approvals, leases and licences.
Section 4: Closure Data

Describes the key environmental aspects and community values relevant to the NBG
operations, summarises the basis for landform designs and studies undertaken to
improve understanding of closure of the site and identifies current information gaps.
Section 5: Stakeholder Consultation

Outlines the stakeholder engagement process and summarises stakeholder feedback
with respect to closure and rehabilitation.
Section 6: Post‐Mining Land Use and Closure Objectives

This section describes the post‐mining land use options, closure aspects and objectives
for the operations and the final form of landforms and voids.
Section 7: Identification and Management of Closure Issues

Provides a summary of the key findings of the closure risk assessment and management
measures for major risks identified.
Section 8: Development of Completion Criteria

This section describes the completion criteria for the NBG operations.
Section 9: Financial Provision for Closure

Summarises the methodology for calculating and updating the closure cost estimate.
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Scope and Purpose
Section 10: Closure Implementation

Summarises the standard decommissioning and rehabilitation approach and the
activities required for closure of each domain of the NBG operations for planned and
unplanned closure.
Section 11: Closure Monitoring and Maintenance

Describes the proposed closure monitoring and maintenance programme and remedial
activities.
Section 12: Management of Information and Data

Provides details of the system to be used for management of documentation and closure
activities.
Section 13: References

Lists the references cited throughout this Closure Plan.
Section 16: Abbreviations, Acronyms and Glossary

Provides a list of abbreviations and acronyms which are used in this Closure Plan. This
section also provides a glossary which defines terms used in the Plan.
1.4 Closure Planning Framework

A framework has been developed for ongoing closure planning and implementation of closure and
rehabilitation activities at NBG. The closure planning and rehabilitation framework outlines:
 Responsibilities of the closure review technical team;
 The closure plan review process; and
 The current schedule for mine closure and planning.
More detailed information is given on each of these aspects of the framework in the following
sections.
1.4.1 Closure Review Technical Team

2
NBG has a closure review technical team (CRT ) to systematically evaluate and coordinate closure
planning opportunities, risks and activities that are required to advance the closure planning process.
2
The CRT includes key technical disciplines and management personnel from the mining operations
including:
 Regional Environment and Social Responsibility (ESR);
 Site ESR
 Mine Planning;
 Mine Technical Services; and
 Processing.
2
The CRT meets regularly throughout the mine life cycle to coordinate closure planning, address
potential closure and rehabilitation risk and cost issues, foster integration of closure planning into
mine operations and evaluate the impacts of changes to the mine plan.
2
The responsibilities of the CRT include:
 Develop the overall closure vision to guide the planning process;
 Facilitate communication to all function groups at the mine, to the regional ESR
managers and corporate ESR managers;
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Scope and Purpose
 Develop closure cost estimates;

 Prioritise studies and resource needs;
 Develop and periodically update the closure and rehabilitation specific risk registry;
 Evaluate and develop opportunities to reduce closure liabilities and reduce risks
during the closure and post‐closure periods; and
 Develop closure and rehabilitation schedules for trials, progressive and final
rehabilitation.
1.4.2 Closure Plan Review Process

Closure planning is initially conceptual and progressively becomes more detailed over the life of the
mine (Figure 1‐2). Successful closure depends on setting, continually reviewing and validating and
finally meeting closure goals that align with company and stakeholder requirements (ICMM, 2008).
A program of regular review and revision of the NBG Closure Plan will be undertaken to:
 Incorporate changes in:
o Commitments and obligations;
o Life of mine planning;
o Areas of disturbance due to expansion of the operation and progressive
rehabilitation of disturbed areas; and
o Knowledge gained through studies, investigation, trials, monitoring and
stakeholder consultation.
 Track progress against activities in Closure Implementation Plans, ascertain whether
incomplete activities are still relevant and develop new activities where appropriate;
 Review closure objectives and completion criteria to ensure they remain relevant
and consistent with stakeholder expectations; and
 Update the closure cost estimate to an increasing level of accuracy appropriate to
the stage of the project.
The NBG Closure Plan will be updated and submitted to the DMP for review every three years. This
meets the requirements of the Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans (DMP/EPA, 2011) and
conditions imposed by Ministerial Statement 591. Continued development and review of the NBG
Closure Plan will drive progressive rehabilitation on site and the continual improvement cycle for
mine closure.
1.4.3 Schedule
The timing of closure of the NBG operations depends on a number of factors, including:
 Economic and environmental costs;
 Gold price and the value of the Australian dollar; and
 Environmental standards and requirements.
It is currently planned to complete open pit mining and processing of all viable medium grade ore
stockpiles at NBG in 2041. However, Newmont will continue to investigate options to extend beyond
this estimated mine life.
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Scope and Purpose
Figure 1‐1 NBG location plan
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Scope and Purpose
Figure 1‐2 Continuous closure planning (from ICMM, 2008)
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Project Overview
2 PROJECT OVERVIEW
This section provides background information on the NBG operations including:
 Project location and tenure (Section 2.1);
 Land ownership (Section 2.2);
 Project history (Section 2.3); and
 Overview of operations (Section 2.4).
2.1 Project Location and Tenure

NBG is situated in southwest Western Australia within the northern Jarrah forest of the Darling
Plateau (Figure 1‐1). The town of Boddington is located 12km southeast of the mine.
NBG is located across nine mining tenements and several miscellaneous licences and general
purposes leases (Table 2‐1, Figure 2‐1). The mining tenements occur over the BHP Billiton‐Worsley
joint venture’s State Agreement ML258SA and Alcoa World Alumina Australia’s State Agreement
ML1SA.
Table 2‐1 NBG tenements

Tenement Area State Agreement
M70/21 Main mining area BHP Billiton‐Worsley ML258SA
M70/1031 Main mining area Alcoa ML1SA
ML264SA(1) Exploration Alcoa ML1SA
ML264SA(2) Main mining area Alcoa ML1SA
G70/215 Main mining area BHP Billiton‐Worsley ML258SA
G70/218 Main mining area Alcoa ML1SA
G70/219 Main mining area Alcoa ML1SA
L70/28 Hotham River Pump Station BHP Billiton‐Worsley ML258SA
L70/95 Accommodation Village BHP Billiton‐Worsley ML258SA
L70/96 Accommodation Village Sewage Treatment Plant BHP Billiton‐Worsley ML258SA
2.2 Land Ownership

NBG is managed on behalf of the Newmont Boddington Gold Joint Venture by Newmont Boddington
Gold Pty Ltd (NBGPL). The Newmont Boddington Gold Joint Venture ownership comprises:
 Newmont Boddington Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Newmont Mining
Corporation; and
 Saddleback Investments Pty Ltd, a wholly subsidiary of Newmont Mining
Corporation.
The mining operations are largely located on private land owned by NBGPL, with approximately
1,500 ha on the project’s western margin located in State forest. The NBG tenure is underlain largely
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Project Overview
by ML258SA (bauxite mining rights) held by Worsley Alumina and ML1SA (bauxite mining rights) held
by Alcoa Australia.
The NBG contact for this Closure Plan is:

Javier Brodalka
Environmental Manager
Phone: (08) 9883 4251
Email: javier.brodalka@newmont.com
The site and postal addresses for NBG are:

Gold Mine Road PO Box 48
Boddington, WA Boddington, WA, 6390
2.3 Project History

In 1980, geologists from Reynolds Australia Mines discovered significant gold mineralisation at
Boddington when investigating a base metal and gold geochemical anomaly defined by the
Geological Survey of Western Australia in 1978. In 1984, a Notice of Intent was submitted to the
State government outlining the details of the project and approval for the Boddington Gold Mine
(BGM) was given in December 1985. Production commenced at BGM in August 1987 at the design
rate of 3 million tonne per annum (Mtpa) based on an ore reserve of 45 million tonne (Mt). First gold
was poured on 6 August 1987.
Immediately adjacent to the BGM was the Hedges Gold Mine. An Environmental Review and
Management Program was submitted for the Hedges Gold Mine in October 1987 and was
subsequently approved in February 1988. Production commenced at Hedges Gold Mine in 1988 at a
design rate of 2 Mtpa based on a reserve of 8 Mt. First gold was poured in October 1988.
The BGM and Hedges Gold Mines were operated separately until the BGM joint venture partners
acquired the Hedges mining area in 1998. After this time the mines became one operation. Since the
original approvals there have been several changes and expansions of activities, which are
summarised in Table 2‐2.
The BGM went into care and maintenance in December 2001 with the exhaustion of the oxide ore
deposit. Over its 15 years of production, the BGM had produced 4.74 million ounces of gold and
6,500 tonnes of copper after processing 105 Mt of ore at a maximum throughput of 8.8 Mtpa.
Between December 2001 and May 2006, a small care and maintenance and exploration workforce
was maintained to attend to salvage, clean‐up, exploration, environmental statutory obligations,
deconstruction and maintenance functions.
In February 2006, the BGM joint venture owners announced the development of a 15 to 20 year
600 Mt expansion processing up to 41 Mtpa. After approximately three and a half years of
construction the first copper concentrate was produced on 13 August 2009 and the first gold poured
on 29 September 2009.
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Project Overview
Table 2‐2 NBG project development approvals

Date Approval
December 1985 Boddington Gold Mine project approval.
February 1988 Hedges Gold Mine project approval.
February 1988 Boddington Gold Mine stage 1 expansion to 4.5 Mtpa.
December 1988 Boddington Gold Mine stage 2 expansion to 6 Mtpa with an additional water
supply reservoir (D1).
November 1989 Boddington Gold Mine mining and processing of basement and supergene ores,
expansion to 6.75 Mtpa.
January 1993 Boddington Gold Mine mining of oxide ore from the eastern anomalies.
January 1995 Boddington Gold Mine rehabilitation strategy for mining area and residue
disposal areas.
July 1997 Hedges Gold Mine expansion to 4 Mtpa and Section 46 Review.
December 1998 Section 46 Review to align existing conditions and commitments.
June 2002 Gas‐fired power station and natural gas pipeline approval (now lapsed).
March 2006 Section 45C modifications for increased scale of Boddington expansion.
September 2006 Boddington Expansion Project Mining Proposal.
July 2012 Newmont Boddington Gold Revised Wandoo North and South Pit Modifications
and Additional Waste Rock Storage Mining Proposal
2.4 Overview of Operations

NBG is a substantial gold and copper project targeting low grade hard rock ore lying beneath existing
pits mined during past operations. The main components of the current operations are the (Figure 2‐
2):
 Wandoo North and South open pits;
 Satellite open pits;
 Jarrah decline;
 Waste rock landforms;
 ROM pad and medium grade stockpile;
 Primary crusher;
 Conveyor corridor;
 Processing plant;
 Residue disposal areas;
 Water storage reservoirs and dams;
 Offices and workshops; and
 Accommodation village.
Future expansion of the operations will include development of an additional RDA and water storage
reservoir, extension of the footprint of the waste rock landforms and relocation of some
infrastructure (Figure 2‐3).
The following sections provide a summary of the main components of the operations, with more
detailed information included in Section 10. A description of the post mining land use, closure
strategy and the final form of landforms is summarised in Section 6.
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Project Overview
2.4.1 Open Pit Mines
2.4.1.1 Wandoo North and South Open Pits

The Wandoo North and Wandoo South open pits are currently being mined consecutively using face
shovels that load Caterpillar 793 haul trucks. A vertical mining rate averaging 60 m/year (12 benches
per year) and a peak of up to 108 m/year (9 benches per year) are planned. The pits have strip ratio
of 1.2:1 and the total ore and waste mining rate will average 85 Mtpa over the life of the project,
with a peak rate of approximately 110 Mtpa.
Mining of the Wandoo South pit is planned to continue until 2041 to a final depth of ‐432 mRL. The
pit base at Wandoo North will be reached in 2036 at a depth of ‐252 mRL. Mining takes place below
the water table and advance dewatering of pit floors is being achieved through a combination of
targeted dewatering bores and in‐pit sump pumps.
The design parameters for the open pits are summarised in Table 2‐3 and illustrated in Figure 2‐5 and
Figure 2‐6.
Table 2‐3 Wandoo North and Wandoo South open pit slope design parameters
Design Criteria Oxide Bedrock
Bench height (m) 12 12
Batter height (m) 12 24
Batter angle (°) 47 90
Berm width (m) 14.5 14.5
Inter Ramp Slope Angle (IRSA) (°) 25 59
Maximum slope height at IRSA (m) NA 180
Catch berm width at base of oxide (m) 15 NA
Catch berm width (where required) at NA 30
maximum IRSA height (m)
2.4.1.2 Satellite Open Pits

The satellite open pits are shallow oxide pits that were mined between 1993 and 2001 (Figure 2‐7).
Most of the satellite pits were rehabilitated between 1993 and 2007. The K3/K4 and Q4 pits will be
retained for potential use for landfill or trial areas. These pits will be rehabilitated at the end of mine
life if not required.
Rehabilitation of the satellite open pits comprised re‐shaping to achieve external drainage,
application of between 10 cm and 30 cm of gravel (depending on the slope angle) and 10 cm of
topsoil (material depths were optimised based on the volume of material available at each pit),
contour ripping, seeding, fertilising and tree planting if required.
2.4.2 Jarrah Decline

The Jarrah Decline is located on the northeast side of the Wandoo North open pit. Mining of high‐
grade quartz veins occurred at the Jarrah Decline between 1992 and 1997. After completion, the
mine entrance was secured to prevent unauthorised entry and vent shafts were blocked or
backfilled.
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Project Overview
2.4.3 Waste Rock Landforms
2.4.3.1 Waste Rock Landforms 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12

From mining of the Wandoo South and Wandoo North open pits, approximately 1.3 Bt of waste rock
will be produced. The current operations consist of three waste rock landforms (Figure 2‐2):
 Waste rock landforms 7 and 8 located to the southwest of the Wandoo North and
Wandoo South open pits; and
 Waste rock landform 9 located to the northeast of the Wandoo North open pit.
Over the life of the mine it is planned to construct an additional landform to the north of Wandoo
North open pit (landform 12) and to progressively increase the size of landforms 7 and 8 (landforms
10 and 11) (Figure 2‐3 and Figure 2‐4). At closure these waste rock landforms are planned to have a
total footprint of 1,331 ha (Table 2‐4).
Waste rock is transported to designated waste rock landforms based on its geochemical
characteristics. Detailed information on the geochemistry and management of the waste rock is
included in Sections 4.12 and 4.2.1.1.
Studies have commenced to develop waste rock landform outslope and cover designs that:
 Maintain their integrity in the long term;
 Minimise environmental impacts; and
 Enable progressive rehabilitation.
Detailed information on the studies of the waste rock landform placement, outslope and cover
design is included in Sections 4.2.1.2 and 4.2.1.3.
Table 2‐4 Waste rock landform footprint areas

Waste Rock Landform Footprint (ha)
7, 8, 10, 11 1,060
9 76
12 195
Total 1,331
2.4.3.2 Q3 Waste Rock Landform

The Q3 waste rock landform was constructed in 2001 over the backfilled Q3 South oxide pit. The
landform was constructed primarily of diorite, andesite and dolerite and does not contain any hostile
materials. The landform has a footprint of 6.5 ha and was designed to blend in with an adjacent hill.
Rehabilitation of the Q3 waste rock landform was completed in 2002 and comprised of application of
3 m of oxide (in most places), 20 cm of gravel and 10 cm of topsoil, contour ripping, seeding, tree and
recalcitrant species planting and fertilising.
2.4.4 ROM Pad and Medium Grade Ore Stockpile

The ROM pad consists of feed material for the primary crusher and is located adjacent to it to
minimise material handling costs.
The medium grade ore stockpile is located immediately south of the primary crusher. This stockpile
consists of ore that does not meet optimal revenue functions for earlier mill feed in the mine’s life,
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Project Overview
but is nevertheless economic for mill feed later in the project and when there are short falls in run of
mine ore. This stockpile is planned to be re‐handled for processing towards the end of operations.
2.4.5 Primary Crusher

The primary crusher is located to the west of the Wandoo North and South open pits and comprises
two gyratory crushers which the haul trucks dump ore directly in to. Primary crushed ore is fed onto
the overland conveyor to deliver it to the plant site for processing.
2.4.6 Conveyor Corridor

The conveyor corridor is located between the Wandoo North and Wandoo South open pits. The
conveyor is used to convey crushed ore over the 2.5km from the primary crusher to the coarse ore
stockpile located at the processing plant.
2.4.7 Processing Plant

Processing at NBG comprises:
 Three stages of crushing:
o Primary;
o Closed circuit secondary; and
o Tertiary (high pressure grinding rolls).
 Ball milling; and
 Hydrocyclone classification.
The ground ore is then floated to produce a gold rich copper concentrate for filtration and sales to
overseas smelters. Flotation tailings are then leached for further gold recovery. The ore processing
rate is approximately 35 Mtpa or up to 105,000 tonnes per day. Approximately 32 Mtpa of residue is
pumped as slurry from the processing plant to the RDAs.
The processing plant is scheduled to continue operating until 2041, when ore from the Wandoo
North and Wandoo South pits and viable medium grade ore stockpiles on site are exhausted.
2.4.8 Residue Disposal Areas

NBG currently has one active RDA (F1/F3) and one inactive RDA (R4), which are located
approximately 5 km north of the processing plant (Figure 2‐2). A third RDA is planned to be
constructed to the north of the operations (Figure 2‐3).
The key parameters for the RDAs are summarised in Table 2‐5 with more detailed information
included in the sections below.
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Project Overview
Table 2‐5 Residue Disposal Areas key parameters

Parameter R4 RDA F1/F3 RDA Future RDA
Status Water storage Active Planned
Period of Operation 1987 ‐ 2001 1993 – currently active. Construction to
Deposition planned to commence 2022
cease 2026.
Maximum height (m) 27 70 75
Current height (m) 27 30 NA
Maximum 330 1,125 1,650
impoundment area (ha)
Current impoundment 330 420 NA
area (ha)
6 6 6
Maximum 40 x 10 500 x 10 900 x 10
impoundment volume
3
(m )
6 6
Current impoundment 40 x 10 66 x 10 NA
3
volume (m )
2.4.8.1 R4 RDA
The R4 RDA is an inactive, unlined valley facility which is currently used:
 As a water storage facility;
 For stockpiling of bauxite, rehabilitation and construction materials;
 As an alternate water source for wildlife; and
 As the location for a residue rehabilitation trial.
The R4 RDA was active from 1987 to 2001 and contains residue from processing of oxide ore. The
RDA was constructed using the upstream method.
Seepage modelling for the R4 RDA indicated that during previous operations and the care and
maintenance period, seepage rates through the main embankment and eastern embankment were
3
in the range 750 to 2,200 m /day. The seepage from the R4 RDA is alkaline (pH of approximately 9)
and has a salinity of approximately 8,000 mg/L Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
2.4.8.2 F1/F3 RDA

The F1 RDA is a valley facility which contains residue from the processing of basement rock. Residue
produced from basement rock is relatively inert, with very low sulphur levels and a low number of
elemental enrichments. The residue settles rapidly to high densities, is relatively incompressible and
has permeability at the high end of that which is typical for residue materials. Residue
characterisation work indicates there is low risk of acid formation considering the weathering rates
that are normally encountered within an RDA.
The F1 RDA was constructed over the existing F3 RDA and O2 water storage reservoir and has been
designed for an ultimate storage capacity of 600Mt at a deposition rate of 35 Mt/annum. The F1/F3
RDA is planned to be operated until 2026 when deposition will commence in the future RDA.
Residue discharge is from spigots located around the perimeter. The decant pond is controlled to a
concentration of below 30 mg/L for weak acid dissociable cyanide (WAD CN) using a cyanide destruct
plant. Decant water recovery is returned to the processing plant for re‐use.
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Project Overview
To control seepage from the facility, the supernatant pond of the F1/F3 RDA is lined with a drainage
layer, geomembrane liner and compacted clay liner. The area outside of the supernatant pond is
lined with compacted clay. Below the saddle dams, cut‐off trenches extend through the gravel and
cap rock to seal into the silt and clay soils.
At closure the F1/F3 RDA will have a footprint of approximately 1,125 ha, a maximum height of 70 m
6 3
above ground surface and contain approximately 500x10 m of residue. The initial two lifts of the
embankments will be by downstream construction using local soil. Subsequent lifts will use beached
residue material and upstream construction.
2.4.8.3 Future RDA

NBG proposes to construct an additional RDA to the east of the existing RDA (Figure 2‐3). The
proposed cross valley facility is estimated to be comprised of one main embankment wall of around
75 m high, with a small number of saddle dams between 5 and 16 m high around the remaining
perimeter of the facility. The residue would be retained within the natural storage capacity of the
valley and will occupy an area of approximately 1,650 ha for storage of 600 Mt.
2.4.9 Water Storage Reservoirs and Dams

The main water storage reservoirs and dams at the current NBG operations are the (Figure 2‐2):
 D1 and D4 water storage reservoirs;
 North and South clear water ponds; and
 Impacted water sump.
The principal water storage facilities at NBG are D1 and D4 water storage reservoirs which dam
Thirty‐Four Mile Brook. They are used to store raw water for use in the processing plant, including
water pumped from the Hotham River. With expansion of the operations NBG plan to construct a
new water storage reservoir (D5) to the south of the waste rock landforms (Figure 2‐3). This will
replace the D4 water storage reservoir, which will be covered by advancement of the waste rock
landforms.
The North and South Clear Water Ponds provide storage for pit dewatering en‐route to the
processing plant and other storage structures. The North Clear Water Pond also intercepts Thirty‐
Four Mile Brook runoff.
The impacted water sump is located beneath waste rock landform No. 8 and is used to store mine
impacted runoff and seepage for use as process water. It is planned to expand the impacted water
sump along the former alignment of the Thirty‐Four Mile Brook as the waste rock landforms expand.
In the early phases of closure, the water storage reservoirs and ponds may be retained for surface
water management.
2.4.10 Support Infrastructure

Support infrastructure at NBG includes the:
 Offices;
 Workshops for servicing of light and heavy vehicles;
 Electrical and welding workshops;
 Warehouse;
 Laboratory;
 Fuel storage areas;
 Water treatment plant;
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Project Overview
 Sewage treatment plant;

 Explosives plant and magazine;
 Hotham River pump station;
 Pipelines;
 Booster pump station and cyanide destruct plant;
 Powerlines;
 Laydown yards; and
 Roads and access tracks.
2.4.11 Accommodation Village

The accommodation village is located 11 km southeast of the mine and comprises:
 Transportable accommodation units;
 Kitchen and dry mess;
 Wet mess;
 Recreation room;
 Gym;
 Sports courts;
 Laundry rooms;
 Administration office;
 Security hut; and
 Car parking facilities.
A sewage treatment plant for the village is located at the old camp site on the northern side of Gold
Mine Road.
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Project Overview
Figure 2‐1 NBG tenement plan
2‐
10
Project Overview
Figure 2‐2 NBG major components ‐ Current
2‐
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Project Overview
Figure 2‐3 NBG major components ‐ LOM
2‐
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Project Overview
Figure 2‐4 Waste rock landforms ‐ LOM
2‐
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Project Overview
Figure 2‐5 Oxide pit slope design profile
Figure 2‐6 Bedrock pit slope design profile
2‐
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Project Overview
Figure 2‐7 NBG satellite open pits
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15
Closure Obligations and Commitments
3 CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

This section summarises the:
 Main legislation and guidelines relevant to mine closure from an International,
Commonwealth and State perspective (Sections 3.1 and 3.2); and
 Regulatory approvals under which NBG operates (Section 3.3).
3.1 Legislation
Laws and regulations relating to mine closure exist at the State and Commonwealth government
levels. The legislation applicable to closure planning and rehabilitation at NBG includes:
 Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914;
 Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945;
 Wildlife Conservation Act 1950;
 Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972;
 Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976;
 Mining Act 1978;
 Environmental Protection Act 1986;
 Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1995;
 Contaminated Sites Act 2003;
 Native Title Act 1993 (Commonwealth);
 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth).
The legal obligations that Newmont is subject to will change when Acts and Regulations are amended
or new legislation is introduced.
The principle legislation that will affect closure of the NBG operations are the Mining Act 1978,
Environmental Protection Act 1986, Contaminated Sites Act 2003 and Environmental Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which are discussed in more detail in the following sections.
3.1.1 Mining Act 1978

The Mining Act 1978 regulates mining leases, licences, terms and conditions for mines on private and
crown land, surrender of tenements, regulations, litigation and administration of justice issues. All of
the tenements issued by the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) have conditions imposed
relating to environmental protection, management and, in most cases, mine decommissioning,
rehabilitation and submission of Closure Plans. In addition, the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1995,
incorporates specific requirements intended to prevent companies abandoning operations in an
unsafe condition.
The main requirements of the DMP with regards to closure and rehabilitation of a mine site can be
summarised as follows:
 Man‐made structures must be removed or otherwise made safe in the long term;
 Disturbed land is to be left in a condition whereby vegetation can be effected,
except those areas where this is deemed to be impractical, such as the solid rock
face of an abandoned pit or the outcropping rock in the floor of that pit;
 Man‐made structures such as waste rock landforms, residue disposal areas, roads
and processing plant sites are to be treated so that revegetation is actively
promoted; and
 Revegetated areas should be in keeping with the natural pattern of the surrounding
vegetation and be maintained until it is self‐supporting.
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Under the Mining Act 1978, the DMP has established an Unconditional Performance Bond system
applicable to all mining operations. The system ensures that sufficient funds are available if the State
Government is required to undertake rehabilitation on mining tenements where the holder failed to
comply with environmental conditions placed on its tenements. The bonds for NBG’s leases are
reviewed annually through the Annual Environmental Report in light of ongoing rehabilitation
undertaken.
The Unconditional Performance Bond system is currently under review and may be replaced by
payment of a levy into a Mining Rehabilitation Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to provide a source
of funding for the rehabilitation of abandoned mine sites and other land affected by mining
operations carried out in, on or under those sites.
The Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 are specifically related to safety and ensuring the
decommissioning and closure of sites is undertaken safely. Regulation 3.16 deals with the
requirements that need to be fulfilled by the Registered Manager when a mine is abandoned:
“Notification of the abandonment of mining operations at a mine must be in addition to the
details set out in regulation 3.12, include the following details: ‐
a. Details of precautions taken to ensure that access to the underground workings has
been secured against unauthorised entry;
b. Details of precautions taken to prevent inadvertent access to open pit workings;
c. Details of the precautions take to prevent, so far as is practicable, any post mining
subsidence into the underground workings, by back‐filling stope voids and by any
other appropriate measures;
d. Details of precautions taken to ensure that all plant and other equipment have been
removed or secured and left in a safe condition;
e. Details of any precautions taken to remove or properly dispose of all hazardous
substances at the mine; and
f. Any plans required to be prepared under Section 88 of the Act…”
Section 88 of the Mining Act 1978 deals with requirements for survey plans to be supplied on
abandonment or suspension of operations. In the case of the suspension of mining operations or
when a mine is closed, plans must be provided in hard copy form accompanied by a copy in
electronic form.
3.1.2 Environmental Protection Act 1986

The Environmental Protection Act 1986 outlines the management requirements for mining projects
in Western Australia. Following assessment of a project under Part IV of the Environmental
Protection Act 1986, the Western Australian Minister for the Environment issues a Ministerial
Statement for Approval which contains the environmental conditions and commitments for the
project. Both the environmental conditions and commitments (derived from the project
environmental assessment document) must be met by the proponent prior to surrender of a mining
lease.
Additionally, management of the NBG operations during operation, closure and post‐closure must
meet the requirements of Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, which are to:
 Not cause pollution and make good any pollution that does occur;
 Not cause environmental harm and make good any environmental harm that does
occur; and
 Comply with all licences, approvals and notices.
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3.1.3 Contaminated Sites Act 2003

The Contaminated Sites Act 2003 complements the measures in the Environmental Protection Act
1986 aimed at preventing pollution and environmental harm. The Contaminated Sites Act 2003 and
the accompanying Contaminated Sites Regulations 2006 renders the polluter responsible for
assuming full liability for contamination of land and groundwater.
Under the Contaminated Sites Act 2003 the following entities are responsible for the reporting of
suspected or known contaminated sites to the Department of Environment and Conservation:
 An owner or occupier of the site;
 A person who knows, or suspects, that he/she has caused, or contributed, to the
contamination; and
 A contaminated sites auditor engaged to provide a report that is required for the
purposes of the Contaminated Sites Act 2003, in respect of the site.
Remediation of a contaminated site will be required when:

 There is an unacceptable on or off site risk prior to land transfer, alteration of the
site suitability, or in lease agreements; or
 A clean‐up notice is issued by the DEC when sites pose an unacceptable risk to
human and/or environmental receptors.
3.1.4 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) provides a legal
framework to protect and manage matters of national environmental significance, including
nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places.
The EPBC Act aims to (Commonwealth of Australia, 2010):
 Provide for the protection of the environment, especially matters of national
environmental significance;
 Conserve Australia’s biodiversity;
 Protect biodiversity internationally by controlling the international movement of
wildlife;
 Provide a streamlined environmental assessment and approvals process where
matters of national environmental significance are involved;
 Protect our world and national heritage; and
 Promote ecologically sustainable development.
Projects that have the potential to impact on “matters of national environmental significance” and
are declared a “Controlled Action” under the EPBC Act may be required to meet Conditions of
Approval relevant to mine completion.
3.2 Guidelines
Commonwealth and State guidelines applicable to closure planning and rehabilitation at NBG
include:
 Strategic Framework for Mine Closure (Australian and New Zealand Minerals and
Energy Council and Minerals Council of Australia);
 Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry
Handbooks on: Mine Closure and Completion; Mine Rehabilitation; Managing Acid
and Metalliferous Drainage and Community Engagement and Development
(Australian Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources);
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 Enduring Value – Australian Minerals Industry Framework for Sustainable

Development (Minerals Council of Australia);
 Mine Closure Guideline for Minerals Operations in Western Australia (Chamber of
Minerals and Energy of Western Australia);
 Contaminated Sites Management Series (Department of Environment and
Conservation);
 Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans (Department of Mines and Petroleum
and Environmental Protection Authority);
 Environmental Notes on Mining: Acid Mine Drainage; Care and Maintenance; and
Waste Rock Dumps (Department of Mines and Petroleum);
 Safety Bund Walls around Abandoned Open Pits (Department of Mines and
Petroleum);
 Safe Design and Operating Standards for Tailings Storage (Department of Mines and
Petroleum);
 Guidance for the Conservation of Mining Industry Heritage in Western Australia
(Heritage Council of Western Australia); and
 Mine Void Water Resources Issues in Western Australia (Water and Rivers
Commission).
Newmont is a signatory to a number of international guidelines which are relevant to closure and
rehabilitation of the NBG operations:
 International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Sustainable Development
Framework (including the Planning for Integrated Mine Closure: Toolkit);
 International Cyanide Management Code for the Manufacture, Transport and use of
Cyanide in the Production of Gold;
 Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices;
 United Nations Global Compact;
 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative;
 Institute of Social and Ethical Accountabilities Standard on Stakeholder Engagement
(AA1000); and
 The Global Sullivan Principles of Social Responsibility.
3.3 Regulatory Approvals

NBG is licenced to operate via:
 Licence for Prescribed Premises;
 Minister for the Environment Approvals (State and Commonwealth);
 Department of Mines and Petroleum Approvals; and
 Department of Water approvals.
3.3.1 Licence for Prescribed Premises

NBG operates under Prescribed Premises Licence 8306/1 issued by the Department of Environment
and Conservation (DEC) under the authority of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. Licence
8306/1 is valid until 30 April 2014 and authorises the following activities:
 Processing or beneficiation of metallic ore (Category 5);
 Mine dewatering (Category 6);
 Sewage facility (Category 54);
 Used tyre storage (Category 57);
 Class I inert landfill site (Category 63);
 Bulk storage of chemicals (Category 73); and
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 Water desalination plant (Category 85B).
There are no conditions included in this licence related to rehabilitation or closure.
3.3.2 Minister for the Environment Approvals
3.3.2.1 Environmental Protection Act 1986

The NBG operations have been subject to approval via the environmental impact assessment process
under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (Table 3‐1). The commitments and Ministerial
conditions for these projects specifically related to mine closure and rehabilitation are summarised in
Appendix 1.
Table 3‐1 NBG Minister for the Environment Approvals (State)

Ministerial Title Comments
Statement
596 Gas‐Fired Power Station and Natural Gas Pipeline Approval lapsed
591 Boddington and Hedges Gold Mines
489 Boddington Gold Mine Superseded by Ministerial
Statement 591
450 Hedges Gold Project Superseded by Ministerial
Statement 591
453 Boddington Gold Mine, Extended Basement Superseded by Ministerial
Operation Statement 591
379 Boddington Gold Mine, Enhancement of Facilities, Superseded by 489 and 591
Expansion of Facilities – Stage 2, Mining and
Processing of Supergene/Basement Ores,
Development of Eastern Anomalies
299 Boddington Gold Mine, Development of Eastern Superseded by Ministerial
Anomalies Statements 379, 489 and 591
100 Boddington Gold Mine, Mining and Processing of Superseded by Ministerial
Supergene/Basement Ores Statements 379, 489 and 591
85 Boddington Gold Mine, Mining and Processing of Superseded by Ministerial
Supergene/Basement Ores Statements 379, 489 and 591
49 Boddington Gold Mine Projects, Expansion of Superseded by Ministerial
Facilities – Stage 2 Statement 379, 489 and 591
20 Hedges Gold Project Superseded by Ministerial
Statement 379 and 591
19 Boddington Gold Mine Enhancement of Facilities Superseded by Ministerial
Statement 379, 489 and 591
3.3.2.2 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The NBG project triggered referral under sections 18 and 18A (Listed threatened species and
communities) of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 in 2006 and
2012 due to the use of the area by Carnaby’s, Baudin’s and Red‐tailed Forest black cockatoos.
The NBG project was assessed by the Commonwealth Minister for Environment as not a controlled
action under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 199, provided it is
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undertaken in a particular manner. Measures to minimise potential impacts on listed threatened

black cockatoos are identified in the NBG Black Cockatoo Management Plan.
3.3.3 Department of Mines and Petroleum Approvals

Approval for mining projects has been received from the Department of Mines and Petroleum via the
Mining Proposal (formerly Notice of Intent) process. Commitments made within Mining Proposals
(formerly Notice of Intents) and letters submitted to the DMP are binding. The commitments that
relate to closure and rehabilitation made by NBG (and previous owners) in documents submitted to
the DMP are summarised in Appendix 2. NBG is currently in the process of acquiring missing
documentation from the DMP. The register of commitments will continue to be updated as
documentation becomes available.
Tenement conditions related to mine closure and rehabilitation have been applied to the NBG
tenements. The tenement conditions related to closure and rehabilitation are summarised in
Appendix 3.
The long history of mining at NBG has led to some commitments and tenement conditions being:
 Duplicated;
 No longer relevant; and
 Contradictory.
Newmont intends to review all of the existing conditions and commitments and propose
amendments as required for aspects that are no longer relevant or do not reflect the proposed
rehabilitation approach.
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Closure Data
4 CLOSURE DATA
This section summarises the data relevant to closure of the site with respect to:
 The physical and biological environment and key community values at NBG that are
critical for successfully meeting closure outcomes (Section 4.1);
 Outcomes of investigations and trials (Section 4.2);
 The basis of the design for landforms and how these address the key closure issues
identified for the site (Section 4.2); and
 Learning from the experience of other mine sites (Section 4.3).
Information gaps have been identified and the risk associated with not having this information
assessed. Actions required to address information gaps have been prioritised based on risk and are
included in the appropriate closure implementation plan (Section 10).
4.1 Environmental and Community Aspects

4.1.1 Meteorology
The climate at NBG is typified by hot dry summers with occasional storms and cool wet winters.
Weather data has been recorded at NBG since 1984 showing temperature ranges from a mean
minimum of 19°C to a mean maximum of 33°C during summer and a mean minimum of 6°C to a
mean maximum of 15°C in the winter months. Extreme temperatures range from above 40°C to
below 0°C.
Rainfall is typically distributed between the months of May to September, which on average
contribute 570 mm or 76% of the annual average of 752 mm (Figure 4‐1). The wettest year at NBG
since 1984 has been 1996 when 990 mm of rain was recorded, whilst the driest year was recorded in
2010 with 406 mm of rainfall. Success of rehabilitation can be dependent on rainfall levels in the year
following earthworks and seeding, with high rainfall sometimes resulting in excessive erosion.
Evaporation is most pronounced during October to April with 1,133 mm of the annual average of
1,380 mm (or 82%) occurring over this time period. For years which have a complete evaporation
history, evaporation has ranged from a minimum of 1,188 mm in 2008 to a maximum of 1,652 mm in
1994. Although annual evaporation exceeds annual precipitation, on a monthly basis average
precipitation exceeds average evaporation in the winter months of May to September.
Rainfall intensity and frequency duration data has been calculated for the NBG site following the
methodology described in Australian Rainfall and Runoff. Storm depths calculated in this manner are
summarised in Table 4‐1. Surface water management structures and RDAs are designed to manage
the appropriate rainfall event.
The strongly seasonal rainfall and high evapo‐transpiration contribute to a very high fire risk. Due to
its severity and frequency, fire has a major impact on the vegetation, which has the capacity to
recover following fires (Worsley, 1999).
Prevailing winds are east‐south‐easterly in summer, with an average velocity of 10 to 22 km/h and
west‐north‐westerly in winter with similar velocities.
International global climate models suggest that as atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations
continue to rise, Western Australia will become warmer and rainfall patterns will change. In the
southwest of WA, rainfall has already decreased and modelling projects that it will continue to
decrease throughout this century (DEC, 2009a). Further increases in temperature and potential
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Closure Data
evaporation are also anticipated. The Indian Ocean Climate Initiative research program project that
for south‐west WA (DEC, 2009a):
 By 2030:
o Rainfall will decrease by 2 to 20%;
o Summer temperatures will increase by 0.5 to 2.1°C;
o Winter temperatures will increase by 0.5 to 2.0°C.
 By 2070:
o Rainfall will decrease by 5 to 60%;
o Summer temperatures will increase by 1.0 to 6.5°C;
o Winter temperatures will increase by 1.0 to 5.5°C.
A decrease in rainfall and associated increase in evaporation and temperature may affect the success
of rehabilitation and the water level and water quality of the post closure pit lakes. Climate change
may also necessitate a continuous re‐evaluation of closure objectives and completion criteria (Harris
et al, 2006).
Table 4‐1 NBG design storm depths (adapted from GHD, 1992)
Recurrence Interval Duration
(Years) 6 minutes 1 hour 12 hours 24 hours 72 hours
1 4 mm 12 mm 31 mm ‐ 52 mm
10 10 mm 24 mm 60 mm 76 mm 104 mm
50 16 mm 33 mm 80 mm 102 mm 143 mm
100 18 mm 38 mm 89 mm 115 mm 161 mm
500 27 mm 50 mm 114 mm ‐ 211 mm
1,000 31 mm 56 mm 126 mm ‐ 236 mm
10,000 50 mm 81 mm 175 mm ‐ 334 mm
PMP Winter (May) ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 688
PMP Winter (June) ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 553
PMP Winter (July) ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 509
PMP Winter (August) ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 464
PMP Winter (September) ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 524
PMP Summer ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 1,225
4.1.2 Geology
NBG is located within the Saddleback Greenstone Belt, a north‐west trending, fault‐bounded
sequence of Archaean age. The Saddleback Greenstone Belt comprises three major stratigraphic
units. The Hotham Formation at the base of the sequence consists for metasediments including
siltstones and minor tuffaceous and agglomeratic rocks. This is overlain by the Wells Formation,
comprising felsic to intermediate volcanics. The Marradong Formation, forming the upper unit,
comprises metabasalts. The NBG resource lies within a 6 km strike length of the Wells Formation.
Mineralisation is exploited in two discrete zones, Wandoo North and Wandoo South. The former is
dominated by porphyritic diorites and occasional fragmental volcanic rocks (Figure 4‐2), the latter by
a series of diorite stocks emplaced in a sequence of porphyritic volcanic rocks ranging in composition
from andesites to dacites (Figure 4‐3). Mineralisation in both zones is typical of Archean shear‐zone
hosted vein and stockwork systems. Gold occurs in association with minor chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite
and pyrite. Molybdenite and arsenopyrite are significant accessory phases in Wandoo North.
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Closure Data
Wandoo North and South display several distinctions with respect to alteration. Wandoo North
displays relatively intense chlorite alteration plus minor epidote and calcite. Wandoo South is
virtually devoid of calcite, with actinolite and albite common.
Information on the geochemistry at NBG is included in Section 4.2.1.1.
4.1.3 Landform and Soils

NBG is located on the eastern fringe of the Darling Plateau. The plateau is most strongly dissected in
the western area near Boddington with highest remnants reaching 400 mRL. A series of monadnocks
in the area includes Mt Wells, which lies immediately northwest of the mine. Landforms comprise
relatively broad and shallow valleys with well vegetated swamps in an undulating landscape.
The central part of the Darling Plateau is dissected by a series of major rivers and their tributaries,
which originate to the east in the lower rainfall, agricultural region. Flow in most of these rivers is
intermittent with water quality ranging from fresh to saline. NBG is located within the catchment of
Thirty‐Four Mile Brook, a tributary of the Hotham River.
Three landform‐soil units are found in the Boddington area (Churchward & Dimmock, 1989 as cited
in Worsley, 1999):
 The Dwellingup unit occupies crests and slopes of the Darling Plateau. It is mainly
convex in shape and mildly sloping (less that 3° slope), except in saddles where it is
concave. Outcrops of laterite are common, especially in the upper slopes. Outcrops
of fresh rocks (granites and dolerites) are infrequent and small in extent. The
dominant soils are yellowy brown sandy gravels, generally of shallow depth over the
lateritc duricrust. They tend to be coarser on the convex slopes and finer in the
saddles;
 The Cooke unit mainly occurs on prominent summits (monadnocks) rising above the
general level of the plateau. They are mainly domes of granite which is exposed on
crests and steeply sloping flanks. The soils are a mix of light brown gritty sandy
loams (lithosols), lateritic sandy gravels and duricrusts. Within the project area it
occurs as localised pockets on mid and upper slopes between the Dwellingup and
Pindalup units. The nearest major occurrence is Mt Wells to the northwest of the
mine site; and
 The Pindalup unit includes the broad shallow valleys associated with Thirty‐Four
Mile Brook and its tributaries. Gravely duplex soils occur on the slopes, with some
rock outcropping. The broad valley floors include grey sands, duplex yellow soils and
orange earths. Extensive seasonally inundated swamps are located in these broad
valley systems. The soils in the swamps tend to be finer in particle size.
More detailed information on the native soil profile and soil materials available for rehabilitation is
included in the following sections.
4.1.3.1 Native Soil Profile

NBG is located upon a regolith profile typical of the Darling Plateau that has been weathered in situ
to a depth of up to 70 m at some locations. Although dependent on topography and landscape
position, regolith profiles generally reflect a fairly consistent pedological structure with strong
horizonation of:
 Topsoil nominally 0.1 m thick;
 Gravel ranging from approximately 0.5 to 8 m in thickness overlying a lateritic
caprock that varies in thickness (typically 1 to 5 m); and
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Closure Data
 A clay zone, commonly referred to as oxide, averaging around 40 m in thickness, but

can reach up to 70 m.
The transition from the oxide material to the underlying variably weathered basement rocks is
typically abrupt at NBG.
The following sections provide a summary of the general physical and chemical properties of the:
 Topsoils and gravel subsoils; and
 Oxide clays.
4.1.3.1.1 Topsoils and Gravel Subsoils

Surface soils of the Darling Plateau are mostly sandy, gravely, often duplex and of lateritic origin.
These soils are typically acidic, with approximately 5% organic carbon and low salinity (Table 4‐2), but
are also low in nutrients (OES, 2010).
Soils located on natural slopes have a coarser texture than those found in valley floors. The dominant
physical characteristic is their very high gravel content (up to 90%), which can substantially reduce
water holding capacity. These soils are likely to have high hydraulic conductivity typical of Darling
Range soils, allowing rainfall to infiltrate quickly.
Topsoils are sometimes moderately dispersive and can display an increase in dispersive behaviour
over time, suggesting susceptibility to increased soil structure degradation under saturated or
waterlogged conditions (OES, 2007a).
Potential hard setting as a result of soil slaking and dispersion in not likely to be a limiting factor for
the soil materials, with Modulus of Rupture values not high enough to limit plant or root growth. In
their natural state, the soils can be water‐repellent, which can reduce infiltration and increase runoff
and therefore increase the risk of erosion.
Surface soils in the mineralised area reflect the geological anomaly of the greenstone belt. Soil
samples taken before the commencement of mining activity demonstrated enriched concentrations
of arsenic, copper and zinc.
4.1.3.1.2 Oxide Clays

The oxide clay materials comprise red brown to yellow clays, including kaolinitic, ferruginous and
limonitic zones. They have low salinity and similar acidity to the surface soils (Table 4‐2). However,
unlike the surface soils, little or no gravel is found in these materials.
The water‐storage capacity of jarrah forest soils below the lateritic caprock is high, with this large
storage capacity capable of providing water throughout long, dry summers.
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Closure Data
Table 4‐2 Chemical and physical properties of topsoil, subsoil and regolith oxide clay at NBG (from OES, 2010)
Soil Landscape pH (1:5 Electrical Organic Carbon Soil Texture Gravel Slaking and Dispersion Potential for
Position H2O) Conductivity (Soil Fraction) Content Hard‐Setting
Topsoil Slopes 5.4 – 6.5 Non‐saline 4 – 7% Loamy sands – 64 – 76% Range from “Slakes but Very low
sandy clay loams does not disperse,
unless remoulded” (3a)
to “Does not slake nor
disperse” (8)
Lower slopes 4.6 – 5.8 Non to very 4 – 7% Sandy loams 18 ‐77% ‐ Very low
and valley floors slightly saline
Subsoil Slopes 6.3 ‐ 7 Non‐saline ‐ Sandy clay loams – 65 – 89% Slakes and partly Low
coarse loamy clays disperse after
remoulding (3b)
In situ ‐ 6.2 Non‐saline ‐ Silty loam Nil ‐ ‐
oxide
clay
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4.1.3.2 Rehabilitation Materials
During operations oxide, gravel and topsoil have been stockpiled for use during rehabilitation. The
expected performance of these materials in rehabilitation based on their physical and chemical
properties was assessed by Outback Ecology Services (2011a) and is summarised below.
The topsoil and gravel materials are likely to be relatively resistant to erosion because their high
gravel content provides protection from rain splash and surface flow (Table 4‐3). Additionally, the
fine fraction of the topsoils and gravels has a relatively high hydraulic conductivity, allowing rainfall
to infiltrate. However, the very low hydraulic conductivity of the oxide creates the likelihood that this
material will not be able to accept infiltration at a sufficient rate during substantial rainfall events,
resulting in saturation of any overlying gravel and topsoil layers. Once saturated, surface runoff could
be expected, creating the risk of rilling and gullying of the surface materials.
The oxide materials are, on average, sodic and slightly saline and range from slightly to non‐
dispersive (Table 4‐3). The level of salinity may reduce with leaching over time, and this may in turn
allow increased dispersion, leading to greater risk of tunnelling and erosion. As a counter to this, root
development through the oxide profile will contribute to enhanced stability.
Some of the topsoils exhibit dispersion upon re‐moulding, indicating a potential to become dispersive
and problematic following severe disturbance. Therefore, care needs to be taken to minimise the
handling of these soil materials where possible, particularly when wet, to avoid structural
degradation which may impact upon the behaviour of these materials when used for rehabilitation
(OES, 2010).
There was a wide range of water retention characteristics, with the amount of gravel present being
the most influential factor affecting the ability of the material to store and release water. Oxide
materials had the highest water holding capacity, with a plant‐available water capacity ranging from
60 to 230 mm/m depth.
Half of the oxide materials sampled had the potential to hard‐set to an extent that may constrict root
growth of some plants. However, the bulk densities for the oxide materials when placed in
rehabilitated profiles are expected to be lower than when in situ, favouring root growth.
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Table 4‐3 Summary of average physical and chemical properties of rehabilitation materials and
topsoil at NBG
Parameter Topsoil Gravel Subsoils Laterite Oxide Clays
Soil Texture Loamy sand to Clayey sand to Sandy clay loam Sandy clay
sandy clay loam sandy clay loam to clay loam loam to clay
loam
Coarse Material Content 72 77 99 26 (0 to 81)
(% >2mm)
1
Emerson Class 2 to 5 2 to 5 ‐ 1 to6
Modulus of Rupture 8 8 ‐ 76 (9 to 223)
(kPa)
Hydraulic Conductivity 660 663 ‐ 15
(mm/h)
Plant‐Available Water 10.2 4.6 ‐ 17.4
Holding Capacity (%)
pH (H20) 6.4 6.6 6.6 5.9
Salinity (dS/m) 0.04 0.04 0.08 1.52
Organic Carbon (%) 2.19 1.05 0.07 0.05
Exchangeable Sodium ‐ ‐ ‐ 11.1
Percentage (%)
4.1.3.2.1 Rehabilitation Materials Inventory and Reconciliation

A site wide inventory of rehabilitation materials has been developed for the:
 Mining area which covers the waste rock landforms, processing plant, all other
disturbance associated with mining and processing (including roads) and the
unrehabilitated satellite open pits; and
 RDA area which covers the RDAs, Wattle Pit, D1 WSR and associated disturbance
(including roads, services and stockpile areas).
The rehabilitation materials inventory includes:

 Stockpiled material – the volume of material which has been harvested or mined
and appropriately stockpiled for use in future rehabilitation activities; and
 Total available material – the volume of material currently stockpiled plus the
estimated volume of gravel subsoil and topsoil to be harvested from future
disturbance areas.
1
Emerson Aggregate test classes
Class 1 – Dry aggregate slakes and completely disperses
Class 2 – Dry aggregate slakes and partly disperses
Class 3a – Dry aggregate slakes but does not disperse; remoulded soil disperses completely
Class 3b – Dry aggregate slakes but does not disperse; remoulded soil partly disperses
Class 4 – Dry aggregate slakes but does not disperse; remoulded soil does not disperse; carbonates and gypsum
are present
are absent; 1:5 suspension remains dispersed
are absent; 1:5 suspension remains flocculated
Class 7 – Dry aggregate does not slake; aggregate swells
Class 8 – Dry aggregate does not slake; aggregate does not swell
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Table 4‐4 summarises the volume of oxide, gravel subsoil and topsoil that was stockpiled as of
November 2012 and the volume of material calculated to be available for LOM. The volume of gravel
subsoil and topsoil that can be harvested from future disturbance areas was calculated based on
planned disturbance footprints and known information on the depth of topsoil and subsoil gravel in
natural soil profiles within the Boddington area. The likely depth of topsoil and subsoil gravel
horizons is known to be dependent on topography and position within the landscape, varying
between shallower soils over lateritc duricrust along the crests of ridges to deep sandy colluvial soils
in drainage lines and valley floors. Detailed information on the calculation of the volume of topsoil
and subsoil gravel to be harvested is included in Appendix 4. The planned assessment of the soil
resources within the future disturbance footprints will allow the estimated volumes of topsoil and
subsoil gravel within these areas to be further refined.
Table 4‐4 Rehabilitation materials inventory

3
Material Volume (m )
Stockpiled Total Available (LOM)
Mining Area
Oxide 13,500,000 ‐
Gravel subsoil 3,587,745 6,238,563
Topsoil 1,075,460 2,330,957
RDA Area
Gravel subsoil 1,705,785 9,089,997
Topsoil 2,213,057 5,504,970
The reconciliation of the rehabilitation materials for the mining area is summarised in:
 Table 4‐5 for the current disturbance area; and
 Table 4‐6 for the LOM disturbance area.
The reconciliation of rehabilitation materials for the RDA area is summarised in:
 Table 4‐7 for the current disturbance area; and
 Table 4‐8 for the LOM disturbance area.
For the mining area, reconciliation of the volume of material required for rehabilitation of the
current disturbance area against the currently stockpiled rehabilitation materials volumes indicates
that while there is enough topsoil and gravel stockpiled there is a shortfall of approximately
3
2,500,000 m of oxide. The additional oxide material could be obtained from the open pits if required
in the situation of unplanned closure.
For LOM, reconciliation of the volume of material required for rehabilitation of the planned
disturbance areas against the calculated volumes of material available indicates that there will be
3
sufficient volumes of topsoil and gravel subsoil. An additional 16,000,000 m of oxide needs to be
stockpiled to meet the rehabilitation requirements for the life of mine disturbance areas. This
represents 11% of the volume of oxide still to be mined from the Wandoo North and Wandoo South
open pits.
4‐8
Table 4‐5 Reconciliation of rehabilitation materials for mining area for current disturbance
Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Area Volume of
Material Material Thickness (m) (ha) Rehabilitation
3
Material Required (m )
Volume Required
2
Oxide 2.5 640.3 16,008,750
3
Gravel Subsoil 0.3 690.8 2,072,550
Topsoil 0.1 860.3 860,390
Volume Stockpiled
Oxide ‐ ‐ 13,500,000
Gravel Subsoil ‐ ‐ 3,587,745
Topsoil ‐ ‐ 1,075,460
Reconciliation
Oxide ‐ ‐ ‐2,508,750
Topsoil ‐ ‐ 215,070
Table 4‐6 Reconciliation of rehabilitation materials for mining area for LOM
3
Volume Required
Oxide 2.5 1,180.9 29,522,500
Gravel Subsoil 0.3 1,295.1 3,885,300
Topsoil 0.1 1,464.6 1,464,600
Volume Available
Oxide ‐ ‐ 13,500,000
Topsoil ‐ ‐ 2,330,957
Reconciliation
Oxide ‐ ‐ ‐16,022,500
Topsoil ‐ ‐ 866,317
For the RDA area, reconciliation of the volume of material required for rehabilitation of the current
disturbance area against the currently stockpiled rehabilitation materials volumes indicates that
3
there is a deficit in gravel subsoil of approximately 2,900,000 m . In the situation of unplanned
closure, some of the deficit in gravel subsoil material may be able to be addressed by use of excess
material stockpiled for the mining area (Table 4‐5). Alternatively, a borrow pit may be developed as a
source of gravel subsoil closer to the RDA area.
For LOM, reconciliation of the volume of material required for rehabilitation of the planned
disturbance areas against the calculated volumes of material available indicates that there is a
3
potential shortfall in gravel subsoil of 444,000 m for the RDA area. It is possible that additional
2
Oxide not required for rehabilitation of the processing plant and other disturbance areas and satellite open
pits.
3
Gravel not required for rehabilitation of the processing plant and other disturbance areas.
4‐9
gravel subsoil resources will be available from future disturbance areas to cover the predicted
shortage. It may also be possible to substitute some of the gravel subsoil material required with the
excess of topsoil material that is likely to be available.
Table 4‐7 Reconciliation of rehabilitation materials for the RDA area for current disturbance
3
Volume Required
Gravel Subsoil 0.3 1,756,000 4,584,000
Topsoil 0.1 1,756,000 1,756,000
Volume Stockpiled
Topsoil ‐ ‐ 2,213,057
Reconciliation
Gravel Subsoil ‐ ‐ ‐2,878,215
Topsoil ‐ ‐ 457,057
Table 4‐8 Reconciliation of rehabilitation materials for the RDA area for LOM
3
Volume Required
Gravel Subsoil 0.3 3,406 9,534,000
Topsoil 0.1 3,406 3,406,000
Volume Available
Topsoil ‐ ‐ 5,504,970
Reconciliation
Gravel Subsoil ‐ ‐ ‐444,003
Topsoil ‐ ‐ 2,098,970
The volume of materials stockpiled and required for rehabilitation will vary over the life of the mine
as a result of:
 Use of stockpiled material for rehabilitation;
 Harvesting of material from future disturbance areas; and
 Changes to:
o Disturbance areas;
o Landform designs; and
o Rehabilitation prescriptions based on outcomes of trials.
The volume of stockpiled materials is re‐surveyed and updated on an annual basis to incorporate use
of materials for rehabilitation and stockpiling of materials from areas disturbed in the previous
twelve months. The volume of rehabilitation materials required will be updated as necessary based
on changes to the life of mine plan or rehabilitation prescriptions.
4‐
10
4.1.3.3 Post‐Closure Impacts on Landforms and Soils
The potential post‐closure impacts on landforms and soils in the area include:
 Alteration of landforms through construction of waste rock landforms and RDAs and
mining of pits; and
 Alteration of soil profile and structure in disturbance areas.
Alteration of landforms is being minimised to the extent possible through the incorporation of visual
impact in options analysis for the design and placement of the waste rock landforms. The main
methods utilised to ensure the landforms fit in with the surrounding topography is to keep them
below the maximum height of the surrounding topography and to rehabilitate them with native
species so post‐rehabilitation the colour, line and texture of the disturbed areas matches that of the
surrounding vegetation.
Alteration of the soil profile in disturbance areas will be amended during the rehabilitation process
by reconstruction of a soil profile suitable for the development of the target ecosystem through
application of oxide (where required), gravel and topsoil. Rehabilitation areas will also be ripped to a
sufficient depth to remove compaction.
4.1.4 Surface Water

4.1.4.1 Surface Water Flow
NBG is located within the catchment of Thirty‐Four Mile Brook, a seasonal tributary of the Hotham
2
River (Figure 4‐4). The Thirty‐Four Mile Brook catchment has an areal extent of around 78 km and
includes some minor tributaries and creeks in the northern part of the catchment and Wattle Hollow
Brook towards the southern end of the catchment (Figure 4‐5). Characteristic undisturbed stream
morphology of the Thirty‐Four Mile Brook alternates between shallow, narrow riffles over lateritic
gravel or cemented lateritic slabs to deep slow‐moving pools.
The site of the future RDA lies within the Gringer Creek catchment, which covers an area of
2
174.5 km (Figure 4‐5).
The topography around NBG is generally smooth, with elevations in the range 200 to 400mRL, and
with prominent ridges and troughs present which run northwest to north‐northwest. Undisturbed
surface flow within the mining lease is generally from the north and northeast towards the south and
southeast.
The project area also contains several small swamps which are shallow depressions which fill in
winter and overflow to nearby streams. Overflow from both Eight and Round Swamps reports to
Wattle Hollow Brook while water from Pillow and Boomerang Swamps reports to Thirty‐Four Mile
Brook. The swamps are dependent on the seasonal shallow groundwater system which does not
exhibit responses to mining (Section 4.1.5.1).
Catchment boundaries which occur close to NBG facilities include:

 The eastern margin of the RDA areas where Boggy Brook and House Brook drainages
form a separate tributary to the Hotham River; and
 The northern boundary of the RDA areas which marks the limit of the South
Dandalup catchment which is used for metropolitan water supply.
The flows in the Hotham River and its tributaries, including Thirty‐Four Mile Brook and Gringer Creek,
are seasonal with considerable variation from year to year. In general, the highest stream flow rates
are observed in the winter months reducing to negligible flows in summer‐autumn. Low summer
4‐
11
rates of streamflow are associated with elevated water temperatures, low dissolved oxygen levels,
higher total dissolved solids (TDS) and, in many cases, low pH (Worsley, 1999). The approximately
20% decrease in rainfall experienced in the southwest over the last 30 to 40 years has resulted in a
30‐40% decrease in total annual streamflow (WRC, 2000)
The Thirty‐Four Mile Brook catchment has low natural streamflow yield. For the eastern Darling
Range low‐rainfall zone, figures of 2‐5% are generally used to predict streamflow, but the
relationship is non‐linear with virtually no streamflow recorded in years of below average rainfall
(John Consulting Services, 1992). Flow within the Thirty‐Four Mile Brook is ephemeral, generally
occurring between July and September. At NBG several impoundments have been constructed along
Thirty‐Four Mile Brook, which have also been used to store water pumped from the Hotham River
and mine dewatering discharge. As a consequence of damming, hydrology of the ephemeral brook is
disrupted, with the only catchment flows occurring between (Figure 4‐6):
 D1 water storage reservoir and Thirty‐Four Mile Brook Diversion Pond; and
 Forest to the west of the catchment between Thirty‐Four Mile Brook Diversion Pond
and D4 water storage reservoir.
The future RDA has been designed not to extend sufficiently into the catchment to cause ponding of
water. However, the downstream embankment arrangement will alter the Gringer Creek stream
course. Therefore, it is proposed to divert the river bed into a new channel over a length of 2.4 km to
allow the catchment to drain freely back to the Gringer Creek system.
Runoff rates from the landforms at NBG were investigated to identify the relationship between
rainfall intensity and duration, and rates of runoff (Table 4‐9). These studies were designed to refine
rehabilitation designs and estimate the influence of facility runoff on the final pit void and other
closed facilities.
Table 4‐9 Calculated runoff coefficients for rehabilitated slopes at NBG

Surface Treatment Runoff Coefficient
Mean Maximum
Hourly Daily Hourly Daily
Rock armour 33% 31% 56% 48%
Rock armour under soil 54% 43% 85% 79%
Winged rip 47% 43% 63% 60%
Conventional rip 32% 30% 48% 50%
Smooth surface 39% 37% 60% 60%
4.1.4.2 Surface Water Chemistry

Over the length of Thirty‐Four Mile Brook, water quality is variable from year to year and with
location in the drainage. For the portion of Thirty‐Four Mile Brook within the mine lease, baseline
sampling identified TDS concentrations in the range 100 to 5,000 mg/L. Sampling during the mining
period has identified TDS concentrations in a similar range to the baseline values, with small
tributaries in vegetated areas recording TDS concentrations as low as 100 mg/L, and the main branch
of Thirty‐Four Mile Brook typically 2,000 to 3,000 mg/L both upstream and downstream of the open
pits. In the lower reaches of Thirty‐Four Mile Brook, downgradient of the mine leases, TDS
concentrations in the range 5,000 to 10,000 mg/L have been measured in areas affected by land
clearance for agriculture. Metals which have been regularly analysed in samples from Thirty‐Four
4‐
12
Mile Brook (cadmium, arsenic, lead, molybdenum and selenium) have typically been low both up‐
gradient and down‐gradient of the mining activities.
Water quality at Gringer Creek is characterised by very hard waters (750 – 1,900 mg/L of CaCO3),
high salinity (5,420 – 1,180 µS/cm EC) and high dissolved oxygen levels (80 – 101%) (SWS, 2012). pH
ranges from slightly acidic to neutral with levels of 4.7 to 7.1. Baseline conditions for surface water
flows in Gringer Creek may contain elevated concentrations of cobalt, zinc and iron (SWS, 2012).
The adjacent House and Boggy Brook catchments appear to be unaffected by the mining operations,
with TDS values in samples collected close to the mining area in the 100 to 1,000 mg/L range which is
below baseline values (SWS, 2010).
Extensive land clearing for agriculture over the last 100 years has likely led to secondary salinisation
and degradation of the Hotham River (WRM, 2011). Pre‐mining TDS concentrations in the river and
adjacent tributaries ranged from 1,000 to 10,000 mg/L over summer and winter months. The
brackish water quality in the river may result from a number of factors, including evapoconcentration
of pools in the summer months, runoff of nutrients from farmland, and discharge of naturally saline
groundwater in zones where water tables have risen as a result of vegetation clearing.
4.1.4.3 Ecological Values and Beneficial Uses

The ecological values of the Hotham River and Thirty‐Four Mile Brook have been determined by
Streamtec (1990, 1997), Mattiske (2010) and WRM (2010) via vegetation monitoring (Section
4.1.6.1.1) and targeted biological sampling (Section 4.1.6.2.3).
The water quality of the Hotham River is generally considered saline and degraded. Therefore, local
farmers tend to rely on surface water runoff into paddock dams for water supply, rather than depend
upon the erratic flows and water quality in the Hotham River. Community consultation undertaken
by the Boddington River Action Group (BRAG) found that fishing and recreation, the health of the
aquatic flora and fauna and the aesthetics of the river were all highly regarded as community values
(McLure, 2004).
4.1.4.4 Post‐Closure Impacts on Surface Water

The potential post‐closure impacts on the surface water in the area include:
 Changes to water quality (including sedimentation) caused by runoff from RDAs,
waste rock landforms and other disturbed areas;
 Interruption of surface hydrology by damming and diversion of natural drainage
lines which can cause:
o Reduction in vegetation health by water logging;
o Reduction in vegetation health by reduction in water supply; and
o Reduced water supply to soaks, dams and downstream water courses.
 Changes to long‐term flow patterns and water quality due to overflow of water from
pit lakes.
Residue stored within the RDAs will contain a store of salt due to the higher TDS concentration of
processing water obtained from the Hotham River compared to groundwater and surface water in
the Thirty‐Four Mile Brook and Gringer Creek catchments. If required, the runoff will be treated and
discharged directly to the open pits until an acceptable TDS concentration is reached after
rehabilitation.
4‐
13
Runoff from some sections of the waste rock landforms will be released directly to the environment
via engineered drainage structures. In the early phases of closure, active management of water
control structures will be required. As run‐off coefficients and sediment loads reduce with maturing
vegetation cover, sediment ponds and other drainage structures that become redundant will be
progressively removed to ultimately result in a passive system where water drains into the open pits
or into Thirty‐Four Mile Brook.
Surface water flow in Thirty‐Four Mile Brook has been interrupted by the construction of diversions
and dams along its length in the mining area. Flow will be reduced in Thirty‐Four Mile Brook
downstream of the operations until the pit lakes fill, which is predicted to be between 40 and 110
years after closure. Some flow will continue to occur in Thirty‐Four Mile Brook from runoff from
rehabilitated landforms and sections of the catchment that aren’t diverted into the pit lakes. Changes
in the amount of available water may result in changes to the composition of riparian vegetation
communities and affect the fauna that use this habitat.
Once dewatering of the mining area ceases pit lakes will develop through inflow of groundwater,
runoff from the surrounding waste rock landforms and diversion of the Thirty‐Four Mile Brook. The
elevation at which the pit lake will stabilise is set by the elevation of the overflow channel into Wattle
Hollow Brook (235mRL). The hydrochemistry of the pit lakes will be a function of:
 The volume and chemistry of inputs to the pit lakes in the active closure period;
 The volume and chemistry of seepage and runoff permanently routed to the lakes;
 Interactions with the materials exposed in the pit slopes;
 The rate of evapoconcentration at the lake;
 The volume and chemistry of flow from Thirty‐Four Mile Brook; and
 Chemical reactions and physical stratification occurring within the lake.
Pit water quality is predicted to be slightly alkaline (pH of 7.5) with moderately high salinity
(890 mg/L total dissolved solids), consisting mostly of sodium and chloride with trace
metals/metalloids at or below analytical detection. Once steady‐state inflow/outflow conditions are
established, the saline and constituent concentrations in the pit lake are expected to slowly increase
slightly over time due to evapoconcentration in the lake as a result of the large evaporative lake
surface. More detailed information of the predicted pit lake hydrochemistry is included in Section
4.2.3.1.
4.1.5 Groundwater
4.1.5.1 Groundwater Systems
Groundwater investigations indicate that there are three units which transmit significant quantities
of groundwater and occur commonly across the Thirty‐Four Mile Brook catchment:
 A seasonal shallow groundwater system;
 A weathered and fractured upper bedrock groundwater system; and
 A deep fractured bedrock groundwater system.
4.1.5.1.1 Seasonal Shallow Groundwater System

The seasonal shallow groundwater system stores and transmits water within the gravel horizon
described in Section 4.1.3.1. Infiltration from significant precipitation events potentially saturates this
zone and becomes perched above the underlying oxide clays. The pisolitic horizon, which is indicated
to be highly permeable, allows water to circulate downslope and using relict vertical passages (e.g.
tree roots) it may also potentially percolate downwards. Relict dykes which persist through the oxide
clay zone may act either as barriers to horizontal flow in the shallow seasonal groundwater system,
or as vertical conduits for infiltration into the deeper system. Groundwater moving through the
4‐
14
lateritic gravel material predominantly discharges into alluvial sediments along creek channels, as
evidenced by the deposition of iron oxides, and is permanently removed via evapotranspiration in
vegetated areas.
The seasonal shallow groundwater systems supports swamp areas which are generally sited in
topographically low areas and result from the downslope migration of rainfall infiltrating into the
shallow gravel horizon. The infiltrated water tends to discharge at topographic lows and has been
interpreted to become perched above the oxide clay layer. These swamps areas are therefore not
expected to be directly connected to the weathered and fractured upper bedrock groundwater
system.
The oxide clay zone which occurs below the gravels hosting the shallow seasonal groundwater
system and above the bedrock may potentially provide significant storage of groundwater where it is
saturated, but due to the low hydraulic conductivity of this unit it does not act as a major
groundwater transmitting system. The active processes in the oxide clay zone are interpreted to be
gradual recharge by infiltration from the overlying units and gradual discharge due to under‐drainage
by the underlying units.
4.1.5.1.2 Weathered and Fractured Upper Bedrock Groundwater System

The weathered and fractured upper bedrock groundwater system is the primary permanently
saturated and regionally extensive groundwater unit at the NBG site. Although on a regional basis it
is inferred to act and respond as a relatively continuous and connected hydraulic system, on a
localised basis the groundwater transmitting properties are highly variable. The primary storage and
transmission of groundwater has been inferred to occur in the saprolite zone at the upper bedrock
surface. In undisturbed conditions the weathered and fractured upper bedrock system is expected to
be confined by the overlying oxide unit, except in locations of elevated topography where the unit
may approach the surface.
Groundwater elevations in this unit are strongly influenced by seasonal precipitation trends and by
long term precipitation trends.
4.1.5.1.3 Deep Fractured Bedrock Groundwater System

Discrete isolated broken or fracture zones with potential to transmit groundwater have been
identified at depth within the largely competent and intact basement rocks at NBG. In general,
hydraulic conductivity along strike have been reported to be 10 to 70 times higher than across strike
and it has been suggested that dolerite dykes aligned along strike may retard cross‐strike
groundwater flow. Within the granites and gneiss outside of the margins of the Saddleback
greenstone belt, fracturing is expected to be very low, which is consistent with the results of the
groundwater investigation programmes conducted within the Yilgarn Craton in the general region. As
a result, the main bedrock groundwater system at NBG has generally been interpreted as having
limited extend in the northeast southwest direction, extending from around 1 km southwest of the
North and South pits to around 4 km northeast of the pits.
4.1.5.1.4 Influence of Mining

Key changes to groundwater elevations from pre‐mining levels due to the mining operations are
(Figure 4‐7 and Figure 4‐8):
 Drawdown in the main mining area as a result of dewatering of the open pits; and
 Mounding in the area of the RDAs as a result of seepage.
4‐
15
The current dewatering of the open pits draws water from the deep fractured bedrock system.
Dewatering of this unit is expected to induce vertical drainage from the weathered and fractured
upper bedrock systems near the pits. This is the groundwater system which has the greatest regional
extent and the greatest potential to interact with groundwater receptors. Dewatering influences will
be observed at groundwater receptors in the NBG region only if:
 Mining related drawdown in the weathered and fractured upper bedrock system
extends as far as the location of the groundwater receptor; and
 The groundwater receptor is in direct or indirect hydraulic contact with the
weathered and fractured upper bedrock groundwater system.
Drilling at Round Swamp, Pillow Swamp and Boomerang Swamp confirms that they are underlain by
clayey oxide material ranging from 20 m to 38 m in depth which separates the shallow surface water
system from the weathered and fractured upper bedrock groundwater system. There is no direct
hydraulic connection between the shallow seasonal groundwater system which supports the swamps
at NBG and the dewatering operations, and no mining influence is evident in groundwater elevations
in the shallow seasonal groundwater system.
Monitoring of the weathered and fractured groundwater system indicates that:

 The magnitude of drawdown in this groundwater system is relatively small
compared to the drawdown measured in the deep bedrock close to the pits;
 Regional drawdown appears to extend preferentially to the northwest and
southeast, along the direction of geological strike, but is currently limited to an area
within around 2 km of the open pits;
 The position of the southwest margin of the drawdown cone is not well defined as it
is currently within the area of disturbance planned for the waste rock landforms
where no monitoring bores are located; and
 Data collected from bores located adjacent to the Hotham River, and in the area
between the mine and Hotham River, confirm that the drawdown cone is at least
4 km from the river at the current time.
Future expansion of mining related drawdown in the weathered and fractured upper bedrock
groundwater system will be a function of:
 The rate of groundwater abstraction from the deep bedrock system as the open pits
are expanded and deepened;
 The orientation and location of the discrete zones of fracturing within the deep
bedrock which are intersected by the pits and the dewatering bores, and the
regional extent and location of these fracture zones; and
 The degree of vertical hydraulic connection between the weathered and fractured
bedrock groundwater system which blankets the area and the underlying deep
bedrock system.
The deep bedrock groundwater system has been strongly influenced by mining in the area of the pit
slopes. Drawdown within this unit close to the open pit slopes is well defined from a large number of
monitoring points and is in the range 35 to 125 m.
Prediction of regional groundwater drawdown in the groundwater system has been highly sensitive
to the values of hydraulic conductivity and storage assigned in the model. A conservative approach to
modelling, which assumes that all drawdown observed in monitoring bores is attributed to mine
dewatering, indicates the cone of drawdown could potentially approach the Hotham River within ten
to twelve years.
4‐
16
The interaction between surface water streams and groundwater systems in the Boddington area are
not well defined. The streams in the upper parts of the catchments, including Thirty‐Four Mile Brook,
tend to be ephemeral, suggesting that if groundwater discharge to the streams does occur, it is not
sufficient to maintain flows through the summer period. Where Thirty‐Four Mile Brook does interact
with groundwater, it has been generally interpreted to relate to the shallow seasonal groundwater
occurring in the surface gravels.
In the lower catchment areas and along the Hotham River in particular, groundwater discharges to
the rivers could potentially occur, and could contribute to base flows observed in the summer
months, or recharge from the river into the groundwater system could potentially occur. Field
mapping of the Hotham River close to the mine area did not identify any exposures of basement
rocks in the streambed which could provide direct hydraulic connection to the groundwater system,
but the existence of such a connection could not be definitively ruled out based on the field mapping.
4.1.5.2 Groundwater Chemistry

Pre‐mining groundwater quality ranged from 1,000 mg/L to 4,000 mg/L TDS over the mine lease and
within the Thirty‐Four Mile Brook catchment. The groundwater is primarily a sodium chloride type
with relatively low proportions of sulphate and generally low concentrations of metals (Table 4‐10).
The groundwater pH is generally in the range of 5.5 to 8.0.
Table 4‐10 Groundwater chemistry at NBG

Analyte Concentration
Arsenic Most samples <0.08mg/L, maximum value of 0.16mg/L
Cadmium Most samples <0.05mg/L, maximum value of 0.08mg/L
Copper Most samples <0.2mg/L, maximum value 0.2mg/L
Iron Most samples <10mg/L
Molybdenum Most samples <0.1mg/L, maximum value 0.5mg/L
Nickel Most samples <0.1mg/L, maximum value 1mg/L
Sulphate Most samples <200mg/L, maximum value of 500mg/L
Zinc Most samples <0.1mg/L, maximum value of 10mg/L
Salinity has increased up to 10,000 mg/L around the RDAs due to seepage of higher TDS process
water obtained from the Hotham River (Figure 4‐9) (NBG, 2012). Localised salinity increases of up to
7,000 mg/L from the pre‐mining baseline levels occur on the south eastern corner of R4 RDA (Figure
4‐10).
Salinities have also increased by 1,000 to 2,500 mg/L TDS in the mine area compared to pre‐mining
conditions (Figure 4‐10). This could be due to transfer and storage of higher TDS water from the
Hotham River around the site. Previously salinity had decreased in the mine area compared to pre‐
mining conditions, which was attributed to removal of saline groundwater by mining and dewatering
activities and its subsequent replacement with fresh recharge.
Salinity impacts due to mining activities generally do not appear to extend beyond the Thirty‐Four
Mile Brook catchment boundary, with the exception of the salinity increases recorded at the eastern
embankment of the R4 RDA located on the boundary of Boggy Brook catchment.
4‐
17
4.1.5.3 Post‐Closure Impacts on Groundwater
The potential post‐closure impacts on the groundwater in the area include:
 Fluctuation (increase or decrease) in groundwater levels caused by:
o Mine dewatering and subsequent recovering of water levels after the completion
of mining;
o Seepage and seepage recovery from waste rock landforms and RDAs; and
o Evaporation from pit lakes.
 Changes in groundwater quality resulting from:
o Seepage from waste rock landforms, RDAs and pit lakes;
o Contamination from spills and historic mining activities; and
o Exposure of mineralised zones in open pit and underground mines resulting in
acid and/or metalliferous drainage.
The zone of groundwater drawdown that will develop due to mine dewatering during operations will
recover over the post‐closure period when mine dewatering ceases. A new equilibrium groundwater
level will be reached upon completion of filling of the pit lakes.
The water balance model indicates that the pit lakes will act as a groundwater source after filling. The
pit water quality is predicted to be slightly alkaline (pH of 7.5) with moderately high salinity
(890 mg/L total dissolved solids) with trace metals/metalloids at or below analytical detection.
The RDAs have been lined with a combination of HDPE and clay to minimise seepage. A seepage
recovery network is also in place which will continue to be operated during the post‐closure period if
required to manage groundwater levels and quality. Groundwater mounding is expected to be
restricted to the immediate facility area by the inherent low permeability of the groundwater
system, resulting in minimal influence on the groundwater system down‐gradient (SWS, 2012).
After deposition of residue ceases the groundwater mound present beneath the RDAs will gradually
subside. Application of a cover on the residue will also reduce infiltration into the residue material to
reduce seepage.
The waste rock landforms haven been designed with a layer of compacted clay to reduce seepage.
Placement of a cover over the landforms and growth of vegetation will significantly reduce
infiltration and resulting seepage in the long term. Modelling of conceptual clover designs by Golder
Associates indicates that placement of a cover will reduce seepage to approximately 2% of rainfall.
4.1.6 Biodiversity
NBG lies within the Northern Jarrah Forest biogeographic subregion, a duricrusted plateau
characterised by Jarrah‐Marri forest on laterite gravels, and in the eastern part, by woodlands of
Wandoo‐Marri on clayey soils (Williams and Mitchell, 2001). The region is a centre of endemism for
plants (e.g. Eucalyptus marginata), has a locally patchy biota despite the geological and geomorphic
uniformity of the lateritic plateau, provides refugia for many threatened species of flora and fauna
and has moderate species richness (400‐600 species per km). Remnant populations of several critical
4
weight range mammals are now centred in this region.
The Northern Jarrah Forest subregion contains 60 nature reserves, 8 National Parks and 9
Conservation Parks (Williams and Mitchell, 2001).
4
Critical weight range is used to refer to mammals approximately 35 g to 5.5 kg mean adult body weight that
have experienced modern decline (Williams and Mitchell, 2001).
4‐
18
4.1.6.1 Flora and Vegetation
NBG is located within the Darling Botanical District of the South‐western Botanical Province
(Mattiske Consulting, 2005). Five vegetation complexes occur in the NBG lease areas (Figure 4‐11).
An additional two vegetation complexes occur in the land swap area located to the north of the
operations. The majority of these vegetation complexes are well represented in the conservation
estate (Table 4‐11). The vegetation complexes that are lower than 10% representation in formal and
informal reserves reflect the extent of past agricultural clearing in the valley systems near
Boddington.
Table 4‐11 Representation of NBG vegetation complexes in conservation estate

5
Vegetation Complex Percentage of Pre‐European Representation in Formal and
6
Informal Reserves
Cooke (Ce) 34.85
Dwellingup (D4) 26.14
Pindalup (Pn) 35.10
Michibin (Mi) 7.10
Yalanbee (Y6) 22.91
Swamp (S) 47.50
Williams (W) 0.45
A total of 21 site‐vegetation types have been mapped for the NBG area (Figure 4‐12). These site‐
vegetation types provide a more local and definitive reflection of local vegetation patterns. The site‐
vegetation types can be grouped as follows:
 Swamps and valley floors – A and AY;
 Lower slopes supporting Wandoo Woodlands – Y;
 Mid and upper slopes supporting Jarrah Forests and Woodlands – M;
 Lower slopes supporting Jarrah Forests and Woodlands – B, E, J, D, W and Z;
 Mid and upper slopes supporting Jarrah‐Sheoak Forests – P and SP;
 Valley slopes supporting Jarrah‐Sheoak Forests with moister soils – SW;
 Mid and upper slopes supporting Jarrah Forests on sandier soils and less undulating
slopes and uplands – H;
 Mid and upper slopes supporting Jarrah Forests on gravelly soils on upper slopes – S;
and
 Shallow soils supporting a mosaic of Lithic Complexes, Heath and Woodlands on
areas on and near granite outcrops – G, R, YG, MG, DG and HG.
The occurrence of natural vegetation complexes in the NBG area and surrounding landscape is
strongly correlated with the depth of regolith. While many other factors are also known to influence
the ecological structure of vegetation communities, regolith depth can influence many critical site
characteristics, particularly soil‐water storage and potential depth of root exploration.
None of the vegetation complexes at NBG are considered Threatened Ecological Communities
pursuant to Schedule 2 of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 or by
5
Shaded complexes are limited to land swap areas.
6
Based on data in the Forest Management Plan (2004 – 2013) (Conservation Commission of Western
Australia).
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19
the Western Australian Threatened Ecological Communities Scientific Advisory Committee (Mattiske
Consulting, 2005).
A total of 660 vascular plant taxa (of which 25 are introduced species) have been recorded on
combined survey areas of NBG mining areas (Mattiske Consulting, 2005). The floral values in the NBG
area reflect the interface between the eastern sections of the northern Jarrah forest and the flora of
the Wheatbelt region. Therefore the range of species is per area relatively higher than in the western
Jarrah forest areas. The number of species is also a reflection of the range of site conditions from
clay‐loam valley systems to the upland lateritic hills to the shallow granitic soils associated with the
greenstone belt.
Mattiske Consulting (2005) noted that only a few species recorded were restricted to the NBG area,
with these generally associated with plant communities on the shallow granitic soils. No endangered
or vulnerable species, pursuant to Section 178 of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999, and no Declared Rare Flora species or Threatened Ecological Communities
were recorded on the site.
Nine priority species have been recorded in the plant communities on the NBG leases (Table 4‐12).
All of these species have been recorded in the native plant communities and Templetonia
drummondii, Lasiopetalum cardiophyllum, Acacia gemina (part of seeding mix) and Senecio
leucoglossus have also been recorded in rehabilitated areas within the leases.
Jarrah dieback disease is associated with the introduced water mould Phytophthora cinnamomi and
is considered to be the major disease problem of Western Australia’s native forests. The impact of
Phytophthora cinnamomi is most significant in the wetter western portion of the Northern Jarrah
Forest. NBG is in the drier eastern portion of the Northern Jarrah Forest where incidence and
associated impact is markedly less. The NBG lease areas have been mapped for dieback incidence,
and a comprehensive forest hygiene programme has been operating successfully since the
commencement of the project.
Other forest diseases also occur in the jarrah forest. Infections of Armillaria lutebublina occur
infrequently and affect individual plants of small patches of vegetation. Other Phytophthora species
are infrequently observed, but are managed using the same forest hygiene procedures.
Table 4‐12 Priority flora species recorded at NBG

Species State Conservation Status
7
Acacia gemina Priority 2
Eucalyptus latens Priority 4
Gastrolobium sp. Prostrate Boddington (M. Hislop 2130) Priority 1
Halgania corymbosa Priority 3
7
Lasiopetalum cardiophyllum Priority 4
7
Senecio leucoglossus Priority 4
Stenanthemum coronatum Priority 3
Stylidium marradongense Priority 3
7
Templetonia drummondii Priority 4
7
Has been recorded in rehabilitation areas.
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20
4.1.6.1.1 Flora and Vegetation of Thirty‐Four Mile Brook and Hotham River
Riparian vegetation along Thirty‐Four Mile Brook is typically dominated by moderately dense
Eucalyptus marginata (Jarrah) with a dense understorey of Melaleuca heath and tall mixed shrub
species such as Dodonaea attenuata, Trymalium floribundum and Hakea lissocarpha (Streamtec,
1997).
On the Hotham River there are two main vegetation zones (Mattiske, 2010):
 Open Melaleuca forest over‐storey across the floodplain with a variable herbaceous
understorey; and
 A narrow zone of Juncus rushes on the outer floodplain forming a transition from
floodplain to terrestrial vegetation.
4.1.6.1.2 Post Closure Impacts on Flora

The potential post closure impacts on the flora of the region include:
 Revegetation of disturbed areas;
 Introduction or spread of jarrah dieback disease;
 Introduction or spread of weed species;
 Groundwater drawdown from mine dewatering; and
 Inundation of vegetation from release of water from pit lakes.
During operations and closure, disturbed areas will be rehabilitated to blend in with the surrounding
landforms and vegetation where possible. Rehabilitation species will be selected based on their
suitability for the landform and soil profile developed.
Earthmoving activities and vehicle movement associated with rehabilitation have the potential to
introduce and spread jarrah dieback and weed species. Continued implementation of the forest
hygiene programme during closure will minimise the risk associated with the spread of dieback and
other forest diseases as well as weed species.
Post closure it is predicted that it will take between 40 and 110 years for groundwater levels in the
NBG area to recover to pre‐mining levels. However, groundwater drawdown by mine dewatering or
the release of excess water is unlikely to significantly affect native vegetation or wetlands because:
 Seasonal wetlands are sustained by perched aquifers. The lower water tables in the
weathered and fractured groundwater system induced by dewatering will not
significantly affect leakage from these perched aquifers. A practical example of this
can be seen where mining has impinged on one corner of Eight Swamp without any
noticeable impact upon the remainder of the swamp; and
 Most of the water used by jarrah forest species is rainfall stored in the top 5 to 10 m
of soil. There is negligible movement of water upwards from the oxide aquifer to the
roots of plants. Moreover, the depth of the oxide water table is often greater than
the maximum recorded depth of roots.
The release of water from the pit lakes to Wattle Hollow Brook will occur via a constructed channel.
Due to the long time‐frame predicted for the pit lakes to overflow, vegetation may establish in the
overflow channel. This vegetation will become intermittently inundated after the pit lakes fill, which
will result in an adaptation of the vegetation type to that more suited to swamps and valley floors.
4.1.6.2 Fauna
Fauna surveys and monitoring have been conducted in the NBG area since the early 1980s. These
surveys have recorded 91 species of birds, 14 native and 5 introduced mammals, 13 amphibians and
4‐
21
22 reptiles. The fauna of conservation significance that have been located at the site are described in
Table 4‐13. All these fauna have a geographical range that extends well beyond the NBG project area
and the eastern Darling Range forest.
The fauna of NBG are very similar to the more arid eastern areas of the Darling Range. However, it
also supports elements which are outliers from their main distribution in the higher rainfall forests of
the western Darling Range (Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd, 1999). This effect appears to be brought about
by narrow fauna corridors extending from the western Darling Range to the eastern zone along the
wetter valley systems and is more evident in plant communities lowest in the landscape. Upland
areas are more typical representatives of the eastern zone and barely distinguishable from other
locations along the eastern periphery of the Darling Range.
The NBG project area can be divided into two main faunal habitats (Worsley, 1999):
 Areas dominated by shrubland; and
 Areas dominated by woodland.
Valley Wandoo woodland and lower slope heath has the richest faunal communities and is highly
significant to many species of animals, particularly birds, as the trees provide a large number and
variety of nesting and/or refuge hollows and when flowering they are a rich source of nectar for
honeyeaters. Mid‐slope Jarrah and lower slope Yarri has the most diverse faunal communities.
Table 4‐13 Conservation significant fauna species recorded at NBG

8
Species Status
Mammals
Chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii) Schedule 1 – WC Act
Vulnerable – EPBC Act
Woylie (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi) Schedule 1 – WC Act
Endangered – EPBC Act
Southern Brush Tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) Schedule 1 – WC Act
Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus fusciventer) Priority 5 – DEC Priority Fauna List
Western Brush Wallaby (Macropus irma) Priority 4 – DEC Priority Fauna List
Water Rat (Hydromys chrysogaster) Priority 4 – DEC Priority Fauna List
Birds
Baudin’s Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) Schedule 1 – WC Act
Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) Schedule 1 – WC Act
Endangered – EPBC Act
Forest Red‐tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii Schedule 1 ‐ WC Act
naso)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) Schedule 4 – WC Act
Crested Shrike‐tit (Falcunuculus frontatus) Priority 4 – DEC Priority Fauna List
Rainbow Bee‐eater (Merops ornatus) Schedule 3 – WC Act
Reptiles
Carpet Python (Morelia spilota imbricata) Schedule 4 – WC Act
Priority 4 – DEC Priority Fauna List
Dell’s Skink (Ctenotus delli) Priority 4 ‐ DEC Priority Fauna List
8
WC – Western Australia Wildlife Conservation Act 1950
EPBC – Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
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4.1.6.2.1 Stygofauna and Troglofauna
Significant stygofauna and troglofauna communities are unlikely to occur in the NBG area due to lack
of potential subterranean habitat (OES, 2011b). Previous studies in the southwest of Western
Australia suggest that stygofauna are likely to be present in karst geologies, while troglofauna occur
in vuggs and voids within suitable geology. These characteristics are absent from the NBG area,
which is dominated by a granite geology and contains both a seasonal shallow aquifer and a deeper,
permanent bedrock aquifer.
4.1.6.2.2 Short‐Range Endemic Species

Endemism refers to the restriction of a species to a particular area, at a continental, national or local
scale (Allen et al, 2002). The short‐range endemic (SRE) invertebrate fauna of Western Australia is
typically associated with sheltered and mesic microhabitats, such as the southeast aspect of slopes,
trees, boulders and rockpiles, outcrops, mesas, drainage systems, deep gorges, natural springs and
fire refuges (EPA, 2009). Two habitats with high potential to support SRE species have been identified
in the NBG area on the basis of the habitats forming sheltered microhabitats or by forming habitat
isolates (Table 4‐14).
A level two SRE invertebrate fauna survey yielded 24 species considered potential SRE species (Table
4‐15). Sixteen of these species are only know from the NBG area. A review of relevant literature and
databases identified seven additional species that are likely to occur in the area.
Table 4‐14 Short‐range endemic species habitats

Habitat Potential to Rationale for Classification
Support SRE
Species
Jarrah/Marri Low Jarrah/Marri woodlands provide little shelter when compared to
woodland other habitats in the landscape. Additionally, they form a habitat
that is extensive and contiguous in the landscape.
Previously Low Areas of land previously disturbed by farming and mining
disturbed activities.
Wandoo Medium These areas of low elevation tend to form around Melaleuca
woodland swampland isolates, providing sheltered environments with
elevated soil water content.
Plantation Low Highly disturbed areas, limited habitat variability due to
monoculture of Pinus radiata or Eucalyptus georgei and deep litter
layer which poses a high fire risk.
Melaleuca High These low lying swamp areas form isolated, sheltered
swampland environments with elevated soil water content providing a source
of moisture, even during the dry summer months.
Granite outcrop High Granite outcrops can form habitat isolates (EPA, 2009). The granite
outcrops in the NBG area form sheltered refuge areas that are
isolated from similar habitats in the surrounding landscape.
Allocasuarina Medium These areas have a deep leaf litter layer providing a sheltered
environment for relictual species. These habitats are isolated and
distinct from other sheltered areas within the landscape.
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23
Table 4‐15 Short‐range endemic species
Species Individuals Collected
Mygalomorph spiders Aganippe ‘MYG187’
Synothele mullaloo
Scorpion Urodacus planimanus
9
Millipedes Antichiropus ‘sp. Boddington’
8
Antichiropus ‘sp. Goldmine’
Antichiropus ‘sp. Marradong’
Antichiropus ‘sp. Saddleback 1’
8
Slaters Acanthodillo sp. Nov. A
Trichorhina sp. Nov
Snails Luinodiscus cf. repens
Bothriembryon cf. serpentines
8
Earthworms ‘sp. 009’
8
‘sp. 010’
8
‘sp. 013’
8
‘sp. 015’
8
‘sp. 016’
8
‘sp. 020’
8
‘sp. 025’
8
‘sp. 027’
8
‘sp. 032’
8
‘sp. 034’
8
‘sp. 035’
8
‘sp. 036’
8
‘sp. 037’
4.1.6.2.3 Aquatic Fauna

In Northern Jarrah Forest streams three dominant habitats are likely, although not all habitats may
be present in each season:
 Channel – areas of the stream where surface water flow is unbroken and
macrophytes are not present;
 Macrophyte – areas where riparian vegetation drape into the water or where the
stream flows through beds of submerged or emergent macrophytes; and
 Riffle – areas where surface stream flow is “broken” by obstructions such as gravel
beds, cobbles, large woody debris and rocks.
As a result of degraded water quality, the Hotham River is characterised by a low biodiversity of
macroinvertebrates and fish. Low biodiversity in Thirty‐four Mile Brook is even more apparent
because of its ephemeral nature and is only suitable for species that are able to colonise from more
permanent sites or have short aquatic life‐stages.
Streamtec (1997) recorded a total of 76 species of macroinvertebrates from the Hotham River and
Thirty‐Four Mile Brook. This included a large number of Coleopteran (beetle) species which have
features which enable them to take advantage of temporary waters or waters which may become
temporarily unsuitable (e.g. due to excessive salinity or low dissolved oxygen levels). Species more
sensitive to environmental degradation, such as Plecoptera and Ephemeroptera, were not
9
Only known from NBG area.
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24
widespread. Diversity was within the range measured for forested uplands of the jarrah forest and no
species considered rare or restricted were recorded. The majority of species collected were endemic
to the jarrah forest with many Gondwandic elements to the fauna. At the time of the study there was
no evidence of an impact on the Hotham River originating from activities at the NBG mine.
In 2010 WRM (2011) recorded a total of 111 macroinvertebrate taxa from the Hotham River and
Thirty‐Four Mile Brook. Of the taxa recorded, 9% were endemic to the southwest and a further 4%
had distributions restricted to Western Australia.
Five native freshwater fish species and two introduced species were recorded from the Hotham River
and Thirty‐Four Mile Brook. Native species recorded were regional endemics, but are common
throughout south‐western Australia.
The functional organisation of jarrah forest stream invertebrates is dominated by the detritivore
10
feeding group (mostly collectors) with shredders co‐dominant, except in riffle areas. The functional
organisation of the fauna also varies seasonally, with collectors dominant in summer, when low flows
facilitate the settlement of fine particulate matter. Filter‐feeders increase in winter, when higher
flows suspend organic matter in the water column. Predators show no consistent seasonal pattern,
but their abundances are positively correlated with the abundance of other invertebrates.
4.1.6.2.4 Post Closure Impacts on Fauna

Closure of NBG will result in no further impact to fauna and rehabilitation of disturbed areas will
result in restoration of feeding and breeding habitat over time. Monitoring has shown that black
cockatoos start using rehabilitation areas as a food resource within eight years post‐revegetation
(Lee et al, 2010).
The habitat requirements of black cockatoos and other priority fauna will be considered in the
development of rehabilitation prescriptions where relevant. The main habitat restoration options for
black cockatoo habitat are summarised in Table 4‐16 (Finn, 2010).
10
Functional feeding groups: ‘shredders’ feed on coarse particulate matter (>1 mm); ‘collectors’ feed on fine
particulate matter (<1 mm); ‘filterers’ filter suspended particles from the water column and are often viewed
as a subset of collectors; ‘grazers’ graze or scrape algae and diatoms attached to the substrate; ‘predators’
capture live prey.
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Closure Data
Table 4‐16 Main habitat restoration options for black cockatoo habitat
Feeding Habitat Ecological Function Comment
Typical jarrah forest Provides Jarrah and Marri as Rehabilitation sites eventually return to a vegetation structure similar to the forest habitats in
vegetation food source, but also other the surrounding area. These habitats are used by all three black cockatoo species, with Jarrah
species in lesser amounts. and Marri the main sources of food for Baudin’s cockatoos and Forest Red‐Tailed black
cockatoos.
Typical jarrah forest Provide Jarrah and Marri as Marri is a key food source for Baudin’s cockatoos and Forest Red‐Tailed black cockatoos, and
vegetation but with richer food source, but with greater areas richer in Marri are high‐value feeding habitats.
mix of Marri concentrations of Marri.
Heath woodland Provide food source for Dryandra, Hakea and Banksia spp. are key food sources for Carnaby’s cockatoos.
dominated by mid‐canopy Carnaby’s cockatoos, but also Woodland/heath habitats occur only infrequently in the Jarrah forest, but provide habitat for
species (Dryandra, Hakea, habitat used by range of a range of bird and mammal species. Thus, creating areas of woodland/heath habitat may
Banksia) other fauna. have broad biodiversity benefits.
Stands or strips of non‐ Provide food source for Pine is a key food source for Carnaby’s cockatoos and is used wherever it is found, with some
native species (Pine) Carnaby’s cockatoos. flocks exhibiting a preference for pine over native vegetation. The main ecological advantage
of pine is that pine trees and pine stands provide a dense, high energy source of food.
Breeding Habitat Ecological Function Comment
Typical jarrah forest Provide large hollow‐bearing Rehabilitation sites with a typical Jarrah forest vegetation will provide large hollow‐bearing
vegetation trees. trees in >150 years at a density similar to other Jarrah forest landscapes. Jarrah is not a good
source of large hollows, meaning that large hollows tend to occur disproportionately in other
tree species, particularly Marri and Wandoo.
Typical jarrah forest Provide large hollow‐bearing Rehabilitation sites with greater concentrations of Marri and Wandoo would provide large
vegetation but with richer trees. hollow‐bearing trees in >150 years, but at a density higher than other Jarrah forest
complex of Marri and landscapes. Marri and Wandoo (as well as other similar species such as Yarri) are much better
Wandoo sources of hollow than Jarrah.
Artificial nest hollows Provide short‐term source of Artificial nest hollows would provide short‐term mitigation for the loss of natural hollows and
hollows. may also support breeding near rehabilitation areas, particularly if food is abundant in these
areas.
Water Ecological Function Comment
Artificial water points Provide source of water. Black cockatoos must drink daily, so sources of water improve habitat suitability.
4‐26
4.1.7 Noise
Mining and processing activities conducted at NBG can generate noise. The significant noise sources
are:
 Mobile equipment in the open pits and on route to the crusher and waste rock
landforms;
 Primary crusher;
 Overland conveyor from primary crusher to crushed ore stockpile; and
 Processing plant (consisting of conveyors, screening, crushing, milling and grinding).
Modelling has indicated that noise levels at the nearest noise sensitive premises will comply with the
assigned noise levels in the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 at all times.
NBG has developed a Noise and Vibration Management Plan to minimise impacts to the
environment, local residents and the wider community. The Noise and Vibration Management Plan
will continue to be updated as required and will form the basis for managing noise at the site during
closure and rehabilitation works.
4.1.7.1 Post‐Closure Impacts on Noise

The main sources of noise will cease with the expected cessation of open pit mining and mineral
processing. Continued implementation of the Noise and Vibration Management Plan during closure
will ensure the ongoing management of the impact of noise on the residents of Boddington and
neighbours of the mine.
4.1.8 Air Quality

The primary source of air emissions from the NBG project are:
 Greenhouse gases produced as a result of electricity production and consumption,
combustion of diesel and LPG, the use of explosives and the clearing of vegetation;
and
 Dust generated from both fugitive and point sources.
The primary sources of air emissions from NBG will reduce upon the cessation of open pit mining and
mineral processing. However, closure and rehabilitation activities such as earthmoving have the
potential to contribute to dust emissions from the site during the closure and post closure phases
along with wind erosion from waste rock landforms, RDAs and disturbed areas.
NBG implements an Air Quality Management Plan which is applicable to all activities which generate
particulate, gaseous or fugitive air emissions at all stages of mining from design, construction and
operation through to mine closure. NBG’s air quality management strategy involves the following
stages:
 Systematically identifying sources;
 Identifying relevant legal and other requirements;
 Assessing the significance of each point and diffuse source in terms of:
o Potential effects on the environment
o The quantity and frequency of emission
o The conditions under which the emission occurs
o Any relevant community concerns
 Prevention, minimisation and/or control of emissions.
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27
Air emission controls implemented at NBG include:
 Road sealing;
 Limiting clearing of land to that required;
 Watering of unsealed roads;
 Dust collection systems; and
 Preventative maintenance.
4.1.8.1 Post‐Closure Impacts on Air Quality

Air quality may be adversely affected post‐closure due to:
 Dust generation from earthmoving activities and erosion of disturbed areas; and
 Emission of greenhouse gases from mobile equipment.
The key closure and rehabilitation activities that may result in the generation of dust during
earthmoving activities are:
 Transportation and application of rehabilitation materials;
 Shaping of landforms; and
 Ripping, seeding and fertilising of landforms.
The Air Quality Management Plan will continue to be updated as required and will form the basis for
managing air emissions at the site during closure and rehabilitation works.
Excessive delays in rehabilitation of the RDAs or poor rehabilitation performance may contribute to
dust emissions from the site during the closure and post‐closure phases due to wind erosion of
disturbed surfaces. Undertaking progressive rehabilitation where possible will minimise the risk of
dust generation from disturbed areas.
4.1.9 Land Use

The primary major surrounding land uses near NBG are:
 Agriculture;
 Mining;
 Production Forestry;
 Nature Conservation;
 Recreation and Culture; and
 Surface Water Supply (Catchment).
Much of the land to the south of the project area has been cleared for agriculture and is commonly
used for grazing and mixed cropping. The growth of hobby farms, plantations and specialised
products is resulting in a move away from the traditional broad‐acre farming in the region.
The Boddington Bauxite Mine is located 30km to the south‐west of NBG. Bauxite mining is expected
to continue in the Boddington area for many years.
To the north and east of NBG is private forest managed for timber. The forested area has been
subject to selective logging for many decades.
The Monadnocks Conservation Park is located to the north of operations. This is an area of high
concentration of rock outcrops, which display high levels of plant endemism and species assemblages
that contrast with the surrounding landscape (DEC, 2009b).
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28
There are three principle areas of forest that are used for recreational purposes:
 The area around Tullis Bridge;
 Around Long Gully Bridge; and
 Along the Bibbulmun Track.
The Department of Environment and Conservation manages the Bibbulmun track, which is a popular
route with hikers and those interested in seeing these areas. Additionally, the Hotham River is used
for recreational pursuits including bird watching, fishing, kayaking, swimming, picnicking and walking.
Redfin, perch and cobbler (catfish), along with marron (freshwater crayfish) are caught in season in
the river.
South Dandalup water catchment lies to the northwest of the project area. NBG is located within the
catchment of Thirty‐Four Mile Brook, which is not used for human consumption other than NBG
employees and contractors.
4.1.9.1 Post‐Closure Impacts on Land Use

It is believed that of the existing land uses, future mining, production forestry, nature conservation,
recreation and culture and surface water supply can be managed in a compatible manner beyond
closure at NBG. Livestock grazing is considered incompatible post‐closure due to risks associated with
destabilising vegetation covers on rehabilitated surfaces. More detailed information on post‐mining
land use is included in Section 6.
4.1.10 Cultural Heritage

4.1.10.1 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
A large number of Aboriginal heritage surveys have been conducted at NBG since the 1980’s. A
number of Aboriginal heritage sites are recorded within the Department of Indigenous Affairs
databases, the majority of which are quartz scatters and mythological sites (Figure 4‐13). Four of the
registered sites require active management (Table 4‐17).
Table 4‐17 Aboriginal heritage sites requiring active management

Site Description
Round Swamp (DIA A very sparse scatter of quartz artefacts around the south and west margins of
4230) Round Swamp. The artefact assemblage included mainly quartz with some
dolerite and one backed tool.
Forest (DIA 4300) A fairly sparse scatter of artefacts on the surface near the head of a creek. The
artefact assemblage consisted of mainly quartz with some dolerite, mainly chips
and flakes and two fabricators.
Hotham River (DIA The Hotham River is significant in terms of customary use and a number of
27935) historic camps and ceremonial grounds were present on its embankments from
where the Thirty‐Four Mile Brook intersects the Hotham River to the bridge on
Bannister Road.
Forest (DIA 4277) A sparse scatter of about 150 artefacts on the edge of House Brook.
The Gnaala Karla Booja Native Title Claim encompasses the NBG area, with representation managed
by South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC). In August 2006, the Gnaala Karla Booja
People (GKB), SWALSC and Newmont Boddington Gold signed the Moorditj Booja Community
Partnership Agreement which acknowledges the GKB People as Traditional Owners of the area and
their relationship to the land. The Community Partnership Agreement provides a process through
which mutual respect and common interests can be achieved and a strong economic base can be
4‐
29
built for the future generations of the GKB People. The parties to the Community Partnership
Agreement are also committed to the Preservation of Aboriginal Heritage Agreement which sets out
the process to be followed for the management of Aboriginal heritage sites within a 20 km buffer
around the NBG operational area.
4.1.10.2 Other Cultural Heritage

The Shire of Boddington identified two cultural heritage sites in the area of NBG in their Municipal
Heritage Inventory (Shire of Boddington, 2011):
 Mt Wells Fire Tower; and
 Tullis Bridge.
The Mt Wells Fire Tower is located at the top of Mt Wells and was constructed as a fire lookout for
the surrounding timber milling industry (Plate 4‐1). The tower was renovated in 1997 but was
extensively damaged during storms in July 2012. The tower is utilised for recreational use, a weather
station and fire lookout. Installation of huts has also allowed overnight usage by walkers of the
Bibbulmun Track. The Mt Wells Fire Tower is an important feature of past industry practices in the
Boddington area and conservation is recommended. Mining operations at NBG will not affect the Mt
Wells Fire Tower.
Plate 4‐1 Mt Wells Fire Tower (from Shire of Boddington, 2011)
Tullis Bridge occurs across the Hotham River at the site of the Hotham River pump station. Tullis
Bridge was constructed in 1912 as a rail link between Pinjarra and Narrogin and was in service until
1968. In 1969, rejuvenation work was undertaken so pedestrians could continue to cross the river on
the bridge. However, it was extensively damaged by fire in 2008 and is no longer in use. Tullis Bridge
has significant associations with the local timber industry and the connection between Narrogin and
4‐
30
Pinjarra. It is rates as having an exception level of significance and conservation is highly
recommended.
Tullis Bridge is also identified as a European heritage site in the Heritage Commission of Western
Australia database.
Plate 4‐2 Tullis Bridge (from Shire of Boddington, 2011)
4.1.10.3 Post‐Closure Impacts on Cultural Heritage

Continued implementation of the Cultural Heritage Management Plan during closure will ensure the
ongoing protection of cultural heritage sites.
4.1.11 Social Setting and Community

2
The project site falls within the Peel Region which covers 5,500 km and comprises the area defined
by the boundaries of the City of Mandurah and the Shires of Boddington, Murray, Serpentine‐
Jarrahdale and Waroona. The region is lightly populated and most of the inhabitants are employed in
bauxite mining, quarrying, forestry, agriculture and general servicing of these industries.
The town of Boddington is located 12 km southeast of the mine. Between the town and mine are
several residences and NBG’s accommodation village. The nearest residence is approximately 7 km
northeast of the project.
The Shire of Boddington has a predominantly agricultural economic base, with a focus on sheep,
wheat and other cereal crops. This economic base changed with the influence of bauxite and gold
mining industries, which were established there in the late 1970s and mid‐1980s. In recent times, the
Shire is experiencing a growth in timber plantations (particularly after the restrictions placed upon
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31
felling of old growth timber), hobby farmers and new agricultural markets such as stone fruit,
avocadoes, and viticulture olives.
In the 2011 census, the population of Boddington was recorded as 1,908 people. Of these, 72.9%
were employed full‐time, 15.6% were employed part‐time and 2.5% were unemployed. Mining is the
largest industry for employment in Boddington with 36.8% of employed people working in metal ore
mining. Other major industries of employment included heavy and civil engineering construction
(6.5%), land development and site preparation services (4.4%), school education 93.7%) and cafes,
restaurants and takeaway food services (2.9%).
Boddington, while not having a large population, has very good facilities. The commercial centre
includes a supermarket, post office, chemist, deli, bank and petrol stations. Community health is
served by doctors and a child health centre as well as a district hospital and ambulance centre. Other
emergency services include Police, Country Fire Brigade and State Emergency Service.
The Boddington township has a library, child care facilities and a district junior high school catering
for students from pre‐school to year 10. The closest senior high school is in Pinjarra approximately
80 km away.
4.1.11.1 Post‐Closure Impacts on Social Setting and Community

The potential post‐closure impacts on the community and social setting include:
 Reduction in population in Boddington and surrounding townsites;
 Reduction in business and income for local businesses; and
 Reduction in support and sponsorship of local activities and sporting teams.
The temporary closure of the Boddington operations in 2001 provided a useful set of statistics for
predicting the future impact of mine closure. Boddington experienced a drop in population between
1996 and 2001, which is likely to have been influenced by the Boddington operations going into care
and maintenance and the downturn in associated activities during this time (Q&A Communications,
2004). At the time of going into care and maintenance, the Boddington Gold Mine employed
approximately 76 individuals directly and 205 contractors (the majority of whom resided in Perth). Of
the 76 direct employees, the majority (90%) resided in Boddington (with the remainder residing in
Mandurah (2%), Williams (1%), Perth (5%) and other towns within the Peel region (2%)).
After mine closure, 57% of the direct employees left the area. Stakeholder interviews confirmed a
noticeable decrease in population immediately following cessation of mining activity, but the impact
was not reflected in property sales or rental sales data and school attendance figures (Q&A
Communications, 2004). This data supports the conclusion that at this time the impact of the
temporary mine closure on the population was offset by a growth in the residential population due
to other lifestyle considerations.
Following the temporary closure of the operations, two local businesses (one engineering firm and
one laboratory) closed and two restaurants changed hands (Q&A Communications, 2004).
Closer to the end of mine life the Social Responsibility Plan will be refined to address the potential
impacts of closure, particularly on the local community (Section 10.4). The projects and programs
implemented for closure of NBG will be based upon the requirements of the local community at the
time and will consider what has been successful in other communities.
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4.2 Research Programs, Studies and Trials
Research programs, studies and trials have been conducted over the life of the NBG project to
address key closure issues identified for the site. These programs will be continued in order to
facilitate ongoing refinement of closure and rehabilitation techniques and costs. Progress and
findings of research, studies and trials will be reported in the Annual Environmental Report.
The following sections summarise the key results of research programs, studies and trials that are
relevant to rehabilitation and closure of the:
 Waste rock landforms (Section 4.2.1);
 RDAs (Section 4.2.2); and
 Open pits (Section 4.2.3).
Rehabilitation techniques are relevant to all disturbance areas and learning’s from previous
rehabilitation at NBG are summarised in Section 4.2.4. Research undertaken into black cockatoos is
summarised in Section 4.2.5.
More detailed information on the research programs, studies and trials that have been undertaken is
included in Appendix 5.
4.2.1 Waste Rock Landforms

The key areas of investigation for the waste rock landforms at NBG are:
 Geochemistry and management of potentially acid forming material;
 Landform design; and
 Cover design.
A summary of the key outcomes of the research, studies and trials conducted in these areas is
4.2.1.1 Geochemistry and Waste Rock Management

Investigations of geochemical conditions at NBG have been undertaken at various stages during mine
development and operation. In general, the main objectives of the geochemical assessments have
been to:
 Identify and characterise materials which will be mined and dispatched to waste
rock landforms; and
 Determine the future acid and/or metalliferous mine drainage (AMD) potential of
the various materials and facility areas.
NBG currently employ conventional Net Acid Generation (NAG) test and acid base accounting (ABA)
indices for the differentiation of potentially acid forming (PAF) and non‐acid forming (NAF)
components of the run of mine waste rock stream. The applicability of these indices to the material
at NBG is however questionable due to its very low sulphide‐S content and negligible carbonate
neutralisation capacity. This results in the majority of waste rock being conservatively classified and
managed as PAF.
ABA and NAG test data provide reliable determinants of waste rock behaviour only for the relatively
small fraction of the NBG waste stream which is either:
 Definitively NAF in character due to the presence of carbonate buffering capacity
which significantly exceeds acid production potential; or
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 Definitively PAF in character due to the prevalence of acid production potential or
NAG acidity levels which, regardless of sulphide oxidation kinetics exceed
aluminosilicate buffering capacity.
Run of mine NAG data compiled for waste grade material analysed to date indicates that the above
characteristics are likely to apply to only a small percentage of the total waste stream.
The presence of non‐carbonate buffering capacity in a significant proportion of the intrusive

lithologies at NBG is signified by the tendency for sample materials classified as PAF on the basis of
NAG tests to maintain circum‐neutral leachate pH during prolonged weathering in column tests. Acid
contact water in the majority of instances may be mitigated in NBG waste rock lacking carbonate
buffering through reaction with aluminosilicates, chiefly biotite and feldspars. However, this non‐
carbonate buffering is only effective to a threshold sulphide oxidation rate and/or within a pH range
which is probably delimited by a lower bounding value of around 5.
Results derived from the kinetic testing program commenced in 2000 suggest that the threshold rate
of sulphide oxidation beyond which non‐carbonate buffering is ineffective is of the order of 2 to
2.5 mg/kg/day sulphate yield (BGM, 2003). In the specific sample suite subject to testing sulphide
oxidation rates in excess of 2.5 mg/kg/day were produced in materials with sulphide‐S abundances as
low as 0.2%.
Kinetic testing commenced in 2010 indicates that the sulphide oxidation rate threshold beyond
which effective aluminosilicate buffering may be inhibited is around 3 mg/kg/day (Campbell et al,
2012). In the specific sample suite subject to testing, this threshold corresponds to a sulphide‐S
abundance of around 0.3%.
Based on the entire sulphide block model for NBG, it is estimated that around 54% of the model area
is characterised by sulphide‐S levels of <0.1%, with a total of 74% containing sulphide‐S at <0.2%. This
is broadly analogous to the distribution evident in run of mine samples from both the North and
South pits to date. While sulphide‐S constitutes only one of a range of possible controls on AMD
generation propensity in the life of mine waste stream, this level of analogy, coupled with the
relative homogeneity of the principal waste lithologies throughout the block model area, suggest
that the use of a sulphide‐S threshold for differentiation of NAF and PAF material behaviour is likely
to be applicable throughout the mine life.
NBG has commenced developing a revised waste rock handling plan and medium grade management
plan based on improved understanding of the long‐term AMD and metal leaching potential of waste
rock and medium grade ore. The overall approach to characterisation of the AMD potential of the
waste rock and medium grade ore will be based on collection of representative samples for use in
laboratory static and kinetic testing. In parallel with this work, field testing will be undertaken to
demonstrate that conclusions drawn from laboratory scale tests are fully applicable to the behaviour
of waste rock in the field setting. The field tests established are intended to serve as a source of long
term data to guide validation of operational waste rock management protocols and the refinement
of closure designs for the waste rock landforms at NBG.
4.2.1.2 Landform Design

The closure strategy for the waste rock landforms is to create physically stable and safe landforms
that are consistent with the existing variable topography. To achieve this strategy, landform design
for NBG has focussed on:
 Optimal placement of the waste rock landforms (Section 4.2.1.2.1); and
 Slope geometry (Section 4.2.1.2.2).
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4.2.1.2.1 Waste Rock Landform Placement
A specialist mining planning consultant was engaged to conduct comprehensive analyses of the
options available for optimising waste rock storage. Evaluation of approximately 20 alternative
landform designs was undertaken by applying a series of constraints (primary and secondary) either
in isolation or collectively and assessing the outcomes. Primary constraints are restrictions to
construction of the waste rock landform at a physical location that will apply under all conditions.
The primary constraints included during the evaluation of the landform design for NBG were the
locations of the:
 Processing plant;
 Open pits;
 Stockpile and ROM pad; and
 Conveyor corridor.
Secondary constraints are restrictions for construction of the waste rock landform at a physical
location that may or may not be applied depending on requirements. Their main use is for
undertaking “what if” analyses. The secondary constraints considered in the evaluation of the
landform design for NBG included:
 Current cleared footprint;
 Existing tenure;
 Location of:
o State forest;
o Black cockatoo habitat;
o A potentially significant woylie population;
o Locally restricted vegetation communities such as swamps;
o Bauxite;
o Infrastructure such as powerlines.
 Visual amenity;
 Maximum elevation; and
 Regional drainage.
As an example, Figure 4‐14 shows the results of restricting expansion of the waste rock landforms to
existing tenure compared with the application of no secondary constraints.
The above factors posed challenges to the planning process for the waste rock landforms as they
interact to result in conflicting outcomes. For example, constructing a landform with an increased
maximum height results in a smaller footprint and less clearing of jarrah forest for the volume of
waste rock being stored. However, this also results in increased visual impact and a higher long term
closure risk due to the long slopes to be stabilised during rehabilitation.
After several iterations, preferred landform locations, heights and sizes were selected and integrated
with the NBG mine planning process. The waste rock dumping schedule was also assessed to ensure
that materials that require encapsulation can be segregated and that rehabilitation materials such as
oxide can be stored in locations where they can be accessed when required at later stages of the
mine life to minimise the area required for stockpiling of materials.
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4.2.1.2.2 Slope Geometry
Due to the large area of the waste rock landforms, slope geometry and surface water management is
11
a critical component of long term stability. SIBERIA modelling was conducted to compare the
relative performance of alternative slope geometries. A copy of the reports on SIBERIA modelling
undertaken are included in Appendix 7 and Appendix 8.
Initial modelling was undertaken using parameters considered to be realistic for the site conditions.
The slope geometries modelled were (Figure 4‐15):
 Single slope with benches – 14 m wide benches with 1 m high bunds and 1 m deep
water diversion channels with 17° interbench slopes;
 Single slope ‐ 17° slope with no benches;
 Concave slope – concave slope with grades of 15.3°, 13.4°, 9.2° and 4.8°; and
 Concave slope with benches – 40m wide benches with 3 m high bunds and 5° back
slope with concave interbench slopes with grades of 25° and 15°. Crest bund height
set to provide sufficient storage volume to retain material eroded from the slope
above the bench.
The erosion simulation results indicated that a concave slope with wide benches and sized bunds
performs better than the other slope geometries with respect to total eroded volume and gully
depth (Table 4‐18 and Table 4‐19).
Table 4‐18 SIBERIA modelling with assumed parameters – comparison of total eroded volume
Slope Geometry Total Eroded Volume (% compared to single slope with
benches geometry)
Single slope with benches 100%
Single slope 116%
Concave slope 67%
Concave slope with sized benches 26%
Table 4‐19 SIBERIA modelling with assumed parameters – comparison of gully depth
Slope Geometry Gully Depth (% compared to single slope with benches
geometry)
Maximum Gully Depth Average Gully Depth
Single slope with benches 100% 100%
Single slope 202% 197%
Concave slope 152% 141%
Concave slope with sized benches 97% 120%
Further modelling was undertaken of three slope geometries identified in the previous study using
erosion parameters calibrated to the materials at NBG. Modelling also took into account a range of
vegetation covers from no vegetation to full forest cover. The slope geometries modelled were
(Figure 4‐16):
 Single slope with benches – 14 m wide benches with 1 m high bunds and 1 m deep
water diversion channels with 17° interbench slopes;
11
SIBERIA is a long‐term erosion model developed to simulate the linkages between the time evolving
geomorphic form of natural landscapes and the hydrology and erosion processes occurring on them, and how
these processes, in turn, determine the future evolution of the natural landform.
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 Concave slope with benches (30 m lifts) – 40m wide benches with 5 m high bunds
and 5° back slope with concave interbench slopes with grades of 25° and 15°. Crest
bund height set to provide sufficient storage volume to retain material eroded from
the slope above the bench; and
 Concave slope with benches (20 m lifts) – 40m wide benches with 5 m high bunds
and 5° back slope with concave interbench slopes with grades of 25° and 15°. Crest
bund height set to provide sufficient storage volume to retain material eroded from
the slope above the bench.
Comparison of the three slope profiles showed that a slope geometry where benches are sized to
retain water and slope erosion perform significantly better in terms of total eroded volume and
average gully depth (Table 4‐20 and Table 4‐21). It is also evident that vegetation has a significant
effect on the total erosion.
Table 4‐20 SIBERIA modelling with calibrated parameters – comparison of total eroded volume
Slope Geometry Total Eroded Volume (% compared to single slope with
benches geometry)
Little or No Grasses, Shrubs Well Established
Vegetation and Small Trees Vegetation
Single slope with benches 100% 100% 100%
Concave slope with sized benches 16.6% 7.3% 1.6%
(30 m lifts)
Concave slope with sized benches 12.2% 5.4% 1.1%
(20 m lifts)
Table 4‐21 SIBERIA modelling with calibrated parameters – comparison of average gully depth
Slope Geometry Average Gully Depth (% compared to single slope with
benches geometry)
Little or No Grasses, Shrubs Well Established
Vegetation and Small Trees Vegetation
Single slope with benches 100% 100% 100%
Concave slope with sized benches 70% 22.7% 13.3%
(30 m lifts)
Concave slope sized with benches 26% 9.7% 6.0%
(20 m lifts)
4.2.1.3 Cover Design

The cover design for the waste rock landforms needs to ensure that closure objectives and
completion criteria are going to be met with regards to landform stability, management of mine
wastes and establishment of vegetation that resembles that of the region. The combined
requirements of landform stability, minimisation of infiltration of surface water into the landform
and revegetation with local native species presents a significant challenge, particularly given the
large size of the landforms.
Cover design for the waste rock landforms has focussed on:
 Review of available information;
 Modelling of cover performance; and
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 Trials of rehabilitation on steep slopes.
4.2.1.3.1 Information Review

An information review was undertaken to assist in the development of suitable rehabilitation
parameters for NBG. The information review incorporated:
 Assessment of:
o Current design and rehabilitation criteria;
o Information available from other mine sites pertaining to landform and slope
geometry (slopes, shapes, materials, drainage);
o Characteristics influencing the erodibility and successful rehabilitation of
constructed slope
 Evaluation of rehabilitation undertaken on site in terms of slope stability and
revegetation success, materials used and slope parameters;
 Identification of influential parameters to be considered for cover design at NBG;
 Development of slope geometry and rehabilitation prescriptions to be incorporated
into SIBERIA modelling; and
 Recommendations for field based evaluation of slope geometry, erosion and
drainage parameters.
A copy of the information review is included in Appendix 9.
Successful rehabilitation of the waste rock landforms will need to take into account:
 Soil and waste material characteristics;
 Vegetation characteristics;
 Scheduling and placement of waste materials;
 Slope design;
 Surface treatments;
 Surface water and drainage; and
 Climatic factors.
The most relevant information relating to rehabilitation at NBG can be drawn from existing
rehabilitation and trial work. A summary of the results of rehabilitation of the satellite open pits at
NBG is included in Section 4.2.4. The key outcomes of the steep slope trials that have been
undertaken at NBG are summarised in Section 4.2.1.3.3.
The key observations of an inspection of rehabilitated slopes undertaken at NBG were:

 The growth of vegetation in existing rehabilitation areas is substantial, with a 30 cm
layer of topsoil/gravel over oxide material supporting adequate vegetation in the
satellite open pits;
 Plant roots readily penetrate the oxide material below the surface gravel/topsoil in
the reconstructed profiles;
 The growth of vegetation is less in areas of shallow gravel cover and/or exposed
oxide material; and
 Erosion has occurred where the depth of gravel at the surface is insufficient, where
oxide is exposed at the surface or where surface water flow is concentrated.
A waste rock landform rehabilitation trial is proposed to evaluate and potentially refine design
parameters under field conditions. The performance of the selected slope design and rehabilitation
prescriptions will be evaluated to augment the existing knowledge base on the most suitable
rehabilitation methods for NBG.
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The rehabilitation materials (i.e. topsoil, gravel and oxide) have differing erodibility, infiltration and
water storage capacities. Different combinations of these materials will be tested under field
conditions to optimise the water holding, erodibility and vegetation growth potential of the cover.
Potential prescriptions that may be evaluated as part of a field trial include:
 0.3 m of topsoil/gravel over 2 m of oxide;
 0.3 m of topsoil/gravel over 0.5 m of waste rock/oxide (i.e. waste rock ripped into
oxide surface) over 1.5 m of oxide; and
 0.3 m of topsoil/gravel over 2 m of waste rock/oxide (i.e. waste rock and oxide
mixed).
4.2.1.3.2 Modelling of Cover Performance

12
Modelling of cover design was undertaken using VADOSE/W to assess the performance of cover
options. Two conceptual cover designs were considered which were both designed to be store‐and‐
release cover systems (Table 4‐22 and Figure 4‐17). The key conclusions from the modelling were:
 The effectiveness of a 5 m thick cover is expected to be similar to a 2 m thick cover.
However, the seepage rates could be higher if the oxide cover thickness is less than
2 m thick;
 The incorporation of a compacted layer in the cover system is not expected to
improve the effectiveness of the cover system. The seepage rates through a cover
system with a compacted layer are expected to be similar to the cover system
without such a layer;
 The compacted layer would not impede oxygen ingress significantly. The compacted
oxide material is expected to dry out once the plant roots become established in the
cover and this will allow oxygen to diffuse into the waste rock;
 Almost all of the rainfall water that infiltrates the cover system is stored within the
upper 2 m of the cover system. This water is removed during the dry season through
evapotranspiration. There is not a gradual build‐up of soil‐water content, even after
very wet seasons;
 Leaf litter reduces direct evaporation from the ground surface, thereby allowing
more water to be stored in the soil profile which will be available for vegetation; and
 A gravel and topsoil layer would promote infiltration into cover material and limit
run‐off from the landforms. This would inhibit erosion and allow more water to be
stored in the covers, which would become available for the vegetation.
Table 4‐22 Summary of conceptual waste rock landform cover designs

Layer Cover Option A Cover Option B
Layer 1 (top) 30 to 50 cm mixed gravel or laterite 30 to 50 cm mixed gravel or laterite
and topsoil. and topsoil.
Layer 2 200 to 500 cm uncompacted kaolinitic 100 to 400 cm uncompacted kaolinitic
oxide material. oxide material.
Layer 3 None. 60 to 100 cm of compacted kaolinitic
oxide material.
Layer 4 (bottom) Waste rock. Waste rock.
12
VADOSE/W is a two‐dimensional finite‐element saturated and partially saturated flow model with the ability
to simulate soil‐atmospheric interactions, including infiltration, evaporation, transpiration and run‐off.
VADOSE/W can be used to model the movement of water, vapour and gas through saturated and partially
saturated soils in response to rainfall, evaporation and transpiration.
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4.2.1.3.3 Steep Slope Trials.
A series of trials has been undertaken at NBG on rehabilitation of slopes at angles of up to 25°
(referred to as steep slope trials). The focus of this research has been to examine the performance of
different surface treatments on steep slopes using surface water runoff, erosion and vegetation as
performance indicators. The outcomes of these trials are summarised in Table 4‐23.
Table 4‐23 Summary of outcomes from steep slope trials

Year Treatments Outcomes
1995  200 mm of topsoil and gravel over  Increased gravel thickness in the cover
backfilled oxide material. profile reduced the severity of gully
 300 mm of topsoil and gravel over erosion.
backfilled oxide material.  The increased gravel thickness is thought
 400 mm of topsoil and gravel over to increase the water storage capacity of
backfilled oxide material. the cover, which reduces the potential for
the cover to saturate which results in flow
of excess water over the surface.
1997  Rock armour over 100 mm of topsoil and  Rehabilitation is most susceptible to
200 mm of gravel. erosion during the first year before
 Rock armour under 100 mm of topsoil vegetation is established when the soil
and 200 mm of gravel. profile is most unstable.
 100 mm of topsoil and 200 mm of gravel.  Rehabilitation was most successful on
 100 mm of topsoil and 200 mm of gravel treatments with a degree of surface
ripped with a winged tyne to a depth of roughness (either ripping or rock
1 m. armouring).
 100 mm of topsoil and 200 mm of gravel  Where very large gullies were not
ripped with a conventional tyne to a present, erosion had stabilised by the end
depth of 1 m. of the fourth year.
 Moonscaping.
2007  100 mm of topsoil and 150 mm of gravel  Erosion was lowest on the treatment with
ripped with a conventional tyne to a the least gravel, which does not support
depth of 600 mm. previous trial findings that increased
 100 mm of topsoil and 200 mm of gravel gravel thickness reduces erosion.
ripped with a conventional tyne to a  Comparison of trials between 1995 (wet
depth of 600 mm. year), 1997 (dry year) and 2007 (slightly
 100 mm of topsoil and 300 mm of gravel wetter than average year) indicates that
ripped with a conventional tyne to a rainfall intensity may have a greater
depth of 600 mm. impact on erosion than surface
 Application of paper based hydromulch treatments.
at approximately 3 mm thickness.  Application of woodchips appears to be a
 Application of woodchipped forest useful treatment for prevention and
debris at approximately 3 mm thickness. potentially mitigation of erosion.
 Application of a layer of jutemat (a However, application of woodchips is
commercial geosynthetic stabilising currently limited to a 40 m slope length.
material).  Hydromulch does not appear to be
effective at significantly reducing erosion.
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4.2.2 Residue Disposal Areas
The key areas of investigation for the RDAs at NBG are:
 Residue characterisation; and
 Cover design.
A summary of the key outcomes of the research, studies and trials conducted in these areas is
4.2.2.1 Residue Characterisation

4.2.2.1.1 Physical Properties
The basement residue is classified as having a loamy sand texture, which is coarser than the oxide
residue which is classed as a clay loam (Table 4‐24). The fine particle size of the oxide residue is
reflected in high water storage potential (40% volumetric water content at field capacity), but this
high pore water suction may lead to decreased water availability for plants. Basement residue
contains a lower proportion of clay‐sized material than the oxide residue at NBG, leading to a lower
expected field capacity, higher hydraulic conductivity, less reactive surface area and thus less
capacity to absorb nutrients.
The basement residue is slightly dispersive while the oxide residue partly dispersed after remoulding.
While the basement residue had some capacity to hard set, the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) value
recorded was below that considered potentially limiting to root growth (60 kPa). By contrast, the
oxide residue was found to have a very high capacity for hard setting with a MOR value of around
240 kPa.
Table 4‐24 Physical characteristics of oxide and basement residue at NBG

Parameter Oxide Residue Basement Residue
Texture (of <2mm fraction) Clay loam Loamy sand
Emerson Test Class 3b – Dry aggregate slakes but 2 – Dry aggregate slakes
does not disperse; remoulded and partly disperses
soil partly disperses
Modulus of Rupture (kPa) 240 43.9
4.2.2.1.2 Chemical Properties

Oxide residue is characterised by (Table 4‐25):
 High salinity and alkalinity due to the ore extraction process;
 High exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP);
 Poor nutrient status and availability due to the high alkalinity; and
 Extremely low organic carbon levels.
Application of soil treatments in the rehabilitation trial undertaken on the R4 RDA resulted in
conditions changing to be generally less hostile for plant growth, with salinity and pH decreasing
(Section 4.2.2.2.1).
In comparison to the oxide residue, the basement residue contains lower levels of sodium, is less
saline and alkaline, has lower cation exchange capacity and higher extractable micronutrients (Table
4‐25). Therefore, in terms of chemical properties the basement residue is more suitable for plant
growth.
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Total metal concentrations in both oxide and basement residues are low with the exception of
copper, which was measured up to 1,200 mg/kg in an oxide residue sample (Table 4‐26). These high
copper concentrations reflect the copper mineralisation in the NBG ore body, and that copper was
not extracted during processing of the oxide ore.
The basement residue is deficient in both sulphide and carbonate minerals, and is thus classified as
Non‐Acid Forming. Geochemical assessment indicates that bismuth is the only minor element which
is enriched in the basement residue solids. Bismuth is incorporated into the crystal lattice of primary
silicates and is thus “fixed” and has negligible bioavailability and solubility (OES, 2007b).
Table 4‐25 Chemical characteristics of oxide and basement residue at NBG

Parameter Oxide Residue Basement Residue
Soil pH (H2O) 8.6 8.1
Electrical Conductivity (dS/m) 0.72 0.6
Organic Carbon (%) ‐
0.13 0.13
Plant‐Available NO3 3 3
+
Nutrients (mg/kg) NH4 2 3.5
P 5.5 3
K 463 3,298
S 136 256
Exchangeable 2+ 1.2 2.51
Ca
Cations (meq/100g) 0.7 <0.1
Mg2+ +
Na 0.8 <0.1
+ 0.1 0.1
K
Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (%) 29.4 Below limits of reporting
Table 4‐26 Total metal concentrations for oxide and basement residue at NBG
13
Parameter (mg/kg) Oxide Residue Basement Residue EIL
Arsenic 8.0 11.0 20
Cadmium <1 <1 3
Chromium 76.5 39.5 400
Copper 791 156 100
Lead 11.0 <5 600
Nickel 23.5 28.0 60
Zinc 38.5 28.5 200
Mercury <0.1 0.25 1
4.2.2.2 Cover Design

The cover design for the RDAs needs to ensure that closure objectives and completion criteria are
going to be met with regards to landform stability, management of mine wastes and establishment
of vegetation that resembles that of the region.
Trials undertaken on the R4 RDA (oxide residue) and successful rehabilitation of the neighbouring
Hedges RDA indicate that oxide residue can be successfully rehabilitated (Section 4.2.2.2.1).
However, further work is required to understand rehabilitation of the basement tailings and
13
EIL – Ecological Investigation Limit for soils (DEC, 2010).
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Newmont has made commitments regarding establishment of residue rehabilitation trials to develop
an appropriate prescription for revegetation of the basement residue surface.
A basement residue rehabilitation trial is proposed to be conducted with the following objectives:
 To evaluate the behaviour of basement residue after rehabilitation, particularly in
relation to its capacity to support productive vegetation;
 To evaluate the effect of decreasing the thickness of gravel subsoil on vegetation
establishment and productivity;
 To assess if particular plant species are better adapted to the rehabilitated residue
profile; and
 To provide an opportunity to assess root exploration and water use by vegetation on
rehabilitated residue.
4.2.2.2.1 Oxide Residue Cover Trials

The Gold Residue Rehabilitation Project was a field research program conducted between NBG,
Hedges Gold Mine, the University of Western Australia and Murdoch University. The project was
initiated to:
 Test the rehabilitation prescription developed from pot trials and field experiments
at an operational scale; and
 Assess the impact of modifications to the prescription to enhance environmental,
logistical and economic outcomes.
The principal variable in the trial was the thickness of the gravel layer placed over the residue. The
three treatments were:
 30 cm of gravel and 10 cm of topsoil;
 15 cm of gravel and 10 cm of topsoil; and
 10 cm of topsoil only.
The project also incorporated two soil amendments, gypsum (30 t/ha and 60 t/ha) and organic
3
compost (50 m /ha), as experimental variables.
Re‐sampling of the R4 RDA trial area was undertaken in 2011, twelve years after establishment of the
trial, to assess long term trends in vegetation growth and soil properties. The outcomes of this trial
are summarised in Table 4‐27.
A copy of the 2011 investigation is included in Appendix 6.
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Table 4‐27 Summary of outcomes from oxide residue cover trial
Monitoring Year Outcomes
2001  During the first year and a half, vegetation performance was similar in all
treatments, though growth, foliage cover and seedling height were greater
in the topsoil only treatment.
 After two years, species richness and plant density declined in the topsoil
only treatment compared to gravel and topsoil treatments.
 Organic sources of nutrients are not necessary for rehabilitation.
 Gypsum applied at 30 t/ha effectively improved alkalinity by lowering pH
and improved sodicity by lowering exchangeable sodium.
 Root growth in the residue layers was observed to favour planes of
weaknesses and voids in cracks, and layers of coarser material.
 Residue areas appear likely to be able to be revegetated by endemic
species.
2011  A substantial reduction in the salinity of the residue material occurred
between 1999 and 2011, both at the surface and at depth. The residue
within the top 0.5 m of the profile is now classed as ‘non’ to ‘slightly’ saline.
There has been no upward movement of salts into the topsoil/gravel cover
materials from the residue materials.
 The pH of the residue material decreased from being extremely alkaline at
the surface in 1999 to neutral in 2011. There was a similar reduction in
alkalinity deeper in the residue material with pH increasing with depth.
 There has been a decrease in the concentration of nitrate, plant‐available
phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in the residue materials, as would be
expected with the high rate of vegetation growth within the trial area.
 The initially very high levels of exchangeable sodium within the upper (i.e.
top 0.5 m) residue material have declined substantially. This, in combination
with an increase in the exchangeable calcium present, has resulted in a
decrease in the exchangeable sodium percentage of the residue materials to
a depth of approximately 0.5 m.
 There was little consistent difference in the physical and chemical
characteristics of the soil cover and residue materials within the different
depth of soil/gravel cover treatments.
4.2.3 Open Pits

The key areas of investigation for the open pits at NBG are:
 Pit lake chemistry and filling period; and
 Surface water management.
The key outcomes of the research, studies and trials conducted in these areas is summarised in the
following sections.
4.2.3.1 Pit Lake Chemistry and Filling Period

A site wide closure water balance and hydrochemical model has been developed to be used as a
predictive tool to support the ongoing development of the NBG Closure Plan and the design of mine
facilities. The model was developed using the software GoldSim, which is a graphical, object oriented
program for performing dynamic, deterministic or stochastic simulations. A summary of the
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outcomes from the water balance model with respect to the pit lake filling period and chemistry are
summarised below. A copy of the report is included in Appendix 10.
The following facilities are modelled in the closure water balance:

 F1/F3 RDA;
 R4 RDA;
 Future RDA;
 Cyanide destruct plant;
 D1 water storage reservoir;
 Upper Thirty‐Four Mile Brook diversion pond;
 Waste rock landforms 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12;
 Medium grade ore and ROM footprint;
 Impacted water sump (seepage management system);
 Acid rock drainage treatment plant;
 North and South pits;
 South pit drainage channel; and
 D5 water storage reservoir.
Natural flow processes and flows between the facilities at closure are illustrated in the conceptual
flow diagram in Figure 4‐18. In the model it is assumed that the existing cyanide destruct plant will
operate for ten years post‐closure and seepage from waste rock landforms 7, 8, 10 and 11 will be
treated for twenty years post‐closure.
Base case predictions from the water balance model were generated using daily data measured at
the Marradong precipitation station from the period 1960 to 2010 (the drier portion of the long term
record at this station), factored based on comparison with the NBG site station for the period for
which they overlap. This results in an annual average precipitation of 788 mm and an annual average
evaporation of 1,380 mm in the base case model.
Sensitivity analyses were undertaken to evaluate:

 Alternative climate scenarios (Table 4‐28).
 The possibility that the pit will never discharge to the downstream environment;
 Uncertainty in pit lake evaporation estimates;
 Rehabilitation effectiveness; and
 Optimum AMD treatment rate.
Table 4‐28 Closure water balance model climate scenarios

Climate Scenario Model Input
Extremely dry Precipitation reduced to 50% of long term averages, resulting in an annual
average of 419 mm.
Climate change Based on climate model predictions which indicate a maximum reduction of
20% in annual precipitation and a maximum increase of 6% in annual
evaporation by 2070, resulting in an annual average precipitation of 620 mm.
Very dry Precipitation reduced to 80% of long term averages, resulting in an annual
average of 679 mm.
Wet conditions Based on the wetter part of the historical record, resulting in an annual
average precipitation of 888 mm.
Very wet conditions Long term precipitation data increased by 20% to give an annual average of
1,019 mm.
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Under base case conditions, the North pit is expected to spill to the South pit after 32 years, and the
South pit is expected to discharge to the downstream environment after 80 years (Figure 4‐19). After
the pits fill they are expected to discharge every winter, with a predicted average spilling rate of
3
415 L/s (35,852 m /day). During the summer months, when evaporation from the lake surface and
groundwater outflows are greater than the combined inputs, the pit lake elevation is predicted to
decline by up to about 0.7 m.
During filling of the pit lakes, runoff from the waste rock landforms and discharge from the up‐
gradient catchment containing the R4 and F1/F3 RDAs dominate the inflows (Table 4‐29). Once the
pit lakes have filled and discharge from the South pit drainage channel is occurring, discharge from
the up‐gradient catchment and rehabilitated F1/F3 and R4 RDAs is the dominant control on pit lake
discharge. Most of the remaining inflows come from direct precipitation on the lake, runoff from
waste rock landform 12 and the up‐gradient catchment and runoff from waste rock landforms 7, 8,
10 and 11.
During most of the pit lake filling period, the pit lake is modelled to act as a groundwater sink, with
groundwater inflow contributing to lake filling. In the final stages of lake filling, as the lake rises from
around 225 mRL to the South Pit spillway elevation at 235 mRL, the pit lakes is expected to switch to
acting as a groundwater source, with some outflow of lake water into the groundwater system
occurring. The water balance model predicts that ouflow to the groundwater system (around 7L/s)
will be a small component of the pit lake water balance model compared to runoff entering the lake,
so the lake will continue to fill to the spillway elevation.
Table 4‐29 Base case pit inflows during filling and at steady state
Inflows % of Total during Filling % of Total at Steady
Period State
Direct precipitation 14.5 23.1
Catchment runoff 0.3 0.5
Pit wall runoff 10.3 7.6
Groundwater inflow 8.2 0.0
Waste rock landforms 7, 8, 10 and 11 runoff 20.5 18.7
Runoff from up‐gradient catchment and waste 12.9 16.4
14
rock landform 12
Runoff from up‐gradient catchment and R4 and 28.2 32.1
15
F1/F3 RDAs
Cyanide destruct plant discharge 2.3 0.0
AMD treatment plant discharge 1.2 0.0
Waste rock landform 9 seepage 1.5 1.5
Total 100 100
Table 4‐30 provides a summary of the model results for the sensitivity analysis undertaken. The
results indicate that:
 The pits will discharge under all realistic future climate conditions, with filling times
ranging from 44 to 127 years;
14
Modelled as Upper Thirty‐Four Mile Brook Diversion Pond and New Pond 2.
15
Modelled as New Pond 1.
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 Reducing precipitation to as low as an average of 419 mm/year (less than the lowest
annual total in the 100 year synthetic record) still results in the pit lakes discharging,
although the filling time is extended to 250 years;
 The pit lake is relatively insensitive to the evaporation rates applied to the lake. This
is due to the large catchment area reporting to the pit lakes and the relatively wet
winter conditions compared to pit lakes in most other areas across Australia;
 Storage exceedance events from the seepage management system can be prevented
by operating the AMD treatment plant at capacities between 9 and 26 L/s; and
 If rehabilitation of the waste rock landforms is poor and settlement and erosion
potentially result in infiltration rates which reach 15% of precipitation, the capacity
of the AMD treatment plant would potentially need to exceed 120 L/s.
Table 4‐30 Results of closure water balance sensitivity analyses

Purpose Scenario Results
Evaluate alternative Very dry: Natural precipitation Figure 4‐20 illustrates the predicted
climate scenarios rate reduced by 20% and pond variation in the South pit filling rate
evaporation coefficient increased for the climate scenarios analysed.
to 90% of pan evaporation rate. Filling times range from
Wet: The first 50 years of wetter approximately 44 years to 127
data from the early 1900’s years, compared to the base case of
repeated. 80 years.
Very wet: Natural precipitation
rate increased by 20% and pond The typical range for lowering of the
evaporation coefficient reduced to pit lake elevation in summer for the
60% of pan evaporation. base case model is 0.3 to 0.7 m. For
Climate change: Natural the climate scenarios considered
precipitation rate in 1990 reduced this movement reduces to 0.2 to
by 20%, monthly pan evaporation 0.5 m in the very wet case and
estimates for 1990 increased by increases to 0.6 to 0.9 m in the
6%, based on high emissions climate change case.
predictions for 2070 and pond
evaporation coefficient increased
to 90% of pan evaporation.
Evaluate the possibility Long term precipitation reduced Inputs to the pit lakes still exceed
that the pit will never by 50%. outflows via groundwater outflow
discharge. and evaporation. The pit lakes will
discharge, but the filling period is
increased to approximately 250
years.
Evaluate uncertainty in Reduce pond evaporation Figure 4‐21 illustrates the predicted
evaporation estimates. coefficient from 70% of pan variation in the South pit filling rate
evaporation to 60%. for the evaporation rates analysed.
Filling times range from 77 years to
86 years, compared to the base case
Increase pond evaporation of 80 years. Once the pit fills and
coefficient from 70% of pond begins to discharge there is no
evaporation to 90%. observable difference in discharge
rate or timing.
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Purpose Scenario Results
Evaluate success of Increase evapotranspiration from Average seepage reduces from 3 L/s
rehabilitation. RDAs from 70% to 130% of pan to 2 L/s for R4 RDA, 14 L/s to 7 L/s
evaporation (assumes for F1/F3 RDA and 20 L/S to 10 L/s
revegetation is very successful). for the future RDA. Pit lakes
discharge during year 82 rather than
year 80.
Reduce waste rock landform Slightly decreased inflow to pit from
runoff from 45% to 35% of waste rock landform runoff. Pit
precipitation (assumes poor lakes discharge during year 82
rehabilitation outcomes). rather than year 80.
Determine required Seepage management system With a storage volume of

AMD treatment rate for storage volume of 100,000 3
100,000 m there should be no
3
an assumed storage m. storage exceedance events if the
capacity in the seepage AMD plant operates at a rate of
management system for 26 L/s or more.
base case scenario waste Seepage management system With an increased storage volume
rock landform infiltration storage volume of 200,000 3
of 200,000 m , the AMD plant
3
rate (2%). m. treatment rate may operate at a
rate of 9 L/s or more to prevent
storage exceedance events.
Determine required Seepage management system With poor rehabilitation outcomes,
AMD treatment rate storage volume of 100,000 seepage to the seepage
3
with worst case waste m. management system would
rock landform infiltration increase significantly. However,
(15%). Seepage management system storage exceedance events within
3
storage volume of 200,000 m . the seepage management system
could be minimised with an AMD
treatment plant operating rate in
Seepage management system
3 the range 60 to 120 L/s for system
storage volume of 300,000 m . 3
storage capacities of 300,000 m to
3
100,000 m .
The hydrologic water balance model was used as the basis for a hydrochemical model to provide
preliminary estimates of post‐closure waste quality at specific locations at discrete time periods. The
hydrochemical model was developed using the geochemical thermodynamic equilibrium code
PHREEQC based on the results obtained from the base case water balance model developed in
GoldSim.
The level of precision in the inputs to the current hydrochemical model is not at sufficient detail to
allow detailed characterisation of surface water chemistry in the receiving environment, particularly
for metals concentrations. However, the model provides an indication of the relative importance and
influence of the various components in the water balance and has been constructed to allow the
predictions to be improved as the input chemistries become defined in more detail.
During early filling, the North pit lake water quality is influenced by the up‐gradient sources (R4 and
F1/F3 RDAs, waste rock landform 9 and up‐gradient catchment) as well as the discharge from the
cyanide destruct plant and groundwater inflow. The water quality will be slightly alkaline with
elevated TDS concentrations of around 2,800 mg/L (Table 4‐31).
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The North pit lake will fill to the notch excavated between the two pits after approximately 33 years.
At this time, the TDS in the North pit lake is indicated to be around 1,200 mg/L (mainly composed of
sodium, chloride and sulphate), with trace metals/metalloids at or below analytical detection limits
with the exception of copper. Over time, the TDS in the North pit lake is predicted to further
decrease as the lake continuously overflows to South pit and the water quality is more significantly
influenced by natural catchment runoff and direct precipitation inflows than by treatment plant
outflows.
During the early filling period (0 to 33 years post‐closure), the South pit lake water quality will be
mostly influenced by groundwater quality inflow (high TDS), pit wall runoff and some runoff from the
rehabilitated waste rock landforms. During this period, the pH is indicated to be slightly alkaline with
moderately elevated TDS mainly composed of sodium and chloride. After approximately 33 years,
the South pit lake water quality will be more significantly influenced by the North pit lake overflow
water quality, and the TDS concentration is indicated to increase as the South pit lake fills to the
notch elevation at approximately 79 years. Throughout this period, trace metals/metalloid
concentrations are predicted to increase slightly but continue to be low or below analytical detection
limits.
Throughout the filling period the South pit lake is indicated to have around 25 to 40 mg/L alkalinity.
This suggests there is some capacity for assimilation of additional acidic inflows if the volume or
concentration of either pit wall runoff or the portion of waste rock landform seepage that reaches
the pit lake is greater than modelled.
After approximately 79 years post‐closure, the North and South pit lakes will join to become the
combined pit lake and the predicted water quality after this time reflects a complete mixture of the
two lakes. The pit lake is predicted to fill to the discharge point after approximately 81 years post‐
closure. At this time, the pit lake is indicated to be slightly alkaline, total alkalinity remaining at
around 40 mg/L and moderate TDS. Once steady‐state inflow/outflow conditions are established, the
TDS and constituent concentrations in the pit lake are expected to increase slightly over time due to
evapoconcentration in the lake as a result of the large evaporative lake surface.
The D5 water storage reservoir is the point at which discharge from the pit lakes and seepage from
the waste rock landforms after 20 years will be released to the environment. The water quality to be
discharged to the environment during the early closure period (<20 years), is predicted to be of
neutral pH and low TDS with trace metals/metalloids at or below analytical detection limits.
Once discharges from the seepage management system are diverted into D5 reservoir after 20 years,
TDS concentrations increase slightly to 350 mg/L, whilst pH is maintained neutral. Subsequent to
discharge from the combined pit lake, the water quality predicted at D5 reservoir indicates a two‐
fold increase in TDS concentrations.
After 120 years post‐closure (equivalent to 39 years of pit lake overflow), the TDS is predicted to be
moderately high at approximately 800 mg/L (consisting mostly of sodium, chloride and sulphate)
with trace metals/metalloids at or below analytical detection limits.
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Table 4‐31 Indicative post‐closure water quality
Analyte (mg/L) Years Post‐Closure
2 years 10 years 33 years 79 years 81 years 120 years
North Pit Lake
pH 7.8 7.7 7.7 7.6 ‐ ‐
TDS 2,769 1,572 1,218 1,052 ‐ ‐
Alkalinity (as CaCO3) 82 63 55 51 ‐ ‐
Chloride 1282 723 549 459 ‐ ‐
Sodium 2‐
762 431 333 294 ‐ ‐
Sulfate (as SO 4 ) 404 225 183 171 ‐ ‐
South Pit Lake
pH 7.4 7.3 7.4 ‐ ‐ ‐
TDS 921 864 924 ‐ ‐ ‐
Alkalinity (as CaCO3) 27 24 28 ‐ ‐ ‐
Chloride 505 474 506 ‐ ‐ ‐
Sodium 2‐
223 211 226 ‐ ‐ ‐
Sulphate (as SO4 ) 65 62 65 ‐ ‐ ‐
Combined Pit Lake
pH ‐ ‐ ‐ 7.5 7.6 7.5
TDS ‐ ‐ ‐ 955 980 894
Alkalinity (as CaCO3) ‐ ‐ ‐ 37 41 36
Chloride ‐ ‐ ‐ 468 460 408
Sodium 2‐
‐ ‐ ‐ 253 265 248
Sulfate (as SO 4 ) ‐ ‐ ‐ 113 133 133
D5 Water Storage Reservoir
pH 7.2 7.1 7.2 7.1 7.1 7.1
TDS 279 220 349 279 475 803
Alkalinity (as CaCO3) 17 13 16 13 12 14
Chloride 150 118 196 154 238 379
Sodium 2‐
89 70 115 92 144 230
Sulfate (as SO 4 ) 6 5 7 6 49 116
4.2.3.2 Surface Water Management

Robust designs are required for surface water management to ensure the integrity of the NBG
landforms is protected. To prevent flooding of the surrounding forest and the waste rock landforms,
a drainage channel is required from the pit lakes. Overflow from the pit lakes will discharge via a
drainage channel at 235 mRL into Wattle Hollow Brook, a tributary of Thirty‐Four Mile Brook.
SLR Consulting (formerly Metago Environmental Engineers) were engaged to design drainage
structures for the pit inlet and outlet structures, notch cut between the North and South pit and
drainage channel.
4.2.4 Rehabilitation Techniques

4.2.4.1 Satellite Open Pits
The satellite open pits are shallow oxide pits that were mined between 1993 and 2001. Most of the
satellite pits were rehabilitated between 1992 and 2002 (Figure 4‐22 and Figure 2‐7). Rehabilitation
of the satellite pits generally consisted of:
 Landscaping, application of topsoil, ripping and seeding during later summer;
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 Planting of seedlings in winter; and
 Application of fertiliser by helicopter.
Rehabilitation monitoring currently consists of assessment of trees and understorey vegetation and
has been undertaken as approximately nine months, three years, seven years and twelve years of
age.
The tree stocking rate for the satellite open pits for the first year ranges from 364 to 3,925 stems/ha
(Figure 4‐23). All of the satellite open pits except one (Pit C East) exceeded the completion criteria for
the tree stocking rate of 400 stems/ha within the first year. The tree stocking rate in rehabilitation
areas is also greatly exceeding what may be expected in native forest of similar site‐vegetation types.
Factors which have been found to affect the stocking rate of the rehabilitation areas at NBG include:
 Seasonal conditions in the first year after planting. A long and/or dry first summer
places greater stress on seedlings at a susceptible age;
 Burning of seedlings by fertiliser;
 Soil compaction which may be caused by timing of site preparation and ripping
during wet weather. Soil compaction appears to predominantly affect the
establishment of E. marginata. This may be expected as this species typically
develops a large lignotuber that penetrates the soil profile early in development;
and
 Local site conditions such as aspect which affect exposure to the wind and sun.
The abundance of both seeded and planted trees in the rehabilitation areas shows that both seeding
and planting can result in successful tree seedling establishment. Continued recording of seedlings in
the rehabilitation areas also indicates that the vegetation is producing viable seed as the seeds of
eucalypts do not persist in the soil seed bank for long periods.
A trend of increasing tree stocking rates to a peak level, followed by a slight decline after seven years
is generally observed (Figure 4‐24). Tree death is expected as communities settle through
competition and shading to achieve steady community composition. Monitoring has identified a
general pattern that E. marginata deaths are more prevalent two years after revegetation than
either one year or three years in rehabilitation areas at NBG, indicating that this species is
particularly susceptible at two years.
Within three years all of the satellite open pits had achieved the species richness completion criteria
2
of 27 plants/80m (Figure 4‐25). Species richness is initially expected to rise as the amount of seed
stored in the topsoil or blowing in from adjacent vegetated areas increases and then decrease
slightly as the community stabilises. This trend is generally observed for the NBG rehabilitation areas
(Figure 4‐26).
Succession of understorey species dominance is apparent between assessment years. Initially a high
proportion of seeded legumes provides soil stability and assists in the restoration of nutrient cycles
during the establishment of rehabilitated areas. However, they often out‐complete other less viable
species and reduce diversity in the rehabilitated areas. Monitoring indicates that although in the
early stages of rehabilitation legumes are dominant, with the senescence of Acacia spp. in the older
rehabilitated areas this dominance collapses and the diversity increases with the fall in competition.
The death of some early colonising species (e.g. Kennedia species) allows for litter accumulation,
nutrient accumulation and opening of the soil surface which can accommodate the establishment of
new seedlings with time. Shannon‐Wiener Index values remain the same or increase slightly with
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time indicating the progression and development of the rehabilitated areas into that of a more
complex species rich forest (Figure 4‐27).
Understorey growth measurement parameters of percentage foliage cover (Figure 4‐28) and plant
density (Figure 4‐29) for three‐year old NBG rehabilitation compares favourably with three year‐old
Boddington Bauxite Mine (BBM) rehabilitation.
A decrease in alive understorey plant density after seven years is not an unexpected response for
rehabilitation of this age (Figure 4‐30). As the foliage of understorey species increases, particularly
the cover of the large dominant species such as Acacia celastrifolia, competition increases which
results in the loss of the more vulnerable species. Such a pattern will continue until the community
reaches equilibrium. An increasing diversity index based on plant density assures that although the
number of individual stems per square metre may have decreased, there is a greater range of plant
species comprising this density (Figure 4‐27).
An overall increase in tree stocking rates and heights and concurrent decrease in understorey foliage
cover (Figure 4‐31) indicate the increasing influence of shading on understorey species by overstorey
species. This is part of the succession process and has been observed in other rehabilitation areas in
the northern jarrah forest.
Of the 238 species that have been seeded or planted within the satellite pit rehabilitation areas, 127
species have failed to return and are potential recalcitrant species. An additional 42 species have
returned 25% or less of the times they have been seeded or planted. Recalcitrant species may be
failing to establish due to the absence of specific germination requirements. This may be overcome
with time as the plant succession of the rehabilitation becomes more suitable.
4.2.4.2 Trials
4.2.4.2.1 Rehabilitation Prescription
In 1996/97 a trial was established to test the effect of 20 rehabilitation treatments consisting of
combinations of the following variables on plant establishment (Mattiske, 1998a, 1999a):
 Seeding (seeded or non‐seeded);
 Season of topsoil placement and seeding (winter or summer);
 Topsoil handling (direct return or stockpiled);
 Ripping method (conventional or winged tyne); and
 Gravel depth (0, 10 or 20 cm).
The key findings from the trial were:

 Rehabilitation areas should be seeded with native plant species;
 Direct return rather than stockpiled topsoil should be applied to rehabilitation areas
where possible; and
 Gravel depth of 10 cm appears optimal for native perennial plant density and foliage
cover.
4.2.4.2.2 Fertiliser Application

In 1998, a trial was conducted at NBG to assess the effects of four different methods of fertiliser
application on rehabilitation performance (Mattiske, 1998b, 1999b). The four methods of fertiliser
application assessed were:
 Spreading on the surface of the oxide before gravel and topsoil spreading in March
(summer);
 Spreading on the surface of the gravel before topsoil spreading in March (summer);
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 Spreading on the topsoil surface before ripping and seeding in March (summer); and
 Spreading on the topsoil surface after ripping and seeding in October (spring).
The outcomes of this trial are summarised in Table 4‐32.
Table 4‐32 Summary of outcomes from fertiliser application trial

1998  Based on the performance measures of density, foliage cover, species
richness and diversity the most successful fertiliser treatment was the
application of fertiliser on the topsoil in summer. Based on these
parameters, the least successful fertiliser treatment was the application of
fertiliser on the topsoil in spring.
 The poor performance of the rehabilitation where the fertiliser was applied
on the topsoil in October 1998 can be attributed to the comparatively short
duration of time between applying the fertiliser and the monitoring which
was carried out in November 1998.
 A comparison of the three fertiliser treatments applied in March
demonstrates that the topsoil application was the most successful of these
fertiliser treatments. The benefits of the fertiliser decreased with increasing
depth at which the fertiliser was applied.
1999  The treatment in which fertiliser is spread on topsoil in spring ranks highest
in 5 of 8 aspects of rehabilitation performance measured. However, the
apparent success of the treatment is compromised by low foliage cover and
a high abundance of introduced species.
4.2.4.2.3 Recalcitrant Species

Trial areas were established at NBG in 1997 to investigate establishment and survival of Macrozamia
riedlei, Xanthorrhoea preissii and Xanthorrhoea gracilis in rehabilitation (Worsley Alumina, 1997).
The trial investigated the survival of seed versus seedlings of M. Riedlei and survival of X. preissii and
gracilis seed.
The trial concluded that seedling survival was higher than seed for M. riedlei. Low survival rates were
noted for X. preissii and gracilis seed.
4.2.4.2.4 Impact of Grazing

In 2001, a trial was established to test the impact of grazing on seedling survival (Mattiske, 2001).
The trial comprised a fenced area of 1 ha and a similar area that was not fenced. Each area was
planted with 13 species of seedlings or cuttings from recalcitrant species. Re‐monitoring of the trial
area was undertaken in 2003, (Mattiske, 2003).
The outcomes of this trial are summarised in Table 4‐33.
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Table 4‐33 Summary of outcomes from impact of grazing trial
2001  During the first growing season there was no benefit to plants excluded
from grazing.
 Seeded/planted and non‐seeded species richness, density and foliage cover,
as well as species diversity, were greater in the unfenced areas than in the
fenced areas. Similarly, the average progress of cutting/seedlings was
greater in the unfenced area than the fenced area.
2003  Exclusion of grazers has increased the success of a greater number of
seedlings than in the unfenced area. Grazing (or exclusion of it) is more than
likely a major factor contributing to the survival success of recalcitrant
species in rehabilitation.
 Foliage cover and native species richness was higher in the fenced area than
the unfenced area. However, alive plant density was greater in the unfenced
area. The combination of these results suggest that although the unfenced
areas had a more successful initial growth period, the fenced areas may now
be establishing better than the unfenced areas.
4.2.5 Black Cockatoos

The jarrah forest in which NBG is located is habitat for three species of nationally threatened black
cockatoos:
 Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris (CBC);
 Forest Red‐tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksia naso (FRTBC) ; and
 Baudin’s Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus baudinii (BBC).
Research on black cockatoos on site and within the surrounding jarrah forest is undertaken in close
collaboration with researchers from Murdoch University. The research focuses on:
 Black cockatoo ecology;
 Feeding and habitat value; and
 Feeding in rehabilitation.
Biggs (2008) studied the feeding and nesting resources for black cockatoos within the jarrah forest at
NBG. The aim of this study was to improve the knowledge of habitat requirements for black
cockatoos by assessing the occurrence of food plants and large hollows and how their distribution
varies across the landscape. Recommendations from this study relevant to closure and rehabilitation
are:
 Propagation of preferred food species such as marri should be maximised;
 Allow for spatially and temporally varying food resources for the three species and
ensure a constant supply of suitable feeding resources are available by establishing
fast growing food plants in rehabilitated forest while waiting for marri to mature;
and
 Where necessary, provide artificial nest boxes near or within high quality feeding
habitat.
To better understand the features of rehabilitation areas that are important to black cockatoos, Lee
et al (2010) undertook field observations and vegetation sampling in rehabilitation areas. The key
findings of the study are:
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 Rehabilitation areas at NBG are starting to provide food for black cockatoos, with
CBC eating seeds from proteaceous shrubs (Banksia and Hakea spp.) and BBC and
FRTBC eating seeds of regenerating Marri; and
 All three species fed in rehabilitation areas eight years old, indicating that food
resources start to become available within this time frame post‐revegetation.
In a similar study, Doherty (2010) examined how black cockatoos use mine restoration as a feeding
resource at Aloca’s Huntly bauxite mine. Doherty (2010) determined that future management of
rehabilitation should aim to:
 Improve establishment of Persoonia longifolia and Allocasuarina fraseriana;
 Retain and possibly increase the proportion of Hakea species in the seed mix;
 Maintain and/or increase seeding rates of C. calophylla relative to E. marginata; and
 Investigate management options for maximising growth and food production of
eucalypt stems in restoration, such as reducing the tree stand density and
consequently the seeding rate and/or thinning over dense restoration.
4.3 Learning’s from Other Mines

This section summarises learning’s from the closure and rehabilitation experience of other mines in
the areas of:
 Rehabilitation techniques;
 Sustainability of rehabilitation;
 Fire and silvicultural management;
 Monitoring techniques;
 Formation of pit lakes;
 Development of completion criteria;
 Community consultation and participation in closure planning.
4.3.1 Relevant Mine Sites

NBG has the benefit of being able to learn from the experience of:
 Adjacent mines with respect to rehabilitation and closure of mines in the unique
environment of the Northern Jarrah forest; and
 Mines in the region with respect to more general issues such as formation of pit
lakes and development of completion criteria.
The experience gained from the management of other Newmont sites with respect to closure and
rehabilitation has also formed the basis of this Closure Plan.
Mines from which NBG has gained information regarding rehabilitation and closure include:
 Huntly, Willowdale and Jarrahdale (closed) bauxite mines operated by Alcoa World
Alumina Australia (Alcoa);
 Coal mines of the Collie area operated by Wesfarmers Premier Coal (Premier Coal);
 Mineral sands mines operated by Bemax Resources Limited (Bemax); and
 Newmont Waihi Gold.
A description of these operators and sites is included below with relevant learning’s regarding
closure and rehabilitation summarised in Section 4.3.2.
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55
4.3.1.1 Alcoa World Alumina Australia
Alcoa has been undertaking bauxite mining in the Northern Jarrah forest since 1963 and have a well‐
developed mining and restoration process. The original Alcoa mine at Jarrahdale has been
rehabilitated and in 2005 975 ha of the mine received a “certificate of completion” and was returned
to the management control of the State of Western Australia (Gardner & Bell, 2007). Alcoa also
operated and rehabilitated the Hedges Gold Mine and retain responsibility for the Hedges RDA.
Alcoa has the aim of achieving the best mine restoration and environmental performance in the
world (Koch & Hobbs, 2007). Providing the basis for this aim is (Koch, 2007a):
 The current restoration objective “To restore a self‐sustaining jarrah forest
ecosystem, planned to enhance or maintain water, timber, recreation and
conservation values”; and
 The target that “The average number of indigenous plant species in 15‐month‐old
restoration is 100% of the number found in representative jarrah forest sites, with at
least twenty per cent of these from the recalcitrant species priority list”.
Alcoa has an extensive research and development program which covers:

 Minimising the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi;
 Restoring jarrah forest trees and understorey;
 Nutrient cycling, soil processes and beneficial soil microorganisms;
 Fauna return;
 Regolith strength, root architecture and implications for ripping as part of the
restoration process; and
 Fire and silviculture management.
Alcoa has also developed a set of completion criteria that has been agreed upon with the DMP and
DEC (DoIR, 2007).
4.3.1.2 Wesfarmers Premier Coal

Premier Coal has been mining in the Collie Basin since 1950, with major open cut mining
commencing in 1970. Revegetation of completed landforms and mining areas commenced in 1975
and by 2004 1,020 ha had been rehabilitated (47% of the area disturbed by mining operations)
(Premier Coal, 2011). The primary aim of Premier Coal’s rehabilitation program is to establish stable,
compatible landforms revegetated with local, native species. The second aim is to leave a positive
legacy for future generations, such as recreation areas, aquaculture options or conservation
outcomes.
Due to the style, scale and depth of mining by Premier Coal, a final void remains at the end of mine
life despite careful mine planning to minimise the size of final voids through backfilling. The resulting
pit lakes have become important tourist attractions for visitors to the region (Shire of Collie, 2011)
and are used for recreational and tourism purposes both intentionally (Lake Kepwari) and
unintentionally (Stockton Lake and Black Diamond Lake) (McCullough et al, 2009a).
Premier Coal developed the Lake Kepwari pit lake as a major recreation and conservation facility
(McCullough et al, 2009a). Wesfarmers demonstrated its commitment to sustainability principles
with three innovative rehabilitation programs which included the development of (DMP, 2006):
 A recreational lake;
 A motor sports and driver training complex; and
 An aquaculture precinct for research and economic development.
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As a result of these rehabilitation programs Premier Coal were Golden Gecko award winners in 2005
for leadership in sustainable development. The company set a new environmental standard by
establishing assets of lasting social, economic and environmental value at its old open cut pits in the
Collie region (DMP, 2006).
Premier Coal has undertaken extensive research and modelling of pit lakes in collaboration with the
Mine Water and Environment Research Centre.
4.3.1.3 Bemax Resources Limited

Bemax Resources undertook mining for mineral sands within Ludlow State Forest No. 2 in the
southwest of Western Australia. The post‐mining land use for the mining area was identified as
conservation of biological, physical, cultural and landscape values, consistent with that of the
unmined parts of the Ludlow State Forest and the adjacent National Park. Bemax developed a
detailed integrated mining and rehabilitation management plan that included recreating the soil
profile within the mine pits to achieve rehabilitation that would restore the previously degraded
Ludlow Tuart Forest (Cable Sands, 2006; Bemax, 2009).
As part of the integrated mining and rehabilitation management plan, Bemax developed completion
criteria and associated targets and have been undertaking monitoring since 2005 to track progress
against these criteria.
4.3.1.4 Newmont Waihi Gold

Newmont Waihi Gold is situated close to the town of Waihi (population 4,500 people) in New
Zealand. The direct and indirect impacts of the Newmont Waihi Gold operations account for
approximately 25% of the town’s economy (CSRM, 2009). In 2002 Newmont initiated a community
consultation process to prepare the town for the closure of the mining operations. From this
emerged the Vision Waihi Trust which has the role of implementing projects which are developed by
the Waihi Community Vision. The biggest project under development is the Gold Discovery Centre.
In 2009 undertook a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) focussed on the potential impacts on the
community of closure of the mine within two years (the life of the mine was extended after
completion of the SIA).
4.3.2 Applicable Learning’s

The applicability of learning’s from other sites needs to be carefully considered for NBG as the site
specific characteristics of construction materials, rehabilitation resources, climatic factors, vegetation
and closure requirements create a relatively unique situation. The level of disturbance associated
with mining at NBG is much more intense than the mining of bauxite and minerals sands which
typically remove <10 m of material and do not result in the formation of waste rock landforms and
residue disposal areas.
Key learning’s from other sites are summarised in Table 4‐34 with more detailed information
provided in Appendix 11.
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Closure Data
Table 4‐34 Summary of learning’s from other mines

Aspect Key Learning’s
Rehabilitation techniques  The Alcoa rehabilitation process has successfully returned a modified jarrah forest ecosystem after mining.
 The rehabilitation process includes:
o Stripping of soil in two layers (topsoil and subsoil);
o Pushing down pit walls to create a smooth rolling landscape and manage runoff;
o Deep ripping of the pit floor to break up compaction;
o Return of overburden and topsoil (by direct placement where possible);
o Placement of fauna habitat structures;
o Contour ripping to reduce compaction and create furrows;
o Seeding of 78‐113 species in summer and autumn;
o Planting of plant species that do not return from the soil seed bank of broadcast seed; and
o Application of fertiliser.
Sustainability of rehabilitation  Based on 30 years of monitoring Alcoa have found that:
o All ecosystem function (including nutrient cycling and nutrient accumulation) appears to be successful or
developing on an appropriate trajectory;
o Structural attributes of the restored vegetation are controlled by the floristic composition and growth of the
vegetation and are developing favourably with time; and
o Biodiversity measures show some deficiencies, which should be resolved with time (e.g. lack of rotting wood
and tree hollows for fauna) or are the subject of ongoing research and development (e.g. imbalance of
seeder/re‐sprouter species).
 Topsoil seed stores rapidly accumulate in rehabilitated areas, indicating that plants are flowering and setting viable
seed.
 Rehabilitation areas that are older than 12‐15 years can be integrated with the prescribed burning of the surrounding
unmined forest.
Monitoring techniques  A species count provides a quick and easy measurement that is easily understood and correlates well with Shannon‐
Weiner diversity.
 Monitoring occurs when rehabilitation is 15 months old as research shows that species richness and floristic similarity
of restored sites to intact vegetation does not increase over one or two decades.
Formation of pit lakes  The current demand for water in Western Australia means that pit lakes represent a potentially valuable resource to
both the environment and the community.
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Closure Data
4.4 Information Gaps

The closure data for NBG has been analysed to identify any information gaps which may affect the
outcomes of rehabilitation and closure. The risk associated with not having the missing information
has been assessed and a plan developed for appropriately addressing the information gap. The tasks
identified in Table 4‐35 have been included in the appropriate Closure Implementation Plan in
Section 10.
Closure planning is an ongoing process, and Closure Plans are periodically reviewed to maintain
currency. The actions outlined in Table 4‐35 have been identified as having the ability to improve
closure outcomes by:
 Filling gaps in the knowledge base;
 Validating assumptions made in this conceptual closure plan; or
 Predicting the impacts of closure strategy implementation.
Table 4‐35 is unlikely to represent a complete list of actions that will be undertaken prior to closure
of the site and will be updated with each revision of the Closure Plan.
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Closure Data
Table 4‐35 Analysis of information gaps

Information Gap Associated Risk Task Relevant Closure
Management Unit or
Section of Closure Plan
Geology
The extent to which non‐ Incomplete understanding of silicate Undertake laboratory testing of waste grade CMU3
carbonate buffering capacity is buffering capacity of waste rock. material encompassing:
influenced by lithology or Increase in closure cost due to a) All major litho‐alteration assemblages in
alteration across the deposit area. requirement to modify cover design or the life of mine waste rock stream
The kinetics of non‐carbonate treat contaminated groundwater or b) A sulphide S range which will facilitate
buffering reactions and their surface water. effective demarcation of the total‐sulphide
resultant dependence on the threshold below which silicate buffering
duration of solid‐solution may afford reliable AMD mitigation.
interactions.
Behaviour of waste rock under Incomplete understanding of the Undertake field‐scale testing of waste rock and CMU3
field conditions. effects of concurrent acid generation medium grade ore.
and buffering under field conditions. Monitor seepage from medium grade stockpile
Increase in closure cost due to (operational activity).
requirement to modify cover design or
treat contaminated groundwater or
surface water.
Landform and Soils
Soil resources in the expanded Incomplete understanding of soil Undertake soil characterisation when RDA design CMU2
RDA footprint. properties and volumes. finalised and mining tenure in place.
Materials inventory and reconciliation Update rehabilitation material inventory CMU0
based on estimation of types and and reconciliation.
volumes of rehabilitation materials
available.
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Closure Data

Management Unit or
Optimal cover depth for RDAs and Performance of rehabilitation Undertake rehabilitation trial on basement residue CMU2, CMU3
waste rock landforms. impacted. and waste rock landform.
Increase/decrease in closure cost due
to requirement to modify cover
design.
Rehabilitation takes longer to meet
completion criteria.
Acceptable rate of erosion of Rehabilitation does not meet Undertake rehabilitation trial on waste rock CMU3
cover materials to prevent impact completion criteria due to excessive landform.
to stability, vegetation growth erosion. Undertake erosion monitoring on rehabilitated CUM0 (incorporate
and management of surrounding Increase in closure cost due to areas. into monitoring
areas. requirement to undertake repairs programme)
and/or modify cover design. Develop erosion standard for completion criteria. CMU0
Landforms impact management of
surrounding land.
Monitoring method for erosion. Unable to demonstrate that Develop method for monitoring erosion. CMU0
rehabilitation meets completion
criteria.
Surface Water
Detailed design for surface water Increase/decrease in closure cost Develop detailed surface water management CMU2, CMU3
management. based upon detailed design. design for site, including waste rock landforms and
RDAs.
Evolution of pit lake water quality. Pit lake water quality varies from post‐ Update post‐closure water balance model as CMU1
closure water balance model understanding of hydrological and hydrochemical
prediction. parameters improves during operations.
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Closure Data

Management Unit or
Water quality of runoff from RDAs Surface water quality completion Monitor quality of runoff from waste rock landform CMU2, CMU3
and waste rock landforms. criteria aren’t met. and basement residue rehabilitation trial.
Pit lake water quality varies from post‐
closure water balance model
prediction.
Volume of runoff from RDAs and Site‐water balance model based on Investigate water balance for proposed oxide layer CMU3
waste rock landforms. estimation of runoff rates based on in cover systems.
expected vegetation cover and cover Monitor quantity of runoff from waste rock CMU3
design. landform rehabilitation trial.
Drainage structures not appropriately
sized resulting in excessive erosion or
failure.
Increased closure cost due to
requirement to repair or modify
drainage structures.
Water quality guidelines for Incomplete understanding of water Develop water quality guidelines for runoff water CMU0
release of water to receiving quality required to prevent runoff exiting mining areas.
environment. from adversely affecting the receiving Consult with relevant stakeholders to get CMU0
environment. agreement.
Groundwater
Quality of post‐closure seepage. Groundwater quality criteria aren’t Investigate post‐closure seepage water quality. CMU2
met.
Increase/decrease in closure cost due
to change in requirement for
treatment of seepage.
Post deposition seepage period Increase/decrease in closure cost due Investigate post‐deposition seepage period. CMU2
for RDAs. to change in requirement for
treatment of seepage.
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Closure Data

Management Unit or
Water quality guidelines for Incomplete understanding of Develop groundwater quality criteria. CMU0
protection of beneficial use. groundwater quality required to Consult with relevant stakeholders to get CMU0
protect beneficial use. agreement.
Flora and Vegetation
Capacity of basement tailings to Rehabilitation does not meet Undertake rehabilitation trial on basement residue. CMU3
support vegetation. completion criteria.
Increased closure cost for identifying,
harvesting and application of suitable
cover material.
RDA not suitable for agreed upon
post‐closure land use.
RDA cannot be managed in
accordance with surrounding land use.
If particular plant species are Reduced success of vegetation Include a variety of local native species in CMU2
better adapted to the establishment and productivity. rehabilitation trial on basement residue.
rehabilitated residue profile. Increased cost for seeding of RDA.
Rehabilitation takes longer period to
meet completion criteria.
Performance of rehabilitation on Rehabilitation does not meet Undertake rehabilitation trial on waste rock CMU3
waste rock landforms. completion criteria. landform.
Waste rock landforms not suitable for
agreed upon post‐closure land use.
Waste rock landforms cannot be
managed in accordance with
surrounding land use.
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Closure Data

Management Unit or
Target seed mix and ecosystem Rehabilitation does not meet Undertake rehabilitation trial on basement residue CMU2, CMU3
for RDAs and waste rock completion criteria. and waste rock landform.
landforms. Increase in closure cost due to use of Include a variety of local native species in CMU2, CMU3
inappropriate seed. rehabilitation trials.
Identify target ecosystem and document in CMU0
Rehabilitation Management Plan.
Completion criteria for Incomplete understanding of Undertake rehabilitation trial on basement residue CMU2, CMU3
performance of rehabilitation of performance of rehabilitation for and waste rock landform.
areas with significant disturbance areas with significant disturbance of Develop completion criteria for rehabilitation of CMU0
of the in situ soil profile (e.g. the in situ soil profile. disturbance areas with significant disturbance of
waste rock landforms and RDAs). the in situ soil profile. CMU0
Consult with relevant stakeholders to get
agreement.
Requirement for post‐ Rehabilitated areas cannot be Monitor development of rehabilitation. Section 11
revegetation management such integrated with management of the
as thinning/burning. surrounding land.
Seed bank required for key plant Incomplete understanding of soil seed Investigate level of seed required in soil seed bank CMU0
groups to be self‐sustaining. bank required for key plant groups to for key plant groups to be self‐sustaining.
be self‐sustaining.
Monitoring method for soil seed Unable to demonstrate that Develop method for monitoring soil seed bank. CMU0
bank. rehabilitation meets completion
criteria.
Weed density of target Rehabilitated areas cannot be Investigate weed density of target ecosystem. CMU0
ecosystem. integrated with management of the
surrounding land.
Definition of native tree species Rehabilitation susceptible to forest Investigate and define native tree species which are CMU0
which are resistant to forest disease. resistant to forest disease.
disease.
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Closure Data

Management Unit or
Fauna
Level of usage of artificial nesting Rehabilitation does not meet habitat Annual monitoring of usage of nesting hollows
hollows by Black Cockatoos. requirements of Black Cockatoos. (operational activity).
Proportion of plant species with Rehabilitation does not meet Identify proportion of plant species with attributes CMU0
attributes contributing to black completion criteria. contributing to Black Cockatoo habitat in target
cockatoo habitat in target Rehabilitation does not provide ecosystem.
ecosystem. habitat for black cockatoos.
Land Use
Defined post‐closure land use. Areas not appropriately managed for Consult with relevant stakeholders to get CMU0
post‐closure land use. agreement.
Potential post‐closure land uses
limited by inappropriate management.
Capacity of landforms to support Rehabilitated areas not suitable for Undertake rehabilitation trials. CMU2, CMU3
potential post‐closure land uses. post‐closure land use.
Suitability of long term pit water Post‐closure value of pit lakes Update post‐closure water balance model as CMU1
quality for potential post‐closure reduced. understanding of hydrological and hydrochemical
land uses. Water requires treatment for post‐ parameters improves during operations.
closure use.
Community
Capacity of community to adapt Incomplete understanding of potential Refine Social Responsibility Plan to address the Section 10.4
to closure. impacts of closure on community. potential impacts of closure.
Projects and programs not focussed
on addressing community needs,
building local capacity and fostering
resilience to change.
Identification of areas where Effort expended in areas which do not Refine Social Responsibility Plan to address the
support required. reduce impacts of closure. potential impacts of closure.
Areas of risk not identified. Include closure in Social Impact Assessment.
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Closure Data

Management Unit or
Post‐closure vision of Boddington Understanding of post‐closure vision Undertake visioning process with Boddington
community. of Boddington community currently community.
based on visioning undertaken as part Investigate options for supporting the post‐closure
of SuperTowns Initiative. vision such as setting up a trust fund and advisory
committee.
Infrastructure to be retained post‐ Opportunity for re‐use of Consult with community two years prior to closure
closure for use by community. infrastructure lost. to identify infrastructure to be retained.
Delay in relinquishment as transfer of Develop asset transfer agreement for
legal responsibility to third party for infrastructure to be retained for use by the
infrastructure to be retained not in community.
place.
Workforce Transition Program. Employees not provided with Develop Workforce Transition Program one year Section 10.5
information, support and training to prior to closure.
minimise the impacts of closure.
General
Post‐Closure Access Plan. Incomplete understanding of post‐ Develop Post‐Closure Access Plan. CMU0
closure access required for monitoring Consult with relevant stakeholders to get CMU0
and management of fire, forest agreement.
disease, weeds and maintaining access
to freehold land.
Post‐closure access does not meet
Rehabilitation Management Plan. Loss of opportunity for progressive Develop Rehabilitation Management Plan. CMU0
rehabilitation. Consult with relevant stakeholders to get CMU0
Rehabilitation does not meet agreement.
Extent of contaminated sites and Increase/decrease in closure cost. Audit of contaminated sites and development CMU0
requirements for remediation. Relinquishment delayed. of remediation plan if required.
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Closure Data

Management Unit or
Detailed decommissioning plans Unidentified risks result in increased Develop detailed decommissioning plans for RDAs. CMU2
for RDAs. closure cost.
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐1 Precipitation and evaporation at NBG
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐2 Wandoo North geology
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐3 Wandoo South geology
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70
Closure Data
Figure 4‐4 Regional surface water regime

Closure Data
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐5 Catchment boundaries
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72
Closure Data
Figure 4‐6 Main water management structures at NBG
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73
Boddington Gold Mine – Closure Plan
Closure Data
Figure 4‐7 Groundwater level contours (m) September 2011
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Boddington Gold Mine – Closure Plan
Closure Data
Figure 4‐8 Difference in groundwater level pre‐mining (1987) to 2011
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐9 Groundwater salinity contours (TDS mg/L) September 2011
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76
Closure Data
Figure 4‐10 Difference in groundwater salinity pre‐mining (1987) to 2011
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77
Closure Data
Figure 4‐11 Vegetation complexes at NBG
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐12 Site‐vegetation types at NBG
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐12 – Site‐vegetation types at NBG ‐ Legend

Closure Data
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐13 Aboriginal heritage sites at NBG

Closure Data
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Closure Data
a)
Figure 4‐14 Analysis of waste rock landform placement (a. no secondary constraints; b. existing tenure only)
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐15 SIBERIA modelling with assumed parameters – slope geometries
4‐83
Closure Data
Figure 4‐16 SIBERIA modelling with calibrated parameters – slope geometries
4‐84
Closure Data
Figure 4‐17 Conceptual waste rock landform cover designs
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐18 Schematic closure flow circuit

Closure Data
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐19 Base case pit lake filling curves
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87
Closure Data
Figure 4‐20 South pit filling curves for alternative climate scenarios
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88
Closure Data
Figure 4‐21 South pit filling curves for alternative evaporation rates
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89
Closure Data
Figure 4‐22 Satellite pit rehabilitation areas
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐23 Tree stocking rate at less than one year
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91
Closure Data
Figure 4‐24 Trend in tree stocking rate
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92
Closure Data
Figure 4‐25 Species richness at less than three years
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93
Closure Data
Figure 4‐26 Trend in species richness
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐27 Trend in diversity
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Closure Data
Figure 4‐28 Understorey species live cover at less than three years
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96
Closure Data
Figure 4‐29 Understorey species live density at less than three years
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97
Closure Data
Figure 4‐30 Trend in native understorey species live density
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98
Closure Data
Figure 4‐31 Trend in native understorey species live cover
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99
5 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
This section details the:
 Stakeholder engagement process (5.1); and
 Register of stakeholder engagement and Newmont responses to topics raised by
stakeholders (5.2).
Relevant information from stakeholder consultation undertaken by the Shire of Boddington as part
of the SuperTowns initiative has also been incorporated into development of this Closure Plan. A
summary of the outcomes of the community visioning process is included in Section 5.3.
5.1 Stakeholder Engagement Process

Effective closure planning involves bringing together the views, concerns, aspirations, efforts and
knowledge of various internal and external stakeholders to achieve outcomes that are beneficial to
the operating company and the community that hosts it (ICMM, 2008). Participants in closure
planning may hold different views on what can and cannot be achieved in closure, and expectations
may vary between stakeholders. Understanding these views and expectations (which may change
over time) and formulating with stakeholders a balanced, realistic and achievable closure outcome
that can be funded and supported by the relevant parties is a fundamental aspect of closure planning
(ICMM, 2008). The process of engagement with internal and external stakeholders may not result in
full consensus on closure outcomes, but it should be considered successful if it leads to fully
informed decisions.
For NBG a stakeholder engagement process has been developed, which prioritises target audiences
and identifies the key issues of concern for each group. The overarching objectives of the stakeholder
engagement process are:
 To identify NBG stakeholders and manage the relationships in a consistent way,
including marginalised groups;
 To provide sufficient information to interested stakeholders such that they are able
to make informed decisions, raise issues and concerns and obtain feedback as part
of the closure planning process;
 To establish relationships with key stakeholders that enable ongoing dialogue
through implementation of the Closure Plan; and
 Ensure effective monitoring, measurement and tracking processes for all
stakeholder interactions.
Key stakeholders were identified through experience in the Boddington region. The key stakeholders
identified were:
 Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC);
 Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP);
 Department of State Development (DSD);
 Department of Water (DoW);
 Office of the Environmental Protection Authority (OEPA);
 Traditional Owners;
 South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC);
 Shire of Boddington;
 Local landowners;
 Boddington and Dwellingup communities;
 Local businesses;
 Employees;
5‐1
 Service providers; and

 Regional organisations.
The key tools employed by Newmont to engage with stakeholders in the development of this Closure
Plan were:
 Face‐to‐face meetings with the:
o Boddington Gold Mine Environmental Management Liaison Group (BGMEMLG);
o Boddington and Dwellingup communities; and
o Gnaarla Karla Booja Working Party.
 Community and employee newsletters;
 Annual Environmental Report; and
 Social Impact Assessment.
The target audience, engagement frequency and information provided or sought via each tool is
summarised in Table 5‐1. Due to the incorporation of closure planning in life of mine planning for re‐
permitting of expansion of the project, stakeholder engagement for closure was often done in
conjunction with that for re‐permitting.
5.2 Stakeholder Engagement Register

Stakeholder input aided the development of this Plan throughout the engagement process.
Newmont views the continuation of established stakeholder engagement as an integral part of
managing closure of the site in the future.
The stakeholder engagement activities undertaken over the last two years, topics raised by
stakeholders and Newmont responses are summarised in Table 5‐2. Any outcomes of the PER public
comment period that are relevant to closure will be subsequently considered and addressed in
future versions of this Plan.
5‐2
Table 5‐1 Stakeholder engagement tools

Stakeholder Target Audience Frequency Information Provided/Sought
Engagement
Tool
Meetings with DEC, DMP, DSD, DoW, 6‐monthly Update on environmental
BGMEMLG OEPA activities and performance on
site over the previous six
months, including closure and
rehabilitation.
Community Boddington and Quarterly Update on operational
meetings Dwellingup performance, including closure
communities and rehabilitation when
relevant.
Meetings with Traditional Owners 6‐monthly Focus on Community
Gnaarla Karla Partnership Agreement,
Booja Working particularly heritage
Party management and future
livelihood.
The Golden Employees 6‐monthly Activities on site, including
Scoop closure and rehabilitation.
newsletter
Boddington Boddington Approximately NBG activities (including
News newsletter community monthly closure and rehabilitation) and
upcoming stakeholder
engagement opportunities.
Annual DEC, DMP, DSD, DoW, Annually Update on environmental
Environmental OEPA activities on site, including
Report (AER) closure and rehabilitation.
Social Impact Local residents, local Every 5 years during Identify positive and negative
Assessment businesses, the operation phase social impacts associated with
employees and plus 3 years prior to NBG’s presence in the
contractors, suppliers, decommissioning. community (including aspects
local Indigenous of closure and community
community, visioning). Closure focus from
government and 3 years prior to
institutional decommissioning.
stakeholders
5‐3
Table 5‐2 Stakeholder engagement register

Date Stakeholder(s) Description of Consultation Topics Raised Response
17/3/2010 BGMEMLG 6‐monthly update meeting Opportunity to complete rehabilitation of R4 eastern embankment. Cross section of planned None required.
rehabilitation presented.
27/10/2010 BGMEMLG 6‐monthly update meeting Final rehabilitation on the R4 eastern embankment was completed in July. A section of the old 1. Feedback provided at meeting that from a chemical
camp site which was scarified in 2008 was hand seeded in July 2010. Steep slopes around the perspective the tailings properties will remain the same.
primary crusher, process water pond main gate security and coarse ore stockpile have been Geochemistry studies undertaken on the ore body by
stabilised with mulch and hydromulch. Graeme Campbell and Associates indicate that the material is
very homogeneous.
Plan to conduct basement residue trial in the northwest section of F1 RDA. 2. Feedback provided at meeting that on‐site mulch wasn’t
used in case of dieback risk. At next BGMEMLG meeting
Eugene Bouwhuis (DMP) queried: (13/5/2011), feedback provided that mulch supplier was
1. What quality controls in place with the hydromulch to ensure it is from a disease‐free confirmed as disease free following testing.
and weed‐free supplier; and
2. If tailings properties will change as the project progresses.
Ian Freeman (DEC) commented:
3. Karri mulch has risks with Armillaria disease.
16/6/2011 BGMEMLG Newmont Boddington Gold Mine Summary provided of: None required.
Annual Environmental Report ‐  Rehabilitation strategy;
2010  Completion criteria;
 Rehabilitation status;
 Activities undertaken in 2010 (rehabilitation at site of old village, R4 RDA eastern
embankment and main embankment); and
 Rehabilitation monitoring results.
October Employees The Golden Scoop Information provided on why closure planning occurs so far in advance of mine closure. None required.
2011
November Local residents, Social Impact Assessment (SIA) Uncertainty of Life of Mine (LOM) planning and lack of communication leads to poor Stakeholder Engagement Plan re‐developed.
2011 local businesses, community understanding and knowledge of mine’s vision for the future. Information on LOM Plan, extension of mine life and approvals
employees and process provided via:
contractors,  Golden Scoop and Boddington News
suppliers, local  Presentations to Shire, BST and Non‐Government
Indigenous Organisations
community,  Community meetings
government and  Mail outs
institutional  Face‐to‐face meetings.
stakeholders Summary of SIA outcomes made available to public.
13/5/2011 BGMEMLG 6‐monthly update meeting Overview provided on planned basement residue rehabilitation trial and closure studies in None required.
progress. NBG awaiting letter from DMP on submission date for Closure Plan, however aiming
for late 2012/early 2013.
5‐4

7/11/2011 BGMEMLG 6‐monthly update meeting Information provided on change in submission date for Closure Plan to 31 December 2012 Feedback provided to DEC at meeting:
(approved by DMP) and update on closure studies (completion criteria, geochemistry and 1. Outback Ecology is helping with development of completion
waste rock management, landform and cover design for waste rock landforms, cover design for criteria. All queries to be addressed to Katina De Sousa
RDAs, re‐sampling of rehabilitation trial on oxide residue, design of rehabilitation trial on (Senior Closure Planner). DEC invited to workshop on
basement residue, development of Strategic Decommissioning Plan for RDAs, post‐closure site completion criteria conducted on 12/7/2012; and
water balance and regional groundwater assessment). 2. Compaction rate is not yet known. Will be tested to check
effectiveness of dry placement in residue in trial area instead
Grant Lamb (DEC) queried: of placement via spigots.
1. Who is developing completion criteria for the Closure Plan as he would like to be in contact
with them prior to plan submission; and
2. What compaction rate is expected for basement residue rehabilitation trial.
6/12/2011 Dwellingup Quarterly community update Community members queried Life of Mine impact on: Feedback provided at meeting that:
community meeting 1. Mt Wells 1. No impact on Mt Wells.
2. Noise 2. Noise modelling would occur and NBG Noise Management
3. Water use Strategy Working Group has been convened.
4. Aesthetics 3. Water allocations and peak flow requirements were
discussed. Water extraction is compliant with surface water
Community member asked if waste rock dump would extend to the river. extraction licence. Water is extensively re‐used through the
operations.
4. Visual impact assessment studies commissioned.
5. Waste rock dump would not extend to the river.
7/12/2011 Boddington Quarterly community update Community member indicated that proposed RDA on Saddleback Tree Farms would be very Feedback provided at meeting that:
community meeting close to their property and residence.  Noise modelling and visual impact assessment studies
have been commissioned.
General comments were made in relation to likely impact on noise and aesthetics.  NBG Noise Management Strategy Working Group has
been convened.
Community member/Shire Councillor asked if NBG would need to increase water abstraction  Water allocations and peak flow requirements were
from the Hotham River. discussed.
 Increase in water harvest (above current licence level)
would not be required for the Life of Mine Extenstion
Project but it may be considered for the Optimisation
Project.
 NBG has been approached the State Government to
determine interest in piping treated waste water from
Woodman Point to the mine via Alcoa at Pinjarra.
8/2/2012 Boddington Community announcement via Update on Life of Mine permitting and answers to questions raised at last community meeting None required.
community Boddington News on:
 Operational noise;
 Vehicle noise and safety; and
 Visual impact.
21/3/2012 Dwellingup Quarterly community update Information provided on Life of Mine permitting and SIA results. None required.
community meeting
22/3/2012 Boddington Quarterly community update Information provided on Life of Mine permitting and SIA results. None required.
community meeting
1/5/2012 BGMEMLG 6‐monthly update meeting Information provided on progress on closure related projects (landform and cover design, 2 hour workshop on completion criteria arranged for BGMEMLG.
materials management for larger waste rock landforms, rehabilitation materials Consultation to be undertaken on a one‐on‐one basis if required.
characterisation and inventory, post‐closure water balance, RDA rehabilitation trials,
Preliminary RDA Decommissioning Plan and completion criteria) and asked about preferred
format for consultation on completion criteria.
5‐5

11/5/2012 Boddington Phone call Request for more information on possible impact of Life of Mine on the value of property. Meeting held with resident to discuss Life of Mine and future
resident expansion.
16/5/2012 Boddington Community announcement via Update on Life of Mine referral to EPA. None required.
community Boddington News
22/5/2012 Newmont ESR, Workshop on completion criteria Draft completion criteria reviewed. Revision to wording discussed at workshop incorporated into
Mining and completion criteria. Revised criteria distributed to attendees plus
Technical site General Manager for review.
Services
Departments
6/6/2012 DEC Email DEC need to be consulted on all aspects of closure planning where DEC estate is involved and is Consultation with DEC tailored to cover the identified areas.
neighbouring NBG’s mine with regard to, but not limited to; final land use, visual impact
assessment, flora/fauna management, final land forms, access management, infrastructure
removal, rehabilitation and ongoing monitoring.
5/7/2012 DEC Meeting Final land use, visual impact assessment, flora/fauna management, final landforms, access Meeting minutes provided to DEC.
management infrastructure removal, rehabilitation and ongoing monitoring, grant of mining
tenure over State forest, DEC preference for areas of disturbance to be excised from State
forest, classification and management of waste rock and post‐closure use of the Western
Power substation located in State forest.
12/7/2012 BGMEMLG Workshop on completion criteria Draft completion criteria reviewed. Revision to wording discussed at workshop incorporated into
completion criteria. Meeting minutes and revised completion
criteria distributed to BGMEMLG members for review.
6/8/2012 DMP Email DMP feedback on revised completion criteria. Revision to completion criteria to take into account feedback
from DMP where appropriate. Revised completion criteria
distributed to BGMEMLG members for review with invite to
discuss in person.
15/8/2012 Gnarla Karla Working Party Meeting Overview of closure strategy, post‐closure land use and completion criteria relating to None required.
Boodja stakeholder consultation, indigenous heritage and post‐closure access.
GKB Working Party advised that they have the opportunity to provide input to the Closure Plan
if desired. GKB Working Group to advise Newmont of best forum for engagement.
10/9/2012 BGMEMLG Email Members of BGMEMLG provided with: No further comments from DEC (email from Grant Lamb
 Summary of how DMP feedback on completion criteria addressed; and 10/9/2012)
 Updated completion criteria to be included in the Closure Plan.
The Office of the Environmental Protection Authority has no
BGMEMLG members were invited to meet to discuss the updated completion criteria. further comments on the completion criteria (email from Mark
Rust 10/9/2012)
9/10/2012 Gnarla Karla Working Party Heritage Site Visit Overview of closure strategy, post‐closure land use, completion criteria relating to stakeholder None required.
Boodja consultation, indigenous heritage, post‐closure access and input invited from the Working
Party. Meeting minutes distributed to South West Aboriginal Land and
Sea Council and GKB Working Party.
11/10/2012 EPA Meeting Discussion on the success of existing or previous rehabilitation works and learnings to be Feedback provided at meeting that this information would be
applied to the proposed expansion. provided in the Closure Plan to be submitted with the PER.
12/10/2012 DMP Email and phone call Follow up on whether the DMP will be providing further feedback on the updated completion None required (no response received from the DMP).
criteria.
5‐6

1/11/2012 BGMEMLG 6‐monthly update meeting Information provided on post‐mining land use, closure objectives and completion criteria, Feedback provided to DMP at meeting:
closure strategy and final form of landforms, closure implementation, monitoring and 1. The lined section of the RDA will remain lined. The RDAs
maintenance, stakeholder consultation and knowledge gaps. will be water shedding at closure to minimise infiltration
of water into the residue. Revegetation of the residue
DMP (Eugene Bouwhuis) queried: with native species will also reduce infiltration.
1. How is the lined section of the RDA going to be managed? Will it stay lined?
5‐7
5.3 Community Visioning for SuperTowns Initiative

SuperTowns is a Royalties for Regions initiative aimed at encouraging regional communities located
in the southern half of WA to plan and prepare for the predicted doubling of the State’s population
over the next 40 years (Department of Regional Development and Lands, 2011). The aim is to build
on the unique character and economic drivers of nominated project towns, and put in place funding
structures and planning support for sustainable industry, development, services and infrastructure.
The SuperTowns initiative ties in with Newmont’s goal of making Boddington socially and
economically stable after closure of the mining operations and NBG is a member of the Project Team
(Section 10.4).
The Shire of Boddington undertook a formal visioning process to identify the community’s future
aspirations and priorities for their Town and District and to better understand the values and hopes
of residents in order to create a great place for people to live, work and visit. The visioning
workshops involved participation from residents, community groups, business people, the District
High School, the Shires of Boddington, Williams and Wandering and many State Government
departments and agencies (120 people participated). Consultation involved public workshops in
Boddington, Williams and Wandering, individual discussions, an online survey and information
forwarded by individuals direct to the project consultants.
The key findings from the visioning process are summarised in Table 5‐3 with aspects particularly
relevant to closure of the NBG operations highlighted. During the visioning process it was recognised
that to offset the risk of NBG closing the local economy needs to be diversified, such as:
 Tourism (Sovereign Hill and Mining Hall of Fame);
 Gourmet foods (Swan Valley); and
 Branding (Margaret River).
The following business and industry development opportunities were identified:

 Mining – value added services;
 Construction – affordable, green technology;
 Manufacturing – services to Bunbury and Mandurah;
 Agriculture – high end produce, gourmet food, wine, agri‐products;
 Retail – high street convenience, tourism product;
 Tourism – visitor services, accommodation, food, leisure; and
 Emerging:
o Waste/resource management, renewable energy;
o Creative industries; and
o Health and well‐being.
5‐8
Table 5‐3 Community visioning for SuperTowns initiative (adapted from Hames Sharley, 2012)
Theme Outcomes
Economic  Workshop participants’ keen to see town grow and proposer.
development  Locals understand that an increase in population would support more services and business and consequent improvement in
infrastructure.
 It was acknowledged that the lives of the mines (Newmont and BHP‐Billiton) are finite and the economy of the district must be
diversified, suggestions included tourism and high value‐added agriculture.
 Challenges understood in attracting businesses that provide or support tourist offerings (accommodation and food).
Strength of  Many clubs and activities.
community  Low crime – safe for kids (freedom).
 Casual country atmosphere.
 History – family connections.
 People look out for each other.
 Strong community spirit.
 Welcoming community.
 Good level of volunteerism.
 Low stress lifestyle.
 Aging population – how do they stay in town with no facilities and little support.
Access to  Commercial/Retail – very poor choice, small range of offerings and many items not available (e.g. petrol on Sunday).
facilities  Bank finance – onerous deposit required for a home loan in ‘Rural zone’.
 Health services.
 Residential aged care.
 Retirement accommodation.
 Recreation and youth centre.
 More childcare provision.
Transport  Lack of public transport to the highway.
options  Lack of transport between towns in the District.
 Drive In/Drive Out encourages people to choose to live elsewhere and drive/bus to work.
5‐9
Theme Outcomes
Sense of Place  Quiet peaceful place.
 Nice scale to town, with room to grow and protect current values.
 Demolished buildings in the main street – negative impact on streetscape.
 Desire for stronger main street design guidelines to control look and feel – create something special about the town centre.
Infrastructure  Poor technology infrastructure (broadband/phone).
provision  Limited access to medical facilities.
 Difficulty accessing medical specialists.
 Keen for a Recreation Centre (need facilities as a place to connect to foster social interaction).
 No Senior High School – families leave rather than send kids to boarding school.
 Water supply constraints on larger lots.
Housing  Key worker housing.
 Housing affordability.
 Housing availability.
 Housing choice – larger lifestyle blocks preferred.
High school  Without a Senior High School families leave rather than send kids to boarding school.
 Low quality of education provided in middle years – families are moving away, mine incentive for employees to base in Mandurah or
Bunbury and qualify for “Away Schooling”.
Environment  Importance of environment, trees, river and stars.
 Promoting the clean green environment.
 Mines buying up farming country.
Governance  Increasing expectations of people wishing to be involved in the future development (look and feel) of the place.
 Social equality in the community – mine workers and others.
 Emergence of future leaders.
 Management the transition to a SuperTown.
 Promoting the District as a great place to live – live in Boddington and FIFO to work.
 Managing expectations – locals want to see the benefits of growth.
5‐
10
Newmont Boddington Gold – Closure Plan Post‐
Mining Land Use and Closure Objectives
6 POST‐MINING LAND USE AND CLOSURE OBJECTIVES

This section outlines the closure approach for the NBG operations, including the:
 Post‐mining land use (Section 6.1);
 Closure aspects and objectives (Section 6.2); and
 Closure strategy and final form of landforms (Section 6.3).
The post‐mining land use and closure objectives form the basis for the development of completion
criteria and performance indicators for the operations. The development of completion criteria is
detailed in Section 8.
6.1 Post‐Mining Land Use

The post‐mining land use for the NBG operations has not yet been finalised and will continue to be
refined as part of the ongoing closure planning process. It is unlikely that a single land use option will
be suitable for the area. A flexible approach, in which changing preferences and attitudes for land
use can be accommodated, is required due to the long life of the mine, rapid population growth in
the region and changing priorities of stakeholders over time. Potential post‐mining land uses have
been identified based on:
 Existing land uses in the area;
 The expected capacity of the land after completion of rehabilitation activities;
 Opportunities for use of infrastructure established as part of the mine; and
 Consultation with stakeholders.
The existing jarrah forest surrounding NBG is managed for multiple land uses, including:
 Nature conservation;
 Recreation;
 Forestry;
 Water catchment; and
 Mining activities
Other land uses in the Boddington region include livestock grazing and plantations in cleared areas.
The land uses identified above may be applicable to areas of the NBG operations post‐closure as the
rehabilitated landscape evolves, with some land values being achievable before others. Livestock
grazing is considered an incompatible post‐mining land use at NBG, except at the accommodation
village site, due to risks with destabilising vegetative covers of rehabilitation surfaces.
The return of flora and fauna to disturbed areas and the creation of a compatible forest system will
re‐introduce the nature conservation land use to the area. The habitat requirements of black
cockatoos and other priority fauna will be considered in the development of rehabilitation
prescriptions where relevant. The value of rehabilitation as a feeding habitat can potentially be
increased by including a richer mix of Marri in the typical Jarrah forest.
Recreational use of the native forest areas in the Boddington region includes bushwalking, mountain
biking, camping and public firewood collection. It is expected that once the rehabilitation has
matured and is integrated with the surrounding environment, appropriate recreational land uses
could be introduced to the area. These uses would need to be compatible with, and consider the
impact upon, the other land uses.
6‐1

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Newmont Boddington Gold

Submission Date December 2012

No. Mine Closure Plan Checklist Y/N/NA Section Comments

No. Mine Closure Plan Checklist Y/N/NA Section Comments

4.1.3.1 Native Soil Profile ..................................................................................................... 4‐3

4.2.2 Residue Disposal Areas .............................................................................................. 4‐41

10 Closure Implementation ............................................................................................................ 10‐1

11 Closure Monitoring and Maintenance ....................................................................................... 11‐1

Figure 2‐4 Waste rock landforms ‐ LOM ............................................................................................ 2‐13

1 SCOPE AND PURPOSE

This document addresses the following key elements:

The following sections provide a summary of the:

Section 1: Scope and Purpose

Section 2: Project Overview

Section 3: Closure Obligations and Commitments

Section 4: Closure Data

Section 5: Stakeholder Consultation

Section 6: Post‐Mining Land Use and Closure Objectives

Section 7: Identification and Management of Closure Issues

Section 8: Development of Completion Criteria

Section 9: Financial Provision for Closure

Section 10: Closure Implementation

Section 11: Closure Monitoring and Maintenance

Section 12: Management of Information and Data

Section 13: References

Section 16: Abbreviations, Acronyms and Glossary

1.4 Closure Planning Framework

1.4.1 Closure Review Technical Team

 Develop closure cost estimates;

1.4.2 Closure Plan Review Process

Figure 1‐1 NBG location plan

Figure 1‐2 Continuous closure planning (from ICMM, 2008)

2.1 Project Location and Tenure

Table 2‐1 NBG tenements

2.2 Land Ownership

The NBG contact for this Closure Plan is:

The site and postal addresses for NBG are:

2.3 Project History

Table 2‐2 NBG project development approvals

2.4 Overview of Operations

2.4.1 Open Pit Mines

2.4.1.1 Wandoo North and South Open Pits

2.4.1.2 Satellite Open Pits

2.4.2 Jarrah Decline

2.4.3 Waste Rock Landforms

2.4.3.1 Waste Rock Landforms 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12

Table 2‐4 Waste rock landform footprint areas

2.4.3.2 Q3 Waste Rock Landform

2.4.4 ROM Pad and Medium Grade Ore Stockpile

2.4.5 Primary Crusher

2.4.6 Conveyor Corridor

2.4.7 Processing Plant

2.4.8 Residue Disposal Areas

Table 2‐5 Residue Disposal Areas key parameters

2.4.8.2 F1/F3 RDA

2.4.8.3 Future RDA

2.4.9 Water Storage Reservoirs and Dams

2.4.10 Support Infrastructure

 Sewage treatment plant;